Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 184 Watertown, NY

december 2017/kislev-tevet 5778 a publication of United jewish federation of Volume 19, Number 9 Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien The Power of One Celebrating Community JHSC Hosts Expert on M.C. Escher and Volunteerism By David Giver to the world through their passion and The Jewish High School of Connecti- action. The series in the past has brought UJF’s Annual Meeting cut hosted Jeffrey Price, an authority poets, scientists, actors, artists, inventors on Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, as and authors. “This series exemplifies our The United Jewish Feder- to celebrate our community,” the first speaker in the Power of One commitment to celebrating and acknowl- ation of Greater Stamford, said Philip Klapper. Speaker series this school year. Price, edging that individuals can contribute to New Canaan and Darien The guest speaker will be an arts scholar and gallery owner, is the world in unique ways. It reinforces will hold its Annual Meet- Alon Ben-Gurion, grandson considered one of the foremost Escher for our students that they need to find ing, along with a communal of the late David Ben-Guri- experts in the world. their own passion, whether through Chanukah candle lighting, on. His topic will be “The The Power of One series provides inspiration, or personal discovery,” said on Wednesday, December Founding of the State of Is- JHSC students with opportunities to Rabbi Elisha Paul, JHSC head of school. 13, at 7 pm, at the Stamford rael and the legacy of David meet individuals who have contributed See “Power” on page 7 Jewish Community Center. Ben-Gurion.” The younger The evening will be chaired Ben-Gurion was born in by Elissa and Philip Klapper. Alon Ben-Gurion Israel in 1951, grew up in Carmel Students Create “UJF plays a vital role Tel Aviv and Haifa, and at in both our local and global Jewish 18 joined the IDF, becoming a para- community. The Annual Meeting is a trooper. Ben-Gurion was wounded Chihuly-Inspired Art wonderful time for us to come together See “Community” on page 2 By Julie Lapin When Carmel Academy’s art teacher Lori Amer visited the Dale Chihuly ex- As the Romans Did: Discoveries hibit at the New York Botanical Garden last spring, she said she immediately knew that she had to bring the magic Show Jerusalem’s Transformation of the artist back to her students. Amer did just that – with a schoolwide, Chi- after Destruction huly-inspired art installation that was By Adam Abrams Old City. The findings were disclosed displayed in Carmel Academy’s sukkah. JNS.org at a press conference held by the Israel “Chihuly is such an approachable Israeli archaeologists recently unveiled Antiquity Authority beneath Wilson’s artist,” Amer said of the world-renowned the results of large-scale excavations that Arch in the Western Wall Tunnels. glass sculptor. “Many of my students have lend unprecedented insight into the The newly revealed eight stone seen his works both in New York and in transformation of Jerusalem around the courses of the Western Wall had been Jerusalem. He really dared to change time of its destruction during the Second hidden beneath 26 feet of earth and this style of art, which has been around Temple period more than 2,000 years were perfectly preserved after being See “Art” on page 4 ago. The discoveries – including massive excavated. The Roman theater contains portions of the Western Wall unseen for approximately 200 seats and, according At left: Carmel Academy fourth-grader Eden 1,700 years and an ancient Roman theater to archaeologists, required a “great Citron admired a Chihuly-inspired art – were made in excavations conducted deal” of investment in its construction. installation in the school’s sukkah. during the past two years in Jerusalem’s See “Discoveries” on page 12 Candle 2 Bits & Pieces 6 Words of 6 Professional 14 Adult 16 Voices & 18 Lighting Torah Support Volunteers Views

Mega Crowd at Chabad’s Mega Challah Bake More than 440 women attended the Loaves of Love Mega Challah Bake organized by Chabad of Stamford, including Ricky Arbron, president of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. The multi-generational community event was held at the Crowne Plaza in Stamford on October 26. (See more photos on page 17.) L-r: Olga Agababayev, Diana Agabs, Marina Sapir, Tatiana Kunik, Rica Lieberman, Gayle Judson, Inna Korman, Rachel Seligson, UJF President Ricky Arbron, Terry Drey and Shara Israel at one of 43 tables at the Mega Challah Bake. (Photo by Clive and Raema Salmon) 2 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 Building Community Through UJF President’s Message The Gift of Giving Leadership As both Chanukah and the By Diane Sloyer, UJF Interim Executive to evolve to respond to an ever-changing calendar end approach, I have Director world. The first full day session dealt with been reflecting on my first year We live in a beautiful community. It is adaptive leadership changes that have as president. I am proud to say diverse ethnically and geographically as been occurring in the Jewish world since we have a strong, vibrant and well as religiously, even within our Jewish earliest biblical times. Coming up this growing Jewish community. community. I believe this diversity is our December, the final session will feature After a lot of hard work and greatest strength because a community Maya Bernstein and will be titled “Design difficult decisions, Federation needs to be diverse to be strong. As a com- Thinking: Leading Change through Adap- is emerging as a stronger, more munal professional and lay leader for the tive Leadership.” Both design thinking and focused organization. past 25 years, I have been lucky to become adaptive leadership are two well regarded We have made changes in Ricky Arbron, close friends with so many people whom forms of organizational practice. Adaptive both our staffing structure and UJF president I would have otherwise never met and to Diane Sloyer, leadership emphasizes two core distinc- operational costs, and have cut have had so many wonderful experiences UJF interim tions—the difference between exercising more than $200,000 from our annual budget. Our and opportunities. direction authority and exercising leadership, and 2017 annual campaign ends December 31 and “Parents and leaders must establish a culture in the difference between technical problems and with your help and a strong finish, we will meet which honest, open, respectful communication takes adaptive challenges. Personally, I have found Ber- our fund-raising goals and be able to continue to place, one that involves not just speaking but also nstein’s work transformational and I am confident support those who are so desperately depending listening. Without it, tragedy is waiting in the wings.” the Behrend fellows will take away a great deal from on us! Every line of our budget has been scruti- – Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “Lessons in Leadership: A her closing session on December 10. nized and we are now operating more efficiently Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible” Thanks to the generosity of Stephne and Kerrin to focus on our core mission. The restructuring For me, this is what community is all about. At Fed- Behrend, the Institute has graduated 130 Behrend we have initiated in the second half of 2017 has eration, we are training the next generation of Jewish Fellows to date and many of our graduates hold high already born fruit, and will be even more impactful leaders who represent all the diverse organizations leadership positions within our community. Most of in 2018 and beyond. within our community with a rich, thought-provoking our other graduates are actively involved on boards Adam Milstein, an Israeli-American philanthropist and intellectually stimulating curriculum, thanks to and in volunteer functions within community orga- and chairman of the board of the Israeli American the Behrend Institute for Leadership. nizations helping to create the Jewish community Council, recently wrote about the eight gifts of Cha- Most striking is the curriculum. The eight sessions that we all aspire to. nukah. Each “gift” represents a value that Federation include two full-day sessions and an array of lead- “The task of the leader is to get his people from helps promote. ership skills needed such as effective communica- where they are to where they have not been.” – Henry Gift one: Pride tion, fund-raising, consensus building and meeting A. Kissinger. There is nothing more powerful than under- management. The curriculum also goes beyond Together we grow, together we learn and together standing who you are and taking pride in where you these essential skills and tries to give participants we become a stronger Jewish community. We are come from. If we can’t instill Jewish pride in our next the tools to think about how organizations need better together! generation, there will no one left to carry on our tradition and face our future challenges. Gift two: Courage Community Continued from page 1 The Jewish people, the Jewish faith, and the in the Yom Kippur war and spent several months or mission to Israel. This year’s recipient is JCC state of Israel have only survived because Jews hospitalized. Ben-Gurion later attended Tel Aviv President Risa Raich. She has lived in Stamford were willing to stand up and fight for what they University, receiving a B.A. degree in social sci- for 12 years with her husband, Steve, and their believed in when our people, our traditions, and ences, followed by a master’s degree from Cornell four daughters. She participated in UJF’s Behrend our values were threatened. University in hospitality management. For the Institute leadership program in 2007-08. She served Gift three: Persistence last 40 years, Ben-Gurion has worked in the hotel as PA president at the JCC Sara Walker Nursery Alongside courage, the Jewish people also need management field in countries that include Israel, school from 2007-09 and was awarded the Esther to be consistent and persistent. It’s not enough England, Belgium and the United States. Leah Ritz next generation award in 2010. Raich led to stand up once; we need to cultivate a next An annual tradition is the presentation of The The Center Women as president from 2010-12. She generation that has the strength and will to stand Harvey A. Peltz Leadership Award, established by has been a member of the JCC Board of Directors up, again and again. his parents, Joseph and Alice Peltz, in his memory since 2010 and has served as vice president and Gift four: Knowledge to encourage the development of young leaders and first vice president. She has chaired and served on Jews have prioritized education above all else. participation in causes on behalf of Israel and the numerous committees, most recently the adminis- Today we must continue this investment, impart- Jewish community. Winners are granted a $1,000 tration chair for the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games and ing the knowledge that not only gives our children scholarship for attending a relevant conference ArtsFest. Raich is a member of the Parent’s Associ- the ability to thrive in 21st-century careers, but ation at Bi-Cultural Day School, where she recently also grounds them in Jewish wisdom, provides served as vice president of fund-raising. Raich has a moral center, and makes them committed to also chaired UJF’s Super Sunday. family and community. IN MEMORIAM UJF will recognize two outstanding volunteer Gift five: Innovation AVI GREIF leaders who have played a vital role in the success The Jewish propensity to innovate has allowed The Greater Stamford community and daily functioning of Federation, Meryl Gordon our people to adapt and succeed in a wide mourns the death of Avi Greif. In and David Stein. range of cultures, countries and eras. Empow- addition to being a past president of Gordon has served for many years on both the ering our children to think “outside the box” board and executive board of Federation. She has will be critical for their success in our modern Young Israel, Avi was the chairman of the been a member of The New Jewish Voice committee information era. Stamford Kosher Activists Committee since 2008 and chair since 2013. She has been Gift six: Belief in the Impossible (SKAC) and responsible for bringing UJF VP of outreach and VP of education, and has Although we are less than 0.2 percent of the the wide array of kosher products to our sat on and chaired various committees, including world population, the Jewish people have been Tapestry. Gordon has also recently served on the able to accomplish extraordinary things. We local supermarkets. Avi at one time sold board of Schoke Jewish Family Service and is a vol- must empower our children to live their dream, ads for The New Jewish Voice and was an unteer tutor with Rising Stars at Stark Elementary contribute solutions to the challenges facing our active participant on the UJF Strategic School. She moved to Stamford with her husband, world and believe in the impossible. Planning Committee. He will be missed David, in 1980. Their three children were born Gift seven: Peoplehood and raised in Stamford. In the Talmud, it says that each member of by all who knew him. Stein has been involved in UJF since he and the Jewish people is responsible one for the his wife, Beverly, and their two children moved to other. Instilling this sense of peoplehood in Stamford in 1990. His leadership positions with our children gives them confidence that their Federation have included campaign chair, VP per- extended “mishpocha” (family) is behind them CANDLE LIGHTING sonnel, VP governance, secretary, Super Sunday and compels them to action when other Jews chair and currently the attorney to UJF. Outside need their help. TIMES of Federation, Stein has served on the boards and Gift eight: Passion Executive Committees of Bi-Cultural Day School Discovering and channeling your passion in life to November 24...... 4:11 pm and Agudath Sholom, and on the boards of the make a difference in the world is the key to personal December 1...... 4:08 pm Jewish Community Endowment Foundation and fulfillment. If you don’t make each day matter and December 8...... 4:08 pm the Yerwood Center. He is also a member of the don’t have passion for how you spend your time and December 15...... 4:09 pm city of Stamford Zoning Board. resources, you don’t have much at all. The Behrend Institute, a communal leadership This Chanukah, be the light and share it with December 22...... 4:12 pm program, will conclude its seventh cohort and the those who need it most. You have the capacity. December 29...... 4:16 pm participants will graduate as part of the annual meet- Just like the candles you add to the menorah, you January 5...... 4:22 pm ing. The Behrend Institute trains the next generation can bring additional light, warmth and comfort to January 12...... 4:29 pm of communal leaders, with participants coming from those who are struggling. Your gift to Federation all agencies and synagogues. delivers relief and brightens the lives of thousands January 19...... 4:37 pm The evening will also include the election of of people at home, in Israel and in more than 70 January 26...... 4:46 pm the slate of officers for the UJF 2018 Board of countries worldwide. Find your light. Federation February 2...... 4:54 pm Directors. will help make it shine. February 9...... 5:03 pm For more information, contact UJF at 203-321- Happy Chanukah. 1373. Ricky Arbron, UJF president december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Message from UJF’s Jewish Community Relations Council Take the SNAP Challenge By Lauren Steinberg Eat as healthy as possible, keeping in mind ‹‹ 52 percent of children are eligible for free or Imagine having only $4.50 to spend that this is how many people eat every day, reduced price lunch. on food per day. That’s $31.50 per week, whereas you can make up for lost nutrients ‹‹ 56,083 individuals work, but still fall below the in- $126 per month. For 145,000 families in the next week. One particularly jarring come thresholds and so are enrolled in food programs. Connecticut receiving supplemental nutri- rule? Children should not participate, as it is Many others do not participate but use food pantries. tion assistance (SNAP, formerly known as important that they receive all the necessary ‹‹ 13.9 percent of residents are considered food food stamps), those numbers are a reality. nutrients for growing strong and healthy. insecure. Far more individuals and families do not (Food insecure children younger than 5, These are people who are, simply, hungry. UJF sup- receive assistance, but are nonetheless as well as pregnant, recently postpartum ports the hungry locally through Schoke Jewish Family “food insecure,” meaning they do not have Lauren Steinberg and nursing mothers with babies younger Service and 3SQUARE, and in Israel and around the reliable assurance of healthy food at any than one year, are eligible for additional world through our partners. You can support them given time. food assistance through the Women Infant hands-on by donating food or volunteering with The politics of food and hunger too often loses and Children – or WIC – subsidy. Older children are 3SQUARE, a UJF program that provides weekend sight of the people involved. This winter, the UJF’s eligible for free or reduced price meals at school.) food to Stamford students who may not have reliable JCRC is asking the community to think about hunger By participating, you experience the daily reality sources of food outside school breakfast and lunch, itself and the struggle of our neighbors. We invite of millions. In Connecticut, individuals are eligible or the food pantry. But understanding what, exactly, you to participate in the SNAP challenge: budgeting for SNAP when they have an income of $22,320 or we are supporting is no small task. This December, your household food with the amount of money less; a family of four is eligible with an income of before you gather with family for Chanukah feasts and that individuals receiving this assistance have to $45,516. That’s before taxes. And it means that indi- New Year’s celebrations, consider taking the SNAP purchase food. viduals and families making any more than that are challenge. Read the stories of people affected by food The rules are simple. For at least one week, all food not eligible. The average cost of a meal in Fairfield insecurity at mazon.org/the-reality-of-hunger. Let’s and drink must be purchased on the budget of $4.50 County is $3.49. include them in our conversations. I challenge you. per day. You can use excess money from one day to In Connecticut alone: Lauren Steinberg is the director of UJF’s Jewish Community the next, but you cannot use food that you previously ‹‹ 734,693 people fall below 185 percent of the Relations Council. She can be reached at 203-321-1373, had at home or accept free food from others; such federal poverty level. ext. 104, or at [email protected]. Let her know if you take opportunities are not always available to those in need. ‹‹ 118,809 children are in poverty. the SNAP challenge. Engaging the Next Generation An Update from UJF’s Advisory Council By Arlene Rosen On October 25, the United Jewish Federation’s Advisory Council held its fall meeting. The group of local agency leaders meets three times per year to further inter-agency and communitywide commu- nication, collaboration and coordination. The goal is to exchange information, identify key issues and propose solutions that benefit the entire community. The focus for the October meeting was “Engaging the Next Generation in Jewish Life, Philanthropy and Leadership.” The group welcomed Rabbi David Kessel, associate vice president of Young Leadership Rabbi David Kessel, and Next Gen Engagement at Jewish Federations of associate vice president North America. “He offered an insightful and enter- of Young Leadership and taining presentation, which gave all in attendance Next Gen Engagement at much food for thought,” said Peter Lilienthal. Jewish Federations of North Rabbi Kessel provided data on the subject. He America Rabbi David Kessel addressed a meeting of the UJF advisory council. noted that the most often cited priorities of those in the generation born between 1980 and 2000 were personal accomplishments or ambitions. He added 1) advancing career, 2) tending to relationships that the conversations need to happen via the newest among friends and family, and 3) finding a mate. technologies and social media channels. According Deadline for He further acknowledged that for those surveyed, to Rabbi Kessel, most of the members of this cohort religion is much lower on the priority scale. Even are very interested in social action and making the articles so, he said, there are communities across the world a better place. They are givers, not always to The deadline for the next issue of The New nation where certain approaches and particular Jewish causes, but to the full spectrum of charitable Jewish Voice is: types of Jewish programming are attracting these endeavors. He added that although they are very Thursday, December 28 (new date) ...... February so-called Millennials. willing to give of their hands and their time, they Send New Jewish Voice article submissions to Rabbi Kessel suggested that the local community may not yet be in a financial position to give large Sandy Golove at [email protected] marked “Stamford should shift the nature of its conversations to matters amounts of money. Voice” in the subject line. Expect an acknowledge- that revolve around personal identity, rather than See “Next” on page 6 ment; please re-send if you do not receive one.

