A Gift For You, Courtesy of... February 2020 | Tevet-Shevat 5780 United Jewish Federation Volume 22, Number 9 The New Jewish Voice A PUBLICATION OF UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION Walter Shuchatowitz, z”l: UJF Selected for Grinspoon A Visionary and Guiding Soul ‘Life & Legacy’ Program (Courtesy of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy) (Courtesy of UJF) United Jewish Fed- ter-lifetime giving to benefit local Jewish Walter Shuchatowitz, founder and founding eration is excited to announce that it has organizations. The Grinspoon Foundation principal of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy in been selected to partner with 10 other lo- sought to answer the question: “Can Jew- Stamford, died Nov. 27. He was 92. cal community Jewish organizations as ish communities be motivated to become In 1956, Mr. Shuchatowitz — affection- part of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s proactive in encouraging widespread leg- ately known as “Mr. S.” —founded Bi-Cultur- LIFE & LEGACY® program. Together with acy giving?” Through LIFE & LEGACY, al Day School (now Bi-Cultural Hebrew Acad- these other agencies, UJF will be working they have found a way and the program emy), a dual curriculum Jewish school for to establish a culture of legacy giving in the provides the tools necessary for organiza- grades pre-K through 8. Stamford, New Canaan and Darien com- tions to encourage and secure these gifts. He served as the school’s principal for munities. The program, which officially launch- 50 years, retiring in 2005, but he remained a Philanthropist Harold Grinspoon es- es on February 1, provides the structure, member of the school’s board of incorporators Mr. S. tablished LIFE & LEGACY, a national ef- training, mentoring, workshops, and even and was actively involved in the 2018 merg- fort, eight years ago. The program as- er of Bi-Cultural Day School with the Jewish earned a degree in Judaic Studies. Dr. Churgin sists Jewish communities in promoting af- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 High School of Connecticut to form Bi-Cul- lamented that not enough graduates were en- tural Hebrew Academy (BCHA), the first tering the field of Jewish education. K-12th grade Jewish day school in Connect- And so, Mr. Shuchatowitz postponed his Chevra Kadisha Dinner to Remember icut. career in law. Instead, he began his career in “It was his dream to give kids a Jewish edu- Jewish education in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylva- cation that would last; to light that spark with- nia. Seven years later, he arrived in Stamford Tamar Gershberg and Flossy Fischel in them that would give them a love of Juda- to start a Hebrew school at Congregation Agu- Rabbi Ethan Tucker to Speak ism,” said BCHA President David Pitkoff, the dath Sholom. U.S. Senator Lieberman parent of Bi-Cultural alumni. “He built the was one of his students. BY MICHAEL FELDSTEIN school as a community day school guided by Soon after, he began efforts to open a Rabbi Ethan Tucker, the President and the principles of Modern Orthodoxy because community Jewish day school. Rosh Yeshiva (head of school) at Hadar in he felt you had to reach out to everybody and “He started Bi-Cultural with just a handful New York City, will be this year’s featured embrace the entire community. It’s been that of kids and knocked on doors to bring people speaker at the annual Stamford Chevra way ever since.” in,” said Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Agudath Sho- Kadisha annual dinner, to be held at Tem- Born June 21, 1927, Walter Shuchatow- lom’s spiritual leader, where Mr. Shuckatow- ple Beth El on Tuesday, March 3, at 5:30PM. itz was the son of Rabbi Aron and Rose Shu- itz was a longtime member. “He was tireless in His topic will be “Can Torah and Ethics Tru- chatowitz. His father was a spiritual leader in pushing hard to unlock the potential in Jew- ly Be at Odds?” the New Haven area. In 1948, he graduated ish children. [He] not only changed children’s This year’s dinner will honor the mem- from New York’s City College. He was about lives, but changed the trajectory of their fami- ory of Tamar Gershberg and Flossy Fischel, to begin law school when he met Dr. Gershon lies for generations.” z”l, both of whom passed away this past year Tamar Gershberg, z”l Flossy Fischel, z”l Churgin, dean of Teacher’s Institute at Ye- and were models of kindness in the Stam- shiva University, where he had concurrently CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ford Jewish community. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 2 6 7 12-13 18 19 Candle Bits UJF Annual Chanukah PJ Voices Lighting & Pieces Meeting Library & Views

NO HATE, NO FEAR Over 500 people of all faiths gath- ered at Temple Beth El in Stamford for a community interfaith vigil convened by United Jewish Federation and the Inter- faith Council of Southwestern Connecti- cut. (see page 10-11) 2 The New Jewish Voice UJF President’s Message New UJF President David Gordon gave this sermon and felt creasingly only talk to people who will agree and work with all of our institutions; to help address at the Annual Meeting of United Jewish that he had given with us. And, even in our silos, which may be our institutions bring best practices to their Federation on December 8, 2019. the best sermon our own , or our other Jewish or- institutions; and hopefully to decrease the fi- Congratulations to tonight’s honorees for of his twenty year ganizations, we are increasingly sub-siloing nancial burden to each of the institutions that their exceptional work on behalf of UJF, and a career. After the and talking to only our friends who have the has resulted from our need to defend ourselves special thanks to Ricky Arbron for three years service, the syna- same political outlook for both the U.S. and Is- against hate. of her tireless, dedicated work, and for her help gogue vice presi- rael. We need to start weaving our commu- Finally, what do I mean by strengthening in bringing me up to speed in my new role. I dent approached nal fabric back together again. We need to our institutions? As some of you know, our also want to thank our talented and indefatiga- Rabbi Goldstein be meeting each other more, sharing what we community, under the auspices of our Feder- ble CEO, Diane Sloyer, with whom I look for- and said: “Rabbi, have in common more, and respecting each ation, was accepted last month to the Grin- UJF President David ward to working closely over the next couple Gordon that was a beau- other more. For example, rather than hav- spoon Life & Legacy Program. The Life & Leg- of years. Thank you to our stalwart long-time tiful sermon. You ing only separate missions to Isra- acy Program is a four-year commitment from donors and to our new donors who are help- know that I run a radio station, and I was won- el, we need to have a community mission to our Federation and the Grinspoon Founda- ing strengthen our Jewish community through dering whether you could condense your ser- (which hasn’t happened in a decade or tion to work with our agencies/institutions us- UJF. And thank you to my Mom, my moth- mon and convey to my listeners everything more) led by Federation and our Rabbis. We ing a proven step-by-step program to obtain er-in-law, my family and friends, and most of that was in the sermon in a five minute spot.” need to reinstate opportunities for our com- “legacy” or “” gifts and promises all, my wonderful wife, Meryl, for everything, Rabbi Goldstein was very pleased and he said: munity to talk to each other and learn from that will strengthen our institutions for gener- including their support of me in this venture. “five minutes? I’m sure I can.” To which the each other; and I dare say to learn to like ations to come. Life & Legacy is a seven year- A quick story. Rabbi Goldstein stepped up vice president replied: “Then why didn’t you?” each other – outside the comfort of our silos. old Grinspoon Foundation partnership pro- to the bimah to deliver his Kol Ni- Well, I have a half hour of material, but Those opportunities may include a morning gram with Federations that is now functional drei sermon. He had worked five weeks on it, here is the five minute version... or evening of learning where all of our rabbis, in 58 communities across our country. It has meticulously polishing it until it was perfect. In the next two years, my goals for UJF are: and other community resources such as pro- already generated close to $100M in actual en- Exactly thirty minutes later, he finished the to strengthen the fabric of our Jewish commu- fessors and teachers offer classes; where the dowments and approximately $1B in future nity, to strengthen the security of our Jewish members of our community can widen their gifts for participating agencies. Our goal will CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES community, and to strengthen the institutions horizons and be exposed to ideas and people be to have our 10 local institutions – in alpha- January 24...... 4:43 pm of our Jewish community. from outside their silos. betic order – Agudath Sholom, Beth El, BiCul- January 31...... 4:51 pm What do I mean by strengthening the fab- What do I mean by strengthening the se- tural, , the Friendship Circle, the JCC, February 7...... 5:00 pm ric of our Jewish community? What I see in curity of our Jewish community? There is no Schoke Jewish Family Services, Temple Sinai, February 14...... 5:09 pm our community is what I see in the country at question that most of us feel that the Jew- UJF and Young Israel* – obtain legacy gifts February 21...... 5:17 pm large. I see that we are increasingly withdraw- ish community in this country is under as- such that 20% of their 2030 budgets, a dec- February 28...... 5:25 pm ing into different silos where we have less and sault from the far left and the far right. We ade from now, will be funded through endow- less to do with each other, and where we in- are hiring guards, at great expense, to guard ments so as to ensure a thriving Jewish Stam- the safety of ourselves and our children in ford community well into the future. We can our institutions. However, our Federation do it together. has expert resources via the Secure Commu- I am humbled by the trust you have put in nity Network of the JFNA (Jewish Federa- me to lead our United Jewish Federation. The tions of North America) which we can use. task ahead is large, and I know that I can’t do it The Secure Community Network works with without your active support – in mind, word, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to (forgiveness when I mess up) and, most of all, bring best practices and a strategic approach actions. I hope that you will join me in the to security; to make assessments of buildings journey of strengthening our community fab- and organizations; to train staff and members; ric, security and institutions. Thank you. to share information and intelligence. I intend *There are now eleven institutions, since to appoint a member of the UJF Executive Chabad of New Canaan joined after this Board to be our security leader – to convene speech was given.

r eanin andr Fat wor i eier or one n reises United Jewish Federation’s partnership with JFACT, Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut, led to a very informative meeting with Senator Richard Blumenthal. Frank Policastro/Owner (203) 323-0507 UJF’s delegation, along with 6 other CT Federation’s took part in an important 48 Crescent Street [email protected] and urgent State-Wide conversation on Security. Our local Federation was proudly represented by our CEO, Diane Heller Sloyer, UJF's new President David Gordon and Stamford, CT 06905 www.crescentcleaners.com Rabbi Joshua Hammerman of Temple Beth-El in Stamford. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 UPCOMING EVENTS The New Jewish Voice 3 JCC Gala to Honor Community Leaders (Courtesy of the Stamford JCC) At its -1989, and is a past recipient of the Harold E. spring gala on Saturday, March 7, the Stam- Hoffman Humanitarian Award. Arthur cur- ford Jewish Community Center will honor rently serves on the JCC Council of Advisors. Debbie Katz Shapiro & Leon Shapiro for their As a native of Stamford, community is of leadership and dedication to the JCC. Arlene deep importance to Arthur. He is current- and Irwin Ettinger will also be presenting the ly Chairman of the Mill River Park Collabo- Arlene & Irwin Ettinger Legacy Award to Ar- rative. He is also a member of the Advisory thur Selkowitz. Council of the Children’s Learning Centers in Debbie Katz Shapiro has long been a lead- Stamford, a Board member of both the Avon er of the JCC, having served on the Board of Theatre Film Center and the Stamford Muse- Directors from 2005 - 2009. She was a co- um and Nature Center. In 2012 Arthur was chair of JCC Tzahal Shalom for three years, named “Citizen of the Year” in Stamford, he and served on the Jewish Arts & Film Festival was recognized by Moffly Media as “Out- committee for many years. Debbie played an standing Philanthropist” in 2011, and was a active role on numerous youth and strategic Debbie Katz Shapiro and Leon Shapiro Arthur Selkowitz recipient of the United Jewish Federation of committees, including shaping programming New York’s Global Leadership Award. for active retirees and senior adults. Debbie time director of the HIV/AIDS Program for El, advanced the use of technology at Tem- The gala will be held at Rockrimmon was a volunteer coordinator for the 2006 JCC Stamford. ple Beth El and Newfield Elementary School, Country Club at 7 p.m. and will feature cock- Maccabi Games and a key player in command Leon Shapiro has served on the Stamford serves holiday dinners at Pacific House Shel- tails, dinner, auctions, and a journal. Dietary central for the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games & JCC Board of Directors since 2017. He has ter for Men, helped build a playground for a laws will be observed. ArtsFest. Debbie has helped chart the course played an active leadership role on the Board New York City school, and refurbished com- Leslie Napach and Carlie Socaransky will for so many of the services offered by the JCC. and in his capacity as Interim CEO of the munity centers in San Diego. serve as event chairpersons. Randi & Craig The impact of Debbie’s leadership can also JCC in 2017. He was also a co-chair of spe- Arthur Selkowitz grew up at the JCC, and L. Price and Risa & Steven Raich will serve as be felt beyond the JCC. She serves the com- cial events for the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games was a longtime member of the JCC Board chairs of the journal. munity, especially its youth, through her work & ArtsFest. of Directors. He joined the Board when the Visit www.stamfordjcc.org for ticket and at Kids In Crisis, the Lighthouse, AIDS In- Leon’s selflessness extends beyond the Center was on Prospect Street and was instru- journal reservations. For more information, terfaith Stamford, Beth El Cares, Stamford walls of the JCC as well. He serves on the mental in its move to Newfield Ave. Arthur contact Shannon Jacobs at 203.487.0965 or CARES, Indivisible Stamford, and as the long- Temple Rock Café Committee at Temple Beth served as president of the Board from 1986 [email protected].

