Long -lost Yiddish songs performed • 6 Jenny Waxman’s career soaring • 18

Musical theatre in Back family DNA • 19 P19

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Hamilton Jewish NThe voice ofe Jewishw Hamilton Septs 2019 FEDERATION CONSIDERS NEW PRIORITIES FOR THE YEARS AHEAD Focus group recommendations concentrate on five main areas

STORY BY ABIGAIL CUKIER AND WENDY SCHNEIDER, THE HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS times change. communities change. Results from recent focus group consultations and community-wide surveys is leading Federation to re-evaluate the four pillars that have guided the organization over the last nine years. Those pillars — assisting the vulnerable, strengthening Jewish identity through Jewish education, supporting Israel, and commu- nity development — were established in 2010. “We started this exercise to understand whether the pillars were still valid,” said Gustavo Rymberg, CEO of the Hamilton Jewish Federation, explaining that the organization brought in an external consultant to conduct focus group discussions that targeted seniors, young professionals, parents with young children and young adults. Communal leaders and major donors were also consulted. “We expected to see major PHOTOBYWENDY SCHNEIDER, THE HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS changes in community priorities,” said Federation president Welcoming newcomers came near the top of a list of priorities made by focus groups as part of Jacki Levin. She was not mistaken. Federation’s strategic planning process. Above: Recent arrivals pose for a group photo at a welcome barbecue hosted by Federation’s Grow Hamilton committee in August. NEW PRIORITIES CONTINUES ON P4 SEE GROW HAMILTON UPDATE P7

JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL First Federation inaugurates book festival that honours the memory of Marvin Caplan impressions are hard to overcome.” WADE HEMSWORTH REPORTS: P4

BEN SHRAGGE ON HAMILTON’S ROSH HASHANAH REFLECTIONS P12,13 ‘IMAGE‘ PROBLEM: P20 PHOTOCOURTESY OF THE CAPLAN FAMILY A family photo of Marvin Caplan at his son Aaron’s wedding.

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All of us at the Hamilton Jewish Federation extend to you and your loved ones best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year. לשנה טובה תכתבו

JEWISHHAMILTON.ORG EDITORIAL

OUR COMMUNITY. OURSELVES.

BY GUSTAVO RYMBERG Fowler and Associates CEO, HAMILTON JEWISH FEDERATION It’s said that our external world is a mirror of our internal TD Wealth Private Investment Advice world. I’d like to take that concept one step further by saying Complete Investment and Estate Planning that a community is a mirror of its members and its leadership. Over my two years in Hamilton, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know hundreds of community mem- bers. As a relative newcomer myself, I’ve been curious by some of the comments I’ve heard people say: “I will not attend that program because the organizer made a mistake with my ticket last year.” “I will not join your organization because of an argument I had with its leadership 10 years ago.” “I will not support your campaign because I don’t believe in the causes it’s supported over the past 30 years.” It seems to me that holding on to past disagreements is not serv- ing anyone. If we want a strong, resilient, and caring community, we need to set aside our differ- ences, stop focusing on negatives and start focusing on how we can The moments in work together to create the kind of my life when I felt coherent and unified community most myself were we want. As a community, we can’t when I felt part of a start the next chapter if we keep community. living in the past. GUSTAVO RYMBERG There’s this awesome thing that happens when you’re part of a com- munity. You feel that you belong, and you share that sense of belonging with others who feel the same way. It doesn’t happen immediately, but when you start to really feel like you belong, and when that feeling is validated by others, you start Proudly serving the Greater to feel more comfortable being yourself. I’ve come to realize Hamilton Area since1957 that the moments in my life when I’ve felt most myself with- out trying to be someone else were when I felt part of a commu- nity, whether it was in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto or now in Hamilton. How do you get that feeling? All you have to do is start con- tributing. Join a committee. Attend events. Advocate for the issues you care about. Offer your help to others. Do something to positively impact the community as a whole. Let others in. Listen. Participate. Connect. That’s when you feel truly part of a community ... and it’s an amazing feeling. Our community is growing. Over the past three months alone, 13 new families have moved to Hamilton and members of Federation’s Grow Hamilton committee came out in full force to greet them at a beautiful welcoming event held at the Loewith farm in August. We know — because they told us — how happy each family felt to be joining such a caring and wel- coming community. Federation has been at the forefront of welcoming newcom- ers and opening doors of opportunity. Our goal is to touch the lives of every member of our community and to connect them with each other, and with fellow Jews around the world. We Experience the trust, dependability and accountability that are committed to adapt to evolving community priorities by over 50 years has provided at any of the Richter Group stores. listening to what you have to say about what’s important to you and your families. We’re fashioning new approaches to solve the most press- ing challenges of our day. To care for people in need. Respond to growing antisemitism close to home and far away. To engage the next generation in Jewish life. But we can’t do it alone. This is your Federation. We need Hamilton Hyundai Eastgate Ford Bay King Chrysler CSN Collision Centres 324 Parkdale Ave N 350 Parkdale Ave N 55 Rymal Rd 230 Lansing Drive motivated, forward-thinking people to help realize our pur- 905 545 5150 905 547 3211 905 383 7700 350 Parkdale Ave N pose and create the community of which we want to be a part. hamiltonhyundai.ca eastgateford.com bayking.ca eastgateford.com As Rosh Hashanah approaches, may each of us answer the call to better ourselves and our community. It’s up to us. Let’s write our story. On behalf of all of us at Federation we wish you a Shana Tova u’Metuka, a sweet and Happy New Year.

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 2 INSIDE

SEPTEMBER 2019 The Hamilton Jewish News is LOCAL NEWS more than just the print paper. 5 DEALING WITH HATE Jewish community Visit hamiltonjewishnews.com on your computer, smartphone, and tablet for: PROFILE An enhanced online reading experience 9 A NEW HOME IN HAMILTON Videos and additional multimedia content HJN profiles newcomer Deborah Kanfer Exclusive online-only articles Tagged and searchable archives ROSH HASHANAH FEATURE Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the Hamilton Jewish community 12 NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS . How is this time a wake-up call? facebook.com/HamiltonJewishNews twitter.com/HamJewishNews ISRAEL 27 AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

Volunteering with Sar-El PHOTOBYWENDY SCHNIEDER, HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS PAGE 9 ON LINE DogTraining McCann Professional Dog Trainers A CARING GESTURE In just a few weeks, your dog will become a good family member!

MP David Sweet stopped by JHamilton on August 28 to drop off 12 ome! eel! tay! backpacks filled with school supplies CCOME when called, WAHLK on a loose leash STSAY reliably despite for Hamilton Jewish Social Services the first time, every time. without pulling. distractions. and the Jewish Community Centre’s Mitzvah of The Month project. Community response to the initiative Take the FREE TRIAL today at was “incredible” according to JSS executive director Alexis Wenzowski, www.McCannDogs.com pictured left, along with JCC program coordinator Aimee Wigley and MP David Sweet. All supplies were

PHOTOBYELAINE LEVINE donated to families in need.

DEPARTMENTS COMING UP Editorial 2 NOVEMBER ISSUE Cover Stories 4 McCannDogs.com Local News 5, 6 • Deadline for booking ad space More than 80,000 4-legged family members trained since 1982! Fed News 7 Sept.27, 2019 Profile 9 • Deadline for receiving editorial copy Rosh Hashanah Feature 12,13 Sept. 27, 2019 Young Voices 16 • Deadline for receiving ad copy Special Menschen 18 Oct. 10, 2019 Feature 19 • Estimated date of arrival Oct. 29, 2019 Voices 20,21 Community 23-26 Israel 27

HJN

PLEASE RETURN UNDELIVERABLE EDITOR HAMILTON JEWISH FEDERATION CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Wendy Schneider PRESIDENT 1605 Main St. W. Jacki Levin [email protected] Hamilton, ON L8S 1E6 905-628-0058 The Hamilton Jewish News is PUBLISHER CEO published four times a year by Hamilton Jewish Federation Gustavo Rymberg Hamilton Jewish News Inc. and funded by the Hamilton Jewish ASSISTANT EDITOR BOARD MEMBERS Federation Abigail Cukier Janis Criger CIRCULATION 2,000 DIGITAL EDITOR Mike Dressler Ben Shragge Howard Eisenberg EDITORIAL POLICY Daniel Hershkowitz The Hamilton Jewish News invites CONSULTING ART DIRECTOR Lester Krames members of the community John Bullock Larry Levin to contribute letters, articles HJN CONTRIBUTORS or guest editorials. Written Alice Mendelson Steve Arnold, Steven Brock, Arie Pekar submissions must be forwarded Abigail Cukier, Barry Rosen, Josh Rauchwerger by the deadline indicated in each Simone Rotstein, Ben Shragge, Sandee Smordin issue. This newspaper reserves Phyllis Shragge the right to edit, condense or Peter Smurlick reject any contribution for brevity HJN ADVISORY BOARD Laura Wolfson or legal purposes. Aviva Boxer Wade Hemsworth Celia Rothenberg

3 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS COVER ‘‘ Books, reading, studying and discussion were all part of Marvin’s life.” JUDI CAPLAN STORIES ‘‘ JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL HONOURS NEW PRIORITIES FOR THE MEMORY OF MARVIN CAPLAN YEARS AHEAD

BY WADE HEMSWORTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 SPECIAL TO THE HJN NEED TO KNOW The top five new recom- Remembrance Day), March

A new Hamilton Jewish book fes- mended priorities that have of the Living and the Asper WHAT: Marvin Caplan Jewish tival featuring personal appear- come out of the strategic plan- Foundation Human Rights and Book Festival ances by leading authors will ning process are protecting the Holocaust Studies Program. WHEN: Nov. 16 to 24, 2019. honour the memory of Marvin vulnerable, holding community- Rochwerg also spoke of the need WHO: Participating authors Caplan, an avid reader and gregar- wide events, fighting antisem- to engage 20 to 40-year-olds. include: Jack Fairweather (The ious figure who left an indelible itism, welcoming newcomers One area that has maintained Volunteer), Nov. 16. Time TBA. mark as a clothier, politician, real- and engaging young adults in its position at the head of com- Yousef Bashir (The Words of My tor and volunteer. Jewish life. The most significant munity priorities is the imper- Father), Nov 18. Time TBA The Marvin Caplan Jewish change is that support for Israel ative to take care of the most Meg Waite Clayton (The Last Train Book Festival, presented by the was not perceived by the more vulnerable members of the to London), Nov. 20. Time TBA. Hamilton Jewish Federation, will than 200 people who partici- community. Ariel Burger (Witness: Lessons welcome authors of popular new pated in the process as a prior- “It was good to see that the from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom), books to Hamilton from Nov. 16 ity. Whether this is due to Israel community is steadfast in its Nov. 24. Time TBA to 24, where they will partici- A treasured family photo of no longer being perceived as a insistence on assisting the vul- WHERE: JHamilton, pate in readings and other public Marvin Caplan. country dependent on diaspora nerable,” said Levin. “This is 1605 Main St. W. events that are open to the entire support or disenchantment with a basic Jewish value and has REGISTER: jewishhamilton.org community. publishing season to select the the policies of the current Israeli always been supported by the The festival is to feature books international authors who were government is unclear. Federation.” with Jewish themes or that are invited for the opening year of the “Pew research studies across As for fighting antisem- written by Jewish authors and festival. North America showed that mil- itism, back in 2010 the issue is timed to coincide with Jewish Rymberg anticipates the by reading aloud to them and lennials are not joiners and that rarely came up as a concern. Book Month in North America. Hamilton festival will be an encouraging discussions about they don’t feel a close attach- That it was identified among the Festival events will also fea- annual celebration and become what they read. ment either to Jewish commu- top five of thisyear’s priorities ture an extensive collection of new one of the federation’s leading cul- “Our house was always full of nity or to Israel,” said Levin “reflects the sad reality that Jews books, music and Chanukah gifts tural events. books, and from the time the boys by way of explanation. “The are facing throughout the world for sale. Caplan, who died suddenly in were small, story time was a spe- Hamilton Jewish community, today,” said Levin. Gustavo Rymberg, chief execu- January 2017, was a proud, devoted cial time in our house,” she recalls. in some ways, reflects these Federation’s overarching goal tive officer of the Hamilton Jewish and active Jew and a strong pro- “He read mainly non-fiction books trends.” is bringing the community Federation, was involved in sim- moter of reading and literacy who about religion, politics, history Howard Eisenberg, who together, and both Rymberg and ilar festivals in Winnipeg and loved to discuss and debate almost and sales, though he also loved sci- chairs Federation’s strate- Levin believe that community Toronto. any subject, drawing material ence fiction. Books, reading, stud- gic planning committee, said unity is the key to addressing all “They were always my favour- from his own reading. ying and discussion were all part that for him, the three biggest of the identified priorities. ite events to organize and to Judi Caplan recalls that he of Marvin’s life.” insights “were a real desire to The final strategic plan will attend, and they gave everyone the would have several books on the Judy says that a Jewish book come together as a community not be ready until later this year. opportunity to meet incredible go at once, in a revolving stack on festival is an ideal tribute to her no matter what shul you go to, “We need to take the time to authors and hear amazing stories,” his bedside table. husband. fighting antisemitism, and a make sure we have the proper Rymberg said. “I always learned The former Ward 1 city coun- Among his many volunteer huge desire to involve the young plan,” said Rymberg. “We not something new from the inspi- cilor was a familiar figure at roles, Caplan was active with people in our community.” only want to identify priori- rational, interesting and some- the Locke Street branch of the Hamilton’s Telling Tales Festival, Judy Rochwerg, a focus gropu ties but establish how we will times challenging topics that these Hamilton Public Library and Judi And Judi says one of her most participant said, “I feel like the achieve them. Our doors are authors took on.” recalls returning a hefty stack of treasured photos of him was taken participants were listened to.” always open and we welcome A panel of community volun- his borrowed books after the shiva. there in September 2016, less She advocated that Federation any feedback. This is commu- teers, including Caplan’s widow Caplan helped to instill a love of than four months before he died. continue to prioritize fund- nity money and we have to Judi, reviewed information reading in his and Judi’s four sons, It shows him grinning widely as ing educational programs such spend it according to identified about 250 books from the 2019-20 and later in their grandchildren, books spill from his hands. as Yom HaShoah (Holocaust needs and priorities.”

