P11 E A virtual tour of Auschwitz • 7 D I Canada’s Mountain • 11 S

N Virtual festivals a hit for viewers • 13 P13

P7 I

DECEMBER 2020 | KISLEV 5781

Hamilton Jewish NThe ofe Jewishw Hamilton s

Kehila teacher Zehava Chaimovitz does her best to teach an in-person class while still catering to students working from home.

AFTER MONTHS OF ANTICIPATORY ANXIETY ABOUT THE RESUMPTION OF IN-PERSON CLASSES, TEACHERS AND Teaching STUDENTS ARE DISCOVERING A REASSURING INNER RESILIENCY BY WENDY SCHNEIDER HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS in the age When Hamilton schools abruptly suspended in-person classes last March, teachers and students were forced to quickly adapt to the new reality of remote learning. But after six months of a forced hiatus from the classroom, a of majority of Kindergarten to Grade 12 students across the province returned to in-person classes in September. Eight weeks into the new school term, the HJN COVID-19 talked to teachers and post-secondary educators within the community to a picture of how they and their students are coping with new realities.

FIND THE STORY PAGE 4

Hamiltonjewishnews.com PM AGREEMENT 40007180

JEWISHHAMILTON.ORG GUEST EDITORIAL

“It was always about the kids”

Rebecca Fowler and Associates Little TD Wealth Private Investment Advice Complete Investment and Estate Planning A FAMILY’S DEDICATION TO HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

The first time I met my future mother-in-law, Sharon Enkin, she held my hands, looked deeply into my eyes and said, “You are my daughter now.” She then told me a charming story about my future husband. Sharon had a way of embracing you and engaging you through her incredible storytelling. Sharon was a dedicated advocate in the Hamilton community. Her passion for education and love of chil- dren were evident in the programs she created to teach, inspire and nurture young minds. Painting in the Park, a summer program that taught children the love of paint- ing in the outdoors, and The Golden Horseshoe Players were a couple of her initiatives to bring theatre and art to urban kids. She fundraised in Canada to help Israeli and Palestinian children have birthday parties. For her, it was always about the kids. After Sharon passed away in 2009, my father-in-law, Larry partnered with the Hamilton Jewish Federation to create the Sharon Enkin Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education. The This moving drawing award honours extraordi- by Cathedral High nary teachers from both School Grade 11 student the Hamilton-Wentworth Jacquelyne Villaspin was District School Board and one of two first place the Hamilton-Wentworth winners of the inaugural Proudly serving the Sharon Enkin Student Catholic District School Greater Hamilton Area since 1957 Award. Board who have found a way to tell the difficult but nec- essary stories and create a bridge between the past and present for our younger generation. It is presented at Federation’s annual Student Symposium on at Mohawk College. Every year at this symposium, my husband James and I have been amazed to see more than 1,000 curi- ous young faces, hear their thoughtful questions and witness their engagement. We wondered how we could channel that energy into action following the one-day event. In the aftermath of the high school shooting in Parkland, Fla., we were awe inspired by how young kids stood in solidarity against gun violence that claimed the lives of their friends. Their innocence had vanished and transformed into advocacy. Then, it hit us. Young people are the key. Why not engage the students directly in Holocaust education by creating an award to honour them? The power of their peers honouring them would give a new voice to a gener- ation of powerful young storytellers who would cham- pion Holocaust education for generations to come. With the incredible support of my father-in-law, James Experience the trust, dependability and and I brainstormed with Hamilton Jewish Federation CEO Gustavo Rymberg and campaign director, Elaine accountability that the Richter Group stores Levine, on how to make our idea a reality. The plan was have provided for over 50 years to present the first Sharon Enkin Student Award at the 2020 Student Symposium on the Holocaust. While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed our plans, Elaine found a way to guide everyone toward choosing our winners. There is still much to do to educate the world about the Holocaust. We just tried to shine a small light. After reviewing all of the finalists’ entries, I can say Hamilton Hyundai Eastgate Ford Bay King Chrysler CSN Collision Centres with confidence, that these kids get it. They will carry 324 Parkdale Ave N 350 Parkdale Ave N 55 Rymal Rd 230 Lansing Drive that light forward and pass it to the next generation. 905 545 5150 905 547 3211 905 383 7700 350 Parkdale Ave N hamiltonhyundai.ca eastgateford.com bayking.ca eastgateford.com

2 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020

A symposium’s impact small add december 2020.qxp_Layout 1 2020-11-28 10:34 AM Page 1 BRIGHTER THAN EVER, BRIGHTER TOGETHER. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE HAMILTON JEWISH FEDERATION / JCC, WISHES YOU AND YOURS A CHAG CHANUKAH !

WESTDALE OPTICAL Boutique Local high school students take in the keynote address at the 2019 Student Symposium on the Holocaust at Mohawk College, an annual event organized by the Hamilton Jewish Federation.

COVER STORY ANNUAL Teaching in the age of COVID 6 WINTER HOW WE LIVE INSIDE THIS ISSUE A practical guide for this winter 2 Editorial SALE 7 4 Cover Story 6 How We Live FEDERATION NEWS 10 First Person Encountering Auschwitz 11 Feature Story Prescription eyewear 10 12 Inspiration and Insight UP TO 70% OFF FIRST PERSON 14 Community News Shifting expectations during COVID FEDERATION NEWS: 7, 8,9 UNIQUE GIFTS UNDER $50 12 INSPIRATION AND INSIGHT 1050 King Street West, Hamilton, ON Jews have a duty to First Nations www.westdaleoptical.com [email protected] NEXT ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2021 905.525.0788

DEADLINES Booking ads: Jan. 7, 2021 Advertising copy: Jan. 21, 2021 Publication date: Feb. 4, 2021

HJN EDITOR ADVERTISING Wendy Schneider Wendy Schneider wschneider@ The Hamilton Jewish News jewishhamilton.org HAMILTON JEWISH is published six times a 905-628-0058 FEDERATION PRESIDENT year by the Hamilton Jewish Jacki Levin Federation ASSISTANT EDITOR Abigail Cukier CEO EDITORIAL POLICY Gustavo Rymberg The Hamilton Jewish News DIGITAL EDITOR invites members of the Ben Shragge BOARD MEMBERS community to contribute Janis Criger letters, articles or guest HJN CONTRIBUTORS Mike Dressler editorials. Steve Arnold, Steven Brock, Howard Eisenberg Written submissions Abigail Cukier, Ben Daniel Hershkowitz must be forwarded by the Shragge, Phyllis Shragge Alice Mendelson deadline indicated in each Adam Norris issue. This newspaper HJN ADVISORY BOARD Arie Pekar reserves the right to edit, Aviva Boxer Josh Rauchwerger condense or reject any Wade Hemsworth Lowell Richter contribution for brevity or Celia Rothenberg Lorne Rochwerg legal purposes. Georgina Rosenberg CONSULTING ART DIRECTOR Peter Smurlick CIRCULATION John Bullock Jason Waxman 2,000 Laura Wolfson PUBLISHER Hamilton Jewish Federation

DECEMBER 2020 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 3 COVER STORY

