» Chag Shavuot Sameach! Jewish Observer A publication of the Jewish Federation of Central New York of Central New York

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY & ADDITIONAL OFFICES

SYRACUSE, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | WWW.JEWISHFEDERATIONCNY.ORG MAY 2021 | IYAR-SIVAN 5781

Celebrating

Mothers

INSIDE: LOOK: DON’T MISS: JEWS AND COFFEE MOMS SITTING SHIVA PART 2 OF BOYS FOR RUTH ( 4 ) ( 10 ) ( 13 ) Jewish Observer May 2021 of Central New York Published by Jewish Federation of Central New York From the Editor D’var Torah 5655 Thompson Road DeWitt, NY 13214 Our Sinai Moment The coincidence of phone: 315-445-2040 x106 Shavuot and Mothers by Rabbi Daniel Fellman fax: 315- 445-1599 Day during the month jewishfederationcny.org of May made the selection of a theme Shavuot remains among for this month’s issue the least understood of all of the Jewish Observer Jewish holidays. Coming President/CEO...... Michael Balanoff an easy choice. We at the end of the school Board Chair...... Neil Rosenbaum read the Book of Ruth year and the beginning of Editor...... Barbara Davis Barbara Davis at Shavuot, and there summer, Shavuot suffers are few daughters more from a case of challenging devoted to their mothers than Ruth was to her timing: too many of us have shifted our focus to summer and other mother-in-law Naomi, to whom she declared, “whither subjects by the time Shavuot arrives each year. you go, I will go, wherever you lodge, I will lodge, The events celebrated on Shavuot deserve more from all of The Jewish Federation of Central New York is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America. your people will be my people, and your God will us. Shavuot marks the moment when we united as a people. Our be my God.” Ruth’s acceptance of the Jewish faith is ancestors emerged from Egypt battered and beaten, but bound the reason that Shavuot is also the holiday at which for something better. By the time they reached Mount Sinai, the Produced by we celebrate conversion and those who choose to Israelites found themselves ready for a new world, ready for a new be Jewish. Finally, Ruth’s coming to Israel took place sense of self, ready to commit to each other and to the Almighty. around the time of Shavuot, and her acceptance of the Moses, the great leader, our rabbi, ascended the mountain alone, Jewish faith is seen as analogous to the acceptance by filled with the hopes and dreams of every Jew, whether they were Creative Director...... Jean-Pierre Thimot [email protected] the Jewish people of God’s Torah. physically at Sinai or not. Moses knew not what to expect, knew not Lead Designer...... Kimberly Miers This issue of the JO is filled with articles particularly what was coming. Our ancestors, waiting together at the base of [email protected] pertinent to these two holidays. A recent ruling on the mountain, knew only that their world would be fundamentally Senior Graphic Designers...... Josh Flanigan, Adam Van Schoonhoven, conversion in Israel heads our Jewish News from different, that they would emerge changed, that if all worked well, Nicholas Vitello Around the World, with comments from our local they would leave from Sinai more connected, more committed, Director of Advertising...... Barbara E. Macks rabbis about the Israeli court decision. We are proud to more capable of being in covenant with God and with each other. Sales Director...... Cynthia Oppenheimer present Sarah Cumbie Reckess’ story, “Sitting Shiva for Moses returned to the people, sharing the gift of Torah with [email protected] Ruth,” which appeared in the recently published book the Israelites. Beginning a trend that continues to this day, our Senior Account Executives....Terri Downey, Keren Green, Mary Beth Holly, Choosing Judaism. Juxtaposed with it, in our People of ancestors began studying, questioning, wrestling and learning with Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard, Rachel Wasserman the Book section, is a review by Jackie Miron of Send each other. They recognized that while differences were important, for Me, another recently published work that deals a sense of unity, a sense of achdut, provided the best possible path BUFFALO SPREE PUBLISHING, INC. President & CEO...... Sharon C. Levite with mother/daughter relationships. Our cover and our forward. Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer...... Barbara E. Macks pages are filled with lovely pictures of mothers and As we emerge from the COVID pandemic, we find ourselves in Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief...... Elizabeth Licata children, generously shared by community members. a similar situation. Like the Israelites, we have traveled through a Vice President/Administrative & Finance...... Michele Ferguson Our cover story, about mothers and children in special difficult and painful experience, seeing too much suffering by too Corporate Counsel...... Timothy M. O’Mara, Esq. configurations, is complemented by a lovely article by many people. the children of the Temple Concord Religious School Like our ancestors, we recognize that at this moment of the about what makes their mothers special. beginning of a new life, while we have been separated physically, And while we all know that home cooking and we have grown in connection, grown in relationship with each Submissions: baking in the 21st century are not the sole province other, grown in our care and concern for each other. Submit stories and photos no later than the 1st of the preceding month prior to publication to [email protected]. of mothers, mothers are traditionally the ones who We will disagree on paths forward, we will disagree on the To Advertise: prepare challah in a Jewish home for Shabbat. That particulars of how we come together, and we will disagree on the To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. is why a group of wonderful Jewish women have put lessons learned from the pandemic. But if, like our ancestors of old, Ad space & materials are due by the 16th of each month prior to together a fantastic communal challah bake – ‘Cuse we emerge with a stronger sense of unity and connection, then our publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please Challah Club – to which everyone – men, women and Sinai moment will be indescribably beautiful, important and holy. email Cynthia Oppenheimer [email protected] or teens – are invited. Scheduled for May 27th, it will Shavuot offers a new gift of freedom and understanding this year. Barbara Macks [email protected]. focus on braiding techniques. This is a first, and we As we prepare to enter a new world, having survived the challenges To Subscribe: are sure it won’t be the last program of its type, as of COVID and all that it entailed, Shavuot offers a powerful path: To subscribe, email [email protected]. Free for we learn that there are definite advantages to being join together, recognize our covenants and connections, listen to Central New York area residents and donors to the Federation’s able to meet on Zoom. We continue our short series each other as we all seek understanding and nurture the bonds annual campaign. Non-resident subscription is $36 for 12 issues, payable to the Jewish Observer. about Jews and Coffee on our B’tay Avon page, along which unite us as a people. with our regular Jewish Cook of the Month column, THE JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (USPS 000939) (ISSN 1079-9842) and Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas features Publications Periodical postage paid at Syracuse, NY and other offices. Published 12 times per year by the Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc., a non-profit another local Jewish cook. corporation, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214. Subscriptions $36/year; Finally, Shavuot is a holiday we are encouraged to student $10/year. POSTMASTER: Send address change to JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214. experience by embracing mitzvot in our own lives. The JO is pleased to report on the many incidences The Jewish Observer of Central New York reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at any time. The Jewish Federation of Central New York and Buffalo Spree Publishing, of good deeds being done in our community by Inc. are not liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond individuals, groups and the Federation itself. As we all the cost of the space occupied. The Jewish Observer does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. Editorials, columns, enjoy the flowers and first fruits with which Shavuot advertisements, agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily is associated, and as we pray for the cessation of the represent the views of the newspaper or the Jewish Federation of Central New York, but rather express the view of the writer. coronavirus pandemic, we are also thankful for those good people who let Jewish values, as given to us All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “based on race, color, religion, at Mt. Sinai on Shavuot, be a guide to living a life of sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such caring and compassion for others. preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby Chag Shavuot Sameach to all JO readers! informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. FEDERATION