Celebrating a New Partnership Chevra Kadisha Dinner to Remember Tamar Gershberg and Flossy Fischel

As we begin and Connecticut since 2014 and current- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the Ramaz School. He is the author, along with the new decade, ly serve as the senior editor of those pub- Rabbi Micha’el Rosenberg, of the New Jew- lications. However, I started as the com- “The annual Chevra Kadi- Gender Equality and Prayer in ish Voice (NJV) munity editor from my neck of the woods, sha dinner is one of the most Jewish Law. has joined forc- Essex and Union counties in New Jersey, eagerly awaited community The cost of attending the es with the Jew- so I am very well aware of how important events on the calendar,” said dinner is $54 a person. Spon- ish Link Media the community element is to a local paper. Phyllis Shapiro, who is work- sorships are also available at Group (JLMG) I promise to work hard to ensure that the ing on the dinner commit- $180, which entitles an indi- in an effort to news you are reading is the news you want tee. “It’s especially gratifying vidual to two dinner reserva- bring you, its to read, and that the community events this year to honor the mem- tions and can be made in hon- readers, the best you feel are important get included in each ory of Tamar and Flossy, each or of a family member or in Jill Kirsch and most in- and every issue. of whom exhibited their own memory of a loved one. formative news- On a personal note, I am the proud strength in observing and If you are interested in at- paper experience possible. Our plan is mother of five amazing children, ages 13 performing the mitzvah of tending the dinner, please con- not to take over and completely change to 22, most of whom are currently liv- chesed. Tamar was the con- tact Janet Welkovich at jane- the newspaper you have come to love, but ing at home. My husband is a rabbi, but summate teacher, who trans- [email protected]. Reserva- rather to enhance it, both aesthetically and his day job is guidance counselor/teach- mitted Torah in unique artis- tions must be received by Feb- in terms of its content. er/athletic director at the Rae Kushner Ye- tic forms, and Flossy was the Rabbi Ethan Tucker ruary 24 in order to guarantee Moshe Kinderlehrer, founder of the shiva High School in Livingston, New Jer- action warrior, who used her a seat at the dinner. You can also JLMG, and Negnewitzky, found- sey. I have a “secret” law degree and am li- culinary talents to prepare, coordinate, and pro- reserve online at stamfordchevrakadisha.org. er of the Jewish Link Design Group, will censed to practice in New Jersey, although vide meals for family and friends, as well as or- be the driving forces behind the publica- I choose not to do so. I love to read, es- ganize shiva meals at times of need.” tion’s new look, while I will be the face of pecially James Patterson; watch too much “The Chevra Kadisha is very fortu- the JLMG in these pages and your commu- TV; and am kind of a fitness and health nate to be bringing Rabbi Ethan Tucker to DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES nity. I have already met with the paper’s nut. Feel free to email me about any or all the Stamford community. He is one of the The deadline for the next issue of Advisory Committee, and will continue of the above. most thoughtful and articulate leaders in the to do so, in an effort to offer my experi- I am excited to begin this new venture Jewish community today, and a sought out The New Jewish Voice is: ence and expertise to the venture. I plan to and I look forward to working with the speaker by organizations across the country.” February 10th get to know you, our readers and advertis- committee as well as with you, the NJV’s In addition to his duties as President and ers, as well. Consider my “door” (or in this loyal readers and advertisers. I hope to Rosh Yeshiva at Hadar, Rabbi Tucker is the chair Send New Jewish Voice article case, email) always open, whether just to have the opportunity to meet, or at least in Jewish Law and also directs Hadar’s Center submissions to Sandy Golove at say hello, to offer suggestions, make com- communicate with, as many of you as pos- for Jewish Law and Values. He was ordained by ments, ask questions or even offer criti- sible. I know we will accomplish great the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and earned a doc- [email protected] marked “Stamford cism. I will also be in the Stamford area things together, and I can’t wait to see torate in and Rabbinics from the Jew- Voice” in the subject line. monthly or more, and would be happy to what the new year has in store. ish Theological Seminary and a B.A. from Har- chat with you over coffee, lunch or when- Wishing you a happy and healthy 2020! vard College. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, he was Expect an acknowledgement; ever is mutually convenient. Jill Kirsch a co-founder of Kehilat Hadar and a winner of please re-send if you do not By way of introduction, I have been New Jewish Voice Editor the first Grinspoon Foundation Social Entre- with The Jewish Link of New Jersey and [email protected] preneur Fellowship. Rabbi Tucker serves on the receive one. The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester (201) 321-5325 board of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 4 The New Jewish Voice UPCOMING EVENTS

