October 2017 | Tishrei – Cheshvan 5778, Vol. LXXII, No. 8 ‘Super’ Main Event October 25th The anti-Semitic Nuremberg movies, video games, and of course, identity initiatives, programs for com- Laws had been passed and the earli- millions more comic books. bating anti-Semitism, est concentration camps had opened Historian Ralph Nurn- Israel advocacy, and in Germany when Superman fi rst ap- berger, the featured speaker, more. The Community peared on the cover of a comic book will examine how Judaism in- Campaign is the prima- Candle Lighting Times in the spring of 1938. The creation of spired the creation of Super- ry source of funding for writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shus- man at this year’s Main Event many of these services Wednesday, October 4 6:47pm ter, two Jewish friends from Cleve- Campaign kickoff. The Main and programs in our ursday, October 5 7:41pm land, Superman soon Event is the community. Friday, October 6 6:45pm became one of the community’s Dr. Ralph Nurnberg- Wednesday, October 11 6:38pm Dr. Ralph Nurnberger ursday, October 12 7:33pm most popular comic annual oppor- er is a widely acclaimed Friday, October 13 6:36pm book heroes ever to tunity to show support speaker who brings humor, relevant Friday, October 20 6:28pm avenge evil. The Man for our local and world- political insights and historical back- Friday, October 27 6:21pm of Steel would go on to wide Jewish agencies ground to his presentations. He has protect the underdogs that provide Jewish appeared on radio and television pro- In this Issue of society and save education, social servic- grams as an analyst on political and the world from villains in newspaper es, Holocaust education and remem- international issues. Federation President’s message, p5 comic strips, TV shows, blockbuster brance, youth, teen and college Jewish Executive Director’s message, p5 continued on page 4 I on Israel, p6 JEA Centerpiece Condolences, p10 Federations Provide Relief from Hurricanes The rain began to fall in Houston downed trees caused power outages pacted by the hurricane in some way. Also Featured on Friday, August 25th, as Hurricane for more than half the state’s popu- Consider these facts about Houston’s Harvey made landfall along the Tex- lation (as of this writing, not all ser- Jewish community after Harvey: Israel experience one of many as coast. vice has been • 1,000 people were displaced from tastes, people, languages and so Though restored) and their homes much more for Abraham Lebos on slowly storm surges • 14% of Jewish day school students his trip with Young Judaea this past weakening from the mas- and 20% of day school staff have con- summer; p2 in strength sive hurricane fi rmed fl ooding from a Cat- caused un- • 6 major Houston Jewish institu- Food Festival ‘Returns Home’ egory 4 precedented tions suffered catastrophic fl ood dam- — Don’t go to the wrong place, storm, Har- fl ooding in age, including three of the largest syn- 29th Shalom Y’all Festival will be in vey wasn’t some places agogues and a day school Monterey Square on October 29th; p4 in much of throughout • Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care rush to go the state. Services, with one of the largest Al- anywhere Because zheimer’s care units in the country, and stalled Houston shlichim (Israeli emissaries) help Irma’s track experienced complete fl ooding on its over the with one family’s clean up shifted west, fi rst fl oor requiring relocation of resi- Houston most of Flori- dents

PAID metropolitan area for days, eventu- da’s largest Jewish population centers, The Jewish Federations of North PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE ally leaving behind almost 52 inches of which still suffered America (JFNA) PERMIT NO. 2840 JACKSONVILLE, FL rain (perhaps more – the offi cial gauge consequences of immediately es- gave up working). By September 1st, the storm, were tablished a Hur- one-third of Houston was under wa- spared from poten- ricane Harvey Re- ter; but a disproportionate 71% of its tial disaster. Ac- lief Fund to help Jewish population lived in areas af- cording to the Jew- meet urgent needs fected by extensive fl ooding. ish Virtual Library, throughout the Harvey had barely dissipated there were almost community includ- when Hurricane Irma began her dev- 655,000 Jews living ing food, medicine, astating trek through the Caribbean, in Florida in 2016, temporary hous- starting with the destruction of Bar- approximately Torah scrolls at the Hebrew Congregation of ing, cleaning sup- buda on September 6th. She made her 3.27% of the state’s St. Thomas being prepared for the arrival of plies and trauma fi rst landfall in Florida, also as a huge population. Hurricane Irma. The synagogue was damaged counseling. The Category 4 storm, on September 10th Houston is the but survived the storm; the Torahs Federations’ net- came through dry. A Publication of Savannah Jewish Federation Federation Jewish Savannah of A Publication Street 5111 Abercorn Georgia 31405 Savannah, www.savj.org ServiceAddress Requested and proceeded to make her way north country’s fourth work of local and through the state over the next 36 largest metropoli- international part- hours. While buildings built to new tan area and home to 51,000 Jews. ners allowed for a quick and effective standards after Hurricane Andrew 25 Nearly every Jewish institution and response to this emergency. years ago fared better than expected, Jewish-owned business there was im- continued on page 2 Savannah Page 2 | October 2017 jewish news www.savj.org

Federations Provide Relief ...... from page 1 Savannah Jewish News In addition to helping provide eration (TJCCF) told us. “We have a blessed that they weren’t hit as hard Published by the for the most basic urgent needs, the few families that we are taking care as expected and wanted to make sure Savannah Jewish Federation Federations’ Relief Fund also imme- of in Tampa who were impacted and they helped anyone who had been,” 5111 Abercorn Street diately allocated funds to send chil- said Fischel. TJCCF coordinated with Savannah, GA 31405 will continue to do so as needs arise, (912) 355-8111 dren to day camp so their distraught but then we wanted to be sure that the other Tampa Jewish agencies to www.savj.org families could focus on recovery and we were able to help other commu- make sure that donated goods were SJF President: Allan Ratner rebuilding; made initial grants to nities that got hit much worse than distributed to as many hard-hit areas SJF Vice President: Harvey Lebos synagogues to help congregants re- we did.” Fischel said that TJCCF sent as possible. SJF Secretary/Treasurer: Matthew Allan

build; is working with the Hebrew “a ton of stuff” to St. Martin and has JFNA’s hurricane relief funds re- SJF Executive Director: Adam Solender

Free Loan Association to create a new more going to the Florida Keys. main open for contributions as the SJN Editor: Lynn Levine Hurricane Harvey loan pool; and is According to Fischel, Tampa-area needs created by these disasters are working with Jewish Family Service Jewish institutions were spared sig- expected to last for years. The Hur- The objectives of the Savannah Jewish News are to foster a sense of community and others to provide ongoing trauma nificant damage from Irma; the JCCs ricane Harvey Relief Fund provides among the Jewish people of Savannah by support, housing, transportation and and synagogues found themselves specifically for the victims of - Hurri sharing ideas, information, experiences and legal services. mostly cleaning up debris from the cane Harvey; the Hurricane Irma Re- opinions, and to promote the agencies, Hurricane Irma also made land- storm. She said most people in the lief Fund provides for victims of Hur- projects and mission of the Savannah Jewish Federation. fall in Tampa, on Florida’s west coast. Jewish community fared well and ricane Irma and, if necessary, victims “Tampa was very lucky, Irma was a there has been a “tremendous out- of any other 2017 hurricanes. 100% of The Savannah Jewish News is published low two when it hit,” Alissa Fischel, pouring” from the community to the donations to both funds are used to monthly, ten times per year, with a deadline for submissions of the 3rd of the month be- Chief Development Officer for Tampa request for donated goods for other help those impacted by the disasters. fore publication. There are no February Jewish Community Centers and Fed- communities. “Everyone in Tampa felt To donate, go to savj.org. or August issues. All articles for the Winter and Summer issues should be submitted by December 8th or June 8th, respectively.