From the Federation Campaign 2021 Chair Debbie Rosenbaum ABECEDARIUM Shavuot Reflections of FEDERATION SUPPORT Each month, the Observer will highlight the agencies and organizations that cooking lessons with chefs Solomonov or are supported by Federation’s donors through their gifts to the annual campaign. Hananel, the upcoming Community Challah Baking extravaganza or serious conversations Because of you, Federation provides Because of you, SYRACUSE JEWISH about diversity in the Jewish community and core support for the EPSTEIN SCHOOL FAMILY SERVICE provides support and the dangers of antisemitism in 2021, the OF JEWISH STUDIES which is counsel to those in need and serves Federation has given us opportunities to celebrating its 50th year of providing a as “your companion on the journey of gather together as a Jewish community in a place where Jewish teens from different aging.” Current SJFS director Judith Jewish context. backgrounds and Jewish traditions have Huober is transitioning to work remotely In addition to the core financial support come together to learn, share and build and through in-person residencies to Federation provides to our communal a community. Classes offered at the direct the caregiver support project agencies and organizations, this year it has Rabbi Epstein School of Jewish Studies and provide clinical mental health provided significant additional funding for this year reflect the school’s increased counseling services. “It has been the PPE for Menorah Park, the JCC and SHDS. Our commitment to tikkun olam as part honor of my life to lead SJFS during Matan b’Seter food pantry at Menorah Park is of its 50th anniversary year. “How to ten years of intense turmoil and The Jewish people are used a tremendous resource for those who need it be a Jewish Antiracist” was taught by re-stabilization,” Huober said. “What to being disconnected. Those and is kept filled by community members, the Calle Schueler and Mookey Van Orden. I’ve learned and helped SJFS to become of us who live outside of Israel Federation and the Pomeranz, Shankman and A Torah-based core Tikkun Olam class leaves me personally and professionally are considered to be living Martin Charitable Foundation. Much of what for 9th and 11th grade students was a fulfilled, as well as confident in SJFS’s in a diaspora, defined as a Federation does is behind the scenes, but we highlight of the fall semester. Taught by capacity to grow and adapt to the future large group of people with a have strong and reliable security protocols Ora Jezer, the class investigated a number needs of our community.” To support similar heritage or homeland to keep our community safe, excellent of topics through the SPACE (Service, what she hopes will be her legacy at who have since moved out to relationships with local law enforcement and Philanthropy, Advocacy, Community SJFS, Huober is committing $25,000 over places all over the world. political entities as well as with the interfaith Engagement, Education) approach via 5 years to create an annual stipend for But we never expected to be community. Our Young Leadership and Lions a lens of Jewish values. Topics included one graduate intern “who recognizes the as disconnected as we are with of Judah and Pomegranate Society members climate change, US immigration policy potential for a positive multidimensional COVID-19. Even within our own have undertaken tzedakah projects this year, and refugees, the Syrian refugee crisis, view of aging to improve the quality of community, our synagogues are which have been very successful even in the racial justice, organ donation, among life for individuals and families across mostly virtual, our meetings absence of in-person gatherings. others. Each student was responsible for the life-cycle, to create elder-friendly cancelled, our celebrations Shavuot is a unique among Jewish holidays creating a final project that connected communities and to develop public postponed and our holidays and in having no specific mitzvot associated their tikkun olam actions to Jewish values. policy that mitigates the effects of milestone events celebrated with it. There is no shofar, seder, sukkah Many students presented projects at structural ageism on citizens of all ages.” through livestreaming. or chanukiya. Rather, it’s the giving of the Epstein’s Justice Fair, which also featured When the fund is formally established, And yet, we have remained in Torah that we celebrate, which provides presentations by representatives from Huober will be asking the community touch. Our traditions continue the opportunity for us to reflect on the RISE, Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, to express their support of these goals to be a source of strength and importance of community. Three thousand Onondaga Earth Corps, Etgar 36 and by adding to the BeWell in Later Life inspiration, even as we celebrate years ago, the Jewish people gathered at Jewish Youth Climate Movement. Scholarship Fund. brisses and b’nai mitzvah, seders the foot of Mount Sinai to hear the Ten and study sessions on screens. Commandments. Today we may have to We held Super Sunday virtually gather in our homes to hear those same this year, and it allowed us to commandments read on a Zoom screen. But be innovative and creative and the important thing is that we are connected, interactive and to have lots of not only to one another but to that time fun. Our campaign is moving three thousand years ago when we were inexorably toward a successful given the Torah. ‘CUSE CHALLAH conclusion. As we hope and pray for the end of CLUB While we may be apart, we the contemporary plague of COVID, so LEARN TO BRAID CHALLAH are never disconnected from reminiscent of the plague that occurred May 27, 2021 WITH FOUR OUTSTANDING one another. Federation and millennia ago, let us all reaffirm our CHALLAH BAKERS! its membership have pivoted commitment to the Jewish people and to 8 pm via Zoom to programming which can Jewish community. We need one another. Sign up for the premiere event of the ‘Cuse Challah Club be enjoyed from the comforts Shavuot shalom!! May your holiday be by emailing [email protected]. of our homes but which is filled with flowers and fruit, cheesecake and Prepare your dough in advance and join us for a braiding session. nonetheless relevant, important blintzes, happiness and good health. Put your dough in the oven after we’re finished. You’re all set for Shabbat!! and meaningful. Whether it is May 2021 | jewishfederationcny.org 1 B’TAYAGENCIES AVON!

Jewish Cook of theMonth Megan Mills of Fatcat Baking Megan Mills is a licensed home-processing What is your favorite dish pastry chef, specializing in 100% vegan baked to prepare? Caramel Maple Nut Clusters goods. Originally from Los Angeles, Megan To bake - Our signature moved to Syracuse in 2014 to live with her lemon basil scone or anything 1 cup nuts of choice (almonds, walnuts, pecans, life partner, Alex (all-tech extraordinaire, I get to be creative with, like cashews), chopped entrepreneur, best partner, best pet dad decorating cakes and cupcakes. 3 tablespoons maple syrup ever). Between them, they have two sweet To eat- Tofu Scramble with a 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and sassy lion head rabbits (Binx and Thor) million veggies. 1/8 teaspoon salt and one very cuddly, fuuurrocious cat named What is your favorite Couple pinches of flake salt (optional) Loki, who inspired the name Fatcat Baking. cooking secret/trick/hack/ Where did you learn to cook? shortcut? Preheat oven to 350F. Line a muffin tin with I don’t really remember learning to cook 1) Use spices and use fire! silicone muffin liners. (Regular paper muffin from anyone in particular growing up. My father Humans didn’t sail around the liners will stick). would let me help him barbecue during the world for centuries to under- summers, and my mother wouldn’t allow me in person sad while eating? I also love the spice and boil everything. Add the nuts, maple syrup, vanilla extract and the kitchen, because I always used every dish (I connection you make with a person, 2) Freeze tofu in its water 1/8 teaspoon (or a small pinch) of salt in a bowl still do) to make anything we were eating. When a culture or a place through food. As before using it to cook mock and mix. Divide mixture evenly into muffin I went away to college, I really fell in love with one of my favorite people, Anthony chicken recipes. It gives it a tin, make sure the maple syrup liquid is about my new-found independence and with cooking Bourdain, said perfectly, “Food is really cool, pull-apart, spongy the same in each cup. Slightly pat down the and experimenting with food. I didn’t fall in love everything we are. It’s an extension of feel like chicken nuggies. mixture. with baking until recently, and I was fortunate nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your 3) Mise en place, taste enough to be gifted classes to the Culinary personal history, your province, your everything as you go, and trust Bake for 10-12 minutes. The maple syrup will Institute of America to get a baking certification. region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s your eyes and touch. be boiling. While still hot, sprinkle a bit of Why do you like to cook? inseparable from those from the get- Could you please share flake salt (if using) on each one. Then let cool I am very much a people pleaser and I love go.” You can learn a lot about a person a favorite kosher recipe that completely before enjoying. to see people happy. Have you ever seen a through food. isn’t terribly complicated?

Closer to home, the Jewish Observer After 18 years in Alaska, she sold her Jews and Coffee: Part 2 has shared stories of the purveyors business and moved back to Syracuse Coffee drinking originated in Italy by a Jewish of Hyman Smith Coffee and SkyTop to start a coffee roasting company. She Yemen after Ethiopians exported the merchant. England’s Coffee. This month, we add another knew of the need for high quality coffee berries of native coffee trees there first coffee house, the local Jewish coffee vendor to the mix, in Central New York, because she and and Sufi Muslims learned to roast and Angel Inn in Oxford, Freedom of Espresso. her husband had flown here every fall brew them into a hot beverage. Jewish was opened by “Jacob When Anna Dobbs started a coffee to arrange transport of 40,000 pounds of scholars appreciated the caffeine in the Jew,” a Lebanese bar in the 1990s, she named it “Federal apples to Alaska from Lafayette. the new drink, which allowed them to immigrant. There was Espresso,” but shipping company They started their coffee company with stay up late at night studying Torah. some opposition to the Federal Express heard about it and Anna’s brother David Ruston, who now Early coffee drinkers had to resolve Jewish coffee houses. Verona forbade Jews from threatened a lawsuit over copyright services coffee equipment throughout several halachic issues, including serving women in their coffeehouses. Frederic infringement. So Anna, having a good Central New York. They have enjoyed whether the new drink was a food the Great, in Germany, declared “my people must sense of humor, changed the name great success with their shops, owing to or a medicine and what blessing was drink beer” in restricting Jewish coffeehouses. to Ex-Federal Espresso. This was still their commitment to a coffee culture in appropriate to it. (It was ruled that Coffee became the preferred drink of legally problematic, so Anna changed Central New York. “Our roasting process coffee is a drink, not a medicine, and American colonists after the Boston Tea Party the name again, this time, with makes our coffee reliably consistent,” the generic shehakol blessing is the and many well-known brands of coffee were keen irony, to Freedom of Espresso. notes Anna. “We put a lot of effort into one to recite.) As most coffee was created by Jews. Joseph Martinson, a Latvian Freedom of Espresso has four locations the little things: all our plant-derived drunk in coffee houses, the question immigrant, first sold beans from a pushcart on in Central New York, one in each of milks are organic; we use local honey also arose whether Jews should drink the Lower East Side and then opened a factory in the villages of Fayetteville (where they and fair trade and organic coffee beans; coffee at non-Jewish establishments. lower Manhattan. He built a business supplying roast their coffee every other day), our decaf is Swiss water-processed. We Rabbi David ibn Abi Zimra ruled in hotels and restaurants, making deliveries in Liverpool and Camillus and a fourth are very dog-friendly and go through 1553 that Jews could drink coffee Rolls Royce trucks and eventually packaging in Franklin Square in downtown hundreds of pounds of dog treats a year.” prepared by a non-Jew, but warned Martinson’s Coffee in cans. Samuel Schonbrunn Syracuse. Freedom of Espresso is also very against patronizing coffeehouses, produced Savarin coffee, the quality brand Anna grew up in a large extended involved with the communities they are recommending that coffee be served at the Waldorf-Astoria. The Jewish owner Jewish family. She attended Temple in, supporting the local high schools and consumed at home instead. of a chain of nut stores, William Black, added Concord where her father was the Boy the Girl Scouts. “The part I love most Coffee drinking eventually reached coffee to his line and became Chock Full o’ Nuts Scout leader. Anna spent a year living about this business,” comments Anna, Europe, often brought by Jewish coffee shops. The now ubiquitous Starbucks in Hawaii before moving to Alaska “is that we build community. That’s merchants. The first European coffee chain was the creation of Howard Schultz, a to start a specialty produce business, what we set out to do and I believe we house was opened in 1632 in Livorno, Brooklyn-born Jew. originally selling Hawaiian produce. accomplished that.”