Schoke JFS to Honor For ticket information or to RSVP ruary 26, at 7:15 p.m.. The evening will be ecutive Director of Development and Sig- Community Members please call Lisa Rich at 203-921-4161 or an opportunity for women to meet other nature Programs. Join David Citrin, Co- visit www.ctjfs.org. women from around the world who live ordinator, Jewish Engagement & Innova- On Sunday, April 26, the Elayne and in the Stamford community. They will tion, as he screens award-winning films at James Schoke Jewish Family Service will hear about their childhood experiences the JCC, direct from Israel. Following each hold its annual gala, An Evening with Congregation Agudath Sholom and taste special dishes from their coun- film, David will shine a light on the many Schoke JFS, at 5:30 p.m. at The Italian Plans Annual Dinner tries of origin. Attendees will learn to cook facets of Israel and facilitate a discussion. Center in Stamford. The recipients of On Sunday evening, March 15, Congre- (and try) dishes from places like France, There is a suggested donation of $5 per the 41st Annual Mitzvah Award will be gation Agudath Sholom will hold its 2020 South Africa, Iran and of course Israel. person per film. the Jewish Sportsmens League and Mi- Annual Dinner with Guests of Honor Rab- The event is chaired by Mouskha Heller. “The Oslo Diaries” will be shown on chael Alexander. Schoke JFS will award bi Daniel and Diane Cohen, Community For more information and to register, con- Thursday, February 20, at 7:00 p.m. This the 14th Young Leadership Award to Da- Service Award recipient Sandy Goldstein, tact [email protected]. film is about a group of Israelis and Pales- vid Brand and the 2nd Annual Volun- Chai Award recipients Sandy and Lillian tinians that come together in Oslo for un- teer of the Year Award to Risa Goldblum. Shapiro, and Young Leadership Award re- sanctioned peace talks during the 1990s in The evening will begin with a silent auc- cipients Peretz and Kate Cik. The event JCC Plans Children’s order to bring peace to the Middle East. tion, appetizers and cocktails, followed will begin at 5 .m.. Programs for February 1 For more information, contact David by dinner, presentation of awards and a Honorary Dinner Chairs are Harvey On Saturday evening, February 1, the Citrin at 203-487-0961 or dcitrin@stam- live auction. and Helene Kaminski, and Irwin and Ar- JCC will have program offerings for chil- fordjcc.org. The evening will be hosted by the lene Ettinger. Dinner Chairs are Stella Co- dren of all ages. Master of Ceremonies, Stamford’s own hen, Tricia Hoff and Navah Zizmor, and Come at 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. for Pajama Alan Kalter. The evening is co-chaired by Journal Chairs are Rhonda Schaffer-Maron Havdalah, for children from birth – 5 years Turn an Ordinary Friday Night Liz Kitay and Ronnie Sichel. and Doreen Nusbaum. with their families, to say goodbye to Shab- Into Something Extraordinary For further information, contact Matt bat and hello to a great new week. There On Friday night, February 28, Temple Feinberg at [email protected] will be traditional Havdalah candle light- Beth El will join hundreds of synagogues The New Jewish Voice or visit www.cas-STAMFORD.org ing, song and dance. The cost is $20 per across the continent for an historic nation- family of four, $5 per additional family al Jewish event to celebrate what unifies all “The New Jewish Voice” (USPS #184) is published member ($15 per family of 4, $5 per addi- — ! Everyone is invited…sin- monthly by the United Jewish Federation Inc., 1035 Chabad of Stamford to Host tional family member for JCC members). gles, couples and families of all ages. Newfield Ave., Community Celebration Stamford, CT 06905-2521. Snacks will be served. Shabbat Across America offers partici- A “” is a Chassidic gathering Children in grades K – 6 are invited at pants the opportunity to experience Shab- www.ujf.org for updates and donations where people spend time together connect- 6:15 -8:45 p.m. for Saturday Night MAX. bat, and also to share that experience with ing and sharing on a spiritual level. The en- Children will have the chance to take a tens of thousands of Jews across North David Gordon...... President Diane Sloyer...... CEO tire community is invited to join Chabad break from their parents and enjoy an America. Special musical services will be of Stamford at a farbrengen on Wednesday, evening at the JCC with Movies, Adventure led by Rabbi Joshua Hammerman and Ka- Advisory Committee February 5, at 8 p.m. to mark a special day and Xcitement. The cost is $15 per child tie Kaplan, Cantorial Soloist, along with a Meryl Gordon...... Chair on the Chabad calendar. Yud Shevat (the ($10 per child for JCC members). This Sat- special band beginning at 6 p.m. followed Meryl Japha, Nancy Schulman, Ellen Weber 10th day of the Jewish month of Shevat) urday Night MAX theme is games. Snacks by a traditional Shabbat dinner at 7 p.m.. Jewish Link Media Group marks the day the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, will be served. Services are free and open to the public. The Jewish Link Media Group edits and publishes Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak , passed Sign up for either program by calling There is a fee for the dinner and reserva- The New Jewish Voice. away in 1950. Exactly one year later, Rab- the JCC welcome desk at 203-322-7900 or tions are required. To make reservations go Jill Kirsch...... Editor Moshe Kinderlehrer...... Publisher/Advertising bi Menachem Mendel Schneerson accept- visiting www.stamfordjcc.org. For more to www.tinyurl.com/tbesaa2020. For more Representative ed the leadership of the movement, and set information on the Pajama Havdalah, con- information call the office at TBE, 203- Adam Negnewitzky...... Design & Layout about transforming the face of world Jew- tact David Citrin at 203-487-0961 or dcit- 322-6901, ext. 300. Temple Beth El is locat- Gail Negnewitzky...... Bookkeeper ry. Drinks and light refreshments will be [email protected]. For more informa- ed at 350 Roxbury Rd., Stamford. Risa Lefkowitz...... Advertising Representative served. For more information and to RSVP tion on the Saturday Night MAX, contact Opinions contact [email protected]. Jason Samuel at 203-487-0973 or jsamuel@ The views expressed in editorials and opinion stamfordjcc.org. Temple Rock Is Coming pieces are those of each author and not necessarily To Temple Beth El the views of the United Jewish Federation. Chabad of Stamford’s JWC Temple Rock, Temple Beth El’s annual Letters Plans International Cookoff Israeli Film Series fundraiser, will be held on Saturday, Febru- The New Jewish Voice welcomes letters on subjects Chabad’s Jewish Women Connected Continues at the JCC ary 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the synagogue. of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be signed and include a phone number. The editor (JWC) annual cookoffs have become a fa- “Not only do films entertain, provoke The theme of this year’s event will be may withhold the name upon request. vorite on Chabad’s culinary calendar. This thought and move us, films are a great “The Roaring 20s,” and the fundraiser will year, Chabad has added an international way to gain insight into a society and cul- serve as a kick-off to TBE’s 100th anniver- Kashruth “flavor” to the event on Wednesday, Feb- ture,” said Nancy Schiffman, Associate Ex- sary year celebration. Featuring the Roar- We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any advertiser’s product or establishment. ing Twenties dance band, the evening will include cocktails, dinner and the Temple HOW TO REACH THE EDITOR: Rock Auction. Mail: Sandy Golove Serving as the evening’s chairs this year 1035 Newfield Ave. - Suite 200 Stamford, CT 06905-2521 are Honni and Sylvan Pomerantz, Miriam E-mail: [email protected] and Steven Sosnick and Dana Horowitz Phone: (203) 912-9945 and Peter Wolly. Auction chairs are Dana and Carl Weinberg, Emily Pomerantz and Send article submissions via e-mail to Sandy Golove at [email protected] Sean Altman, and Lindsay and Corey Shul- marked “Stamford Voice” in the subject man. Event chairs are Susan and Marc Pey- line. Expect an acknowledgement; ser, Entertainment chairs are Amy and please re-send if you do not receive one. Aron Davidson and Event planner is Avi- HOW TO REACH THE IV sedation va Maller. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: for high fear Reservations for the event can be made MOSHE KINDERLEHRER & special needs at: https://templebethelstamfordct.school- Phone: 201-366-9102 auction.net/templerock2020/register E-mail: [email protected] children For further information, call Steven SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Lander, Executive Director, at 203-322- Phone: (203) 321-1373 6901. Temple Beth El is located at 350 Rox- E-mail: [email protected] bury Rd., Stamford. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 5 Cardozo Society Holds Malpractice Educational Program Society event “Staying on the Ethical Path: NY, and Mike Trippi- Ethics & Malpractice.” The Cardozo Socie- co of Morrison Ma- ty is UJF’s affinity group for legal profession- honey in Hartford. als, and offers programming focusing on le- Thank you to Rob gal and Jewish concerns. The evening start- Hoff and to Wiggin ed with dinner and cocktails, which allowed and Dana for hosting for plenty of time to network with colleagues and sponsoring this and make new professional connections. An program, and to Ste- educational program followed, which offered ve Steinmetz of Ivey, lawyers Ethics CLE credit, sponsored by Wig- Barnum & O’Mara gin and Dana of Stamford. for being a sponsor. (l-r) The Cardozo Society educational The program gave guests the chance to learn UJF holds network- Lawyers earned one CLE credit in ethics during the program on program was presented by Jeffrey in detail about issues they may face with liability ing and educational malpractice. (l-r): Jack Scherban, Mel Bloomenthal, Matt Knopf, Cunningham, Rob Hoff (moderator) and and malpractice and hear many of the reasons events several times a Howland Gordon, Steve Steinmetz and Cathy Satz. Mike Tripicco. they occur and how to be better protected. Rob year for the Cardozo (Courtesy of UJF) Lawyers from around Hoff, a partner at Wiggin and Dana, moderated Society, as well as for the Rothschild (business) ity groups or want to learn more about upcom- the community came together in December the program. The presenters were Jeffrey Cun- and (medical) affinity groups. If ing programming, contact Sharon Franklin at for United Jewish Federation’s Cardozo Law ningham of Goldberg Segalla of White Plains, you would like to get involved with UJF’s affin- [email protected]. Discussion of Jewish Genealogy Planned in Darien BY ELISSA KAPLAN genealogical research at will cover some of the common methods of Board of both of the Jewish Genealogical So- Have you always wanted to start working age 15 for a school pro- doing genealogy from a Jewish perspective. ciety of Connecticut and the Connecticut So- on your genealogy but didn’t know how to get ject. Her husband is de- She will provide information about ship re- ciety of Genealogists. started? Have you always believed that there scended from English, cords, Ellis Island, name changes, naturali- If you have questions about the program, are no records of your family? Do you won- Irish, Danish and Swed- zation, reading gravestones, finding towns contact The Jewish Historical Society of Fair- der where your family came from? Was your ish immigrants, which in Europe, Holocaust records, Jewish DNA field County, Bridging Yesterday and To- family name changed “at Ellis Island” and no has allowed her to ex- and more. morrow, by phone: 203-321-1373 ext.150, by one knows the original name? Come listen to pand her research skills She is a member of the Connecticut Pro- email: [email protected] or on-line: http:// Linda Carlson, genealogist, and learn how to into these areas as well. fessional Genealogists Council and is on the jhsfc-ct.org/. find the answers to your questions. Linda Carlson Linda currently as- The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield sists the public with County (JHSFC), in partnership with Mid- their genealogy questions at Genealogy Road dlesex Genealogical Society (MGS) of Darien, Shows, sponsored by the Connecticut Profes- invites the community to a presentation by sional Genealogists Council. Linda Carlson on Sunday, March 22, at the After beginning her career as a Special Darien Library, 1441 Post Road, Darien. The Education teacher, Linda is now the Educa- program begins at 2 p.m., following refresh- tional Director at a private high school. She ments at 1:30 p.m.. This program is being earned a master’s degree in Educational Tech- held as part of the JHSFC Annual Meeting. It nology from the University of Connecticut is free and open to the community. and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Stud- Linda Carlson was born and raised in ies in School Administration from American New York City until age 5, when she moved International College. to Long Island. She moved to Connecticut in Working as a Professional Genealogist the 1970s to attend the University of Hart- for the past few years, Linda Carlson spe- ford and never left. As a descendant of Jew- cializes in doing research for information ish immigrant grandparents, Linda began her that is not available online. Her presentation Bi-Cultural Teen Receives ‘Mitzvah Hero’ Award (Courtesy of BCHA) Ben Marcus, a junior at Ben and his family are members of Beit Cha- Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Upper School in verim Synagogue in Westport. Stamford, has received the “Mitzvah Hero” Award of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield. Ben was among 11 community volun- teers to be honored with the award at a special cer- emony held in December in Bridgeport. In addition to serving as president of Bi-Cul- tural’s junior class, Ben is also the founder of the school’s Environmental Club. Last spring, he was among a group of Bi-Cultural students to organ- ize a fishing expedition with special needs chil- dren, working with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foun- dation, an organization that enriches the lives of Bi-Cultural student Ben Marcus (holding children with special needs. It was the first such award) is joined by his family at the C.A.S.T. for Kids event in Connecticut. “Mitzvah Hero” Award Ceremony. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 6 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS Bits and Pieces BY SANDY Allison Simpkin and Sean Kapras on the birth their son, Adam Pollack, to Gabriela Costa. WE MOURN THE LOSS OF: GOLOVE of a daughter, Paige Simpkin; and to Joan and Robert Rosenthal on the marriage Donald Berman: brother of Nancy Greene. To submit infor- grandmother Gilda Simpkin. of their daughter Rosenthal to Sam De Vivian Berman: mother of Harvey Berman. mation to Bits and Sandy Weiner and Marc Weiner on the birth of Roest. Annette Block: mother of Liba Steinmetz and Pieces: call 203-912- a grandson. Sheryl and Mark Schwartz on the engagement of Stephen Block. 9945 or email sandy@ Helene Zimmerman on the birth of a great of their daughter, Schwartz to Max Al- Jennifer Buhler: daughter of Gail Karlitz ujf.org. granddaughter. tholz, son of Lauren and Jeffrey Altholz. Carol Burstein: mother of Ora Burstein. Lois Stark and Garry Lessen on the marriage Stanley Epstein: father of Melissa Broder. MAZEL TOV MAZAL TOV TO ENGAGEMENTS/ of their daughter, Stacy Lessen, to Gregg Aren- Carrie Goettsch: sister of Debbie Ferri. Sandy Golove TO GROWING MARRIAGES: son. Claire Goichman: grandmother of Sam Sroka. FAMILIES: Stephne and Kerrin Behrend on the marriage Ronnie Lilien on the engagement of her daugh- Rita Post Gordon: mother of Judith Post Roll. Erica and George Brunner on the birth of a son, of their son, Neal Behrend, to Natalie Kamen- ter Julia Falkenburg to Josh Askinazie. Elliott Koenig: uncle of Gary Schpero. Tobias Alexander Brunner etsky. Rona and David Moskowitz on the marriage Pearl Lubash: mother of Sharon Rubin. Andrea and David M. Cohen on the birth of a Michelle and Peter Ebstein on the engagement of their son, Ben Moskowitz to Megan Eilen- Barbara Mercanti: mother of Pamela Aflalo. grandson, Oliver Lawrence Cohen. of their daughter Rebecca Ebstein to Andrew berg. Irwin Metviner: husband of Estelle Metviner Robin and Jason Fischel on the birth of a daugh- Selig. Eva Weller on the engagement of her daughter, and father of Monica Metviner Blatt, Alexan- ter, Hadassah Faye Fischel; and to grandparents, Joanne and Marshall Goldberg on the mar- Elizabeth Weller to Todd Swedock. der, David, Jonathan and Neil Metviner. Sam Fischel and Ellen and Richard Weber; and riage of their son, Jonathan Goldberg, to Grace Nurit and Mark Wexler on the engagement Claudio Ortiz: brother of Elizabeth Oritz- to great grandmother Guta Fischel. Gould. of their daughter, Shira Wexler to Josh Gold- Schwartz Gloria Green and Cheryl Green Hillman on Susan and Edward Greenberg on the marriage hirsch, and to grandparents Debbie and Ben Ken Peters: husband of Beth Peters the birth of a great grandson and grandson. of their granddaughter, Margaret Greenberg to Soifer. Marcia Pomerantz: mother of Sylvan Pomer- Ele and Mort Lowenthal on the birth of a great Erik Blumenkranz. antz. grandson, Ayden Marty Akabas Nancy and Jerry Kapchan on the marriage of MAZEL TOV TO B’NAI MITZVAH: Dr. Howard Radwin: brother of Susan Isaacs Rachel Kurth and Michael Mellin on the birth their daughter, Aly Kapchan, to Brett Acker- Matthew Connor Dreyer, son of Bryna and Walter Shuchatowitz (Mr. S): husband of Jackie of a daughter, Charlotte Mellin man. Jonathan Dreyer and to grandparents Marlene Shuchatowitz; and father of Avron, Robert and Meira and Joe Scheiner on the birth of a daugh- Lieba and Steve Lander on the engagement of and Edward Chait and Lois and Neil Dreyer. Phyllis Lander. ter; and to grandparents, Kalia and Yaakov their daughter, Karen Lander, to Kevin Laffer- Selia Sitzer, daughter of Reba and Howard Robert Tathan: father of Sarah Hochman. Scheiner and Goldy and Reuven Stepansky. ty, son of Jody Handler Lafferty and Daniel Laf- Sitzer. Trappler: mother of Mervyn Trappler. Ivy and Marvin Schildkraut on the birth of a ferty. Shayna Friedman, daughter of Stacy Friedman George Trief: father of Frank Trief. grandson. Debra and Stephen Pollack on the marriage of Larry Zuckerberg: brother of Jodi Boxer.