Teaching in the age of COVID-19 CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Teachers reflect on their first month of in-person and of work,” she said, but what really and Grade 1/2 teacher Linda Geva, an inner city school. While her remote teaching during the pandemic school year put her mind to rest was seeing said that, while getting used to the Kindergarten students have how well the children adapted. new protocols was overwhelming, adapted well to her school’s new “The kids are so resilient. They staff and students have adjusted protocols, the situation is more STORY AND PHOTOS BY WENDY SCHNEIDER just want to be loved.” well to the new routines. complex with her older students. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS Bob Childs, a secular stud- “It’s going great ...We wear face “A lot of them are struggling. ies teacher at the HHA said his masks, wash our hands, use hand They’re happy to be back but On the morning of Oct. 5, which marked Teachers Day in Canada, early concerns about returning to sanitizer. The kids listen to the they’re really frustrated by a lot Mohawk College educator Alice Mendelson wrote the following words the classroom were eased by the rules and follow the rules. They go of the rules,” she said, especially on her Facebook page: “Every day that I teach is possible because some administration’s consideration for with the flow and adapt to what- those that stipulate staying within other glorious person is teaching my four wonders. Every day, teachers staff safety. ever the situation is,” she said. a confined area during recess. take them in, celebrate who they are, and create islands of learning, of “We had a lot of open Zoom Cohen Ellison said her stu- “This is their outdoor time. It’s a fun, of community—amidst stress, uncertainty and illness.” meetings before we started. How dents have been “amazingly resil- concrete square they’re allowed Mendelson’s words ring particularly true at a time when teachers’ we were going to run our class- ient and adapted so much more in. They can’t talk to their friends responsibilities now include making sure their students follow a myriad rooms ... what safety measures we quickly and easily than even in other classes and there’s very of new safety protocols, not to mention the challenge of wearing a mask would like to have ... so that we adults have.” little space to run and play.” for hours every day and concerns about their own health. Below are would feel safe, as well as the chil- Of her Junior Kindergarten stu- For the most part, however, summaries of our conversations with elementary school teachers who dren in that environment,” he said. dents, Zians says, “I think their Eisenberg said her students are are back in their classrooms this fall. Childs spent the opening weeks emotional and social well-being doing much better than she had of school making sure his Grade 3 is in good shape actually,” other feared. works in a congregant living set- and 4 students understood and felt than occasional incidents that “I was really nervous about 1. How did teachers feel about ting within the public sector and comfortable with new protocols, reveal the underlying stress that coming back and what kind of going back to school? I have my own kids who go to which included wearing masks children have absorbed simply state the kids were in and I’ve The simple answer is ‘concerned.’ Kehila. What happens if my own at all times and using designated by living through these unprece- been really amazed at how well Dora-Ann Cohen Ellison, who kids get sick, or if I get sick? And I entrances, bathrooms, and a play- dented times. For example, one most of them are doing.” teaches kindergarten with the am not talking just about COVID- ground section assigned to their day during circle time, a child sud- The challenges in education Hamilton-Wentworth District 19. Even if I get a regular cold, I particular cohort. denly exclaimed, “Mrs. Zians, this fall are difficult for every- School Board said she was “a little can’t go to work.” “I think the Academy has done she’s too close to me.” Zians one, but special education stu- apprehensive” about managing a After cancelling all classes back one excellent job,” said Childs. “I responded calmly and asked the dents are especially vulnerable. play-based program with so many in March, the Hamilton Hebrew feel safer going into the classroom second child to move over. These students may be more over- new protocols. Academy reopened its day- than I do going in to the grocery “When you lend your calm to looked than usual because of “Our kids are so little. Some are care program in July. Preschool store because I know that every- someone, then they lend their new demands placed on teachers only three years old ... They touch teacher Joy Zians, who suffers one is focused on the proper way calm to someone and it’s a trickle during the pandemic and the need everything,” she said. from asthma, was nervous. to do things.” down effect. Then everybody’s in for a well-established resource A second concern for Cohen “I didn’t know what to expect,” a better space,” said Zians. team has never been more Ellison was for her family’s safety. she said. Putting all the new 2. How are the kids doing? Shauna Eisenberg teaches important, said Ali Ostrowski, “I am a teacher. My husband safety protocols in place was “a lot Kehila Heschel Kindergarten Kindergarten and Grade 8 at CONTINUED NEXT PAGE PHOTO MOREL,BY YAACOV SPECIAL THETO HJN Hamilton Hebrew Academy Grade 4 students and teacher Bob Childs have adapted well to new COVID-19 protocols. Kehila Heschel Grade 5 students sit socially distanced from one another.

Right and far right: Kehila students maintain a safe distance from one another in both structured and unstructured learning activities.

4 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 COVER STORY

The post-secondary situation coordinator of the HHA’s Student follow the green line to go to my students struggling to stay awake BY WENDY SCHNEIDER, HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS Success Centre. When the HHA class ... the overarching system ... after lunch at the beginning of the suspended classes last March, is regimented and structured and school year. Alice Mendelson “… I Celia Rothenberg Ostrowski continued working I think it’s something the children “I’m just amazed at how ex- feel like I’m not able to “… but it’s absolutely with her students online, a tran- ... are really benefitting from and hausted they are. It’s definitely sition her students adapted to really responding to.” been a tough transition getting reach out to many of unsatisfying. It’s like easily. back for them as far as energy and the students in a real running a course on “So many kids did so well online,” 3. Challenges faced by sleep goes,” she said. and meaningful way …” autopilot.” she said. “We were able to leverage teachers and their students their strengths and their focus.” Demands on teachers have 4. The best thing about Ostrowski now works with stu- increased significantly since the being back in school As she was preparing an in- McMaster University pro- dents separated by a plexiglass di- start of the pandemic. In addition While many teachers spent the troduction to her online course fessor Celia Rothenberg spent vider an average of 20 minutes at to making sure students are wear- summer months feeling anxious this fall, Mohawk College ed- her summer learning the tech- a time three to five times a week. ing their masks, washing their about returning to the classroom, ucator Alice Mendelson in- nology that would allow her to Teachers regularly tell her how hands and keeping a safe distance Shauna Eisenberg’s anxiety was cluded the following note to her record and upload lectures for students return to class more from one another, teachers in the focused on her students’ well- students. the second-year undergradu- calm and confident after working Jewish day schools are facing the being. That’s because she knew The course is the course, she ate course she’s teaching on with her. demand of simultaneously teach- that many of them relied on the wrote to them, “but your well- Spirits, Ghosts, and Demons. That’s not to say that all stu- ing in-person and to children join- daily healthy snacks, lunches and being is what’s important to me The 180 students enrolled in dents are sailing through this ing in on Zoom from their homes. weekly bags of groceries provided so feel free to reach out.” the course listen to lectures COVID-19 period. Ostrowski, For teachers like Dora-Ann by her school’s nutrition program. Mohawk College’s Career according to their own sched- whose additional responsibili- Cohen Ellison, the start of the To Eisenberg, the best part of Pathway Program, where ules and are required to check ties include screening students as school year, also meant losing her being back is “just seeing all the Mendelson teaches, is designed in weekly for either online quiz- they come into the building every childcare options. kids ... knowing that they’re safe specifically for students with zes or discussions. With 22 morning, has observed that chil- “The first couple of weeks and being fed and doing okay and a learning disability, autism or years of teaching experience, dren with a propensity towards were tricky,” she told the HJN. if they’re not doing okay, I can be mental health challenges who Rothenberg knows how to time anxiety are having a hard time. “Everyone in my house got sick at there to support them.” want to develop academic and her lectures to fill a 50-minute But Ostrowski has also different times, with colds. And Eisenberg’s deep commitment to career-ready skills for future time slot, so she was quite sur- observed something positive because we are not seeing grand- her profession was echoed by all post-secondary study and prised to discover that she during her morning routine. parents right now, we couldn’t the teachers interviewed for this employment. could record a lecture in a frac- “Because of COVID, we have just call and say, ‘Can you come story, including HHA teacher Bob The HJN reached out to tion of the time. a system of rules ... and a con- watch them for the day while I go Childs, who perhaps spoke for Mendelson in early October to “Somehow, (recording the sistency,” she said, that is having to work?’ It’s difficult because our everyone when he said, “Teaching find out how things were going. lecture in advance) is so much an impact on how students see support system is not there.” is almost a mission for me right “From the students’ perspec- less fueling for the creativity themselves. “We are rule follow- When it comes to challenges now.” tive, I actually think they feel process that I just don’t think ers! I have a routine. I sanitize my students are facing, Shauna really comfortable because they of the same connections to hands. I answer the questions. I Eisenberg noticed her Grade 8 don’t have the added pressure make, whether it’s to ongoing of having to take public trans- events in the world or to mate- Opposite portation to get to Mohawk, so rial we already discussed. My and below: they’ve been really happy and pretty well-timed 45-minute Kehila Heschel engaged,” she said. “From my lectures are now taking 15 students in perspective, I feel like I’m not minutes.” their new able to reach out to many of the Another thing that adds to socially distanced students in a real and mean- the feeling of disconnection classrooms. ingful way because so much of is the phenomenon of online “The more what we do is that personal con- office hours. Rothenberg and you do it, it nection. So, all of these years her teaching assistants alter- becomes the that we’ve spent dedicating our- nate waiting in an empty Zoom norm,” said selves to this job that we love room for a student to come and teacher Linda that makes it exciting to get up talk to them. Geva. “But it is completely every day, that’s not what we’re “Not one of us has had a stu- different to doing anymore. But I think the dent come yet. We just finished what it was same can be said for everyone week four,” she said. before.” who’s doing something that they “I’ve had two quizzes. Those didn’t sign up to do.” would (normally) get students What is she doing that she coming in and there’d be a huge sign up for? amount of interaction with stu- “It’s definitely not teaching. dents before and after class. It’s trying to connect with some- So not one of us has had a one over a computer, which is single student come for Zoom just really challenging. You’re office hours. Very strange. Very not there. You’re not beside disconnected.” them. There’s no space for you Does it worry her? to meet with them, in the hall, “I’m not really very worried, outside of class, before class.” no. but it’s absolutely unsatis- Since the start of the school fying. It’s like running a course year, Mendelson is spending on autopilot.” six hours a day teaching online. The other course Rothenberg As hard as she works to keep is teaching this semester is a the students engaged, the play- Zoom seminar for fourth-year ing field is uneven. Many of her students, during which two, students are working from a sometimes three of the six stu- shared bedroom or commu- dents enrolled, keep their cam- nal space using old technology eras off. or unstable Wi-Fi connections “Between keeping the that prevent them from fully camera off and being muted, it engaging with her or the course means that the conversation is material. very stilted,” said Rothenberg. “They’re already vulnerable “Without being able to read from the get go, and then you body language, it’s hard for me put them in this situation. So to gauge engagement, compre- from a teaching perspective, it’s hension. It’s much more opaque just so disheartening when you than in person.” see that kind of inequity play out.”