All submissions must be in MS Word format a mixture of English, Hebrew, Ara- (articles) or pdf format with fonts embedded Your Campaign Dollars At Work (advertisements). All color must be in the bic, and hand gestures, I was able to CMYK color format; all type in true black; connect with people seemingly very photos in .jpg format.

Diversity in Israel different than me. I discovered many Please send all SJN materials to: to be the children of doctors and law- [email protected] by Abraham Lebos yers, existing in a social environment Please send eNews submissions to: I believe cultural experience to ze, Bedouins, Christians, and count- probably very similar to my own. We [email protected] shared the same dreams of travel, be one of the most valuable forms of less others belonging to every eth- Neither the publisher nor the editor can knowledge this world offers. This nicity and religion inhabit this small education, and most importantly, assume any responsibility for the kashrut of summer I had the incredible oppor- country. Externally, Israel is scru- peace. the services or merchandise advertised in this The children of this village are paper. If you have questions regarding tunity to travel for a month in Israel, tinized as a dangerous and chaotic kashrut, please consult your rabbi. encountering its rich culture both as place stemming from this diversity not raised speaking Hebrew and All materials published in the Savannah a Jew and a human being. and subsequent conflicting ideolo- many never learn, yet they still whole heartedly identify as Israeli, for what Jewish News are Copyright © 2017 A complexity exists in Israeli gies. However, I learned that it is the Savannah Jewish Federation, all rights society due to its diversity, not only complete opposite. the great country is today and all of reserved, unless noted otherwise. her potential. This devotion proves from non-Jewish citizens, but with- Letters to the Editor in the Jewish community itself. As something: Israel’s diversification Letters should be no more than 250 words. I pushed through the crowds of the is not a detractor to be fixed, but shuk, I could see in the same line rather an opportunity to be taken The Savannah Jewish News is a community paper. We request that letters be civil and of vision Orthodox Jews perusing advantage of and learned from. My time in the Holy Land was a considerate in tone. Letters may not contain alongside their more secular counter- personal attacks, random attacks on busi- parts. Among the chaotic noise and medley of shwarma, hummus, Ye- nesses or defamation. All statements of facts wafting scent of fresh falafel from all menite burritos, walks on old stone, must be verifiable. and hikes on older mountains. I was sides there existed a peaceful unity The Savannah Jewish News retains full and that is not so commonly seen today. able to further cement myself in sole discretion as to which letters to publish. I davened against the Western this world as a Jew not only among All letters may be edited for length, clarity or other Jews, but among everyone. I factual content. The opinions expressed are Wall in shorts and Tevas, while to my always the writer’s. right a boy my age donned tzittzit and extend my deepest thanks towards All letters must include the author’s full payos. In those moments I was simply the Savannah Jewish Federation for helping me have this magnificent name, address and phone number (though a Jew among other Jews, our mother only the name will be published). experience. I hope one day to be faith connecting us all. Despite He- No more than two letters from the same brew being the official language of able to contribute in the same way, Abraham Lebos at the Western Wall and allow another young Jewish author will be published within twelve Israel, I felt as if I was in a linguis- consecutive months. mind the same opportunity. tic jungle. Wherever I happened to Submit letters to [email protected]. be, around me were languages be- The peace that exists in the face Abraham Lebos, 17, is a senior at Sa- ing spoken that spanned the entire of variation is extraordinary. For such vannah Arts Academy. He is the son of Mark Savannah Jewish Federation and Jessica Leigh Lebos. Abraham traveled planet. Just while participating in a physically small nation to house Mission Statement “Raphsodia,” a youth event in which such a wide array of beliefs should to Israel this past summer with Young Ju- daea Machon with the assistance of a Jewish Charged with raising, collecting and distrib- groups construct rafts to sail across be looked upon with pride and en- uting funds, the SJF seeks to "advance the the Kineret, I labored to the melodies couragement. I had the privilege of Youth Summer Experience grant from the welfare of the total Jewish community." The of French, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, visiting Druze people, Bedouins, and Savannah Jewish Federation made possible Federation strongly supports Israel and world Jewry. Additionally, the organization strives Dutch and more, our common de- a small Arab village. In the village, I by your generosity during the annual Com- munity Campaign. See youngjudaea.org for to "preserve the civil, political, economic and nominator being faith. participated in a coexistence activ- religious rights of all Jews" to develop an Yet Israel’s melting pot is much ity with some of the school children. more information on Young Judaea and its articulate, intelligent and constructive Jewish Israel travel programs. community and to promote mutual under- larger than that of Jews. Arabs, Dru- Through crude communication using standing with the community at-large. Savannah www.savj.org jewish news October 2017 | Page 3

What does PJ stand for? Who is eligible to register? What’s the cost? Pajamas! We know those special Families with children 6 months to Thanks to our generous local donors, times of reading, dancing and 8 years old and at least one Jewish PJ Library® is free when your child singing together happen when your parent in the household, currently is enrolled in the program. children are wearing their pajamas. residing in the Savannah area. One subscription per child.

Sign up TODAY at www.savj.org In August, PJ Library and PJ Our Way participated in Mezuzahs & Mosaics. Children had an opportunity to decorate their own Mezuzah with paint, mosaic pieces, and other craft supplies. After spending some creative time, children enjoyed a PJ Library story about Mezuzahs and learned about how the Mezuzah came to be.

Sukkah Fest PJ Library kids decorating Mezuzahs! October 8

Check out PJ Our Way™ the Newest Chapter of PJ Library® Sign up TODAY at www.PJOurWay.org PJ Our Way offers the gift of exceptional books with Jewish themes to kids ages 9-11 – Books that they choose themselves!