UJF Selected for Grinspoon ‘Life & Legacy’ Program

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cohort 8 along with Ann Arbor, MI Co- lumbus, OH Ottawa, ON Canada, and To- financial incentives to ensure success in ronto, ON Canada. building legacy giving into the philan- Beverly Stein, President of Schoke Jew- thropic culture of Jewish organizations. ish Family Service, is grateful to be partic- Emphasizing collaboration, it works to cre- ipating in this program. “A legacy gift is a ate a united and strong Jewish community lasting investment in our Jewish communi- for the future. ty. It helps to ensure that the Agencies and Betsy Berns Korn, AIPAC president-elect (center), with members of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Diane Sloyer, Federation CEO, facilitat- Synagogues we care about will be viable for Academy Upper School’s Israel Club. ed the connection between LIFE & LEGA- future generations,” she shared. CY and UJF. It is one of the first calls she Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, formerly AIPAC’s President-Elect Discusses made when taking over as CEO, 2 ½ years Bi-Cultural Day School, was founded over ago. It is a lengthy process for acceptance 50 years ago and is excited to participate which includes an application and several in the LIFE & LEGACY program to ensure Israel Advocacy at BCHA interviews. Jewish education is part of Stamford’s Jew- (Courtesy of BCHA) In November, the Isra- the need to continually cultivate among Ameri- Sloyer explains: “I believe that inte- ish landscape for years to come. el Advocacy Club of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Acad- ca’s leaders a strong relationship with the state of grating legacy giving into the philanthrop- “I am thankful that Bi-Cultural will be emy Upper School (BCHA) hosted Betsy Berns Israel. Many BCHA Upper School students plan ic culture of our community is key for the able to participate in this truly communal Korn, president-elect of the American Israel to visit Washington, D.C. this spring to take part continued long-term viability and strength program. The training the Grinspoon Foun- Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), who spoke in AIPAC’s annual policy conference, where they of our local Jewish Community. The legacy dation will provide our community will make to students about her experience as an intern will have the opportunity to advocate for Israel in program offers those who have supported a measurable and lasting impact,” shared at AIPAC in 1989, when she first learned about the halls of Congress. our community during their lifetime the board president David Pitkoff. opportunity to be remembered by main- Organizations in Stamford, New Ca- taining their support long after they have naan and Darien communities now part Walter Shuchatowitz, z”l: A Visionary and Guiding Soul passed on. A legacy gift also allows indi- of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation LIFE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 can do better, he was the neshama who helped viduals and couples who have never donat- & LEGACY program include United Jew- us dream of what our school and communi- ed before and/or are unsure of their future ish Federation, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Acad- In the 1990s, Mr. Shuchatowitz received ty could be.” financial needs the opportunity to help emy, Chabad of New Canaan, Chabad of the coveted Prize presented by the Walter Shuchatowitz was predeceased by provide for the community in a way that Stamford, Congregation Agudath Sholom, State of Israel. In addition, under his leader- his wife, Deena Shuchatowitz, in 2017. He doesn’t impact their current finances.” Friendship Circle, JCC Stamford, Schoke ship, Bi-Cultural was named an outstanding is survived by his wife, Jackie Shuchatowitz, As of December 31, 2019, with 630 par- Jewish Family Service, Temple Beth El, elementary school by the U.S. Department of three children and several grandchildren and ticipating organizations participating in Temple Sinai, and Young Israel of Stam- Education. great-grandchildren. 58 communities throughout North Amer- ford. In a letter to the community, Bi-Cultural Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy will host a ica, LIFE & LEGACY has helped its part- Lenore Fogel will serve as coordina- Day leadership said, “Mr. S. was far more than memorial tribute to Walter Shuchatowitz z”l ners secure more than 25,781 legacy com- tor of the program and can be reached at our school’s founder and founding principal, on Thursday, Jan. 23 at the school, 2186 High mitments with an estimated value of nearly [email protected] for more information. Ad- he was our father, grandfather, mentor and Ridge Rd. Services at 7 p.m., followed by the a billion dollars in future gifts to the Jew- ditional information can be found on the guiding soul. He was the voice that told us we memorial. ish community. UJF has been accepted into Federation website at www.ujf.org/legacy. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 7 UJF Holds Annual Meeting and Year End Celebration (Courtesy of UJF) Ricky Arbron was honored for her three years of service as President of Unit- ed Jewish Federation at UJF’s Year-End Celebra- tion and Annual Meeting in December at the Ferguson Library. The evening was chaired by Dinah Miller-Marlowe and Marlowe. Arbron’s term was marked by a strategic vi- sion to evaluate and redefine Federation’s role, mission and purpose in the community and be- yond. The board was restructured to better rep- resent our diverse community. Each year of her tenure brought new volunteers, more donors and an increased campaign. “Ricky is an out of the box thinker with a tre- mendous amount of love for being Jewish and our Jewish community,” said Diane Sloyer, UJF CEO. “Her energy and enthusiasm spread to oth- Honoree Ricky Arbron joined by Family and Friends (l-r) Ed Hatton, Volunteer of the Year Award recipients Peter Lilienthal, ers and the Federation is blessed to have had her Laura Jaques, Jake Arbron, Ricky Arbron, Linda Gross, Barrett Gross, Toby Lazarus, Shari Raymond and Cathy Satz with UJF CEO as our leader for the past three years.” and Tom Arbron. (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography) Diane Sloyer (center). (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography) Ricky addressed the group at the meeting and conveyed her love of Federation, the driv- what was working, and what was not. We serious- institutions have professional fundraisers. We also ing forces during her tenure and the new chang- ly cut our spending and have focused on staying learned that as great as our Jewish community is, es proposed for Federation and the community. true to our mission statement. We continue to be there were ways we could make it even stronger. “Three years ago, when I stood here be- the communal convener, and we raise funds for You also said you wanted transparency in all that fore you...I asked you to join me in envisioning our local agencies. However, we heard you.” we do. Our new model answers these questions, a stronger and more vibrant Jewish community.” “Many of you expressed concern that concerns and values, you communicated to us... “…We spoke to all segments of our communi- they were getting asks both from our agencies Your dollars are speaking louder and clearer than ty, we continued to learn together within our com- and from us, for our agencies. You wanted to ever before. We are the overall agency to bring munity, took best practices from other Federations know ‘why this duplication?’! As our research our community together – initiating programs and worked through a strategic process to make pointed out, all of our agencies are raising more for the community that only Federation can our community a better place. We honestly faced money directly from our community. All of our d o…”

Jonathan and Dr. Allison Ostroff receive the Harvey Peltz Young Leadership Award. (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography)

“My partnership with all of you has been wonderful. I love our Jewish community more than ever. I welcomed understanding our chal- lenges, speaking with you and hearing your com- ments and dreams about our community.” The evening also honored David Fogel with the Distinguished Leadership Award and the Harvey A. Peltz Award was presented to Dr. Alli- son and Jonathan Ostroff. Volunteers of the Year Eileen and Fred Springer with Judy Raymond. Allan Lichtenberg, Toby Lazarus, Drs. Kayla and Leon Hanna, and event chairs Awards were given to Toby Lazarus, Peter Lilien- (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography) Dinah Miller Marlowe and Seth Marlowe. (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography) thal, Shari Raymond and Cathy Satz. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Outgoing UJF President Ricky Arbron and UJF CEO Diane Sloyer. Over 150 attendees listen to UJF President-elect David Gordon. (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography) (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography)

FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 8 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS

UJF Holds Annual Meeting and Year End Celebration Friendship Circle Offers a Night Out CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 For the Whole Family David P. Gordon was installed as the new UJF President (see his remarks on page 2). (Courtesy of The Friendship Circle) What’s The following officers were installed on the better than a Saturday night out on the town? UJF 2020 board of directors: A night on the town with friends, food and fun, Ricky Arbron, Robin Fischel, Nan Gordon, which is just how a group of children from the Linda Gornitsky, Caryn Halbrecht, Leon Han- Friendship Circle and their siblings recently na, Jill Kaplan, Rachel Klein, Lorraine Kwes- spent their Saturday evening. kin, Peter Lilienthal, Dinah Miller-Marlowe, Called “Kids Night Out,” the program gave Nancy Mimoun, Jonathan Ostroff, Shari Ray- children with special needs, their siblings and mond, Arlene Rosen, Edith Samers, Michael teen volunteers a chance to spend some time to- Schlessinger, Rhonda Schaffer-Maron, Tara gether. Shapiro, Sherry Steiner, Greg Waldstreicher and David Gordon, President-elect, shares his The night began with a musical recitation of Ellen Weber. vision for UJF. Havdalah to mark the end of Shabbat, followed by a pizza dinner at Soosh. Then it was time for the main attraction: a trip to the indoor inflata- ble center, Pump It Up in Norwalk, where the fun and laughter was contagious. One could hear the squeals of delight echo- ing through the building as the youngsters got a chance to climb the rock wall, bounce on inflata- bles and dive into a ball pit. While the event was clearly geared towards Chana Goldstein and teen volunteer, children, the real beneficiaries seem to have been Rebecca Friedlander, enjoy the Pump It the parents. Up inflatables. The experience of having a child with spe- felt very calm about going out after we dropped cial needs varies in every family but for many, it Tamir, our 19 year old son, off for the program.” brings along a set of physical and emotional chal- “The parents got a goody bag that had deli- lenges. Caring for a child with special needs of- cious treats in there. Three of us couples headed ten precludes parents from being able to relax to a restaurant in Stamford. It was the first time Daniel Gordon, UJF President-elect David Gordon, Meryl Gordon, Jonathan Rohner, and and spend some time away from their children in many years that we could sit comfortably with Jonathan Gordon. to focus on themselves, their relationship and other adults and laugh, make jokes, share stories their lives. and more. We all knew that our children were in That’s when the Friendship Circle steps in. the very good and trusty hands of the FC staff.” For Kids Night Out, the parents were encour- “One thing was for sure; all six of us were aged to drop off their kids and enjoy a night on genuinely happy. There are simply no words to the town. describe the deep gratitude, connection and ap- Dorit Shashouah, Friendship Circle mom, preciation to the FC staff for making it happen.” describes it in her own words. “After dropping off For more information or to get involved, our son for Kids Night Out, it was the first time in go to www.FriendshipCT.com or email ages that we actually enjoyed adult company. We [email protected]. Hundreds Attend Eighth Annual Saul Cohen-Schoke JFS Lecture (Courtesy of JFS) Close to 300 guests attend- Greater Boston, encouraged the audience to sup- ed the Eighth Annual Saul Cohen-Schoke JFS port their Jewish identity through community or- Lecture, held at the Ferguson Library, to hear the ganizations such as Schoke JFS. guest speaker, Brandeis University Professor Barry For more information and photos of the Bi-Cultural 8th Graders fill the toy closet. Schrage. Professor Shrage, who served for 30 years event, visit https://www.ctjfs.org/saul-cohen-jfs- as president of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of lecture/ UJF Women Collect Toys for "David's Treasure Chest"