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 4 LOCAL It’s our responsibility to expose and denounce hate towards any group. Apathy will be OBITUARYNEWS ‘‘interpreted as endorsement.” GUSTAVO RYMBERG CEO, Hamilton Jewish Federation HAMILTON ACTIVISTS TAKE A STAND AGAINST HATE Rise in antisemitic and other hate crimes spurs call among community groups for government action

BY STEVE ARNOLD SPECIAL TO THE HJN “petty” crimes, such as property damage, the same filth was etched into playground governments at all levels have to take firm including graffiti, and the vast major- equipment at a Dundas park. action to let opponents of diversity know Swastikas scratched into playground ity remain unsolved even when they are Another incident, across the bay in their views are not welcome. equipment, hate messages written on cars or reported to police. Burlington, saw six separate events in “What’s happening is obviously alarming posted on the door of Burlington City Hall, Sgt. Paul Corrigan, of the Hamilton Police which antisemitic hate messages were scat- to a lot of people who live here,” said Hugh insults being yelled at Jews on the street and Service, Hate Crime and Extremism Unit, tered around the city. A Burlington resi- Tye, executive director of the Hamilton yellow-vested hatemongers crowding into said in an email exchange that all of the dent has been arrested in connection with Community Legal Clinic. “As a commu- a public space every week to shout against antisemitic incidents in Hamilton in 2018 that spate of hate crimes and police continue nity, we’re starting to say this is not OK, that gay marriage and Jews. involved mischief graffiti, a crime that’s dif- their hunt for a second man. Hamilton is not a place of hate, that we’re Against that evidence it’s not hard to ficult to solve. Also raising local fears was the revelation not going to sit here quietly and let them go understand, and fear, recent statistics “The clearance rate is low because this that a man with a history of ties to a racist about their business.” branding Hamilton as the hate crime capi- type of offence is invariably committed at and white supremacist group was working The legal clinic, along with the John tal of Canada. night, in an area without CCTV, at the back in the City of Hamilton’s information tech- Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington That’s how Kojo Damptey, program of the school or park, and without witnesses. nology department. Marc Lemire, a former and Area, the Hamilton Roundtable on director of the Hamilton Centre for Civic Mischief graffiti is a criminal offence and leader of the virulent neo-Nazi Heritage Poverty Reduction and Hamilton Centre Inclusion sees it. the antisemitic nature of it makes it even Front, has since resigned. for Civic Inclusion, with financial support “Hamilton seems to be a breeding ground more odious,” he wrote. “I think that this Local leaders admit they are puzzled to from the Hamilton Community Foundation, for hate and alt-right groups,” he said in a type of offence has an effect on the wider explain this stain on Hamilton’s reputation recently staged the No Hate in the Hammer recent interview ahead of the launch of the community and can instill fear in commu- as a good place to live. Corrigan, for one, puts meeting to bring together groups opposed to No Hate in the Hammer campaign. “What’s nity members. This is why it is recorded by the increase down to the overall increase in the current trend. happening today is very, very frightening.” the Hamilton Police Service and treated global antisemitism. “We have to start somewhere. That means The available numbers bear out with a high priority.” “I think there is an increase in anti-Sem- talking about it, figuring it out and talking Damptey’s fear. Statistics Canada recently While these events may be considered itism worldwide. This, coupled with igno- about the actions we need to take,” Tye said. reported a 6.6 per cent increase in hate inci- “just vandalism,” he said, “the wider effect rance of the hurt that this type of offence “We’ve collected a lot of names of leaders in dents in Hamilton, compared to an over- can be hurtful to the community. Educating causes has contributed to a steady stream of the community, people who actually want all 13 per cent decrease across the country young people and attempting to identify the antisemitic graffiti over the last few years.” to see action, not just talk about the effects of (from 2,073 incidents to 1,798). The local perpetrators of this type of crime will help “There’s no clear answer as to why,” hate, they want to see some action.” rate followed a hike of 30 per cent in 2017. in bringing these numbers down.” said Rabbi Jordan Cohen, of Temple Anshe Hate issues in Hamilton will also be the With reported incidents averaging For Hamilton Jewish Federation CEO Sholom. “Nobody really gets it. Maybe it’s focus of a peace conference planned for 17.1 per 100,000 population, the rate in Gustavo Rymberg, education and commu- because there has been a change in the area’s Oct. 4 to 5, where former Ontario Premier Hamilton was more than three times the nity activism remain key elements. population and there’s a segment of society Bob Rae is a keynote speaker, along with national average. “Unfortunately, prejudice against groups that always finds that frightening.” Dr. Barbara Perry, director of the Centre Jews remain near the top of the target list. and individuals because of their race, reli- While all of the city’s Jewish institutions on Hate, Bias, and Extremism and Bernie The 2018 statistical report by the Hamilton gion or sexual orientation is a human con- have suffered some anti-Semitic incidents, Farber, of the Anti-Hate Network. Police Service shows 125 hate-related inci- dition,” he said in an email exchange. “For Cohen cautions the community to be vigi- While community groups plan meet- dents reported in 2018 – that’s down eight me, the good news is that here in Hamilton lant but not to over-react. ings and conferences and call for clear state- per cent from 2017. The list includes 49 inci- people are rising up against hate, and stand- “The Temple has been the target of some ments from government, a group of Dundas dents where people were targeted because ing up to promote tolerance and inclusion.” pretty terrifying hate mail, but the informa- moms took more direct action when they of their religion – 30 of those events targeted Most importantly, Rymberg contin- tion we’re getting from the local police and heard of the vandalism at their school. Jews. ued, “is not to stand by in silence. Apathy CIJA is that those things very rarely lead to After one posted pictures of the ugly words Of the 125 incidents reported in will be interpreted as endorsement. It’s our something more,” he said. on Facebook a group rushed to the school, Hamilton, only five are recorded as actual responsibility to expose and denounce hate Whatever the causes of the hate spike in scrub brushes, in hand and removed the crimes, including assault, assault with a towards any group. We should also look Hamilton, community activists are clear hate. weapon, dangerous operation of a motor deep inside ourselves and examine our own vehicle and sexual assault. The balance are biases to see how we may inadvertently be INTRODUCING THE HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS recorded as incidents where hate appeared contributing to intolerance. It all starts with to be a motivating factor. us.” A similar 2018 report for neighbouring One incident that gained widespread Halton Region, with a Jewish population attention happened in June when anti- of about 2,500, notes 34 hated-related inci- Semitic graffiti was scrawled across the dents in the region. The incidents are not doors and playground of St. Bernadette broken down by motivation. Catholic Elementary School on Governors ESSAY Most hate-related incidents involve Road in Dundas. A short distance away, WRITING COMPETITION

Rabbi/Cantor Moshe Meirovich 2019 Topic: My Family will lead all Essays can focus on one or more living or deceased persons in your family High Holiday Services who have influenced you the most or have left lasting legacies. Level 1: Jewish students living in Greater Hamilton or Burlington in Grades 7-9 in the Niagara Region at Level 2: Jewish students living in Greater Hamilton or Burlington Grades 10-12 Congregation B’nai Israel Guidelines: • Level 1 essays must be a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 750 words. Level 2 essays must 190 Church St., St. Catharines be a minimum of 750 words and not exceed 1,000 words. • Essays will be judged on originality, creativity and writing style. a Conservative, Fully Egalitarian Synagogue • Email submissions to [email protected] before or on the deadline of Oct. 31, 2019. • Finalists will be notified by Nov. 22, 2019. Call 905-685-6767 for tickets. • Prizes will be awarded by Dec. 15, 2019.

Prizes: The first-place winners in Level 1 and Level 2 will each be awarded $100 and have their essays published on the Hamilton Jewish News online edition. Second-place finalists in each level will receive $50 and have their essays published on the Hamilton Jewish News online edition. Third-place finalists will have their essays published on the Hamilton Jewish News online edition.

5 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS LOCAL My project is about giving voice to the two and a half million Jews who were killed in the NEWS ‘‘Soviet Union whom Hitler and Stalin tried to silence. ANNA SHTERNSHIS University of Toronto professor Psoy Korolenko and Anna Shternshis will FILM FETES WOMEN’S present their lecture- concert of lost Yiddish HEALTH TRAILBLAZER songs at this year’s Lillian and Marvin MAY COHEN Goldblatt Lecture in Jewish Studies at BY DR. CHERYL LEVITT McMaster. SPECIAL TO THE HJN

When Dr. May Cohen moved to McMaster University from Toronto in 1977, “the doors just opened up” for her. Today, Cohen is a member of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and an Officer of the Order of Canada. Her life has been chronicled in an award win- ning new documentary, “The PHOTO:DAN ROSENBERG Gender Lady: The Fabulous May Cohen.” When May Cohen started GRAMMY NOMINATED YIDDISH her medical training in 1950s Toronto, medicine was a male SONGS SHOWCASED IN THIS YEAR’S preserve. Although she had graduated at the top of her class, Dr. May Cohen Cohen faced a professional cul- GOLDBLATT LECTURE ture steeped in gender discrim- film’s directors and producers. ination. The 70 kg male body Executive producers are cin- BY DANA HOLLANDER, Second World War by a team of was the model from which all ematographer Zoe Dirse and SPECIAL TO THE HJN ethnomusicologists from the Kiev NEED TO KNOW diagnoses and treatments were Sharon Hampson of "Sharon Cabinet for Jewish Culture. After made, and the concept of wom- Lois and Bram.” McMaster University’s the war, when Jewish and Yiddish WHAT: Singing and Laughing en’s health did not exist. Since The film premiered at the Department of Religious Studies culture came under attack under Against Facism: Lost and Found then, May has tirelessly advo- 2019 Toronto Jewish Film has teamed up with the Socrates Stalinism, the lead researcher Soviet Yiddish Songs of World cated for women’s rights, abor- Festival and was a co-win- Project at McMaster to host an ex- Moisei Beregovsky was arrested, War II tion rights, LGBTQ+ rights and ner of a People’s Choice award. ceptional program as this year’s and his archive confiscated. human sexuality in Canada Tickets sold out on the first day, WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 23 Lillian and Marvin Goldblatt The songs to be presented offer and internationally. and many disappointed indi- WHERE: Concert Hall, L.R. Wilson Lecture in Jewish Studies: Anna a view onto a facet of Jewish expe- Using archival materials and viduals who could not get tick- Hall, McMaster University Shternshis (University of Toronto) rience during the Second World interviews with Cohen’s close ets have been clamouring to see and Psoy Korolenko (Moscow – War that has not received much TICKETS: The event is free, colleagues and friends from the film. New York) will present a lecture- attention from historians: that but registration is strongly Hamilton and Toronto, the film A special screening spon- concert, “Singing and Laughing of Soviet Jewry, the largest com- recommended at socrates. explores how influential and sored by the McMaster Against Fascism: Lost and Found munity in Europe after the war. mcmaster.ca/goldblatt2019, or inspirational Cohen has been Department of Family Soviet Yiddish Songs of World These Jews comprised both vic- 905-525-9140 ext 26848. in promoting the role of female Medicine and co-sponsored by War II.” The Yiddish songs to tims of the Holocaust and heroes doctors throughout the health the Hamilton Jewish Federation be performed—which also have in the Red Army who liberated sector. Her impact in Canada and Na’amat Canada, will take been compiled as the Grammy- Auschwitz—and both these the Campus Store at McMaster. and internationally simply place on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 nominated album Yiddish Glory: aspects are reflected in the songs There will be a reception in the cannot be overstated. May has at The Westdale theatre, from The Lost Songs of World War II— to be presented at McMaster on lobby afterwards. demonstrated that it is possi- 1-3 p.m., during McMaster are drawn from a remarkable ar- Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. This McMaster University’s annual ble for women to balance pro- University’s 50th anniversary chival find: Professor Shternshis, event will be held in the impres- lecture in Jewish Studies was ini- fessional, family and personal weekend celebrations. Tickets a specialist in Russian/Soviet sive Concert Hall in the recently tiated in 2002, largely through interests — and change the are available from jewishham- Jewish history and Yiddish built L. R. Wilson Hall, which is the initiative and support of Herb world. ilton.org and all proceeds from studies, unearthed them in the now the first building when enter- Schreiber. In 2004, the series Physicians and first-time the event will go towards pro- National Library of Ukraine. They ing the campus from Sterling was renamed in honour of the filmmakers Cheryl Levitt grams supported by Na'amat were part of a collection, thought Street. The Yiddish Glory CD will Goldblatt family, whose gener- (McMaster Department of Canada and the Special Needs to have been lost, that had been be available for sale, along with ous contributions now support the Family Medicine) and Barbara Action Project of the Hamilton compiled in the midst of the books by Shternshis, courtesy of series in perpetuity. Lent (Western Department Jewish Federation. of Family Medicine) are the

PROFESSOR ANNA SHTERNSHIS ON GIVING VOICE TO THE VOICELESS

BY WENDY SCHNEIDER, THE HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS

Anna Shternsis could scarcely have im- Moisei Bergovsky and his team of schol- After our first presentation (in Toronto in no luck with adults, Beregovsky went to agined that her brief encounter with ars who risked their lives and their ca- 2015), a producer named Dan Rosenberg schools, and that’s how a lot of materials a librarian at the National Library of reers in order to collect and preserve helped us put together a group of musi- in this collection came to be. Based on Ukraine back in the early 2000s would their music in what is essentially the first cians that included jazz singer Sophie his notes, a lot of the songs were written see her play a pivotal role in resurrect- artistic document of the Holocaust in the Millman. We recorded a CD that was by women and children. ing the voices of a lost generation. The Ukraine. nominated for a Grammy. At the same University of Toronto professor spoke time, Psoy and I developed a smaller How has your presentation been re- to the HJN about the history behind her What is the genesis of the lecture/concert format of this presentation that we’ve ceived around the world? upcoming lecture/concert at McMaster format? shown about 40 times around the world. We’re getting a lot of non-Jewish audi- University When I started looking at these docu- ences. I think the reason for the interest ments, I thought it would be really fun to Who wrote these songs? is that the story of children as victims of What can people expect from your have someone sing them. The songs are When Beregovsky came back to the war and violence is not just a story about presentation? very pro-Stalin and Red Army oriented, Ukraine in1944 looking to document Jews. It’s the story of the horrific nature My project is about giving voice to the but also very heartbreaking. But because songs, nobody wanted to talk to him. of war, violence and discrimination two and a half million Jews who were Beregovsky didn’t finish the project, The Soviet government had put out a against people just because of who they killed in the Soviet Union during the many of the songs didn’t have tunes. So memo that if a Jew had survived under are. These are issues that Europeans Second World War whom Hitler and I called my friend Psoy Korolenko who German occupation, it must have been are thinking and talking about all the Stalin tried to silence. This is also a story used his knowledge of Soviet culture because they collaborated and therefore time. This story, unfortunately, is not about Soviet Jewish ethnomusicologist and 1940s Yiddish music to write tunes. they should be punished. When he had irrelevant.