DECEMBER 2020 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 5 HOW WE LIVE

A practical guide for this winter

Don’t let it beat you down, lighten up and follow at least a Getting outside, even in the cold, few of these steps to warm your heart and lighten the load allows us to reconnect with nature, break BY easy ways to help you add light to your GABRIELE MCSWEEN AND away from the ALEXIS WENZOWSKI life include the following: digital world, and HAMILTON JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES boost focus and Establish positive affirmations creativity. “It can’t beat us!” Pa said. Affirmations can ‘trick’ our brains “Can’t it, Pa?” Laura asked stupidly. into seeing a new perspective, when “No,” said Pa. “It’s got to quit sometime practised over time. Some examples and we don’t. It can’t lick us. We won’t include, “I live in the present moment” give up.” or “Today I am strong and brave.” Then Laura felt a warmth inside her. It was very small but it was strong. It was Develop a daily routine PHOTOBY WENDYSCHNEIDER, HJN steady, like a tiny light in the dark, and While it may seem easy to snuggle it burned very low but no winds could back into bed, or lie on the couch and for my home, my family, the recent things are going, say to yourself, “And make it flicker because it would not give binge watch Netflix, having purpose- parking ticket that reminded me to not this too will pass.” up.” ful tasks, along with a schedule makes cut corners,” etc. LAURA INGALLS WILDER IN a difference. As humans, we thrive on At Hamilton Jewish Family THE LONG WINTER routine. Get moving Services, we have seen the impact of Even if it’s cold, find a way to get the pandemic on people. Our clients Happy Chanukah, Hamilton! As Try some light therapy moving. This could include shoveling, report challenges like insomnia, in- you light the menorah this year, con- There are certain types of light out dancing to your favourite song played creased irritation, increased tearful- sider the light that you are able to there which are thought to be effective loudly, or lifting soup cans (yes, this ness, feelings of isolation, and more. bring into your life and into other’s. in treating SAD and the winter blues. exists.) These are tough times. It’s been a strange year. Light matters According to the Mood Disorders Through individual counselling, more than ever. Association of Ontario, light therapy is Talk to your healthcare provider groups, and public education, we As we go through winter, and while effective in 70 per cent of cases. If you know that winter is a difficult empower people to make changes, we are in the midst of a seemingly nev- time for you, reach out to your family and develop their own wellness tools. erending pandemic, it is important to Create a coping kit physician or therapist to discuss op- We believe in helping people navigate have your tools ready to help you with This is a box tucked away that you tions. Sometimes these options can life, and in helping every winter feel your mental wellness. These tools will only break out when you feel upset, include counselling appointments, less long. Don’t forget, life is teach- be your light. low, or anxious. Common items to in- medication, or lifestyle changes. ing us many lessons. The pandemic Pandemic aside, every year, two to clude things like lavender essential is just one. To grow and to develop as three per cent of Canadians have sea- oil, a hard candy, some puzzles, some Develop a thoughtful time a person, you need to willingly move sonal affective disorder. Many others delicious tea, a copy of your favourite This can be used in prayer, meditation, out of your comfort zone into places suffer from those winter blues period- DVD or book, and a picture that makes or thought. This should be a time free where the unexpected can happen. ically, and CMHA puts the number of you smile. These kits help to “reset” of distractions. Start off small — even Try to accept the pandemic as an indi- sufferers at 18 per cent. your mood when you’re feeling down. five minutes per day can make a differ- vidual growth for you: Live and learn At a time when 11 to 13 million ence! This time will help to anchor you and become wise. Canadians are under stress from the Make a gratitude list through difficulties. If you are interested in learn- pandemic, the risk of having those Sometimes it can be hard to feel ing more about HJFS Mental Health winter blues or something more severe thankful about anything. We get it. Practise patience Services, or in accessing these sup- seems unavoidable. The point is to And yet, in those moments, it is extra Patience is part of living in the now. ports, please connect with Gabriele at plan ahead, so that if you start to feel important to find gratitude. My recent Everything changes. Sometimes when [email protected] down, you have a path forward. Some gratitude list included: “I am thankful feeling fully frustrated with how

NEW CONDOS COMING TO WATERDOWN

Authentic Montreal-Style Bagels

Try our delicious Lox, Chopped Liver, Smoked Meat, Register now: trendliving.ca/boutique Tuna and Egg Salad Sandwiches Assorted Platters & Pastries Knishes, Latkes & Cheese Blintzes Matzah Ball, Chicken Noodle and Minestrone Soup Freshly baked Challah

Save Time. Order Online or order through Skip the Dishes or Uber Open 7 days a week From $349,990 to $1 million Old Bagel House University Plaza, 101 Osler Dr #120, Dundas (905) 627-5299 oldbagelhouse-ontario.com

6 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

Encountering Auschwitz Polish scholar invited to share his virtual tour of the death camp to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day