(Courtesy of UJF) Women’s Philan- thropy of United Jewish Federation once again spearheaded a toy drive for Da- vid’s Treasure Chest in Stamford Hos- pital’s children's ward. Toys were col- lected by Federation, Bi-Cultural He- brew Academy, Carmel Academy and Gan Yeladim, Stamford. Eighth graders Pictured is the Steering Committee of the 8th Annual Saul Cohen-Schoke JFS Lecture from BCHA delivered the toys and vis- with guest speaker, Barry Schrage. (l-r) Jonathan Fass, COO of Schoke JFS; Beverly Stein, ited with sick children in addition to President of the Board; Joanna and Mark Frank; Michael and Betsy Stone; Mimi Cohen; learning about David Bennett Kanarek, Barry Shrage, featured speaker; Matt Greenberg, CEO of Schoke JFS; Connie and Alan the young boy in whose memory the toy Freeman; Stephen and Gail G. Trell and Sheila L. Romanowitz. closet is named. David’s Treasure Chest is filled! (Credit: Aviva Maller Photography) FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 9 Chabad of Stamford Runs Spiritual Journey To Israel for Women (Courtesy of Chabad of Stamford) hem to visit the Tomb of Rachel before stop- Chabad of Stamford led a week-long “wom- ping at a soldier’s ‘rest stop’ manned by vol- en’s spiritual journey’’ to Israel in Novem- unteers where the women spent quality ber with a group of local women from Fair- time with off-duty soldiers, including wom- field County. The tour was led by Leah en drone pilots. Another moving experi- Shemtov, Co-Director of Chabad of Stam- ence was going to the ancient city of ford, and began with a stop at the “” in where they had an opportunity to pray at the New York, the resting place of Rabbi Me- Tomb of the . nachem Mendel Schneerson. While there, On Friday the group welcomed in the Sab- the group celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of Le- bath by lighting candles in an apartment over- ah’s daughter, Shaina Shemtov, before de- looking the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem with parting to Israel. magnificent views of the . As Using the Torah as their primary guide they experienced celebrating Shabbat at the the group traveled the length and breadth of with thousands of Jews from all Participants in Chabad of Stamford’s women’s trip to Israel pose during a day spent Israel. Highlights included going to Bethle- over the world, they also had a chance meet- volunteering at Pantry Packers food bank in Jerusalem. (l-r) Lieba Lander, Dallice ing with another Lazarus, Maddy Shapiro, Cyndy Goldberg, Leah Shemtov, Stephanie Finder, Aliza Avshalom (tour guide) and Linda Spilka Stamford resident and former Gan Ye- ladim Alum, Shos- The trip included those who were visit- time volunteering at “Pantry Packers,” the hana Munk, who was ing Israel for the first time and those who had food distribution arm of , the thrilled to be hav- been countless times before. For all, howev- oldest continuously operating network of so- ing a Shabbat meal er, it was a chance to see Israel in a new and cial services in Israel, established in 1788. with three of her for- unique light. They also worked on an archeological dig mer teachers! At the Throughout the seven days, the group unearthing artifacts and debris from Jerusa- Golan Heights, they was fortunate to travel with a knowledgeable lem. From sightseeing to praying to volun- had another chance tour guide and met many individuals includ- teering and learning, the trip had something to connect to Stam- ing rabbis, journalists and soldiers. For Lei- for everyone. ford when they dis- ba Lander, seeing Israel through the eyes of According to participant, Dallice La- covered their guide their tour guide was one of the highlights of zarus, “Our women’s spiritual journey should for the afternoon had the trip, adding that “her sharing of her love be renamed trip of a lifetime as it was the been a former visit- of the land and yiddishkeit along with her in- most inspiring time filled with tears and joy ing soldier to Stam- credible knowledge made our travels shine and life changing feelings.’’ ford on the JCC’s with understanding and beauty on a trip that For Leiba Lander, the journey was “be- The travelers visit Maarat Hamachpela (the Cave of the Patriarchs) “Tzahal Shalom’’ pro- will remain in our hearts forever.” yond words, allowing spiritually to flow at in the ancient city of Hebron. gram. The women were privileged to spend every moment.” Stamford Organizations Court New Jewish Families Jewish community, traveled to New York case to these families the attractiveness City in November to participate in the Or- and advantages of their respective com- thodox Union’s (OU) Seventh Internation- munities,” said Orthodox Union President al Jewish Community Home & Job Relo- Moishe Bane. cation Fair. The fair is aimed at recruiting “The enthusiasm shown by the rep- new families and individuals to move to resentatives from Connecticut as they different Jewish communities throughout demonstrated the vibrancy of their com- the country. munity’s Orthodox Jewish life was truly ex- “Stamford has all the amenities that traordinary,” said Orthodox Union Exec- Orthodox families could want, including utive Vice President Allen Fagin. “As doz- two Orthodox synagogues, eruv (Shabbat ens of community fair participants crowd- boundaries), mikvah (ritual bath), a day ed around their table, they had an opportu- school and three kosher restaurants. We’ve nity to be introduced to a welcoming com- had a lot of young families move here with- munity which is rich in the infrastructure in the last four to five years. We hope that necessary for a full and meaningful Ortho- some families come for a Shabbat, which is dox life.” the best way to experience our communi- Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union ty, and hopefully some of those people will serves as the voice of American Orthodox eventually move here,” said Michael Feld- Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its stein, who represented Stamford at the fair. synagogue network. As the umbrella organ- “For various reasons, including the ization for American Orthodox Jewry, the high costs of tuition and housing in the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on New York City area, there is a growing cad- both state and federal levels, as well as out- Stamford residents (l-r) Elaine Finkelstein, a Jewish community volunteer; Miriam re of Orthodox families exploring other lo- reach to Jewish teens and young profession- Sperber, director of admissions at Stamford’s Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy; and cations throughout the country and Israel als through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birth- Jonathan Makovsky, a local realtor. to establish their homes. We are pleased to right, Yachad and OU Press, among many (Courtesy of Bi-Cultural Hebrew Acade- Academy, as well as other synagogues and have been able to assemble so many Torah other divisions and programs. For more in- my) Representatives of Bi-Cultural Hebrew organizations within Stamford’s Orthodox communities and to enable them to show- formation, visit https://www.ou.org/. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 10 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS No Hate, No Fear UJF convenes community interfaith vigil (Courtesy of UJF) On Sunday ing, in the Pledge of Allegiance. evening, January 5, over 500 people The New World Chorus, led by gathered at Temple Beth El in Stam- Beth Styles, Founder, Composer, Di- ford for a vigil convened by United rector; and Jason Terry, Choir Di- Jewish Federation’s Jewish Commu- rector, sang meaningful songs that nity Relations Council (JCRC), and touched all in the audience, bringing New Canaan Chief of Police Leon Krolikowski: Steven Ginsburg, ADL CT Director: “We are the Interfaith Council of Southwest- them to their feet in the closing song, “Three requests: Do something kind tomorrow getting many more reports of anti-semitism ern Connecticut. The Board of Rab- Oseh Shalom, a prayer for peace. for someone….Keep in your thoughts and prayers and hate called to our office...We also get bis and AJC co-sponsored the event. Speeches were heartfelt and unit- the thousands of police officers that are serving a whole different kind of call - the call from The gathering was a result of the ing. The New Canaan Chief of Po- our nation and our communities…...Pass along clergy, the call from our elected officials, the recent myriad of anti-Semitic as- lice, Leon Krolikowski, called on all this message to 10-20 people who weren’t here call from the police, the call from community saults. In addition to the participa- “to pay it forward and do something tonight.” leaders - saying `what can we do to help’. tion of those in the local communi- good for someone else...This simple Tonight is part of that.” ty, the event was attended by local act can make a difference.” and state politicians including Gov- Governor Ned Lamont shared, ernor Ned Lamont, Senator Rich- “Looking at this room and the love ard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim and the shared humanity, this is what Himes, Connecticut Attorney Gener- it takes to conquer some of the poison al William Tong, Stamford Mayor Da- that is out there right now.” vid Martin and many more. (see full Senator Richard Blumenthal add- list in the box below). Also joining ed, “We need to teach to love, to de- the event were law enforcement from spise hatred and stamp it out, and to both Stamford and New Canaan as continue to light candles. No hate, no well as area clergy of all faiths. Over fear; we are Americans; we will not 30 dignitaries sat on the bima (stage) tolerate it.” and participated in a candle lighting A common theme of the remarks ceremony. included the need for dialogue, edu- The evening began with opening cation and an appreciation for diver- remarks by UJF CEO Diane Sloyer, sity. followed by David Gordon, UJF Pres- To learn more about the work Cantor Jill Abramson participates The New World Chorus sings “Heal Us,” “Eli, Eli,” and “Oseh ident, who introduced the dignitaries of UJF’s Jewish Community Rela- in the candle lighting ceremony. Shalom.” and led the audience, which included tion’s Council, email Diane Sloyer at an additional 500 people live stream- [email protected]. All photos are courtesy of Aviva Maller Photography.

Dignitaries in Attendance at the Vigil: Clergy: Rabbi Moshe Shemtov, Chabad of Stamford Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont Cantor Jill Abramson, Congregation Shir Ami, Greenwich Reverend Frances Sink, The Unitarian Universalist Congregation, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal Dr. Kareem Adeeb, Imam, Muslim Study and Prayer Group Stamford U.S. Congressman Jim Himes Rev. Dr. Michael Christie, Union Baptist Church, Stamford Reverend David Van Dyke, 1st Presbyterian Church, Stamford CT Attorney General William Tong Father Justin Crisp, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, New Canaan Rabbi Oran Zweiter, Congregation Agudath Sholom, Stamford CT State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff Reverend Shelley Donaldson, First Presbyterian Church, Stamford Mr. Talay Hafiz, President, Stamford Islamic Center CT State Senator Carlo Leone Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El Stamford Mr. Maher Hussein, President, Islamic Cultural Center, Norwalk CT State Senator Will Haskell Pastor Robert Hewitt, 1st United Methodist Church Stamford Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed, Islamic Cultural Center of NY - Stamford CT State Representative Fox Minister Michael Hyman, Union Baptist Church, Stamford CT State Representative Matt Blumenthal Rabbi Eli Kohl, Young Israel of Stamford Local Agency Heads: CT State Representative Caroline Simmons Reverend Mark Lingle, St. Francis Episcopal Church, Stamford, Ms. Diane Sloyer, CEO, United Jewish Federation Stamford Mayor David Martin President Interfaith Council Mr. Steven Ginsburg, Director of ADL Connecticut Stamford Board Representative Dan Lyon Reverend Susan M. Pfeil, United Congregational Church, Norwalk Mr. Marshall Kurland, CEO JCC Stamford Police Chief Leon Krolikowski, New Canaan Rabbi Liz Rolle, Chaplain, Stamford Hospital Ms. Jackie Herman, Head of School, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Captain Sue Bretthauser, Stamford Police Rabbi Phil Schechter, Jewish War Veterans Excerpts from UJF CEO Diane Sloyer’s Vigil Remarks Thank you all for being here with us this These attacks don’t fit any one narrative. recently said, “No healthy democracy can af- against hate and violence in all its forms. evening-we stand strong together ..No Hate, The perpetrators over the last year have been ford to tolerate anti-Semitism in its midst. It We truly appreciate all of you being here No Fear! from different backgrounds and have ex- is a sign of long-term rot in that democracy,” tonight. Community leaders, clergy of many faiths, pressed different politics. Hating Jews is just the beginning of a rot Let today be an evening of love and toler- elected officials…tonight we are one, coming But what all these individuals have in that sets in to corroding societies. ance - for our community and for our broad- together as a community to say enough! common is their hatred of Jews. It has to stop. It’s not a Jewish problem. It’s er communities in which we live. Each day of the 8 day festival of Chanu- No one should feel intimidated into hid- an American problem. No hate, no fear - this speaks to ALL OF kah there were attacks on Jews in NY/NJ. ing their Jewishness or any religion they We need our community partners, allies US. Let’s show the world what we are made Every single day. choose to outwardly display. and friends, like you, to stand with us. of. Love, compassion, devotion to principles - Every single day during the Festival of No one should accept this as “normal.” We need protection, we need our politi- proud Jews and our good neighbors working, Lights, we saw darkness and evil. As Jewish Historian Deborah E. Lipstadt cal leaders, and we need you to stand united praying, advocating… side by side. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 11

UJF President David Gordon introduces the dignitaries.

Dr. Kareem Adeeb, Imam: “stand up and say No to Anti-Semitism, No State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Rabbi Joshua Hammerman: “We are to Islamophobia, No to hate, No to State Representative Matt Blumenthal and here tonight to proclaim that hate will racism, Yes to the unity of God, Yes Rabbi Oran Zweiter light candles. never win.” to the unity of the universe, Yes to the unity of mankind.”

Audience members hold signs reading “Hatred and fear have no place here.”

(l-r) Attorney General William Tong, Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Stamford Police Captain Sue Bretthauer: UJF CEO Diane Sloyer and U.S. Senator Richard Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont: “Be vigilant. Pay attention to what is Blumenthal. “Looking at this room and the love and going on...The police are here, for each the shared humanity - this is what it takes and every one of you.” to conquer some of the poison that is out there right now.”

U.S. Congressman Jim Himes: “..I am comforted to stand with members of my community, with the governor, with senators, with state senators, with state representatives, with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal: “Hate is attorney generals and police Mayor David Martin: “Rather than racism - Attorney General William Tong: “My grandmother a virus that has plagued our faith and so captains and imams and rabbis respect. Rather than hatred - love. Rather than came as an immigrant...a refugee running from war too other faiths that are represented on and priests….all come together fear - courage….Respect and love and courage and violence…My grandmother would say ‘I didn’t this bimah.” to say no to hate.” is the way for us, as a species, to survive.” come all this way to watch us tear ourselves apart.’”