 Choose your FREE book each month What does  Reviews and synopsis of authors and PJ Our Way books

 Leadership with creating kids quizzes, offer your child? polls, and video blogs

The Savannah PJ Library is made possible through generous support from For more information about PJ Library, please contact Devra Silverman, the Savannah Jewish Federation, Jane Slotin, Nancy & Leon Slotin, and Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] or 912-355-8111. the Ceceile Richman JEA Fund.

MISSION: To create a pluralistic community of Jewish high school teens. More Jewish Teens, More Meaningful Jewish Experiences.

Beneficiary Agency Your Campaign Dollars at Work

Savannah BBYO teens have had a busy few months developing their leadership skills. In August, our teens attended Regional Execs with Eastern Region (North Carolina and Virginia Councils) to learn more about their board posi- tions, how to be leaders, and grow as Jewish teens. A few weeks later, Savannah BBYO had a visit from BBYO Professional Staff Ellen Goldstein and Lauren Revenson who worked with chapter boards on program development MIT/AIT New Member Convention and recruitment. We are very excited to see our Open to Grades 9-12 Savannah teens use this new knowledge for BBYO! October 20-22 Savannah teens on their way to Regional Execs

MISSION: To create a community of Jewish 5, 6, 7 and 8 graders through social and meaningful experiences that will serve as a gateway to continued involvement in Jewish life.

For more information about BBYO or BBYO Connect, please contact Devra Silverman, Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] or 912-355-8111. BBYO Connect teens spent a magical afternoon on the Hogwarts Express! Savannah Page 4 | October 2017 jewish news www.savj.org Your Campaign Dollars at Work Main Event...... from page 1 Nurnberger is a professor of interna- and political leaders. Chaim V’Chessed tional relations at Georgetown Uni- Nurnberger’s articles have ap- versity, where he has taught since peared in The Washington Post, The As part of the 2017 Campaign and Al- the task of navigating life in Israel. The 1975, and is a partner in the Washing- Washington Times, Christian Science Mon- locations process, the Savannah Jewish Fed- organization is staffed by multilingual ton, D.C., government relations fi rm, itor, Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times, eration reapproved the Overseas Investment experts who are equipped to provide Nurnberger & Associates, which was Baltimore Sun and numerous scholarly Grant program whereby community members English speakers in Israel with the founded in 1994. He was named Pro- journals and magazines. His most re- recommend overseas agencies to receive $500 answers, advocacy and guidance they fessor of the Year by Georgetown’s cent book is entitled Lobbying in Amer- investment grants. We so desperately need. Graduate School of Liberal Studies in ica. He has also advised numerous are pleased to introduce Chaim V’Chessed’s 2003. He currently teaches graduate Congressional, Senatorial and Presi- to you the grant recipi- range of expertise seminars on the Arab-Israeli confl ict. dential campaigns on foreign policy ents. includes hospital He served more than eight years issues, especially those related to the Life in Israel assistance, govern- as a Legislative Liaison for the Ameri- Middle East. He has experience as is complex at the mental dealings, spe- can Israel Public Affairs Committee a Senate staffer and in various posi- best of times. It’s a cial education, ku- (AIPAC) and was the fi rst director of tions in the Executive Branch. In ad- country full of red pot cholim, infertil- “Builders for Peace,” an Arab-Amer- dition to all of this, Nurnberger was tape and constantly ity, bereavement and ican/American Jewish initiative es- captain of his varsity tennis team as changing policies, more. From the most tablished in 1993 with the encourage- an undergraduate at Queens College. confusing medical terms and infl exible critical, even life-threatening issues to ment of then-Vice President Al Gore systems. For English speakers, these the obstacles inherent in just getting to promote private sector investment What: SJF Main Event Dinner challenges are further compounded. through each day, there is no problem in the West Bank and Gaza. In this When: Wednesday, October 25th, Language barriers, cultural differences too large or too small for them to help capacity, he dealt with international 6:30pm and lack of connections make day-to- with. leaders including Israeli Prime Min- Where: JEA, 5111 Abercorn St. day complexities all the more diffi cult. It’s challenging to live as an Eng- ister Yitzhak Rabin, then-Foreign Cost: $18/person And when crisis hits, the challenge can lish speaker in Israel. Chaim V’Chessed Minister Shimon Peres and PLO RSVP: savj.org or (912) 355-8111 go from diffi cult to nearly impossible. believes that no one should need to Chairman Yasser Arafat, as well as Chaim V’Chessed’s goal is to ease navigate this challenge alone. American and international business Bringing Shalom Y’all Jewish The Officers and Board of Governors of the The Officers and Board of Governors of the SavannahFood Jewish Festival Federation cordiallyHome invite you to Savannah Jewish Federation cordially invite you to by Jennifer Rich the the Sunday, October 29th, Mickve Israel will fi ll Monterey Square and the streets surrounding the Temple with the delicious scents of latkes, corned beef, Sizzling Sephardic lamb plus Gottlieb’s Challah and all the tantalizing foods you’ve come to love. We’ll fi ll the square with the sounds of Klezmer music, the sounds of adults kibitzing, children laughing, playing games and deco- Volunteers prepare Middle Eastern delights rating cupcakes. at the 2016 Shalom Y’all Jewish Food Festival Congregation Mickve Israel is celebrating our 29th year of sharing Entertainment this year will feature JewishTuesday, delicacies, Jewish October music and upbeat 10, music 2017 from the Savannah Phil- Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Jewish ruach (spirit) with the Savan- harmonic, the toe tapping music of nah community and bringing7:00 it homep.m. Klezmer Local 42 and students from the 7:00 p.m. to Monterey Square. It’ll be a block Maxine Patterson School of Dance Savan- nah partyJewish Jewish toFedera- remember! Educational We know you’ll will leadAlliance us in a Klezmer dance. Jewish Educational Alliance love the location with plenty of room Delicious food, good times with to sit, mingle, dance and of course, friends (new and old), sunshine and eat! With more room to move, we’ll great entertainment — the Shalom Remarkshave a special from kid’s Federation zone with games, President, Y’all Jewish Allan Food RatnerFestival will be a Remarks from Federation President, Allan Ratner activities Electionand prizes and of special Board space of Governorsday to remember. Join us in Monterey Election of Board of Governors for ourDirector’s Community ReportPartners –to the the Square Community from 11am – 3pm on October Director’s Report to the Community JEA, the Savannah JewishPresident’s Federation, Awards 29th – we hope to see you there! For President’s Awards BBYO, Hillel and Second Harvest more information call Mickve Israel FoodRecognition Bank. of 2017 Campaignat 912-233-1547. Leadership Recognition of 2017 Campaign Leadership