BY WENDY SCHNEIDER a passion for Holocaust education. digital resources, including irreversible point in history. They are encouraged to ask questions. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS And now, the Hamilton Jewish the Auschwitz-Birkenau State could not go back from this.” During one tour, Wójcik learned Federation has invited Wójcik to Museum’s virtual reality pano- Since launching his project that a woman who had survived Yolanda Czyzewski-Bragues offer his Auschwitz virtual tour as rama, archival historical footage, last August, Wójcik has con- Auschwitz was among the partic- has visited Auschwitz more times part of its International Holocaust and recordings from drone flights, ducted close ipants and asked her to share her than she can count, but was com- Remembrance Day commemora- all of which form the backdrop to to 20 tours story. pletely mesmerized recently by a tion on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. Wójcik’s commentary. The result to student “I tell people at the beginning virtual tour of the concentration An academic whose area of is a powerful educational tool groups, edu- of the visit, ‘it’s not going to be camp created by Polish tour guide focus is the Israeli-Palestinian that is teaching the lessons of the cators, and comfortable. It’s not going to be Jerzy Wójcik. peace process, Wójcik had been Holocaust to a much wider audi- the general short,’” said Wójcik. “When you go Czyzewski-Bragues is a member guiding tours of Auschwitz- ence than he normally would have public from to Auschwitz physically, it’s emo- of Hamilton Jewish Federation’s Birkenau for 14 years when the reached. Australia, tionally difficult and physically International Holocaust coronavirus pandemic put a “My goal is to take the knowl- Europe, uncomfortable. This is not going Remembrance Committee and her temporary halt to his activities edge that I have and the mes- Scandinavia Jerzy Wójcik to be any different.” grandfather spent three years in last spring. He took advantage sage of Auschwitz everywhere,” and the U.S., guides viewers on Wójcik will be offering two Auschwitz as a political prisoner. of his forced hiatus by creat- he said. “We have to under- as well as a virtual tour of Auschwitz virtual tours on Jan. Wójcik grew up in the town where ing what he believes is a first-of- stand what political process led a session Auschwitz. 24. For more information, visit the the concentration camp is located. its kind virtual, interactive tour the Germans to choose Hitler. attended by Hamilton Jewish Federation web- Neither Czyzewski-Bragues or of the concentration camp using Because once they get to the 250 students from India. His tours site at jewishhamilton.org. Wójcik are Jewish, but they share a combination of pre-existing point of 1943, 1944, this was an are interactive and participants

Holocaust education initiatives honour memory of beloved family members Nazis. After the war, the couple “We thought that the best thing to eventually settled in Hamilton and do would be to memorialize our raised their family. In 1990, Erwin parents whose lives had become BY WENDY SCHNEIDER A central part of Federation’s students’ understanding of the les- applied for compensation for the much better and stable.” HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS annual Student Symposium on sons of the Holocaust. The win- loss of his family’s factory, which The inaugural Lore and Erwin the Holocaust at Mohawk College ners of the inaugural Sharon was confiscated by the Nazis on Jacobs Holocaust Education Holocaust education has the is the presentation of the Sharon Enkin Student Award were the eve of the Second World War. Teacher’s Seminar took place on potential to be transformative— Enkin Award for Excellence in announced at the beginning of His death in 1996 set off years of Zoom on Dec. 2. Offered as a free by inspiring students to think crit- Holocaust Education to local December. bureaucratic wrangling over the event to teachers, principals and ically about the past and reflect teachers who have demonstrated Another one of Federation’s question of rightful heirs. When trustees from both the public and on their own roles and respon- a commitment to teaching stu- signature programs is its the restitution payment finally Catholic Hamilton school boards, sibilities today. That is why the dents about the Holocaust and its annual teacher’s seminar on the came through in February 2019, the event featured a keynote Hamilton Jewish Federation is so important lessons. Toronto-based Holocaust, which was endowed shortly before Lore’s death, the address by author Jennifer Teege dedicated to educating the public philanthropist Larry Enkin cre- last year by a generous gift from siblings decided to add to the and a virtual appearance by Gale about the ultimate consequences ated the award in 2011 in memory former Hamilton residents Gale modest Holocaust Education fund Halpern and Peter Jacobs, who of hate and intolerance. Last year, of his wife, Sharon, whose lifelong Halpern and Peter Jacobs in their father had set up years ear- brought greetings on behalf of the Federation’s Holocaust Education involvement with education and memory of their parents. Erwin lier with the Hamilton Jewish family. “We thought our parents programming received a signifi- community affected the lives of and Lore Jacobs were young teens Federation. would be really pleased that it was cant boost through a generous gift thousands of students. when they fled Germany for the “It was a very sad situation for happening,” said Halpern. “It’s from Margaret’s Legacy and two In 2019, the family decided to UK right before the Second World us because this money was so tied looking towards the future while families who share a connection fund an additional award (see War, only to see most of their to the history of what happened to recognizing the past.” to Hamilton’s Jewish community. editorial on page 2) to recognize family members murdered by the my grandparents,” said Halpern.

Happy Chanukah from Shalom Village

Give the gift of a Warm Hug on a cold winter’s This year, let Shalom Village help you stay connected to your day this holiday season, by making a donation friends and loved ones. Shalom Village Tribute Cards are a to the Shalom Village Snowflake campaign. great way to support our seniors, and remind people you’ve been unable to see, that you’re thinking of them. YOU can join the Shalom Village family in making Chanukah happy for everyone. Your gift To send cards, simply visit ShalomVillage.ca and click can help us spread light and laughter by making on the “give today” link. If you’d like to send multiple a donation to our 4th Annual Snowflake Appeal! cards, or prefer to speak to someone at the Foundation, feel free to call us at 905-529-1613 X227. This year, our “modified” Snowflakea ppeal will b e adjusted to comply with COVID protocols, but we will still be displaying snowflakes, with donor names for our residents. Our seniors are some of the hardest hit by pandemic restrictions, so please help us make their days brighter and warmer by making your Snowflake Gifto t day! Vi sit Sh alomVillage.ca and click on the Give Today link to donate your snowflakes.

Remember Shalom Village for your year-end giving. When you give by Dec. 31, 2020, your gift will also be tax deductible.

DECEMBER 2020 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 7 FEDERATION NEWS

pages december 20.qxp_Layout 1 2020-11-28 8:21 PM Page 1 BRIGHTER THAN EVER, BRIGHTER TOGETHER!

THIS CHANUKAH, YOU ARE A LIGHT THAT HEALS. You are a light that brings relief to those in urgent need.

As you light the Chanukah menorah and watch the ames grow brighter every evening, may it serve to remind you of the light you provide with your gift to the Hamilton Jewish Federation and the impact you make to the lives of your extended Jewish family. Thank you for your compassion and generosity. May you and your family enjoy a safe and meaningful Chanukah.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY! 905.648.0605 X 303 • JEWISHHAMILTON.ORG/DONATE

Make your gift to our Emergency Campaign by December 31st, and every dollar you give will be matched by 50%!

8 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

DECEMBER 2020 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 9 FIRST PERSON