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 6 FED In the past three months we’ve welcomed 13 new Jewish families to our community and NEWS ‘‘fielded inquires from an additional five. ” LAURA WOLFSON Chair, Grow Hamilton Committee 69TH ANNUAL PHOTOSBYWENDY SCHNEIDER, HJN Anna Taied and Laura and Rabbi Ben Shefter and their families are among a number of new members of Hamilton’s Jewish community. GROW HAMILTON UPDATE

LAURA WOLFSON THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

These are exciting times in our com- Jewish community. Not only do we have a munity. In the past three months, Hamilton beautiful city with excellent employment Jewish Federation’s Grow Hamilton opportunities, a wonderful arts scene, easy WITH CELEBRITY GUESTS: Committee welcomed 13 new Jewish fam- access to major highways, and beautiful Georges St-Pierre ilies to Hamilton, and fielded inquiries natural surroundings, we have three active from an additional five families consid- synagogues, two Jewish day schools, three Jim Ralph ering a move to Hamilton. We also “wel- supplementary Hebrew schools, a well- comed back” two people who moved back to run Jewish summer day camp for kids, and Dan Shulman Hamilton after many years living away. social, educational, fundraising and polit- Tessa Bonhomme and MORE! Where do they come from? Recent Jewish ical networking activities for adults of all newcomers have come from Montreal, ages. There is a lot going on here, and we are Owen Sound, Toronto, Winnipeg, a welcoming community. Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Fredericton, How can you help? If you know of a HamiltonSportsDinner.com New York, and Israel. Some of the new- Jewish person or family who is moving comers came from other countries (Israel, to the Hamilton area, please direct them Brazil) to one of these other cities first, and to jewishhamilton.org/growhamilton. If then after a year or more, decided to move to you’re willing to pick up newcomers at the

Hamilton. airport, deliver a home-cooked meal for 1475-001-BnaiBrith-69th-BW-5X6-AUG2019.indd 1 2019-08-21 1:02 PM Why are they choosing Hamilton? Some their first night in Hamilton, or help with have found work in the GTA or right in unpacking their moving truck, please con- Hamilton. Some would like to be in the GTA tact the Grow Hamilton Committee at ISRAEL BONDS/CANADA-ISRAEL SECURITIES, LIMITED and have found Hamilton more afforda- [email protected]. ble than Toronto. But more than that, there Finally, if you know of anyone consid- PART-TIME SENIOR SALES REPRESENTATIVE - HAMILTON, ON is a great buzz in the air about Hamilton. If ering a move to Hamilton, tell them how Minimum 20 hours per week. May include some evenings for events and networking. people are interested in proximity to the great it is to live here. Let’s continue to get Fulfill the desire to help the State of Israel, apply your skills and knowledge GTA, they could settle in any number of the word out that Hamilton is an excellent, about the community and use your excellent sales and customer service locations but they chose here because they affordable destination. skills. Reporting to the CEO, the SSR will be responsible for the sale of are hearing great things about Hamilton’s Israel Bonds and for providing client services. Responsibilities for this position include in part: • Establishing and building relationships with existing clients and prospects • Securing new business as well as growing existing customer accounts. • Conveying detailed information about Israel Bonds and its products • Using Salesforce.com, the CRM for Israel Bonds, to track prospects using sales pipelines, and to plan sales activities that will include identifying and approaching lapsed and skipped clients • Strategizing with Sales Director and Marketing to develop new sales initiatives • Meeting and/or exceeding identified sales targets

Requirements: • Minimum 3 years sales experience in the financial services/ Advisory industry • Canadian Securities Course (CSC) designation. Training may be provided, where required • Confident, competitive and results-driven • Discretion and sensitivity to need for governing client information with high standards of privacy (Compliance training will be provided) • Prior community experience as well as interest and/or experience in Israel and/or Jewish community activities • Experience using CRM software (preferably Salesforce.com) • Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Please submit your résumé and cover letter to: Adine Owieczka Chief of Staff P 416.789.3351 x 122 F 416.789.9436 [email protected] IsraelBonds.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

7 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 8 On taking the GO bus from Toronto, Kanfer would immediately feel an “immediate PROFILE ‘‘sense of chill and calm” as she approached the city. A NEW HOME IN HAMILTON: NEWCOMER STORIES

Hamilton’s Jewish community is seeing a Deborah Kanfer relaxing in her surge of newcomers. Below, the first in a North End living room. series of profiles by Tory Metzger

BY TORY METZGER followed by an inner voice saying, SPECIAL TO THE HJN “Oh my gosh, I need to learn more about this place!” “Something just pulled me in.” After that first trip, Kanfer Not a comment you’d expect to arranged for more visits over the hear from a 30-something millen- next several weeks, always feel- nial living in Toronto and visit- ing a positivity and excitement ing Hamilton for the first time. But about Hamilton. On taking the GO Deborah Kanfer, a photographic bus from Toronto, she would feel artist and entrepreneur who had an “immediate sense of chill and to explore the natural beauty emigrated to Toronto from South calm” as she approached the city. It afforded by the lake, hiking and Africa with her family years ear- was a particularly “honest” place biking trails, and escarpment lier, was unexpectedly enamo- with a genuineness about it and its landscapes. Regarding Hamilton, red by her introduction to this city inhabitants that she had not found Kanfer has no regrets, noting that four years ago. in the bigger metropolis to the east. she does not see herself moving Kanfer’s initial visit to Hamilton A mere four months later, away “anytime soon.” She has for a musical theatre concert put Kanfer moved her possessions to found the community as warm, on by good friends at Beth Jacob an apartment in the Durand neigh- welcoming, and inclusive as she Synagogue was more impact- bourhood, became involved in the did on her first visit four years ful than she could have realized. developing art scene, and estab- ago and, while she now enjoys her She was hesitant upon receiving lished professional connections trips back to Toronto to see family the invite. Like many, her impres- for teaching and marketing across and friends, she feels a relief in sion of the city was largely lim- Hamilton and Halton. returning home to Hamilton. ited to non-resident descriptions Today, Kanfer says her some- Kanfer is among a seemingly sta- of industrial buildings and smoke- what impulsive, instinctive deci- tistically rare subset of individuals stacks, and crossing the Skyway sion to relocate to a new and in her generation who are touting on the way to somewhere else — largely unfamiliar community, to parents the advantages of leav- nothing that would have elicited continues to be the right one for ing Toronto for Hamilton! a desire to explore the location her. With an adventurous and self- Kanfer is a wonderful exam- ple of someone who has seen and further. But as Kanfer says now, described restless spirit, she has PHOTOBYWENDY SCHNEIDER, THE HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS despite her initial reluctance to found Hamilton to be a place that embraced the rich benefits of take the journey, friendship won allows for exploration and innova- processes and techniques, includ- unique compilations. living in Hamilton. She continues out and she made the trip, realiz- tion. She is deeply involved in the ing the use of mixed media Kanfer is looking at new ways to to find ways to contribute to, and ing later that it turned out to be a creative arts community (includ- elements, multiple and split expo- combine her skill sets and inter- be part of, this city through her “a night that actually changed my ing many studio showings), plays sures, contact and lumen printing. ests in the area of wedding pho- spark, creative talents, and enthu- whole life.” She recalls coming violin in a musical group, teaches The latter hearkens back nearly tography and real estate, where siastic participation in all that it into the city on what was a beau- at the Burlington Art Gallery, and two centuries to an era of camera- she hopes one day to combine her has to offer. It looks to be a great tiful late spring evening from continues to pursue opportunities less photography, which allowed design and marketing talents. She match. York Road, passing the Hamilton that incorporate photography, her for the capturing of a strength has moved to a new home on James Spectator building, and remarking greatest creative passion. and physicality of images. No Street North, very much enjoying Tory Metzger is a psycho-educa- to herself that she could not believe Kanfer’s artwork is created two pieces of her artworks are the the creative vibe the location pro- tional consultant and a longtime it was Hamilton. That was quickly through a variety of analogue same, each being created from vides, along with opportunities Hamilton resident.

9 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS LOCAL I have made a life here, but I am in Israel mode in my head.” TZVIA DEVOR Artist NEWS ‘‘ MIXED MEDIA ARTIST JOINS LIFELONG LEARNING DUNDAS STUDIO TOUR DOING JEWISH IN HAMILTON

BY ABIGAIL CUKIER HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS JEWISH STUDIES Jewish and Christian concepts of im- AT MCMASTER mortality with the ideas of ancient Tzvia Devor doesn’t remember choos- The Department of Religious Studies at Eastern Mediterranean world. ing to pursue art. She just always knew it McMaster is offering an array of exciting was what she wanted to do. courses on topics related to Judaism this Introduction to Biblical Hebrew I Growing up in Haifa, Devor was always academic year. Members of the commu- RELIGST 2HC3 making art and she remembers that when- nity are warmly welcomed to join these Mon and Thurs, 12:30–2:20 p.m ever she came across artwork at people’s courses as listeners. To view complete Instructor: Dr. Nick Meyer course outlines, go to: religiousstud- homes or in public places, she always ies.mcmaster.ca/courses. The follow- TEMPLE ANSHE SHOLOM wanted to look at it and figure it out. ing courses are offered during the fall ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES

In 1979, when she was 18, Devor moved semester: to Oakland to attend the California College Breakfast Club - Presentations of contemporary and Jewish interest; of Arts and Crafts where she “took as many Archaeology and the Bible Breakfast is available at 10:15 a.m. for classes as possible.” RELIGST 1AB3 $10.00 and the presentation will begin After four years, she moved to Canada, Mon and Wed 2:30–3:20 p.m.

PHOTO: DONNA WAXMAN PHOTOGRAPHY WAXMAN DONNA PHOTO: at 11 a.m. Dates: Nov.10, 17, 24 and Dec. living with her dad and stepmom in Instructor: John VanMaaren Tzvia Devor’s art includes old symbols from 1 and 8. What archaeological evidence exists Hamilton. She attended Sheridan College to the Middle East. for the stories and characters of the study ceramics. Lunch and Learn and So Much More Bible? In this course, we will focus on “I did not want to be a potter. I wanted with ancient art, including old symbols TAS’s program for seniors, takes place major archaeological discoveries from to study completely non-traditional and from the Middle East. Her favourite colors to on alternating Mondays twice a month the land of Israel in connection with the almost unheard of techniques, like making work in are blue, purple and turquoise. at Shalom Village and Temple Anshe Jewish and Christian Bibles. your own clay and colourizing it and “Those colours really resonate with me Sholom. Light lunch at 11:30 a.m. fol- lowed by speaker or film. Stay on to making pictures out of clay,” said Devor. and blue is also the colour of peace and Women in the Biblical Tradition enjoy time with friends. After a year at the Dundas Valley School calm. I am trying to bring the feeling of RELIGST 2B03 of Art, Devor tried to figure out how she peacefulness and calm to my art,” Devor Tues and Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Spiritual Preparation for the could apply her art education to a career. said, adding that she is “100 per cent influ- Instructor: Professor Hanna Tervanotko High Holy Days She enrolled in the pastry course at George enced by growing up in Israel. In this course we will analyze the por- This three-session course that takes trayal of women in biblical literature, Brown College. “I ended up being really “I love being here. My son and my friends place on Sept. 9, 16 and 23 is designed taking into consideration some mate- good at it.” are here. I have made a life here, but I am in to inspire deep self-reflection using rial artifacts. Devor had apprenticeships in five-star Israel mode in my head.” texts and techniques derived from the hotels working with European chefs. In On Oct. 5-6, Devor will be a featured artist rabbinic tradition. The Bible and Film RELIGST 2YY3 1986, she won the Taste of Canada compe- on the Dundas Studio Tour. This year’s tour Thurs 7–9:00 p.m. includes eight studio locations and 32 art- Continuing Hebrew Courses tition with her puff pastry fruit tarts. She Instructor: Professor Philippa Carter Hebrew language courses for those spent a year as head pastry chef for the dairy ists. Devor will be featuring her boho style In this course we turn our attention to who know none and those who know kitchen at the luxury Laromme hotel in earrings, necklaces and small hanging the themes of the “Promised Land” and some. Both evening and daytime op- Israel, now the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel. objects of Middle Eastern symbols, includ- the “Chosen People” as presented in tions available. Now living in downtown Hamilton, ing the pomegranate and hamsa. the Hebrew Bible and in mainstream

Devor runs Tzvia’s Treats, preparing made- “If a work can intrigue you to want to Hollywood cinema with particular at- Talkin’ Torah tention to the work of Irish-American di- to-order desserts and creates art that appears reach out and run your fingers over it, I am a Join us each Shabbat morning down- rector, John Ford. in galleries and private collections. fan,” Kristina Kirkwood, artist and member stairs in the Kiddush Lounge for an in- “I am interested in mixed media art,” she of the tour selection committee, says of formal discussion of the week’s Torah Death and the Afterlife in Early said. “It is like cooking and baking—mixing Devor’s work. portion with an emphasis on applica- Judaism and Christianity techniques together and seeing what hap- Devor, who was also part of the tour last tions to the world in which we live today. RELIGST 3R03 year, is happy to be a part of the event. “I felt Beginning Oct. 26. pens. It is a real joy for me, just to always try Thursdays and Fridays, 2:30–3:20 p.m. new things.” really at home last year. The other artists are Instructor: Professor Hanna Tervanotko Visit anshesholom.ca for details about Devor’s work includes outer space or incredible and inspiring,” she said. “It just In this course, we will compare the water themes. She combines mixed media feels like the right fit.” all of the above programs.