Most insurance accepted with no out-of-pocket expense for check-ups* *As long as you are eligible, have met all deductibles, have bene ts remaining and your plan is UCR or equivalent. py Chanuk The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Campus on Park Avenue p ah Ha !

Dental Care Kids Open 7 Days A Week! Skilled Nursing (The Jewish Home) Rosnick Fitness Center (The J) Board Certi ed Dentists and Orthodontists for Children & Adolescents! Goldstein Assisted Living Residences Friedman Home Care / Kuriansky Family Residence – 1-bedroom apartments Chaifetz Family Hospice IV sedation for high fear & special needs children Goldstein Rehabilitation Center Federation for Jewish Philanthropy www.DentalCareKids.com www.DentalCareOrthodontics.com 203.883.4457 Call Today for New Patient Special O ers! For questions and information on current or future services: www.jseniors.org • 203-365-6400 • [email protected] 1500 Summer St., Stamford, CT ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 4 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 We are All Connected UJF Partnership Together Brings Stamford and Israel Together United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, supported through the New Canaan and Darien has a long-standing part- UJF Annual Campaign is nership with the Afula-Gilboa region of Israel, Beit Singer, a boarding bringing the community a personal connection with school in Afula for kids UJF dollars allocated to Israel. One of the projects from troubled homes. On October 22, com- munity members gathered UJF Offers New PJ at the home of Eileen and Fred Springer to meet Ariel and Yochai (last names Lending Library held upon request). Ariel United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Ca- has worked at Beit Singer naan and Darien is introducing a new children’s for 19 years. For the past 10 books library filled with PJ Library books, located years, he has worked as the just outside the UJF office on the second floor of the school’s associate director Jewish Community Center. The space has a selection for organization. He is also Guests listened to Yochai’s story and learned about the work of UJF overseas dollars. of PJ Library books for children ages 6 months to 8 the staff person in charge of years on topics including holidays, Shabbat, folktales, the school’s zoo, where its animal therapy program Torah stories, ethics, family, Jewish history and more. takes place. Every family with children ages 6 months to 11 years Yochai is 25 years old and a direct recipient of in Stamford, New Canaan and Darien is eligible to UJF’s support. From ages 9-18, he grew up at Beit receive free monthly PJ Library books at home by Singer. He came from an abusive home and his father signing up at ujf.org/pj-library. The new space pro- was jailed. He was placed in Beit Singer along with vides the opportunity to find and read even more his brother. At Beit Singer, Yochai was able to work books and to browse by subject. with and take care of animals at the zoo, a specific For more information about PJ library, contact project supported by SNEC (Southern New England Lauren Steinberg at [email protected] or 203-321-1373, Consortium) communities. That form of therapy ext. 104. helped him control his emotional problems, he said. Yochai served in the Israeli army and is studying social Hosts Eileen and Fred Springer shared a moment with Ariel work in college. Beit Singer not only saved his life (far right) and Yochai (second from left). (Last names held but changed his life’s trajectory, he said. upon request.)

Art Continued from page 1 for thousands of years. He transformed the style from All the students – from the school’s youngest to something more functional to something unique.” oldest – contributed to the project. For example, After learning about the artist – his life, his works Carmel’s Shorashim transitional kindergarten stu- and his techniques – the entire student body came dents decorated the flower-shaped bottoms of the together to create their own Chihuly-inspired art water bottles, which were strung together with other using recycled plastic, acrylic paint and permanent plastic pieces into an additional chandelier, and the markers. The pieces were then assembled into Chi- kindergarten students decorated recycled take-out huly-like chandeliers and hung in the sukkah. bowls, which were melted to resemble Chihuly’s seaforms and rotolos, Amer said. “The students also learned about the two mitzvot they were performing in making this art: beautifying the sukkah and bal tashchit (recycling),” Amer said. Lauren Steinberg held one of the books available at the new “I feel so good about making an awesome art PJ Library space. project using recycled material,” said fifth-grader Nathan Toback. Classmate Maddy Wisse, who had recently visited Please support our advertisers, the exhibit at the Botanical Garden, agreed. “When we finished, it really did look like glass and we did and tell them you saw their ad it through recycling. All those empty bottles would Carmel Academy fifth-graders Aviva Siegel Moss, Shira have gone to waste, but we turned it into beautiful here in Hope, Maddy Lieberman Wisse and Lyla Dynner in the artwork. Chihuly’s work is abstract so our project sukkah. really looked like something he would have made,” she said. Fifth-grader Logan Bassell said learning about the artist inspired him to make plans with his family to see Chuhily’s work at the Botanical Garden. “This project will make me more passionate when I go see the exhibit. I am really looking forward to seeing his work up close.” “The enthusiastic reaction to this project by the students, parents and wider community is unprec- edented,” Amer said. “In my 15 years teaching at Carmel Academy, this has been the most talked about art project. Many Carmel Academy families have since visited the New York Botanical Garden to see the Chihuly show, and I am still getting excited questions and comments from my students about the project and the exhibit.” Carmel Academy is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

Carmel Academy fifth-graders Maddy Lieberman Wisse and Shira Hope painted plastic bottles that were used in the school’s Chihuly-inspired art installation. december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 5 Providing Meals to At-Risk Children Through 3SQUARE About 34,890 children in Fairfield County live in school social workers, who determine if they are a food insecure household, meaning that they do at risk of not having regular access to food over not have reliable access to nutrition. While these the weekend. No one but the school social work- children receive two meals a day during the week ers know which children receive the food in their through free or subsidized school breakfast and lunch bags each week. programs, they are often hungry on the weekends. The 3SQUARE program is chaired by Jill United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Kaplan and Robin Madan,who contribute their Canaan and Darien’s 3SQUARE program works to time volunteering as well and say there is always combat that hunger. need for additional volunteers. Help is needed Formed in 2014 as a project of UJF’s Women’s to organize the food any day of the week and to Philanthropy division, 3SQUARE has grown into a contribute shelf-stable, child-friendly food to the volunteer operation that provides weekend meals program. On Thursday mornings, when much of and snacks to Stamford children. Volunteers select the work is done, volunteers are needed to select food at the food bank and then bring it to the food from the Fairfield County Food Bank, pack Federation office, where it is packed into reusable the food into bags and deliver the bags to the food bags for every child served. They then bring schools. Individuals interested in volunteering the bags to the school for distribution. Children can contact Lauren Steinberg at [email protected] qualify for the food based on the assessment of to learn more. Oz Pearlman to Perform for Young Israel Oz Pearlman, a finalist on “America’s Got Talent” 7:30 pm at Temple Beth El. who performs mental tricks on his audience members, The event is a fund-raiser for will appear in Stamford on Sunday, January 14, at Young Israel of Stamford’s Volunteers packed bags of food for 3SQUARE. Youth Department. Tickets are $50 each for Temple Sinai’s Annual Cantor’s adults and $36 for children The Swingset under 18. Sponsorships are Concert available for $180, which Cantor Micah Morgovsky of Temple Sinai will entitles the sponsor to two present an evening of Broadway music on Sunday, Mamas Return front row seats. After Decem- Oz Pearlman December 17, from 4:30-6:30 pm, at Temple Sinai, 458 On Sunday, January 28, from 11 am-noon, the ber 31, the price of tickets Lakeside Dr., Stamford. Together with an ensemble Jewish Community Center will host a rock ‘n’ roll will increase to $72. of guests from the congregation, Cantor Morgovsky concert for the whole family, performed by the “Oz Pearlman is one of the best entertainers I have will perform selections from a variety of Broadway Swingset Mamas. ever seen,” said Greg Teitel, the president of Young musicals, both new and old. Lizzie Swan and Marlowe Bechmann are the Israel of Stamford. “I guarantee that everyone who Ticket price includes pre-concert hors d’oeuvres Swingset Mamas, two mothers who take the rhythms attends will have a great time… and the proceeds and drinks. Tickets cost $36 for adults and $18 for of everyday life and weave them into songs. Swan is from the event will be supporting a very good cause.” children under 12. To order tickets, call 203-322- a resident of Stamford. To purchase tickets, contact Teitel at gregoryteitel@ 1649. For more information, call or visit the temple Bechmann, a classically trained pianist, and Swan, yahoo.com or visit the synagogue’s website at YoungIs- website at www.templesinaistamford.org. a music therapist and rock musician, write music raelStamford.org. inspired by everyday realities. Their songs explore A Bissel Yiddish universal themes, ranging from ability awareness, The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County self-esteem, water safety, animal science, count- Seniors Ring in the New Year announces a new class, “A Bissel Yiddish.” Judy Alt- ing and telling time, to good-time dance parties, On Thursday, December 28, senior adults in the man will present and discuss sections of The Forward’s rock-star dreams, magical hamsters and more. “All community are invited to ring in the New Year with “Bintel Brief” (an advice column). Classes will be songs are set to funky jams with engaging call and friends from 11:30 am-1 pm at the Jewish Commu- held on the first Friday of the month, beginning response parts, lively dance moves and memorable nity Center. There is a suggested donation of $4 on December 1, at 10 am, at the Harry Rosenbaum tunes for kids and parents alike,” said Anne Liss per person. JHS Judaica Library located at the Stamford Jewish Johnson, managing director of the JCC Sara Walker Those planning to attend should make reserva- Community Center. Those attending are asked to Nursery School. tions by calling Connie Freeman at 203-487-0983. bring $5 for the pushke (tzedakah box). For further The Swingset Mamas have a commitment to using The Jewish Community Center is located on Newfield information, call 203-321-1373, ext. 150, or e-mail music as a way to spread the message of inclusion Avenue at the intersection of Vine Road in Stamford. [email protected]. and acceptance of differences for all children and adults of all abilities. The band’s latest song and video is called “Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes.” It is inspired by Marlowe’s family and their continued journey with autism. The Swingset Mamas’ message is being spread on playgrounds and preschools all over the country as they travel to schools, community centers and music venues to give family concerts, teacher trainings, school assemblies and workshops sharing the duo’s interactive musical message of connecting families and communities through music. Tickets purchased in advance are $10 per person, $8 for JCC members. Tickets will be available at the door for $12. Reserve tickets online at stamfordjcc. org or call the JCC welcome desk at 203-322-7900. For more information, contact Liss Johnson at 203-322-6541. The Jewish Community Center is located on Newfield Avenue at the intersection of Vine Road in Stamford. The JCC is a beneficiary agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