Reverend Mark Lingle: “What we are calling for us all to work on, and for the community and the larger society to be engaged in, is the work of becoming a better Minister Michael Hyman: “Words do matter...We must human being…Let us go forth in love.” make sure that we speak up.” All photos are courtesy of Aviva Maller Photography. Teens from UJF’S Kuriansky Teen Tzedakah Program. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 12 The New Jewish Voice CHANUKAH HAPPENINGS Chabad of New Canaan Celebrates Chanukah

Cars line up for Chabad of Stamford's Menorah Car Parade. Chabad of Stamford

Shines on Chanukah The New Canaan Fire Department helped celebrate Chanukah, with the “Gelt Drop” (Courtesy of Chabad of Stamford) Every Coming so soon after the horror that oc- from a fire truck. year, Chabad of Stamford celebrates Cha- curred in Monsey and the rising violence against nukah with various community events. This Jews globally, Rabbi Moshe Shemtov’s Chanukah year was no exception as Chabad kicked off message was especially timely. Shemtov said, ‘’As the holiday with its 31st giant menorah light- we lit up the streets of Stamford with 27 cars, each ing ceremony at Latham Park. More than 350 sporting a bright menorah, a police escort, joyous people enjoyed Stamford’s first-ever giant gelt families, doughnuts, snacks, hot latkes and mu- drop, live music from ‘’Three Rabbis and a sic, we showed that joy and love and Jewish pride Cik,” and an olive oil-making demonstration, will win through.’’ He added that the goal of Cha- as well as latkes, doughnuts and hot ci- nukah was ‘’to spread the message of light, good- der. ness and positivity having power to overshad- Leah Shemtov, co-director of Chabad of ow bad, darkness and negativity, at the very time Stamford, said of the event, “The giant meno- that evil and Anti-Semitism reared their ugly rah lighting is an opportunity for the entire heads just a few miles from us over the Gover- Jewish community of Stamford to come to- nor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, to remind us that gether and celebrate as we ‘light up’ the night we must stand stronger, be proud Jews and not together.” give in. The timing of Chanukah and its message Other Chanukah events held during the is not by chance.” Rabbi Moshe urged the com- week included the Jewish Women Connect- munity to ‘’take the Chanukah energy and mes- Over 100 people gathered on God’s Acre in New Canaan to celebrate Chanukah with ed (JWC) Package Party, where gifts that were sage: that though they rise up against us, we will Chabad of New Canaan. brought to the party were auctioned off for persevere!’’ charity, a Chanukah brunch for the communi- Having given out 9,000 Chanukah candles, ty with music from Bobby Doowah, a ‘’Betsy’s 220 dreidels, 720 doughnuts, 1500 Chanukah Buddies’’ lunch for seniors and their friends, guides, 872 latkes, 200 menorah kits and 5342 and the annual Menorah Car Parade through chocolate coins; provided entertainment for Stamford. The Menorah Car Parade, which in- 16 seniors by the children of Gan Yeladim at cluded 27 cars decked out with menorahs on the Betsy’s Buddies lunch; and held the giant their roofs, lit up the streets of Stamford as par- menorah lighting and the Menorah Car Pa- ticipants drove together to spread Chanukah rade, Chabad of Stamford kept the Chanukah light and spirit. flames burning bright in Stamford.

(l-r) Izzy Kanefsky, Marina Sapir, Matvey Grinman, Galina Kats, Tamara Grinman, Jannette Vitenzon, Rimma Livshits, Rozanna Frolov, Nelly Averbakh, Raisa Gluskiy, Esther Shklover, Rebekah Kanefsky and Ilya Molodetskiy. Anachnu Celebrates Chanukah (Courtesy of JFS) Marina Sapir, Director ed by the Claims Conference. of the Anachnu Program, and Rebekah Anachnu is a program managed by Kanefsky, Case Management Director at Schoke JFS with support from Jewish Feder- Schoke Jewish Family Service, celebrated ations of North America Center for Advanc- the first night of Chanukah at an event spon- ing Holocaust Survivor Care, Kavod SHEF, sored by the Conference on Jewish Materi- the Claims Conference, and the Kuriansky al Claims Against Germany, and hosted by Teen Tzedakah Fund of United Jewish Fed- the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York eration. City. Ten Anachnu participants were present For more information, visit www.ctjfs.org/ Chanukah celebrants brave the cold to pose in front of Chabad’s giant menorah in downtown Stamford. (Credit: Steve Labkoff/www.luminantpix.com) at the event, with the transportation provid- anachnu FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 CHANUKAH HAPPENINGS The New Jewish Voice 13 NextGen’s ‘Lights, Latkes & Laughter’ Celebrates Chanukah (Courtesy of UJF) Couples and singles from around the Greater Stamford area came together on Saturday night, De- cember 14, to celebrate Chanukah with United Jewish Fed- eration’s NextGen at the “Lights, Latkes & Laughter” event. The program was held in the party room of the Beacon in Harbor Point. Lively music and soft candlelight were the perfect backdrop for the more than 80 guests who came to mingle, catch up with friends and meet new people. Besides sampling latkes and other holiday fare, guests had a chance to taste a variety of spirits and sip special- ty holiday cocktails from Litchfield Distillery, a Connecti- cut craft liquor company. Spirits specialist Naomi Adler ed- ucated guests about the natural ingredients and flavorings used from local farmers to create their products one batch at a time. Special thanks go to Josh Esses, and the event commit- tee. For more information about United Jewish Federation’s NextGen group, contact Sharon Franklin at [email protected].

COMMUNITY NEWS Carmel Combines Social Skills and STEAM After School (Courtesy of Carmel Academy) “Often gram, beginning at Carmel Academy this Carmel Academy currently offers so- lifelong friendships are formed in conven- spring, will allow children to develop cial skills training for all of its students, TK tional after school programs, such as sports. meaningful friendships while learning the through 8. The school uses the Dr. Michelle However, our students do not always have soft skills necessary to be successful in the Dunn’s S.O.S. social skills program, which similar interests. The idea to combine so- careers of the future. These skills include focuses on the direct teaching of social cial skills with STEAM evolved after no- creative critical thinking, inferencing, col- skills, behavioral and emotional regulation ticing that students who were not interest- laboration, working as a team, as well as the and peer mentoring. This, combined with ed in sports were left out of our after-school ability to have conversations and fun. Par- the Second Step program, which is root- program schedule. We also observed that a ticularly, children who spend their day hav- ed in social-emotional learning, includes large percentage of our students are more in- ing to focus on subjects or activities they emotion management, problem solving, terested in STEAM than our robust athlet- aren’t particularly interested in are given empathy and skills for learning. Second ic program. It is important to us that every the opportunity to build on their strengths. Step, S.O.S and this new after school pro- child has an opportunity to participate in a This will greatly help their self-esteem. gram include a parent component, with non-school related after school program,” This after school program will give them parent training and communication. Carmel students Elijah G., Jack H., and said Lisa Corner, Director of Educational the opportunity to feel good about them- Contact Lisa Corner for more informa- Derek P. work together as a team to Resources and PALS program. selves and develop their interests while in a tion at (203) 983-3556 or lisa.corner@car- engineer a structure in the middle school The new social skills and STEAM pro- structured and supportive setting. melacademy.com. STEAM lab. UConn-Stamford Offers Spring 2020 Judaic Studies Programming (Courtesy of Center for Judaic Studies, and Contemporary Jewish Life at Stamford is European Jewish experience at 5:30 p.m. in the subject of Nechama Tec’s book Defiance UConn) The Center for Judaic Studies at co-sponsoring a “dress for success” clothing the MPR. Panelists will include Dr. Andrew and the film adaptation. This program will be UConn Stamford is pleased to announce its drive. Business attire for both men and wom- Zalewski, vice president of Gesher Galicia the Center’s annual Yom Hashoah commem- spring programming. en, including accessories, will be gratefully (geshergalicia.org), an organization dedicat- oration. On Tuesday, January 28, distinguished accepted by donation. ed to the history of Jewish Galicia and au- All events are free of charge and open to NYU historian of German Jewish life Marion On Thursday, April 2, at 12:30 p.m. in the thor of two books on the subject; Leora Tec, the public. Parking in the Target lot on Broad Kaplan will deliver the annual Jacobson Lec- MPR, Dr. Mark Weisstuch will give a spe- founder of Bridge to Poland (bridgetopoland. Street is recommended. For more informa- ture. Her topic concerns refugees to Portugal cial interfaith lecture in preparation for Pass- org), that promotes dialogue between con- tion about any of these programs, or if you during Nazism, the subject of her latest book. over and Easter on “Re-visioning the Cross: temporary Poles and American Jews; and require an accommodation, contact Profes- The lecture begins at 6 p.m., preceded by a 5 Chagall’s Crucifixion Paintings.” Ralph Berger, an editor of his parents’ writ- sor Roden, Stamford Coordinator for Judaic p.m. reception. Reservations are not required. On Tuesday, April 28, the Center will ings as members of the Bielski partisans who Studies, at [email protected] or 203- In February, the Center for Judaic Studies host a panel discussion on the legacies of the survived Nazism in the Belorussian forests, 251-8559. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 14 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS ICRF CT Chapter Temple Beth El Spreads Honors Stuart Berni at Gala Holiday Cheer (Courtesy of ICRF) Nearly 300 gathered at the Stamford Hilton to recognize Stuart Berni of Greenwich at November’s fourth annual He- roes For Hope gala for his 10 years of support and leadership of the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) and for his ongoing support of community challenges. The evening amassed $300,000 for cancer research scientists in Isra- el. Mr. Berni stirred the audience with his soar- ing rhetoric, “Enough is Enough!” Stamford mayor David Martin, who lost his wife to cancer and was the honorary event chair, pleaded, “Let us make miracles!” Stuart and Bran Berni

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Bottom row: (l-r) Catalina Horak, Exec Dir of B1C; Gail G. Trell; Belle Horwitz; Ivonne Zucco, B1C Workforce Development Director; and Alejandra Gomez, B1C staff person Top row: (l-r) Steven Trell, Linda Rothman, Betsy Herold, Herold, Jonathan Weiner, Rabbi Hammerman.