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HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 10 The Hamilton Jewish Federation and JCC Hamilton present

The Marvin Caplan Jewish Book Festival November 16 - 24, 2019 at JHamilton

Jack Fairweather | “The Volunteer” | Saturday, November 16 Yousef Bashir | “The Words of My Father” | Monday, November 18 Meg Clayton | “The Last Train to London” | Wednesday, November 20 Ariel Burger | “Witness” | Sunday, November 24

The incredible true story of a Polish A Palestinian- American activist Based on true events, this novel Witness opens an intimate window resistance fighter’s infiltration of recalls his adolescence in Gaza tells the story of a Dutchwoman into Eli Wiesel’s classroom, in Auschwitz to sabotage the camp during the Second Intifada. While who, working with British and which conversations about ethics, from within, and his death-defying an Israeli soldier shot him, it was Austrian Jews, faces down Adolf activism, spirituality, and literature attempt to warn the Allies about Israeli doctors who saved Yousef Eichmann to rescue thousands transformed the lives of students the Nazi plan for a “Final Solution” and helped him eventually learn to of children from Nazi-occupied from around the world. before it was too late. walk again. In the wake of that Vienna. Burger, one of Wiesel’s closest experience, Yousef was forced to students, recounts his story of reckon with the words of his father, meeting the Nobel laureate at age whose belief in coexisting peace- 15, becoming his student, and then fully with his Israeli neighbours was teaching assistant, and eventually a unshakeable, and whose commit- teacher in his own right. ment to peace was absolute.

For more information please contact Leslie Selevan at 905.648.0605 x 301. For tickets, visit jewishhamilton.org/bookfestival

11 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS HOLIDAY On Rosh Hashanah there is no mention of guilt or regret. Our focus is on the future FEATURE ‘‘and the big picture.” RABBI DANIEL GREEN Adas Israel Synagogue Rosh Hashanah is a time to scrutinize our lives, to discover where we have been blind, and where we have fallen asleep. Below, members of Hamilton’s Jewish clergy reflect on the ways in which this year’s High Holy Days present us with a wake-up call.

Cantor Paula Baruch Rabbi Jordan Cohen Rabbi Daniel Green Temple Anshe Sholom Temple Anshe Sholom Adas Israel Synagogue

The shofar, the most primal of instruments, fash- Rosh Hashanah is generally understood as the Every child knows that “Rosh Hashana” means ioned from the horn of a ram, produces a sound that Jewish New Year. The first day of Tishrei, however, “New Year.” Yet, the Torah itself never mentions it shakes the heart. The sound is produced, as in other carries numerous other names that help define the at all. In fact, the date for the holiday is listed as, “the reed-less instruments, with the pursing of lips and the meaning of the day: Yom Harat Olam, meaning “the first day of the seventh month,” with the springtime buzzing blasts of air into a small hole that resonates Birthday of the World,” Yom Hazikaron, meaning “the month of Nissan counted as the first! So how did this through a funnel to produce a stirring and loud tonal Day of Remembering,” Yom Hadin, meaning “the Day all begin? sound. The pitch of the sound can be altered by the em- of Judgment” and Yom Teruah, meaning “the Day of The Talmud shares a debate on this very issue: bouchure of the blower. Sounding”. “Rabbi Eliezer says that the world was created in This combination of breath, intention and nature is Of all these names, Yom Harat Olam suggests that Tishrei (the month of Rosh Hashanah.) Rabbi Joshua in itself a synthesis of our highest calling. The Torah all the possibilities of the coming year exist as an says the world was created in Nissan.” While one commands us to ‘listen’ to the blasts of the Shofar to embryo. Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev taught that would assume that our tradition rejected the opinion mark our return and repentance at the beginning of “Conception is bringing creation into being. In human of Rabbi Joshua outright, the Talmud concludes that each new year. It is no small thing! Our liturgy asks relationships, conception is enacted in loving relation- his opinion was accepted. If so, how do we reconcile us to ‘wake up’ when we hear this sacred call. How ships that foster trust and intimacy.” this with our commonly held perceptions? should we awaken and to what? Yom Teruah is the actual name used for Rosh The great medieval commentators point out that cre- The most powerful spiritual learning is growth Hashanah in the Torah. For the Rambam, this is the ation has two stages: the idea and the reality. The idea wake-up call. of a new world began on Rosh Hashanah. The reality towards an understanding that trying to change or ‘fix’ “Even though the sounding of the shofar ... is a materialized later, in the month of Nissan. The debate others around us will not fix ourselves or our own sit- decree from God, it still contains a personal message: It among the sages is one of emphasis. How important is uations. It is truly a great illusion that anything else is is as if the shofar’s call is telling us, “Awaken from your an idea when there is no reality yet to speak of? even possible. slumber! Examine your actions, return to your true This is precisely what we champion on Rosh In fact, being presented with other people who seem selves ... Improve your ways and abandon ...negativity.” Hashana. We celebrate the power of ideas and believe greatly in need of change is a tremendous growth In an era when we debate the meaning of truth and in our power to create a new world. It is the day that we opportunity for the observer. My hope is that we will the very nature of justice and redemption, the mes- focus on our plan for life. On Rosh Hashanah, there is not remain asleep to this reality. Let the sound of the sage of Rosh Hashanah is perhaps more relevant than no mention of guilt or regret. Our focus is on the future shofar spur us all to acts of introspection and a resolve ever. On this holiday, we celebrate the potential of the and the big picture. We are judged not by what has to improve ourselves. future, while scrutinizing our past, engaging in deep been done but what we plan to do. self-reflection and identifying the points of light on Whether the day of Rosh Hashanah marks an actual which we can base our correction. Creative effort, new beginning is left in our hands. The Torah simply mindful remembrance, dispassionate self-judgment gives us an opportunity and leaves the naming rights and blindingly honest introspection, as individuals to us. Rosh Hashanah is the “New Year of Ideas.” Let and as a community, can only lead to better things for us all have the power to dream and to imagine what we the year to come. truly could be.

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 12 HOLIDAY We all have something we already know we need to do. RABBI YONAH LAVERY-YISRAELI FEATURE ‘‘

Rabbi Hillel Lavery-Yisraeli Rabbi Yonah Lavery-Yisraeli Rabbi Aaron Selevan Beth Jacob Synagogue Beth Jacob Synagogue Shalom Village

This year’s Rosh Hashanah should inspire us to re- For me, the idea that I can tell the myriad of individu- As the High Holidays are quickly approach- think the standards by which we judge ourselves. als in our community how to wake up is almost funny. ing us, it conjures up fond memories of my youth; A lot has changed in the short time each of us has The idea that others might look to clergy to tell them watching my mother bake round challahs with rai- been here on Earth. There have been so many discover- how to wake up is perhaps even melancholy. We are sins, going with my father to the tailor to buy a new ies about the earth and the universe, about who we are all bombarded with buzzing alarms every moment of suit, and eating apples dipped in honey. as human beings and how we think, and even about the day. I am not sure that the role of the sage is to add As I grew older and began to study our sacred Judaism itself. It takes faith to understand that these to that din. books of the Torah, I realized that this was not just new discoveries originate from God. It takes courage On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we read about any holiday. It was a day of judgment. I had to exam- to decide and commit to incorporating them into our the expulsion of Hagar and her son Yishmael, and ine my deeds of the past year and hope and pray personal and communal world views. Each year on their trauma in the wilderness. It is only when Hagar that I would be worthy of surviving another year. the High Holidays, we need to evaluate our actions, but gives up all hope, all comfort, and all human company Suddenly, the pendulum had swung and those feel- we also need to evaluate the measuring stick by which that her eyes are opened to the answers before her. ing of happiness and excitement were now being we evaluate our actions; in our era perhaps more than Her moment of awakening comes when she is sitting filled with fear and trepidation. ever. in complete solitude. This is not Hagar’s first round of For years I tried to reconcile these two oppos- And yet while the particulars may change, the core divine enlightenment; she has heard a divine voice ing emotions, until I realized the answer can be values remain the same as always: being kind and before (Bereshith 16:7-12), also at a time when she was found in the shofar, which is an inarticulate cry to helpful to others, and treating others in the way we alone. Hashem. Rav Tzadok HaCohen explains that the would want to be treated. In our Rosh Hashanah story, Hagar’s vision is Shevarim and Teruahs are the broken sounds of the Knowing what we know now, we must increase acutely sensitive to political consequence, but the plan shofar representing the crying out of a broken spirit our commitment to improving the plights of all those of action revealed to her is bracingly simple: to walk that is ready to repent for our past misdeeds. But, around us – within our community and without. We over and hold her son’s hand. those blows must always be sandwiched between must fight poverty and oppression, and ensure dignity My thinking is this: that we all have something we two Tekiahs, which are a firm and unbroken sound for all, especially the marginalized. We must create already know we need to do. We might even be avoid- that represent strength and happiness. This cap- space where everyone is welcome and valued for their ing doing it by accepting an endless parade of wake-up tures the dual essence of the day: Recognizing that uniqueness. We must learn to see each person as they calls, the better to drown out that quiet voice that asks it is a time to change and grow, but realizing that I are now, not as tainted by past choices. And we must nothing more or less of us than the true extension of am not alone; God is by my side ready and willing to revolutionize our relationship with the earth we live our hand. help me. on so that our descendants still have an earth on which We joke about the length of our High Holiday ser- I hope the New Year of 5780 brings peace and they can live. vices as though it is not by design. May we use that gift blessings to everyone and may we all merit to hear We bless ourselves and each other with a good and of time wisely this year, with stillness and quietude, our own personal messages of the shofar. sweet year. But in the end, it is our collective choices and wake down. that will determine whether or not the year is good and sweet. God gives us the knowledge and ability; let’s make it so!

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13 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS Did you have a meaningful Jewish experience today?

When you support Federation’s annual Community Campaign you can. At Federation, we believe in bringing people together. We support a host of community-wide programs that commemorate and celebrate, inform and enrich, and foster a spirit of unity and pride in being Jewish. JCC programs, Holocaust Education Week, Israel Independence celebrations, Jewish Book and Jewish Film festivals are just some of the exciting programs you can expect to see in the coming year. Camp Kadimah creates powerful Jewish memories for our children every summer and McMaster Hillel gives Jewish students the tools and knowledge to stand up for Israel on campus.

OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON EXCELLENT AND POWERFUL JEWISH EXPERIENCES THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL. BUT WE CAN’T DO IT ALONE. It’s up to us. Let’s write our story.

Hamilton JEWISH FEDERATION Campaign 2020

J HAMILTON | 1605 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON | L8S 1E6 | 905.648.0605 | JEWISHHAMILTON.ORG

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 •14 Did you change someone’s life for the better today?

When you support Federation’s annual Community Campaign you can. As a caring community, we take care of our most vulnerable: the financially challenged who struggle to pay rent and put food on the table; the elderly and Holocaust survivors who require increased care as they age; children and adults with special needs who deserve quality programs and the opportunity to live with dignity; children who rely on Camp Kadimah scholarships to have a Jewish summer camp experience.

A WEB OF CHALLENGES EXIST. WE TACKLE THEM ALL, BUT WE CAN’T DO IT ALONE. It’s up to us. Let’s write our story.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY | 905.648.0605 X 303 | JEWISHHAMILTON.ORG

15 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS YOUNG I am very aware of the desperate need there is to educate people about the VOICES ‘‘Holocaust.” GALE HALPERN FAMILY DONATES PARENTS’ RESTITUTION FUNDS TO COMMUNITY