Dancing in the rain: Shifting expectations in the time of COVID

but all who are struggling with a myriad of challenges, such as runaway anxi- ety, unharnessed attention, or emotional dysregulation. Last spring, against the backdrop of the pandemic, we shifted and our NowWhat? families shifted with us. We had no choice. Our office moved to the inside of a suburban Milena Romalis garage and our clinic became a backyard canopy. Our therapists and families waded and Rina Rodak through mud, baked in the sun, masked on steaming hot days, tolerated mosquito bites We are writing in the last week of and cold nights and found a way to con- October, as the world holds its breath. nect and grow despite the less than ideal There are a lot of uncertainties this fall— circumstances. more than we have ever faced globally, at This fall, we shifted again! We moved into least within our lifetimes. a new clinic with expansive indoor and out- As a collective, we have been facing these door spaces. We dug up masses of mud in unknowns for eight long months, since the order to put in a radiant heating system initial school closures. It’s widely under- under our outdoor canopies. Hands get cold, stood that this period has been particularly feet get wet, and snow will inevitably invade hard on families or individuals who rely on our senses. We will adapt and overcome. outside supports. Therapeutic services, res- Our families have continued to shift with pite, community centres, places of worship, us, making concessions, tolerating incon- and visits from grandparents all ceased to venience in the name of crucial in-person be, and have resumed slowly and insuffi- connection. We’re masking and sanitizing ciently, if at all. Family members who are madly, donning smocks, changing clothes. caring for children or adults with signifi- We bundle up outside and stockpile mit- cant needs have been working around the tens. And some days, we literally dance in clock without stabilizing, outside help. the rain. The long quarantine has affected each The irony is that families who are accus- family differently. But as humans, we all tomed to finding ways around, over and seek solace, security, consistency, rhythm, through the obstacles are already quite connection. We are innately social; we move expert in this situation. And in some ways, through the hard days by anticipating the have struggled less than others to accept milestone events and the community gath- the new realities. For some, there has even erings and the intimacy of our friends’ quiet been a silver lining in the flexibility, low presences. Social media and Zoom are poor demands and privacy that COVID-19 proto- substitutes for hugs, cuddles, and high fives. cols have allowed. So now, we collectively grieve. We grieve This has been a time of biblical-level tests the loss of normalcy, the loss of predictabil- and transitions. It’s been an incredible exer- ity, and the loss of anticipation. cise in both acceptance and non-accept- Family and personal challenges are ance. But for those living with mental health often a messy and complicated affair, challenges and other obstacles, strad- where hopes and fantasies collide with the dling the line between acceptance and non- unanticipated, the unwanted, and the less acceptance is a way of life. than ideal. Our families are experts in the Those who are experts at dancing in the domain of grief, loss, unpredictable cir- rain and making the best of the less-than- cumstances, days full of the unexpected ideal, serve as a light in the darkness. and the disappointing. In this realm, there We wish all a happy Chanukah. May we is no choice but to shift expectations to all find our joy in the unexpected, shift our the achievable rather than the desirable or expectations to the attainable, and accept comfortable. that less than ideal can become enough. At NowWhat? Supports, we work in the domain of human and family well-being, Milena Romalis and Rina Rodak are the founders with a broad range of people, from young and co-directors of NowWhat? Supports, a children to adults. This includes both comprehensive therapeutic clinic that provides those with diagnoses and those without, creative, wraparound supports at every stage of life.

Taylor Leibow’s Suite of Services

Go Beyond Bean Counting.

Providing accounting, audit, tax, business valuations, insolvency and business advisory services for over 70 years.

Effort Square, 105 Main Street East, 7th Floor, Hamilton, ON L8N 1G6 • 905-523-0000 Taylor Leibow Building, 3410 South Service Road, Ste. 103, Burlington, ON L7N 3T2 • 905-637-9959

taylorleibow.com

10 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 FEATURE STORY

Canada’s Mountain Jews Neither Ashkenazi nor Sephardi, this tenacious Jewish community has roots in the going back more than a thousand years

BY BEN SHRAGGE The 2007 attempted to find employment. SPECIAL TO HJN International Of course, former teachers, doc- Children’s Talent tors, and engineers did not have Straddling Europe and Show at Leah the opportunity to work in their Posluns Theatre Asia, the Caucasus lies at the profession, as it would take many in Toronto crossroads of the traditionally featured a years of education to receive a Christian and Muslim worlds. Mountain Jewish Canadian licence.” The North Caucasus, while part performance. Nissanova describes the of majority Orthodox Christian global Mountain Jewish dias- , is largely Sunni Muslim. pora as closely connected through The South Caucasus, which bor- stmegi.com, the online hub of the ders Turkey and , consists -based STMEGI cultural of the independent post-Soviet foundation. Canadian Mountain states of , Georgia, and Jews attend celebrations and Armenia, and includes some of conferences in , Russia, the world’s most ancient Christian and the US, including the annual communities. Community Day in Brooklyn. Yet the Caucasus has also been In 2007, the Toronto commu- home to a tenacious Jewish minor- PHOTOCREDIT: GSR STUDIO INC. nity hosted a charity event called ity for well over a millennium. The vibrant community as well. of different towns in , Israel to Persia and ended up in the International Children’s Mountain Jews (also known as According to Tehila Nissanova, Kabardino-Balkaria, , the Caucasus. Mountain Jews Talent Show, which featured the Gorsky, from the Russian word Co-President of the Women’s and Stavropol Krai [all part of the have lived there from the seventh Canadian debut of New York’s for “mountain,” or Kavkazi, from Council for Toronto’s Jewish Russian North Caucasus]. century CE to the present. The Kavkaz dance troupe. The com- the Hebrew word for “Caucasus”) Caucasus Community Centre, “Approximately five to seven correct way to say the language munity has also participated in likely originate from Jews who there are approximately 450 per cent of Mountain Jews arrived of Mountain Jews is Juhuro. The local festivals with its own chil- moved to the Mountain Jewish families in in Toronto directly from the word ‘Tat’ was used by the Soviets dren’s troupe, which performs from Persia, since their traditional Toronto, or about 2,000 indi- former . The remain- as part of the de-Judaization cam- folk dances like the Lezginka, language is related to Persian. viduals. In addition, there may der came to Toronto from Israel.” paign of the late 1920s. and held a seminar and culinary Neither Ashkenazi or Sephardic be about 20 Mountain Jews in The ancestral Mountain Jewish “All Mountain Jews who immi- workshop with the Toronto UJA (though they follow the Sephardic Montreal, and 10 to 20 in other language was commonly called grated to Israel know Hebrew. Federation. rite), Mountain Jews have main- parts of Canada. Religiously, she “Tat” during the Soviet era, after Mountain Jews who were born in Canada’s Mountain Jews form tained their own unique identity says, most identify as Orthodox or a similar language spoken by Azerbaijan are also conversant in a unique and culturally rich part under the rule of Persians, Turks, traditional. a neighboring Muslim people. Azeri.” of the country’s broader Russian- and most recently, Russians. “Mountain Jews started to However, today the community Like other newcomers, speaking, Israeli, and Canadian Today, the majority of the immigrate to Canada in the mid prefers the term “Juhuro,” which, Mountain Jews faced signifi- Jewish communities. They are world’s estimated 200,000 1980s from Israel,” Nissanova like “,” literally means cant challenges upon arriving dedicated to passing on their Mountain Jews live in Israel, recounts. “Mass emigration from “Jewish.” in Canada—especially as many Jewish and Caucasus traditions to having left the region after the col- the former Soviet Union started “All Mountain Jews, except are two-time immigrants, having the next generation, and eager to lapse of the Soviet Union; though in 1991 during its collapse. About for the youth, speak Russian and moved from the former Soviet share their stories with the world. an entirely Jewish town called half of the Mountain Jewish dias- Juhuro,” says Nessinova. “Juhuro Union to Israel to Canada. Special thanks to Yelena Shragge for Krasnaya Sloboda (“the pora is from Azerbaijan (specif- is the oral language of Mountain “Community members faced assistance with Russian translation. Read of the Caucasus”) still exists in ically, the cities of , Kuba, Jews, based on elements of problems with employment more about Canada’s Mountain Jews in Azerbaijan. Most North American and ). A quarter were resi- Hebrew and Farsi. The ances- and language barriers,” says Tehila Nissanova’s Russian-language book Mountain Jews live in New York dents of (Dagestan) and tors of Mountain Jews, during Nissanova. “People attended Jewish Gorsky Community of Toronto, which City, but Toronto is home to a the remainder were residents the Assyrian captivity, went from English-language school and includes sections translated into English.

Follow us on social media: @charredrotisserie

WELCOME TO CHARRED All our products are made in-house and all our chicken is locally sourced, raised without antibiotics, and free run.

