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6416 Central Avenue STANDARD One of the doz- ens of memes generated by Sen. Bernie Sanders’ inaugura- tion ap- pearance. St. Petersburg, FL 33707 U.S. POSTAGE PAID The Jewish Press Group of Tampa Bay, Inc. JTA news service JTA New Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff had two artifacts from New Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff The most visible was the book of Hebrew scripture wrote that his great-grandfather Israel arrived Ossoff Amar’e Stoudemire, the former NBA star-turned- Amar’e Stoudemire, the former NBA about Stoudemire and his new gig, Marc Writing Jan. 25, Stein tweeted that the team On Monday, stricter The development is symbolic of Stoudemire’s Bernie Sanders found a way to turn his superstar photo of the Jewish senator A In case you missed it: website sold a variety of In response, Sanders’ The beneficiaries include Meals on Wheels, the Just a nosh..Just Just a nosh..Just Ossoff carries symbols of Jewish heritage as he is sworn in the American Jewish history when he was sworn into Senate on Jan. 20. The bible was once on which he took his oath of office. Atlanta rabbi whose synagogue was owned by an 33-year- bombed by white supremacists in 1958. But the on old – the first Jewish senator from Georgia – said that he was carrying another item that reflected Twitter American Jewish heritage – copies of the manifests his to the from the ships that brought his great-grandparents United States from Eastern Europe. Annie came in 1913. and his great-grandmother in 1911 can be Twitter On one side of the pages he posted to reflecting seen a name that looks like Israel Osshowsky, the fact that many immigrants who came to the country changed their names to easier-to-pronounce versions over time. Amar’e Stoudemire, now a Brooklyn Nets Brooklyn a now Stoudemire, Amar’e work on Shabbat coach, doesn’t Orthodox-convert to Judaism and Israeli team owner, is still settling into his new job as an assistant player development coach for the Brooklyn Nets. One fact that The team is not forcing is helping him get comfortable: him to work on Shabbat, which he observes. reported that the team Times York The New Stein of was still working through how to deal with the star’s request about Shabbat. Stein wrote that Stoudemire was having a little trouble adjusting to being called a “coach” while not being officially retired as a player. Aviv Tel Last year Stoudemire played for Maccabi and helped the Israeli club win a championship in the top league. country’s “[T]he Nets are ask. has agreed to Stoudemire’s to Stoudemire every week – Friday granting Shabbat off sundown through Saturday sundown,” Stein wrote. adherence to Jewish law over time. He completed a August. Stoudemire, formal Orthodox conversion in Suns detailed his All-Star for the Phoenix once an Jewish journey in a late December talk with the UJA- York. Federation of New Bernie Sanders mitten merchandise charities raises $1.8 million for Vermont social media status into some significant charity – $1.8 million, to be exact, for several charitable organizations across his home state of Vermont. at the presidential inauguration ceremony wearing photo became homemade mittens went viral. Bernie’s a meme – making its way into everything from scenes family Tapper’s Jake from the Golden Girls to CNN’s seder table. merchandise with the image on it, including sweatshirts and mugs, pledging to donate the proceeds to charity. culinary training program Feeding Chittenden, the youth development Chill Foundation, senior centers in the state and Bi-State Primary Care for dental care, Associated Press. office said, according to the Sanders’ wORShIP 9 continued on PAGE MIDEAST PLAN continued on PAGE 12 MIDEAST PLAN continued on PAGE WASHINGTON WASHINGTON – Statements and ap- On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the acting ambas- “The Biden administration will restore U.N. as acting is diplomat, career a Mills, “This will involve renewing U.S. rela- By RON KAMPEAS news service JTA pearances by U.S. Biden officials administration’s suggest emerging Mideast the strategy: reassuring Israel while resuming Presi- by ruptured Palestinians the with ties predecessor. dent Joe Biden’s sador to the United Nations outlined plans to reverse Trump administration policies concerning the Palestinians. Palestinians with engagement U.S. credible as well as Israelis,” Richard Mills said at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council, the first such appearance since Jan. Biden’s 20 inauguration. envoy until the Senate confirmsnominee. Biden’s tions with the Palestinian leadership Palestinian and people, relations which atrophied have over the last four years,” Mills said. “President Biden has been clear in his intent to restore U.S. assistance programs that support economic development and Biden Mideast Biden Mideast plan: Reassure include Israel, but Palestinians TAMPA EDITION TAMPA JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 11, 29 - FEBRUARY JANUARY Covering the Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk Jewish Jewish Polk and Pasco Hillsborough, the Covering Carrollwood, including: Tampa, communities Park, Citrus Tampa, New Brandon, Westchase, Plant City, Terrace, Temple City Center, Sun Lutz, Lakeland... Land O’ Lakes, Chapel, Wesley When Lisa firstTawil set foot inside Congregation Ro- For most Reform or Conservative Jews in Hillsborough In a Jewish Press survey of most Hillsborough County Rabbis throughout the county all agreed they miss the are “We erring on the side of safety,” said Rabbi Jason Rabbi Rachel Blatt of Congregation Kol Ami Worship inside shuls inside Worship still elusive for many By BOB FRYER Jewish Press deph Sholom after COVID-19 restrictions kept her out for months, she broke down and cried, telling Rabbi Andres Kornworcel, “I am home.” County, in-person worship inside a synagogue is thing some- they have not experienced since the nation went on lockdown in March, and with infection as even rates – come higher to months than for continue to likely is that ever, steps are under way to roll out the vaccine faster. in-person holding ones only the worship, of houses Jewish congregation Conservative a Sholom, Rodeph are services and in several South Orthodox Tampa, Chabad centers. In each of those cases, limits on attendance and health pre- cautions are in effect. pre-pandemic “normal” of worshiping inside their syna- gogues, but many said they and their congregants did not feel comfortable enough to reopen their synagogues yet. congrega- Reform a Am, Beth Congregation of Rosenberg tion. Schreiber, Paul and Simon Joel Rabbis and (Conservative), respectively of the Reform Zedek Congregations of in Schaarai Tampa and said they Beth have not Shalom had indoor, in in-person services Brandon, since also FLAGS continued on PAGE 2 FLAGS continued on PAGE Ruth C. howard, right, touting her books in 2017 on a local talk show. touting her books in 2017 on a local talk show. howard, right, Ruth C. Maimonides www.JewishPressTampa.com FAUDA continued on PAGE 2 continued on PAGE FAUDA In 2005, the United Nations designated Gelman noted that International At the Mary R. Grizzle State Office building in Grizzle State Office At the Mary R. to com- 27 flags flew at half-staff Jan. Largo, memorate International holocaust Remem- brance Day. governor giving such an order in the past three years. Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remem- that 1945 in date that on was It Day. brance Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration camp and extermination center, was liber- ated. Holocaust Remembrance Day has moved from a day widely recognized elsewhere enschen avens • Lindsay August, Montefiore • Susan Haubenstock, Cardozo • Barry Karpay, Real MD, Levine, Barry • Estate • Jonathan Levy, FIBA Entre- & ed for commitment to their respec- tive professions and to the Jewish The recipients are: community. (Financial Services) Society; (Legal) Society; Society; (Medical) Society; preneur Society. P R O F I L E S BAT MITzvAhBAT on PAGE continued 5 Tampa Bay Tampa of EST. 1988 1988 EST. A VOL. 33, NO. 13 NO. 33, VOL. Konforty, right, right, Konforty,

thriller “Fauda.” thriller above, and Boaz above,

As she told her life story, she As easily she recalled told dates her and life de- story, Though she says, “physically I am a wreck,” she was quick was she wreck,” a am I “physically says, she Though When children have A A check on websites that monitor when Gelman said she thought this was prob- The action was hailed by Elizabeth Gel- The order, issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis, issued The by order, Gov. Jewish Press staff report For what is believed to be the first time

This year’s honorees were select- were honorees year’s This Joining the event in real time Five members of the local Jewish local the of members Five

shown in the Israeli Yaacov zada Daniel, Yaacov

humor that showed a mind still sharp and engaging. tails of a life full of twists and turns, sprinkling in bits of ling against this getting old thing.” to quip while rehabbing from a broken leg. “I am still rebel- long, full life to reflect upon. celebrated hers last November in Tampa at age 85, she had a had she 85, age at Tampa in November last hers celebrated but when Ruth C. Howard step into the adult world, age 13, it is hailed as a first a as hailed is it 13, age Jewish Press their bar or bat mitzvah at After long time passing, Ruth has bat mitzvah at age 85 After long time passing, Ruth has By BOB FRYER

government and private, showed no other flags are ordered to fly at half staff, both office met with no response. efforts efforts to confirm it through the governor’s for the event, but was not totally sure, and ably the first time the state lowered flags antisemitism a priority.” commitment to making the battle against sioner of education are steadfast in their the governor and legislature and commis- the flags at half-staff,” she said. “It shows it is an important signal by the state to put locaust Museum in St. Petersburg. “I think form.” man, executive director of the Florida Ho- semitism against the Jewish people in any day this year. states that Florida “does not tolerate anti- at half-staff throughout Florida to mark that mark to Florida throughout half-staff at Day, U.S and state flags were ordered to fly to ordered were flags state and U.S Day, International Holocaust Remembrance since the United Nations declared Jan. 27 Netflix. raeli TV series now streaming on of the cast of “Fauda,” the hit Is- and Yakov Zada Daniel, members from Israel will be Boaz Konforty Program and Award Ceremony. Award Program and the virtual Professional Societies’ Wednesday, March Wednesday, 24 at 7 p.m. at Tampa Tampa JCCs and Federation on own field, will be honored by the community, community, each leaders in their 5 dedicated professionals ‘Fauda’ stars to help honor Shoah liberators to remember flags lowered flags lowered In Florida first, In Florida PAGE 2 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21

is on the liberators – with the In ordering flags at half-staff, weekends after months of being flags victims remembered throughout DeSantis noted he was proud to closed due to the pandemic. Only FAudA • Continued from FRont PAGe each of them. So, there are now have signed a bill into law in 2019 a limited number of people are • Continued from FRont PAGe around the world to one growing three portals into the Holocaust,” that “prohibits discrimination on allowed in and people must go More about the dedication of these in recognition in the United States, Gelman said. the basis of religion in Florida www.thefhm.org to register for honorees and the work they do pro- where for years more attention has She noted that America “is schools and specifically ensures a day and time to visit. fessionally and for the community been paid to Yom HaShoah, com- seeing [Holocaust] denial and that antisemitism is treated like the Those still not comfortable with at large will be revealed during the memorated in the spring. antisemitism rising, so this day reprehensible practice of discrimi- an in-person visit can get a docent- event. “I think it is interesting that we is a reminder that we all must nation based on race.” led virtual tour of the museum A new feature of this year’s now have three times a year where share and protect the history and Gelman said the museum online, and can also get an online event are break-out celebrations we focus is on the Holocaust – lessons of the Holocaust, and we had free admission on Jan. 27 tour of the museum’s “Beaches, (think after-parties). At the time of Kristallnacht, where the focus is need to do so in a way that does in recognition of International Benches & Boycotts” exhibit, doc- registration, individuals select one on the perpetrators; Yom HaShoah, not relegate it as merely an event, Holocaust Remembrance Day umenting the Civil Rights Move- celebration room, their first after- where the focus is on the victims, but recognizes the suffering and and said since the first week- ment’s struggles in the Tampa Bay party; they may then continue to and International Holocaust Re- sacrifices of both the victims and end in January the museum area. For more information, call join other rooms as the night goes membrance Day, where the focus liberators.” has re-opened to the public on (727) 820-0100. along. Attendees are encouraged to visit each of the break-out rooms to personally congratulate the night’s awardees. The two “Fauda” stars will share behind-the-scenes stories about the show and answer questions. The series revolves around a top Israeli agent who comes out of retirement to hunt for a Palestinian fighter he thought he’d killed, setting a cha- otic chain of events into motion. Questions for the guest speakers may be emailed to Alissa Fischel, [email protected], prior to the event. Boaz Konforty was born in Beersheva. He served as a tank commander in the 401 brigade. After his military service, Konforty joined the Beit Zvi School for the Performing Arts in Ramat Gan, Israel. Since graduating in 1999, he has taken part in more than 25 tele- vision and cinema projects includ- ing “Fauda,” “Driver,” “Hostages,” “Prisoners of War,” “Hatufim,” “The Spy” and many others. Yaakov Zada Daniel is an Israeli actor best known for his roles in “Fauda,” “Hostages,” “Metumte- met” and “Next to Her.” Daniel served in the Shayetet 13, an elite unit of Israel’s navy, and later trans- VIRTUAL ferred to the undercover Duvdevan Unit, an elite counter-terrorism unit, which became particularly relevant for his notable role as Eli in “Fauda.” Concerned with humanitarian efforts, Daniel also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador s Villages׳for the SOS Children Bagel Brunch and is collaborating with various February 21 | April 11 | June 6 organizations supporting soldiers 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Free suffering from PTSD. To register for the event and Meet your Tampa Jewish community at the break-out celebrations, visit Jew- Tampa JCCs & Federation’s CONNECT Virtual Bagel Brunch. ishTampa.com/Societies or call Loni Lindsay at (813) 799-2802. BYOB (bring your own bagel) and meet and connect with other The cost to attend is $18. Jewish Tampa community members who are new to the area or new to the Jewish community. This event is for adults of all ages.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Register at JewishTampa.com/Welcome to attend.