The Swingset Mamas will return to the JCC for a family concert on Sunday, January 28. ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 6 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 bits and pieces words of torah By Sandy Golove Gayle and Howard Rothman on the To submit infor- marriage of their daughter, Rachel Mussar and Humility in the Joseph mation to Bits and Rothman, to Michael Sackman, son of Pieces, call 203-912- Beth and Stuart Sackman. 9945, or e-mail me at Ilyse and Dean Schuckman on the Story [email protected]. marriage of their son, Adam Schuck- By Rabbi Jay TelRav to humble himself before Pharaoh and MAZEL TOV TO man, to Allie Hopman, daughter of Joseph, as a young man, would be de- God, and to allow circumstances to play GROWING FAMILIES Vicki and Bruce Hopman. scribed by none as “humble.” I’ve always out as they would. He seems to have Henry Goldberg Liba and Steven Steinmetz on the imagined the youngest and most spoiled finally gotten control over his ego. on the birth of a grandson. marriage of their son, Philip Steinmetz, of Jacob’s large family prancing around We have been studying these char- MAZEL TOV to Eve Wiener, daughter of Elise and in his magnificent coat of colors and acters through the centuries in order Marlyn and Rich Agatstein on the en- Michael Wiener. tattling on his brothers’ bad behaviors. to understand ourselves better. The gagement of their son, Alex Agatstein, MAZEL TOV TO B’NAI MITZVAH The other men know Joseph is Jacob’s insights of our sages have produced to Madison Games, daughter of Sara Jenna Cohen, daughter of Stella and favorite son and the dreams he has, that practices and techniques to guide us. and Mark Games, of St. Louis, MO. Isaac Cohen. they would bow down to him in the fu- One of these is the Mussar tradition. Adrienne and Michael Alexander Jonathan Cohen, son of Lisa and ture, do little to endear them to the boy. This practice helps us understand that on the engagement of their daughter, James Cohen. Yes, this is a person with an overactive none of our character traits (middot) are Lizzie Alexander, to Eli Reichner, of Emily Goodman, daughter of Steven ego that could use a little balance. objectively good nor bad – they simply Spring Valley, NY. Goodman. And then the man’s story continues. are. We intuitively know that it is bad Ronni and Paul Ginsberg on the Andrew Jaffe-Berkowitz, son of After the winding journey of his life’s when they are out of balance and get too marriage of their son, Steven Ginsberg, Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz and Parry experiences – including a complete and much or too little expression. Humility, to Becca DiMeo. Berkowitz. utter betrayal by his brothers, a stint as a anger, enthusiasm, simplicity, gratitude Sherry Hertzberg on the engagement Samantha Laichtman, daughter of slave, an attack upon his good name and a and patience are only a few of the top- of her son, Ari Hertzberg, to Devorah Ellen and Arthur Laichtman. lengthy term in jail – finally, we see change. ics addressed by these teachers of the Ellerton, daughter of Shani and Bill Julia Marrinan, daughter of Michelle He is called upon to help Pharaoh human experience. Through rigid and Ellerton, of West Hempstead, NY. and Greg Marrinan. interpret new dreams and does what no predictable exercises, they transmit the Roni Lang on her award from Silver CONDOLENCES other advisor can do: he speaks in a way techniques and goals that members of Source. Rabbi Dr. Leslie Freedman on the that Pharaoh can understand. Having the Jewish community today find so Nancy and Gadi Mimoun on the en- loss of his mother, Dorothy Freedman. heard Pharaoh explain that he seeks a valuable. Through study, journaling gagement of their son, Michael Mimoun, Paul Ginsberg on the loss of his sister, man who can teach him what his dreams and taking control of our patterns of to Liza Kuritsky, daughter of Amy and Gloria Blum. mean, I would have expected the Joseph behavior, we strive to make a small, but Stu Kuritsky, of Glen Ridge, NJ. Rhonda Greif and Matt Greif, Coby we have known to this point to respond valuable, impact upon the version of Rose and Bruce Newman on the Greif and Jensen Greif on the loss of smugly, “Of course I can tell you what our self we show to the world. marriage of their son, Zev Newman, her husband and their father, Avi Greif. your dreams mean.” But instead, Joseph By the time Joseph has completed his to Becca Meiner, daughter of Michelle Kamal Haron on the loss of his says, “Not I – it is God who will provide task of carrying Egypt through a devas- and Michael Meiner. brother, Morris Iren. an answer to comfort Pharaoh.” tating famine, he seems to have reached I have a difficult time imagining the new heights in his personal journey. young man, all those years earlier, de- He’s capable of being in a relationship Continued from page 3 Next flecting credit to God and acknowledg- with his brothers and takes great joy in Rabbi Kessel advised that the as models for regional programming. ing his proper place in the drama. Joseph caring for his father’s extended family. local community should ensure its “The message was one of optimism,” must have understood that Pharaoh, a Joseph understood his gifts and how websites are made available with mo- said Lilienthal. “The landscape is man of great power, was showing a mea- to express them properly. This is our bile versions and that its webmasters changing, yes, but the possibilities for sure of vulnerability before him. It was goal and it is toward this height which are not only administrators, but are carrying forward the values of Jewish certainly within his ability to capitalize Mussar seeks to guide us. also conversant in the content. He generosity are still part of the picture. upon the situation and to negotiate a Rabbi Jay TelRav is the spiritual leader suggested that the community might We need to grab onto new ways to position of advantage. Instead, he chose of Temple Sinai in Stamford. offer programs connected with career foster engagement and involvement advice, seminars for young parents and to encourage philanthropy in a and even workshops for those who Jewish context.” remembering times past will inherit wealth in the upcoming For more information about UJF’s decades. According to Rabbi Kessel, Advisory Council and/or Rabbi Kessel’s Walter H. Wheeler Jr. (1897-1977) – weekly Shabbat dinner gatherings are presentation, contact Diane Sloyer at the cornerstone of the work of One- [email protected] or Arlene Rosen A Man Ahead of His Time Table, and Moishe House provides at [email protected]. a framework for young adult Jewish Arlene Rosen is the vice president of By Larry Ginsberg 1940, Wheeler contemplated community-building through Shabbat the Advisory Council of United Jewish Many people have seen loaning his boat to a local dinners, social action activities and so- Federation of Greater Stamford, New the 1947 movie “Gentlemen’s Jewish resident of Stamford, cial events. These programs can serve Canaan and Darien. Agreement” starring Gregory Manfred W. Ehrich, “a man Peck as a journalist who pre- of the very highest integrity, tends to be Jewish to do an modesty and cultured back- UJF Tribute Cards are a wonderful way to connect with your exposé on antisemitism. Jews ground...” The commodore family and friends and mark any occasion while supporting the in America have been a per- of the club replied, “The club extraordinary work of UJF. To send a tribute, go to www.ujf.org. secuted minority. They were cannot afford to have Jews refused admission to various Walter H. Wheeler seen in its launches.” hotels, restaurants, entertain- Jr. On May 27, 1940, Wheeler ment venues, employment and country wrote a letter to the club’s commodore clubs. Even more heinous, in many stating, “Either I acquiesce to the unfair communities, on deeds transferring real discrimination which protects this, or I property, owners and developers placed endeavor to do my part, small as it may restrictive covenants stating that the be, toward creating a fairer situation, if properties could not be used by, leased not for him for others like him. If this to or sold to persons of the “Ethiopian means putting myself in his position or Semitic” race. These restrictions were it will be a salutary experience for declared unenforceable by the United me – and it would be for others.” He States Supreme Court in the case of continued, “However, if I am to remain Shelley v. Kraemer 344 US 1 (1948). a member of the Stamford Yacht Club, Walter H. Wheeler Jr. (1897-1977), I must ask that the Board establish a former captain of Harvard’s football policy on this issue which will assure team and a World War I veteran, had me that should I propose my friend, a meteoric rise within the Stamford or should any other member propose business community. He worked in his a Jew, he will be carefully considered stepfather’s company, Pitney Bowes, and investigated as a potential club where he became the chief operating member, the decision to be reached officer, then president and finally CEO. entirely on his character and merit as an In 1942, as head of Pitney Bowes, he individual; that he will not be excluded boycotted a hotel that refused to register solely and simply because he is a Jew.” an African American employee. He also Wheeler resigned from the Yacht issued numerous memos to the Person- Club due to his convictions. Fourteen nel Department to ensure the company years after his resignation, the club hired blacks, people of Polish and Italian resolved that admission could not be ur ad could be here descent and Jews as employees. refused on the basis of race or religion. Yo For information on advertising, contact ! Wheeler, an avid yachtsman, became Wheeler then rejoined the club. Walter Bonnie Rozen at (800)779-7896, ext. 244 or [email protected] a member of the Stamford Yacht Club H. Wheeler Jr., a man who stood up to and served as its commodore from prejudice, was recognized as Stamford 1933-34. At that time, the club was Citizen of the Year in 1949. restricted and would not allow Jewish Larry Ginsberg is a board member of the or African American members. In Jewish Historical Society of Fairifield County. december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 7 Employment Opportunity for Friendship Circle Adults The Friendship Circle Adult Chapter held its a while and we are thrilled to finally be able to provide first employment opportunity event on October 19 them with such a wonderful opportunity,” said Malya at Soosh, a kosher sushi restaurant located at the Shmotkin, executive director of the Friendship Circle. Crowne Plaza hotel in Stamford. “Every company, in every industry, can benefit from The afternoon began with each FC adult decorating a diverse workforce and Soosh is no exception. We their own apron. They then placed labels on bags and feel enriched and blessed to have young adults from wrapped plastic utensils in napkins, which are used Friendship Circle work at Soosh, and we hope that for takeout orders. The Soosh staff said they were other companies will follow suit and expand their “extremely impressed” with how many bags the FC hiring practices to be more inclusive of those with adults labeled and how many utensils they wrapped. disabilities,” said Rica Lieberman, owner of Soosh. After all their hard work, the FC adults took a break Other employment events are planned at Soosh and snacked on some Soosh French fries before mak- on a monthly basis throughout the year. Friendship ing Rice Krispies treats for themselves. The afternoon Circle hopes to expand the employment opportuni- culminated with the adults being paid for their efforts. ties for its young adults at other local businesses, as “The Friendship Circle is excited to partner with well. For more information on the Friendship Circle, Soosh to give our young adults a monthly employment call 203-409-1543 or visit www.FriendshipCT.com. opportunity. The look on their faces when they got The Friendship Circle is a recipient agency of United Jewish The employees (l-r): Ali Cohen, Robin Rebak, Tal Cohen- paid was priceless. This has been a dream of ours for Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Weinberg and Oliver Moore. Shabbat-in-the-Round at Temple Beth El Temple Beth El will hold its second Shabbat-in-the- organic questions, discussion and probing of the Hammerman. “Attendance and enthusiasm were Round for 2017 on Saturday, December 9. “Coffee and…” Torah portion. Some of those who attended the first both sky high. I’m looking forward to our taking the at 9:30 am will be followed by the service at 9:45 am. Shabbat-in-the-Round said they found the experience next step on December 9.” “This service is a wonderful, spiritual, uplifting and the music added to the service to be meaningful. Everyone is welcome to join us for this special ex- service and experience thanks to the beautiful music “Our first Shabbat-in-the-Round demonstrated perience. No reservations necessary. For more infor- of Cantor [Magda] Fishman with her gentle guitar that there is a profound desire to experience the mation contact Executive Director Steven Lander, at playing and spiritual insights, the thought-provoking service in a deeper, more intentional way,” said Rabbi 203-322-6901, ext. 304, or by e-mail [email protected]. teachings of Rabbi [Joshua] Hammerman, and the participation of everyone praying together,” stated Irma Ross, coordinator of Shabbat in the Round. The informal setting, including pillows on the Be Prepared! floor, seeks to allow everyone an opportunity to be comfortable and feel “at home,” and to engage in Schoke JFS Offers College Preparation Programs Parents or high school students beginning the for Mondays, January 22, February 12 and March 5. college search or application process are asked to save All aspects of the college planning process will be Heroes for Hope the date for the Schoke Jewish Family Service “College covered and time will also be devoted to grade-spe- Ahead!” program on Tuesday, December 5, at 7:30 cific issues. These evening programs will be held pm, at the Stamford Jewish Community Center. The from 5:30-7 pm at the Harry Bennett Branch of the panel of deans of admission from colleges and univer- Ferguson Library in Stamford. The sessions will also sities will include Lorna J. Hunter, vice president for consider recent changes in the application process, enrollment management, Washington College, Ches- whether to provide standardized test scores, choosing tertown, MD; Nathan Fuerst, assistant vice president of the best essay question to answer, planning college enrollment and director of admissions, University of visits, and the importance of community service. Connecticut, Storrs, CT; and Ryan Hargraves, director Friedlander will be conducting each session. She of admission, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT. is a licensed professional counselor in the state of The evening’s program will be moderated by Claire Connecticut and a board-certified counselor. She Friedlander, Schoke JFS college consultant, and will is a member of the Higher Education Consultants discuss both the application process and strategies Association and the National Association for College L-r: Joyce Rosenthal and Nancy Mimoun received the Israel to help students get accepted to the college of their Admissions Counseling. The series is open to the Cancer Research Fund’s 2017 Heroes for Hope award in choice. There is no fee to attend. entire community at no charge. memory of their parents, past president of Federation Ben High school students who would like to get a step For more information on college counseling, Zinbarg z”l and Joan Hochberg Zinbarg z”l, from the event’s up on the many facets of the college preparation contact Friedlander at [email protected] or 203-921- co-chairman, Dr. Leslie Freedman, on October 15. The event process are invited to attend “Race to College,” a 4161. For information on college planning, visit raised funds for cancer researchers in Israel. three-night series of readiness workshops scheduled www.ctjfs.org.