Our chicken is cooked fresh over a flaming bed of hardwood charcoal to deliver that delicious “Charred” flavour in every bite. Take Out, Delivery, and Catering available!

wwww.charred.ca Join our mailing list for your chance to receive a FREE meal every month! 244 James St. N. Hamilton, On L8R 2R3 (289) 396-0662

DECEMBER 2020 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 11 INSPIRATION AND INSIGHT

The death by fire of Bill Leuchter In those days and Some are remembered for how they lived. Others by how they died at this time Miriam America), the signing of trea- BY HARVEY STARKMAN he have bigger dreams? ties with no intention of keeping SPECIAL TO HJN On the evening of Nov. 30, Bill Sager them was considered acceptable and 23-year-old Mike Mikoda had against people who were consid- I wonder how people looked at passed Ann Arbor on the high- ered “savages.” To this day, despite him as he drove along York Street way to Chicago, when his coupe, the Truth and Reconciliation in his black, slick-backed V-8 packed with more than 1,000 gal- Over the ages, Chanukah has Commission (TRC) and Canada’s coupe. He was 26, round-faced lons of alcohol, struck a tractor lent itself to various interpreta- commitment to uphold the United and curly haired. Did the girls find trailer and exploded in flames. tions, and even the historical facts Nations Declaration on the Rights him attractive? Maybe a little dan- Both men were incinerated. are not entirely clear. However, of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), gerous? He certainly had a dan- The inferno was so intense that we know that the lost Canadian authorities continue gerous nickname — Bill “the police first on the scene could not their religious rights and control to ignore Indigenous sover- Butcher” Leuchter, which he came tell if the occupants were men or of their temple for some time, and eignty. They repeatedly take dras- by somewhat honestly. women. And the confusion contin- then got them back. When I was tic actions affecting Indigenous But the real butcher in the ued. When early news of the acci- growing up in the Israeli public land, water and holy sites with- Leuchter family was Bill’s father, dent reached Hamilton, there was school system, the emphasis was out obtaining the required free, Ignatz. He had started the excited speculation that one of the on the attempt at forced assimi- prior and informed consent. Land Hamilton Kosher Meat Market in bodies might be Rocco Perri’s. lation as well as the victory of the claims are being dragged through

1929, and, as in family businesses STARKMAN HARVEY OF COURTESY PHOTO Bill Leuchter is buried in freedom fighters. On both counts, the courts endlessly. everywhere, all five of his chil- Bill Leuchter’s tombstone in the Ohev Zedek Cemetery on I cannot but think of the parallels Forced assimilation, often in dren were involved in some way at Hamilton’s Ohev Zedek Cemetery. Hamilton Mountain. The cameo between colonization in antiquity partnership with the churches, some time. I prefer another nick- on his tombstone shows a seri- and in modern times. has been one such colonial tactic. name that I’ve seen only once — still purchased cheaper boot- ous man in formal wear who looks In October, the Haldimand if you can “take the Indian out of Bill “the Butcher Boy.” It’s closer legged alcohol to boost their older than his years. His grave County police services board the child,” there will be no one left to the truth. bottom line, but by 1938 it was get- is located not far from Bessie called on the Ontario Provincial to resist. In November 1938, Leuchter was ting harder for their suppliers to Starkman’s. Police to take action against what Legal and violent measures working for the notorious bootleg- maintain their own profits by rely- Some people are remembered it called “acts of terrorism” com- were used to prevent spiritual and ger, Rocco Perri. By then, the best ing on alcohol sales alone. for how they lived their lives. Bill mitted by Haudenosaunee land social practices, including use of of Perri’s days were behind him. Now, to fuel a developing local Leuchter entered history as a defenders who have halted a hous- Indigenous languages; children In 1930, Bessie Starkman, Perri’s market, ‘dope and alky cars’ trans- minor footnote in the bigger story ing development in Caledonia. were punished and tortured for common-law wife and business ported alcohol south across the of Prohibition, whisky barons, Looking back on our own speaking their mother tongue. As partner (some say the brains and border and returned to Canada bootleggers, and the growth and history in today’s terms, the Jews who have fought to reclaim driving force behind their lucra- with illegal drugs stashed in spe- consolidation of organized crime Hashmonaim, more commonly Hebrew, we may have a glim- tive operation) had been gunned cial roof pockets. families. He is remembered more known as the Maccabees, with mer of the enormity of this hurt. down, and he himself was a man Leuchter worked hard for the for who he wasn’t and for the hor- their guerilla tactics, would no And of course, the massive, vio- marked for death. A bomb blast money he made. Paid by the trip, rible way he died than for who he doubt be hunted down as terror- lent residential school project that had recently destroyed the front of it seemed he was always on the was and how he lived. ists. But unlike that armed revolt, removed children from their com- his Bay Street South home. A few road, running rum to Niagara When I think about Bill the Haudenosaunee land defend- munities, traumatizing not only years later, Rocco Perri would go Falls and Buffalo, Detroit, and Leuchter, I think of a young man ers have been non-violent. It is the children, but their parents for a walk and quite literally disap- as far away as Chicago. There is with his life ahead of him, a young the OPP that has used violence and communities too, resulted in pear into legend. no evidence that he transported man who died a fiery death on a against them. widespread and long-lasting inter- Bootlegging had probably drugs. dark road, at a dark time of the Taking over land and other nat- generational trauma. reached its height of profitability Friends later said he had plans year, not so many months before ural resources, through what- Canada has apologized to sur- towards the end of the 1920s, and to quit the business altogether. the shells and the blasting bombs ever means required, is a hallmark vivors of the residential schools, Prohibition was finally repealed Was he troubled by the changes? of war would once again explode of colonization. On Turtle Island and some provinces have in 1933. Some bar and club owners Did he see better prospects? Did and spark fires the world over. (the Indigenous name for North CONTINUES NEXT PAGE

12 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 INSPIRATION AND INSIGHT

A 2013 photo Teaching in the North of an Idle No More protest Motivated by her desire for a deeper understanding concerning land and water issues CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE of Indigenous culture, one woman journeyed out of in the northern Saskatchwan apologized for the theft of chil- her comfort zone to a northern community Indigenous dren from their communities that community of followed. But just as residential BY BARRY ROSEN her attitude was “you just do it.” Stanley Mission. schools were being shut down, SPECIAL TO THE HJN While the first year was chal- “child protection” services began lenging, Wenzowski did go on to a massive removal of children “A life changing experience,” was establish trusting relationships from their homes, communities how Alexis Wenzowski described with her students. She asked them and cultures, between 1955 and her experience as a teacher in to call her Alexis rather than Ms. 1989, to be adopted by non-Indig- Northern Saskatchewan. Wenzowski, as she quickly under- enous parents and even outside of From August 2009 to March stood the different social norms Canada. 2014, Wenzowski, who is now in the North. She shared her home The Ontario Association of director of Hamilton Jewish phone number with her students Children’s Aid Societies has even Family Services, lived and worked in case they had questions, so she PHOTOCOURTESY OF ALEXISWENZOWSKI acknowledged that the “Sixties in Stanley Mission, a reserva- was therefore on duty 24/7. Scoop,” and many current prac- tion and hamlet of 1,800 people, Wenzowski took her students on tices have resulted in cultural gen- located about 500 kilometres youth leadership trips and estab- She also questioned why After interviewing Wenzowski, ocide for the Indigenous people north of Saskatoon. While she had lished several new programs and Northern communities such as I feel she sees the best in people of Ontario. Despite these apolo- her own car, driving was a chal- learned first-hand that “Canada Stanley Mission are sometimes and has faith in the capacity of gies, Indigenous children are still lenge as the roads were unpaved. could do better” in terms of its under “boil water advisories,” community members to help one being removed from their commu- Winters, which usually began in relationship with Indigenous have extended periods in which another. She brought these quali- nities at alarming rates. Instead October, were severe. people. they lack electricity and have poor ties to her work in Stanley Mission of supporting traumatized and Wenzowski was motivated by This problematic relationship mental health resources. and to her current work within impoverished Indigenous parents her desire for a deeper under- resulted in many social prob- During her time in Stanley the Hamilton Jewish community. and communities, children are standing of Indigenous culture lems in the community. A major Mission, local residents invited Wenzowski was open and gener- removed and money is poured into and her interest in social change. issue was the after effects of her to come to their trap lines, ous in sharing her northern expe- the foster system. There are few She took the position in order to trauma due to residential schools. the route along where trappers riences with me. Should you have cultural supports for these young make a difference and to learn In addition, there was crowded set their traps, which she consid- the opportunity to attend any of people, who lose their identity and more about herself. She was also housing, acute poverty, addic- ered an honour. She also took part her talks on the subject, I highly are lost to their communities. ready for the challenges of a new tions and mental health. She in activities which she had never recommend that you do so. As I write this, I am sadly con- adventure. She taught Grade 7-12. described instances in which the done before, such as fishing and fident that my ruminations on the While she hadn’t expected to RCMP did not deal with situations kayaking. She was willing to “go fight against colonization will still teach subjects such as girls’ gym, appropriately. out of my comfort zone.” be relevant at Chanukah time. In Caledonia, it is Six Nations that are defending their land; in B.C., the Wet’suwet’en are resisting a Virtual Jewish book and film festivals exceed expectations Canada-owned pipeline expan- sion that will go under their water BY WENDY SCHNEIDER expectations, with brisk ticket Author Kathy sources, destroying pristine, HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS sales from viewers both within and Kacer discusses unceded territory, homes, and outside the Greater Hamilton Area her book, The sacred sites. When the coronavirus pandemic and high attendance at its moder- Brushmaker’s In Halifax, the Mi’kmaq fisher- arrived in Hamilton last March, ated live Q&As with film directors Daughter with men are left to fend for themselves the Hamilton Jewish Federation and expert panelists. local moderator, while they and their traditional — cancelled a number of scheduled Based on the success of the film Dennis Nash and legally recognized — fishing spring programs, including its festival, Federation decided to rights are under attack. These are inaugural Hamilton Jewish Film hold the second annual Marvin just a few of the current struggles Festival, a partnership with the Caplan Jewish Book Festival and for Indigenous rights. Westdale Cinema. Holocaust Education Week vir- moderators that allowed for ques- feedback from the event was uni- At this time of year, as we cel- When organizers decided to tually during the first two weeks tions from viewers. versally positive. ebrate our freedoms, let us con- reschedule the festival for the end of November. Nine authors from Judi Caplan, in whose husband’s “I really enjoyed the session,” sider what our government is still of August as a virtual event, they across the and name the festival is named, said in wrote children’s author Kathy doing to those who have cared for had no idea whether they’d be able Canada, some of whom would a pre-recorded video introduction Kacer to Federation organizers. “I the land which we inhabit. to recoup the costs of purchas- likely never have made it to that she couldn’t have imagined thought that Dennis (Nash’s) ques- ing screening rights to its three Hamilton for an in-person event, a year ago that the festival she tions were wonderful, and the Miriam Sager works with others to stop cli- international films. But the festi- presented their books during dis- founded would go virtual a year questions from the audience were mate change, and leads listening circles. val’s success exceeded all of their cussions with local and celebrity after its founding. Nevertheless, also so important.”