Gale Halpern and her brother decided he was able to meet older Jewish refugees at the internment camp to honour their parents’ memory in the and formed a community where most meaningful way possible there were lectures and con- certs in the camp. After the year, he was released to work at an BY EMET MENDELSON funds were granted, her father engineering firm in Berlin that GRADE 9 STUDENT Erwin had died and her mother repaired airplane engines. At a was very ill. When the restitution refugee club at Singer’s Hill syn- Every once in a while, you hear a came through, it was a surprise, agogue in Birmingham, he met story that stops you in your tracks. as the family had given up pursu- Halpern’s mother Lore who was In May of 2019, I stumbled across ing its claim. Halpern said it was four years younger. Lore had the story of Gale Halpern and “both shocking and depressing” escaped Frankfurt, Germany Peter Jacobs. I learned that Gale to receive news that the claim had on a Kindertransport, and been and Peter made a donation to the been approved after 30 years and housed with a Quaker family in Erwin Jacobs Holocaust Education neither of her parents could bene- Northampton, England. They Labo. Itat vere, aute volupid estrum quatur? Equi tem solenis soluptaest Fund, founded by their father in fit from it. married and lived in Birmingham ea dolorpor sitiis sum iminuscius et, 1996. What makes this dona- Gale and Peter gave a lot of throughout the war, before moving tion remarkable is not just how the thought about what to do with the to Toronto in 1953 and eventually Holocaust education fund enables money and decided to donate it settling in Hamilton in 1956. our community to promote toler- towards Holocaust education. Speaking with Halpern taught ance and understanding, it is the “It’s a really important sub- me the importance of asking ques- story behind it that makes it truly ject to me,” said Halpern, explain- HALPERN GALE OF COURTESY PHOTO tions and exploring ideas in more extraordinary. ing their decision. “I’ve done a depth. On the surface, Halpern This summer, I interviewed fair amount locally in the field Gale Halpern’s parents, Lore and Jacobs made a contribution and Erwin Jacobs in Birmingham, Gale Halpern from her home in of Holocaust education and I am to Holocaust education here in England, ca. 1950 were among Hamilton. Yet their story is so Ithaca, NY. She spent more than very aware of the desperate need the lucky German-born Jews who an hour with me, explaining the there is to educate people about the escaped the Holocaust. much greater and more profound. history of her family’s restitu- Holocaust.” Because Halpern herself asked tion. Her family received com- I felt a strong connection questions and was tenacious in her pensation for their Berlin factory with Halpern and the story of Gale Halpern at Federation’s AGM pursuit of justice, our community that was taken by the Nazis. Her her family. My great grandpar- last spring, holds up a certificate will benefit, not just from addi- of recognition for her family’s father’s parents owned a wom- ents were Holocaust surviviors tional Holocaust programs, but Holocaust education endowment from an understanding of what her en’s coat factory, and his cousin’s and I understand that no money fund. parents owned a dress factory in can make up for the losses expe- family went through. the same building — manufactur- rienced by the families of those Halpern and her family have ing was a way of life for the family. who lost not only businesses, but been able to use the restitution The Nazis took this all away and their families and their way of life. funds towards the only thing that the coat factory was given to an While money cannot make up for combats hatred, ignorance and employee who was a Nazi. what has been lost, it can be used camp on the Isle of Man for more “You’re not a Jew, you’re German.” intolerance: Knowledge. Halpern shared with me that to promote understanding of the than a year. I couldn’t believe that When I shared my dismay about receiving the restitution funds Holcoast to future generations. German Jews who were escap- her father’s treatment, Halpern was “something really painful” I learned a lot from my dis- ing persecution in Germany were said that being interned actu- Emet Mendelson, 14, is a student for her family. She explained the cussion with Gale. She talked thrown into detention camps with ally opened up some intellec- at Westmount High School, who long and costly bureaucratic pro- about her father’s experience Nazis because they were German tual opportunity for him. He loves sailing, swimming, legal dis- cess of applying for restitution and in Birmingham, where he was residents. In effect, while the had not attended school since he course and debate. He can usually how the family was told its claim arrested as an enemy alien and Nazis said, “You’re not a German; was 15 and apprenticed as a tool- be found creating memes to amuse had been denied. By the time the sent to the Peveril internment you’re a Jew,” the British said, maker in Berlin. At the age of 20, his three younger siblings.

In this election, vote for DAVID SWEET & BERT LARANJO Strong voices for our community Authorized by the CFOs for Bert Laranjo Campaign and David Sweet Campaign. “ We have been proud to support David Sweet over the years as a strong voice of our community and an effective MP who always goes out of the way to serve all his constituents. Through David, we have also met Bert Laranjo and found him to be a hard-working, caring individual. We believe Bert will be a strong representative for the entire community – working alongside David Sweet.” CAROL & DR. LESTER KRAMES

“ As a friend and a longtime supporter of David Sweet, I admire his honest hard work on behalf of the constituents and of Canada. David is an attentive and ethical individual. Conservative principles of smaller government, of accountability, of responsible free enterprise, of standing up for Israel as a democratic and free ally compel my family to volunteer for his campaign and campaigns of other conservative candidates. I wish David Sweet’s and Bert Laranjo’s teams success in the upcoming Federal elections!” YVES APEL

VOTE EARLY AT THE ADVANCE POLLS OCTOBER 11TH TO 14TH or starting mid-September at the local Elections Canada office, Bert Laranjo David Sweet Conservative Candidate Conservative Candidate for Re-Election contact us for more details. Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas Flamborough-Glanbrook

Bert Laranjo Campaign David Sweet Campaign (905) 912-BERT (2378) (905) 912-2019 BertLaranjo.ca VoteDavidSweet.ca

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 •16 Sweet_Laranjo HJN Ad-10.25x6.indd 1 2019-08-27 5:09 PM 2019 LILLIAN AND MARVIN GOLDBLATT LECTURE IN JEWISH STUDIES

Singing and Laughing Lost and Found Against Fascism: Soviet Yiddish Songs of World War II

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Psoy Korolenko (Moscow – New York) and historian Anna Shternshis (University of Toronto) bring to life Yiddish satirical songs of World War II in this all-new lecture-concert program. The event features previously unknown songs that were accidentally discovered in the basement of the Ukrainian National Library in the 1990s. Collected by Moisei Psoy Korolenko Beregovsky and other academics of the Kiev Cabinet for Jewish Culture, they had been confiscated and hidden by the Soviet authorities in 1949. The songs tell stories of how Soviet Jews lived and died under the German occupation, used humour to document and ridicule Nazi atrocities, and kept up their spirits as they fought in the Red Army and worked on the home front.

“Haunting.... Remarkable.” – CBC’s As It Happens Anna Shternshis

WED., OCT. 23, 2019 FREE ADMISSION. Register at 7-9 p.m. socrates.mcmaster.ca/goldblatt2019 Concert Hall, L.R. Wilson Hall, McMaster University or call 905.525.9140 ext. 26848

Manuscript images: A partnership between McMaster University’s Department Vernadsky Ukrainian National Library, of Religious Studies and The Socrates Project fond 190 Photos: Roman Boldyrev

17 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS SPECIAL I can see a longer run at a regional theatre, then bringing it back to New York, off MENSCHEN ‘‘Broadway or even a Broadway production.” JENNY WAXMAN Playwright and producer BROADWAY MAY BECKON FOR JENNY WAXMAN’S WINNING PLAY is pretty impressive on its own. Broadway, or off Broadway and Hamilton native’s play His father, Steven, is a founder and then Broadway,” she said. former front man of the Canadian wins big at prestigious While she was liberal in praise super group Barenaked Ladies. musical festival for everyone connected with the Leaving Eden tells the story of festival production, Waxman Adam and his first wife Lilith, was especially effusive about co- BY STEVE ARNOLD who has some questions about the author Ben Page. SPECIAL TO THE HJN many rules Adam has for their “Ben and I have an almost sib- relationship – including the one A second Hamilton star is ling relationship. For two months that says he always has to be on ready to dawn on Broadway. we worked in the tiniest one bed- top. Hamilton’s reigning Queen of room apartment with him sleep- In a parallel story line, a modern the Great White Way, Caissie Levy, ing in the living room and me in Adam and Eve struggle with their may soon have some competi- the bedroom,” she said. “It’s hard

PHOTOCOURTESY OF JENNY WAXMAN own friend Lilith and their desire tion after Hamilton native Jenny to find such a communicative and Jenny Waxman and Ben Page’s play Leaving Eden earned four first place to become parents. Waxman has carried away the top supportive artistic relationship. prizes and five runner-up honours in the New York Musical Festival. Waxman, 28, has earned gradu- prize at the prestigious New York I adore him and wouldn’t want to ate and under-graduate degrees in Musical Festival. for best lead performance and that it made people think and talk. work with anyone else. His music fine arts from New York University The 15-year-old festival is con- Waxman was honoured for best That was the goal of it.” is really good.” and now entering her second year sidered the birthplace of many a lyrics. While the show and its songs are Waxman didn’t know it when at Georgetown University law Broadway hit. Over those years The show also garnered runner- being tweaked, meetings are being she and Page started working school. 105 of the festival’s 447 have gone up honours for best lead perfor- planned with potential backers for together, but his musical pedigree on to Broadway productions, and mance, direction book, music and a regional, off Broadway or even a Waxman hopes Leaving Eden will outstanding ensemble. Broadway production. be one of the new crop to make that “To get affirmation like this “We have meetings with people transition. from the New York community is interested in taking it places, so “Leaving Eden,” written by pretty stellar. I don’t really think it we’re putting together footage and Waxman and Sheridan College has sunk in yet,” she said. press kits and proposals for insti- theatre student Ben Page, was For Waxman, a veteran of local tutions,” she said. “Sometimes it’s rated the Best Musical of the fes- theatre camp and university an investor, sometimes it’s a pro- This November, the Jewish community of Hamilton will embark tival. It also won three other first shows, the experience and the win ducer with connections, some- on our 20th year striving to eliminate hunger in our community prizes and five runner-up hon- are just one step toward getting the times it’s a theatre, a regional through its participation in Hamilton Out of the Cold. Every ours, the highest total of any show major production she wants for the theatre that wants to champion it. Tuesday, we provide hot nutritious meals for those in need, in the festival. show. It’s also a significant boost That’s the next step and we have served with dignity and compassion. The way we gather “This is just all very, very excit- to her own dream of a career as a meetings with all of those kinds of matters because how we gather is how we live our Jewish ing,” Waxman said after the Broadway producer. people.” values. awards ceremony she couldn’t “Our first next step is to get the Waxman said a regional thea- attend because of a law school team together and start doing some tre production, in Canada or the Please consider sponsoring a dinner, sponsoring a guest commitment. She found out about rewrites,” she said. “This was our United States, is the likely next for the season, donating toiletries, warm hats and gloves for the win through a text message. first time seeing actors perform step as the show continues to adults, sending a donation card or Shana Tova greeting in “Members of the team were tex- it without music stands in front develop into something people honour or in memory of a special someone by calling Beth ting me as the awards happened,” of them. We learned a lot by lis- will pay $150 US per seat to see on Jacob Synagogue at 905-522-1351. Volunteer positions include she said. “It was really nail-biting tening to the audience and seeing Broadway. That’s the price to see shopping and delivery of groceries and minding the meal but it was really exciting because where they laughed and where Levy rule the stage as Elsa in the process in the afternoon. almost everyone got recognized.” they didn’t. Disney hit Frozen. Leaving Eden also took top prize “People really responded to the “I can see a longer run at a For more information, please contact Cindy Richter at for overall design; actress Sarah show.” she added. “It wasn’t per- regional theatre, then bring- [email protected]. Anne Martinez tied for top prize fect the first time but I’m proud ing it back to New York either off Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Shana Tova from Shalom Village

Honour your loved ones As we come together to celebrate the High Holidays, with a tribute card Shalom Village extends our warmest wishes for this new year, 5780. Rosh Hashanah marks the start of a new year — a time of humble prayer, joyful celebration, and hope for a new beginning. At the heart of this holiday, is the belief that the power of personal transformation is not outside us but lies within.

In this season of renewal, we celebrate that spirit; we Shalom Village Ladies Auxiliary Tea The Shalom Village Charitable Foundation honour our fathers and our mothers; and rededicate invites you to send one of our personalized Rosh ourselves to the work of Tikkun Olam, repairing the This year’s Tea takes place on Sept. 18. Funds Hashanah greeting and tribute cards this new year, raised will support the critically important care featuring artwork by our residents. By reaching out world. provided by Shalom Village. Bring your friends to family, friends and loved ones this Jewish new and family and enjoy our famous scones, party year through the purchase of our Rosh Hashanah From all of us at Shalom Village, L’Shana Tova Tikatevu. cards, you touch not only the recipients, but also sandwiches and delectable desserts. To make a the lives of our residents at Shalom Village. May this year be a year of blessing, good health, and donation or purchase a ticket, contact Kathleen peace for you and those you love and may you be Thomas at [email protected] or call To make your donation and send your card 905-529-1613, ext 264. visit www.ShalomVillage.ca/Giving or contact inscribed for blessing in the Book of Life. [email protected]

Donate at www.shalomvillage.ca, email [email protected] or call 905.529.1613 ext 264

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 18 This stage is too small for the Sound of Music, and this social hall is too bare FEATURE ‘‘and cold.” MURIEL BACK Lyricist extraordinaire COMEDIC MUSICAL THEATRE PART OF BACK FAMILY’S DNA Wordsmith Amy Back prides herself on walking in her creative mother’s footsteps