Power Continued from page 1 As Price explained to the students, he has been passionate about everything Escher for the last 20 years – and regaled the students with philosophical and anecdotal commentary on the power, influence and politics of probably the first graphic designer of the 20th century. Price described Escher’s relation- ships and how they influenced his work. Natalie Shclover, a senior at JHSC, commented, “I couldn’t believe Mr. Price visited our school. I had been to his gallery and am a huge Escher fan, so it was really exciting to learn in depth the history that surrounded Escher’s work and his influences.” “It is not every day that you are able to bring in one of the preeminent scholars on a subject to speak to a group of high school students. But, at JHSC, we strive to give our students perspectives that extend beyond the text. Mr. Price’s presentation was a fabulous way to kick off our Power of One series,” said Rabbi Paul. Future speakers in the Power of One series will include Judaica artist Jeanette Kuvin Oren, who was to visit on November 17; Jacoba Urist, contemporary arts columnist for The Atlantic, on Friday, December 15; and Michael Feldstein speaking on Jewish organ donation on Friday, January 5. The Jewish High School of Connecticut is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

At right: Jeffrey Price, M.C. Escher scholar and gallery owner, spoke to the JHSC community.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 8 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 Young Israel Hosts Challenges in Jewish Education Panel Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl, head of school It demonstrates ordination from Scholarship,” published by Academic at Kohelet Yeshiva High School and that our commu- Yeshiva Universi- Studies Press. chief academic officer of the Kohelet nity members are ty. As a teaching Berger has been an administrator Foundation, and Miriam Krupka Berg- interested and fellow at Harvard, and Judaic studies instructor at the er, the dean of faculty and chair of concerned about Rabbi Perl was Ramaz Upper School since 2006. In ad- the Tanach Department at the Ramaz the topic of Jewish twice awarded dition to her role in the classroom, she Upper School, will highlight the an- education, and Harvard’s Certif- shapes the Judaic studies curriculum, nual “Challenges in Jewish Education want to hear what icate of Distinc- teaches interdisciplinary seminars and Panel,” to be held at Young Israel of other profession- tion in Teaching is involved in student Israel guidance Stamford on Saturday, January 6. Rabbi als from other and, in the spring and the student AIPAC group. Berger Elisha Paul, the head of school at the schools have to say Gil Perl Miriam Krupka of 2006, he was received her B.S. in finance from the Jewish High School of Connecticut, will on the subject.” Berger named Yeshiva Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva moderate the panel, which will begin at Rabbi Perl has been at Kohelet in University’s Lil- University and a master’s in Modern 11 am, immediately after services, and Philadelphia since 2014. Prior to that, lian F. and William L. Silber Professor of Jewish history from the Bernard Revel run for about an hour. This year’s topic he served for seven years as the dean of the Year. He writes and lectures widely School of Jewish Studies. She complet- will focus on “Making Shabbat a More the Margolin Hebrew Academy/Fein- on topics relating to the history of mod- ed a master’s in Jewish philosophy from Positive Experience for Our Children.” stone Yeshiva of the South in Memphis, ern Jewry and contemporary Jewish Columbia University where her thesis “I’m excited that we will once again and before that served as an instructor education. He is the author of the book work focused on the messianic writings bring two top-notch Jewish educators of modern Jewish history at Yeshiva “The Pillar of Volozhin: Rabbi Naftali of Isaac Abravanel. to our community to discuss a most im- University and as the associate head Zvi Yehuda Berlin and the World of The program is open to the entire portant topic,” said Michael Feldstein, of school at Yeshiva University’s High Nineteenth-Century Lithuanian Torah community. who is organizing the event. “Last year, School for Boys. He earned his B.A. we had more than 200 people come from the University of Pennsylvania, out on a Shabbat morning to hear his master’s and Ph.D. in Near East- our speakers, and I am hoping we can ern languages and civilizations from The Perils of Cyberspace duplicate the success of prior years. Harvard University, and rabbinical By Judie Jacobson could propose” – considers The perils of the Internet the program a reflection of and social media for young Jewish thought and values. Pioneers of Education people was the focus of two “The wise King Solomon By Elissa Kaplan explore the idea of a pluralistic Jewish workshops held in October said in Proverbs: ‘He who “A boy’s first visit to a classroom and the high school in southern Connecticut. at Bi-Cultural Day School in watches his mouth and his first lessons he received were traditionally The Jewish High School of Connecti- Stamford. tongue guards his soul from enveloped in emotion and ceremony. Dressed cut opened its doors in 2010 with Led by tech expert and troubles,’” noted Rabbi Ber- in new clothes, the child was carried to the community, religious and political educator Bud Freund, the nstein. “I believe the most schoolroom by a rabbi or a learned man. support. Fiedler is a managing partner workshops – a daytime pro- important message to our There he received a clean slate on which letters in Vesta Real Estate Partners, LLC. In gram for Bi-Cultural middle Bud Freund children made by Mr. Freund of the Hebrew alphabet or a simple biblical addition to her 25 years of real estate school students and an in his wonderful presentation verse had been written in honey. The child experience, she has been involved in evening program for parents – were was that everything we say and do on licked off the slate while reciting the name leadership in Jewish and community designed to make parents and students the Internet and in social media is of each letter,Passover and afterward he ate treatsGree of organizations.tings from aware of the pitfalls inherent in the use traceable and can be very harmful to us honey cake, apples, and nuts – all aimed “Inspired builder” – Geoffrey Erik- Judith Roll, Chef/Owner of the Internet and social media, arm and others. Therefore, we always need at making his introduction to his studies son accepted his current position as them with the tools needed to protect to be as careful, kind and considerate as sweet and tempting. president of the board of the Jewish themselves and their children against possible whenever we talk to or about “Though this custom [19th -20th century High School of Connecticut because such risks, and drive home the impor- others, particularly when our words are Eastern Europe] has long since fallen he is committed to offering the finest tance of being kind and respectful in preserved forever.” into disuse, the sentiment behind it still in secular and Jewish high school all of one’s communications. Both students and parents seemed to characterizes Jewish attitudes toward education. He wants to ensure that “If you read the news, it is with fright- understand and absorb Bud Freund’s education. Knowledge is sweet; learning is his own young children will have the ening regularity that we are learning message, and the tips, tricks and strat- to be approached • 203.504.8888 with excitement • and awe, opportunity • 203.890.9999 for a Jewish high • school just how much technology has surrep- egies for safely navigating the Internet lappedBULL’S up HEAD eagerly, PLAZA and savored- 59 HIGH long RIDGE after RD., the education.927 With HIGH his RIDGE Ph.D. RD., in biomed- titiously infiltrated, influenced and and social media. initial lessonSTAMFORD, is over.” – “VoicesCT 06905 of Wisdom” ical engineering,STAMFORD, CThe 06905currently runs manipulated our lives,” said Freund, “It was interesting and taught me by Francine Klagsbrun a company that is developing novel who has been teaching technology to that even if you think you deleted some- The Jewishtabouligrill.com Historical Society of diagnosticjudysbarandkitchen.com tests. users of all ages and providing tech thing, it is always there, so I should be Fairfield County values education and “Pioneer“ of JHS” – David” Ben-Guri- "...the best Israeli food outside of Israel." pure Americana! support to small businesses and families careful about what I send to my friends,” is honoring four pioneers of education on could have been describing Lester for more than 20 years. said seventh-grader Benjamin Cohen. with its highest award, the JHS Heritage Sharlach when he said, “Words without It’s important to remember, said Fre- And that message needs to be driven Award, on Sunday, December 3, at 2 deeds are nothing… One must show und, who is himself the father of a high home repeatedly by the school com- pm, at Temple Sholom, 259 Richards the way by example.” A Stamford na- school student and college student, munity in order for it to become a way Ave., Norwalk. tive, Lester Sharlach was a founder of “If you go online, you have a digital of life for young people, said Freund. “Transformational leader” – Dr. JHS andt its secondg president. He just footprint and everything is traceable. “Life skills get reinforced, and the DavidNew Levinson has yearbeen president Gree started ain new project,s from an exhibit of the So we as users and as parents of users safety and well-being of the community of Norwalk CommunityJudith College Roll, in Chef/Ownerhistory of Stamford Jewish businesses need to develop our understanding and improve when schools and their fam- Norwalk since August 2004. Called a from the 1880s-1960s. management of these devices.” ilies partner in technology to create a change agent, Levinson is credited Join JHSFC to honor these pioneers Bi-Cultural Dean Rabbi Tzvi Ber- baseline of common knowledge and with creating an innovative, welcom- of education and to fulfill its mission nstein – who, together with Head of best practices.” ing and rigorous learning culture of building an intergenerational School Jackie Herman, approached For a look at two-minute YouTube at NCC. Over the last decade, he is community through sharing and pre- Freund with an idea the Stamford-based modules of Freund’s presentation, visit said to have brought improvements serving local Jewish history, heritage tech guru described as “one of the most http://budly.live. that provide learning opportunities and culture. For further information, progressive, enlightened and forward Bi-Cultural Day School is a recipient • 203.504.8888 • • 203.890.9999 • forBULL’S the entire HEAD PLAZAcommunity, - 59 HIGH beginning RIDGE RD., contact JHSFC927 HIGH at 203-321-1373, RIDGE RD., ext.150, thinking educational programs that any agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater with preschoolSTAMFORD, to elementary CT 06905 school, or [email protected], CT 06905The website is independent school or school district Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. to high school to college and to life- http://jhsfc-ct.org. time learners.tabouligrill.com The Jewishjudysbarandkitchen.com Historical Society of Fairfield “Visionary founder” – In 2006, Su- County is“ a recipient agency” of United Adopt-a-Family – A Joyful Time for All "...the best Israeli food outside of Israel." pure Americana! san Birke Fiedler gathered a group Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Every year around the holidays, individual donors approach Schoke Jewish of community leaders together to Canaan and Darien. Family Service, hoping to bring joy to its clients and provide gifts for chil- dren. Three years ago, the Adopt-a-Family program became a coordinated effort in the community, with several Hebrew schools creating gift baskets. Participating schools would receive a description of a family, complete with t ages and genders of the children, as well as a wish list from each child. From Chanukah Gree ings from there, students and their families would purchase items from the wish list or Judith Roll, Chef/Owner offer gift cards and cash. In some cases, holiday meals were prepared and delivered to families. “The program has become such a wonderful gift to the community. It is particularly meaningful during holiday seasons, when the stress of financial insecurity weighs heavily on Schoke JFS clients and negatively impacts their families’ ability to fully experience the holiday,” notes Rebekah Kanefsky, LPC, JFS director of case management. “The joy and excitement generated by donors’ generous gift baskets overwhelm most clients to the point of tears. • 203.504.8888 • • 203.890.9999 • What once were tears of frustration become tears of joy, as their holiday be- BULL’S HEAD PLAZA - 59 HIGH RIDGE RD., 927 HIGH RIDGE RD., STAMFORD, CT 06905 STAMFORD, CT 06905 comes filled with gifts for their children and a moment of respite from their continuous struggles.” tabouligrill.com judysbarandkitchen.com For more information on the Schoke JFS Adopt-a-Family program, or if you know anyone who might benefit from case management services, contact Kanefsky "...the best Israeli food outside of Israel." “ ” pure Americana! at [email protected] or call 203-921-4161. All services are strictly confidential. december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 9 Moving Forward for Students with Learning Differences By Judie Jacobson port they receive allows them to access the general strong foundation so that, in time, they can succeed “Kadimah” is Hebrew for “moving forward.” And curriculum. We have a team of dedicated and highly independently. We pride ourselves in providing ap- moving forward is what students in need of support competent specialists who provide students with the propriate support for children to progress toward services do at Bi-Cultural Day School, thanks to “Kad- support they need in a nurturing environment. We independence by providing a gradual release of imah,” the school’s program that helps students with strive to support our students to be independent, responsibility.” special learning styles to maximize their potential. resourceful learners. To that end, students are given Bi-Cultural Day School is a recipient agency of United This year alone, upwards of 60 Bi-Cultural students individualized ‘Action Plans’ to meet their needs. Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and from across the learning spectrum will take advantage The ultimate goal is to provide students with a Darien. of the slew of services provided by Kadimah. While the program draws upon many of the elements present in other support service programs at other schools – for example, Kadimah has on staff a school BBYO: Impacting Our Teens psychologist, speech and language pathologist, and September and October were busy for the BBYO occupational therapist, in addition to a team of Connecticut Valley Region. To prepare the BBYO specialists who provide support services in reading, community of advisors for the year, more than 40 writing, math, Hebrew, Judaic studies and curricular volunteers from New York, Connecticut, Rhode Is- areas – it does so while seeking to stay true to the land and Massachusetts gathered in Windsor, CT, for Bi-Cultural educational philosophy. BBYO’s annual Northeast Advisor Training. Advisors And that, says Bi-Cultural’s Associate Principal spent the weekend learning about inclusion, and teen Rachel Haron, is what sets it apart from the pack. mental health issues and indicators. All advisors also “We have a rich history of looking at each child received CPR and First Aid certifications. The Advisor and individualizing instruction. It comes from our Training Weekend was partially funded by a grant incredibly robust tradition of teaching each child from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s according to his way,” says Haron, paraphrasing a CJEL Inclusion Initiative. Jewish phrase. “We construct individualized learning BBYO chapters across the state hosted a variety to accommodate social emotional academic needs.” of Sukkot programs in their communities. Chapter Another aspect of the Kadimah program, says its members in Stamford, Greenwich and West Hartford director, H. Bernstein, who also serves as the school’s came together for potluck meals in the sukkah. In speech and language pathologist, is that students between noshing, the Stamford chapters debated from across the learning spectrum are mainstreamed the meaning of Sukkot while the Greenwich chapter in the classroom, with a “mix and match” of services used Sukkot as a way to talk about environmental provided. So, for example, when the class turns its justice and Jewish values. attention to math, those students needing support These Sukkot programs across the state culminat- services in math also turn to that subject at that time. ed at the annual BBYO Connecticut Valley Regional Regional Directors Tyler Pepe (second from left) and As a result, says Bernstein, no student feels left out Kick Off event on October 14, where more than 300 Jennifer Kruzansky (far right) with Vivian Kantrow (far or left behind. Jewish teens from across Connecticut and Western left), former CVR regional director and current director of “A unique aspect of Kadimah is that it is fully Massachusetts celebrated the new year. At Kickoff, development for Tower One (an assisted living community inclusive,” notes Bernstein. “Students who qualify members collected more than 10,000 plastic bags in New Haven), and Susan Skalka, the life enrichment for support learn alongside their peers, and the sup- from Tower One in New Haven that will be re-used coordinator for Tower One. Kantrow and Skalka lead the to make “plarn” (plastic yarn). The plarn will be plarn project for Tower One, and are pictured with some weaved into all-purpose sleeping mats and blankets of the plastic bags collected by BBYO teens and examples JCC Hosts Community Open House for people experiencing homelessness. of the mats that will be made with the plarn from the bags. The Jewish Community Center will host a member- BBYO Connecticut Valley Region is now look- ship and fitness open house for prospective members ing toward Friday-Saturday, December 15-16, to Out!,” an event that focuses on “stomping out” the on Sunday, January 7, from 10 am-2 pm. “We invite celebrate Shabbat Across Connecticut. Chapters stigma of mental health issues. Teens will have the people to take a tour, enjoy brunch, learn about throughout the Connecticut Valley Region will be opportunity to interact with and collect information our wonderful programs and facilities, and meet hosting Shabbat dinners and services with local from more than a dozen professional organizations staff members,” said Ilene Kirschner Madwed, JCC community “Game Changers.” While each com- that work in the mental health field. The event will managing director of membership services. munity will host its own program on the night of take place at The Sports Center of Connecticut, All who attend will receive three complimentary December 15, BBYO Connecticut Valley Region will where activities will include laser tag, food, arcade guest passes to the JCC, and those who join at the be united as each community celebrates Shabbat games, ice skating and a DJ on ice. open house will receive a special discount on mem- in their own way. On December 16, Jewish teens For more information about the BBYO Connecti- bership dues. from across the state will come together again for cut Valley Region, contact Tyler Pepe at Tpepe@ For more information, contact Kirschner Madwed a Havdalah and Chanukah candle lighting at the bbyo.org or Jen Kruzansky at [email protected]. at 487-0945 or [email protected]. second annual “Stomp It Out!” event. Last year, BBYO is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation more than 400 Jewish teens attended “Stomp It of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Israeli Film Series Community members are invited to join Israeli Shlicha Yael Stolarsky at the Jewish Community Center as she screens award-winning films direct from Israel. “Someone to Run With” will be shown on Thursday, December 21, at 7 pm. Based on a novel by David Grossman,Dry the Cleaning, film is a taleLaundry, of adventure, Flat work finding the strength to overcomePick upfears, / Delivery true friendship and love. “PreciousAll Life”Work will Done be shown On Premises on Thursday, Jan- uary 11, from 7-9 pm. The film tells the story of an Frank Policastro/Owner (203) 323-0507 Israeli48 Crescent pediatrician Street and a [email protected] mother who struggleStamford, to CTget 06905 treatmentwww.crescentcleaners.com for a baby suffering from an incurable genetic disease. For more information, contact Stolarsky at 203- 487-0961 or [email protected].