Dessert Reception Dessert Reception All food served at theLooking JEA are Kosher for and something under supervision toof the do? JEA Kitchen All food served at the JEA is Kosher and under supervision of the Committee. CertifiedCheck sealed the Kosher Community meals available Calendarupon request. JEA Kitchen Committee. Certified sealed Kosher meals available upon request. www.savj.org Savannah www.savj.org jewish news October 2017 | Page 5 A Better World Can We Get Along? I can’t be- Sadie Boryk Ratner (she needs a long “…to disagree lieve it has been name because “princesses” always well you must fi rst a year since I was have four or fi ve names). understand well. You installed as presi- At nine months she doesn’t do have to read deeply, dent of the Savan- much yet, except smile, coo, eat, sleep, listen carefully, Allan Ratner nah Jewish Fed- etc. But there is one other thing she watch closely. You President eration. does: She makes me smile, laugh, and Adam Solender need to grant your Savannah Jewish Two hurricanes, cry with joy. She makes me forget Executive Director of adversary moral re- JEA/SJF Federation two evacuations, about all the bad in this world and spect; give him the horrifi c damage in Florida, Houston, work to make it better — for her. She intellectual benefi t crease economic and political pres- and the Caribbean. And another storm — and all the other children like her of doubt; have sympathy for his motives and sure on Israel and make it a pariah in on the way as I write this. — are the reasons we strive so hard to participate empathically with his line of rea- the eyes of many. A new U.S. President. Whether you make this a better world. soning. And you need to allow for the pos- Polarization and disrespect are voted for him or not, like him or not, During this High Holiday season, sibility that you might yet be persuaded of growing daily. he is the President and I hope he does don’t think of all the bad in the world. what he has to say.” (Bret Stephens, New And now we are seeing this in a good job. Just as I want the pilot of Look at all the wonderful things you York Times, 9-24-17) Jewish community institutions. Many my airliner to have a great fl ight and have to be thankful for. Your children, During this time of year when we of us have read stories of people who land safely. grandchildren, good health, friends. take stock of who we are and of our feel uncomfortable in their synagogue Bombings in London and Paris. If you don’t have all of these, pick the relationships to and with each other, if they have a differing point of view Threatening gestures from North ones you do have, and try to make the Bret Stephens’ words gave me pause from their fellow congregants. Korea, Iran, Yemen, and Russia. Plus others better. We all have things to be for refl ection. It is essential that synagogues, many more events too numerous to grateful for, and some we want to im- Just when I thought that it Federations, and JCCs provide safe mention. prove. couldn’t get worse, it does…and the spaces in which Jews of all points What a terrible world we are liv- On Rosh Hashanah, let us refl ect discussion about the lack of discus- of view can feel comfortable. We all ing in. What’s the use? Let’s just crawl on the wonderful year we had, and on sion seems to be consuming us. need to reaffi rm our commitment to into bed, pull the covers up, and let the what we can do to improve in the New Emotional manipulation, distor- “Big Tent Judaism,” a tent where dif- world go by. Year. tion, and fl at out lies seem to be the fering points of view, differing politi- Then a wonderful thing happened. On Yom Kippur, let’s pray for a “new normal,” and each of us has our cal visions, and differing priorities can On December 18th, my daughter-in- better world for us all. own version of the truth. all coexist and learn from each other. law gave birth to a little girl, Margot Peace and love to all. And in reality, most of the polar- One rabbi quipped that his posi- izing topics of today that seem simple tion was to tread lightly and to en- and clear are highly complex and nu- courage his congregation to pursue anced. No matter where you are on an Jewish beliefs and values through ordinary issue, you are bound to of- political advocacy and engagement. Mah Jongg Tournament fend many of those around you. Another stated that he “tries to stay It was not long ago that corpora- pareve.” tions would always stay neutral, but It’s easier said than done. Getaway brands are now joining the political There are those in the Jewish pro- discourse. Corporations that weigh in fessional community who believe that fi nd themselves praised and vilifi ed at the import of the moral issues pre- January 21-24, 2018 the same time. clude neutrality. Now, all of a sudden, it seems the There is no right answer, but Meals, beverages and entertainment included! immediate call often is for a boycott. there are many questions: Prizes for all! You don’t agree with another’s values: How do we listen better? boycott them…and it all goes viral in How do we learn from each oth- Contact Alison Zaintz at 912.351.0570 mere moments. er? We don’t need to look far back How do we become more em- for complete pricing and details. in our history to the 1930s when Jew- pathic? ish stores throughout Europe were How do we provide respect to boycotted, or the 1940s when the those who we disagree with? Arab League was founded, in part to I wish I knew all the answers, but “frustrate further Jewish development in I don’t, just the questions. Palestine by means of boycott against Zion- What I do know is what I have ist products.” Today we have the BDS committed to in 5778: to listen more, (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) judge less and continue to learn from movement — a global attempt to in- those around me.

CELEBRATING A We Want To Know! Simcha? Share your good news with the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Savannah Jewish News! Engagements Send the vital statistics to Downtown 912.233.1163 • Oglethorpe Mall 912.238.2120 Weddings St. Johns Town Center, Jacksonville 904.527.2643 Births [email protected] levyjewelers.com Savannah Page 6 | October 2017 jewish news www.savj.org