2 jewishfederationcny.org | May 2021 COMMUNITY Lions and Pomegranates Help the Community

Sometimes it takes a village to the scheduler for the Menorah Park do a mitzvah. The Lions of Judah nursing department. She is studying and Pomegranate Society members at OCC for her own nursing degree. heard that the 123 residents of A lack of funds for tuition had Valley Vista Apartments, a stalled her progress, so the Lions and subsidized housing complex for Pomegranates stepped in to assist. seniors and people with disabilities, Pomegranate Judith Huober, Director needed personal care and cleaning of Jewish Family Service, presented We’re Back! products. They decided to take on Hannah with the check to pay her Fresh, Delicious & High Quality the project and raise the funds to tuition, and Hannah is now enrolled in Meals Delivered to Dewitt meet the need. With help from some the next course she needs to complete teens, a little canine assistance, a her RN degree. Designed to Reheat Well, big truck and some strong arms, Keep 5 days Refrigerated each resident was provided a bag Weekly Seasonal Menus filled with the needed supplies and on our website, FB & email some sugar-free candy, because we all need a little sweetness. *New - Gourmet Sauces The two women’s groups also for easy home cooking! enjoyed a recent webinar featuring Suzi Reopening Date for the Restaurant- Weiss-Fischmann, who spoke about Not Yet But Soon her experiences as a businesswoman and philanthropist. Her message was world. I always tell everybody, including my kids, if HornedDorsetInn.com that “Tikun olam and tzedakah are you make a difference in one person’s life, you’ve everyday life. It’s not once a year, it’s done good.” Order by phone not twice a year. You wake and see The Lions and Pomegranates put her words (315) 855-7898 how you can make a difference in the to action in another context. Hannah Reeves is

Offering Full Restoration and Construction Services

315.454.0518 Art Diamond, owner

May 2021 | jewishfederationcny.org 3 JEWISH NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Jewish News from Around the World Moms in Israel of AI. Soffer is one of the most influential https://www.israel21c.org/new-museum- The Jerusalem Post recently reported people in Israeli tech because of her to-showcase-the-women-who-helped- that Israel has one of the highest birth positive impact on the local and global AI build-israel/ rates (3.1 children per woman) in the ecosystem. https://www.calcalistech.com/ We are family. Twins Gili and Nadav Beth MacCrindle developed world. The Israeli population ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3896570,00.html Dekel just completed the commander’s Associate Real Estate Broker has more than doubled over the past A mini diaper washing machine. course in the IDF Artillery Corps. Twins 30 years to 9.3 million, due not only to Some 258 billion used diapers are sent Ben and Tom Sorer also completed Stage ♦ Photograph ♦ List ♦ Sell large Haredi families but to increased to landfills every year. Now Israel’s Alon the course together. Ben and Tom’s Personal Experienced Service births among women who self-identify as Cohen has invented a cleaning and parents both served in the Corps. secular or traditional. storing system for reusable diapers. PIKA The Corps’ Lieutenant Ben Kitzoni Thinking about Buying or Selling Giving back to their communities. doubles as a diaper bin and can wash and awarded his sister Liel her sergeant’s Now or in the Future? Former Vogue cover model Israel’s sanitize 1-10 diapers. No pre-cleaning rank. https://www.newsrael.com/post/- Michaela Bercu helped develop the or soaking necessary. It also provides a MUJWpabDnk2WQe3rZLE app Tribu to optimize the world nutrition analysis. https://www.israel21c. Mum, look what I found. Ancient of volunteering. The App matches org/a-mini-diaper-washing-machine-for- artifacts can be discovered all over 800,000+ Israelis with hundreds of reusable-diapers/ Israel. Eleven-year-old Zvi was hiking local projects all over Israel on days Israel Women Museum. Later this with his family when he stumbled upon and hours that are convenient for each year, curator, art historian and TV a pottery figurine at Nahal Habesor in volunteer. https://www.youtube.com/ producer Yael Nitzan plans to open southern Israel. The Israel Antiquities watch?v=KAVMZP0U05c Israel’s first museum dedicated to women Authority identified it as a 2,500-year- New head of Israel’s IBM Research. in a former Haifa private school building. old amulet and awarded Zvi a certificate IBM has announced that its new Director It will showcase at least 100 women who of appreciation. https://www.israel21c. of the IBM Haifa Research Lab is Aya Soffer. played - and continue to play - important org/11-year-old-stumbles-on-ancient- 6868 East Genesee Street She also continues in her role as IBM’s VP roles in the history and culture of Israel. fertility-amulet-while-hiking-with-family/ Fayetteville, NY 13066 315-299-7794 Jewish, I do not have a claim to be a citizen Israeli High Court Decision of Israel. Many people who live outside the Land of Israel maintain they have a right to Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled in May that people who convert to Judaism publicly attack the Israeli government. In in Israel through the Reform and Conservative movements must be recognized as my opinion, it is easy to criticize from the Jews for the purpose of the Law of Return and are thus entitled to Israeli citizenship. outside. An Israeli Supreme Court decision To advertise The Times of Israel reported that “the bombshell decision, which shatters the affects its citizens. Therefore, the debate longstanding Orthodox monopoly on officially recognized conversions in Israel, was over this issue should directed to those in the the culmination of an appeal process that began more than 15 years ago, involving who have Israeli citizenship. 12 people in the country who converted to Judaism through non-Orthodox denominations. The justices specified that they had previously withheld issuing a Rabbi David Kunin, Congregation ruling to allow the State to handle the matter, but the State had failed to do so.” We Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas asked our local congregational rabbis to share their views about the ruling. The decision of the court is enormously important as a support of both democracy Rabbi Yehoshua Zehavi, Temple to perform conversions inside Israel for and religious freedom in Israel. It is Adath Yeshurun those wishing to gain citizenship. essential for Israel and the world Jewish For decades, the Reform and This is an important shift in the community that all streams of Jewish life Jewish Observerof Central New York Conservative/Masorti movements standing of these movements in Israel are welcomed and fully accepted. This is an have struggled for legal recognition and for religious pluralism more broadly. important step in that direction. in Israel, including for the rights to Most significantly, the ruling will provide perform marriages and conversions and more options to those wishing to convert Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Temple for funding. While they are the largest and will give Reform or Masorti converts Concord Jewish movements in the US, in Israel the same rights as Orthodox converts. It is The recent decision by the Supreme they are quite small, though growing. also a step away from the perspective that Court to recognize Reform and On March 1, the Israeli Supreme Court there is only one legitimate way to practice Conservative conversions in the State ruled that conversions performed in Judaism and toward an embrace of the of Israel represents a giant leap forward Call Cynthia Israel by the Reform and Conservative/ religious differences that exist within the for equality. We Jews have always argued Masorti movements must be recognized Jewish people. about the meaning of our sacred texts, at by the government for the purpose of the the commandments and every part of our 716-308-4843 aliyah (immigrating to Israel as a Jew and Rabbi Evan Shore, Shaarei Torah tradition. But for too long, the political gaining automatic citizenship). Reform Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse system in Israel allowed one view to and Conservative conversions performed In my thirty-six years in the rabbinate, override the views of others. With this new [email protected] abroad had already been accepted for I have been very careful never to write a opinion, the Supreme Court returns all of aliyah, but now, for the first time, the non- public statement about a decision made us to our heritage as one people with many Orthodox movements will have the ability by the Israeli government. Though I am views and many understandings. 4 jewishfederationcny.org | March 2021 COMMUNITY