Happy Chanukah! Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Flat work Pick up / Delivery All Work Done On Premises

Frank Policastro/Owner (203) 323-0507 48 Crescent Street [email protected] Stamford, CT 06905 www.crescentcleaners.com

Your ad could be here! Happy To advertise, contact Bonnie Rozen at (800)779-7896, ext. 244 or New [email protected] Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Flat work Pick up / Delivery All Work Done On Premises Frank Policastro/Owner Visit www.ujf.org,(203) 323-0507 facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 48 Crescent Street Ê [email protected] Stamford, CT 06905 www.crescentcleaners.com

Happy Passover! Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Flat work Pick up / Delivery All Work Done On Premises

Frank Policastro/Owner (203) 323-0507 48 Crescent Street [email protected] Stamford, CT 06905 www.crescentcleaners.com 10 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 11

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 12 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 Anxiety in Children When to Worry about Your Child’s Worries Carmel Academy introduces its The series will begin with a film who suffer, or have suffered, from Program Director Jonathan Holub. “In PALS Learning Center, a resource for screening of the documentary “Angst: anxiety and what they have learned addition to community programming, children, parents and educators, which Breaking the Stigma of Anxiety,” fol- about it. The film includes discussions the Center provides additional levels seeks to provide direct student support, lowed by a discussion led by Carmel with mental health experts about the of support for Carmel students within expert speakers, workshops and parent Academy’s Director of Guidance Dr. causes and sociological effects of anxi- the school’s PALS program for learning training. Its inaugural community Jeff Kilstein on Monday, November 27, ety, as well as providing resources and disabilities. It has been truly impactful program features a two-part series ex- at 7 pm, at the school. tools. Tickets can be reserved at www. for our students on a daily basis and ploring how to understand and manage “Angst” is a 60-minute film that carmelacademy.com. we are excited to share this wonderful anxiety in children and adolescence. explores anxiety, its causes, effect, The series will continue on Monday, resource with the wider community.” PALS (Providing Alternative Learning and what we can do about it. With a December 11, at 7 pm, with “When to “This gift is transformative,” said Strategies) is Carmel Academy’s inclu- particular focus on adolescents and Worry about Your Child’s Worries?,” a Carmel Academy Head of School Nora sive program for children with special teens, the film features candid inter- presentation and Q&A with Dr. Regine Anderson. “The PALS Learning Center learning needs. views with children and young adults Galanti, Ph.D. Galanti is an expert in is not only a tremendous resource for anxiety in children and adolescents. our students, but also for our faculty, She received her doctorate in clini- parents and the larger community. Wild ’N Wacky Reunion at the J cal/school psychology from Hofstra The educational programming we On Sunday, January 21, from 5:30-7 pm, at the Jewish Community Center, Day University and is the founder of Long will be able to provide reinforces our Camps@The J will host a family camp reunion that promises to be a celebration Island Behavioral Psychology in the commitment to encouraging lifelong of summer. “Our new Wild ’N Wacky challenge game will chase away winter Five Towns. Previously, she acted as the learning – a true hallmark of Carmel chills for returning campers and their friends,” said Jason Samuel, director of director of Center for Anxiety’s Brook- Academy’s educational philosophy.” Day Camps@The J. lyn Office. Her clinical work specializes The Carmel Academy PALS Learn- The reunion will also offer an opportunity for families to learn about the new in the assessment and treatment of ing Center’s series on anxiety and chil- programs the JCC has planned for the summer of 2018. Dinner, dessert and children and young adolescents using dren will take place at the school, 270 kids’ raffles will be included. The event is open to all Day Camps@The J camp- behavior therapy and parent-child Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT. To register, ers, their families and friends. While there is no charge to attend, families are interaction therapy. visit www.carmelacademy.com. asked to consider making a $36 donation to the JCC’s camp scholarship fund. “The PALS Learning Center was Carmel Academy is a recipient agency For further information, contact Samuel at 203-487-0973 or jsamuel@stam- established this fall with an anonymous of United Jewish Federation of Greater fordjcc.org. gift,” said Carmel Academy’s PALS Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

Discoveries Continued from page 1 One of the most significant aspects Second Temple period, archaeologists of the discoveries is that they exhibit sent samples from inside the arch and its “the cultural change that Jerusalem connecting pillar for carbon dating tests. underwent around the Second Temple At right: Israel Antiquities “We’re still waiting for the official results,” period, when Jerusalem was a Jewish Authority archaeologist said Lieberman. “The excavation isn’t city with Jewish culture, which after the Tehillah Lieberman at finished yet, and I hope that as it goes on, destruction turned into a Roman city the newly discovered we’ll be able to give a more accurate date.” with Roman culture,” IAA archaeologist ancient Roman theater in As the IAA team awaits the results, Tehillah Lieberman told JNS.org. Jerusalem. (Photo by Yaniv Lieberman said she believes the arch “The Romans needed different build- Berman/Israel Antiquities “has been standing in its place since the ings,” she said. “They had different struc- Authority) Second Temple period.” She bases her tures with different uses… the focus and assessment on how Wilson’s Arch relates the center of the city had to change, and to the other architectural elements at that’s what we see in Wilson’s Arch. We see the excavation site. “On the supporting how the street from the Second Temple in order to unveil ancient Jerusalem. Wilson, who identified it in 1864. It is pillar of the arch, there are five open- was dismantled and in its place a Roman The excavation project was initiated constructed from enormous stones, ings that look like five little rooms,” said theater-like structure was built facing its with the intention of accurately dating and is the only remaining arch from a Lieberman. “The theater-like structure back to [the] Temple Mount, and this Wilson’s Arch, which is believed to be series of similar arches that formed a [that was uncovered in the dig] blocks tells us the story of what happened to the only structure from the Temple large bridge leading up to the Temple the entrance to two of them.” Jerusalem after the destruction.” Mount compound of the Second Tem- Mount compound from the west. This, she said, “means [the theater] Israel Hasson, director-general of ple period that remains intact today. “When we started the excavations, definitely has to post-date the pillar of the IAA, said the findings “enhance The arch, which stands above the West- there were three opinions regarding the the arch and the arch itself.” the importance of expanding the ar- ern Wall’s foundations, is named after age of Wilson’s Arch,” Lieberman said. Archaeologists also found plaster from chaeological excavations in this region” 19th-century explorer Charles William “We wanted to see which opinion was Jewish ritual baths “on the other side of correct. One opinion held that the arch that same pillar… which means it has to originated from the Second Temple be from some time between the first and period. If Wilson’s Arch really is from second century,” said Lieberman. the Second Temple period, it means that Lieberman believes the future holds it’s the only complete structure standing discoveries that could date even earlier today in Jerusalem from that time.” than “everything that has been exposed up According to Lieberman, all other until now,” speculating that artifacts from known structures dating back to the the First Temple period could be found. Second Temple period, including the “Time after time,” said Rabbi Shmuel Western Wall, have signs of destruction. Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall, On the other hand, Wilson’s Arch “is “the amazing archaeological findings complete from its foundation all the allow our generation to actually touch way to the top of the arch and its con- the ancient history of our people and nection to the Western Wall,” she said. Jewish heritage, and its deep connec- To verify that the arch dates to the tion to Jerusalem.”

A view of the Wilson’s Arch excavation in Jerusalem’s Western Wall Tunnels. (Photo by Yaniv Berman/Israel Antiquities Authority) december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 13 Motivational Speaker at Saul Cohen – Schoke JFS Lecture With about 225 guests in attendance at the Ferguson Library, Schoke Jewish Family Service presented the Sixth Annual Saul Cohen – Schoke JFS Lec- ture on November 9. Bruce Feiler, the featured speaker, New York Times columnist and bestselling author, told personal stories of his life and travels, and the passion that motivates him to help families lead “joyous lives,” which Schoke JFS also seeks to do.

Thanks for a successful evening were extended to the Steering Committee members (l-r): Mark Frank, Joanna Lowin, L-r: Saul and Mimi Cohen, supporters of the annual Schoke JFS CEO Matt Greenberg, Michael and Betsy Stone, Saul and Mimi Cohen, speaker Bruce Feiler, Gail and Schoke JFS lecture, are pictured with Bruce Feiler, the keynote Stephen Trell, Connie and Alan Freeman, Schoke JFS Board President Beverly Stein, Sheila Romanowitz and Schoke speaker of the event. JFS COO Jonathan Fass. (Photos by Aviva Maller Photography) “Pie Face Challenge” Jewish High School Hosts Open House

The Jewish High School of Connecticut held an Open House for prospective students on October 29. The Stamford-based STEM Jewish high school hosted close to 100 With plates filled with whipped cream, more than 70 students and staff at Carmel Academy people to learn about its growing school programs. L-r: JHSC Student Council dared themselves to do the “Pie Face Challenge” in honor of Sam Buck, a 7-year-old Greenwich members Ben Marcus, Ella Feuerstein and Natalie Shclover fielded questions from neighbor battling a rare terminal illness. His parents started the “Pie Face Challenge” eighth-graders. in the hopes of raising awareness surrounding the rare Vanishing White Matter Disease. Participants in the challenge post photos and video of themselves on social media putting a pie in their face as a fund-raiser of the VWM Families Foundation. The students welcomed him and his mom, Allyson Buck, to Carmel Academy to watch and participate. Shown are fourth-graders doing the “Pie Face Challenge” to raise funds for research.

Boker Tov, Israel! – Lecture Series with Yael Stolarsky On Sunday, December 17, from 10-11:30 am, at the Jewish Community Cen- ter, join Israeli shlicha Yael Stolarsky for “The Puzzle Pieces of the Conflict” to explore the pieces that make up the puzzle of the Arab-Israeli conflict. On Thursday, January 25, from 11 am-noon, at the JCC, Stolarsky will lead a program called “The Sticker Song: Israel from Bumper to Bumper.” Stolarsky will show how a hip hop recitation of Israeli bumper stickers reflects the many facets of life in Israel. The program will be repeated on Sunday, January 28, starting at 10 am.