I on Israel

community for the Sabbath, Ballin Israel Responds to Hurricane Harvey and her team — half of whom are religious — stayed in the airport and by Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21C gratefully made do with donated fruits Editor’s Note: All of the Israeli groups supplies in and out. and vegetables, kosher grape juice mentioned in this article — United Hatzalah, “We headed out in the and tortillas. They spent their day Israel Rescue Coalition, IsraAID and ZAKA highest two SUVs we could get of rest in a makeshift “clinic” in an —have been on the ground in Florida in hold of, and joined the National airport hangar counseling more than response to Hurricane Irma and some also are Guard motorcade with other EMS 100 traumatized emergency medical in the Caribbean providing assistance. volunteers in boats. On our left services (EMS) personnel. and right we saw 10 feet of water “Some of them have PTSD [post- Miriam Ballin’s heart sank when covering cars; we saw dogs on traumatic stress disorder] and this she saw the water line — a calling card rooftops. It was really sad.” experience exacerbated it. They were of Hurricane Harvey — ringing her A US Army coordinator depleted emotionally and physically. former childhood home in Houston. directed the Israelis to Jack They were lining up outside our door. But she couldn’t linger. Urgent work Brooks Regional Airport in Port Many were air paramedics who see the awaited her as leader of the United Arthur to help prepare evacuees worst of the worst,” Ballin related. She Hatzalah Psychotrauma and Crisis for departure by air to a Red debriefs her own team often for signs Response Unit. Cross shelter set up in the Dallas of emotional fatigue. The voluntary six-person team Convention Center. Over the next In addition to basic psychological of Israeli mental-health professionals two days, a few hundred people first-aid techniques, the IRC/United landed in Texas [just a few days after were sent to the Israeli experts for Hatzalah team sometimes employed Hurricane Harvey] on behalf of the psychological care. a new approach recently pioneered IRC team leader Miriam Ballin counseling a disabled in Israel, which transitions victims Israel Rescue Coalition. It is one “Some of these people had Houston evacuee. rapidly from paralysis to productivity of several Israeli humanitarian-aid been stuck on buses for days and thanking her for keeping the place nice by activating them mentally and groups sending personnel to Texas. were shell-shocked. There were babies for the evacuees, the woman began physically. Ballin, a family therapist in Jerusalem, without food or diapers. There were crying. “She’d been feeling invisible,” “Our team provides the IRC with a had sent her five kids off to their first [previously] homeless people whose Ballin explained. new capability developed in Israel that day of school the morning before situation ironically was improved Psychotherapist Einat Kauffman no one else in the world is currently she left. Her husband, a physician, because they got food and medical guided children in creating models or doing,” said Ballin. encouraged her to go. attention,” said Ballin. pictures of their homes. “This helped On Sunday [Sept. 3], the Israelis “I hadn’t been back to Houston “One lady told us that she and them to express their feelings of loss continued on to the Dallas Convention for years,” Texas native Ballin told her friend do childcare, and when and we were able to work from there. Center, where 2,500 evacuees were ISRAEL21c from the Dallas Convention the water started rising they put all Some children spoke about their pets sheltered. Center, where the Israelis are giving the kids on air mattresses and floated that were lost, others talked about “An adorable little African- psychological first aid to evacuees and them to safety. Another guy told us being separated from family members. American girl ran down the hall and relief workers. he watched the body of his elderly Our goal was to get them to open up jumped into the arms of one of our “Houston was already in recovery neighbor floating by. The whole place about what they were feeling in a non- team members — an amazing therapist mode when we arrived, but the was on emotional edge; everyone was threatening and positive manner in and rabbi — when she recognized mayor’s office said we were needed in ready to burst into tears,” said Ballin. order to be able to begin processing him as the one she’d spoken to in Port the surrounding towns of Beaumont “My team all shed tears at different their feelings.” Arthur,” said Ballin, who also was and Port Arthur. They were still saving times too. That was fine and healthy.” On Friday afternoon, unable people from rooftops and could not get When Ballin hugged an airport cleaner, to travel to the Houston Jewish continued on page 11

in New York. She Regarding what may become Israel’s Opera Star also has performed her signature leading role, Bizet’s with the Seattle Carmen — she now has performed it Opera fans not already familiar including performances Opera Company, four times — Opera Today wrote of with her work should be on the lookout in La Traviata, Rigoletto and the Wolf Trap one performance: “Maya Lahyani is a for Maya Lahyani, the up and coming Manon. Opera, The born Carmen. The demands of the role Israeli mezzo-soprano. A native of Lahyani is an alumna Canadian Opera lie smoothly on her voice and she has Tel Aviv, Lahyani can be seen in the of the prestigious Adler Company and strong resonance all across its range. Metropolitan Opera’s productions Fellowship of the San others. Her concert Most of all, she created a charismatic of Elektra and Cendrillon this season. Francisco Opera, where work includes figure that held the attention of every She made her debut with the Met in she made her debut in 2010 performances with member of the audience. For a young 2014 in the role of Kate Pinkerton in as Wowkle in La Fanciulla the Jerusalem singer who had only performed the Madame Butterfly, the first Israeli-born del West. She received her Symphony, the title role of Carmen in two previous artist ever to sing on their stage. She Bachelor and Master’s San Francisco productions, her grasp of its intricacies has performed with the Met during Degrees in Music from the Maya Lahyani as Carmen - Symphony and was amazing.” every season since her debut there, Mannes College of Music San Francisco Opera others. The Jewish Educational Alliance presents a monthly program guide: CENTERPIECE Jewish Educational Alliance October 2017 Events at the JEA

JEA Services Impacted by Hurricane Irma Hurricane Irma devastated the leeward Caribbean Islands, Florida . . . and the JEA, too. Although it was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time Irma made its way through Georgia, the high winds and torrential rains had a big impact on the JEA. In the back ballfields, a tree fell, taking out four utility poles and a transformer. Georgia Power crews worked tirelessly to get our electricity back, but still the JEA was closed an additional four days after the storm had passed. A crew from Canada finally got our power restored! See the photos below. Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details! New JEA Members Adult Programming The JEA would like to thank our members. With- out your membership and support, we would not be able to offer all the services that we do. Our members are our most important asset! Bridge Wednesdays 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (New Members as of 7/28/17-9/15/17) Andrew & Katy Acuff Scrabble Wednesdays 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Brett Brannen John & Dorothy Brennan Mah Jongg Mondays 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Anthony & Joy Bryant Thursdays 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Bryan Chan William & Erin Christopher Community Garden Carlos Colon & Caroline Daruna Love to garden, but don’t have the space? Be part of the JEA Garden Club and help Brody & Sarah Docar work one of the 18 garden boxes at the Midtown Miracle Community Garden, Helen Downing three blocks north of the JEA. Excess produce and herbs will be donated to Second Joshua & Stefanie Hager Harvest to aid them in their mission to feed up to 6000 children daily. For more Clea Hernandez details, “like” Midtown Miracle Community Garden on Facebook or email Carol Linda McQuiggan Greenberg [email protected]. Alexis Perryman Elana Portman Vernell Ross Andy Shearer & Michael Fink Robert Slipko & Renee Mongelluzzo Gigi South James & Laura Wanzel Jacob & Sylvia Warner David & Cameron Willard John & Cindi Zanki JEA Donations (August 1, 2017-September 15, 2017) ALLAN ULLMAN PLAYGROUND FUND In honor of Harriet Ullman Elaine Radetsky

JEA PRESCHOOL SAVANNAH FUND In honor of Claire Jameson McGhie Sally & Steve Greenberg

JACK M. & MIRIAM S. LEVY CONCERT FUND In honor of Doris Levy Arlene & Allan Ratner

BERTHA & HYMIE KANTER YOUNG AT HEART FUND In memory of Henrietta Victor Gale & David Hirsh

HARVEY RUBIN MEMORIAL FUND In honor of Elise Shernoff Marsha & Chuck Bernstein In honor of Larry Bernstein Elise & Victor Shernoff

HENRY W. CENTER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Matiel Leffler In memory of Ginger Kahn Stock In memory of Jane Furchgott Tony Center

DAVE & BUNNY CENTER CAMPERSHIP FUND In honor of Marcy & Jerry Konter Angie & Skip Weiland