CONNECT is sponsored by the Tampa Tampa JCCs & Federation, JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS Jewish Federations of North America & FEDERATION and the Jim Joseph Foundation.

PUBLICATION & DEADLINE DATES The Jewish Press of Tampa Bay/Tampa edition STAFF EST. 1988 is a privately owned, community newspaper JIM DAWKINS published in cooperation with the Tampa JCCs & Publisher & Co-owner FEBRUARY 12 Federation as a community newspaper. The JCCs KAREN DAWKINS & Federation underwrites home delivery to every Managing editor & Co-owner Press Release...... Jan. 29 identified Jewish household in Hillsborough County, to promote Jewish community cohesiveness and identity. Advertising Sales Advertising ...... Feb. 2 GARY POLIN An independent, bi-weekly newspaper owned by GALE TARNOFSKY-ABERCROMBIE THE FEDERATION MAINTAINs Staff Writer & editor THE JEWISH PRESS GROUP of TAMPA BAY, INC. THE MAIlINg lIsT FOR THE BOB FRYER FEBRUARY 26 Also publisher of Jewish Press of Tampa Bay/Tampa edition JEwIsH PREss. Ad Design & Graphics Press Release...... Feb. 12 REY VILLALBA www.jewishpressTampa.com To RECEIVE THE PAPER DAVID HERSHMAN or for ADDRESS CHANGES, Advertising ...... Feb. 16 6416 Central ave., St. PeterSburg, Fl 33707 Social Columnist ■ Call (727) 530-3223 AMY SCHERZER telephone: (813) 871-2332 ■ Go to [email protected] editorial Assistant e-mail: [email protected] GAIL WISEBERG MARCH 12 The Jewish Press is mailed STANDARD CLASS. Press Release...... Feb 26 Standard Class DoeS NoT include a speedy delivery The Jewish Press is a The Jewish Press assumes no responsibility for the opinions of columnists, guarantee. Date of delivery varies depending on your subscriber to JTA, Advertising ...... Mar. 26 letter writers, claims of advertisers, nor does the paper guarantee the individual post office. The Global Jewish News Source. kashruth of products & services advertised or mentioned otherwise. Standard Class Postage Permit: TAMPA PI #3763 JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION A PAGE 3 The surprising American and Jewish Jewish men and women Biden has tapped for top roles (JTA) – President Joe Biden spent months before his Massachusetts, is Pennsylvania’s health secretary. She moment Gene Scheer heard President inauguration lining up a slate of Cabinet secretaries, is the first known transgender person to be nominated assistants and advisors, many of them Jewish. for a position that requires Senate confirmation. Biden recite his ‘American Anthem’ Those choices reflect a diverse cross-section of Alejandro Mayorkas, By RON KAMPEAS “I sat down at the American Jewry and possess expertise gleaned from Secretary of Homeland Security JTA news service piano and I wrote the decades of experience in government, science and Mayorkas, 60, the deputy secretary of Homeland W A S H I N G T O N song,” he said. “It re- medicine and law. Security under President Obama, was born in Cuba to – Gene Scheer had a ally was a personal Here’s a rundown of the Jewish names you should a Cuban Jewish father and Romanian Jewish mother deadline looming. He expression for me know as the Biden administration begins. who survived the Holocaust. He has worked closely was getting ready for about what America Athony Blinken, with Jewish groups and spoken often about the spe- the CD release of one meant, and it’s clearly Secretary of State cific threats facing American Jews. An array of Jewish of his Holocaust-related about the wrestling Blinken, a longtime Biden groups sought a swift confirmation given the threat match between per- advisor with an extensive of extremist violence surrounding the presidential works, timed for Inter- Gene Scheer national Holocaust Re- sonal freedom and diplomacy resume, is the transition, but a Republican senator who supported membrance Day, one week away. collective responsibility, which is stepson of a Holocaust survi- overturning the election results blocked that pos- But on Jan. 20, Scheer, a Jew- the core argument or struggle that’s vor whose stories shaped his sibility. ish librettist whose works include at the center of our country’s story.” worldview and subsequently Anne Neuberger, the operas “Therese Raquin” and Scheer, 62, was trained at the his policy decisions, including National Security Agency “Moby-Dick” and an adaptation Eastman School of Music in New in the Middle East. He holds Cybersecurity Director of the Christmas classic “It’s A York. “My plan had been to be an mainstream Democratic views An Orthodox Jew originally Wonderful Life,” took time out to operatic baritone but I wasn’t quite about Israel and said during his confirmation hearing from Brooklyn and educated that he wants the U.S. to reenter the Iran nuclear deal through college in Ortho- watch Joe Biden’s inauguration as good enough,” he said. He wrote – and that he would consult with Israel on Iran policy. dox schools, Neuberger has president. songs in his youth, but now mostly David Cohen, worked at the NSA for more The relief he felt as he watched writes librettos, lyrics for operatic CIA Deputy Director than a decade. She helped Biden, who had been his preferred works. Cohen, who has long been establish the U.S. Cyber Com- candidate, take the oath of office “American Anthem” was one of the rare instances in more recent involved in Jewish causes and mand and worked as chief risk officer, where she led gave way to shock when the new issues, will occupy the job he the agency’s election security efforts for the 2018 years that he wrote the music as president began quoting a favorite held under President Barack midterms. well and did not write on assign- song – one of Scheer’s own. Obama. He does not require Wendy Sherman, ment, but purely out of inspiration. The American story Biden confirmation, meaning that Deputy Secretary of State “I do have some songs,” he said, hoped for, the president said, Biden’s CIA has a top expert Sherman was the lead negotiator for the 2015 Iran “might sound something like a “and I’m happy this is one of in Iran issues from Day One. nuclear deal and took the lead in advocating for the song that means a lot to me. It’s them.” Merrick Garland, agreement with the Jewish and pro-Israel communi- called ‘American Anthem’ and Was the deeply personal experi- Attorney General ties, later describing tensions with Israel and some there is one verse [that] stands out ence he had over 20 years ago ap- Garland was blocked from American Jewish groups over the deal as “very, very for me.” propriate to this moment? joining the Supreme Court painful.” She has also played a role in hewing the Dem- Bathed in the bright sunlight He thought so. in the last year of the Obama ocratic Party platform to traditional pro-Israel lines. of a cold winter day two weeks “It has been a very, very chal- administration. Now, he’ll Rochelle Walensky, after pro-Trump insurgents tried lenging and difficult four years require Senate confirmation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director to overturn the election in a deadly with Trump,” he said. “The song to become the country’s top Walensky was previously the chief of infectious raid on the Capitol building behind certainly identifies the struggle lawyer. In his speech after diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and a him, Biden recited: “The work with what is our personal respon- being nominated, he credited professor at Harvard Medical School. A member of and prayers of centuries Have sibility.” his grandparents, who fled Temple Emanuel in Newton, MA, Walensky, told brought us to this day. What shall Scheer cited the coronavirus antisemitism in Europe before coming to the U.S. Boston’s Jewish Journal in April that she was seeking be our legacy? What will our chil- pandemic and Biden’s effort to get Avril Haines, solace in her Jewish community as she faced down dren say?… Let me know in my Americans to work collectively to Director of National the coronavirus. heart when my days are through. stem the plague by wearing masks Intelligence The CDC director does not require Senate confir- America, America, I gave my best and keeping socially distant. Haines was deputy director of the CIA under Obama mation. to you.” “That’s a primary example of and Biden reportedly considered her to run that agency. Janet Yellen, Scheer’s phone immediately what we’re facing right now,” he Her mother was the Jewish painter Adrian Rappin Treasury secretary began “exploding” with calls and said. “The song which calls upon (originally Rappaport), and her non-Jewish father once Yellen, 74, already made texts from friends who knew he yourself to rally and to understand wrote in an account about a trip with Haines to Israel history as the first woman had written those words. that we’re all part of this dance that the nominee identifies as Jewish. chair of the Federal Reserve, “I had no advance warning or together, this struggle together.” Ronald Klain, but now she has been con- advance notice that this was going Scheer has written a number of Chief of Staff firmed to be the first female to happen,” Scheer said. “It was works with composer Jake Heggie Klain, a longtime Biden Treasury secretary. Yellen quite a moment for me.” on Holocaust-related themes, a adviser who was the president- was born to “not particularly Scheer wrote the song in 1998, number of them commissioned by elect’s first major appointment observant” Polish Jewish in November, was previously parents and grew up in Brooklyn. When she lived and Denyce Graves, an opera Music of Remembrance, a Seattle- chief of staff to Biden in his in Berkeley, she was a member of a local Reform singer who has championed his based group that commemorates vice president days and to synagogue, Congregation Beth-El, and sent her son work, performed it for the first time the Holocaust through both new works and performances of pieces Vice President Al Gore. He has to preschool there. She has featured in “globalist” at a Smithsonian event attended maintained ties with his child- theories involving Jews. by then-President Bill Clinton. written by survivors. “Intonations,” a song cycle for hood synagogue in Indianapolis, where he famously Jeff Zients, In 2007, Norah Jones recorded a learned multiple Torah portions for his bar mitzvah, mezzo-soprano and violins drawn White House Coordinator version – perhaps the most popu- and has spoken about his commitment to raising Jew- of the COVID-19 Response from stories of Jews who played lar – for Ken Burns’ World War II ish children. Zients, a former Obama violins in the concentration camps, documentary “The War.” Eric Lander, economic adviser and a leader debuted on CD on Jan. 27, Inter- Most recently, Graves sang it Office of Science and Technology Policy Director of the Biden transition team, at the U.S. Capitol in September national Holocaust Remembrance Lander, a leading geneticist, will require Senate con- is well known for his work during the memorial service for Day. firmation after Biden elevated his position to the Cabi- as director of the National Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Scheer has said he aspires to net level. After he was criticized for toasting James Economic Council and acting Ginsburg. Graves was one of Gins- write “a few good songs as good Watson, the scientist who is credited with discovering director of the Office of Man- burg’s favorite opera singers. as Leonard Cohen,” another Jew- the shape of DNA and who also expressed racist and agement and Budget during the Obama years. Lesser Scheer said Graves told him ish musician whose work played sexist views, Lander said he, too, had been the subject known is his love of bagels and Jewish delis that led that Biden and his wife, Jill, ap- a central role during Biden’s inau- of antisemitic comments by Watson. Zients to open a restaurant in Washington, D.C., in proached her afterward and told guration events. Asked if “Ameri- Rachel Levine, 2018 called Call Your Mother. President Biden made her that they loved the song. can Anthem” is, like so many of Deputy Health Secretary a stop at the deli to pick up bagels on his way home The song, Scheer said, was not Cohen’s songs, infused with a Levine, raised in a Conservative Jewish home in from mass in his first week in office. written for any particular moment; Jewish sensibility, he paused and it arose out of an intensely personal considered. experience. “It is an expression of my feeling When he wrote it, he was help- as an American,” he said — but ing his parents, retired teachers, he added that there is a Jewish es- downsize from a house to a condo. sence, too. “They had a library with a few “I don’t want to overstate it, but thousand books in it,” he recalled. I think that one of the things that I “And one of the books on the shelf feel is typical of a Jewish sensibil- was a book called ‘Miracle in ity is the argument that takes place, Philadelphia,’ which is a young- rather than taking things whole adult book about the Constitution. cloth as given,” Scheer said. “The And the reason it was on the shelf task is to think about it for yourself was my dad was an eighth-grade and argue the meaning of the text social studies teacher, and some of and argue the meaning of life and the books that he taught wound up argue the meaning of one’s role and on the shelf. I just read it through one’s responsibility, to one’s self, to quickly.” one’s family, to one’s community. Its lessons stuck. He thought “I think that that is there,” he about it on his drive back from said. “I think it was sort of a mir- Massachusetts to New York City, ror of an aspect of what Judaism where he lives. means to me.” 2” 3” 4” 5” 6”