Supper and Song Dance Party Rabbi Elisha Paul, the Jewish High School of Connecticut’s head of school, addressed On Wednesday, January 17, at 5:30 pm, the JCC will host a Supper and Song prospective families at the JHSC Open House. Dance party with entertainer Andy Baum. The evening will be tailored to young children ages 1-4 and their siblings. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Pizza will be served to children and adults. Tickets are $13 per person if reg- istered by Tuesday, January 9, and $15 beginning January 10; for JCC members, $10 before January 9 and $12 beginning January 10. Those planning to attend must register at stamfordjcc.org. For more infor- mation, contact Allison Murphy at 203-487-0980 or [email protected].

ah Gr anuk eeting Ch from s

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 14 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 Jerusalem Photo Exhibit Impacts Bi-Cultural Students Bi-Cultural Day School’s Behrend Auditorium was transformed into a gallery in October when “Jerusalem Now and Forever,” an exhibit of 50 photographs depicting the multi-cultural life of Jerusalem by award-winning Israeli photographer Sharon Gabay, was put on display. Coordinated by Im Tirzu, the largest grass-roots Zionist movement in Israel, the exhibit opened on October 17 with a donor dinner chaired by Bi-Cultural parent Tara Shapiro (pictured at left). The public was invited to view the photographs during its run of several weeks. The exhibit was viewed by the school’s eighth grade class to help prepare them for their month-long Israel trip this spring. Guests enjoyed the photos at the opening of the “Jerusalem Now and Forever” exhibit. JHSC Jumps High Louis J. Kuriansky Annual Conference at UConn

Dr. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, gathered with other dignitaries after his keynote speech on “The Legacy of Justice Brandeis” at the 2017 The Jewish High School of Connecticut’s men’s basketball team, led by Coach Jeff Desir, Louis J. Kuriansky Annual Conference that was hosted by The Center for Middle Eastern plays in The New York Sports Club’s 15 and older men’s league. The increase in the and Judaic Studies at UConn Stamford. L-r: Dan Weiner, vice president, UConn; Ed number of students enrolled in younger grades led to a mainly freshmen and sophomore Backer, Kuriansky trustee; Sary Backer, Kuriansky trustee; Dr. David Yalof, chair of team that Desir believes will improve steadily against mainly older and bigger opponents. Department of Political Science, UConn; Dr. Jeffrey Rosen; Dr. Howard Erichson, professor All students are allowed to participate at JHSC. L-r: Basketball players Ben Marcus, of law, Fordham University Law School; Dr. Nehama Aschkenasy professor and director Gavin Rakitt, David Waknine, an unnamed referee, Jakob Okun, Maxx Sproehnle, Gavi of the Center for Middle Eastern and Judaic Studies at UConn-Stamford; and Terrence Genger and Nate Herman. Cheng, campus director, UConn-Stamford. November & December 2017 SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED COUNSELING, MEDIATION and CRISIS SUPPORT Schoke JFS For Children/Adolescents Diagnosed With ADD/ADHD Schoke JFS Kosher Food Pantry Wednesday afternoons. Finding Your Focus with Dr. Lee Combrinck-Graham MD. Non-perishable staples for those in need. Donations welcomed. Please contact Rebekah Service includes psychiatric evaluation, review of previous evaluations, family Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or email [email protected] to arrange drop-off. For more assessment, on-going support, and medication management. Qualifies for insurance information, contact JFS at 203-921-4161. reimbursement. For more information, contact Eve Moskowitz at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Schoke JFS College Ahead EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 pm. Deans of Admissions of prominent colleges will form a panel of experts to share information about the college admission process, academics, Schoke JFS Computer Training Courses Jewish life on campus, residential options and other topics of interest. Claire Friedlander, Variety of courses - all levels, individuals or small groups. Nominal fee. For more JFS College Consultant, will moderate the discussion at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield information, contact Ilene Locker at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Avenue. Open to the community at no cost and registration is not required. Contact Claire Schoke JFS Seniors2Work Friedlander at 203-921-4161 or email [email protected] for more information Job Bank for age 50+. Lower Fairfield employers can list full / part time jobs for dedicated, Schoke JFS College Counseling skilled mature workers. No fees. For more information, contact Ilene Locker or Jodi Max- Need help navigating the college admission and application process? Qualified, experienced ner at 203-921-4161 or www.seniors2work.org assistance provided by Claire D. Friedlander, Schoke JFS College Consultant. Competitive fees. For more information, contact Claire Friedlander at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Kuriansky Foundation Counseling Program of Schoke JFS CARING FOR SENIORS Qualified, licensed professionals provide counseling and psychotherapy to Need Help Buying Groceries? individuals, children, adolescents, families, couples and groups. For emotional Schoke JFS will provide information and eligibility assistance for financial help to purchase support while unemployed, see Life Transitions below. Affordable fees, food. For a consultation, please contact Rebekah Kanefsky, Schoke JFS Case Manager at 203- based on income; no one is “turned away”. Insurance accepted. For more 921-4161 or email [email protected]. information, contact JFS at 203-921-4161. Schoke JFS Home Companion Schoke JFS Individuals / Families in Crisis A program placing fully trained and vetted home companions and CNAs matched to the Comprehensive services. Assistance with basic necessities, housing, medical, social, legal needs and specific circumstances of senior clients. Trained aides assist seniors with daily and financial matters. Fees based on ability to pay. For more information, contact: Rebekah activities, chores, and socialization. Certified Nursing Assistants can provide personal care, Kanefsky at 203- 921-4161 #128 or [email protected]. toileting, and medication management. Services are provided hourly, daily or up to 24/7 at competitive rates. Full supervision by professional Schoke JFS staff. For more information DIVORCE & BEREAVEMENT contact Isrella Knopf, Director of Senior Services at Schoke JFS at 203-921-4161 or email at [email protected]. Parent Education Program (PEP) State-mandated workshop for divorcing parents with children at Schoke JFS Stamford. JFS Residential Cleaning Fee is $125 per person. Call for dates and to register at 203-324-3167. Employ professionally trained individuals to clean your home and at the same time help support Schoke Jewish Family Service. Rates lower or competitive than other Schoke JFS Focus on K.I.D.S. service providers. For more information, contact Jodi Maxner at 203-921-4161 or For divorced or separated parents experiencing high conflict around parenting deci- [email protected]. sions. Teaches both parents strategies for communicating in a non-hostile manner. For more information, contact Erika Garcia at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Let’s Talk FAIRFIELD: Mondays, 12:45 pm. Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace, Schoke JFS Spousal Bereavement Groups, Fairfield. Contact Amanda Geffner at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Mondays at 10:30 am at Congregation B’nai Israel, 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. STAMFORD: Tuesdays , 11:00 am. Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue Fridays at 10:30 am at Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Road, Stamford Gather to share WESTPORT: Thursdays, 1:00 pm. Westport Senior Center, 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport. feelings and exchange ide as in a non-judgmental environment that provides emotion- Seniors talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Schoke Jewish Family al, practical, and spiritual support for grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other. Service counselor. Contact Sheila Duggan at 203-921-4161 or [email protected] Contact Amanda Geffner, Schoke JFS Therapist at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. ALL locations FREE. december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 15 Magical Chanukah Celebration at Chanukah Community Concert Bi-Cultural Celebration and Chanukah It’s All in the Bi-Cultural Day School will open its gymnasium Wonderland doors on Sunday, December 3, from 3-5 pm, to A community Chanukah celebration highlighting Sizzle welcome the entire community to a Chanukah cele- the children of local Jewish day schools – including By Ronnie Fein bration highlighted by an afternoon of fun. Geared Bi-Cultural Day School, Carmel Academy, Gan Yelad- When Chanukah comes, for young Jewish families with children up to age 6 im Preschool and JCC Sara Walker Nursery School all of us look forward to (older siblings are welcome), the festivities will in- – will take place on Sunday, December 10, at Chabad doughnuts and latkes. Our clude live entertainment, Chanukah-themed cooking of Stamford. The annual Chanukah Wonderland will holiday food. Our once-a- and tastings, face painting and balloons, holiday be held from 3-4 pm and the Chanukah Community year excuse to indulge in gift creations, bounce house/slide, soft play, music, Concert from 4-5:30 pm. eating fried chicken, fried refreshments and much more. Admission is free. Tickets bought in advance are $10 per person, potatoes, fried dough. Fried with a maximum per family of $36; tickets at the anything! JCC Chanukah Giftique door will cost $15 per person, with a $54 maximum And yes, some have come The Chanukah Giftique, hosted annually by The per family. Tickets include Chanukah Wonderland up with healthier “mock” fried Center Women of the Jewish Community Center, will and the concert. Food will be offered for sale versions but, I ask you, are they run this year from December 10-17. The Giftique, separately. really the same? The cover of Ronnie which has for years been considered one of Stamford’s For more information, e-mail programs@stam- In our family, we eat a fairly Fein’s newest cookbook, most popular Chanukah shops, features a wide selec- fordchabad.org or visit Www.StamfordChabad.org. healthy diet throughout the “The Modern Kosher tion of affordable gifts and items such as menorahs, year, so I am of the opinion Kitchen” dreidels, candles, gelt, toys, books, wrapping paper that a Chanukah indulgence and decorations. Visit stamfordjcc.org for hours. David’s Treasure Chest Toy Closet – real fried, not fake – is OK. And so, we eat our For more information, contact Nancy Schiffman United Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philan- share of potato (and other) latkes (I once made at 203-487-0941 or [email protected]. thropy group will hold its annual David’s Treasure 200 little ones for my brother’s holiday party). Chest Toy Closet program on Wednesday, De- And we have a few doughnuts as well. And fried Chanukah and New Year’s cember 13, at the Stamford Hospital. The eighth chicken wings. grade students of Bi-Cultural Day School and But a while ago I experimented with onion rings, Luncheons for Seniors Carmel Academy are invited to deliver the toys because my husband loves them. I do, too. We don’t All senior adults in the community are invited to they have collected to the David’s Treasure Chest like the thick, batter-coated ones. We like them skinny light the menorah and share in a Chanukah lunch Toy Closet, which are then given out to children and really crunchy. on Tuesday, December 12, from 11:30 am-1 pm, at during the holidays. After a few tries, I came up with this recipe for the Jewish Community Center. There is a suggested David’s Treasure Chest Toy Closet was started by “onion strings” and they are just about perfect. So donation of $4 per person. the Kanarek family in honor of their son, David, who sure, this holiday can have those classic latkes. And passed away in 2000 of leukemia at the age of 15. a doughnut or two. But try these, too! I can’t think Giant Menorah Lighting Toys can be dropped off the week of November of a better fried food than these. The community is invited to come watch as one of 28 at Bi-Cultural Day School, Carmel Academy, I warn you – the recipe is supposed to make Fairfield County’s largest menorahs is lit on Tuesday, Sarah Walker Nursery School, Gan Yeladim and four servings, but, you know, two of us once ate December 12, at 4:30 pm, at Latham Park, Stamford. the UJF offices at 1035 Newfield Ave., second floor, up the entire mess and thought we could have There will be donuts, hot apple cider and latkes, as well and at the Center Women’s Gift Show on Thursday, had more. as gelt for the children. The event is free and open to all. November 30, at the Jewish Community Center. Crispy Fried Onion Strings A community menorah lighting at Harbor Point For more information, contact Sharon Franklin 2 large sweet onions (or 4 medium yellow onions), is TBD. at [email protected]. sliced thin Seltzer Friendship Circle Chanukah Holiday Jewish Women Connected ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt Party Chanukah Package Party ½ tsp. paprika The annual Friendship Circle Chanukah Holiday Jewish Women Connected will hold a Chanukah ½ tsp. garlic powder Party for Friendship Circle families and volunteers Package Party on Thursday, December 14, at the Vegetable oil will take place on Monday, December 18, from 5-6:30 home of Tracey Balinsky. Those attending should Place the onions slices in a bowl and pour enough pm, at Stepping Stones Museum, 303 West Ave., bring an unwrapped gift worth $10 or more to be seltzer on top to cover the onions. Let rest for about Norwalk. Contact [email protected] to get auctioned off. Mingle and nibbles will begin at 7:15 30 minutes. involved and for more information. pm and the program will begin at 7:45 pm. All bid In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, paprika and money will benefit a charity. The program is chaired garlic powder. Celebrate Chanukah at TBE with by Shira Nerenberg. Remove the onion slices from the seltzer and press JWC members can attend for free; the cost to in a sieve or colander to drain off as much seltzer as Disney Shabbat attend for non-JWC members is $15. possible. Place the onions in the bowl with the flour TBE will celebrate Chanukah with a Disney-themed Contact [email protected] for more mixture and toss to coat the slices. Shabbat on Friday night, December 15. The evening details or to RSVP. Heat about 2-inches of vegetable oil in a large, will begin at 5:45 pm with a family-friendly Shabbat deep sauté pan to about 360°F (a bread crumb will and Chanukah dinner, including Chinese food, JCC Family Chanukah Party sizzle). Working with a handful of onion slices at a latkes and dreidels. Families with children of all ages are invited to time, fry for about 3 minutes, tossing them as they The cost is $17 per adult and $12 per child 3-12 attend the Jewish Community Center’s annual Family cook, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted (children under 3 eat free), with a $60 maximum Chanukah Celebration on Monday, December 18, spoon and drain on paper towels. Continue with the per immediate family (not including grandparents from 6-7:30 pm. remaining onion slices. and extended family). The evening will include menorah lighting and Should make four servings, but if you really love At 7 pm, the evening will continue with a Dis- Chanukah music. Those attending can enjoy Cha- crispy onion strings, this recipe will serve two and ney-themed Chanukah Shabbat service and cele- nukah treats, including potato latkes, jelly donuts maybe even one. bration with Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Cantor and chocolate gelt. Ronnie Fein is a cookbook author, food writer and cooking Magda Fishman, TBE Religious School students and Tickets are $18 per person, or $15 for JCC mem- teacher in Stamford. She is the author of “The Modern Kosher musical guests. bers. Register online at www.stamfordjcc.org or call Kitchen” and “Hip Kosher.” Visit her food blog, Kitchen To register for the dinner, visit www.tinyurl.com/ the JCC welcome desk at 203-322-7900. Vignettes, at www.ronniefein.com, friend on Facebook at tbelatkes by Tuesday, December 12. For further For more information, contact Galit Roloff at www.facebook.com/RonnieFeinKitchen/, or follow her on information or questions, contact the TBE office at [email protected]. Twitter and Instagram at @RonnieVFein. 203-322-6901 or [email protected].