Shabbat community dinners. Don will make Bette Siegel Dishes on vegetarian dumplings which he served at the Shavuot Is Chinese banquets (a meat version of which Mastering the Art of Cooking he cooked on the Food Network’s “Cooks the Time for versus Cons”). We will also make Steffi’s by Joanne Villegas the venture, I was asked to take over. prize-winning noodle kugel. Confirmation I said, “Sure, I would love to. After What do you see as the importance Bette Siegel, former head of all, what could be more Jewish than of food and faith? There is nothing more at Temple Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra preparing food?” intimate and more community-building Shas Sisterhood Catering, and her Sisterhood Catering cooked for than cooking and sharing food with family Concord husband Don will host a two-part congregational dinners and scholars- and friends within any faith tradition. Every Cooking & Food series, Master Dishes in-residence weekends, b’nai mitzvah family having a Passover seder understands Temple Concord celebrates from CBS-CS Catering, on May 13 and luncheons and Friday night Shabbat this, and the same is true for synagogues. the confirmation of six students June 3 as part of the CBS-CS spring dinners, rabbinic installations and Don and I felt it an honor to cook for the at Shavuot services this year. Mae fundraiser, Master Class: A Time departures, shiva meals of consolation, CBS-CS community and others and welcome Cohen, JoJo Cooper, Sasha Dailey, to Reconnect with Our World, Our conversions, brit milah, baby namings, the opportunity to bring a few of our favorite Gisele Fumarola, Noah Satterlee Community, and Ourselves. graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, offerings to the community again, even if it’s and Nathan Warren Faircy have Women’s League for Conservative only virtually. spent the past year learning with How did you get started cooking? Judaism conferences, Na’amat The CBS-CS spring fundraiser, Master Rabbi Fellman. The confirmands I started cooking as a child. One of the luncheons, Federation annual meetings Class: A Time to Reconnect with Our World, celebrated becoming bnai mitzvah first things I made was a box of Jell-O. I and lots of personal celebrations. Our Community, and Ourselves, is a five- and made a commitment to further didn’t understand the directions on the We baked and became known for our course virtual series covering the topics their Jewish education by continuing box and had to go across the street to hundreds of cookies for kiddushim. My of art/music, food/cooking, environment/ their studies at both the Epstein and my neighbor’s house for help. Needless good friend, Steffi Bergman, was at science and social justice. Registration is $36 the Temple Concord confirmation to say, I’ve come a long way since then. my side for years. Her specialties were per household per program or $180 for the class. They explored their growing How did you become involved with kugel and tuna salad. Her kugel won a whole series. For details and registration, go Jewish identity, discovered Jewish Sisterhood Catering? blue ribbon and Best of Show for Ethnic to www.cbscs.shulcloud.com/form/master- views on issues such as the We joined CBS-CS in 1985 when our Favorites at the New York State Fair. class21. pandemic, relationships, abortion, girls, Hannah and Esther, were born. Talk about the course that you will immigration and more. Each of the My mother-in-law, Vivian Siegel, z”l, be teaching for the Master Class? students will also write an essay told me that if I wanted to make friends I will be making my challah, which I for the annual Brotherhood essay in shul, I should join Sisterhood and made for all the catered functions and contest. On the afternoon before that’s exactly what I did. In those days, for which I won a blue ribbon at the Shavuot, the group will gather, Sisterhood Catering was a vibrant arm NY State Fair. I made all the challahs masked and socially-distanced, on of the synagogue and had morphed from for every Shabbat at shul, and even the front steps of the Temple for teams of workers into anybody who liked made huge challahs in the shape of the pictures and blessings and in the to cook. Carolee Smith was head of first initial of the person celebrating a evening they will lead the virtual catering. We got along splendidly, and I simcha. I will also make “shul chicken erev Shavuot service. learned a lot. After she stopped heading and potatoes,” the mainstay recipe for

Epstein School Tackles Tikkun Olam Chabad Matzah Bakery at the Oaks Rabbi Rapoport showed the residents of Issues for Its Jubilee Year the Oaks at Menorah Park the process of by Aaron Spitzer making shmurah matzah. His demonstration started with hand grinding the wheat, mixing Classes offered at the Rabbi Epstein organ donation, among others. Each the flour and the water to make the dough, School of Jewish Studies this year reflect student was responsible for creating rolling the dough into matzah and baking the school’s increased commitment to a final project that connected their the matzah for the final product. He also tikkun olam as part of its 50th anniversary tikkun olam actions to Jewish values. educated the residents on the history and the year. An elective, “How to be a Jewish Many students presented projects meaning of Passover, including the Exodus Antiracist,” was taught by Calle Schueler at Epstein’s Justice Fair, held on the of the Jews from Egypt and the importance and Mookey Van Orden. A Torah-based Tuesday following Martin Luther King, core Tikkun Olam class for 9th and 11th Jr. Day. The Justice Fair also featured of reliving these events every grade students was a highlight of the fall presentations by representatives from year. The residents greatly semester. Taught by Ora Jezer, the class RISE, Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, enjoyed learning more about investigated a number of topics through Onondaga Earth Corps, Etgar 36 and this aspect of Jewish culture the SPACE (Service, Philanthropy, Jewish Youth Climate Movement. These and loved their sample Advocacy, Community Engagement, presentations outlined volunteer and at the end. The Matzah Education) approach via a lens of Jewish summer opportunities for teens within Bakery is sponsored by the values. Topics included climate change, each organization. Jewish Federation of Central US immigration policy and refugees, New York. the Syrian refugee crisis, racial justice, May 2021 | jewishfederationcny.org 5 COMMUNITY

checks upon arrival, social JCC Pools to Open May 29 distancing, cleaning of chairs/equipment between After a late start last year and the reduced capacity, and reservations will reservations and wearing addition of new health and safety be required. Again, this summer the JCC a mask/cloth face covering protocols because of the coronavirus will take pool reservations in 2-hour time when not in the water. pandemic, the Sam Pomeranz Jewish slots to avoid overcrowding. Reservations Once again this year, Community Center is looking forward may be made online or by calling the the JCC will offer group to safely opening its two outdoor JCC during business hours. Walk-ins will swimming lessons for heated pools on time this year. be accepted if space is available. Should children and semi-private The JCC’s pools will open on Saturday, health and safety guidelines be relaxed and private lessons for both JCC’s large outdoor heated pool. The JCC also has a small, May 29 at 10 am. Learn-to-swim swimming after the pool opens, the JCC will adjust its children and adults seven shallow heated pool (located between the large pool and lessons will begin shortly afterward and protocols accordingly. days a week. Taught by Red the building) which is ideal for small children who are non- swimmers. The JCC’s pools open Saturday, May 29 at 10 am. continue through late August. The group Other pool safety protocols in place Cross certified instructors, swimming lessons schedule will be in the again this year will include temperature swimmers of all skill levels JCC Pool Guide, slated to be published by are welcome. Infants as offer its Aqua Fitness class this summer. This fun group early May. The pools will remain open young as six months old, exercise class is set to music and designed to improve through Labor Day. older children and adults overall cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. All ages are The JCC has two outdoor heated pools. can get started on learning welcome. The class is free for JCC Fitness members and The small pool is shallow and ideal for to swim. There are also $10 per drop-in for non-fitness members. Look for details small children who are non-swimmers. lessons geared toward on class times to be announced shortly. The large pool features both shallow and advanced swimmers. JCC The JCC of Syracuse pools are a members-only benefit deep ends and a designated diving area membership is not required featuring open free-swim and lap-swim times. Please and lap swim section. to take swimming lessons, remember to bring your membership card to the pool Like last year, the JCC’s top priority will however members receive a and check-in at the lifeguard desk upon entering the be to safely open the pools with proper Certified swimming instructor Alex Feliu (right) discount. pool area. protocols in place due to the coronavirus gives a swim lesson to JCC school-age camper The JCC’s Neulander For more information, and to make a Evelyn Kinder last summer. The JCC offers swim pandemic. Based on current health lessons for both children and adults. Discount Family Sports & Fitness pool reservation, visit www.jccsyr.org or call regulations, the pools will open with for JCC members. Center is scheduled to again 315-445-2360.