October 2017 Centerpiece Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details! Health & Wellness October is Breast Cancer Fitness Classes Sunday Awareness Month 9:15 am - Power Pilates Breast cancer is the most achieving physiological and psychological 10:30 am - Total Body Blast common type of cancer in improvements and improving their quality of life. women, but fortunately has Women who get regular exercise have a lower Monday high survival rates. Many risk of breast cancer than women who are 8:45 am - Firm It Up studies have been performed inactive. Regular exercise can lower breast cancer 9:45 am - Aquasize on the effects of exercise in risk by about 10-20 percent, studies show. Being 10:00 am - Vinyasa Yoga patients diagnosed with breast overweight can also increase the risk of developing 10:45 am - SilverSneakers Circuit cancer. There is evidence that breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Higher 5:15 pm - Fast & Fit Kathy Ackerman exercise after the diagnosis estrogen levels in women increase the risk of 6:00 pm - Total Body Blast Fitness Director of breast cancer improves breast cancer. Being active may lower estrogen Tuesday mortality, physical functioning, muscle strength, levels. Exercise may also boost the body’s immune 9:15 am - Power Pilates fatigue and emotional wellbeing. Breast cancer system so it can help kill or slow the growth of 10:00 am - SilverSneakers Splash patients should be participating in some form of cancer cells. 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Circuit exercise, including both strengthening and aerobic Science has come a long way in helping fight 5:45 pm - Zumba Glow exercises, for the most beneficial results. cancers but it is in our control to help minimize 7:00 pm - Aikido Breast Cancer patients (Survivors) should the risk of cancer. Please let one of our expert consider exercising with a trainer for safety trainers help you knock out cancer. Wednesday reasons, but also to receive the most benefit from Contact me at fi[email protected] or (912) 355- 8:45 am - Firm It Up their workouts. Exercising can be considered 8111 for more information. 10:00 am - Sun Flow Yoga a complement to their medical treatment for 10:30 am - Silver Step 4:30 pm - Fast & Fit JEA Excels in 6:00 pm - Shimmy Chic Thursday 9:15 am - Barre Sculpt Express National Fitness Challenge 10:00 am - Aquasize 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Circuit This summer (Memorial Day through Labor Medium community category. We placed in the 5:15 pm - Fast & Fit Day), the Jewish Community Centers of North Top 3 in the every category except cycling: 7:00 pm - Aikido America (JCCA) held a national fitness competi- tion for all JCCs. Members throughout the coun- Running - 3rd place Friday try logged their participation in running, walking, Walking - 1st place 8:45 am - Firm It Up cardio machines, cycling (indoor/outdoor), swim- Cardio Machines - 1st place 10:00 am - Aquasize ming, group exercise classes, and personal train- Swimming - 3rd place 10:00 am - Yoga Stretch ing. Group Exercise Classes - 3rd place Nationally, we had two participants who were Personal Training - 1st place in the top three in the country in the JCC Profes- sional Division: Kathy Ackerman who was the 1st Congratulations to Fitness Director, Kathy place winner in walking miles and Adam Solender Ackerman and all the JEA Members who partici- who was a 2nd place winner in personal training. pated in this national competition. Overall JCCs competed against each other by You rocked the JCC fitness world!!! size of city (Metro, Large Medium and Small). The JEA, despite our small city size is judged in the

Centerpiece October 2017 Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details!

Children’s Department October in the JEA Art Gallery

The Fiber Guild of the Savannahs The Fiber Guild of the Savannahs is a group of fiber artists who meet regularly to share inspiration and techniques using a wide variety of fiber-related arts. Spinning, weaving, dyeing, quilting, knitting, basketry, rug making, paper manipulation, needle felting, and crocheting are just some of the crafts our members explore. We have a strong sense of community service and volunteerism. Our members demonstrate traditional pioneer crafts to children and families at the annual festivals at Oatland Island Wildlife Center. All persons—beginners, amateurs and professional fiber artists —are all welcome to join the guild.

Artwork available for viewing October 1-31, 2017 Join us for the Art Gallery Reception October 1st, 2-4 pm

Enroll Now 2017-18 School Year

• Enrollment for our 2017-2018 Preschool Year is open for 3 and 4-yr olds! • For full details, visit our website at www.SavannahJEA.org JEA Preschool Contact Jodi Sadler, Director, at Savannah News [email protected] or 912-355-8111

Clean Up After Hurricane Irma

Thank you to Crystal and Ralph for helping Preschool teachers came together the Friday after the hurricane - with no power - to re- to clean up the preschool storage area. Your organize classrooms and outdoor learning space, clean the outdoor shed, and prepare assistance was greatly appreciated! the garden boxes.

JEA Preschool Savannah admits students of any race, color, national, racial or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Providing for the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting.