BY STEVEN BROCK Retreating behind the scenes, HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS she wrote, directed and choreo- graphed the productions, allow- In 2000, Hamilton native Amy ing the gifted performers to shine. Back staged her first parody musi- With a skilled group of actors, cal for Beth Jacob Synagogue. In singers and dancers, such as Helen doing so, she continued a tradition Greenbaum, Hy Caplan, Lillian, started by her mother more than Sondi and Barbara Goldblatt, 50 years earlier. Over the course of Marvin Karon, Helen Levy, Sandi two generations, Amy and Muriel Fuss, Max, Nancy and Sharon Back have been staging comical, Mintz, Andy Back and Al Foreman PHOTOCOURTESY OF AMY BACK musical theatre productions for among others, over the next sev- PHOTOCOURTESY OF AMY BACK an appreciative Hamilton Jewish eral years, Muriel wrote and pro- community. duced several shows for Beth Born in 1920s Brooklyn, Muriel Jacob Synagogue and the Beverley Above left: The late Muriel Back Wald always loved the thea- Golf and Country Club, includ- and her daughter Amy have tre, performing in some Yiddish ing Westdale Story and Hans used their talent of rewriting shows during the golden age of Chaim Anderson, a satire of the song lyrics in a poignant New York’s Jewish theatre scene. Danny Kaye film Hans Christian and humorous fashion to Frequenting Broadway shows in Andersen. entertain the Hamilton Jewish community for more than six her youth, Muriel easily learned One of Muriel’s most memora- decades. Their shows and many of the tunes featured in the ble projects was an extravaganza parodies of popular songs have productions. Then with her acer- that featured restauranteur Max become a mainstay of the local bic wit, she would reconfigure the Mintz singing “Avinu, We Need theatre culture. lyrics with her own, often silly, a Shul” to the tune of the Yom lines. Kippur prayer “Avinu Malkeinu” Above Left: A Muriel Back During a visit to Canada in the and soprano Lillian Goldblatt belt- production featured (r to l) Sondi 1940s, Muriel was introduced to ing out: Goldblatt,Helen Levy, Muriel Torontonian Harold Back. The This stage is too small for the Back, Molly Schreiber, Samieth Mintz and Dorothy Adler. two hit it off immediately and Sound of Music/And this social after a long distance courtship, the hall is too bare and cold/There’s PHOTOBYWENDY SCHNEIDER, HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS couple married in 1947. Originally no room to dance to the Sound of Amy Back (front centre) and cast of a 2013 UJA Campaign opening flash mob at the Lower Lions Club JCC. living in Toronto, the Backs relo- Music/At the evening affairs, the cated to Hamilton in 1955. drapes are too old. After joining Beth Jacob As Amy entered adulthood, she Synagogue, it wasn’t long before left Hamilton for more than 25 Muriel enlisted Amy’s help to Within 10 years, Amy had lost “Although I had directed scenes at Muriel began using her comedic years, pursuing an acting career develop the show. ”I had never her entire immediate family. Her university for my degree, it was my talents to benefit the shul. Having and completing a degree in soci- participated until then. Other brother, Andy died in 1988, fol- first time directing a whole show. seen the smash musical My Fair ology and theatre in Boston. than a poem here and there, I had lowed by her brother Michael in It was a great experience for every- Lady when it first hit the stage in Eventually withdrawing back- not written anything.” 1991. Her father Harold died three one involved.” the mid-1950s, Muriel revived her stage, she shifted her focus to thea- In their rendition, the Phantom years later, with Muriel three years Amy has since staged several old hobby of revamping the words tre management. After leaving the had been burned by the Shabbos after that. shul and community productions, of the show’s musical numbers. theatre, she spent time living in lights, which was why he was Amy persevered by adopting her including Purim spiels, kick-off She reimagined the play with Eliza both New York and Miami. living in the synagogue base- mother’s enthusiasm for staging shows for several Hamilton Jewish working to eliminate her European Amy returned to Hamilton ment. Christine had been adopted productions. “At that point, I had Federation and UJA fundraising Yiddish accent. With songs like after her father’s death in 1994 and eventually discovers that not set foot on stage or done any campaigns and a flash mob event “The Chrain in Spain, “The Shul and began caring for Muriel, who she is Jewish. So as she becomes theatre for 25 years.” for Beth Jacob’s 125th anniversary. Where you Live” and “Just You was experiencing health issues. involved at the synagogue, the In 2000, Amy produced her In 2015,Amy established a com- Wait Tyrone Ginsberg,” Muriel’s Despite her illness, in 1996, Muriel Phantom kidnaps her in order to first show, a charitable benefit for puter support company and scaled production of My Feh Lady was decided that she wanted to create a force her to sing Kol Nidre. “We Beth Jacob. There’s No Business back many of her creative activi- born. new show for Beth Jacob. didn’t have a full script. We had like Shul Business became a roar- ties, but she has written and per- After discovering the theatri- “She had taken a break from some songs partially done and that ing success. Selling out more than formed two one-woman plays in cal talent in the Jewish Hamilton doing shows, but she started was as far as it went.” Sadly Muriel 600 tickets for the show’s only per- Toronto and has published some of community, Muriel no longer writing the Phantom of the died in October 1997 and the show formance, Amy had to relocate to her poetry. performed in her own shows. Synagogue,” recalls Amy. was never produced. a larger venue at the last minute.

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19 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS VOICES

BEN We can speak up about our world- SHRAGGE class university, escarpment, arts scene, ‘and‘ waterfalls, but most visitors are going to see our downtown first, and first impres- sions are hard to overcome. HAMILTON’S IMAGE PROBLEM

You carry your hometown with you, the highway. But all too often, it’s about the in your passport and in your heart. Here in people—specifically, the people who tend the US, by necessity, I usually tell people to congregate downtown—as illustrated by I’m from “near Toronto.” But oh, how it popular American podcaster Marc Maron pains me. “Near Toronto” is a suburban, on his June 27 show. amorphous blob. I’m from Hamilton, a city Maron, who was in town for a film shoot, with its own personality, coliseum, and remarked: “I think I am supported by mountain. many people I’ve spoken to from Toronto Unfortunately, Americans in the and other parts of Canada that Hamilton is Northeast assume “Hamilton” means the not—it’s not a high-water mark for Canada.” one in New York or New Jersey, and correct- (Note that his negative impressions were ing them usually results in a blank stare. first implanted by Canadians—and prob- McMaster does get recognition in refined ably only Torontonians who claimed, as circles. I met an engineer in Massachusetts usual, to speak for the rest of Canada.) who came to America via China and Russia Maron went on to say “there just seems (where he gathered secrets from the col- to be a sort of ongoing ragtag parade of fre- lapsing Soviet Union to kick-start China’s netic sadness in many manifestations. . . space program) and had spent three years . You can really kind of zero in on people living in Dundas, attending what he called and there’s definitely a bit of a—a lot of the “MIT of Canada.” In esoteric junior humans twisted by soul sickness of one hockey circles, too, Hamilton holds some kind or another wandering the streets recognition as the home of the Bulldogs. here.” But to most, I have to explain that between In New Orleans, I’ve been randomly and Niagara Falls and Toronto is a shining city uncomfortably hugged by a sweaty drug on a mountain that they simply must visit addict. In São Paulo, I’ve been followed next time they cross the border. by a homeless man with a shopping cart When I told my girlfriend that Hamilton repeatedly pointing to his bloody finger. has more than half a million people, she By comparison, Hamilton’s lost souls are didn’t believe me. She’s from upstate a gentle lot. But, yes, our downtown holds New York, and didn’t understand how an unusually large concentration of elec- such a large, relatively close city could tric scooter jockeys, cigarette-butt scaven- be completely unknown to her. To most gers, and young men eagerly limiting their Americans, there are only three cities future career options via neck tattoos. in Canada: Montreal, Toronto, and We can speak up about our world-class Vancouver. But to be unknown is better university, escarpment, arts scene, and than to be known for the wrong things, waterfalls, but most visitors are going to see which is how Hamilton still stands for our downtown first, and first impressions many Canadians. are hard to overcome. Hamilton has the One example: We were seeing a comedy economic benefit of proximity to Toronto, show in Burlington, Vermont. The come- coupled with a priceless benefit that face- dian was from Kingston, and asked if any less Toronto suburbs lack: character. But in Canadians were in the house. When I re- Canada, a history of bad first impressions sponded and said I was from Hamilton, she has congealed to form a casual contempt told the crowd “Everyone, visit Hamilton!” that is then passed along to outsiders, like before assuring us she was kidding: Maron, who are given no reason to scratch “Please, don’t visit Hamilton.” This wasn’t beneath the grime for our city’s soul. a joke said for the benefit of the American Hamilton could incentivize business crowd, which clearly didn’t get it. It was development, and more evenly dis- just a typical automatic, negative reaction tribute social services throughout the to Hamilton from a supposed neighbour. city, to change the atmosphere down- Another example: A water taxi ticket town. Hamilton could also simply de- seller in Victoria, BC, asked where I was clare Westdale the new downtown and be from. When I said I’d moved from Hamilton done with it. There’s work to do to change to Boston, she said with feeling that I’d Canadians’ impression of Hamilton, but made the right choice. Obviously I do think Canada (geography aside) is only a small I made the right choice, or I wouldn’t still part of the world. Living in Boston, where be in Boston after four years. But I resented our Hamilton is unknown, has reinforced her clear contempt for Hamilton, which I that for me. Let’s think big: the benefit of was somewhat surprised to witness in far- being unknown is that millions of first im- thest BC. pressions haven’t yet been made. Where does this contempt come from? Sometimes it’s from an outdated notion Ben Shragge is the digital editor of the of Hamilton as “Steeltown,” embodied by Hamilton Jewish News. He currently resides the apocalyptic smokestacks visible from in Boston.

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HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 20 VOICES

PHYLLIS When you reach the other side of MIRIAM Now is the time to offer our ability SHRAGGE 60 or 70 or even 80, and if you are blessed SAGER to act powerfully on hopeful dreams to ‘with‘ good health, you can do what you ‘humanity’s‘ biggest challenge yet, one that want. You have the freedom to focus on has been described as the most important yourself, to do what makes you happy. moral issue of our time. THE WISDOM OF AGING HA’TIKVAH: A JEWISH GIFT WITH GRACE FOR HARD TIMES

Beating sun, torrential rains, whipping that took place in Italy (or was it Greece?) You may be aware of the intense discus- people start acting in a way that has more wind and driving ice pellets pound the remains a mystery. sion that is taking place among climate sci- hope ... Act. Do something.” cliff’s smooth surface, creating deep crev- Everyone sighs. entists and activists about whether we can Young people who act hopefully are ices that enlarge as the years go by. Time is Hours later, when I’m home in bed, about still stop the global climate breakdown from often belittled by adults who have given the antagonist of nature’s glory. to fall asleep, the actor’s name comes to me getting out of control. Many are finding it up. We call them naive. Indeed, there are The cliff and our aging faces have much in a flash. But by that time, who cares? hard to hold onto a hopeful perspective that many serious dangers again today, from in common. Time ravages our façade as we I’ve been told that this type of memory will allow them to continue to fight for the white nationalism and anti-Semitism to slide (unwillingly) into our elder years. loss is normal and it’s common among science to be recognized and acted upon the twin environmental crises - the climate As we lose the seemingly flawless com- older folks. I don’t think my friends and by governments, corporations, and fellow crisis and the massive loss of biodiversity. plexions of our youth, women, and many I have true cognitive impairment, thank citizens. We don’t know if we will succeed. But the men, are horrified by time’s determina- goodness. Apparently, fuzzy brains are Regardless of where you stand on the future hasn’t happened yet, and in times tion to steal our once youthful glow. “Who typical in our age group. question of global warming, it is clear that of uncertainty there is no reason to choose is that person in the mirror,” we wonder. Getting older does have some benefits. the Jewish people know a thing or two doom as the only certain outcome. We are “What happened to the young person I Maybe. When you reach a certain age, you about hope, even hope against all odds. always free to think and choose our per- know I am?” don’t care what people think about you. Jews have survived and held onto their spective, if nothing else, so why not choose I am a grandmother now, struggling to No, that’s a lie. You always care. Another unique identity and culture despite mil- one that will challenge any feelings of dis- accept reality: I am no longer young. Yes, thought: When you reach the other side of lennia of persecution and pressures to couragement and powerlessness? Isn’t it 60 is the new 50, and 70 is the new 60, but 60 or 70 or even 80, and if you are blessed disappear. Faith in the coming of the better to choose the one that will allow us as we age, creaky knees and sore backs sug- with good health, you can do what you mMessiah, “even though he may delay”, to fight hard and will lead to the more inter- gest otherwise. want. You have the freedom to focus on is one of Maimonides’ 13 principles of the esting, more positive outcomes? Inevitable deterioration aside, I believe yourself, to do what makes you happy. Jewish faith. We do not wait passively: Now is the time to offer our ability to act that a positive attitude can ward off many You don’t have young children. You aren’t the religious pray and practise mitzvot; powerfully on hopeful dreams to humani- problems associated with old age. climbing the corporate ladder. others work to repair the world in a myriad ty’s biggest challenge yet, one that has been Many problems, but not all. Why can’t Now is the time to travel, if you can. You of other ways; and one Jewish dreamer described as the most important moral I remember the plot of a novel I read two might hike through Italy’s Amalfi Coast, or inspired a broad movement that turned his issue of our time. The ability to choose weeks ago? Why do I forget simple nouns? climb to the top of Machu Picchu, or trek dream of a national home for the Jewish hope, and other gifts of the Jewish people I’m not alone. In my circle, it is common through India or Asia. Or, realistically, you people into reality: “If you will it, it is no such as our heritage of integrity and seek- to hear the following refrain: “What’s his might take a cruise. dream.” The monumental task of Zionism ing justice are needed now, to help pull off name? You know, he was in the movie with Let’s face it, there’s no time to waste. We was driven at least in part by hope, with another seemingly impossible feat. If we what’s her name? It took place in Italy. I all need to enjoy each day. desperation making up for what was lack- do not fight with everything we’ve got to think it was Italy. Maybe it was Greece. For now, I will try putting aging into per- ing in the way of actually believing it could protect our life support systems on Earth, During the Second World War. It was nom- spective. I will tell myself that an aging be done. we will never know what we might have inated for an Oscar.” face reflects life experiences. I will tell The brilliant young Swedish activ- accomplished. Another friend responds: “Right. That myself that an old brain is filled to the brim ist Greta Thunberg speaks about hope May the year and its curses come to an guy. He was also in a movie with that with information, so it rejects extraneous in response to adults who turn to her for end. May the New Year and its blessings blonde actress, the one in that series on TV. details. I have learned from the muddled inspiration: “Hope is not something you begin! And let us roll up our sleeves and What’s it called?” days of my youth. I am no longer trying to have. Hope is something you create with help make it happen. “I know which series you mean. It’s on find myself. This is as good as it gets. your actions. Hope is something you man- Thursday nights.” ifest into the world. And once one person Miriam Sager works at the Hamilton Sexual And on and on. Phyllis Shragge is a writer, mother of five, and has hope, it can be contagious. Other Assault Centre and leads support groups. The name of the actor in the movie grandmother of four.

Thank you to our members, donors and friends for another successful year!

Wishing the entire Jewish community Shana Tova - Happy and Sweet New Year

For information on how to get involved contact [email protected] or call 1-888-278-0792

21 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS Shanah Tovah u’Metukah

BERT LARANJO, Federal Conservative DAVID SWEET, Federal Conservative Candidate Candidate, Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas for Re-Election, Flamborough-Glanbrook

• Registered Nurse – managing a busy hospital emergency • 13 year track-record as a strong voice for the Hamilton Jewish department community on Parliament Hill • Lives in Dundas with his wife Joanna and their two daughters • Recipient of Hamilton Jewish Federation’s Humanitarian Award Kylie (9) and Iyla (6) • Chair and Vice-Chair of the Canada-Israel Parliamentary • Immigrated to Canada from Portugal with his family when he was Friendship Group nine years old • Founding Member, Canadian Parliamentary Coalition to Combat • Successfully balanced a budget and reduced wait times in his Anti-Semitism hospital’s emergency department as manager • Vice-Chair, House of Commons Sub-Committee on International • Will work closely with David Sweet as fellow Hamilton area MP – Human Rights send both David and Bert to Ottawa as a strong voice for us • National Conservative Caucus Chair

Bert and David will always be strong voices: ✓ For the Hamilton Jewish Community ✓ For Israel ✓ Against the rise of anti-Semitism

Authorized by the CFOs for the Bert Laranjo Campaign and the David Sweet Campaign.