more specialty camps and activities back. JCC Plans Summer Camp Again, our goal is to remain as safe Giving Generously By Amy Bisnett, Associate Director of Children’s Programming. as possible while offering a top-of-the- line camp experience. This past year The past year has been we have learned a lot and are excited the most trying and difficult for summer to begin. Word must have year for most young school- gotten out about how successful Camp age children. They have had Romano was last year as enrollment for to adapt and learn how to this summer is breaking records. We attend school virtually, how have more specialty camps full or close to stay connected with peers to filling up with waitlists. Some of this and how to wear masks. is due to more campers registering, and The children have had to some is due to the limit on group size learn new vocabulary like that the Onondaga County Department Dr. Peter and Wendy Blanck made “quarantine,” “isolation” of Health still has in place due to COVID. an extremely generous donation to and “social distancing” -- foster and develop social emotional skills but to Another positive for the JCC is that the JCC’s Jerome and Phyllis Charney things that shouldn’t even help with regulating their feelings. staff are eligible to be vaccinated. The Early Childhood Development Program come across children’s Last year, the JCC’s Camp Romano was open JCC houses two state- licensed children in honor of the birth of their first minds at that age. for seven wonderful weeks. We worked diligently programs that allows for all staff to get granddaughter, Isabella Blanck. JCC During all of this, the Sam with the Onondaga Department of Health, the immunizations. “The JCC knows how Executive Director Marci Erlebacher gave Pomeranz Jewish Community CDC and state licensors to come up with not only important it is for our staff to be fully an elbow tap to Dr. Blanck in front of the Center has tried to remain a required plan and protocol but what could be the immunized to help protect themselves ECDP donor recognition plaques. a needed constant in the best practice in keeping everyone safe and healthy. and the children and members of our children’s lives. We know the A lot of work went into the planning and training facility. We are excited and encouraged importance of recreational to be able to implement a program during the times as all JCC staff are or will be fully programming for school- age of COVID, but once it began to see the children vaccinated,” says Marci Erlebacher, JCC children. The children need it happy and laughing made all the hard work so Executive Director. not only so parents can attend worthwhile. We had a successful summer camp and The pandemic might have disrupted work but for their social and pool season, maybe not for the bottom line of our many plans, but the JCC has adapted and emotional wellbeing. Children agency but for the wellbeing of children and staff. enhanced what they can offer. It is now need to be able to interact, Planning for 2021 Camp Romano began almost more important than ever that we come play and engage with others immediately after the camp season ended last together and keep the wellbeing of all at their own age, not only to help year. There were plans in place to bring even the forefront of the JCC. 6 jewishfederationcny.org | May 2021 COMMUNITY More Than Just A Choir: Temple Concord’s Kenesset Shalom Singers by Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash monthly choral Shabbat services and special events. We learn about The Kenesset Shalom Singers (KSS) is composers, Jewish music history, texts Temple Concord’s thirty-one-member and liturgy. All of these things come adult volunteer choir, but it is also a together to build a moving Shabbat chavurah where we study liturgical texts service experience for the singers and together, a special interest group where the congregation. Sometimes the choir we explore and sing Jewish music and sings complicated compositions where a community where we share our joys the congregation is meant to be a and sorrows. participatory listener. Most of the time, Jews have always been a musical the choir facilitates congregational people. Our texts show how important singing, bolstering the worshipers to fill music was to us from our very beginnings. the sanctuary with song. We experience the joy of crossing the The isolation of the pandemic has Sea of Reeds by singing the Song of the presented KSS with real challenges. Sea with Moses and Miriam. The Psalms We miss being with each other for the are an expression of longing, celebration fellowship and the music. It is a joy to and reverence for God in song. This harmonize and join our voices together. connection to music has remained Yet we have managed to find ways to important to us and been an outlet of find joy in singing with each other. We creativity throughout our history. have had periodic sing-a-longs where Synagogue choirs have a deep, rich choir members pick the repertoire and history as well. The tradition of using gather to schmooze and sing. And this vocal ensemble can be traced back to year, for Shabbat Shirah, the choir led the the 3rd century C.E., when the shaliach music of the Shabbat service by choosing A Tradition of Beautiful Smiles since 1982 tzibur or service leader was assisted their favorite prayer and leading the by other singers. This developed into Zoom congregation in song. The the meshorerim system in Ashkenazi congregation absolutely loved hearing Orthodontics for Children and Adults tradition. Meshorerim generally consisted them and singing with them. It was a Teen and Adult Invisalign® Reduced Treatment Times • Sleep Apnea of a high soprano, usually a boy, but joyous Shabbat. Reduced-radiation X-Rays • Certifi ed Orthodontic Assistants sometimes a trained falsetto singer, and We know that the time of social Early Morning Appointments a bass who would sing with the cantor, distancing will eventually be behind Major Credit Cards Accepted • Payment Plans Available supporting him and providing dramatic us, hopefully soon. We look forward contrast. to again making music together in the

From there choral music expanded, same sacred space. Until then, we’ll keep Beautiful Smiles, Less Time spreading the trends of the Western singing together, even if it is through FREE European Jewish community’s more the screens as we go from strength Consultation and Exam classically-oriented style of choir to strength. www.bracesandmore.com | 315.446.3360 | 7000 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville and organ east to the larger Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. As traditions have been built and trends have come and gone, we have never stopped loving singing together. Something special happens to us when we sing together. Choral singing provides numerous benefits to the participants, from lowering heart rates to reducing feelings of isolation, improving mood and self-esteem, alleviating feelings of stress and depression, boosting endorphin levels, improving lung capacity and, most of all, providing a sense of belonging. In normal times the members of KSS meet regularly to rehearse and prepare

May 2021 | jewishfederationcny.org 7 MOTHER’S DAY

Scheer, the mother of three girls. All Kinds of Moms “Being a mom of four girls has made me feel like my role modeling We know, however, that is of the utmost importance,” stereotypes exist for a reason. notes Phyllis Zames. “I am the The JO asked some local Moms of woman that my children have the Boys to weigh in on the subject. most experience with, and I want We found that there was some to show them all of the powers truth to the categorizations. “I that women have: our voices, our knew the names of all the Star bodies, our minds, our goals. The Wars characters,” commented women I choose as my friends Pamela Wells, mother to two have influenced who my daughters sons. “But ask me a question sentimental expressions of unconditional love choose as their friends: kind, about ‘Frozen’ or the Disney and lifelong friendship. Researching the term thoughtful, caring girls and young princesses, and I didn’t know “girl mom” turns up words like “beauty,” “special,” women. Having all daughters has a thing.” Leah Goldberg, the “perfection,” “connection” and “forever.” The made me consider my role as a youngest of three girls, now stereotypes are alive and well in the mother/ woman in this world so that I provide the mother of four boys, says, daughter relationship also. There may be truth an example my daughters will want “I’m learning as I go. It’s fun. to the statement that “A son is a son ‘til he to live up to.” And, she adds, “I love “The Battle Hymn of the Boy Mom” is Boys can be extremely kind, gets a wife, but a daughter is a daughter all her buying matching jammies for all of the title of an article by Hazel Cills, a pop sensitive and compassionate life.” “My daughters are my world,” says Sondra us to wear together.” culture reporter. She defines “boy moms” as in a different way.” And, she Goldberg, mother of three grown daughters. “an unspoken subculture of women dealing points out, “I’m the queen of “The support system my three daughters and with raising the opposite sex.” At a time the castle!” I have built, one based on love, empathy, and when gender is increasingly viewed as fluid strength, proudly carries us through the trials, and nonbinary, it is surprising to see the For mothers of girls, the tribulations and joys of life.” “Being the mother of mommy blogosphere adopt the “boy mom” situation is different. If you shop daughters means experiencing the joy of raising terminology, adhering to stereotypical ideas for a greeting card for a daughter three strong, determined, creative, funny, smart, of gender. or niece, you find that most are compassionate women,” says Abby Kasowitz

Why My Mom Is Special Olivia Sykes (5th Grade): by Students from the Temple Concord Religious School My mom is special because she will always be proud about everything I do. My mom Is Annelise Haas (Kindergarten): takes good care of my also special because she is always nice to me. My mom helps me do my homework. family she helps us if we get hurt and she is very nice to her Aaron Hendricks (5th Grade): Peytin Williams (1st Grade): pashints she also loves me so much. My mom is really nice and a good mom. Also, Sadye Gitner (7th Grade): Me and my mom are best buddies. my mom is kind to people she works with and My mom is special because she always Henry Sykes (3rd Grade): to me, Ian and Kira. tries to find fun things to do with me, Lizzie Fellman (1st Grade): My mom is special because she whether it’s getting food from Panera I like being a pal to my mom. always helps me when I can’t do Charlotte (6th Grade) or just watching movies with me. She stuff on my own. For example, when and Nate (4th Grade) Pinsky: always knows how to have fun. Tanella Haas (2nd grade): I need help getting on to Sunday Our Mom pumps us up every day, comforts us My mommy is special because she reads School and the link isn’t working, when we need it, and just makes growing up Emma Waldman (7th Grade): to me at night and takes care of me. She she will help me get on it with a make sense no matter what is going on in her My mom is special because she is very gives me food and does my hair. She smile. MY MOM IS AWESOME! life, her job, or the world. She fills our house nice and funny. She likes to cook and helps me with my homework. and our lives with love, singing, support, play games. She likes to watch me play Asher Choseed (4th Grade): dedication, kindness, generosity and loud softball and likes to watch basketball Zippy Lacirignola (2nd Grade): My mom is awesome because she screams for Michigan (Go Blue!). and football. My mom is special because she talks to is cool. me when I am sad and reads me books. Makayla Seidman (6th Grade): Ari Eglash (8th Grade): Jacob Lacirignola (5th Grade): My mom is special because she always My mom and I do a lot of different things Linnea Blackburn (2nd Grade): My mom is special because she supports everything I do, and I love her for together. My mom is special because she gives me does whatever she can to make us that. hugs and support. She helps me calm comfortable and gives really, really Sasha Dailey (10th Grade): down when I am mad. My mom drives good hugs. Ian Hendricks (6th Grade): My mom is the strongest person I know me all over. My mommy takes care of me. My mom is special because she is a doctor. and gives me the best advice. Charlotte Waldman (5th Grade): She helps other moms and also babies, and Kira Hendricks (3rd Grade): My mom is special because she is helps them be born. She also sings to us every Hali Seidberg (11th Grade): My mom My mom is special because she is a able to handle my sister, my dogs, night to help us sleep, and she is funny, and I works hard to make sure everyone doctor and she’s very very very nice she my dad, and me. love her so much. around her is happy and healthy. 8 jewishfederationcny.org | May 2021 MOTHER’S DAY