May your Chanukah be filled with the miracles of the holiday Bonnie Rozen, Advertising Representative

Please support The United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien Inc.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 16 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 Julian Edelman’s Children’s Book Gets a Jewish Makeover By Penny Schwartz Edelman said onstage that the November, in time for Chanukah, Swissa told JTA. BOSTON (JTA) – If New story of Israel reminded him of Edelman has become an object of Jewish fas- England Patriots star Julian his own struggles to push past cination since he publicly identified himself as a Edelman retires from the NFL those who overlooked him. He member of the tribe in a 2013 interview on the anytime soon, he clearly has a was picked in the seventh and NFL Network. He has tweeted about Jewish hol- promising second career as a final round of the 2009 draft idays, wore an Israel pin during a game in 2014 Jewish children’s book writer. In by the Patriots and was not pro- and was named one of the best Jewish football front of about 400 children and jected to succeed in the league. players of all time by the American Jewish His- their families on a recent Tues- But he has notched more than torical Society last year. day night at the Newton Centre 400 career receptions, helped PJ Library’s founder, Jewish businessman Har- flagship of the Jewish Community the team win two Super Bowls old Grinspoon, and his wife, Diane Troderman, Center of Greater Boston, the and become quarterback Tom both philanthropists, attended the event along 31-year-old wide receiver and Brady’s favorite target. with their grandchildren and other members of Super Bowl hero read a special “I fell in love with the people their family. Edelman is “an amazing guy. He’s a edition of a children’s book he of Israel,” Edelman said, not- heimische guy. He’s so real,” Grinspoon told JTA, co-wrote last year. Julian Edelman read from his children’s ing his admiration for how the using a Yiddish term meaning friendly and down Edelman, who has Jewish book at the JCC of Greater Boston on small country thrives despite to earth. “I love the [‘Flying High’] story because ancestry on his father’s side October 10. (Photo by Nikki Cole) being surrounded by unfriendly it’s so true to who he is.” and has identified as Jewish countries. in recent years, was treated “like a rock star. It’s a theme he said he wanted to convey in ““He’s a really good receiver and I hope I like a children’s book, especially after the birth of his book,” Ilan Sherman Kadish, one of Edel- his daughter, Lily, in November, to whom he man’s many young fans in attendance, said dedicated the book. The new PJ Library edition before the player spoke. of “Flying High” includes extra material on the The event was organized by PJ Library, the front and back flaps that emphasizes the story’s Massachusetts-based global Jewish children’s Jewish content and values. There is also a new book giveaway program supported by the Harold reference to Theodor Herzl, the founder of Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with oth- modern Zionism. The dedication page includes er philanthropists and local Jewish community one of Herzl’s most famous quotes: “If you will organizations. Twenty-five thousand copies of it, it is no dream.” Edelman’s book, “Flying High,” a semi-autobi- The quote shows up in illustrations through- ographical story about a squirrel named Jules who out the story as its young squirrel protagonist is determined to play football, are being mailed to trains hard and perseveres against his detractors 5-year-olds in Jewish homes across North America – a group of animals that includes an eagle, a through the PJ Library program. buffalo and a bear who ridicule him for being Before Edelman read his book, the audience too weak, slow and small. The idea for the was shown a video with footage from his visit to quote came from the Israeli-born Assaf Swissa, Israel in 2015 (which was co-sponsored by the Edelman’s co-author. Edelman told JTA after Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Bos- the event that while the quote was not central ton). The crowd cheered loudly after the video to the original book, it turned out to be a good One lucky fan had a fun encounter with Julian Edelman as Edelman, wearing a brace from a preseason fit. “It definitely has meaning for me,” he said at a private reading of his book at the JCC of Greater knee injury that has kept him from playing this of the Herzl quote. Boston before the main event on October 10. (Photo by season, made his way onto the stage. A second “Flying High” book is due out in Etan Harmelech/Harold Grinspoon Foundation) Adult Volunteer Opportunities CHABAD STAMFORD JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF Betsy’s Buddies Volunteers FAIRFIELD COUNTY Weekly or bi-monthly commitments available. Betsy’s Buddies is a program looking to facilitate one-on-one visitations between Harry Rosenbaum JHS Judaica Library at the JCC volunteers and homebound members in the community. Weekly Cover 2-hour slot (or more) once a week. You’ll be trained on the or bi-monthly commitments available and a great opportunity for computer system and the arrangement of books in the library. Call retirees and families. For more information, contact programs@ 203-487-0957. chabadstamford.org. The Archives at the Jewish Historical Loaves of Love Deliveries Every Friday after 10 am. Help distribute Loaves of Love Society of Fairfield County Help protect the pieces of our Jewish history. Do you enjoy packages to new neighbors, friends, new moms, the sick finding out about our region’s early Jewish settlers? Do you want and ANYONE who could use a “Taste of Shabbat.” For more to help Jewish organizations retain their history and documents? information, contact [email protected]. Call 203-359-2196. FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF Adult Circle Program Serving adults with a full range of physical, mental and cognitive GREATER STAMFORD, NEW CANAAN & DARIEN needs through one-on-one friendships and social opportunities with other adults in our community. Opportunities this year will 3SQUARE include, social events, swim nights, bowling and community In Connecticut, nearly one child in five is hungry or food inse- integration employment. For more information please contact cure and does not get enough food outside of the free meal pro- Sarah Lipsker at [email protected]. grams provided by the public schools. Women’s Philanthropy of the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER and Darien is joining other programs throughout the country to Kosher Lunch Program for Seniors do something about this situation in our own backyards. Help shop and pack bags to be delivered to area schools. Call 203-321- Help set up and serve HOT Kosher lunch to seniors. Tuesdays, 1373 for more information. Thursdays & Fridays at the JCC. For more information or reservation: Connie Cirillo Freeman at 203-487-0983 or [email protected]. UJF’s READING PARTNERS Read one-on-one with Stamford public school children. One SCHOKE JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE hour a week, mornings or afternoons. 13 elementary schools. Drivers needed to deliver food from the Kosher Food Pantry Training, literacy, focused workshops and support network pro- to individuals in the community. For information: Rebekah vided. Contact Marlyn Agatstein or Lenore Fogel at 203-321-1373 Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or rkanefskyctjfs.org x115 or [email protected].

If you have Adult Volunteer Opportunities and would like to be listed in future issues, please email [email protected] december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 17 Chapter Two Celebrates Sukkot By Sharon Franklin On October 9, United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien’s Chapter Two group gathered at the home of Rhoda Freedberg for a Sukkot-themed luncheon and program. Guests had an opportunity to visit Freedberg’s sukkah, followed by a buffet lunch catered by 613, a local kosher restaurant. The program featured Jonathan Fass, who led an interactive discussion titled “Sukkot: An Expres- sion of Jewish Unity.” Fass, UJF’s Behrend Institute educational facilitator and Schoke JFS’ COO, commented on his presentation: “Our goal in the L-r: Sari Jaffe (Chapter Two co-chair), Jonathan Fass (Schoke session was to explore the many ways our Jewish JFS COO), Rhoda Freedberg (event hostess), Sue Friedan tradition understands Sukkot to be a holiday which (Chapter Two co-chair) and Sharon Franklin (UJF director celebrates Jewish unity. We look at sources which of Community Campaign). Chapter Two gathered in Rhoda Freedberg’s sukkah. speak about the importance of bringing together diverse types of Jews and Jewish characteristics engaging women in the community by giving them to help our entire community be a vibrant and a better understanding of the work of Federation cohesive one.” Guests also had the opportunity and local partner agencies while seeking to achieve to learn more about the rituals performed during a stronger and more connected Jewish community. Sukkot, including the use of the lulav and etrog Upcoming Chapter Two programs include a trip during the holiday. to the New York Jewish Heritage Museum and a De- Chapter Two, co-chaired by Sari Jaffe and Sue cember event in which the women will put together Frieden, is a division of UJF’s Women’s Philanthropy, holiday gift packages for children in need. and includes women in the “empty nest” phase of Those who would like more information about life. The group meets throughout the year for both UJF’s Chapter Two or Women’s Philanthropy groups educational and social action programs. Since its are asked to contact Sharon Franklin at sharon@ Chapter Two women enjoyed lunch from 613, a local kosher inception three years ago, the focus has been on ujf.org. restaurant. Chabad Mega Challah Bake

At right: An aerial view of the attendees shaping challah. Clockwise from bottom left Stella Cohen, Lea Kaner, Maria Shclover, Irina Shabshis, Inga Tuluca, Jackie Herman, Chabad of Stamford held its Loaves of Love Mega Challah Nicole Ophir, Bake event on October 26tat the Crowne Plaza Stamford. Elena Genger and More than 440 women attended, filling 43 tables and Adi Yarchi. (Photo surpassing the program’s goal of 360 women baking 720 by Steve Labkoff) challahs. The attendees baked challah for themselves and their families, as well as for those in need of a little extra “love.” Mega Challah Bake event chairs were (l-r): Shelby Holloway, Talia Siscovick, Leah Shemtov (Chabad of Stamford co-director) and Elise Klein. Not pictured: Elian Avraham. (Photo by Clive and Raema Salmon) Israel a Rising Star in Space and Satellite Technology By Adam Abrams JNS.org Adding to Israel’s existing reputation as the “start- up nation” and a major hub of innovation, the Jew- ish state has been called “a rising star in space and satellite technology.” Several key developments in recent years highlight Israel’s growing contributions in the field, including the successful launch of the Venus satellite on August 2. Venus, a micro-satellite weighing 550 pounds, was jointly designed by Israeli and French aerospace firms for the purpose of monitoring climate change. The cutting-edge satellite observes 110 sites on five conti- nents every two days, and closely monitors the impact of human activity on vegetation, water and carbon levels. The micro-satellite was built as part of a collab- oration between Israel Aerospace Industries and France’s space agency, CNES. Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems provided the micro-satellite’s electric propulsion system and Elbit Systems manufactured its high-resolution camera. Israel is the smallest country in the world to launch its own satellites, and is also one of only 11 nations with the ability to independently launch unmanned missions into space. Currently, Israel has 17 civilian satellites orbiting the Earth, two-thirds of which are communication devices. See “Star” on page 19 ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 18 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017 VOICES AND VIEWS Why I Care… The New Year and the New You If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, A Psycho-Social, Jewish Perspective do more and become more, you are a leader. By Jonathan Fass the idea that each of us can objectively – John Quincy Adams As part of Schoke Jewish Family Ser- study ourselves, leading to the oppor- Focus on Ellen Weber where volunteers read with children vice, a Jewish social-service agency, our tunity to think critically about our professionals are dedicated to utilizing behaviors and adopt new patterns of By Sharon Franklin and Jane Levene in the public school system to get them Jewish values to explore life concerns Ellen Weber has lived in on grade reading level. This living. Lilly formulated these questions and help our clients make positive Stamford for more than 30 interested me greatly and I to create a structured opportunity for change in their lives. A recent conver- years with her husband, Dr. became a Reading Partner, “self-dialogue,” with each question sation with a member of our clinical Richard Weber. They have which proved to be my en- building on the next. These questions staff helped to focus this connection two grown children, Robin tree into Federation. Soon cannot be asked in an instant. Using around the upcoming new year and and Michael. Michael is a after, I met Nancy Mimoun, these questions requires time to allow its counterpart in the Jewish tradition. consultant living in Phil- then president of Women’s the answers to sink in. These questions The Jewish new year and the secular adelphia and Robin, who Philanthropy, who asked include: new year share the theme of renewal. As ‹‹ resides in Stamford, has a me to join the Women’s What are my goals when I engage in members of both the Jewish and Amer- speech language pathology Philanthropy board. While a negative behavior? ican community, it is interesting to see ‹‹ practice. Robin is married on the WP board, I was co- What relationships with others have how the renewal theme of the secular to Stamford native Jason Ellen Weber chair of WP’s Spring Dinner, supported this behavior and made it new year can be strengthened when Fischel, and they have a was a member of UJF’s Al- difficult for me to change? explored from a Jewish perspective. ‹‹ 1-year-old son, Shane. In addition to locations Committee, attended the What are my needs when I engage Even though the High Holiday volunteering in the community and Behrend Leadership Institute and in this behavior? season is considered the optimal time ‹‹ working in Richard’s ophthalmol- was asked to join the big UJF board What do I need to do to stop behav- to reflect, repent and restart our lives, ogy office, Ellen is greatly enjoying as well. I became president of Wom- ing this way? Judaism maintains that “the gates of her role as grandma. She has been en’s Philanthropy in 2012, where I’ve Lilly’s questions can be likened to the repentance are always open” (Eicha an active volunteer and lay leader worked with some wonderful and in- Jewish process of reflection. By seeking Rabbah 3:43, 9). With this optimism at for UJF. Besides being a longtime spirational women who created such answers to these questions, our new the core of our desire for renewal, we Reading Partner, Ellen has served as meaningful programs as 3SQUARE year resolutions can be developed with open ourselves to the possibility that Women’s Philanthropy president, is and Chapter Two. Then in 2015, I the same reflective process our Jewish our behavior is malleable. This allows the immediate past UJF president and became president of UJF of Greater tradition works to achieve throughout us to ask self-reflective questions as a continues to sit on the UJF board. Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Elul. Lilly’s understanding that real catalyst for better understanding our Here’s why she cares. It was a great honor and privilege to change requires a commitment to chal- motivations, our actions and our ability Describe your current and past in- hold that position and be part of an lenging work is mirrored in Judaism’s to change. Traditional Jewish thought volvement with UJF, and how long you organization so committed to em- understanding that the renewal of the sets Elul, the month before Rosh Ha- have been involved. bracing every member of our Jewish High Holiday season is not a moment Shanah, as the start of the season of When I retired in 2003, I began community. Having completed my in time, but a commitment to lifelong introspection. The shofar is blown at to look for volunteer opportunities two-year term in December 2016, I self-reflection and improvement. services throughout the month as a call where I could make a difference. As continue to participate on the UJF It is not uncommon for many of us to start the process of self-reflection luck would have it, I was reading The board as immediate past president, to set new year resolutions that we have with adequate time and thoughtfulness Advocate one Sunday and came across am chair of the Nominating Com- difficulty committing to. Drawing on to make the High Holiday season a an article on Reading Partners, the mittee and a member of The New the processes suggested by Lilly and meaningful process. volunteer program under Federation Jewish Voice newspaper committee. our Jewish tradition, we can double And, I am completing my 14th year In 2013, in an article titled “How our efforts towards meaningful change as a Reading Partner! to Change Your Behavior for Good” and a successful new year. The New Jewish Voice Describe what it is about the inter- (Psychology Today, June 2013), Dr. Jonathan Fass is the COO of Schoke “The New Jewish Voice” (USPS #184) is published monthly by national involvement of the Federation Abigail Brenner looks at the work of Jewish Family Service. the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan system that inspires you. John C. Lilly, a researcher at the Na- Schoke Jewish Family Service is a recipient and Darien Inc., 1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905-2521. We are so lucky to live in a thriving tional Institute of Mental Health and agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater www.ujf.org for updates and donations Jewish community with so many strong an eccentric personality who explored Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Ricky Arbron...... President Jewish agencies and organizations. Diane Sloyer...... Interim Executive Director What inspires me about Federation Advisory Committee is that together, because of the funds Placing Our Children at the Meryl Gordon...... Chair we raise, we are able to not only help Meryl Japha, Nancy Schulman, Ellen Weber, Jews here in our own community, but Sue Yellen globally as well. Almost two years ago, Center of Jewish Peoplehood I had the pleasure of attending the 20th By Rabbi Jordan Soffer Reporter Group Staff anniversary celebration of Partnership “I had a pretty typical Jewish upbring- The Reporter Group edits and publishes The New Jewish Voice. Rabbi Rachel Esserman...... Executive Editor 2Gether in Israel. There I saw first-hand ing. I grew up in a typical Jewish home, Diana Sochor...... Layout Editor how our dollars are used and how we went to a typical school and prayed at a Jenn DePersis...... Production Coordinator are helping to improve so many lives. typical shul.” I’ve heard this sentiment Bonnie Rozen...... Advertising Representative I was so proud to see how our monies expressed countless times and for a Kathy Brown...... Bookkeeper support the Rape Crisis Center in our long time I found it deeply resonant. Opinions sister city of Afula and a community My experience was the typical The views expressed in editorials and opinion pieces center project where Arab and Jewish Jewish experience. Though it may are those of each author and not necessarily the views women work together in peaceful seem innocuous, this misconception of the United Jewish Federation. coexistence. actively erodes the fabric of Jewish Letters I am inspired and thankful for our identity. For the Jewish people, our L-r: Rabbi Jordan Soffer, Carmel Academy’s The New Jewish Voice welcomes letters on subjects of international partners, namely JDC, diversity is our identity; our typical is rabbi-in-residence, with Peter Neumann and interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be definitionally atypical. Sonja Vilicic. signed and include a phone number. The editor may JAFI and World ORT. The world is such withhold the name upon request. a dangerous place today, but I know that I remember when I first truly in- these organizations are ready to rebuild ternalized this message. I was 18 years world. During our time together we Kashruth and maintain Jewish communities and old and I was traveling the globe on a focused on acts of leadership and the We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any adver- tiser’s product or establishment. Jewish life around the world. There is program called Semester at Sea. I was process of change, while simultaneous- no organization like Federation where exposed to a wide range of cultures ly nurturing a diverse, international our dollars help so many. That inspires and peoples. I was overwhelmed not community. When Peter and Sonja HOW TO REACH THE EDITOR: me greatly! only by the breadth of humanity, but informed me that they would be in New Mail: Sandy Golove Have you been involved with other specifically by the breadth of Jewish York, I was thrilled at the prospect of 1035 Newfield Ave. - Suite 200 Jewish organizations? peoplehood. Suddenly my home was them speaking with Carmel Academy’s Stamford, CT 06905-2521 You’ve heard people say that they anything but typical; suddenly my shul middle school students. E-mail: [email protected] are living vicariously through their was no longer ordinary. Sonja and Peter began their lesson Phone: (203) 912-9945 children. My initial involvement with Now, as a teacher and a rabbi, I seek by drawing an imaginary map on the Send article submissions via e-mail to several Jewish organizations within the out opportunities that promote an floor of our school’s chapel. They Sandy Golove at [email protected] Stamford community really has been awareness of global Jewry, and sensitiv- asked students to stand where they marked “Stamford Voice” in the subject as a result of my children, Robin and ity to our oneness. In October, Carmel were born and a crowd amassed in line. Expect an acknowledgement; Michael. My involvement in Bi-Cultural Academy students were afforded one the northeastern United States. Next, please re-send if you do not receive one. Day school resulted when my children such experience. they asked the students to migrate to HOW TO REACH attended, as was my first involvement Sonja Vilicic, of Serbia, and Peter where their parents were born and THE ADVERTISING with the Friendship Circle. In fact, I am Neumann, of Hungary, are friends and the crowd slowly began to disperse. REPRESENTATIVE: proud to say that the very first teen vol- colleagues of mine. We met during Finally, when prompted to move to Phone: 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 unteer meeting for Friendship Circle the pilot cohort of A.L.L., an Adaptive where their grandparents were born, SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: took place in my family room in 2002! Leadership program run by the Jewish Europe had surpassed America, and Phone: (203) 321-1373 As president of Federation, I was Agency For Israel’s Global Leadership pods formed throughout the rest of the E-mail: [email protected] afforded the unique opportunity Institute*. The cohort consisted of globe. Suddenly the students realized See “Care” on page 19 young Jewish leaders from across the See “Children” on page 19 december 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 19 Care Continued from page 18 to work with professionals and lay Why is it important for you to give Several years ago, I attended JFNA’s providing financial support to organi- leaders of the many Jewish organi- back? General Assembly where I heard Rabbi zations like Federation will ensure that zations within our community. The I think it is the responsibility of every Jonathan Sacks, Britain’s former chief we care about one another to preserve commitment and dedication which Jew to give back, and in doing so we rabbi, say, “I don’t need you to agree our Jewish future. That is why it is I witnessed day to day first-hand was strengthen our Jewish community and with each other, I need you to care important for me to stay involved and truly inspiring. safeguard its vibrancy for the future. about one another.” Volunteering and give back as best as I can.