In just a few weeks your dog and PARTNER S LLP becomes a well-behaved Chartered Professional Accountants family member! • Audit and Review Engagements • Online Classes or In Person Classes • We have online students in 29 countries • Not-for-Profit and around the world – including Israel! Charity Engagements • Put an end to Barking, Nipping, Chewing, Jumping Up, Pulling on the Leash • Corporate Tax and Reorganizations • More Than 500 Free Educational Videos on our YouTube channel

A Partner to Grow With Brock Whitwell, Partner, CPA, CA, B.Comm McCannDogs.com (905) 549-8463 Ext. 243 • [email protected] We’ve helped more than 100,000 dogs become well-behaved family members. vine.ca And we can help yours too...online or in person. Contact us today!

DECEMBER 2020 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 13 COMMUNITY NEWS

Jewish National Fund TAS Religious School DORA-ANN COHEN ELLISON JNF CANADA OFFICE Students at Temple Anshe Sholom the winter. Our senior students have When the world reopens and trav- Religious School are meeting twice a reflected on how their actions influ- elling to Israel becomes a possibil- week in our Zoom Classrooms. Our ence those of others and are creat- ity once more, don’t miss seeing the goal this year is to build classroom ing their own social action initiative Books of Honour at the headquarters community and make connections to support the vulnerable in our com- of Keren Kayemeth LeYisrael (KKL) in to our greater Jewish community. munity. Our primary students created Jerusalem. Because our students have been pro- Chanukah art and cards for the resi- Information about hundreds of vided with home packages of craft dents at Shalom Village, and our whole thousands of Jewish National Fund supplies and text materials, they are school will Zoom into Shalom Village donors has been preserved in Honour able to spend time in class creating for a Chanukah sing-along and virtual Books, dating back to 1901, when the and are given time to share their work game session, together with the stu- Jewish National Fund was created in with each other. Our Family Service dents at Beth Jacob. Though we may be more isolated, we need to create , . More significantly, FUND NATIONAL JEWISH OF COURTESY PHOTO is an opportunity for families to pray, the Honour Books contain important as well as share with each other. As virtual moments for our students to historical information, as many of the Visitors to delegates at the Fifth Zionist Congress one of the most effective ways to build friendships, to engage with syn- entries are pre-Holocaust, represent- KKL-JNF’s head that voted for and raised funds for learn a teaching is through action, agogue life and to participate in activi- ing a treasure chest of information and office in Jerusalem the establishment of JNF. Its pages students have engaged with mem- ties with the community, as if the walls a unique source for historians, gene- view the Books of are filled with thousands of names, bers of our greater community, their are not there. Temple Anshe Sholom Honour alogists, or people searching for infor- including those of kings, presidents, actions reaching far beyond the walls classes for JK-Grade 11 take place on mation about their ancestors. and statesmen from many nations of their own homes. Our junior stu- Saturdays at 9:15 a.m. and Wednesdays The original seven Honour Books — such as Lord Balfour, Sir Winston dents have learned about the many at 4:30 p.m., with a free pre-school the JNF Golden Book, the Children’s Churchill, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, organizations that are supported by tot- Saturday at 9 a.m. Please Book, the Bar/Bat Book, the Dwight D. Eisenhower, Professor Zvi the Hamilton Jewish Federation and email Dora-Ann Cohen Ellison at Marriage Book, the Book of Plantings, Schapira, David Wolfsohn, and Moses are planning a project of support for [email protected] or visit the Book of Special Gifts and the Montefiore as well as Jewish people anshesholom.ca/tas-religious-school. Book — together constitute around the world. an expression of the tie between the The Bar Mitzvah Books were ini- and the . tiated in 1936 and hold more than Kehila Heschel and donating the produce to the food Because these records go back so 100,000 names and photos of children ANITA BERNSTEIN bank and sending holiday notes to res- many years, they can provide the miss- commemorating their bar/bat mitz- As everyone is navigating 2020, this idents of Shalom Village and others ing link in a family lineage by noting vahs, which may be the only surviving most unusual year, Kehila Heschel’s who have been isolated. As part of a the benefactor of the inscription. Each photos available of an individual who integrated curriculum has supported warm clothing drive, students learn inscription includes the name of the perished in the Holocaust. its students to develop not only the tra- about those who are less fortunate honouree, together with the names of Visitors to the Golden Book Hall, ditional academic skills but increased than them and have no permanent the donors, the date and the occasion. who come to see the names of ances- its focus on personal growth skills of home or family support. Some stu- Not only do these books symbol- tors, family or friends who have been resilience, kindness, innovation, crea- dents are learning to knit and create ize the dedication of a specific occa- honoured with an inscription, are tivity, flexibility and problem solving. scarfs to donate. sion like a bar mitzvah or birth, but astonished at the beauty of the books. Through its Middot program, Kehila Grade 1 and 2 classes learned about they also act as a lasting record of To have a name inscribed in one of Heschel continued to emphasize their heritage by interviewing their family history. In one case, a family these Books of Honour – perhaps a Jewish values of building community, grandparents and then exploring the found a bar mitzvah dedication for new baby, a bar or bat mitzvah, a mile- gratitude, supporting those in need, world map to find the origin of their their grandfather who had perished in stone event, call our office at 905- connecting with others and caring for roots. the Holocaust. Through the book, they 527-5516. For more information call the world. Although school may look differ- were able to retrace their family gene- our office and we will arrange a visit Students are actively involved in ent due to COVID-19 restrictions, our alogy, which had all but been lost in for you while you are in Israel. Mark their social action projects and feel students are thriving as they learn to Europe. an occasion that both recognizes the empowered to be able to help others. embrace indoor classrooms as a safe The Golden Book was created by Dr. importance of the event and immor- This year’s social action projects place and the outdoors as an amazing to commemorate the talizes the milestone forever in Israel. included tending our vegetable garden learning environment.