adoration and deep love. They are clever The Trials and Tribulations of being an MOB and amusing in their charm. Even when one knows they’re being played, one can by Anick Sinclair still enjoy the game. Boys are direct, rarely Sophocles said, “Sons are the anchors sulking, and it’s always clear how to make of a mother’s life.” My motto would them happy. be “anchors aweigh!” My husband and It occurred to me early on that I would I have three teen boys. No daughters be their only female role-model at home. grace our home. I was lucky that I’d They would never feel that protectiveness always wanted boys and that’s what I boys often feel towards a sister. And so I got. In fact, I recall coming home with my took this subject very seriously. It has been third child, and a friend, upon hearing my job to explain about and detangle the I’d scored a hattrick, rearranged her mystery of girls. I say girls are equal to features to convey commiseration. “I’m them but different from them. Words and sorry,” she said. I was so shocked that body language must differ. Certain subjects she would pity a healthy baby simply might cause embarrassment. Respect the because of gender. She was struck off my individual at all times, and you might like friendship list in a nanosecond. to open her car door or pull out her chair I should underline that being a MOB slipped a sheath of cardboard under it to without my knowledge. Imagine my shock one day. Their impression of WOMAN is (mother of boys) is an experience, not merely rescue the situation. But the twittering when the men in blue came knocking at based on me, and that’s a big responsibility a description. A boys’ mum is welcomed behind corners convinced me not to. Three my door with their fingers poised on speed- for all MOBs. One day they will search for by name at Urgent Care: “Another broken meals were eaten around that glass with no dial to social services. Windows have been a partner based on me as their prototype or sprained finger/ankle/wrist/tooth, Mrs. mention by anyone of its purpose. It is an smashed, chairs cracked, carpets stained. (or maybe the exact opposite!) and their Sinclair?” “Yes, you guessed it!” The blasé MOB’s job to vex the kids every so often, as The list goes on. Everything, and I mean experiences of me; hence my constant work attitude in our home to a cast or splint is they vex me. That’s part of the fun. everything, becomes a contact-sport. Dares on self-respect, kindness and patience. I quite worrying actually, but there is always Buckets of water have been balanced have included drinking glasses of vinegar, want them to be gentle but strong, someone hanging off the roof or a tree or a atop doors to splash onto a sibling just smashing eggs on heads, using our beloved nurturing but responsible and to become slide or an older brother. How about stitched before he leaves for a social. Watermelon dog as a rugby ball and cutting hair with upstanding members of the community in foreheads from soccer cleats and lacerated football results in a sticky mess I’d rather garden shears - all to avoid the dreaded the future. And that’s down to me (and their lips from playing baseball in the pool? not go into. Fear-Pong (a derivative of the feeling of not being the most red-blooded father, of course), the ultimate undertaking Duels with hockey sticks while, I’m pretty college game beer-pong but using apple in the house. Competition is rife. of the MOB. sure, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony pounds juice) usually results in syrupy catastrophe Decibel levels are a constant challenge Conversely, they have made me into the in their heads as the musical backdrop. in my kitchen and near pneumonia, as one in my home as high energy and person I am today too. A sense of humor is Why? Who knows? Maybe because they of them is inevitably dared to run around mischievousness are the norm and my paramount. Take most things with a pinch loved super-hero costumes as little kids, the pool shirtless and barefoot in three MOB patience and good-humor are directly of salt, be tender, forgiving, be proud of they believe they are invincible. They excel feet of snow. Yes, really. They hide the TV affected by this. Every day I promise myself them and love them hard. at scaring the living daylights out of me remote control from each other to ascertain I’ll be more patient. I can tell you that I do sometimes wonder if I would have quite often. In the debate of nature vs monopoly of Netflix choices. It is often surviving COVID lockdown in this constant made a good mother to girls. I doubt it. I’m nurture, nature has certainly ensured that found by me in the bottom of my handbag hive of machismo has certainly tested my a strong believer that God only sends you my boys have testosterone in spades. half way round Wegmans. patience daily, nay, hourly. what you can handle. I don’t think I could There are pranks being designed and Heads have been stuck in bannisters, Having said all of this, a strong charm have handled girls. I’m not sure that I’m executed in abundance. I remember walking causing the fire brigade to remove the offensive is also popular with them, and robust enough. It takes a specific brand of into my kitchen and seeing an upside-down entire banister, not only the head. Faces their most endearing quality. A stroke of my mothering to be an MOB. Despite bracing glass filled with water; in other words, to have been drawn on with indelible markers, hair, a bear hug, a flower from the garden, a myself daily for craziness, I wouldn’t know lift the glass would mean spillage. So I left during peaceful slumber. Police have been “you look like a princess, mum” are all aids how to be anything else. I wouldn’t want to it, even though we all know I could have called because of a ping-pong quarrel, in keeping them within my folds of utter be anything else.

I am ready to help 119 W. Seneca Street with your Real Estate needs Manlius, NY 13104 Stay Well, Stay Safe Always Fresh, LAURIE KUSHNER Always Organic Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

www.skytopcoffee.com 315-420-2668 CERTIFIED ORGANIC realestatebylauriekushner.com Specialty Coffee

May 2021 | jewishfederationcny.org 9 PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

» Book Review You May Want Send for Me by Lauren Fox to Marry My Husband Author Reviewed by Jackie Miron flashbacks, letters and the present. Fox’s Annelise is a dreamer, imagining her style is sad and poignant, but still funny at Temple future while working at her parents’ and witty. The prose is beautiful, describing bakery in Germany, just before World the challenges of leaving friends and family Concord’s War II. There are rumors that anti-Jewish behind with the war looming in Europe. sentiment is on the rise, but Annelise However, the focus of the book is on the Goldenberg and her parents can’t believe it will love, devotion, obligation and intricacies affect them. But as Annelise marries and developed among the four generations Series has a daughter, things change. A brick of women. by Chana Meir is thrown through her window; a friend While some might find the skipping cuts ties; customers stop patronizing confusing, it allows readers to see the depth “You May Want to Marry My SO CAN YOU. the bakery. Annelise and her husband and bonds at different times and places with Husband” is the title of an essay are given the opportunity to go to ease. Moving back and forth in time is a published by The New York Times in America, but they must do so without common way to tell stories and this one is 2017 as part of its Modern Love series. her parents. Two generations later, in loosely based on Lauren Fox’s own family, so While the title was provocative, the a small Midwestern city, Annelise’s it is a wonderful account based real events. intent was serious: the essay’s author, granddaughter, Clare, stumbles upon a Many mother/daughter relationships are writer and filmmaker, Amy Krouse packet of her grandmother’s letters from difficult and rife with emotional outbreaks Rosenthal, was in the last stage of Germany and begins to see the history of and quick judgments, but in Send for Me, Fox ovarian cancer and wanted to send her her family in a new light. focuses on the love, truths and the cost of beloved husband the message that he Send for Me, Lauren Fox’s fourth freedom to all generations. Everyone gives, should continue to embrace life once novel, is an exploration of mother/ everyone sacrifices for the sake of the family, she was gone. She died ten days later. daughter relationships across multiple and the multiple perspectives enrich the The essay, written like a personal ad, generations. The story is told in experience for the reader. Perhaps the hardest was viewed by five million readers. thing to experience is the desperation felt by In Jason Rosenthal’s memoir, also those left behind while the next generations titled You May Want To Marry My are immersed in a new life. So many well- Husband, Amy’s husband recounts his intentioned reunions never materialized for experiences before, during and after family members who were separated by wars. his wife’s illness. Rosenthal will be All the characters encounter unexpected the next speaker in Temple Concord’s difficulties with new lives changed by Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series moving, war and the need to earn a living. at 3:30 pm on Sunday, May 30. You will hear first from Julius and Klara, the Despite the tragedy at its core, oldest of the generations, and be mesmerized Rosenthal’s story is one of gratitude to DR WILLIAM TUCKER by the story of Annelise, Ruthie and Clare, his wife and children, their extended woven in a moving tapestry of richly-written family and friends, and even strangers DRY EYE SPECIALIST prose. The stories are moving and intimate. It who showed unexpected kindness. NEW PATIENTS WELCOME • FREE PARKING is hard not to find the question, “What would He insists that “people are good,”