Star Continued from page 19 Children Continued from page 18 “Israel is one of the few countries that they, themselves, are truly citizens changed glances, smiled and in near that has the entire chain of satellite of global Jewry. unison proclaimed: “I could never, capabilities, which means launch, Sonja and Peter discussed their this is simply who I am.” Our students design, construction and operation,” Jewish journey. Sonja shared her expe- began to realize that this indeed is who Avi Blasberger, director general of rience of finding out she was Jewish at we are: one people. the Israel Space Agency at the Israeli 9 years old; she spoke of the singular *The Jewish Agency for Israel, or JAFI, Science Ministry, told JNS.org. “It’s an rabbi and the exclusive kosher restau- is a partner agency of the United Jewish entirely self-sustained program. Israel rant in her entire country. Peter spoke Federation of Greater Stamford, New is one of the few countries in the world to the students about Judaism being Canaan and Darien. that can be proud of this.” something he had to actively choose, Rabbi Jordan Soffer is the rabbi-in- Preceding the launch of Venus, Israel rather than something that was forced residence at Carmel Academy. He was launched its first nanosatellite, BGUSAT, Israel’s first nanosatellite, BGUSAT, which upon him. one of 19 young Jewish professionals from in mid-February as part of an academic was launched in mid-February as part Perhaps the most important mo- around the world selected for the Adaptive initiative by Ben-Gurion University of of an academic initiative by Ben-Gurion ment came when the students asked Leadership Lab (A.L.L.) Fellowship. The the Negev that enables researchers to University of the Negev. (Photo courtesy of our presenters why they do what they global adaptive leadership program utilizes study climate change as well as agricul- Ben-Gurion University) do: “If it’s so hard to be Jewish, why a methodology developed at Harvard tural and other scientific phenomena. don’t you just move or quit or some- University to tackle local and global Slightly larger than a milk cartoon, The Defense Ministry initiative is thing like that.” Sonja and Peter ex- challenges within the Jewish world. the nanosatellite is outfitted with a visu- mostly focused on the “development al and short wavelength infrared cam- of observation satellites,” Blasberger era and hovers at 300 miles above the said, without elaborating. Earth’s surface – allowing researchers The need for these observation sat- to study a broad array of environmental ellites was originally a consequence of COMMUNITY phenomena, including atmospheric Israel’s 1979 peace treaty with Egypt. gases like carbon dioxide. Then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem CONTACT INFORMATION In line with the nanosatellite launch, Begin tasked nuclear physicist Yuval BI-CULTURAL DAY SCHOOL: 2186 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06903 • Blasberger said one of the Jewish state’s Ne’eman with creating Israel’s space greatest feats in the field is its “very strong” program in 1983, to develop satel- 203.329.2186 • www.bcds.org capability for “miniaturizing satellites.” lites capable of monitoring the newly BBYO - Leviticus AZA (Boys) and Tikvah BBG (Girls): Regional Office “Our satellites’ performance per demilitarized Sinai Peninsula, thus 203.389.2127 or [email protected] • www.cvrbbyo.net kilogram is the best in the world,” he eliminating the need for spy planes. said. “For example, the Venus satellite The technology developed under this CARMEL ACADEMY: 270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich 06830 • 203.863.9663 is 250 kilograms (550 pounds). In com- military space program was eventually • www.carmelacademy.com parison, other satellites in its class weigh applied to produce civilian satellites. at least two or three times as much.” The civilian program, Blasberger said, CENTER FOR JUDAIC & MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES AT UCONN-STAMFORD: Besides being able to condense a was funded “just within the past four or University of Connecticut, Stamford Campus, One University Place, large amount of technology into a small five years, with a relatively small budget.” Stamford, CT 06901 • 203.251.9525 or stamfordjudaicstudies@uconn. space – much like the modern state As of 2016, the Israel Space Agency’s edu • www.cjmes.stamford.uconn.edu of Israel itself – other Israeli satellite annual budget stood at $15 million, innovations are being developed in comparable in size to the Mexican, Swiss CHABAD OF STAMFORD: 770 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06905 • the private sector. and South African space programs. 203.3.CHABAD x102 • [email protected] • www. With the global civilian satellite tech- Following the Venus satellite’s chabadstamford.org nology market worth an estimated $150 launch in August, Israel’s Science, billion a year, Israel hopes to corner at Technology and Space Minister Ofir CHAVURAT AYTZ CHAYIM: 203.322.6676 • www.chavurah.org least 10 percent of that sector, and is Akunis noted the need to expand fund- CONGREGATION AGUDATH SHOLOM: 301 Strawberry Hill Ave, aiming to earn as much as $15 billion ing for similar future space endeavors Stamford 06902 • 203.358.2200 • www.cas-stamford.org in space technology exports annually. to maintain the Jewish state’s status as “Currently, we have several Israeli start- a leader in the field. FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE: 203.409-1543 • [email protected] or up companies with innovative ideas for Nevertheless, with its relatively small www.friendshipct.com space technology and services, which budget, the public face of the Israeli we hope will be on the cutting-edge of space program runs various advanced HADASSAH STAMFORD CHAPTER: Susan Clarke, 203-968-2754 / technology in this sphere within the initiatives. These programs “are only for [email protected]; or Sandy Speter, 203-322-4096 / next few years,” said Blasberger. peaceful purposes and based on a lot [email protected]. Find us on Facebook: Stamford Hadassah While Venus and BGUSAT are two of international cooperation, and a lot examples showcasing Israel’s prowess of investment in education of youth,” JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER: 1035 Newfield Ave, Stamford 06905 • in space technology, these public-facing Blasberger said. 203.322.7900 • www.stamfordjcc.org initiatives fall under the smaller of two In recent years, the Israel Space separate organizations that comprise the Agency has cooperated on various JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL OF CONNECTICUT: 1937 West Main Street, Israeli space program. “The Israeli space projects with international space agen- Stamford 06902 • 203.357.0850 • [email protected] • www.jhsct.org program is supported by two government cies such as France’s CNES, Italy’s ASI, JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY: General Info. agencies, the Ministry of Defense and NASA, the German Aerospace Center the Israel Space Agency,” Blasberger DLR and India’s ISRO. In 2016, the P.O.B 16918, Stamford 06905 (203) 321.1373 x150 (messages only) • explained. “Israel’s largest space pro- Israel Space Agency also became an Archives: 990 Hope Street (Rear), Stamford 069805 • 203.359-2196 • ar- gram today is run through the Ministry official member of the United Nations [email protected]; The Harry Rosenbaum JHS Judaica Library at the of Defense. This program started back Committee on Space Affairs, after Israel JCC: 1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford 06905 • (203) 487-0957 • in 1983, and most of Israel’s [space-re- was accepted into the U.N. Committee [email protected] lated technological innovations] were on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space gathered through this program.” in October 2015. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES: 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 • 203.365.6400 • [email protected] • www.jseniors.org New Israeli Tech to Assist in Patients’ Pain Management JEWISH WAR VETERANS, FRED ROBBINS POST 142: Post Commander (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – New Israeli technology will help assess Steve Fischer, [email protected] and monitor the pain levels of anesthetized patients and enable pain relief medication to be administered more effectively during surgical procedures. SCHOKE JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE: 733 Summer Street, Stamford The system analyzes a patient’s physiological responses during an operation 06902 • 203.921.4161 • www.ctjfs.org and indicates the level of pain being experienced, while allowing patients under anesthesia to “communicate” with doctors and receive appropriate medication. TEMPLE BETH EL: 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford 06902 • 203.322.6901 • The technology is the brainchild of the Israeli company Medasense Biomet- [email protected] • www.tbe.org rics. It has been on the market in Europe since early 2017 and recently received TEMPLE SINAI: 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford 06903 • 203.322.1649 • approval from the Israeli Health Ministry. The system was introduced to the www.templesinaistamford.org Israeli market in November during the annual international conference hosted by the Israeli Society of Anesthesiologists. UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER STAMFORD, “There are no clinical tools today that enable the assessment and monitor- NEW CANAAN AND DARIEN: 1035 Newfield Avenue, Suite 200, ing of pain levels in an objective manner,” said Medasense founder and CEO Stamford 06905 • 203.321.1373 • www.ujf.org Galit Zuckerman. “The consensus today is that objective pain assessment will revolutionize the way a patient’s pain is treated because on the one hand it will YOUNG ISRAEL OF STAMFORD: 69 Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford 06905 • allow for pain reduction in patients, and on the other hand it will minimize side 203.348.3955 • www.yistamford.org effects caused by excessive use of pain medication,” she said. 20 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ DECEMBER 2017