October 2017 Centerpiece Savannah www.savj.org jewish news October 2017 | Page 7 And So We Began a New Year… Back for More And Hashem Together we have begun the year We have found “graduate” as far as the Torah is said, “Let there successfully with parents and stu- ourselves once concerned. A cycle that blends with be light” and then dents very happy and feeling su- again in the our own life cycle. the verse tells us perbly wonderful about their new hectic, yet It is on this note that we end that Hashem saw home in Rambam. fulfi lling, times the month of Tishrei. Inspired and the light and that Every class is busy learning, that are the enriched by the religious experience Ester Rabhan, it was good. however, I hear laughter and dis- Eva Locker, High Holidays. and ready to face challenges Principal of Why would cussion amongst the various sub- Principal of These holidays, with more courage and fortitude, Rambam Day School Shalom School the Almighty ject matters being learned and dis- in Israel, are knowing that we are part of a link in look upon His cussed. The atmosphere sounds rooted in the the chain which unites generations own creation and describe it as healthy and productive; it feels safe annual agricultural cycle to remind of Israelites with G d, through the good? One would think He would and secure – I do believe Rambam us of our dependence on the world Torah. describe it as wonderful, perfect, Day School has already begun to and its gifts. This is especially true In Shalom School, we follow awesome. Good seems so limited, so make its mark for this school year for the three pilgrimage festivals: a similar path of recognition. restrained from being descriptive. and blaze a trail of success. Pesach, Sukkot, and Shavouot. On We celebrate the gifts we have Yet, that is exactly the word chosen We’re excited with all our new Sukkot, we celebrate our freedom been given: friendship, students, by the Almighty Himself. staff and the impressions and infl u- (as we put up our temporary teachers… We are grateful for the I believe He chose that word ences they are already having on our dwellings and remember the opportunity to enrich the lives because the light was created for students. Exodus) but also the harvest, and of others. We also celebrate our man’s use and the Almighty wants We have a new PE program we give thanks for the bounty, and accomplishments: a new mitzvah, us to exhaust our possibilities and through Crossfi t which is really nature’s gifts — at the time of the learning a new prayer or a new reach our full potential with the op- putting the children to the chal- Temple each one would come to Tanach chapter. And we, too, work portunities the light shines upon. If lenge as to exactly what can their Jerusalem with offering from its in a cycle starting it joyfully all man uses the light to see the good in bodies endure?!!! crop. again, year after year. G-d’s world, and all the possibilities We have a new class of children On Simchat Torah, the joyful We can all celebrate the world presents to man through under two years of age to accom- holiday ending the High Holiday achievements; we all excel at season, we celebrate not what we which he can grow in the ways of modate some of our working par- something. Some people even excel have been given, but what we have at many things. The important G-d; then this light can be described ents, who very much wanted their accomplished. We recognize the lesson to remember is not to dwell as awesome. However, if this light is children to experience what goes achievement of this long period on those achievements and to re- used for us to only see our own per- on between the walls of Rambam. of repentance we have just been engage in the cycle. We complete spectives more clearly and not see They are adorable, and I have to re- through and more importantly, and restart at Simchat Torah with clarity G-d’s purpose for the mind myself I have a job as principal we celebrate the completion of the because our tradition is that no world and for us, then the light re- of the school which requires me to Torah reading. On Simchat Torah, matter how accomplished we are, mains only good. do more than just play with the pre- we read the last and the fi rst of the no matter how young or wise, there Each school year ends and we cious, little babies. 54 Torah portions. We end and we is always more to learn. refl ect upon its strengths and weak- There are few joys greater than start again the cycle that same day. Wishing you a year rich in nesses and begin planning for the walking around Rambam Day We do not dwell. Coming right learning. year to come. It is an ever evolving School in and out of classrooms, lis- back to Bereishit and the beginning process and constant motion; be- tening, joining in the conversation, indicates that we never “fi nish” nor cause no matter how much we plan, schmoozing with children and just G-d plans too and often His plans experiencing the priceless delight of change what our goals need to be. Jewish education being brought to The Savannah Jewish Federation This year in Rambam Day light within the walls of Rambam School we have several new stu- Day School. Gratefully Thanks Our Contributors dents, parents and staff members. SJF GENERAL DONATIONS JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES In honor of Julie Hirsch FRIENDS CAMPAIGN Rhoda Halperin Adelle Burnsed-Geffen & Theodore Geffen JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES FUND Sally & Steve Greenberg In memory of Jane Furchgott Myra & Jerry Portman Sara Jospin Lynne & Frederic Spector In honor of Sharon & Murray Galin Susan & Frank Slotin Ellen Byck In memory of Lydia Katzman WILLIAM & MILDRED Linda & Michael Zoller WEICHSELBAUM CAMPAIGN FUND In memory of Randy Bart In honor of Sharon & Murray Galin 329 Commercial Drive, Suite 100 Arlene & Allan Ratner Peggy & Stanley Harris, Jr. Savannah, GA 31406 Kenneth Sadler TIKVAH FUND MATTHEW J. CRANMAN A donation was made by HOLOCAUST TEACHER Cell: 912-661-0484 Helen Geiger EDUCATION FUND In memory of Matiel Leffl er In memory of Bernard Sitron Office: 912-356-5001 Charlotte & Harold Black Ann & Chuck Seyle 912-355-7444 In honor of Arlene & Allan Ratner In memory of Ann Cohn [email protected] Doris & Arnie Goldstein Sara Jospin In honor of Doris Levy www.kwsavannah.com Sara Jospin SHARON & MURRAY GALIN FUND In honor of Sharon & Murray Galin Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated Biff & Jerry Montana Joanne & Dick Hochman Savannah Page 8 | October 2017 jewish news www.savj.org

The Savannah Jewish Federation proudly provides space for a half-page ad to each local congregation in each issue of the Savannah Jewish News.

9 Lee Boulevard, Savannah GA 31405 912-352-4737 [email protected] / Agudath-Achim.com

Saturday, October 7th Sunday, October 8th Shabbat Kiddush 4 pm - 7 pm Luncheon Join us for a meet and in honor of Military greet at the Families. Rabbi’s house

Join us in hosting families Everyone is invited to of soldiers from Rabbi Henkin’s Sukkah Ft. Stewart, Hunter AAF, for nosh, schmooze, and and other bases. For a fun with your friends. special holiday meal in our Sukkah. Savannah www.savj.org jewish news October 2017 | Page 9

It Will Take More Than Time To Ease Their Pain

Help the Victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

Donate at savj.org Savannah Page 10 | October 2017 jewish news www.savj.org

This is my chosen fast... Share your bread with the hungry Take the homeless into your home. Clothe the naked when you see him, Do not turn away from people in need. - Isaiah 58:6-7

Isaiah was a prophet whose words are read on Yom Kippur each year. In this spirit, join your Savannah Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services during Operation Isaiah by doing a mitzvah this High Holy Day session and donate food* to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Drop off barrels are located at: Congregation Agudath Achim Congregation B’nai Brith Jacob Congregation Mickve Israel Jewish Educational Alliance

*High protein food such as tuna fish, peanut butter, canned or dried beans are ideal items for donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Condolences We express our sympathy to the families of: M. Keith Siskin

Pearl Seligman Friedenberg Randall “Randy” Kerr Bart Judge M. Keith Siskin, 45, passed away Sunday, July 23, Who died September 11, 2017 Who died August 17, 2017 2017, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