NORTHEAST MEDICAL CENTER you do?” entering your mind. and writes, “I know I’ve made this SUITE 207 The ending may surprise (and perhaps, marriage and this family sound like a 4000 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE 315.637.1010 FAYETTEVILLE, NY 13066 for a few, disappoint). Some will feel there fantasy. Well, guess what – they pretty is not enough closure; others may find it much were.” abrupt. But the story in its entirety is deeply Rosenthal published a follow-up affecting and an experience you should essay, “My Wife Said You May Want not miss. to Marry Me,” in The Times. In it he reflected that “Amy continues to open doors for me…to send me off into the Send Mazel Tov wishes or a world to make the most of it.” He has established a non-profit foundation Condolence & Memorial Announcement in her name, which provides funding for ovarian cancer research and child $36 for up to 70 words. • $54 with added photo. literacy, and gave a TED talk about his CONTACT: experiences. He now frequently speaks Cindy Oppenheimer about dealing with loss and grief. at 716-308-4843 To access the Zoom link to [email protected] Rosenthal’s talk, visit the calendar at www.templeconcord.org and click on the event. Jewish Observerof Central New York

10 jewishfederationcny.org | May 2021 PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

not sure when to show itself, how to show through family photo albums, which itself, where to show itself. There was no prompted my future father-in-law to Sitting Shivah for Ruth prescription. I felt compelled to move on drive us to his old neighborhood to see his even though I hadn’t moved forward. childhood apartment. I met mishpachah by Sarah Cumbie Reckess Thanksgiving arrived and my Jewish upon mishpachah, people who were boyfriend, Dave, and I gathered our “fourth cousins, or friends who were like [This story appears in Choosing Judaism: families together to celebrate. At dinner, family, or friends from the Israeli Army, 36 Stories by Bradley Cook and Diana to my extreme surprise, Dave proposed. or maybe we are related but now we can’t Phillips and is reproduced here with There was much celebration in the room, remember.” None of the actual connections permission of the publisher.] our mothers hugging and crying together. mattered. I was marrying Dave, and so I was My grandmother Ruth passed away in Dave’s mother introduced my parents to mishpachah. People hugged me and loved 2005. She had been baptized as a Christian the Yiddish word mishpachah— family— as me and still found moments to congratulate after her fourth pregnancy threatened in “now you’re mishpachah and we take us on our engagement. There was no test her life and the life of my unborn uncle. care of each other.” I practiced the word and I wasn’t asked to prove myself; my lack She swore if she and the baby survived, over and over in my head. A week later of knowledge around Israel, or Judaism, or she would convert to my grandfather’s tragedy struck. Dave’s aunt Miriam, who shivah meant little to them. They were just Protestantism, and when both of them lived in Israel, passed away suddenly. I happy I had made the journey to celebrate lived, she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior boarded a plane to Tel Aviv with Dave, Miriam’s life and wanted to participate in and never looked back. She embraced her his parents and brother and flew halfway the shivah. We cried and we laughed and new religion: serving food in the Church around the world to sit shivah, a word I we said her name. Sometimes I slipped and kitchen, babysitting the children on Sunday knew but barely understood. We arrived to said “Ruth” instead. mornings and attending vacation Bible an extended family engulfed in grief. My On the plane home, I reflected on camp as a counselor once my grandfather future in-laws leapt into action, arranging the contrast between the seven days of retired. I always loved that her name had the funeral service, shivah details, and mourning for Miriam and my grandmother’s foretold her conversion and life story. pastor didn’t make the connection between borrowing siddurim (prayer books) so that funeral— the fullness of mishpachah versus My grandmother had suffered a stroke her life and the biblical Ruth. He shouted we could lead prayers nightly. Dave coached the emptiness of the pastor’s words. Sitting in her sleep and most of us were in shock at me from the pulpit, asking over and me on the unfamiliar words in Mourner’s shivah had allowed me the space to mourn that she was gone. My grandfather, recently over, if I was called, could I say that I was Kaddish, the prayer for those in mourning. for my own grandparents. A small idea diagnosed with a fast-moving cancer, could a Christian? I left the funeral angry that I watched and listened and learned. was forming in my head— I was going to hardly believe that he had outlived her. His my grandmother had been slighted and the I had met Miriam once, but here I was convert. I started my Judaic and Hebrew body shriveled into itself, his eyes hollow pastor was more focused on increasing the comforting her children, her beloved studies a few months later, and in 2008, and unable to focus on us. I had never number of believers rather than celebrating husband, her grandchildren. It was seven months pregnant with my first child, seen grief like that. My parents, uncles, her life. overwhelming, the love and grief and I submerged myself in the mikvah (ritual aunts and cousins gathered in the church Six months later my grandfather passed history of this family I was joining. I locked bath.) I converted for myself and also for my for the funeral, but we weren’t part of and again we gathered in the church myself in the tiny apartment bathroom grandparents. Although I didn’t change my the funeral preparation. I met the pastor to grieve. The sermon was the same. A and cried— for the jetlag that was keeping name when I converted, I carry the story of five minutes before the service started. He hollowness developed in my gut where me awake every night, but also for the the biblical Ruth with me as my namesake had known my grandparents for 35 years; the love for my grandparents had been. unfairness. Dave and I had celebrated our and as representative of my family history. I felt confident that the funeral would This funeral was no way to honor my engagement for one week, and now it My grandparents would have loved this reflect Ruth’s life and her call to ministry grandparents, both born into abject poverty was over. mishpachah. and service. in the South, who eloped and lived all over Eventually Mourner’s Kaddish became Sarah Cumbie Reckess lives in Central The pastor only mentioned my the world, experiencing grand adventures familiar even if I tripped on the words. New York with the wonderful Dave, her two grandmother’s name twice during the and a grander love story. Instead, we buried I sat on the couch with Uncle Moshe, awesome kids and various dogs, cats, sheep entire service. He said less about her actual them under a moss-covered live oak tree holding his hand and listening to stories and chickens. She and Dave are membership life, but asked us multiple times if we had on the side of a highway and returned to that made little sense because the details vice-presidents of Congregation Beth Sholom- accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts. The our daily lives. My grief stumbled along, were so jumbled by his sorrow. I flipped Chevra Shas.

KOSHER  Gourmet meals in our dining MARKET May is all about you, Mom room Lipman‘for over 70 years Kids grown and out of the house?  Cooking demos, exercise has all of your Check. classes, discussions and more House sold?  Wi-Fi and 24-hour security Koshe Check. Meats & Groceries  Attentive, dedicated staff Ready to start your next chapter? • Brisket  Beautiful remodeled 1 and 2 The Oaks off ers all of the comforts of • Veal home and so much more! BR units • Roasts  Landscaped grounds and Take a tour today! Move Mom in May! walking paths • Chicken No entrance fee to pay!  Convenient DeWitt location 1482 Monroe Avenue • Rochester (Special pricing available) 585-271-7886 Delivery at Temple Adath Yeshurun • May 5TH 18 Arbor Lane, Syracuse, NY 13214 • www.MenorahParkofCNY.com • (315) 449-3309, ext. 103