It’s our future, Get Involved!

✓ Take a lawn sign to show your support Bert Laranjo Campaign David Sweet Campaign (905) 912-BERT (2378) (905) 912-2019

✓ Volunteer to help the campaign BertLaranjo.ca VoteDavidSweet.ca

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HAMILTONSweet_Laranjo JEWISH NEWS HJN RoshHashanahAd-10.25x15.indd • SEPT 2019 • 22 1 2019-08-28 9:08 AM The HJN acknowledges the generous support of the Allen and Milli Gould Foundation, sponsors of COMMUNITY its Community section.

JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES HAMILTON HEBREW ACADEMY ALEXIS WENZOWSKI, dementia-friendly environment. If you’re ALY OSTROWSKI JSS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR interested in volunteering, we welcome your help. Imagine going to a café, ordering a solve. Finally, when students have a Fall is going to be busy here at Hamilton Throughout the fall, we are collaborating cup of coffee with your friends only to find choice, they are more likely to take owner- Jewish Social Services and we are hoping with community partners. There are excit- that the only seating option available is a ship of their learning processes. If a group that you can join us. Let’s take a look below ing things in the works with the schools, row of desks that are, at best, arranged in wants to work in a quiet corner of the room, at just two of the interesting programs we the JCC, the shuls, and Shalom Village. small groups. How would your conversa- sectioned off by a moveable bookcase, they will have running: Stay tuned for more details upcoming. tions evolve? Could you effectively collab- can grab wobbly seats and clipboards and Together we continue to make Jewish life orate on a shared task? What if you needed get started right away. The classroom envi- Take Control Take Charge in Hamilton strong. to do independent work? ronment becomes a fun, empowering, and These are two free separate daytime Looking to register? Please give us a call Just as many modern establishments engaging learning climate for students to courses: Chronic Disease Management and at 905-627-9922 x 23 or send us an email at where customers have a wide range of seat- do their best work and establish collabora- Chronic Pain Management, offered in part- [email protected]. ing opportunities according to comfort tive partnerships. nership with Hamilton Health Sciences. Wondering when our programs are level and type of activity, why shouldn’t The HHA Grade 1 class will also become They run six weeks, and are all about offered? We invite you to visit our web- elementary classrooms offer the same more equitable with regards to how var- building your support system, develop- site athamiltonjss.com, or on Facebook approach? ious learners access instruction and per- ing your own tools for wellness, and gain- (/HamiltonJSS). Our website includes a After months of careful planning in form assignments. Hyperactive students ing new insights. Even more exciting is that weekly calendar that shows you the times which a team of educators and members of may choose to sit on stools or wobbly cush- you can have a friend or caretaker come that everything is offered. We have an the HHA Student Success Team consulted ions, while students who work best in quiet too! e-newsletter sent out at the start of each with a progressive occupational thera- environments may choose to prop up some month. Go to our website to sign up. pist the HHA has launched its first flexible patio cushions and read and write inde- Memory Café Of special note, we invite Holocaust sur- seating model. As a pilot project, the Grade pendently. Having students choose their We are delighted about this opportu- vivors and their families to connect with 1 class replaced its desks with new furni- own seating arrangements will promote nity with the Alzheimer Society. On a us about supports through the Claims ture to support movement, collaboration self-reflection, body awareness and prob- monthly basis, we’ll be offering refresh- Conference. Of note, for low-income sen- and, most importantly, choice. lem solving. A core component of this ped- ments, activities, and supports for those iors, access to cleaning, food supports, and Studies show that when students are agogical approach is having the teacher living with dementia and their friends or case management can make a big differ- active, their minds can sustain more focus. coach students at a U-shaped conference family. We also invite the broader commu- ence. If there are questions, please reach This means that they are more recep- table according to their learning styles. nity to attend, and learn about creating a out. tive to teacher instruction, and are more Our hope is that this pilot project will likely to initiate and complete tasks in an give HHA students the skills to collaborate organized, efficient, and diligent manner. and problem solve throughout their grade TAS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Furthermore, with group tables replete school years, as they continue to refine with adjustable heights and varied seating their work habits and build a strong sense DORA ANN COHEN ELLISON preferences (cushions, stools, “scoop rock- of social cohesion. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR ers,” traditional chairs, etc.), comfort is paired with the natural inclination to col- Aly Ostrowski is the director of the HHA’s Temple Anshe Sholom Religious School laborate, socialize and creatively problem Student Success Team. has amazing new programs for 2019- 2020! Among them: a new prayer service called Families in the Forest in which we take some of our Shabbat morning and TEMPLE ANSHE SHOLOM Wednesday afternoon services outside on significant changes. The hope is that the trail, for a spiritual and educational RABBI JORDAN COHEN the new model will be less demanding service surrounded by nature. For a list of At a special general meeting held on of time and effort while making leader- Family Shabbat dates, please consult our July 21, Temple Anshe Sholom completed ship involvement more meaningful and Temple calendar at anshesholom.ca/events a series of changes to its by-laws, which attractive. Temple Religious School students are will allow for implementation of a new gov- The task force on governance was con- an extended family and work together PHOTO: DORA-ANN COHEN ELLISON DORA-ANN COHEN PHOTO: ernance structure. The new governance vened by current president Virginia to explore and learn. In multi-age group- Students exploring Hebrew at Tot-Shabbat model, which was based on the recommen- Mendes da Costa and chaired by Anna- ings, students work through a program dations of the TAS’s task force on govern- Rae Fishman. Over one year, the task force that is experiential and hands on, learn- ance, which was established more than worked diligently to review best practices ing Hebrew, studying Torah and connect- The first YoFi Shabbat of the year a year ago, removes the division between in synagogue governance, interviewed ing the rich traditions of Judaism. History, takes place on Friday, Sept. 20 from 5:15- the executive committee and the board of leadership of other congregations, and held ethics, traditions, Israel and community 6:00 p.m. Please join Rabbi Cohen and trustees, reduces the number of positions numerous congregational consultation are taught each year, Students explore their Cantor Baruch for Shabbat songs, stories on the board, and encourages more mem- meetings. Frequent reports were submitted Jewish heritage through music, art, drama, and snacks. We look forward to welcom- bers to get involved in leadership positions. to the board and congregation, culminat- cooking, discussion and active Hebrew ing Shabbat with our many families with All standing committees of the Temple ing in the comprehensive recommenda- classes. young children. are transitioning either into reconfigured tions that were accepted by the current Our kick-off family program is Saturday, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur family “working groups” or “task forces” with board in the spring. The recommendations Sept. 21 for children in Grades JK through programs will take place on Sept. 30 and very specific mandates. The position of emphasized greater engagement across the 7. We begin at 9:15 a.m. with an energetic Oct. 9. Please call Jo-Anne at 905-528- chairperson for each working group will be congregation as a whole, with special atten- Shabbat song session. Shabbat Tot Drop-in 0121, ext. 21 for more information. Please elected along with the trustee positions at tion on encouraging involvement among also resumes on Sept. 21, where children join us to “Learn Jewish, Live Jewish, Love the Temple’s annual general meeting. newer and younger members. A transi- from babies to age five are invited to join Jewish.” We welcome all families. For more Discussions of our governance model tion team has been established to facilitate us at 11 a.m. (with a caregiver) for our first information, email dacellison@anshesho- have been going on for more than 10 years the implementation of the new governance Families in the Forest service. lom.ca or call 905-528-0121, ext 29. and we knew it was time to make some model by the AGM in September.

Wishing the Hamilton Jewish Community L’Shana Tova. Next Year, Invest In Jerusalem. Access through Mandeville.

Tick Investment Group Robert Tick, PFP®, CIM®, FCSI® 100 King St. West, Suite 5708 Tel. (416) 304-9440 Ext.2005 Investment Advisor Toronto, Ontario M5X 1B1 www.investdifferently.ca [email protected] Mandeville Private Client Inc. is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

23 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS LOCAL The HJN acknowledges the generous support of the Allen and Milli Gould Foundation, sponsors of COMMUNITYNEWS ‘‘its Community section. Environmental stewards Baila SHALOM VILLAGE Mendelson and Mike Pochaev. LAURIE PRINGLE

Just over five years ago Donna Kryshoski realized her life was changing and that she would have to leave her home to ensure that she and her husband, Rudy, could receive the care they required. Rudy required more assistance than homecare could provide. Kryshoski’s eyesight was failing and she could no longer drive. Fortunately, Kryshoski discovered

PHOTO:COURTESY OF KEHILAHESCHEL Shalom Village. At Shalom Village, she was able to have Rudy admitted into Long PHOTO:COURTESY OF SHALOM VILLAGE KEHILA HESCHEL Term Care, while she took an apartment Donna Kryshoski in one of Shalom Village’s many support- ANITA BERNSTEIN a pear tree in celebration of joining the ive housing apartments. This was an ideal given day, you may find her enjoying the Heschel family of schools. Students have solution. Kryshoskicould live in the same local nature and wildlife, dancing in a In the 2019-2020 school year, Kehila been caring for their tree, tracking its building with Rudy and spend time as “walkercise class,” or on an outing cour- Heschel School is entering the second growth and observing its seasonal changes. much time with him as she wished. tesy of Shalom Village’s MilliMobile. of a multi-year expansion of its curricu- In the spring of 2019, as part of their Kryshoski soon realized that living at For seniors who are hesitating to move lum to include the educational philoso- science curriculum, students planted Shalom Village gave her the chance to out of their homes, Kryshoski has this phy of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. and tended a vegetable and herb garden. enjoy new activities and meet new people. advice: “Shalom Village isn’t the original This year’s focus will be to augment the in- Throughout the summer, Kehila Heschel She felt comfortable knowing that her hus- home that I spent my life in, but it’s most tegration of outdoor education and envi- students and families continued to nur- band was receiving the best possible care certainly a close second. I wouldn’t want to ronmental learning across all curriculum ture their garden and share their bounty while she could enjoy living in her own be anywhere else right now.” areas. To support this goal, Kehila Heschel with JSS Hamilton to support that organi- apartment. To learn more about Shalom Village’s has joined the Ontario ECO Schools, an or- zation’s commitment to end hunger in our When Kryshoski arrived at Shalom Fitness Club, convalescent care, adult day ganization that helps students develop eco- community. Village, she was dealing with a variety of programs, supportive housing or long term logical literacy, become environmentally There is much excitement at Kehila her own health issues. Here she had access care, call Angela at 905-529-1613 ext 268 or responsible citizens and reduce their envi- Heschel as our school continues to grow – to all the healthcare resources she needed. email [email protected] ronmental footprint. welcoming new students and staff mem- “Without the Shalom Village Fitness Call for a supportive housing tour today, Kehila Heschel students have been bers as well as expanding and enhancing Club, I wouldn’t be walking today, and I and receive $100 off your first month’s rent involved in outdoor education projects in its curriculum. The Kehila Heschel School may well have required long term care,” when you sign your lease. The Shalom the Temple Anshe Sholom teaching gar- community wishes everyone a Shana Tova said Donna. Village Fitness Club is open to all Hamilton dens. In the fall of 2018, students planted U’metuka. If you want to see Kryshoskitoday, you’ll seniors over 65, and is supported, in part, need to make an appointment. On any by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY HAZEL BOON BETH JACOB HEBREW SCHOOL er name is Genealogy group here in Hamilton. His H Claudia and she’s younger EINAV SYMONS, explanation made much more sense to me from Kindergarten through Grade 7 is than I am but old enough to have grown DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION children of her own. Most of the time when and he made a suggestion that Claudia and divided into Hebrew and Judaic studies. people researching one of my family’s sur- I pursued and that showed us as a match. At Beth Jacob Hebrew School, we aspire Students in the younger grades learn pho- names contact me, they don’t have enough The bottom line is that if you take a for our students to emerge as lifelong learn- netic decoding as they build Hebrew read- research on their family line to make a con- DNA test, you’ll likely wind up with thou- ers with the connectedness, knowledge ing skills. Students in Grades 5 through nection with mine. This time it was differ- sands of matches for which you can’t prove and skills necessary to participate actively 7 focus on mastering their Hebrew and ent and Claudia was able to connect with a paper connection. Due to endogamy and meaningfully in Jewish life. prayer proficiency, along with intense Bar/ a line in my Sadowsky tree for which I had (common for some Ashkenazi Jews) some Our program provides an experiential Bat Mitzvah preparation. The Judaic com- no information more recent than 1834. matches may be false matches. It’s also pos- approach to Jewish education. Our teach- ponent includes holidays, lifecycles, mitz- Claudia had done a great job of researching sible that, depending on which company ers tailor the program to the needs of their vot and values. Students will participate and we have shared information, stories, does the testing, some third, fourth, etc. students, and our small class sizes promote in four collaborative learning programs pictures and more. cousins won’t show up as a match. Each a sense of closeness and allow for consider- with Temple Anshe Sholom Religious Now here’s the odd thing: We both had company has its own algorithm for deter- able one-on-one attention. School on Yom Kippur, Chanukah, Tu already taken DNA tests, but we didn’t mining matches and so different results are Beth Jacob Hebrew School meets on Bishvat and Yom Yerushalayim. match. Even stranger, I did match her son. possible from different sources. Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. begin- On Mondays from 4:15-5:15 p.m. I wanted to understand how this could be Our Jewish genealogy group meets in at ning on Sept. 18. The school opens at optional Hebrew Enrichment Classes are so I contacted FamilyTreeDNA but wasn’t Temple Anshe Sholom on Wednesdays at 3:45 pm to welcome students for an after- offered. For more program information pleased with their answer, mostly because 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 23 and Nov. 20. For more school snack and structured social time. and registration, please visit bethjacobsyn- it didn’t make sense to me. So I contacted information contact Hazel Boon at 905-524- Students are grouped in pods based on agogue.ca/learn/hebrew-school or email Howard Goldstein, a member of our Jewish 3345 or [email protected]. their ages. The curriculum for students [email protected]

Shana Tova

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING APARTMENTS 5780 A very Healthy and ONE BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW! Happy New Year Starting at $3,336 monthly to all our donors, Shalom Village Apartments are ideal for seniors looking to live families and friends independently, while also enjoying the benefits of health care HAMILTON CHAPTER services specifically tailored to seniors, in an environment that celebrates and honours Jewish tradition. Nancy Somer, Co-Chair E: [email protected] ONSITE AMENITIES INCLUDE: Debbie Strub, Co-Chair E: [email protected] • 24 Hour Healthcare Support • Fitness Centre • Shabbat Services • Beautiful Accessible Gardens • Kosher Café • Recreation Activities Toll Free: 1-888-858-2632 YOUR DONATION WILL HELP US MAINTAIN A STRONG AND HEALTHY ISRAEL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ANGELA BROWN 905-529-1613 EXT 268 BOOK A TOUR, PLEASE CONTACT: [email protected] ISRAEL CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT MAGEN DAVID ADOM WWW.CMDAI.ORG MAGEN DAVID ADOM CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT YOU

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 24 The HJN acknowledges the generous support of the Allen and Milli Gould Foundation for its COMMUNITY sponsorship of the Community section.