She is survived by her husband, He is survived by his wife, Barbara He was born December 10, 1971, in Savannah, Georgia, to Louis Friedenberg; her daughter, Davne Bart; two sons, Daniel Bart Jim and Madeleine Siskin. A graduate of Savannah Country Sherry Ann Friedenberg of Atlanta; her and Matthew Bart (Joanna Persio); Day School and Vanderbilt University, he earned his Juris son, Ricky S. (Barbara) Friedenberg his parents, Roger Bart and Elaine Doctorate, Cum Laude, from the University of Georgia, where he of Savannah; two grandchildren; two Bickford Bart, one sister, Pam (Larry) was Editor-in-Chief of the law journal. After years of successful great-grandchildren; her brother, Pasternak; two brothers Tom (Julie) private practice, Keith was fi rst appointed Referee/Magistrate Melvin (Barbara) Seligman of Atlanta; Bart and Roger Bart; his mother-in- of the Rutherford County Juvenile Court, then to the Circuit and several nieces and nephews. She law, Carol Bennett Davne; nieces and Court bench, a position he held until his passing. He was an was preceded in death by her sister, nephews, and many friends. active member of his community, having served as President Roslyn Seligman of Cincinnati, OH. Remembrances: Congregation of the Rutherford/Cannon County Bar Association, and having Remembrances: Congregation Mickve Israel, P.O. Box 816, Savannah been a member of the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Bnai Brith Jacob, 5444 Abercorn St., 31402-0816; or Hospice Savannah, Association, Tennessee Judicial Conference, and Murfreesboro Savannah 31405; or The Humane P.O. Box 13190, Savannah 31416-0190. Downtown Barristers Lions Club. Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah 31406- Keith is survived by his wife, Sheri; their daughters, Micah 3922. and Shae; his parents, Jim Siskin and Madeleine Varner; his stepmother, Dianne Siskin; his younger brother, Brad Siskin; his maternal grandmother, Sara Deich; and many other relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation via CrohnsColitisFoundation.org/chapters/georgia or postal mail at Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Georgia Chapter, 2250 N Druid Hills Road, #250, Atlanta, GA 30329. Savannah www.savj.org jewish news October 2017 | Page 11 Israel Responds...... from page 6 Sprouts for Students able to help some of her own relatives You see huge stores like Target closed affected by the storm. because they’re all fl ooded,” said JEA Preschool Classes are beginning to germinate Wearing bright orange Israel Wertheimer, a Jerusalem father of Savannah teacher Sarah their seeds in the classroom, where Rescue Coalition t-shirts, the team three young children. “We committed Thompson is the guest children are responsible for planting, is visibly Israeli. “People are blessing to staying 10 days at least. Fortunately columnist this month watering, and observing the plants’ us and thanking us for coming so or unfortunately, we Israelis have a for Jodi Sadler. Sarah growth. When the seedlings are teaches Ayalim A, one of strong enough, the students will plant far to help them. We were able to lot of experience and know how to Sarah Thompson, contribute a tremendous amount to help.” JEA the three-year old class- their biodegradable pods into their people’s emotional wellbeing,” said Two professional Israeli medical Preschool Teacher es and she is the lead garden boxes outside and tend to their Ballin. She expects her team to return clowns were to leave for Houston teacher for the JEA’s sprouts until maturity. to Israel by the end of the week. on September 7th to offer a second new garden project. As our garden takes root, com- round of psychological assistance to Sukkot, a Hebrew word mean- posting will be introduced. Children Other Israeli groups in Houston hurricane victims. ing “booths” or “huts,” refers to the will learn what food products are safe The IRC team’s arrival from Tsour Shriqui, CEO of the Jewish festival of giving thanks for to put in our composting bin. With Israel was preceded by a team from nonprofi t Dream Doctors Project, the fall harvest much patience and IsraAID and followed on Sunday by told ISRAEL21c that the clowns’ 10 celebrated this dedication, we will eight members of ZAKA search-and- days in Houston will be coordinated month. Another have nutritious rescue organization. Another six by the Israeli Consulate in Texas. name for Sukkot plant food to add ZAKA volunteers are expected today. “We have really specifi c ways to is Chag HaAsif to our garden in the On previous overseas missions, do interventions and we’re always (Festival of the upcoming years. ZAKA helped recover victims of ready for humanitarian missions Ingathering), A garden is disasters such as Hurricane Katrina abroad,” Shriqui said. representing not only a valuable and Typhoon Haiyan. In Houston, In the past, the Israeli Foreign a time to give teaching tool, but the volunteers are assisting with Ministry has helped Dream Doctors thanks for the Preschool class at work in the garden an opportunity for cleanup, repair and food delivery fi nd local partners for missions to bounty of the children to expand in coordination with the Federal countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, earth during the fall harvest. For JEA their horizons. If a child is invested in Emergency Management Agency and Haiti and Nepal. In Israel, 100 Dream Preschool Savannah children, this the process of growing, they are more the Orthodox Union. Doctors are on staff in 29 hospitals. time of year will be when they will likely to try it than if it was simply “As a humanitarian organization, Aside from neighboring Mexico, plant a variety of items in the school’s placed in front of them. During the we help all those in need, regardless of Israel (population 8.5 million) is new garden and see fi rsthand the spring of 2017 we tested out the gar- religion, race or gender,” noted ZAKA the only foreign country to send bounty of the earth. den with a few easy to grow plants. Chairman Yehuda Meshi-Zahav. volunteers after Hurricane Harvey to This garden project is a new pro- I witnessed a child with a very lim- “Today, our team contacted Pastor Texas (population 28 million). gram for the children, and yes, the ited diet try every vegetable we pulled Becky Keenan from the Gulf Meadows In cooperation with IsraAID children will get dirty. For many from the garden because he had taken Church, and we are working with the and an American-Israeli moving years, there has been a dream of a gar- care of those plants and was excited Christian community in the area as company in Maryland, the Israeli den for the JEA, and now that dream to try the fruits of his labor. Children well. It was particularly meaningful Embassy to the United States sent is coming to fruition. The seeds have who normally did not want to get their for Pastor Keenan that a team from several truckloads of supplies from been sown, the labor applied, and now hands dirty eagerly plunged those the Holy Land has come to offer help.” Washington, DC, to Houston on the children are ready to reap the ben- same spotless hands into the dirt to ZAKA team leader Jackie Tuesday. efi ts of a school garden. pull weeds, pinch off “suckers,” and Wertheimer told ISRAEL21c that Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Ministry A garden holds so many possibili- harvest ripe fruit and vegetables. They they’ve been welcomed warmly. Two is sending $1 million in emergency aid ties for a child. We are lucky enough would then proudly march those dirt Houston Jewish families are hosting to Houston’s Jewish community. to have been given a curriculum from encrusted hands laden with cucum- them. “The Jewish State is measured the JCC in Asheville which provides bers, radishes, or carrots and present “Everybody is very surprised by its response when our brothers many learning opportunities in a gar- them to all who could see what they and happy that such a big team from around the world are in crisis,” den as well as Jewish values that tie had done. Israel came to help them. And we Minister Naftali Bennett said. “For into them. Each class has been given We are proud and excited to pres- were surprised to fi nd so much to years the Jewish communities their own garden box, and children ent a new chapter in our children’s en- do,” he said. stood by Israel when it needed their and teachers will work together to richment, and yes, your child will get “To see such a disaster happen help; now it is our turn to stand by keep their plants healthy and thriving. dirty. to so many people is really shocking. Houston’s Jewish community.” Right now we are in the early stages.

WIN A FREE TRIP!

 Email as a between now and April 15, 2018 New Hadassah life member Choose Israel or New York on one of 4  In 100 words or less share your story on The Power of Women Who Do  Submit to [email protected] or Hadassah/40 Wall Street NY, NY 10005 Hadassah VIP Excursions!  Full contest details at Hadassah.org or contact Joanna Rich at [email protected]  Winners to be announced at the Washington, DC Conference in May Call Jean Weitz, 912-354-2409 and become a life member today! Savannah Page 12 | October 2017 jewish news www.savj.org