(Courtesy of Temple Beth El) This the appearance of the Street Angels year, as part of Temple Beth El’s ex- singing holiday songs. panded Tikkun Olam program through The dinner was held for immigrant Beth El Cares, TBE volunteers prepared workers, primarily men, who are alone and served food at Pacific House, Cov- during the holiday season and whose enant House, Inspirica and, new this families are in their home countries. year, Building One Community (B1C). B1C has opened its doors to become Over 120 TBE volunteers provided a welcoming point of entry for new- food and gifts, entertained guests and comers from all parts of the world, and volunteered at the four facilities, help- works to advance the successful inte- ing to make this a special holiday for gration of immigrants and their fami- all that attended. lies into this country. Lunch was served at Covenant Ivonne Zucco, Workforce Develop- House on December 24 and each guest ment Director for Building One Com- received a gift of hats, gloves or socks, munity, said, “The workers’ holiday in addition to their choice of coats. party was a huge success. Everyone Dinner was served at Pacific House who attended had a wonderful time and Inspirica. All of the children at In- and are grateful for the gifts and the spirica received specially wrapped toys delicious food that was served. We, and the women were given make-up, the staff at B1C, are so thankful for perfume and toiletries in large cosmet- TBE’s dedication and generosity to- ic bags. All of the men received gloves, wards our participants. We were also scarves or hats. so touched by the message of care and TBE provided singers at each lo- understanding of our common human cation and Santa Claus (aka Steven experiences delivered by Rabbi Ham- Lander) made a special appearance, merman to our immigrant workers along with Rabbi Hammerman who lit hope and the feeling that they matter the Hanukkah candles. t o m any.” New this year, TBE provided a spe- The Beth El Cares dinners were co- cial dinner and evening of games at ordinated by Amy Temple with the as- B1C for over 60 people on Sunday, De- sistance of Joy Katz and Karen Resnick. United Jewish Federation cember 22, as part of TBE’s new Im- The Immigrant Task Force dinner was migration Task Force in coordination coordinated by Belle Horwitz, head of with Beth El Cares. A special treat was the TBE Immigration Task Force. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 INTERNATIONAL NEWS The New Jewish Voice 15 Greek Woman Reunited With Siblings She Saved During Holocaust and Their 40 Descendants BY ELIANA RUDEE / JNS.ORG than 265 aged and needy Righteous Among “There is no way to describe the acts of the Nations living in 18 countries, has reunited heroism and the danger they took upon them- Holocaust survivors and their rescuers in Is- selves and all those around them to shelter an rael. entire family,” said Sarah Yanai upon reuniting “The beauty of [making this reunion] in with the Greek woman who, along with her Israel is we got to have the whole family, l’dor two sisters, hid her and five other members of v’dor,” Stanlee Stahl, executive vice president of her family during the Holocaust. JFR, told JNS. “You get to see the generations, “The feeling is very emotional and very ex- including two grandchildren in uniform,” she citing. I cannot describe it,” said the 86-year- said. old. “What can I say? They saved our lives.” Mor’s grandson — Imri Dor, 22 — arrived At the Hall of Names at Jerusalem’s Yad in uniform to meet his grandfather’s rescuer, Vashem, Greek rescuer Melpomeni Dina, 92, currently serving in the paratrooper’s unit in now living in Thessaloniki, Greece, was re- the IDF. “It’s a huge event,” he said. “We heard united with two survivors she saved during a lot about [Dina] and everything she did for the Holocaust: Yanai, who now lives in Ramat our family; she has inspired me as a person Hasharon, and her brother Yossi Mor, 77, now At the Hall of Names in Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Greek rescuer Melpomeni Dina, and it means so much [to meet her]. It fulfills living in Beersheva. 92, reunites with (left) Sarah Yanai, 86, one of the survivors she saved during the you and gives you perception.” Melpomeni Dina (then Gianopoulou) was Holocaust. (Credit: Eliana Rudee) Dor noted that his army service, in the just 14 when she and her two orphaned sisters, context of the story of his grandfather, is “al- Efthimia and Bithleem, decided to hide the en members of the Mordechai family. Foundation for the Righteous (JFR) and Yad ways on my mind; it’s why I’m doing what I’m Jewish family in their home “They loved my mother very much be- Vashem, Dina was introduced to nearly 40 de- doing.” For more than two years, they hid and cause of her good heart,” recalled Mor, “so scendants of Yanai and Mor. “We don’t have another place to be other provided for the Mordechai family, including they took upon themselves the dangerous After meeting all these relatives, Dina de- than Israel,” he said. “This is our only coun- Sarah and Yossi; their parents (Mentes and mission to hide us in their home.” clared that she sees every member of their fam- try, and we must be strong because [the Holo- Mari); and siblings Asher, Shmuel, and Ra- The three sisters shared their food rations ilies as her own. “I am very happy to be here caust] could happen again if we are not.” chel. Due to the heroism and sacrifice of the with the Mordechai family and sheltered and to see you,” she told Yanai and Mor, with According to Stahl, this is likely JFR’s last Gianopoulou sisters, most of the family sur- them, despite the risk. As supplies were scarce tears in her eyes, again inviting them and their reunion “because of the age and frailty” of the vived the war. and expensive, Bithleem and Melpomeni cul- family to live with her in her home in Greece. survivors, and even more of those who helped According to Yad Vashem, Gianopou- tivated a piece of land they owned in a swamp “We will stay together day and night for save them, like Dina. lou’s connection to the Mordechai family was near Yiannitsa, about 25 miles from Ver- two days,” Yanai told Dina. “We have a lot to Joel Zisenwine, director of Yad Vashem’s through Melpomeni’s sister, Efthimia (mar- ia, and when they would return from work- talk about.” Righteous Among the Nations Department, ried name Xanthopoulou), who before the ing the land, they would carry on their backs Yanai continued, saying “it’s very hard to spoke of the rareness of such a meeting. invasion of Greece had studied to become a provisions for all 10 people. describe my feelings in words; it’s something “As time passes, we have fewer survivors seamstress at Mari Mordechai’s studio in Ver- After illness took the life of Yossi’s older deep in my heart. It brings me back many and even fewer rescuers,” he stated. “This com- ia. Since Efthimia was an orphan and very brother, Shmuel, the family’s hiding was dis- years, [thinking] how they kept us and how ing together of the offspring and descendants poor, Mari did not charge her for the lessons. covered and reported to the authorities. Mel- they worried about us. We hid in her house; in Yad Vashem, which is authorized to com- Efthimia became attached to the Mor- pomeni’s family helped the Mordechai family she saved all my family. Now she can see our memorate the Holocaust in the presence of dechais and visited them regularly after they flee to the Vermio Mountains, continuing to large family — all this thanks to her because monuments” like the Hall of Names, “makes it went into hiding. When a new place was provide for the family until the end of the war. she saved us. She did such a great thing! You even more meaningful.” needed, she arranged for them to move to On April 12, 1994, Yad Vashem recog- cannot imagine how dangerous it was for her Since the work of Zisenwine’s department her home in Veria, where she lived with two nized Melpomeni Dina as one of the Right- and for her whole family to keep our whole often occurs past the death of the Righteous younger sisters, 15-year-old Bithleem (lat- eous Among the Nations. family.” Among the Nations, he said, “to see a living er Sumbasi) and 14-year-old Melpomeni. At the meeting, which was made possible This was the first time that the JFR, which testimony of someone who took part in a res- There, in one room, they accommodated sev- by a partnership between the US-based Jewish provides monthly financial assistance to more cue mission is even more moving.” First ‘Israeli’ Planet Named After Hebrew Letter Alef BY ITAMAR As part of the project, the IAU offered EICHNER/YNETNEWS.COM dozens of countries the chance to name a Planet HAT-P-9b, aka Alef, right, in a planet and a star in solar systems outside of size comparison with the planet Jupiter. the Milky Way. (Credit: The Astrophysical Journal) So far, over 400,000 people from 110 The Ministry of Science, Technology and countries have voted which name they liked Space announced on Monday that it will be the most for their respective country’s plan- naming a planet after the Hebrew letter Alef. et. The unique name was chosen in an on- Israel is among the leading countries in line poll set by the Israel Space Agency, in the number of suggested planet names and which over 20,000 users picked the winner the number of voters who actively partici- out of 1,600 different user-submitted sugges- pated in the poll. tions. The letter Alef, a word that stems from The competition was held on the occa- the proto-Semitic word for “bull” and its sion of the 100th anniversary of the Inter- written form resembles an ox’s head, has an national Astronomical Association, which abundance of different meanings. is the only institution authorized to assign names to celestial bodies. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 16 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS Sinai Circles: Connecting at Temple Sinai BY LARRY STOOGENKE wide variety of the congregation. Just im- DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL agine being part of a Temple Sinai Dead ENGAGEMENT Head circle for those who loved Jerry Gar- As Temple Sinai’s membership con- cia’s music, or joining a men’s book club, tinues to grow, so grows the opportuni- or gathering monthly with a shabbat din- ty to find new ways to meet the congrega- ner club, or being guided by a trained do- tion’s needs. Starting in March, Temple Si- cent in a “sensing art” circle. What better nai will be launching Sinai Circles, a sig- way to marry heritage with our commu- nificant addition to its programming. Sinai nity while developing authentic connec- Circles are congregant-led small groups of tions? no more than 8-12 people, which will meet Sinai Circles will not only deepen rela- on a regular basis around shared interests tionships within the small group, it will al- and discuss Jewish wisdom and values. Si- low those who participate to feel a great- Celebrating their winning opener are the BCHA Bobcats: (l-r) Josh Marcus, Daniel nai Circles will create safe, nurturing spac- er sense of belonging and to find their ma- Janush, Ben Marcus, Justin Krebs, Doug Herman, Gavin Rakitt, Dovid Trencher, Avichai es for the congregants to grow with each kom (both a name for God and the Hebrew Jeiger, Nate Herman, David Waknine, and Coach Stefan Driehuizen. other. word for “place”) in the greater congrega- Esteemed Rabbi Eugene Borowitz, z”l, tion as a whole. Everyone knows how much used the term “groupiness” when speak- more comfortable it is to walk into servic- Go Bobcats! ing of the power of small groups. He un- es or a program and see a familiar face. Si- derstood that “the group experience, inten- nai Circles is how the synagogue mem- (Courtesy of BCHA) The first game of the team. The BCHA Bobcats pulled off a victo- tional and repeat encounters, would foster bers will find their family-of-choice within basketball season proved to be an exciting ry against the team from Winston Prep. The much deeper relationships. The sheen of their spiritual home, leading to a true ke- and celebratory one for the Bi-Cultural He- teens are looking forward to more of the same surface “hellos” will be replaced with much hilah kedoshah, sacred community. Tem- brew Academy Upper School Boys Basketball as the season unfolds. more satisfying kinship.” ple Sinai is excited to implement this initi- There are seven circles ready to launch. ative and witness its growth; the possibili- They are diverse and designed to attract a ties are endless.

Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Lower School students presented the Broadway hit musical “The Lion King.” The Lion King Roars at Gan Yeladim Hosts Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy (Courtesy of BCHA) Another opening, yet one more example of the importance we place Family Fun Day another show! And what a show it was when on the arts here at BCHA, and the dedication of (Courtesy of Chabad of Stamford) Gan an interactive drum circle program, “A Drum the curtain was raised in December on the our outstanding arts department which contin- Yeladim Early Childhood Center hosted an Tale Lion King,” led by Musical IQ. Other activi- Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy musical theat- ually creates opportunities for our students to open house and family fun day in December. ties included ceramics, challah making, arts and er production of “The Lion King Jr.” shine bright and showcase their unique talents,” Over 100 parents and children were treated to crafts and a CPR course. “Our annual musical theater production is said BCHA Head of School Jackie Herman.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 er symbolism, as the universe is also believed letter of the Hebrew alphabet. countries, such as Luxembourg and Belgium. to be infinite. Both names were chosen to symbolize Minister of Science, Technology and Space It’s the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet In Kabbalah, a school of thought in Jew- completeness – from Alef to Tav, from A to Z, Ofir Akunis welcomed the name choice. and is also used as a vowel. ish mysticism, Alef symbolizes the unity of from Alpha to Omega. “This is an interesting and respectable In set theory, a branch of mathematics or the Lord. Alef, aka HAT-P-9b by its scientific name, choice by the Israeli public, who participat- of symbolic logic that deals with the nature Alef’s mother star will be called Tevel, a is located 1,500 light-years from planet Earth ed en masse to determine the name for the and relations of sets, the letter Alef is used to flowery Hebrew term for “universe.” The star’s in the Auriga constellation, which is home new planet of the State of Israel,” said Akunis indicate the strength of an infinite set - anoth- name also begins with the letter Tav – the last to other planets named by various different in a statement. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 17 UJF Teens Make Lasagna for Carmel Academy Middle School Those in Need Gives Back for Chanukah gratitude, the middle school students at Carmel (Courtesy of JFS) A group of teens from frozen in Schoke JFS’s Freedberg Family Ko- Academy went on field trips to give back to the UJF’s Kuriansky Teen Tzedekah Corps pre- sher Food Pantry and are available for distri- community’s many local establishments. pared lasagna in the kitchen at Schoke Jew- bution to clients who need food assistance. The sixth graders spent time at The New Jew- ish Family Service (JFS). The Kuriansky Teen For more information on the Teen ish Home in Westchester County, where they Tzedekah Corps is a youth program of Unit- Tzedakah program, contact Diane played games and chatted with residents. ed Jewish Federation which is open to teens Sloyer at (203)321-1373 ext 105 The seventh grade visited the Schoke Jewish in the 10th-12th grades. The lasagnas were or [email protected]. Family Service Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry in Stamford and brought in food dona- tions from the middle school. They spent their time stocking the pantry and had a rich discus- sion on food insecurity and the role the pantry plays in the area. They asked thoughtful ques- tions such as: What qualifies as food insecure? What is the process for being able to take food from the pantry? Why would the pantry spend extra money on buying kosher meat instead of buying cheaper dry food? The eighth grade visited the United Hebrew Nursing Home in New Rochelle, NY. The stu- dents played high energy games and engaged Carmel’s seventh graders, Mica F., Lyla D., in meaningful conversations with the residents Maddy W., Spencer G., Gabe L., S. about where they grew up and their favorite hol- and Rachel B., stocked the food pantry at iday memories. Schoke Jewish Family Service in Stamford. In a culmination of this learning unit, the (Courtesy of Carmel Academy) Chanukah entire Carmel community participated in a toy learning at Carmel Academy includes an exten- drive with the JCCA for Pleasantville Cottage sive unit, in all grades, on gratitude and kind- Campus, a residential treatment program serv- ness. In honor of Chanukah, and to express their ing children ages 7 to 15.

United Jewish Federation

FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 18 The New Jewish Voice PJ LIBRARY ‘PJ Our Way’ Bakes for a Cause PJ Corner (Courtesy of UJF) PJ Our Way held a mitzvah program in December entitled “Bake Taste & Donate.” Area tweens had the opportunity to give back to their com- munity and have fun in the process, bak- ing several kinds of cookies from scratch. After sampling their creations, the kids wrapped cookies in cellophane tied with colorful ribbon, and included a personal message they had written for each bag be- fore the packages were donated. The kids and PJ Our Way Director Sha- ron Franklin talked about the idea of Tik- kun Olam, or repairing the world, and Celebrate Tu B'Shevat by creating the importance of doing mitzvahs (good PJ Our Way “bakers” show off some of their cookie gift packages. handprint tree art. deeds) for those less fortunate. The cook- ie packages were later delivered to Inspiri- ▶ Interested in getting PJ Library books? ca, a local shelter, just in time for the hol- Sign up at www.pjlibrary.org for books iday season. Special thanks to Emily Ba- geared to kids six months to 8 ½ years of linsky and her mother, Tracey Aaron, for age. Go to www.pjourway.org for chap- chairing this program, and to Congrega- ter books for kids 8 ½ to 11 years old. tion Agudath Sholom for the use of their Stamford is now a one book per child kitchen. community, so sign up all of the kids in PJ Our Way is a program of UJF and your family ages six months to 11 years the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and al- of age. lows children ages 8 ½ to 11 years of age ▶ Want $100 to get together with friends? to pick a free Jewish themed chapter book It’s easy to apply for a PJ Library Get To- each month. To sign up, go to www.pjour- PJ Our Way kids assembling cookie gether. Go to www.pjlirbrary.org/Get- way.org or contact Sharon Franklin at sha- ingredients in the Agudath Sholom Final cookie dough mixture placed on Together to sign up and start planning [email protected]. kitchen. cookie sheets. your gathering with two or more fam- ilies raising Jewish children! Have a Tu B’Shevat seder, a shabbat meal together, go out to eat as a group or go to a com- Families Enjoy ‘PJs & Pancakes’ for Chanukah munity program (including PJ Library). Or come up with your own idea! (Courtesy of UJF) On the morning of ▶ Join UJF’s PJ Library & PJ Our Way on December 25, families gathered to celebrate Sunday, February 9, at 3:00 pm for a Chanukah with United Jewish Federation’s “Jewish Food Scavenger Hunt” at Fair- PJ Library, PJ Our Way and the Stamford way Market, 699 Canal Street in Stam- JCC. The program included crafts, music ford. This event includes a craft, sto- and a mitzvah project. This was the second ry time, snack and hunt, and is for kids year of this successful collaboration. of all ages. This program is free, but Participants enjoyed a pancake and waf- pre-registration is required to ensure fle breakfast with all the fixings. Children there are enough supplies: www.ujf.org/ created their own spiro-dreidels and paint- pjhunt. ed colorful handprint menorahs. David Cit- ▶ Tu B’Shevat is on February 10. This hol- rin, Coordinator of Jewish Engagement & iday celebrates the birthday of the trees. Innovation at the Stamford JCC, performed Try these holiday activities with your an interactive Chanukah musical program, kids: including dancing the hora and having chil-  Hold a Tu B’Shevat seder using the dren role play the part of candles on the seven species. Fresh and dried fruit menorah. Parents assisted their kids with a Jennie Woltz Folkinshteyn and her should be on the menu. For great rec- mitzvah project, creating and wrapping hot daughter put together hot chocolate ipes and ideas go to https://pjlibrary. chocolate to go cups that were later delivered packages. org/beyond-books/pjblog/january- to “hometown he- 2019/a-tu-bshevat-seder-for-kids Gene Farberov and his daughter craft a roes”: local firefight-  Celebrate Tu B’Shevat by creating spiro-dreidel. ers. Handwritten per- handprint tree art. Paint your hand sonal notes were also with brown paint to create the trunk included thanking and branches of a tree. Use dot paints them for their service. or paint and a brush to create leaves Special thanks to and fruit. Have some wipes on hand Galit Roloff, Direc- for an easy clean up! tor of Kidsplace at the ▶ In Spring of 2019, UJF was awarded a JCC, and David Cit- grant to create “Play Together,” month- rin. ly family gatherings in Stamford, New For more informa- Canaan and Darien for families raising tion about PJ Library Jewish children. Interested in meeting programming and how new families and joining a gathering? to receive free month- For more information, contact Sharon Mark and Joanna Frank and Heather and ly Jewish books, con- Franklin, Managing Director of Cam- Ben Sussman enjoy a pancake and pajama tact Sharon Franklin at paign and Community Engagement, at breakfast with their children. [email protected]. Children enjoy taking part in an interactive musical program. [email protected] (203) 321-1373/109. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 VOICES AND VIEWS The New Jewish Voice 19 TEEN VOICES WHY I CARE… My Kuriansky Teen Focus on Myrna Sessa Committees, By-Law Tzedakah Corps Experience BY JANE LEVENE Revision Committees, served as Assistant BY MADDY SHAPIRO I used to play on If your actions inspire others to dream more, Treasurer, Co-Chair I vividly remember going to the Stamford during the summer. learn more, do more and become more, you are a of Mitzvah Day, Co- JCC often when I was younger for various ac- When I first joined leader. Chair of the 50th An- tivities, such as swimming lessons, birthday the KTTC, I did so — John Quincy niversary Gala, as parties, dance classes, and picking my broth- because I was in- well as the Personnel er up from summer camp. Ever since I played terested in learning Myrna Sessa and her husband, George, Committee. I was ac- soccer in the 2016 Maccabi games, the JCC has about Jewish phi- have lived in Stamford for 42 years and both tively involved on sev- simply been a building I pass whenever I drive lanthropy and what are active members of the local Jewish as well eral other committees, up Newfield Avenue. For the first time in quite was behind the deci- as Stamford communities. Their children, Mel- Myrna I. Sessa such as House, Com- a few years, I returned to the building this fall sions of my family to anie and Jeremy, both now in their 20s, were munications, Mem- to attend the monthly meetings of United Jew- fund programs such also active in the Jewish community where bership, Spring Fundraiser, B’nai Mitzvah, Youth, ish Federation’s Kuriansky Teen Tzedakah as the UJF’s Teen Maddy Shapiro they graduated from the former UJF-spon- the editing/proofing team and currently, I serve as Corps (KTTC). UJF’s KTTC is a program that Tzedakah Corps. sored high school program, Kulanu. Myrna HR Advisor to the temple. teaches local teens about philanthropy and the Although there have only been a few meetings runs a Human Resources consulting firm, HR I’ve also been actively involved in Hadassah, agencies and institutions they support. so far this fall, I realize I have learned more Innovations, LLC, which she founded in 1998 the JCC, the JCC Maccabi Games, and Schoke JFS. It’s funny how familiar the building felt than just about giving back to the community. and which offers professional Human Re- when I walked back in, especially on UJF’s Su- For me, being a part of this program has also sources consulting and expertise to small and Why is it important for you to give back per Sunday. When I entered the auditorium been about becoming more involved in the mid-size businesses. As if that doesn’t keep her in this way? that day to get breakfast, memories came back Jewish community of Stamford that played a busy enough, she recently became a member It is important to give back to the communi- to me of the daddy-daughter dance I attend- large role in my life when I was younger. of the Stamford Board of Ethics, volunteers ty in which I live, work, worship, and in which ed in the same room many years ago. In the The last meeting I attended for the KTTC for the Back to School Shop, the CT Bar As- I raised my kids, and have made so many life- room where the carnival games were set up for was at the Schoke Jewish Family Service sociation and Stamford Hospital. In the Jew- long friends and meaningful connections. Be- younger kids during Super Sunday, I looked where we made lasagnas for the kosher food ish community, Myrna is active at Temple Si- sides my desire to give back (as my parents did out the window towards the field where my pantry. The lasagnas we made that night were nai, as well as UJF, the JCC, Schoke JFS and before me), it was a great way (and still is!) to brother had a soccer-themed birthday party likely distributed through the food pantry the Hadassah. Both Myrna and George feel giving meet people, as I did not grow up in Stamford. when he turned four, and I saw the playground next morning. I have driven past this build- back is important not just for them personal- Further, I believe it is my obligation to offer my ing many times, but ly, but because they want to be role models for professional expertise (Human Resources) to lo- I had never heard of their children. cal Jewish (and other) organizations that do not this organization be- Here’s why she cares… have financial access to appropriate consultants fore and what types of Describe your current and past involve- and attorneys. services they provide ment with UJF and how long you have been for families in Stam- involved. In your opinion, why should others get in- ford. As a result of be- I’ve been involved with UJF for many years, volved in UJF? In the Jewish Community in coming active in Fed- starting with event committees such as Yom general? eration’s teen tzeda- HaShoah, as well as the Personnel Committee Besides giving back to the community which kah program, I am re- and strategic planning committees. Most recent- gives me so much, I appreciate the fact that all of alizing there are more ly, I was a member of the Allocations Commit- us who are Jewish can come together in organi- ways I can volunteer tee for three years, the Federation Forward Com- zations, such as UJF and the JCC, where we can and try to make an im- mittee, 2019’s Nominating Committee and I cur- work jointly on projects, events and other vol- pact. Just a ten-minute rently serve as the HR Advisor for UJF. I’ve spon- unteer endeavors as Reform, Conservative, Or- drive from my house sored and participated in the Rothschild Society, thodox, Chasidic, Reconstructionist and all oth- was an organization I the business professionals Affinity Group. er types of Jews, as well as non-Jews. As a Re- knew very little about form Jew, volunteering for the UJF provides op- in the past that pro- Have you been involved with other Jew- portunities for me to meet and spend time with vides a diverse amount ish organizations in the community and else- other Jews, whatever their affiliation. It is a of services to help where? wonderful chance to work closely together and people in Stamford. Yes, I’ve been very active at Temple Sinai, learn about each other’s viewpoints. I truly be- Through UJF’s Kuri- having spent almost 15 years on the Board, in- lieve that by working together with other Jews we ansky Teen Tzedakah cluding as the temple’s first VP-Administration. I can learn to value each other and each other’s Corps, I look forward participated in Rabbinical and Cantorial Search perspectives. to discovering addi- tional new ways that I can give back and be- come more involved in a Jewish communi- ty in which my fami- EXPAND YOUR REACH! ly has such deep roots. Maddy is a 10th Your ad in The New Jewish Voice will reach a loyal readership of thousands grader at Stamford of members of the dynamic Jewish communities of Greater Stamford. High School. She enjoys reading, traveling, and To learn about your options playing soccer for both call Moshe Kinderlehrer 201-366-9102 her school and the local or email [email protected] travel team. She is the president of her school’s writing club, the Knight Writers. FEBRUARY 2020 • TEVET-SHEVAT 5780 Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Flushing NY Permit # 19357