JNF CANADA HOUSE WILL HELP BETH JACOB SYNAGOGUE SDEROT YOUTH EXCEL BY SHIRA KATES meet them on their terms and build trust- SYNAGOGUE MANAGER ing relationships, when we show that we care about the things they care about — Hi Hamilton! The two months since I this is how we can prove that a connection moved here to join the Beth Jacob team to Beth Jacob is of value. This outreach is have flown by, and I am amazed every day where our most recent new members have at the vibrancy of this city. You’re friendly, come from. passionate, and engaged, and I’m so happy We haven’t, of course, forgotten our to call Hamilton my new home. existing members and their desire to “do As I work with Rabbi Hillel, our staff, Jewish,” and we’re working hard to create and membership on programming, some great Jewish programming for the we’ve been asked the following ques- whole family this fall. Please stay tuned to tions: Shouldn’t you be focusing more on our website and social media for upcoming Judaism? Why are these broader social jus- events, including: tice issues worth your time? It’s a good A visiting professor lecturing on the his- question, so we thought we’d address it tory of Jews in China (in partnership with here. our friends at Temple Anshe Sholom); an PHOTO COURTESY OF JNF CANADA JNF OF COURTESY PHOTO The new KKL-JNF Canada House in Sderot will be a focus of educational enrichment and From a Jewish perspective, social justice engaging talk from Rabbi Chuck Diamond empowerment of Sderot’s young people. is a Jewish theme. With a duty to be a “light of Pittsburgh and Camp Ramah fame; unto the nations,” to spread “chesed,” hands-on caregiver and baby classes with to “repair the world,” and especially to rotating facilitators, including yoga, baby BY ALI MARTELL The building will be fortified, protect- remember “Never Again,” it seems clear massage, sing-a-long guitar with Rabbi JNF TORONTO ing students and staff from rocket and mortar attacks and will also be accessible that our role is to fight against injustices Hillel; Shabbat programming for Grades 1 “I feel that I’ve really been seen for the to people with disabilities. Its design will wherever we see them. When we create through 9; weekly Hebrew School with an first time.” — Hannah, a student at Beit be invitingly clean and bright, with large a better environment for our neighbours, optional second day per week of Hebrew KKL-JNF Canada House in Nazareth said. windows to let in natural light, colourful we also create a better environment for enrichment; a Torah campaign where you Jewish National Fund of Canada has wall illustrations, and open spaces, creat- ourselves. can take part in writing your very own always been at the forefront of helping the ing an environment and ambiance unlike From a continuity perspective, social letter in our Torah. Land of Israel transform its bleak deserts that of a school. justice is our ticket to stability. Reaching As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I appre- into beautiful blooming green forests and The Beit KKL-JNF Canada House will a broader audience improves our image, ciate the opportunity to grow in empathy lush parks. But now JNF Canada is plant- be surrounded by a courtyard for out- helping us overcome negative stereotypes. everywhere I can. When we practise this ing a different kind of seed; we are deeply door studies and comprise learning spaces Reaching a broader audience also helps us skill “out there,” we become better pre- committed to supporting both Israel’s land of different sizes and relaxation areas connect to unaffiliated Jews. We know that pared to turn that seasoned energy inward and its people. equipped with a variety of educational and young Jews are engaged in their cities and and cook ourselves up the most compas- This High Holiday season, JNF Canada multimedia resources to encourage cre- the issues that matter to them. When we sionate, successful year yet. is raising funds to help build the Beit KKL- ative learning based on the edutainment JNF Canada House in Sderot, to help close model of informal education. The House the educational achievement gap and foster will be divided into classrooms, a multi- academic success and empower periphery purpose hall, meeting room, patio, kitch- youth. enette and a unique experiential learning ADAS ISRAEL “We believe that every child has the hub. The classrooms are designed to con- BY LESLIE SELEVAN AND JOY ZIANS potential to achieve great things no matter tain small learning groups, except for one where in Israel he or she was born, and that large classroom (that can be divided into Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great those who speak about others as having our role is to make the resources required two), and a computer lab with the latest minds discuss ideas; average minds dis- “small minds.” In contrast, the initiative for this available to them,” said Avi Musan, equipment. The multipurpose hall will cuss events; small minds discuss people.” seeks to create an expansion of our aware- KKL-JNF Houses director. “The houses be used for workshops, lectures, perfor- God created the universe through the ness. The campaign will share practise will be open to every teenager who wants mances and film screenings. The hub is an power of speech and endowed mankind guidelines of what is considered appro- to succeed, and we will provide them with open space with poufs, armchairs, sofas, with a similar capacity. We have the abil- priate speech based on classic Jewish all assistance so that they can develop their and video game consoles. ity to build or destroy the worlds of others teachings. capabilities. This is a one-of-a-kind anchor “We hope that each of the participants with the words we choose. A quick com- Each week, we will email a practi- that is unparalleled in the State of Israel.” will start believing that not even the sky is ment can often lift spirits or crush self- cal guide with relevant and contempo- The Beit KKL-JNF Canada House in the limit for them. The young people are esteem. In the words of King Solomon, rary issues that can be applied to our daily Sderot, the city closest to the Gaza border, enthusiastic and motivated to be partners “Life and death are in the hands of the speech. The content will also be posted on will serve as an after-school education, in this process,” said Omer Harpaz, direc- tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). our website. Our goal is to foster a healthy, empowerment, and enrichment centre for tor of the Upper Nazareth house. As we approach the Jewish new year, unified and secure community. If you high school students from Sderot and its Join JNF and help impact the lives of the Adas is launching a campaign to foster would like to join, please contact surroundings, who will be provided with Sderot’s youth and reduce prevailing social sensitive and uplifting speech within our [email protected]. the necessary tools and skills for academic and educational disparities in order to community. Eleanor Roosevelt described and personal success. create a healthier society.

Wishing the community a and PARTNER S LLP Happy and Healthy New Year Chartered Professional Accountants

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25 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS Did you make a positive impact on your community today?

When you support Federation’s annual Community Campaign you can. The Hamilton Jewish Federation unites Jewish Hamilton to act as one. It is where the Jewish community combines its collective strengths to fulfill its most important needs and aspirations. We welcome newcomers. We educate our youth. We fight antisemitism and the anti-Israel agenda. We create opportunities, celebrate and commemorate. We nurture our future leaders.

WE’RE COMMITTED TO ENSURING A SUSTAINABLE AND THRIVING JEWISH COMMUNITY IN HAMILTON. TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE. BUT WE CAN’T DO IT ALONE. It’s up to us. Let’s write our story.

Hamilton JEWISH FEDERATION Campaign 2020

J HAMILTON | 1605 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON | L8S 1E6 | 905.648.0605 | JEWISHHAMILTON.ORG

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 26 Israel will offer you with open arms and she will thank you.” CHARLEEN GLAUN , Sar-El volunteer חג שמח ‘‘ ISRAEL THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME Volunteer sings praises of her Sar-El experience שנה BY CHARLEEN GLAUN AT LAST I WAS on the plane to Israel. Was this really happening? I had waited so long for this day and here I was, after 32 years, finally טובה .returning ומתוקה Arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, I proceeded to go through the security check-in. The first ques- tion asked of me was, “What is the purpose of your trip?” May this New Year be filled with PHOTOCOURTESY OF CHARLEEN GLAUN “I’m coming on Sar-El,” I replied. Author Charleen Glaun, centre, receives her health and happiness, and sweet “What is Sar-El?” the security person asked. certificate of service from Sar-El counsellors. moments for you and your family. “Volunteers for Israel,” I said, a little surprised he did not know the organization. I waited for his reaction, but there was silence. L’shanah Tovah! I blurted out, “I’ve been away for 32 years and this is my first trip back.” ~ Moishe, Eli & Gabe Chaimovitz & their families ~ He looked up from examining my passport and said, “What took you so long? Welcome back!” I smiled and said to myself, “This is going to be You’ll find it here! the best adventure of my life! Thank you, God, for Hamilton East Hamilton Mountain getting me here safely.” 1104 Barton St. E. 1361 Rymal Rd. E. Once I had my luggage, I found the sunglass 905.545.5585 905.388.0784 stand where volunteers typically meet, and Sar-El facilitator, Pam Lazarus, an expat who TOOLS & MACHINERY had made aliya 17 years ago. Since its founding in 1987 by General Davidi, volunteers come from TEGSTOOLS.COM around the globe for one to three-week stints on an army base. Qualifications include a love of Israel, being of sound mind, a clean bill of health, and being physically fit and able to carry your own luggage. You do not have to be Jewish. There is a registration fee and the flight to Israel is paid by the volunteer. Weekends are the responsibility of the individual. Each person is assigned a room Dundas resident Karen Beer on an earlier Sar-El they will typically share with one or more per- PHOTOCOURTESY OF KAREN BEER trip. sons, and is given three meals a day. Some bases organize free day trips to somewhere of interest. I was assigned to a medical supply base near Tel Aviv. This base does not have soldiers on it but The workday ends at 4 p.m., when you are rather reservists and full-time employees. free to do whatever you like within the confines Upon my arrival, I was given my army uni- of the base. Dinners are eaten early. Thereafter, form. The correct size is not high on the priority the madrichot hold discussion groups or show list. I spent the next three weeks in a very roomy movies. By 9 p.m., most people are ready for bed. pair of pants, which I held up with a belt, a khaki On the weekends, we may go anywhere in T-shirt, and an army jacket. I felt so proud wear- Israel as long as we are atTel Aviv’s main train sta- ing this uniform. Then it was time to see where I tion on Sunday morning at 9.30 a.m., when the was going to live for the next while. I had a room- volunteers are taken back to their base. At present mate for my first four days, but had the space there is a hostel in Tel Aviv specifically for Sar-El to myself for the remainder of my stay. Women volunteers’ weekend stay. Accommodation is are housed on the upper level of a two-storey free, with meals included. This is a great alterna- building. Both floors have a washing machine. tive for those who are on a tight budget. It is not (Apparently this is a luxury and not the norm.) fancy, but central to Tel Aviv’s hub and the beach. All rooms have an air-conditioning/heating One tends to forget one is in a country in a con- system and basic storage units. Three shower stant state of war. The zest for life in Tel-Aviv is stalls delivered hot water at all times. I was at the unbelievable. The bustling traffic; people sitting Hilton of army bases! at coffee shops and in restaurants; shopping at A typical day is as follows: Breakfast in the the Carmel Market; youngsters speeding down main dining room is at 7:15 a.m. At 7:45 a.m., we busy main intersections on their electric scoot- meet up with our 19-year-old madrichot (coun- ers; hip-looking men and women walking along sellors) in the courtyard for the raising of the flag the beautiful promenade with their dogs; beach- and the singing of the national anthem. Then it is goers laughing and listening to music; picnick- off to work until midday, when we make our way ers on the lawn with little children frolicking to the dining hall for lunch. nearby; buskers entertaining the passing throng. Charred Chicken This base is Israel’s main military medical base What a beautiful, perfect picture it painted in an Fresh BBQ chicken cooked on our and primary depot. Every 18 months, complete imperfect world. medical supplies are dropped off. Those with Three weeks went by in a flash and soon it was charcoal rotisserie with our signature expiry dates between six to 18 months are used time to return to Toronto. I looked for any reason home made piri piri sauce in hospitals and emergency rooms, while sup- that would enable me to stay, but as the saying plies with a six-month expiry date are utilized for goes, all good things must come to an end. But it training purposes and donations to Third World doesn’t have to end here; I will return to Israel. In 244 James St. N., countries. fact, I am already looking at calendar dates. Hamilton, Ont ario, L8R 2L3 I had a great boss, who patiently explained I would highly recommend Sar-El for anyone exactly how to do things. Israel is a first-gen- who loves Israel and wants to do something (289) 396-0662 eration Sabra, whose family emigrated from worthwhile. Israel will welcome you with open Bucharia. He never stopped thanking us for our arms and she will thank you. service, as did many Israelis I met off the base. It To learn more about how you can experience @charredchicken was so gratifying knowing that we were making your own adventure of a lifetime, go to charred.ca a difference by giving back just a little to the [email protected]. country. It was an even better feeling when med- ical backpacks were returned to us with medical Charleen Glaun lives in Toronto. This article has Delivery and catering available supplies unused. been reprinted with permission by the author.

27 • SEPT 2019 • HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS DISCOVER ROSH HASHANAH שנה טובה SHANA TOVA

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Prices effective at 1579 Main St. W. Hamilton location only until Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019.

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT 2019 • 28 Issue _Fortinos_Hamilton_JewishNs_

production creative production creative production creative PROOF FINAL 1st 2nd FINAL proof CM CM proof CM CM proof CM CM SIZE 10.25" x 15"