PAGE 4 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION Congregations JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21 Rabbinically Congregations Shabbat Be a blessing Rabbinically Candle By Rabbi JEAN EGLINTON Speaking Cong. Rodeph Sholom Road trip: Load up your car and learn about Lighting Feeling ineffectual? Overtaken by the CongregationsPurim story as you race against Haman to events without the power to make a stop his evil plan. It is all part of Congregation Times difference? It could be like the scouts Rodeph Sholom’s “Tour de Shushan Purim in Numbers 13:33 who came back from ‘Car’-nival: Family Scavenger Hunt around scouting The Land and reported that the Tampa.”Congregations The event, open to the community, will inhabitants were giants, that “we felt begin at the synagogue on Sunday, Feb. 28 at Feb. 5 • 5:57 pm like grasshoppers 9:30 a.m. Once the scavenger hunt ends, there Feb. 12 • 6:02 pm and so we must will be a costume parade and lunch. The cost is have appeared to $36Congregations per family/team and includes registration, Feb. 19 • 6:07 pm them!” lunch for up to four people (additional individu- Feb. 26 • 6:11 pm Recently I was als will be $5 each), t-shirt, gas gift card, and Mar. 5 • 6:15 pm feeling over- prizes for the race winner and for best family whelmed by so costume. Rodeph Sholom will be following gation’s property. It is recommended to arrive at many things, proper COVID guidelines and asks that you 6:30 p.m. for a pre-show. Masks are required. starting with the limit your team to members of your immedi- Seating will be arranged using social distancing state of our plan- ate household. Register by Feb. 12 by going to guidelines. There will be a parking area for those et. My drawings lately are all made from rsholom.org or by contacting education direc- that prefer to stay in their car. This event is free our household’s junk mail and packag- tor Joshua Ackman at [email protected] and open to the public. Those who are interested ing as part of my pushback against our for the link. To be a sponsor, contact Ackman in being involved with the play, working on the consuming culture. I’ve canceled all by Jan. 29. the catalogs; I reduce, reuse and recycle costumes or set design, should contact Michael (and repair, repurpose, refuse) and have Cong. Schaarai Zedek at [email protected]. piles of materials to use for my draw- Mah jongg tourney: The Sisterhood ings. And we still have a waste stream is holding a virtual mah jongg tournament on Chabad Chai of South Tampa The app has sug- Rabbi Pickle: Learn the art of making ”.םלוע ןוקת - the World flowing through our house. Saturday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. through Monday, gestions of online learning to do, letters kosher pickles as you create your own custom Plus, there is the pandemic and the Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. The tournament will be played to send to representatives on current jar of pickles on March 7 from 7- 8:30 p.m. The state of our country. So, here’s a drawing on the realmahjongg.com platform; All skills issues – opportunities for individuals and virtual class with instructor “Rabbi Pickle,” aka of my artist self and my rabbi self turn- levels are welcome at this 46-hour tournament. congregations, too. Every time I address Rabbi Shmuel Marcus of California, also offers ing to Talmud – not only for the steadi- The entry fee is $10. To register, visit www.ze- any number of issues (voting rights, en- the opportunity to discover the spiritual side of ness of a good habit, but to delve into dek.org/calendar. Proceeds of the event will go vironment, immigration …) by various preserving relationships and wealth. Supplies our heritage for some help in a difficult means (donating, learning, organizing to help women being supported by Gulf Coast and ingredients will be listed upon registration. time. …) I make a note of it in the app. At the Jewish Family and Community Services. The Cost is $15. For more information, go to www. I begin with my comfort zone: Bless- end of the note there is a blessing: “… women are in need of bus passes, gift cards for chabadchaicenter.com/zoomseries ings. “Everything you benefit from who has commanded us to pursue Tze- school supplies and clothing, and technological requires a blessing” – Berakhot 35a. dek, Justice.” The submit button (I have assistance for seniors. This is not just a path to being a good always hated that term) is labeled: Amen Senior luncheon: Members of the Time Cong. Beth Israel Jew; it is a journey of awareness that (SO much better)! Flies Circus will join with seniors for a virtual Sun City Center will eventually require you to act. How The app slips my note into the Tzedek lunch via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 11:15 Book club: The temple’s book club will so? Think of the words, “Blessed are Box. a.m., and discuss a circus arts program. There continue reading one book per month and hold- You…” Every Jewish blessing blesses Once a year I will get to review what will be a question and answer session and brief ing virtual discussions on them. All are wel- God, the Source of Blessing. In the I’ve been doing to pursue justice. It’s juggling demonstration. Visit www.zedek.org/ come to read the books and join in discussions. Tanakh God’s blessing means abundance similar to cheshbon hanefesh, the soul calendar for the Zoom link. The next book talk will be on Monday, Feb. 15. and security. How can we give that back review we do before Rosh Hashanah, The book is “Fifth Words for Rain,” by Lemmie to God? Only by trying to provide for this one devoted specifically to the work Pisha. Call Barb Nova at (813) 938-5050 for God’s creatures. Love and bless God by Cong. Beth Shalom we do for our broader communities. The more information. loving and blessing our planet and each app gives ideas so you don’t have to Brandon Healing service: Several years ago the other. Every blessing is another oppor- Purim spiel: This year, the congregation’s know what you’re going to do before- congregation had monthly healing services and tunity to be aware of my responsibility Purim spiel is “Jews in the Jungle.” It is loosely hand – just go find one thing. From that now they are back. They will be brief, no longer to live ethically. That’s why we compost based on the “Jungle Book” with a little “Lion start you’ll get other ideas for how to than half an hour, and led by Delyse Axinn. For our food scraps, hang out our laundry to King” thrown in. The event is on Sunday, Feb. branch out in your own ways. If you more information, call her at (813) 633-2548. dry and grow native plants in our yard. set your app to contribute your actions 27 at 7 p.m. It will take place outside on congre- But it’s not enough. It doesn’t touch the to the Tampa Bay Area tribe, we may unrest in our country, the inequalities inspire each other. Hawaiian-Jewish surfer may have ridden largest ever wave and injustices. Please, don’t remain overwhelmed. Be (JTA) – Hawaiian-Jewish surfing star Makua Rothman has a Jewish father and a Hawaiian As an introvert, I like to study and a blessing! Rothman may have successfully ridden the larg- mother and hails from Kahuku, Hawaii. Juda- draw and be alone. Yet my tradition and est recorded wave in the history of the sport, ism was not a significant part of his life as a my soul push me to do more. How to Rabbinically Speaking is published as estimated to be at least 100 feet tall. child, but he told the San Diego Jewish World begin? By joining with others. But the a public service by the Jewish Press in The 36-year-old posted video of the achieve- in 2009 that he was drawing closer to the faith. pandemic! Guess what: There’s an app cooperation with the Tampa Rabbinical ment from Jan. 16 on his YouTube page. He “God is the ocean. God is the air. God is the for that. Association which assigns the column on caught the mammoth wave at the Jaws off Maui. sun … Every time I’m out there I give thanks,” Tzedek Box for iPhones. I’ve started a rotating basis. The views expressed in The final estimate of the wave’s height will be he said. a tribe on the app called “Tampa Bay the column are those of the rabbi and do announced at the annual XXL surfing awards, Rothman is also a professional musician who ,we join not necessarily reflect the views of the which Rothman told a local news channel has toured with Matisyahu and The Wailers טאל טאל Area – Little by little our efforts for Tikkun Olam, Repairing Jewish Press or the TRA. should occur in May. Bob Marley’s former backing band. Religious Directory Most congregations have canceled in-person Congregation MEKOR SHALOM — 14005A N. Dale MERKOS CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF CENTRAL FLORIDA — PASCO COUNTY services. Many are offering live-streaming of Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 33618 • Hazzan Jodi Sered-Lever, 613 S. Melville Ave. Tampa, 33606 • Director: Rabbi Orthodox services and some other programs are being Spiritual Leader • Telephone: (813) 963-1818 • Website: Lazer Rivkin • Telepone: (813) 966-8770 • Website: CHABAD JEWISH CENTRE at WIREGRASS — 2124 Ashley offered via the internet. For more information, www.mekorshalom.org. • Unaffiliated www.ChabadOfCentralFlorida.com Oaks Circle, Wesley Chapel, 33544 • Rabbi Mendy Congregation RODEPH SHOLOM — 2713 Bayshore Blvd., contact the synagogue or go to the synagogue’s Campus Yarmush • Telephone: (813) 642-3244 • Website: www. Tampa 33629 • Rabbi Andres Kornworcel • Shabbat eve ChabadatWiregrass.com website. drive in services, 6:30 p.m. • Telephone: (813) 837-1911 CHABAD HOUSE JEWISH STUDENT CENTER at USF — • Website: www.rsholom.org. • Affiliated with United 13287 Arbor Point Circle unit 102, Tampa, 33617, Unaffiliated HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Mailing address: USF Marshall CTR. Box 310, Tampa, Congregation BETH CHAVARIM – Telephone: (813) 957- Reform 33620. • Rabbi Levi Rivkin • Telephone: (813) 504- 1269 • Email [email protected] BETH ISRAEL/ JEWISH CONGREGATION OF SUN CITY Orthodox 4432 • Website: www.chabadhouseusf.org • Email: CENTER — 1115 E. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center • BAIS (TEMPLE) DAVID CHABAD — 2001 W. Swann Ave., [email protected] NORTH PINELLAS COUNTY Mailing Address: P. O. Box 5203, Sun City Center, 33571 Tampa, 33606 • Rabbi Lazer Rivkin • Telephone: (813) CHABAD JEWISH STUDENT CENTER at UT – 401 W. Reform • Rabbi Carla Freedman • Telephone: (813) 634-2590 966-8770 • Website: www.chabadofcentralflorida. Kennedy Blvd. Box P., Tampa, 33606 • Rabbi Levi Temple AHAVAT SHALOM — 1575 Curlew Rd., Palm • Web address: www.jcscc.org. • Affiliated with Union com. • Email: [email protected] Rivkin • Telephone: (813) 504-4432 • Website: www. Harbor, 34683 • Rabbi Matthew Berger • Cantorial for Reform Judaism CHABAD LUBAVITCH of TAMPA BAY — 14908 Peninngton chabadut.org soloist, Allison Rosoff • Telephone: (727) 785-8811 • Congregation BETH AM — 2030 W. Fletcher Ave, Road, Tampa, 33624 • Rabbi Yossie Dubrowski, Website: www. ahavatshalom.org. • Affiliated with HILLELS OF THE FLORIDA SUNCOAST— 13101 Sycamore Tampa, 33612 • Rabbi Jason Rosenberg • Cantor Tanya executive director • Telephone: (813) 963-2317 • Union for Reform Judaism Drive, Tampa, 33620 • Rabbi Ed Rosenthal • Telephone: Greenblatt • Telephone (813) 968-8511 • Website: www. Website: www.chabadoftampabay.com bethamtampa.org. • Livestreaming services • Affiliated (813) 899-2788 • Website: www.suncoasthillels.org CHABAD of BRANDON / JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER — POLK COUNTY with Union for Reform Judaism USF CHABAD on CAMPUS 1578 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, 33596 • Rabbi Mendel — 4506 Sweetwater Lake Reform Congregation BETH SHALOM — 706 Bryan Road, Rubashkin • Telephone: (813) 571-8100 • Website: Drive, Tampa, 33620 • Rabbi Pinny Backman • Website: Temple BETH SHALOM — 1029 Bradbury Road, • Brandon, 33511 • Rabbi Paul Schreiber • Telephone: jewishbrandon.org www.USFChabad.com • Telephone: (813) 978-8723 P.O.B. 313 Winter Haven, 33882-0313 • Rabbi Garson (813) 681-6547 • Website: http://bethshalom-brandon. CHABAD CHAI of SOUTH TAMPA Jewish Renewal Herzfeld • Telephone: (863) 292-0722. • Website: org. • Affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism — 2511 W. Swann Ave. #201, Tampa, FL 33606 • Rabbi Mendy Congregation OR AHAVAH — Rabbi Debrah Shenefelt, www.templebethshalompolk.org. • Affiliated with Congregation SCHAARAI ZEDEK — 3303 W. Swann Ave., Dubrowski • Services: Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, spiritual leader • Telephone: 813-968-7850; email: Union for Reform Judaism Tampa 33609 • Rabbi Joel Simon, Rabbi Michael Weiss 10 a.m. • Telephone: (813) 922-1723 • Website: www. [email protected]. • Website: www.Orahavah.org • Conservative • Cantor Deborrah Cannizzaro • Shabbat eve service live ChabadChaiCenter.com Affiliated with Aleph Temple EMANUEL — 600 Lake Hollingsworth on Tampa Bay Community Network TV, 7 p.m. (check BAIS MENACHEM CHABAD — 1319 North B. St., Tampa, Drive, Lakeland, 33803 • Rabbi David cable provider) • Telephone: (813) 876-2377 • Website: CITRUS COUNTY Goldstein • Telephone: (863) 682-8616. • www.zedek.org. • Livestreaming services • Affiliated 33606 • Rabbi Levi Rivkin • Telephone: (813) 375-9799, Conservative (813) 504-4432 • Website: www. bmchabad.com Website: TempleEmanuelLakeland.com. • Affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism Congregation BETH SHOLOM — 102 Civic Circle, Beverly with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Congregation BAIS TEFILLAH — 14908 Pennington Hills • Mailing address: Beverly Hills Jewish Center, P. Conservative Road, Tampa, 33624 • Rabbi Yossie Dubrowski O. Box 640024, Beverly Hills, 34464-0024 • Telephone Orthodox Congregation KOL AMI — 3919 Moran Road, Tampa • Telephone: (813) 963-2317 • Website: www. (352) 746-6258 • Website: www.bethsholomcitrus.org CHABAD JEWISH CENTER — 2270 Griffin Road, 33618 • Rabbi Rachel Blatt • Telephone: (813) 962-6338 chabadoftampaybay.com Congregation KOL EMET — Cantor Mordecai Kamlot • Lakeland, 33810 • Rabbi Moshe Lazaros • Telephone: • website: www. kolami. org. • Livestreaming services YOUNG ISRAEL of TAMPA - 13207 N. 52nd St., Tampa, 39 Roosevel Blvd., Beverly Hills • Mailing address: P. O. (863) 937-5565 • Website: www.chabadlakeland.org • Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative 33617 • Rabbi Uriel Rivkin • (813) 832-3018 • Website: Box 38, Hernando, 34441 • Telephone (352) 643-0995 • Judaism www. youngisraeloftampa.org Website: www.kolemetcitrus.org JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION A PAGE 5 Virtual brunches to make connections for newcomers Angela Merkel participates in historic A series of virtual bagel brunches is planned in an provide opportunities for newcomers to the Tampa or effort by the Tampa JCCs and Federation to bring to- to the Tampa JCCs and Federation to connect with the Torah scroll writing ceremony gether community members who are new to the Tampa Jewish community. Along with the Tampa JCCs and (JTA) – Germany’s Chancellor the coronavirus. The ceremony was area, or those new to the Jewish community. Federation, the program is sponsored by the Jewish Angela Merkel observed the finish- broadcast on the German parlia- The next online brunch is on Sunday, Feb. 21 and Federations of North America and the Jim Joseph ing of a refurbished Torah scroll ment’s website. will be followed by others on Sundays, April 11 and Foundation. in an event marking Holocaust The Sulzbacher Torah had lain June 6, all from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Whether you are new to Tampa, new to the Jewish Remembrance Day in Berlin on forgotten until 2015, when Rabbi Participants are encouraged to BYOB (bring your community, or just want to get more deeply connected, Wednesday, Jan. 27. Elias Dray found it in the shrine own bagel) and meet and connect with other Jewish the Tampa JCCs and Federation is here to help,” said The 18th century Sulzbacher of the Amberg synagogue, where Tampa community members. This event is for adults Lisa Robbins, who oversees the initiative. Torah, which survived the National he officiates. Written for the syna- of all ages. “During a time when it’s been challenging for Socialist Kristallnacht pogrom in gogue in nearby Sulzbach, Bavaria, Throughout 2020, the Tampa JCCs and Federation newcomers to meet new people in person, our virtual 1938 and lay unnoticed for decades it had been moved to Amberg in held online bagel brunch experiences, with 20- 25 experiences have helped people to get connected with in a cabinet in a synagogue in Am- 1934, one year after Hitler took people attending each. CONNNECT Ambassadors, our vibrant Jewish community and to resources they berg, Bavaria, was brought back to power. It was there unnoticed for who are local Jewish community members, get to need as they settle into Tampa,” she said. ritually usable condition thanks to a some 70 years. know the newcomers in small “brunch bunches” online Visit JewishTampa.com/welcome to register. For 45,000 euro donation from the Ger- The only damage was due to the so that they can make meaningful connections. more information, contact Robbins at (813) 769-4723 man federal government. In June, “ravages of time,” according to a the Torah will be used once again for statement from the Conference of The CONNECT initiative was created in 2019 to or [email protected]. services in the Amberg synagogue. European Rabbis. “Many of the In the Reflection and Prayer letters … had faded.” Room in the Reichstag, or German The restoration was carried out BAT MITZVAH parliament building, Merkel sat by by Jehuda Freund in Bnei Brak, • CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE have also been conducting video would be nice to hold a baby in my as Shaul Nekrich, rabbi of the city Israel. Until her latter years, she re- interviews with other congregants arms again,” she said. She has three of Kassel, inscribed the final 12 Dray, who like Nekrich is a garded herself as a cultural Jew. so members can get to know one grandchildren, but so far no great letters of the scroll. The chancel- member of Germany’s Orthodox She was very proud of her Jewish another better, especially at a time grandkids. lor, who will step down following Rabbinical Conference, described th history, but added that for much of when in-person schmoozing has Ruth lives on the 15 floor in national elections in September, the ceremonial completion of the her life, “I was not very spiritual.” been curtailed. her building, with a great view of was among several dignitaries who Torah in the German Bundestag as There were events, though, that Ruth’s bat mitzvah took place Tampa Bay and, below her, a view took part in the ceremony. “a moving and historic moment.” helped ground her in her faith. Nov. 14, 2020 on Zoom with only of Rodeph Sholom. During her This was one of several events The Torah “survived the darkest For starters, her parents fled to a handful of masked-up people in bat mitzvah, she closed with these in Germany marking the 76th anni- times in German history,” he said in America attendance in the sanctuary, includ- thoughts: versary of the liberation of the Aus- the statement. “With its ceremonial from Ger- ing her son, Mark. She was proud “The more I looked at the view of chwitz death camp. Public events completion by the highest constitu- many after of the service and the opportunity the synagogue and the menorah on marking Holocaust Remembrance tional authorities, the Sulzbach To- Hitler pre- to confirm her faith and share the its roof, the more I was drawn to the Day were drastically scaled back, rah scroll symbolises a new pact to vented her experience with family members idea of formally making Judaism a many of them going online due to protect Jewish life in Germany and dad – and who looked on both in-person and part of my life. measures to prevent the spread of to make it possible in the long term.” all Jewish virtually. “I am not sure anymore how it medical Rabbi Andres Kornworcel offici- came about, but I do know that students – ated at the service and said he was Rodeph has become an important Ruth Howard from an in- proud of her. “She read from the part of my life and my belief in God ternship. What her parents endured Torah, has a beautiful voice and has given me the strength to try to in Germany as Jews was always wrote her speech. It was a dream do good for others instead of just for with her growing up in Woodstock, come true for her,” he said, adding, myself. I have no way of evaluating NY, even though Ruth’s family was “She is very active in synagogue my success in this endeavor, but as not religiously observant. and always encouraging – a very long as I am alive, I intend to keep She was exposed to musicians good person.” trying. and artists in Woodstock, and both Her bat mitzvah speech retraced “And so, we have come … to her parents were accomplished much of her life story. a realization that life, yours and musicians, so after high school Among the highlights: mine, is to be cherished and used for she went to Columbia University • Ruth graduated with a degree the benefit of others. And therein, and began a singing career in New in political science from Columbia completing the circle, our spiritual York City. When she was in her University, but that was backup joy, love for others and dedication mid-20s, she spent a couple of years plan in case her singing career did to their well-being does not die, but in Europe as a singer, including not work out. She developed edit- will hopefully live on long after we a stint with an opera company in ing skills while typing and correct- are gone.” Germany. ing papers for students at Columbia She returned to the U.S., gave and used those skills later in life. birth to her only child, Mark, and • She and her first husband once returned to the musical scene she bought and restored a home that had known before, including a cou- was over 100 years old. Ruth says Currently Accepting ple of years signing in a profession- she got to be good at hanging dry- New Residents al quartet for a nearby synagogue. wall during that project. “Aside from teaching me much of • She lived on a farm, parted ways WeinbergVillage.org the musical liturgy, that experience with her husband, and thrived for stirred some unexpected religious a while at a social services agency feelings in me,” she said. in rural Virginia, but said she lost When she was 31, she got mar- her job when town fathers said they ried to Morton Howard, a Jewish did not want “no eddicated (sic) man who was a college librarian. Yankee woman” in that position. She also sang for a while with the • She moved to Sarasota in 1977 Robert Shaw Corale, a national to be close to her mom (her dad touring company that made a num- died when Ruth was 25) and began ber of records. a career in property management. A span of decades and adventures She was 48 when she married her passed, however, before her faith second husband, but he died not tugged at her again. It happened af- many years later. ter, as a widow in her late 70s, Ruth • After tiring of commutes from moved into Bayshore Presbyterian Sarasota to give a granddaughter Apartments, a high-rise along Bay- singing lessons, she moved to shore Boulevard for seniors. It is Tampa. located next door to Congregation • Once in Tampa and after a Rodeph Sholom. bout with colon cancer, she wrote Soon, she began attending shul a family history titled “Long Time regularly and the religious aspects Passing: History of a Jewish Fam- of Judaism took on greater mean- ily” in 2006. Assisted Living Memory Care ing for her. • In 2015 she began writing In 2019, Ruth decided she novels. All seven are self-published Rehab Therapy Solutions Short-term Respite Care wanted to take Hebrew lessons and and available on Amazon. The connected with Laurin Jacobson, a eighth, taking place during the Call Us Today member who offers private lessons. Holocaust, awaits publication and Once she began, Ruth realized a ninth is brewing in her head. (813) 969-1818 she wanted to have a bat mitz- She also has been a blogger in vah. Jacobson thought it was a recent years, sharing her thoughts Kosher Facility Diversity Welcome wonderful idea and they began a on “Aging Isn’t for Sissies” and nearly year-long preparation for the racism, antisemitism and Judaism. On the milestone event, with much of the Still on her bucket list: to become study taking place during the pan- a motivational speaker, become a 13005 Community Campus Drive Tampa, FL 33625 demic. Since then, the two women well-known author, travel and. “It ALF LIC. #08679 PAGE 6 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21

TJFS gala celebrates Zielonkas, supports funding emergency aid You could almost say retired dentist Dr. Carl Zielonka has filled more leadership roles than cavities during a lifetime of service to Tampa’s Amy DIARY Jewish community. And reading specialist Dr. Paula Zielon- cherzer’s ka can fill volumes about her five decades of Photos provided by Tampa Jewish Family Services volunteering, including arranging housing, language classes and jobs for Tampa’s first Soviet S emigres in 1976. It was Tampa Jewish Family Service’s honor to honor the Zielonkas during a virtual benefit performance of “Meaningful Moments from Becoming Dr. Ruth,” an off-Broadway play performed by Tampa’s own star Eileen Koteles as Dr. Ruth Wes- theimer. The many contributions to the Jewish community The sex by Drs. Carl and Paula Zielonka were celebrated at a Feb 25 – Mar 14 ed expert’s virtual fundraising benefit for Tampa Jewish Family Starting at the bio unfolded Services. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre each time she answered the with food, counseling and overdue bills. Eileen Koteles rehearses for her role phone: Nazis as Dr. Ruth. “We see no distinction between people in arresting her need. You might say we Tikkun Tampa,” quipped father in Frankfurt; hiding in Switzerland with Berger, a take off of the concept of working to other German children; working on a kibbutz; better the world through Tikkun Olam, literally joining the Haganah; learning English by reading translated as “Repair the World.” New York tabloids; marrying three times and Noting the pandemic turned the food bank gaining renown for sex advice on a midnight into a drive-thru and the counseling center radio show. now offers telemedicine, CEO Beth Ann Ge- Between scenes, TJFS vice president of phi- munder urged, “If you are more fortunate than lanthropy Joe Weissman popped up to introduce others, build a longer table, not a higher fence.” pre-recorded videos of clients, donors and board More than $36,000 was raised for emergency members, including Emily Katz, Karen Waks- financial assistance at the Jan. 7 virtual fundraiser, man, president Jodi Sered-Lever and past-pres- despite some tech interruptions. Visit tifs.org to ident Jeffrey Berger, each sharing with 300-plus enjoy a video of the Zielonkas countless commu- RuthEckerdHall.com Artists, days, dates and times subject to change. viewers how the agency helps people of all faiths nity contributions. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Israeli Holocaust museum under fire for We are open to serve all your automotive needs allegedly smuggling artifacts out of Warsaw (JTA) – The city of Warsaw has accused an Israeli Holocaust museum of being involved in the smuggling out of Poland of Jewish prayer artifacts that the museum said were found inside an old bunker in the Polish capital. The Shem Olam museum near Hadera announced in late Janu- ary that it had obtained 10 sets of tefillin found by construction TUNE UPS • AIR CONDITIONING • BRAKES & MORE workers in Warsaw near the entrance to a bunker dug by Jewish fighters in preparation for the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. 16133 N. Dale Mabry Hwy AuTo DeTAiLiNg & SANiTiziNg The City of Warsaw has no knowledge of the find, a spokes- woman, Karolina Gałecka, said. She said that meant that if Shem Tampa, FL 33618 • Quick Castrol Oil Change Olam is telling the truth about what it obtained and where, “a 1 mile north of Bearss Ave./Ehrlich Rd. • Tire Rotation & Balancing crime has occurred” because Poland requires anyone who finds • Interstate Batteries archeological items to report their discovery to authorities. 813.908.3333 Multiple Polish Holocaust museums also decried Shem Olam’s • Wiper Blades reported acquisition. The Jewish Historical Institute, the Warsaw • Full Process Headlight Restoration Ghetto Museum and the Polin Jewish museum in Warsaw made $5 off for mentioning the Jewish Press a joint statement expressing their “outrage” over Shem Olam’s alleged actions, which the directors of all three institutions said Local and one way moves. 16207 N. Dale Mabry Hwy may have been the result of “illegal trade.” Tampa, FL 33618 Israel Hayom, an Israeli newspaper that reported on Shem $10 OFF Olam’s acquisition, said the museum “secretly contacted the auto repair – min. $50 813.815.1500 construction workers” and worked with them to obscure the find with this ad from Polish authorities. Rabbi Avraham Krieger, Shem Olam’s Serving Tampa since 1971 JohnErbs.com director, declined to respond directly to the allegations.

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*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, Special Financing Available install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Subject to Credit Approval Call for a full list of terms and conditions. JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION A PAGE 7 Jewish groups condemn Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for touting antisemitic conspiracies By BEN SALES publican Party.” nizations also released a statement of Greene harassing a survivor of because people know the truth and JTA news service The forceful statement repre- condemning Greene. It is rare for the 2018 school shooting at Mar- are fed up with the lies,” the state- Marjorie Taylor Greene, the sented an advance over the group’s the conference, which represents jorie Stonenam Douglas High in ment said. “For me, it’s people Republican congresswoman who comments earlier in the day, in groups with a wide range of ideo- Parkland with allegations that the over politicians. It’s people over has advanced a range of danger- which it emphasized that it had logical orientations, to speak out shooting did not take place, and Big Money PACs. It’s people over ous conspiracy theories, including supported her Republican primary directly against an elected official. several of her colleagues in Con- powerful elite corporations and the some that are explicitly antisemitic, opponent and then not backed her. “We are outraged by the state- gress announced that they do not Silicon Valley cartel who are trying is refusing to step down or even The group supported a successful ments, past and present, of Rep. feel safe working with her. Cori to cancel all of us.” apologize, despite increasingly primary challenge last year to Steve Marjorie Taylor Greene. She Bush, a freshman congresswoman She added, “I will never back fierce criticism from Jewish groups King, a Republican congressman routinely traffics in unfounded from Missouri who is Black, said down. I will never give up. Because and others. from Iowa who had a string of asso- conspiracy theories that are often she would move her office away I am one of you. And I will always Among Greene’s critics are ciations with white supremacists. antisemitic in nature,” the group from Greene’s after multiple al- represent you.” right-wing and centrist Jewish “The RJC has never supported or said in its statement. “There must tercations. Some Democratic members of groups that do not frequently endorsed Marjorie Taylor Greene,” be a swift and commensurate re- On Friday afternoon, Jan. 29, Congress say Greene should be criticize Republican lawmakers or the statement said. “We are offend- sponse from congressional leader- Greene signaled — in a statement expelled from Congress, a move elected officials at all. ed and appalled by her comments ship making clear that this conduct titled “A Message to the Mob” — that would require a two-thirds “I will never back down,” and her actions. We opposed her cannot and will not be allowed to that she felt emboldened by the vote by her colleagues. That has Greene said in a defiant statement as a candidate and we continue to debase our politics.” criticism. happened only twice since the Civil Friday afternoon, one day after oppose her now.” Jewish groups are far from alone “Every attack, every lie, every War. Republican leaders this week revelations of one of her conspiracy The Conference of Presidents in pressing for action to be taken smear strengthens my base of sup- appointed her to the House’s educa- theory-filled Facebook posts from of Major American Jewish Orga- against Greene. Video emerged port at home and across the country tion committee. 2018 thrust the term “Jewish space lasers” into public discourse. In the post, the freshman con- gresswoman from Georgia theo- rized that the Rothschild family was involved in starting California Tampa wildfires using lasers from space. JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS Invoking conspiratorial control by & FEDERATION the Rothschild banking family over world events is a centuries-old anti- Semitic stereotype, and it is also a theme in the pro-Trump QAnon conspiracy theory that Greene has promoted. On Friday, Jan. 29, the Repub- lican Jewish Coalition released a COMMUNITY statement condemning Greene and saying that it is “working closely with the House Republican lead- ership regarding next steps” in demonstrating that Greene is “far EVENT outside the mainstream of the Re- honoring the following individuals for their steadfast commitment to the Pakistan court orders medical, financial services, entrepreneurial, real estate and legal communities. release of man accused in Daniel Pearl killing Lindsay August | Montefiore Society LOS ANGELES (JTA) – The U.S. government and the parents of Daniel Pearl are forcefully protest- Susan Haubenstock | Cardozo Society ing the ordered release of the man accused of masterminding the jour- | Real Estate Society nalist’s kidnapping and beheading. Barry Karpay London-born Ahmed Omar Said Sheikh was ordered to be released Barry Levine | Maimonides Society from prison on Thursday, Jan. 28, by a 2 to 1 decision of the Pakistani Supreme Court. Jonathan Levy | FIBA Entrepreneur Society Secretary of State Antony Blink- en called the court’s decision “an affront to terrorism victims every- where, including in Pakistan.” and a special conversation with “Ahmed Omar Said Sheikh has long been indicted in the United States and must be held accountable for his crimes,” Acting U.S. At- Boaz Konforty & Yaakov Zada Daniel torney General Monty Wilkinson stars from the hit TV show FAUDA said in a statement. “He must not be permitted to evade justice for his charged role in Daniel Pearl’s abduction and murder.” Sheikh was one of four men ac- quitted of Pearl’s murder in April but kept in jail on executive orders as prosecutors appealed. In December, a Karachi court ordered their release, calling their detainment illegal. Sheikh, who had previously been convicted of helping to lure Pearl to a meeting prior to his abduction, had long denied involvement. But in a 2019 letter delivered to the Supreme Court several weeks ago, Sheikh admitted playing a minor role in the killing, AP reported. “We urge the U.S. Department of Justice to vigorously pursue a re- quest for extraditing Omar Sheikh to stand a trial in the U.S., and we If you haven’t seen the show yet, you can start watching it on Netflix hope Pakistan responds positively immediately and get caught up by March 24. It has received rave reviews. to such a request to rectify the in- justice brought about by two of the three justices,” the Pearl family said in a statement that condemned the Wednesday, March 24, 2021 action by the Pakistani court. | Pearl was the South Asia bureau 7:00 PM via Zoom $18 per person chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted and be- Register for the event and break out celebrations at headed in Karachi in 2002 while PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES JewishTampa.com/Societies or call Loni Lindsay at 813.769.2802. OFTAMPA THE TAMPA JEWISH JCC FEDERATIONs & FEDERATION researching a story about Islamist militants. He was 38. PAGE 8 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY /TAMPA EDITION JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21

fensive position. Most importantly, Author to present Zoom talk on drug Letters to the Editor I am addressing his comments which appear to stem from emo- The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters are published on a space avail- addiction within Jewish community able basis with the Jewish Press reserving the right to edit or reject letters for clarity, brev- tional anger with facts and with remarks which directly quote him. Despite current awareness of by stigma.” ity, legalities or taste. Letters must be signed and bear the writer’s address and telephone number (which will not be published). The writer’s name will be withheld on request. I and over 70,000,000 other the widespread opioid epidemic, The presentation is presented by loyal, patriotic Americans, Jews and the rise in addiction rates and Temple Beth-El and Congregation older spelling “anti-Semitism” – included, did not “surrender to deaths by overdoses during the CO- B’nai Israel, both in St. Petersburg. In a word, it’s using the hyphen and the capital an autocrat.” We voted for Don- VID-19 pandemic, there is scant Leder’s book is available at “S” – makes the Semitism valid ald Trump and his ego to follow attention Books at antisemitism and implies that such a thing as through on every promise that he given with- Park Place, Dear Editor: “Semitism” really does exist. It made during his campaign. We in Jewish 6800 Gulf- Twenty years ago, when I was does not – Jews are not plotting to were rewarded with delivery of ev- communi- port Blvd., producing an exhibit for the Jewish take over the world. ery promise that he made, promises ties to the S o u t h Museum of Florida, titled The Art Holocaust scholars, Holocaust that, though delivered in possibly existence Pasadena of Hatred: Images of Intolerance museums such as Yad Vashem, unconventional ways, improved of the Shopping in Florida Culture, I learned from US Holocaust Museum, Holocaust our country and the world, prom- p r o b l e m , Center, and scholars how to spell antisemitism, Center of Florida (Maitland), ises that could never have been its causes, can be pre- which is defined as Jew-hatred. I Holocaust Documentation and delivered without his surrounding treatment o r d e r e d have used this spelling because Education Center (Broward) and himself only with those people who and pre- Sharon Leder t h r o u g h the explanation was rational to me many others, Jewish defense orga- were also instrumental in help- vention, says Sharon Leder, a To m b o l o – because there is no such thing as nizations such as Anti-Defamation ing him achieve his goals for the Treasure Island resident. Books on Semitism to be anti. There are only League (ADL) and American American people and distancing She says a publisher once told her its website, by calling (727) 755- Semitic languages, like Hebrew Jewish Committee (AJC), Micro- himself from those who thwarted he could not publish a book on ad- 9456 or at the store at 2153 First and Arabic. Especially now, as soft, and newspapers such as The his rewarding what he promised diction in Jewish families because Ave. S, St. Petersburg. All Leder’s antisemitism has risen globally by Jerusalem Post and others use this the country. Those who sought Jewish audiences are in denial, but proceeds from book sales will be 18 percent in the past year, I am on spelling – antisemitism. other ideals from our President Leder wrote about it anyway in her donated to Creative Outlets, a pre- a “campaign to correct.” In 2020, The International were not satisfied; so be it. book “The Fix: A Father’s Secrets, vention program for at-risk teens. Antisemitism, the word, was Holocaust Remembrance Al- Dr. Zielonka, do not assume A Daughter’s Search.” Leder is professor emerita of coined in 1879 by Wilhelm Marr, liance (IHRA) posted on their to interpret Judaism for me and On Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. English, women’s studies and a German journalist who wished website a section titled “Spell- others. The beauty of our religion she will hold a free Zoom book Jewish studies at SUNY-Nassau to distinguish his non-religious, ing of Antisemitism.” It states, is that it, indeed, leaves a wide talk and discussion titled “It’s Time Community College, and founder politically active brand of hatred in part: IHRA’s concern is that berth for individual interpretation. to Break the Silence.” She will of Creative Outlets: Finding Your for the Jews from its predeces- the hyphenated spelling allows You should not presume to advise address questions such as “How Voice Through Arts at Cape Cod sors. This is the same year he for the possibility of something Trump voters “to reflect on what do Jewish families respond when Museum of Art. promoted the concept that all Jews called ‘Semitism,’ which not only they have done.” We on the op- they must deal with addiction,” Deadline to register for the talk must be removed by force from legitimizes a form of pseudo- posite side of your thinking resent and “Does Jewish tradition offer is Monday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. For Germany, as “they were a threat.” scientific racial classification that your ridiculous and insulting ac- wisdom and advice?” more information on the talk, and to Seeking to replace the vulgar Ju- was thoroughly discredited by as- cusation that we voted for a lunatic, Leder says “Silencing and denial register, go to www.templebeth-el. denfeind or Judenhass (Jew-hate) sociation with Nazi ideology, but a “would-be dictator,” a “danger- do not provide those suffering from com/sharonleder with a more modern-sounding also divides the term, stripping ous” man. We conservatives feel addiction the option of reaching out To contact Leder directly, go to scientific term, Marr borrowed it from its meaning of opposi- just as intensely as you. We are as for much needed help. Shrouded in Sharon.teichmangallery@gmail. from contemporary (at that time!) tion and hatred toward Jews … strong as you in numbers, as bright shame, their illness is compounded com or call (914) 204-4487. linguistic terminology to create the Antisemitism should be read as a as you, and as loyal and patriotic word antisemitismus, arguing that unified term so that the meaning in our love of and concern for our ‘Margaritaville’ hotel in Times Square to include shul there exists a Jewish conspiracy of the generic term for modern country as you. We do not attribute to take over the world – called Sem- include hotel rooms, restaurants Jew-hatred is clear. At a time of “rants and outrageous statements” (JTA) – A splashy new outpost of itism – that was ardently opposed and bars, the New York Post reports. increased violence and rhetoric to President Trump. singer Jimmy Buffett’s Margarita- by his followers, the anti-Semites. ville Resort empire coming to New The synagogue rented space on the aimed towards Jews, it is urgent You absolutely bet that we voted property from a previous owner, Since the notion of a Jewish plan that there is clarity and no room for him in support of Israel, and York’s Times Square will include a to dominate the world was purely synagogue. the New School, and the buyer for confusion or obfuscation we will forever applaud and be was required to negotiate with the a figment of Marr’s imagination, whe n d e a l i ng w it h a nt i s e m it i s m .” grateful for the pro-Israel policies The historic Garment Center scholars today use the spelling Congregation will be on the ground congregation. Marcia Jo Zerivitz, L.H.D. of his administration. As far as “antisemitism” to denote the floor and two sub-floors of the The resort is expected to be com- Founding Executive Director our “pocketbooks” are concerned, phenomenon of hatred itself. The entertainment complex, which will pleted in late spring. Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, why, that’s another you bet. We historian & author celebrate the incredible economy St. Pete Beach that he achieved. Your statement that he called These may be tough times... Editor’s Note: The letter writer Charlottesville Nazis “good peo- raised the issue with the Jewish ple” is erroneous and irresponsible. to consider best options for your elderly loved ones. Press after we changed the spell- I am happy to listen to the taped ing in an article she authored in accounts of the event in a forum the Jan. 15-28 issue. We previ- of your choosing. ously considered the question, You fall into the category of but up until now maintained the those who are happy to group all hyphenated spelling because our supporters of Trump into the same main national news service, the group as those who support his Jewish Telegraphic Agency, uses policies; how very narrow of you. that style. We inquired about their There are many people who sup- use of the hyphenated spelling port the policies of the Trump ad- 3 SKILLED NURSING and a JTA editor said they follow ministration apart from President AP style, which is the secular Trump personally. This is where 3 MEMORY CARE industry standard. However, as the sensible rationale enters: They a Jewish publication, the Jewish are those who put the country first 3 REHABILITATION Press should reflect Jewish val- and who do not sacrifice America ues and sensibilities. Therefore, for what they see as an unconven- 3 ASSISTED LIVING the Jewish Press will now change tional personality, a personality our style and begin using the term who, as mentioned above, “gets • Loving care antisemitism. things done,” things which we counted on him to “get done.” • Safe and secure A Trump supporter Would you be willing to total responds to letter writer the number of instances in which • Premium amenities Democrats have “looked the other • Rigorous health safety Dear Editor: way” on issues as opposed to the protocols As a supporter of President number of times that Republicans Trump, I am responding to Carl have? Words do not taste good • Safe socialization and Zielonka’s Jan. 15 letter to the edi- when eaten. stimulating activities tor. Although tempted, I will not fill In regard to your offensive my space with comments that do admonishment that “Jewish con- Let us help you make not address his statements directly. servatives need to take this seri- My response is not meant to be ously and not embrace those who the best decision confrontational but, quite simply, would destroy our democracy and, to comment on his letter sentence eventually, our safety and security by sentence. as Jews,” Back At You. We con- If the author intended to put any servative Jews would advise you Call us at 727.302.3800 supporters of President Trump on to practice what you preach. And the defensive, I am not defending th by the way, our non-Jewish friends 255 59 Street North • St. Petersburg FL 33710 my position; nor do I feel com- would urge you to do the same. pelled to do so. As well, I feel no Sheryl V Friedlander www.ManorahManor.org AL#10306 need to lecture or to take an of- Tampa JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION A PAGE 9 At local performance, rabbi/comedian to answer the age old question: Why are Jews so funny? By BRUCE LOWITT a Philadelphia-area Jewish Comic Confesses.” funny, even as a little kid, “so the sick.’ “ Jewish Press of the Year contest and finished Alper will be performing “The comedy came first. My uncle was Alper and his wife, Sherri, a psy- A rabbi, a doctor and a standup third out of 100 entries, he knew Spirituality of Laughter: Why Jews a rabbi, a powerful role model, but chotherapist, live in rural Vermont. comedian walk into a bar and the he’d found his niche. Are So Funny” at a virtual event, it was only in college (at Lehigh As he put it, “I make people laugh bartender says, “Hi, Bob.” For the past 27 years He has sponsored by Temple Ahavat Sha- University) that I toyed with the and she helps people cry. … One That would be Bob Alper. He performed throughout the United lom in Palm Harbor, on Thursday, idea. … line I use in my comedy routine, earned a Doctorate in Ministry States and Canada at theaters, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $54 “My parents were thrilled about I say, ‘We’ve been married for 51 from the Princeton Theological conventions, on television and, per family. my becoming a rabbi but skeptical years and our lives are totally in Seminary. After being ordained of course, at synagogues. He also Alper still conducts High Holy- about the transition into comedy, synch. For example, at the same in 1972 as a Reform rabbi he was is the author of three books, two day services – and even then, he but were very supportive. … The time I got hearing aids she stopped assistant rabbi for six years in Buf- of them inspirational collections, said, he finds that the congregation highest moment of my career took mumbling.’ ” falo, NY, then had his own pulpit “Life Doesn’t Get Any Better will be waiting for a punchline. place after a show when a woman To receive a link for Alper’s outside of Philadelphia for eight Than This” and “Thanks, I needed “That keeps them attentive,” he I knew who was dying of cancer performance, contact (727) 785- years. That” and an award-winning full- said. came over to me and said, ‘Y’know, 8811 or adminassistant@aha- And when, on a whim, he entered color cartoon book, “A Rabbi Alper, 76, said he was always for an hour and a half I forgot I was vatshalom.org. WORSHIP Facebook adds • CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE Zedek, already livestreaming on tancing. a delivery of challah and chicken March. (Rabbi Carla Freedman of Facebook and YouTube, broadcast- Rabbi Paul Schreiber of Con- soup. “It is for people emotionally fact-check box the Reform Congregation Beth Is- ing on public access television was gregation in Brandon, who also struggling, people new to town, rael of Sun City Center and Hazzan added to the mix. continues as spiritual leader of actually anyone who could use a in effort to combat Jodi Sered-Lever of unaffiliated Zoom and other online programs Temple Beth David in Spring little inspiration – food for the body Conservative synagogue Mekor for holding classes was minimal Hill, said “every now and then, and soul.” Holocaust denial before the pandemic. Now, Zoom we set up some chairs for Friday Shalom, did not respond to calls.) Jewish values & safety concerns is the mainstay for staying con- night Shabbat services outdoors, By RON KAMPEAS The Jewish value of pituah Indoor worship nected – not just for adult education but the weather has been cold so JTA news service nefish, the importance of preserv- People who search for informa- “When I go into the synagogue, classes or Torah study, but also for it has been sort of hit and miss.” ing life, runs strong in the Jewish tion about the Holocaust on Face- there is a feeling of peace that comes virtual lunches, lectures and even With warmer days ahead, he said, faith, and the advice and guidelines book will now be prompted to visit over me,” said Tawil of worship- virtual tours of distant lands. Some he expects more outdoor worship of medical officials was cited by a website on the genocide curated ing at Rodeph Sholom. Given that rabbis volunteered that they intend services, both at Beth Shalom rabbis whose sanctuaries are still by the World Jewish Congress social distancing and masking are to keep offering online events once and Beth David. Among outdoor closed to indoor, in-person wor- (WJC) and UNESCO, the United mandatory and steps are taken to the pandemic is over. events they have held were a ship. Nations Educational, Scientific and sanitize the synagogue, she said The only in-person event held at Veteran’s Day event and one for The congregation that has had Cultural Organization. she had “zero” reservations about Kol Ami since lockdown was a bar Hanukkah. virtually no in-person events, even Starting on Wednesday, Jan. 27, going, adding she felt it was far safer mitzvah, with limited attendance Rabbi Blatt is also anticipating outdoors, is Beth Am. “Emotion- International Holocaust Remem- than grocery shopping. Rabbi Ko- and safety precautions. During that more outdoor activities as spring ally, congregants want to come brance Day, users began seeing a rnworcel said in-person attendance event, the use of Zoom allowed approaches. Her congregation has back, but members seem to be box labeled “Learning About the is only allowed at Shabbat services viewers from Australia to watch. had a few parking lot Shabbat overwhelmingly in favor of being Holocaust” when they search Ho- and a limit of 50 people was set, “but Rabbi Blatt also notes that her services and a shofar blowing cer- safe.” Rabbi Rosenberg said. “No locaust terms. Similar boxes with we usually have 15-20, all spread congregants have heard from far- emony for Rosh Hashanah. one questions prioritizing one’s resources pop up after searching out.” He said when people come to away experts that the congregation Rabbi Simon said one popular health.” about things such as the COVID-19 the bima for Torah readings, they would never have been able to af- outdoor event was a socially dis- Rabbi Schreiber agreed, saying pandemic and U.S. elections. remain properly distanced. ford to fly in for a visit, including a tanced talk by former congregant not many of his congregants have “The Holocaust was the orga- In-person, indoor worship is cantor from Israel. During normal Marty Baron, retiring executive expressed a desire for indoor wor- nized persecution and killing of 6 also happening at some Chabad worship, people facing the bima editor of the Washington Post and ship until the pandemic is over. million Jewish people, alongside centers. There are four Chabad only see the backs of heads of other a Pulitzer Prize winner. The rabbi Rabbi Simon also noted, “We other targeted groups, by the Na- locations in the Tampa area led by worshipers, she noted, but on Zoom said there have also been some in- feel obligation to keep people safe” zis and their collaborators during Rabbi Lazer Rivkin or his sons, they can look at one another, join person lifecycle events at homes, and added that “We feel by limiting World War II,” the box reads. Rabbi Levi Rivkin and Rabbi Uriel in discussions and participate in with masks, distancing and limited events right now, we are doing our “Learning about the Holocaust Rivkin. Of those centers, two have reading the Torah. attendance. He also said for a while, part for keeping the community can help prevent future genocides large enough facilities to allow Rabbi Kornworcel also likes the there was an option of online or safer.” and other acts of hatred based on in-person worship – one on the interaction of Zoom and says he in-person participation in religious As the saying goes, two Jews, religion, ethnicity or other differ- north end of town at Young Israel often asks for participants to join in school, but with the latest spike in three opinions.” While some ences.” of Tampa on 52nd Street North and by reading the Torah or joining in coronavirus cases, all attendance is congregations are very limited in There is a link to aboutholocaust. the other at Bais David Chabad on responsive readings and the peace now online. the events they hold, the Chabad org, a joint WJC and UNESCO site. Swann Avenue in South Tampa. prayer. “They always schmooze Since May, Rodeph Sholom has centers and Rodeph Sholom have a WJC President Ronald Lauder At those two sites, Rabbi Lazer before and after the services, so we had drive-up Shabbat services in different view on in-person, indoor said the new tool could help coun- Rivkin says, in-person worship keep it online for about 10 minutes its parking lot, as well as a Ha- events. ter Holocaust ignorance among the never stopped. and before and after events,” he nukkah event.. One feature of the young. A study on Gen Z views on An outdoor seating area and a said. parking lot services is that Rabbi Tawil, the woman who broke the genocide found a widespread tent were added at the Bais David Rabbi Joel Simon of Schaarai Ze- Kornworcel uses a small FM trans- down crying when she went to shul lack of knowledge on the subject – shul. The interior of the sanctuary dek also liked the schmoozing that mitter with very limited range, but after months of not doing so, feels 11 percent of respondents thought also was re-arranged so the hazzan folks get to do at his congregation’s enough to broadcast services onto her choice to worship in-person that Jews caused the Holocaust. could be next to a window on the Zoom events and cited one event car radios in the parking lot. is right for her. She lost both her Another factor spurring the side with the tent and outdoor seats, in particular that remains very Rabbi Dubrowski said his con- parents, suddenly and unexpect- prompt is the proliferation of hate allowing people indoors and out- popular – a virtual senior luncheon gregants have had a variety of edly, last year. Neither death was speech on social media. Facebook doors to worship together. All are where there have been as many as outdoor, socially-distanced events, related to the virus, but both were has come under fire in recent years socially distanced, staying from 6 60 in attendance. including for Rosh Hashanah and devastating. for not adequately stemming hate to 10 feet apart, Rabbi Rivkin said, Rabbi Jason Rosenberg at Con- Yom Kippur. For Hanukkah, he Tawil says it was not until she speech, incitement and disinfor- but added some wear masks and gregation Beth Am said at first, said, there was a drive-in theater was in the synagogue and was able mation. some do not. the online offerings at Beth Am event for watching a Hanukkah to stand when the liturgy called for Following a campaign in the Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski, who were plentiful, including an annual movie, complete with goodie bags all mourners to rise, that she felt leads Chabad Chai of South Tampa fundraiser telethon with a talent for the children. Up next is a Purim she could properly mourn the loss summer urging Facebook to take on Swann Avenue, said he has put a show format. Also, as part of the outdoor event. of her parents. forceful steps to erase Holocaust cap of 20 on the number of people congregation’s annual support for Another way of reaching out, “I was able to sleep well that denial content from the site, the who can safely use the center at the the Buddy Baseball organization, he said, is for folks to go online night, and I had not been sleeping social media giant agreed to work same time, and that this is with so- folks were asked to participate in to www.chabadchaicenter.com/lol well before,” she said, adding, “The to remove hate speech, including cial distancing and masks required. the “Buddy Run” – usually an event and nominate someone to receive synagogue is my family.” Holocaust denial. He said this applies to Shabbat drawing a large crowd, – by doing services and for adult education their own run on their own course, classes, and that for some of the then reporting their times and classes, they are nearing capacity. distances. Lately, however, Rabbi He noted that affiliated Chabad Rosenberg said, there have not been centers in Brandon and Wesley as many online events. While he Chapel essentially go by the same said, “people are chomping at the health precautions, but he could bit” for a return to normal, he adds, not speak on specific activities or “Zoom fatigue is real.” programs held there. Rabbi Dubrowski agreed, saying that young professionals in par- Online still popular ticular are growing tired of Zoom, In all cases save for the Chabad and finding new programming is a centers, where livestreaming is challenge. prohibited, local Jewish clergy members who were interviewed Other ways of staying connected said they have used livestreaming Although Zoom helped preserve or other online or broadcast meth- a sense of community among Jew- ods for Shabbat services. Some ish worshipers, there is no question were livestreaming before the pan- many want to physically congre- demic and others, such as Kol Ami gate together. In response to that, in north Tampa and Beth Shalom in nearly all the rabbis interviewed Brandon, started last March during said they have held some outdoor lockdown. In the case of Schaarai events, with masks and social dis- 2” 3” 4” 5” 6” Organizations Organizations Organizations PAGE 10 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21

strengthen, fine motor skills and handwriting 15, and a Zoom link will be provided upon Organizations workshop, Tai Chi, and a variety of support registration at www.jewishtampa.com/PCC. with the Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael, CA), groups for both patients and caregivers. For more information, contact Lisa Rob- Active Adults For more information on schedule, go bins at (813) 769-4723 or email lisa.rob- The Tampa JCCs and Federation offers the trip leader James Sokol whisks you away to the Netherlands to explore – with a profes- to jewishtampa.com and search for virtual [email protected]. followingOrganizations programs for active adults. Unless programming for either the JCC on the Cohn otherwise specified, all programs listed are for sional local guide – facets of the beloved cheese named after the town. Then head to Campus or the Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Job-Links everyone and take place on Zoom. To RSVP Job help: Tampa Bay Job-Links offers or for more information on programs, contact Amsterdam for a stop at the Rijksmuseum to see how cheese shows up in Dutch art. The Genealogical Society virtual programs to help those in search of a Pnina Levermore at (813) 291-2253 or pnina. Tracing family roots: Guest speaker job or career change. [email protected]. All registra- cost is $12.50 if purchased by Feb. 20; $20 if purchased the day of the event. To register, Michael Simonson, director of public There will be a wellness workshop on tions should be completed before events begin. outreach for the Leo Baeck Institute, will overcoming job-search fatigue on Wednes- Good bones: The first in a life talk se- go to eventbrite.com and search Still Travel- ing: Gouda. address members of the Jewish Genealogi- day, Feb. 10 from 1-2:15 p.m. The job-search ries titled “Healthy Bones Tampa Bay will cal Society of Tampa Bay during a virtual readiness workshops schedule is: Tuesday, be presented on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at noon as Ongoing programs: There are a vari- ety of other Active Adults activities offered webinar on Sunday, Feb. 14, with Zoom Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on “Seven part of a Zoom program in partnership with sign-in starting at 1:30 p.m. and the program Habits of Effective Job Seekers” and Thurs- American Bone Health. The program will on a regular basis through Zoom. These include, but are not limited to: Yiddish Nos- at 2 p.m. The Baeck Institute, with centers in day, Feb. 18 from 1-2:15 p.m. on “Create a include discussion of what osteoporosis New York City, London and Jerusalem, is a Brand that Markets Y-O-U.” is, how to prevent it and how it is treated. talgia, Men’s Club, News Talk, and Tuesday Traditions (examination of issues of faith and research library and archive focused on the There will also be two special programs: American Bone Health peer educators will history of German-speaking Jews. In his talk, On Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 1-1:45 p.m. there share the basics of bone health and why it spirituality), and a “Plugged-In “workshop for help with your devices from tech-savvy Simonson will speak about the institute’s is a program titled “Telling Story Tidbits – is important. genealogical resources and their availability Bringing Your Resume to Life.” On Monday, Lunchtime talk: Hear a free vir- pros. For more information on the schedule, go to jewishtampa.com and search for virtual to researchers from their home computers. Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the ses- tual program on “The Future of Civil RSVP to Chris Burklund at jgstb-res@ sion is titled “Chat with a Career Coach” Discourse” on Thursday, Feb. 11 at noon programming for either the JCC on the Cohn Campus or the Bryan Glazer Family JCC. jewishvets.org to receive sign-in instruc- For more information, visit TBJL. with Richard Kennedy, political ana- tions for the webinar. org. TampaBay Job-Links is a member lyst and commentator. He will discuss Parkinson’s Program of the Network of Jewish Human Service the current crisis in both public and private Professional Community Agencies. conversation and debate and an assessment The Tampa JCCs and Federation’s Philip of what the future might hold in this arena. Shayman Parkinson’s program offers the Connection Time to network: The Tampa JCCs Some of the areas he will cover are: following programs. To RSVP or for more Young Adults and Federation will host a virtual Profes- Icebreakers: The Tampa JCCs & Fed- • Why do good people disagree about information, contact Pnina Levermore at sional Community Connection event on eration’s #Gather group is planning a virtual religion and politics? (813) 291-2253 or pnina.levermore@jew- Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. Guests social icebreaker and group games for young • Who benefits from uncivil discourse? ishtampa.com. All registrations should be will have an opportunity to network with adults on Sunday, March 14. To register, go • The Ideas Industry – mainstream, alterna- completed before events begin. Tampa area business professionals from all to www.bryanglazerfamlyjcc.com/gather. tive and social media Weekly programs: The Parkinson’s industries through icebreakers and small For more information, contact Lisa Rob- • Free speech on college campuses Program is holding a variety of events by group conversations on Zoom. This event is bins, director of young adult engagement for • Strategies for communicating respect- Zoom. These include: Rock Steady Box- free and open to the community. Registra- the Tampa JCCs & Federation, at lisa.rob- fully across the divide ing, Tremble Clefs singing group, Nia tion is required in advance by Monday, Feb. [email protected] or (813) 769-4723. Do the puzzle: Crossword puzzle Class, chair yoga, brain games, stretch and wizard Steve Manin reveals the keys to filling in the blanks for the New York Times crossword puzzle, offering little tricks and the ability to train your brain to think like an expert puzzle solver. His class is on Tuesday Business & Professional Directory Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m., and if you think you are already pretty good at puzzle solving, test your skills at 7:15 p.m. in a “master class” with Manin. Still traveling: Travel without leaving your home and virtually visit the town of Gouda in the Netherlands on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 2-3:15 p.m. Presented in partnership Survivors vaccinated in Austria on Remembrance Day (JTA) — The main representative body of Austrian Jewry organized the vaccination of Holocaust survivors in Vienna on Interna- tional Holocaust Remembrance Day. In the project by the Jewish Community of Vienna on Jan. 27, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, multiple survivors were brought from across Austria and Slovakia to a vaccination center in Vienna to get the first of two injec- tions for a COVID-19 vaccine, The Associ- ated Press reported. Twelve physicians who belong to Vienna’s Jewish community volunteered to administer the shots in the operation, which city and Health Ministry officials facilitated, the AP report said. Some of the 400 recipients were driven to the vaccination center by ambulance, others were taken by relatives and some arrived on their own. Austria has about 8,000 Jews. Before the Holocaust, during which Austria was a part of Nazi Germany, more than 190,000 Austrian Jews were murdered. CLASSIFIEDS ADS

POSITION AVAILABLE JEWISH PRESS has OPENINGS for: SUMMER INTERNS College student with journalism major preferred. Duties will include writing assignments and clerical work. Paid position. Part-time. Flexible hours. Send resume with clips, if available. Karen Dawkins, managing editor 6416 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33707 email: [email protected] or call, (727) 535-4400 or (813) 871-2332. JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21 JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION A PAGE 11 Larry King, legendary TV interviewer Obituaries JTA news service King, whose most famous talk and Jewish Press staff show aired on CNN from 1985- SYLVIA MARIE ALPERSTEIN, Larry King, the iconic Jewish 2010, was known for his genial 85, of Tampa, died Jan. 24. A lifelong radio and TV interviewer who resident of Tampa, she worked at Larry’s interviews. He would ask an Menswear for over 30 years and later never met a subject he didn’t seem open-ended question and let his re- at Dillards. She was a member of Con- to like, has died at 87. spondents answer at length. It was gregation Schaarai Zedek and a former King died Saturday, Jan. 23, in a counterintuitive approach that member of Congregation Rodeph Los Angeles. His company Ora nonetheless elicited headlines. In Sholom. Survivors include her sons, Media released the announcement Scott Alperstein and Mark Alperstein; 1992, King asked oil billionaire daughter Linda Shiflet; cousin/sister and did not list a cause, but King Ross Perot what his plans were, Shirlee Schiller; grandchildren and had been hospitalized recently and Perot seized the opportunity to great-grandchildren. The family sug- with the coronavirus. announce a third-party presiden- gests memorials to Are You Safe INC, or to the ASPCA. (Segal Funeral Home) Among his survivors is his son, tial run that would change history, Larry King Jr., of Tampa, and helping to oust incumbent George ARNOLD SANFORD COOPER, 78, grandchildren Asher, Stella and H. W. Bush and install Bill Clinton. of Wesley Chapel, died Jan. 13. Born Max, who attended Hillel Acad- He was an affable presence – no in Brooklyn, he was in the U.S. Army emy. The broadcaster once vis- Larry King’s 2009 visit to Hillel Academy of Tampa: From left, his grandchildren Reserves for four years prior to begin- jacket, always in suspenders, dress ning a long career with John Hancock ited the school after children there shirt sleeves rolled up, leaning twins Stella and Max King; King, sons Chance King and Larry King Jr., and grand- son Asher King. The twins and Asher are King Jr.’s children and were students at Insurance. A top salesman and master raised funds as a mitzvah project bargain hunter, he spent his latter years forward. His guests, perhaps not Hillel. to donate more than $10,000 to the consciously, were drawn into the frequently selling at a variety of flea Larry King Cardiac Foundation. markets, where he made many close ambience and also leaned forward. observed – he said with some pride prophetic. He revived the style friends. His many interests included A Jewish Press story noted that The dynamic in 1994 led Marlon that he did his entire bar mitzvah in for Twitter, where he created the science, outer space, nature, animals, during his visit to Hillel in 2009, Brando to kiss King on the lips. Hebrew – but that he began to grow hashtag #ItsMy2Cents and ac- baseball, music, gambling and science the celebrity greeted Tampa resi- At times, King’s softballs could disillusioned with faith after his crued millions of followers. fiction. Survivors include his wife of dent Wayne Doucet, who told the 57 years Sheila; two sons, Larry and on a dime turn hard. In 1992, he father died when he was 10. King was married eight times to Robert; daughter Jennifer; daughters- students his life was saved due to asked Vice President Dan Quayle, King’s personal politics were seven women. He married Alene in-law, Juliana and Arrica; son-in-law heart surgery that, in part, was who was identified with the Chris- liberal as a result of the welfare Akins, a former Playboy bunny, Jeremy; brother Marty; and five grand- funded by the foundation. tian right, if he would support his payments that saved his family twice in the 1960s. His longest daughters. The family suggests memo- Two years later, he returned to daughter if she wanted an abortion. after his father’s death, he said. marriage was to Shawn South- rials to the American Heart Association the Bay Area to accept the Chabad or American Cancer Society. (Segal “I would counsel her and talk to During his 2009 Jewish Press in- wick, whom he married in 1997 Funeral Home) Center of St. Petersburg’s Interna- her and support her on whatever terview, he said people should not and was 26 years his junior. At the tional Ambassador of Communi- decision she’d make,” Quayle said. have to choose between medical time of his death, the couple were RANA LEAH LEVY, (nee Roberta cations Award. King followed up: “And if the deci- care and paying other bills. “It is a undergoing divorce proceedings, Kempler Paul) 82, of Tampa, died Jan. According to a Jan. 12 interview 14. Born in Chicago, she moved to sion was abortion, you’d support question of philosophy, I suppose, reportedly because King said they San Antonio, TX as a child. When she of Larry King Jr. in the Tampa Bay her?” Quayle, cornered, said he but I believe that health is a right, could not overcome their differ- married her husband the late Rabbi Times, his dad was to partner with would, making headlines. like freedom of speech.” ence in age and religion. South- Morton Levy, his rabbinic career took him on a pizza restaurant that is to King welcomed all comers, Seeking radio work in his 20s, wick is a Mormon who sometimes them to Washington, D.C., Cleveland, open at the Tavern inside the Club Louisville, Boston, Philadelphia, Rock saying he interviewed 50,000 a mentor advised King to move to brought King to services. Island, IL, Lakeland and Tampa, where at Cheval – a business the younger people over the course of his career, Miami, where there was a burgeon- King called himself an agnostic they retired and were active members King operates at the gated com- including every president from ing market. but fund-raised for Jewish chari- of Congregation Kol Ami. She co-led munity in north Tampa. Gerald Ford to Barack Obama. (He King became a popular radio ties. In 2016, he auctioned off a several trips to Israel and was also a King Jr. related how he did not board member and the recipient of the interviewed Donald Trump mul- presence in Miami. signed pair of his red suspenders Margaret Sanger Award in recognition meet his dad until he was in his 30s. tiple times before his presidency, In 1978, he was asked to take for the American Jewish Histori- of her service to Planned Parenthood. The son was born to Annette Kaye, including in 2000 when he was over a midnight to 5:30 a.m. syn- cal Society. An educator and lecturer, she had been King’s second of eight wives, contemplating a presidential run dicated talk show. He honed his King never lost his sense of won- president of Hadassah and Brandies shortly after the couple parted. Women. Survivors include her three on the Reform ticket.) modus operandi on the show: a der at his success. sons, Baruch Levy, Alexandria, VA; Despite King’s absence in his son’s King had Louis Farrakhan on his long, friendly interview with a “Larry Zeiger is still in there – Ramni Levy, San Francisco; and Eytan life for decades, they developed a show in 1995 so that the antisemitic celebrity or politician, followed by he is Larry King on the outside,” Levy, Toronto; daughter-in-law, Cantor good father-son relationship, the leader of the Nation of Islam could questions from callers. Ted Turner, he told the Los Angeles Jewish Sharon Brown-Levy, Toronto; and four son told the Times. grandchildren. The family suggests me- air an appeal to speak to Jewish CNN’s founder, asked King to Journal in 2003. “But every day I morials to Temple Sinai Congregation The Jewish Press made an effort leaders, without preconditions. Or- move the format to live TV in feel amazed.” of Toronto, or an organization of your to reach out to King Jr., but accord- ganizational Jewish leaders, who 1985. King continued to broadcast Bantering with Jerry Seinfeld in choice. (Segal Funeral Home) ing to staff at Cheval, he was still wanted Farrakhan to apologize for his talk show after his 2010 depar- 1991 about how Seinfeld’s epony- in California. his toxic rhetoric, were not game. ture from CNN, for a time on the mous show had become a hit, King Obituaries are published as King often recalled – sometimes In 1996, two years after their kiss, English service of RT, the Russian said of making a living by making a public service at no charge in with elaborate embellishment – his Brando made a different kind of broadcaster, and online. people laugh: “It’s like getting paid the Jewish Press based on in- roots as a poor Jewish kid in Brook- formation supplied by the family scene when he said Jews “own” and He also had a regular column to interview somebody, crazy.” to the funeral home. Information lyn, where he was born Lawrence “run” Hollywood, and allow the in USA Today for 20 years, a Along with Larry King Jr., he may also be submitted online at Zeiger. One of his first broadcast disparagement of other minorities. collection of unrelated thoughts is survived by two other children, jewishpresstampabay.com. The employers, in Miami, had him King in 2003 told the Los Ange- separated by ellipses. The col- Chance King and Cannon King. information contained in the free change his name to King, saying obituary is at the discretion of the les Jewish Journal that he grew up umn’s randomized style was much Two additional children prede- Jewish Press. Zeiger sounded too ethnic. in a home where Jewish laws were mocked, but King may have been ceased him last year. Orthodox rioters in Israel burn bus during COVID restriction protest (JTA) – Rioting Orthodox Jews ment buildings. call for a stop to the riots. A Community Neighbor torched a bus in Israel amid on- “I don’t know how I’m alive,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- going protests over the country’s said the driver, Eyal Tzipori, ac- yahu claimed that all the protesters COVID-19 restrictions. cording to The Jerusalem Post. from Sunday’s riots in Bnei Brak Police officers in other cities Police officers have also been had been arrested, The Times of were also injured during riots in injured by haredi rioters in the cit- Israel reported, though there were Orthodox neighborhoods, where ies of Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem. only 13 arrests. COVID-19 rates have spiked but On Monday, Jan. 25, Israeli Also Monday, Netanyahu agreed residents have objected to lock- Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzchak to weaken a bill that would have down restrictions. Yosef condemned the rioters for doubled fines against those who The Sunday, Jan. 24 bus burning “desecrating God’s name.” Rabbi violated the restrictions at the re- in Bnei Brak, a largely haredi, or Chaim Kanievsky, a top Ashkenazi quest of his haredi political allies, ultra-Orthodox, city near Tel Aviv, haredi authority, is also expected to according to reports. came days after rioters there injured seven police officers in clashes the previous week. Police have sought to close haredi schools and other institutions, which has sparked a violent backlash. Charles “Chuck” Segal is a dedicated man. Dedicated to his The bus driver told an Israeli community and profession. He brings these attributes to his position radio station that he was driving in as funeral director and owner of Segal Funeral Home. Tampa Bay’sBnei first Brak when he was blocked by Where your final resting place helps to For over 37 years, he has provided genuine care and concern to Conservation Cemetery andprotesters Nature burning Preserve. tires and trash thousands of families who have called on him at their time of need. protect an endangered natural habitat. Tampa Bay’s cans. Protesters then surrounded Along with his wife Shelly, Chuck transcends the demands of Check or website for upcomingand entered calendar the eventsbus, and one of his chosen profession and is counted on as an active member of them began punching and kicking Tampa Bay’s Jewish Community. 4100 Starkey Blvd. Trinity, FL 34655 • 727.376.5111 • www.heartwoodpreserve.com Wherefirst Conservationyour final resting Cemeteryplace helps to the driver. He said he called the po- and Nature Preserve. You can count on the Segals as friends before, during or after lice but they took 15 minutes to ar- protect an endangered natural habitat. your time of need. rive. Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical service, finally SEGAL FUNERAL HOME, THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. extricated the driver. 4100 Starkey Blvd., Trinity, FL 34655 3909 Henderson Blvd., Tampa • 813.874.3330 www.segalfuneralhome.com Protesters then set the bus on fire, Check our website727.376.5111 for upcoming calendar events. which also damaged nearby apart- www.heartwoodpreserve.com PAGE 12 A JEWISH PRESS of TAMPA BAY / TAMPA EDITION JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 11, 2O21 After sidelined by COVID last year, Women’s Seder returns with tales of the virus Last year, just as the nation was shutting husband, Dr. Zucel Solc, became critically ill B’nai Israel in St. Petersburg. both in Clearwater; Temple Beth-El and down and Americans began dealing with from the virus and endured a lengthy hospital In previous years women – mostly from Congregation B’nai Israel, both in St. Peters- the trauma of a pandemic, the 22nd Annual stay before recovery (they are members of Pinellas County– gathered at Congregation burg; Temple Ahavat Shalom, Palm Harbor; Community Women’s Seder was canceled. Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater) Beth Shalom in Clearwater and danced be- and in Tampa, Congregation Kol Ami and Now, with the appropriately titled theme of and Cindy K. Davis, a licensed mental health tween tables, sang uplifting songs, listened Congregation Rodeph Sholom. Additionally, “Resilience, Renewal and Hope,” the 2021 counselor for the Critical Care Unit at Morton to meaningful topics and enjoyed food. Hadassah chapters, Lylah & North Pinellas Virtual Women’s Seder is on, thanks to Hen- Plant Hospital. Because the pandemic is still a deadly real- and St. Petersburg; Jewish Cultural Endow- rietta Silverman and her posse of volunteers. Additionally, program leaders/perform- ity, there will be no physical gathering, but ment and Menorah Manor are sponsors. The event will take place on Sunday, ers will include Rabbi Danielle Upbin of planners have devised an online Zoom event Planners are hoping for a large virtual March 7 from 6-7 p.m., and feature speakers Congregation Beth Shalom, Rabbi Rachel that allows participants from throughout gathering of women from both sides of the who will share their experiences navigating Blatt of Congregation Kol Ami in Tampa, the Tampa Bay area to share a box full of Bay. All are welcome. The $18 cost includes the COVID-19 pandemic. Cantor Katie Oringel of Temple B’nai Israel goodies and dine together. This will take a box of traditional Passover favorites to be They are: Dr. Abey Sarai, an infectious in Clearwater, Rabbinic intern Lily Lucey place while they rejoice in a pre-Passover picked up from participating congregations disease physician with Morton Plant Mease of Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Mont- celebration and listen to the speakers and or Hadassah chapters. RSVPs due by Feb. 22. Healthcare; Dr. Marjorie Atkinson, director clair, NJ, guitarist Eve Alman Goldstein of their favorite local musicians. For more information on how to RSVP of spiritual care for Baycare Health System; Temple Ahavat Shalom in Palm Harbor and The program is sponsored by Congrega- and get a Zoom link, email communitywo- Helaine Solc, a COVID-19 patient whose violinist Rebecca Zapen from Congregation tion Beth Shalom and Temple B’nai Israel, [email protected] Talking about Jerusalem history MIDEAST PLAN As part of the St. Petersburg of Israel? Contrary to the popular • CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE Jerusalem. Reopening that office Celebration of the Arts, the St. comparison of David choosing humanitarian aid for the Palestinian could face resistance from the Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah is this site as his capital paralleling people and to take steps to reopen Israeli government and the mu- sponsoring a talk about the early the Founding Fathers selecting diplomatic missions that were nicipality. history of Jerusalem. somewhat swampy Washington, closed by the last U.S. administra- At the same time, Biden officials On Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. Dr. Peter Jerusalem was a vital city with tion.” are seeking to reassure Israel that Feinman will present the program, a centuries-old history. Utilizing Reassurance to Israel came the they will sustain some of the tone broadcasting remotely from New archaeological source material, Dr. next day, when Biden’s nominee and substance of changes carried York, Feinman discusses these and other for U.N. ambassador told senators out under Trump. Feinman is the founder and issues of significance whose rami- that she would maintain some of In one of his first statements Jake president of the Institute of History, fications reverberate to this day. the pro-Israel policies advanced Sullivan, Biden’s national security Archaeology, and Education, a The St. Petersburg Celebration by Trump. adviser, described his first conver- non-profit organization which of the Arts (February 1-28) high- Linda Thomas-Greenfield said sation with his Israeli counterpart, advocates on behalf of local and lights the creative ambience of the at her confirmation hearing that Meir Ben Shabbat. They “dis- state history in the schools and in city, renowned for its numerous America would robustly push back cussed opportunities to enhance tourism. He is the author of “Jeru- splendid cultural organizations. against anti-Israel bias at the United the partnership over the coming salem Throne Games: The Battle of Art historian Michele Kidwell Nations. months, including by building on Bible Stories After the Death of Gilbert, who serves on the St. Pete “I look forward to standing with the success of Israel’s normaliza- David,” from which this lecture Hadassah board, and her husband, Israel, standing against the unfair tion arrangements with [the United is based. neurologist Dr. Gordon J. Gil- The Merneptah Stele, located in the targeting of Israel, the relentless Arab Emirates], Bahrain, Sudan, A backwater settlement in Ca- bert, organized arts celebration a Cairo Museum and dated circa 1200 BCE, is an inscription by the ancient resolutions that are proposed and Morocco,” Sullivan said. naan in the shadow of Egypt dating number of years ago. The annual Egyptian Pharaoh Merneptah, that against Israel unfairly,” she said. back eons to the 4th millennium February festival features diverse Thomas-Greenfield said she contains the first mention of Israel. Her remarks recalled one of the BCE, Jerusalem has a complex his- groups united around the explora- would build on the normalization tory. Learn how ancient Jerusalem tion of a singular theme with this Chapter of Hadassah has sponsored final acts of the Obama adminis- agreements, called the Abraham responded to the presence of the year’s topic being “The Sea.” Pre- a guest lecturer. tration, when it allowed through Accords, to encourage those coun- new people named Israel. What do vious subjects have included For more information or to regis- a Security Council resolution tries to change their approach at the we know about their religion and “Shakespeare” and “Tolerance and ter to receive the Zoom link, RSVP condemning Israel’s settlement United Nations and take an active traditions? What happened after Acceptance.” to Jill Weisberg at bellallure1@aol. policies. The Senate roundly con- role in countering anti-Israel ac- they became inhabitants of the land This is the third year, St. Pete com or (717) 917-3748. demned President Obama’s failure tions there. to veto the resolution. Trump’s “If they’re going to recognize U.N. ambassadors went on to use Israel in the Abraham Accords, U.S. influence to nix pro-Palestin- they need to recognize Israel at the ian moves at the body. United Nations,” she said. Biden has indicated that he wants Thomas-Greenfield also de- to repair ties between Israel and nounced the Boycott, Divestment Democrats strained by tensions and Sanctions movement targeting between the Netanyahu and Obama Israel. administrations. Notably, some of “The actions and the approach the most pointed pro-Israel ques- that BDS has taken toward Israel is tions at Thomas-Greenfield’s hear- unacceptable,” she said. “It verges ing came from Democrats who are on antisemitism and it is important close to Biden, like Chris Coons that they not be allowed to have a of Delaware, Robert Menendez voice at the United Nations.” of New Jersey and Ben Cardin of The Obama administration also Maryland. opposed BDS, but unlike the There remain more differences Trump administration did not between the Biden and Netanyahu make it a front-and-center issue, administrations than there were nor did it liken the movement to under Donald Trump, but Biden antisemitism. is striving to tamp down Israeli In a related Middle East policy anxieties about his revival of some move, Biden froze the sale of Obama-era policies, when he stealth jets to the United Arab served as vice president. For in- Emirates, removing at least for stance, Biden wants to return to the now a key Trump administration Iran nuclear deal, which Netanyahu incentive to the Emirates to normal- reviles, but says he will do so in ize relations with Israel, The Wall consultation with Israel. Obama cut Street Journal reported. out Israel until the last phase of the The Journal reported Jan. 27, negotiations. that the Biden administration had Biden campaigned on restoring frozen arms sales to the UAE and ties with the Palestinians, but it Saudi Arabia. It quoted an official won’t be easy to reverse Trump’s as saying that such freezes to re- policies, which included shutting view a previous administration’s down diplomatic relations and sev- arms deals are routine. However, ering assistance to the Palestinian Biden also campaigned on rolling Authority. Biden must deal with a back U.S. support for the war in law passed by Congress that denies Yemen, where Saudi Arabia and funding for the Palestinians as long UAE forces have backed the gov- as the Palestinian Authority pays ernment. families of Palestinians who killed The Trump administration nego- Israeli and American civilians. tiated the sale of the F-35 stealth Another law makes it hard for a jets separately from its brokering president to allow the Palestinians of the Abraham Accords. However, to reopen an office in Washington it was clear from administration unless the P.A. agrees not to seek statements that the jets sale was an charges against Israel in the Inter- incentive. The accords are signed national Criminal Court. and underway. It’s not clear how Trump also shut down a dedi- the freeze on the jets sale would cated consulate for Palestinians in affect them.