May 2021 | jewishfederationcny.org 11 EZKERA / REMEMBERING

SANFORD V. STERNLICHT 1998, 1999; he was Leverhulme HERBERT ANNETTE March 20, 2021 Foundation Visiting Professor of “HECKY” ALPERT (ROSILIO) English at the University of York, March 25, 2021 ROTHMAN Sanford V. Sternlicht, 89, of England, 1965–66, and Senior BIRNBAUM Syracuse, died March 20, at the Fulbright Professor of English at Herbert “Hecky” March 16, 2021 Jewish Home of Central New the University of Pecs, Hungary, Alpert, 94, died York. Born in New York City 2004; he received National Thursday evening at Annette (Rosilio) to immigrant parents, Sanford Endowment for the Humanities his home surrounded Rothman Birnbaum, obtained a BS from SUNY Oswego, an MA Grants for lecturing in Sydney, Australia, by his loving family. Born on April 1, 1926 formerly of Syracuse, NY, died March 16 from Colgate University and a PhD from and in Islamabad, Pakistan; and in 1994 to Joseph and Ida Alpert he was a life in Baltimore, MD. She was 94. Annette Syracuse University. the British Council awarded him a Research resident of Syracuse. was predeceased by two loving husbands, From 1959 to 1985, he taught in the and Travel Grant for Northern Ireland. The Alpert family was one of the original Norman Rothman in 1965 and Armin Oswego English Department, becoming Sanford also had a U.S. Navy career, founding families of Congregation Beth Birnbaum in 2003, as well as her brother Professor of English, and then Chairperson including active duty as a naval line Sholom Chevra Shas in 1962. Hecky was Morris and sisters Aimee and Hortense. of the Theater Department. After officer, 1955–59, then reserve duty at the honored to serve as the first President of Annette was born and raised in transferring to Syracuse University, he Naval Reserve Station in Oswego, New the congregation. His life was dedicated to Marrakech, Morocco. She was the eldest taught in the English Department, retiring York, 1959–79. He had two commands: his family, and the growth and success of of seven surviving children born to Solika as Emeritus Professor of English in 2011. USNR Recruit Training Division 3–25, the congregation. and Yehoshua Rosilio of blessed memory. He was the author of 35 books on Oswego, and USNR Surface Division 3–86, A supporter of Jewish life, traditions She met her first husband Norman while literature, drama, naval history and poetry. Oswego. Commander Sternlicht was the and organizations throughout his life, he was stationed in Ben Guerir serving He directed plays for several upstate last divisional commanding officer at the Hecky was the well-respected author of in the United States Air Force. Annette regional companies, including the Talent Oswego Naval Station. Louis Marshall 1856-1929. Hecky earned subsequently lived on military bases in Company, Salt City Playhouse, Glen Loch He is survived by his life companion, his degree in accounting from Syracuse Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Japan Dinner Theatre, the Oswego Summer Mary Beth Hinton; son Daniel (Linette); University and began his accounting career during Norman’s service, where the family Theater, Classic Theatre Productions and and granddaughters Rachel, Elizabeth, and in 1953 when he joined the firm of Levine was very involved in each local Jewish others. Jacqueline. His son David predeceased him and Leffert. He was certified as a public community and active in outreach for For many years he was a delegated in 2014. accountant in 1971, the same year he Jewish service members. Annette settled Lecturer in the Humanities for the New Private graveside services and burial took became a partner in Levine and Leffert. in Norman’s hometown of Syracuse York Council for the Humanities, giving place in Oakwood Cemetery. Contributions When he retired, he was the senior partner following his untimely passing. She later lectures on literature around the state. may be made to the Syracuse Jewish Family of Alpert, Stearns, Daley and LaCombe of married Armin, who helped raise her four Among his honors, he undertook three Service, 4101 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse, Fayetteville, NY children as his own. national lecture tours for the English NY 13214. He proudly served in the US Army during Annette first utilized her exquisite Speaking Union of North America, 1997, Birnbaumfuneralserviceinc.com the Korean War and received a meritorious sewing skills working as a seamstress, commendation as an educational specialist. but soon employed her fluency in French His family includes his wife Ettarae as a typist for Onondaga Community JILL ANDREA BAILES of more than 66 years; their children College’s Foreign Languages Department, March 12, 2021 Mark, Susan (Dr. James) Litynski, Carol a position she held for 22 years. She (Greg) Dyson and Robert (Amanda) and found joy in retirement caring for her Jill Andrea Bailes, born on December 17, 1953, died on March 12 at Van Duyn. Jill grandchildren Aleksander, Gillian (Harry), granddaughter and cooking incredible grew up in Dewitt, moved to Florida and returned to the Syracuse area in 1989. A Sara, Jacqueline and Hannah. Shabbat and holiday meals for her family. 1972 graduate of Jamesville-Dewitt High School, she attended Syracuse University. Jill Graveside services in the Beth Sholom Her final years were spent in Baltimore was predeceased by her parents, Allen and Betty Bailes. Jill was an artistic soul with a section of Oakwood Cemetery were for where her daughter and grandchildren beautiful voice and a talent for painting, needlework and poetry. She loved all creatures the immediate family. Contributions in his visited regularly and she was blessed to great and small. Her voice will be missed. Graveside services and burial were in Adath memory may be made to Congregation know so many of her great-grandchildren. Yeshurun Cemetery. Beth Sholom Chevra Shas. Annette is survived by her son Mayer www.sisskindfuneralservice.com www.sisskindfuneralservice.com Rothman of Syracuse; three daughters, Rachel Rothman of Cicero, Debra (Allan) Kessler of Baltimore, MD, and Ruth (Jeffrey) Rothman of Thornhill, ON; one For over 87 years we continue to provide outstanding personal service. sister, Rina Kadoch of Bat Yam, Israel; Pre-planning and Monument Consultations two brothers, Eli (Tziona) Rosilio and Daniel (Devorah) Rosilio of Bat Yam, Israel; 13 beloved grandchildren; and 37 (yes, 37!) precious great-grandchildren. Graveside services in Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse’s section of Oakwood Cemetery were for the immediate family. Donations may be sent to Sterling Care Assisted Living funeral service, inc. at 3617 Seven Mile Lane, Baltimore, MD 21208. Martin J. & Elaine R. Birnbaum Joel M. Friedman www.sisskindfuneralservice.com 1909 East Fayette Street • Syracuse, New York 13210 • 315-472-5291 • [email protected] • birnbaumfuneralserviceinc.com

12 jewishfederationcny.org | May 2021 EZKERA / REMEMBERING

JACK SCHULTZ ELLEN March 25, 2021 ROTHSCHILD March 9, 2021 Jack Schultz, Sisskind 93, died on Ellen Rothschild, March 25, 2021 at 94, passed Funeral Service LLC Crouse Hospital. peacefully at home Born on October on March 9 with her Steven L. Sisskind 26, 1927 in Brooklyn to Samuel and family by her side. The youngest of Rose Schultz, he had been a resident Samuel and Fannie (Spevak) Roth’s four of Syracuse since 1958. children, she was born on February 5, Entrusting a most sensitive time Jack attended Erasmus HS 1927 in Syracuse and lived most of her into compassionate hands in Brooklyn, graduated from life in the area. Newtown HS in Queens, earned his A graduate of Nottingham High undergraduate degree from Syracuse School and Syracuse University, Ellen University and his law degree from was a proud life-long member of Amit • Monument Consultation SU as well. He was a proud brother of Women, Temple Adath Yeshurun and AEP fraternity. He was a practicing the Temple Sisterhood. A role model for • Pre-arrangements attorney in Syracuse for more than her children and grandchildren, Ellen 60 years. was very down to earth, with a keen Jack served as a Town of DeWitt sense of humor, and moved with grace judge from 1974 to 2009. He was a throughout her life. Loved by her many well-respected judge known for his nieces, nephews and relatives of all 3175 E. Genesee Street honesty, fairness and compassion. generations, she became the matriarch Syracuse, NY 13224 The town of DeWitt honored Jack by and family historian. 315-446-4848 naming the courtroom after him. Ellen was predeceased by Sidney [email protected] He proudly served in the US Army Israel Rothschild, her beloved husband www.sisskindfuneralservice.com from 1946-1947. He trained at Ft. of 61 years, and their oldest son, Joel Knox and was stationed in Ft. Lewis Seth Rothschild. Her family includes where he was a Morse code radio her children Phil (Nancy), Mark (Naomi operator. Lokoff), and Tina (Michelle Miller) and He was a great member of Dewitt her grandchildren Seth (Hayley), Ethan, Rotary and supported the efforts of Ariana, Aidan, Jeremy and Adam. Rotary to give back to the community. The family would like to extend their His “Mickey Mouse” pancakes were gratitude to Hospice of CNY for all of legendary. He was also a member of their assistance. Graveside services for E Temple Adath Yeshurun, Onondaga the immediate family were at Frumah Post 131 of the Jewish War Veterans, Packard Cemetery. Donations may be a past President of the Onondaga made to a charity of your choice. County Magistrates Association www.sisskindfuneralservice.com ARE and the bar associations of NYS and Onondaga County. Jack was an ardent fan of SU sports dating back to the days of Archibald IRI and Manley. He also was a fan of the Chiefs. His family includes his wife Sybil EXPERIENCED ADVERTISING SALES of more than 54 years, their sons EXECUTIVES WANTED David, Seth (Angie) and Eric (Sean) and grandchildren Laiken, Maddie and Sam. The Jewish Observer is growing. We’ve gone Contributions in Jack’s memory monthly, full-color, and FABULOUS! may be made to Temple Adath Yeshurun or DeWitt Rotary. The ideal candidates: www.sisskindfuneralservice.com • Know and love the Syracuse area • Have experience in advertising sales • Love meeting new people • Are equally comfortable at happy hour as around the conference table • Possess excellent communication, negotiation, and closing skills

Full and/or part-time position includes competitive compensation and health benefi ts. Email resumes in confi dence to Publisher, Barbara Macks at [email protected]

May 2021 | jewishfederationcny.org 13