The lawyers and staff at Ross & McBride LLP wish the entire community a happy and healthy Hanukkah.

1 King Street, 10th Floor Hamilton, ON L8P 1A4

TEL: 905.526.9800 FAX: 905.526.0732 www.rossmcbride.com

Jeffrey Manishen Barry Yellin Brad Wiseman

14 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2020 COMMUNITY NEWS

Hamilton Jewish Family Services Beth Jacob Stay tuned to our weekly ChaiLites ALEXIS WENZOWSKI SHIRA KATES donated produce, masks, scarves, under- eblasts, website, and social media for more With the Greather Hamilton Area placed in wear, socks, and more; Our November Following the success of our pre- details about when and how to access the Red Zone, we encourage you to continue Zoom workshops on gender-based violence recorded High Holy Day and Simchat the Chanukah production, or even to get practising your own safety measures. We at had fantastically engaged participants. We services, Beth Jacob Synagogue invites you involved. And, be sure to save the dates for HJFS, continue to be open to service needs invite you to check out the upcoming ones to tune in once again for Chanukah! other December programming from guest and support the community; however, there at hamiltonjfs.ca. Donations to support our Prepare to join us online for special educators: are some changes. For as long as this period various initiatives, ranging from beautifully footage of your fellow congregants sing- A three part series The Mitzvah Within: lasts, clients and visitors will not be permit- knit scarves to socks to delicious veggie ing, dancing, cooking latkes, lighting their Living in the Image of God with Chaim ted in our offices. If you are dropping some- produce, continue to come in, and we are chanukiyot, playing dreidel, and sharing Eliezer Davis; An action-packed Real thing off, we will meet you in the lobby, and incredibly grateful. Everything donated is Chanukah greetings. We’re sure you will Story of Chanukah with Mordechai if you are visiting the Food Bank, hampers put towards supporting those in need. Your feel the warmth of community from the Silverstein; The Gender Lady: Dr. May will be left outside our door. These precau- generosity makes a difference. Thank you comfort and safety of your own home. Cohen documentary screening and Q&A tions are meant to keep everyone safe. for being there for us. Thank you for being We know that the pandemic has forced with the directors, and Dr. Cohen herself; We are proud to say that Hamilton Jewish there for everyone. Be Safe. Be Kind. all of us to change and adapt our under- An exploration of Foundational Myths Federation will be supporting the vulner- standing of engagement, and that ideally we with Rabbi Natan Freller – what can uni- able with Chanukah bags this year. We are would be able to join together in person by corns and mermaids teach us about our also delighted to announce that Adas Israel now. However, Chanukah is a perfect time faith today? and, Inner Flexibility: Yoga, Sisterhood will be continuing its Baskets of McMaster Hillel to remember the Jewish people’s ability to Pranayama and Meditation returns! Compassion initiative for Holocaust survi- JUDITH DWORKIN triumph over adversity. Learn yoga and more with Rabbi Yonah vors. And, of note, the HHA has agreed to The pandemic continues for the moment, Lavery-Yisraeli. spearhead a Kosher Food Drive for Carol's McMaster Hillel hosted its very first but we will continue to shine brightly and We always look forward to connecting Cupboard. To these organizations, and Shabbat in a Box program in October for do our part to protect those around us- with you. Reach out at any time to every organization and individual who more than 50 McMaster students. Students while reaching out to you through Zoom [email protected]. Chanukah supports HJFS, I deeply thank you. Your received a meal, candles, grape juice, chal- and online activity. Sameach, and talk to you soon! actions bring light at dark times. lah, an insert of blessings and a mystery sur- Some more good news: HJFS has prise of a banana been welcomed into the Good Food and date, adding a Organizations Program. Our new friends unique tradition of include family health teams, urban farms, the com- Thinking of downsizing and feeling overwhelmed? and other amazing organizations. munity of India. Contact Tammy at ... The Hamilton Jewish Federation recently Students gathered received a grant to provide our commu- on Zoom before sun- nity organizations with 75,000 face masks down to welcome and 1,500 bottles of hand sanitizer. This in Shabbat and lead LIGHTN UR LOAD will benefit our , agencies, and an inspiring gath- Downsizing Specialist schools. ering, proving that, Mac student Jenna Our Virtual Bereavement Group wrapped while we may not be Bienstock delivers Packing/Moving Services a Shabbat in a up its first course and will keep meeting in physically together, Declutter/Organize the new year; Community donations have we can still feel con- box package continued to come in. Thank you for the nected to one another. Design/Shopping Services Tammy Jordan 289-937-6854 Designer and Renovator [email protected] Temple Anshe Sholom

RABBI JORDAN COHEN programs, both of which were organized This year, in celebration of the Festival by Rabbi Cohen and Cantor Baruch, the of Lights, Temple Anshe Sholom will offer a Canadian Reform movement will again join special event for each of the eight nights of together on the third night of Chanukah for Chanukah. These online celebrations will a moving candle lighting service featuring allow all Temple members and guests to , cantors and lay-leaders from across not only connect with their Anshe Sholom the land. The other nights will be filled in community, but also other members of the with Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah candle Hamilton Jewish community, the Canadian lightings, a YoFi Chanukah evening with Reform Jewish community and other Cantor Paula and a “Chanukah Chappy Reform and Progressive Jews from around Hour” featuring a pub-style trivia compe- the world. tition and holiday nibbles you can make at One of the highlights will certainly be the home. One of the silver linings of the pan- Global Virtual Chanukah Celebration spon- demic cloud has been the opportunity to sored by the World Union for Progressive join together across borders and time zones , the world-wide body of the Reform to celebrate, learn and worship through Movement. Being presented on the fourth online programming. This Chanukah, we night, the production is being produced by will be expanding our circle of community the Tony Award winning team of Yael Silver to spread the light across our city, nation and and Carmine Entertainment and will fea- around the world. Everyone is welcome to ture an array of celebrity guests. Following participate. The links to access these and all the great success of our online nation- other services and programs can be found at wide Tikkun Leil and S’lichot anshesholom.ca. Chag Urim Sameach to all.

√ Pluralistic Jewish Day School K-5 Where every student shines √ Excellence in Secular & Judaic Education √ Innovative Integrated Curriculum √ Immersion Style French & Hebrew 215 Cline Avenue N. √ Small Class Sizes & Individual Attention 905-529-7725 [email protected] www.kehilaschool.ca

DECEMBER 2020 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS 15 THE BACK PAGE

CIBC WOOD GUNDY APEL INVESTMENT GROUP

I am pleased to welcome Yves Apel and his team to the CIBC Wealth Management office of Hamilton.

Yves is an accomplished industry leader who has built a substantial and well respected practice in the GTHA. His passion for client care is unparalleled. Yves is supported by a Private Banker, Financial Planner, Tax and Estate Planner, Insurance Specialist, Foreign exchange specialists, Commercial banking, Private company Transition and Investment Banking, Trust Services, and a Portfolio research group. Welcome to the team Yves! Tom Cosentino Vice President and Branch Manager Hamilton, Ontario

For a confidential discussion, please contact: Yves Apel, Vice President and Investment Advisor 905 523-9433 | [email protected] apelinvestmentgroup.com

CIBC Private Wealth Management consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. “CIBC Private Wealth Management” is a registered trademark of CIBC, used under license. “Wood Gundy” is a registered trademark of

16 HAMILTONCIBC World JEWISH MarketsNEWS • DECEMBER Inc. If you2020 are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor.