July-August 2015 | Av-Elul 5775, Vol. LXX, No. 6 Campaign Again Exceeds $1 Million; Funds Allocated Thanks to the generosity of the community and the hard work of Savannah Jewish Federation Campaign Chair Allan Ratner, Men’s 2015-16 Allocations Chair Harvey Lebos and Women’s As approved at the June 11 Board of Governors meeting. Co-Chairs Stacey Schlafstein and Steffi Zerden, the Savannah Jewish Total Campaign 1,045,654 -2% reserve for pledges uncollectable 20,913 Candle Lighting Times Federation’s Annual Community -SJF programs and services 462,270 Campaign raised more than one mil- +General donations (non-campaign) 1,125 Friday, July 17 8:13pm lion dollars for 2015 and the Board +Budget surplus from FY 2013-2014 31,108 Friday, July 24 8:09pm -Donor-designated gifts (unallocable) 52,436 of Governors recently approved the Total Funds Available for Allocation 542,268 Friday, July 31 8:04pm recommendations of the Budget and Friday, August 7 7:59pm Allocations Committee (BAC) for the Allocations Friday, August 14 7:52pm distribution of the funds. Shalom School 23,000 special allocation for security needs 2,000 Friday, August 21 7:44pm The details of the 2015-2016 Alloca- Teen Jewish Identity/Experience Fund 5,000 Friday, August 28 7:36pm tions are presented in the chart, but BBYO 3,500 here are some highlights about the SCAD Hillel 7,000 Taglit/Birthright Israel 6,000 beneficiaries this year. Overseas (JFNA--JAFI, JDC) 163,138 In this Issue The Savannah Jewish Federation Overseas Investment Grants 9,000 Federation President’s message, p3 not only distributes the money it col- Jewish Educational Alliance 291,000 lects to other organizations, but is Jewish Educational Loan Fund 2,000 Executive Director’s message, p3 Jewish Council for Public Affairs 750 Vital Statistics, p7 concerned and responsible in many Israel Action Network 500 I on Israel, p8 other ways for the welfare of our Sa- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 200 vannah Jewish community. Through Jewish Education Service of N.A. 180 JEA Centerpiece Community Special Initiative Funding 29,000 It’s a Funny Thing, p13 Jewish Family Services, SJF provides Condolences, p14 food for the hungry, medication and Lasting Legacies, p15 access to medical services for those in benefit from the services of a new, were asked to make funding requests need, case management for individ- youth outreach professional posi- for two years, the Alliance requested uals and families, housing assistance tion that the SJF hopes to add to its 5% less for fiscal year 2016-17. It will Also Featured for those in jeopardy and countless staff later in the year. In addition to be the smallest allocation that the its core allocation, Shalom School re- JEA has received in over a decade and Interested in Jewish Theater? other services. SJF provides grants for ceived a special allocation to address recognizes the JEA’s slowly improv- — Joan Silver tells us about a new Jewish youth to attend programs that group forming to bring theater back create and enhance Jewish identity, security needs at the school ing financial status. to the JEA and takes a look at the including Jewish overnight camp, One of Federation’s most success- Savannah has again shown a strong history of Jewish theater; p5 teen travel to Israel and leadership ful initiatives, Young Jewish Savan- commitment to the concerns of our development programs. nah, received funding once again, as fellow Jews in Israel and elsewhere Birthright from Two Views SJF is the source of Holocaust re- did the Fedx program for outreach to around the world. SJF maintained — Jamie Cahn writes about the membrance and education through young professionals. its contribution to Birthright Israel, experience as a staff person, p 6; its Yom HaShoah and Kristallnacht The Jewish Educational Alliance the initiative to send each and every Hannah Slotin tells us about her trip observances and programming, both received the same level of funding as of a lifetime; p15 for the Jewish and secular communi- the previous year. As beneficiaries continued on page 4 ties. SJF keeps you informed about Jewish life in Savannah and around the world through the eNews, Savan- nah Jewish News, Facebook and period- ic mailings. And it provides dozens of other advocacy, social service, cultur- al and other programs and services to the community throughout the year. There has been a growing recogni- tion that programming for teens and very young adults should receive more attention going forward. With that in mind, allocations for both BBYO and SCAD Hillel were significantly Campaign Chair Announced for 2016-2017 increased this year. As the school’s At our deadline it was announced that Stacey Schlafstein will chair student body has grown significantly the Savannah Jewish Federation Annual Community Campaigns and there is the sense that the Hillel

A Publication of Savannah Jewish Federation Federation Jewish Savannah of A Publication Street 5111 Abercorn Georgia 31405 Savannah, www.savj.org ServiceAddress Requested for 2016 and 2017. Joining her as special counsels to the campaign program has not kept up, the SCAD will be Joan and Eugene “Bucky” Bloom, her parents. More details Hillel grant will enable “student am- will follow in a later edition; mazel tov and thanks to the Schlaf- bassadors” to execute new outreach programs (that we will write about stein/Bloom families! in more detail later). Both groups will Savannah Page 2 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org

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Maria Zouves, Executive Director Sherrill Milnes, Artistic Director Savannah www.savj.org jewish news July-August 2015 | Page 3 Skylight to the Future We Will Be There If Previously, that the principal wanted to see me I have written immediately and I should bring all the Time Comes in this column my books. Everyone in class turned Every year to a therapy appointment to bringing about our com- and looked at me with a pitiful, con- about this time a hot meal, from assisting a client munity and its demned man expression. the Savannah who was abused to one who needed aspirations. As I walked down the hall, the Jewish Federa- clothing for a job interview, JFS pro- Steve Greenberg. This time, I offer counselor proceeded to give me her Adam Solender tion sends out an vides the essential assistance — in President, a message not opinion on the article. I said nothing Executive Director of Savannah Jewish JEA/SJF appeal for sup- whatever form it takes — that our to you, but to (Fifth Amendment). She delivered me Federation port of Jewish friends and family need. your children, to the principal and I think expect- Family Services. There are those in “I came to the Federation Jewish Family grandchildren, great-grandchildren, ed to stay to watch the carnage. He the community who find the appeal Service because I didn’t know what else to nieces, nephews and any other young thanked her and asked for the door to to be duplicative — “you asked for do. I was on the brink of homelessness and person you believe would benefit. It be closed. Minor victory. my Campaign gift. Isn’t it supposed you provided financial assistance with my is a message of building, striving and As I waited for the dressing down to take care of all of the community rent and electricity. I don’t know what I succeeding, of creating a future. to begin, I was calculating the dam- needs?” would have done without your help.” When I was a junior in high school, age. I knew the school newspaper The fact is, the Annual Campaign Keeping the lights on, providing we took an aptitude test to gauge was gone. I did not think I would be does directly support the work that prescription, paying the rent, our strengths in academics, with an expelled since I had no priors. The of Jewish Family Services (JFS) car payment, or mortgage note…JFS eye toward college. I was already in- principal stopped his paperwork, throughout the year. But there are provides the necessary assistance clined toward law school. I had good looked up and asked three questions: many members of the community and keeps the roofs over our clients’ grades in civics, history and English (1) “Did you write the article?” “Yes who want to do more, can do more, heads. Sometimes it is a no interest courses; I was fair in science and not sir.” (2) “Do you believe the article is and enthusiastically provide that “ex- loan, other times, an outright grant. good at all in math. Once the scores accurate?” “Yes sir,” (First Amend- tra” money that makes a difference. JFS is committed to providing the were back, each student met with ment). (3) “Would you write the We estimate that this year we will services necessary to prevent a per- the school counselor to review the same article again?” “Yes sir,” (at provide over $110,000 of direct ser- son’s chaotic situation from wors- results. Long this point I was vices to members of the community. ening and to restoring dignity to story short, she all in). He went “Believe in yourself. “My husband and I were struggling with the individual and family. It might advised me that back to his work health issues and finding consistent work. be counseling families in crisis or law was not Trust your instincts… as I sat there. JFS helped provide us with food cards and assisting the “hidden poor” within the direction I Finally the bell financial assistance, along with resources to our Jewish community; it might be should go. But I always remember you rang for the next help us provide for our children.” much-needed food, shelter, or access did not listen to period. “What Your support of the Friends of JFS to healthcare. More often than you her nor obvious- can strive to be what we discussed campaign provided those food cards might think, JFS has been the con- ly did it change here is between you want to be…” and financial assistance that got this necting thread that has kept families my plans. I in- us, understood?” family “over the hump.” together and in their homes. It is all nately knew my strengths and I “Yes sir.” I think I saw a slight smile “Coming to Jewish Family Services has done confidentially and with genuine trusted my instincts more than a test. and with that he told me to head to changed my life. You gave me the courage to care and concern. I also knew that one person was not class. I got the point. Major victory. make better decisions and get my life back on I hope you never need the help going to dictate where I took my life. No sanctions. As I left his office, the track. I can’t thank you enough.” of Jewish Family Services, but you I did not tell my parents. I knew what counselor saw me. I am sure she was Our MSWs work with a myriad of know that with generous help like reaction they would have. convinced I received the requisite les- clients, all with very different chal- yours, we will be there if the time In the high school, there were sky- son regarding insubordination. lenges. From accompanying someone comes. lights to bring an open feel to the I eventually told my parents. Years building. One of those skylights was later the counselor was in my parents’ in the counselor’s office area. One store and asked my mother how I was night someone (identity and reason doing. Mom had been waiting for that never discovered and not me) got moment for years. She smiled and in up on the roof with a ladder, broke no uncertain terms stated I had grad- through the skylight, put the ladder uated from law school, passed the bar into the office and climbed down. and was practicing law in Savannah. From there, this mission-driven per- And then she turned and strolled Thanks to Friends like You… son made a mess of the counselor’s away. Justice served in her eyes. area and some bulletin boards, and So, to the younger generations, I then departed into the night, ladder write this. Believe in yourself. Trust Jewish Family Services and all. your instincts. As you choose your They say patience is a virtue. I was career path, always remember you  Helps families maintain their residences on the school newspaper and it hap- can strive to be what you want to be,  Helps seniors maintain independence pened that I was assigned to write not what other unconnected people  Provides hundreds of hours of case management to the article on the break-in. I dutifully tell you. And, as much as you might wrote a factual piece. But I also took think older generations do not get it, dozens of clients annually the opportunity to add a tag line. The they do. The wisdom of a lifetime is  Distributes over $10,000 in food cards annually sum and substance of it was that I a resource that is unequaled so use  Provides referrals to other agencies for support opined that nothing was taken from it. The world is there for you to take  And much, much more! the counselor’s office because there your place. Do it with joy and peace was nothing there of any value in the and know that you will make a dif- first place. I figured the teacher advi- ference. It is only a question of where Friends do make a difference. sor would edit it out. He did not. and how. The day the school paper came out, And, if you are really fortunate, you Please consider becoming a I was sitting in class after lunch pe- might even become president of the riod. Mid-way through the counselor Savannah Jewish Federation. Friend of JFS appeared at the door and announced Savannah Page 4 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org Campaign...... from pg 1 2015 SJF Overseas young Jewish adult in the Diaspora tional Loan Fund was doubled this to visit Israel, as a “birthright.” (See year. JELF, based in Atlanta, provides Investment Grant Recipients stories elsewhere in this issue.) And interest-free loans to Jewish college again, SJF will be funding 18 pro- and graduate students throughout AKIM: National Association for petuate their communal life. grams that provide services to Jews the Southeast. Many Savannah stu- the Habilitation of the Mentally overseas that were handpicked by dents have benefited in recent years Handicapped in Israel HIAS members of the community to re- from the availability of these loans. Provides services for children and Formerly Hebrew Immigrant Aid ceive Overseas Investment Grants. As mentioned above, the beneficia- adults with mental disabilities and Society, a global Jewish nonprofit The SJF’s historic overseas part- ries this year were asked to request other developmental disorders in Is- that helps the most vulnerable build ners, the Jewish Agency for Isra- funding for two years, with the hope rael. new lives in safety and freedom. el (JAFI) and the American Jew- that this method would allow them ish Joint Distribution Committee and the SJF the opportunity to plan American Friends of Magan David IsraAid (JDC), through the Jewish Federa- better for the future. This will allow Odom A NGO committed to providing tions of North America proudly will the Budget & Allocations Commit- The largest supporter of Magan life-saving disaster relief and long- receive 30% of the campaign’s allo- tee to meet every other year, with David Odom, Israel’s ambulance, term support to areas around the cable dollars, the third consecutive the Federation’s Board of Governors blood-services, and disaster-relief or- world in crises. year of increased funding for them, approving allocations in the interim ganization. in recognition of the peril Jews face year. Israel Lone Soldier Center throughout the world. This is an In other Campaign news, it was American Jewish World Service Provides assistance to the more achievement few other communities announced that the ‘Main Event’ kick- The leading Jewish human rights than 5,700 soldiers serving in the may claim. As anti-Semitism contin- off for the 2016 Community Campaign and development organization work- IDF with no local support system: ues to spread and Israel once again will be held on Thursday, October 8th, ing to realize human rights and end volunteers from abroad, immigrants, provides safe refuge for the world’s featuring mentalist Sidney Friedman. poverty in the developing world. orphans and individuals from broken Jews, the work of these partners is Mark your calendars now for what homes. ever more important. will be an entertaining evening like no ARZA The grant to the Jewish Educa- other! The largest supporter of the Israel JDC Poland’s Jewish Awakening: Movement for Reform and Progres- Krakow sive Judaism and the Israel Religious A project to re-engage a once-major Your Campaign Dollars at Work Action Center. center of European Jewry (decimated by the Holocaust and Communism) Atlit Ma’apalim Detention Camp with its Jewish history. Nalaga’at Center A camp established to prevent Jew- As part of the 2015 Campaign and ish refugees from entering Palestine. JDC Ukraine Relief Allocations process, the Savannah Jew- Tens of thousands of Jewish immi- JDC’s emergency response network ish Federation reapproved the Overseas grants were interred here. The camp to the continuing strife in Ukraine. Investment Grant program whereby now is a museum of the history community members recommend over- of Ha’apala (the immigration of Jews Meshi Children’s Rehabilitation seas agencies to receive $500 Overseas to Palestine/Israel as a result of the Center Investment Grants, with up to 20 being Nazi era/Holocaust). Located in Israel, it helps children approved. Eighteen submissions were from around the world who suffer made this year and this continues our Chimes Israel from Spina Bifida. introduction to you of the grant recip- An organization that helps people ients. Nalaga’at Ensemble performing Not by Bread Alone with disabilities become indepen- Mir Yeshiva Academy dent and lead as normal a life as pos- Officially Mirrer Yeshiva, it is the events complex. In the restaurant The Nalaga’at Center was founded sible. largest yeshiva in Israel and one of the — which is kept in total darkness in 2002 by Adina Tal and Eran Gur largest in the world. — guests are served by waiters and with its show Light is Heard in Zig Zag, Communidad Hebrea Hatikva waitresses who are blind and are in- the world’s first and only perfor- Helping to support a small and Nalaga’at Art Center vited to fully engage in the eating ex- mance by a theater ensemble whose poor, but vibrant Jewish congrega- A meeting place for deaf, blind and perience and use their other senses to actors were all deaf-blind. The show tion in Santiago de Cuba that remains deaf-blind and the general public that sharpen their abilities to fully taste was applauded by audiences and committed to Jewish life in Cuba. uses artistic and cultural experiences and smell their food. critics in Israel and worldwide. to create dialogue between equals. Café Kapish is a stylish coffee shop Since then, Nalaga’at (“please Friends of Israel Scouts – Tzofim where deaf and hearing-impaired touch” in Hebrew) has established Allows for programs that develop Netzer Olami Campers in Ukraine/ waiters connect with guests using itself as one of the most innovative and maintain a connection between Crimea & France sign language. The space is used for theaters in the world, and one of the Israel Scouts movement and Overnight summer camps spon- a wide range of special events such Israel’s leading cultural sites. It is a North American Jewry. sored by the World Union for Pro- as corporate events, family gather- unique, nonprofit center of culture gressive Judaism that allow children ings, seminars and workshops. It has and arts and a meeting place for the Guantanamo Jewish Center to increase their understanding and a special ambiance near the Jaffa port deaf, blind, deaf-blind and the gen- A small but active Cuban congre- insights of Judaism and enhance their and the staff makes it surprisingly eral public. Nalaga’at has created a gation in dire need of funds to per- Jewish and Zionist identity. easy to communicate without words. space that promotes the needs and Both BlackOut and Café Kapish are aspirations of every person with the kosher, dairy facilities. belief that all are equal and every Nalaga’at has added a children’s person has the right to make his or show to its repertoire and its ensem- her contribution to society. ble regularly is invited to tour world- The Center, located in Old Jaffa wide. just outside central Tel Aviv, now includes the Nalaga’at Theater, the BlackOut restaurant and the Kapish Savannah www.savj.org jewish news July-August 2015 | Page 5 Jewish Theater Group Forming Aleichem, I. L. Peretz, Sho- lom Asch and others were by Joan Silver performed over and over and Do you like theater? A group of American Jewish theater has its attended regularly. Classics people is forming who are interested origins in Eastern Europe where the- were adapted to the Yiddish in bringing a theater presence to the ater was a thriving enterprise in the stage and were popular, de- Jewish Educational Alliance. We are 1870s as part of an active secular Jew- spite the disapproval of Jew- looking for others to join us! If you ish Café life. Skits were developed ish intellectuals and social- have any interest in working with or and troupes were formed. One such ists. Among others, works advocating for a theater group at the troupe was led by Avrom Goldfadn, of Shakespeare, Ibsen and Zero Mostel, who originated the role of Tevye in 1964, JEA, we would love to hear from you. whose work was well known and Strindberg were adapted. An and Danny Burstein, who will revive it later this year. We are seeking anyone with any admired. But Jewish theater was ha- acting style that was flamboy- Tony Kushner are just a sampling of sort of interest in the stage: acting, rassed by both the government and ant and overstated developed and recent Jewish playwrights. Poignant directing, behind the scenes or if you Jewish Orthodoxy and when Jewish was compared to Italian opera with- for a Southern and Savannah con- just have an audience point of view theater was banned in 1883 by Al- out the singing. Audience participa- nection is Jason Robert Brown who and would like to work with our exander III, Goldfadn brought his tion was part of the experience: they wrote the music for Parade, the story steering committee to see what we troupe to America. While Avrom ate, drank, hissed, booed and cheered of Leo Frank’s lynching written by can get off the ground. Goldfadn is considered the Father of and sometimes even spoke to the Alfred Uhry. Uhry’s many successes We held our initial meeting in late Modern Yiddish Theater, he was un- characters on stage. (including Driving Miss Daisy and Last June and hope to soon begin meeting able to establish himself in New York Yiddish theater spread to Philadel- Night at Ballyhoo) connect Broadway regularly. If you would like to join us, and stayed only two years. He did phia, Boston, Chicago, Detroit and to Jewish life in his native Georgia. or for more information, please leave return in 1904, living in poverty and Cleveland. In 1927, 24 theaters still The term Jewish theater is am- a message for Joan Silver at the JEA, dying in 1908. performed Yiddish plays. Its decline biguous. Originally Jewish theater (912) 355-8111. Shortly before Goldfadn first came began with the decline of Jewish im- was presented in Yiddish. Today we This theater effort at the JEA will to the U.S., 12-year-old Boris Thom- migration. look for other ways to explore Jew- join a rich tradition of Jewish the- ashefsky arrived from Tarasche, a A new generation took over from ishness, Jewish themes, Judaism and ater. There are many contributing Ukranian shtetl near Kiev. Boris had the foreign-born artists. Names we Jewish identity. We are fortunate factors as to how and why Jewish a beautiful voice and sang at the Hen- are familiar with in the 20th centu- to have venues where Jewish the- theater became a part of American ry Street Synagogue on the Lower ry include Samson Raphaelson who ater — whether live performance, culture. Between 1881 and 1925, 3.5 East Side on Saturday wrote The Jazz Singer in filmed, discussed, danced, studied or million Jews immigrated to the U.S., to earn money. Through 1925 (Al Jolson starred in musical — is still presented: the Jew- with a large concentration in New a series of coincidences the movie in 1927). Clif- ish Theater of the South in Atlanta, York City. Having left their old lives and machinations, young ford Odets, Arthur Mill- Jewish Theaters of Arizona and De- behind and dealing with assimila- Boris ended up playing er, Irving Berlin, George troit and Theater J in Washington, tion, theater gave them familiarity the female lead in a pro- Gershwin and Leonard DC, for example. and a meeting place; the material duction of Koldunye (The Bernstein wrote and We look forward to the JEA join- presented helped them deal with Witch), a play by Avrom composed for us. Zero ing that list as we add to this already transitions. And, the performances Goldfadn, produced by Mostel, the first Tevye in rich American history through new were in Yiddish. Everyone came; all Frank Wolf, a local tavern Jerry Block’s Fiddler on the cultural offerings to enrich this Sa- classes were represented. The less owner. The show was a Roof (based on Shalom vannah community! educated and poorer people were hit; Wolf’s company took Aleichem›s stories) be- Boris Thomashefsky Joan Silver has been involved in commu- the majority, but the ghetto Rab- to the road traveling the gan a theatrical tradition nity theater in the U.S. and abroad mostly bis, scholars, poets, journalists, the U.S. performing Yiddish plays to im- that will be repeated next fall with behind the scenes, but sometimes on ‘the politically active, the learned and migrant communities with great suc- the show’s revival on Broadway star- boards,’ for most of her adult life. She is the different religious streams also cess; and Thomashefsky’s career as a ring five-time Tony nominee Danny happy to be bringing this interest to her new came. Theater became an integral great Yiddish actor was launched. Burstein. home in Savannah and looking forward to part of Lower East Side culture. Plays by David Pinski, Shalom Mel Brooks, David Mamet and meeting others with similar interests!

Don’t miss the chance to include your holiday wishes in the next issue of the Savannah Jewish News!

Download the Holiday Greetings Order Form at www.savj.org Holiday greetings due date: August 3rd Savannah Page 6 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org household and were pretty active in got to Israel, they Sharing Israel the Jewish community. We went to would fall in love by Jamie Cahn Jewish overnight camp, participated with it and hope- in youth group and each went to Isra- fully would be- I left Savannah at 5am on May 28th el when we were 16. But I have made come advocates and landed in Israel 26 hours later my life and career in the Jewish com- for Israel at home, (via Charlotte-JFK-Moscow) with munity and he hasn’t had anything to feel a connection forty 22-26 year olds, ready to begin do with the Jewish community since to Judaism and our Birthright Israel journey togeth- high school. His high school trip to Is- join their Jewish er. We headed to a kibbutz right out- rael helped him feel connected to the communities at side of Jerusalem, luckily just in time country and laid the groundwork for some point in the for Shabbat. Having Shabbat after him knowing he is Jewish and feeling future. our long trip was exactly what we connected to his Judaism throughout Birthright Jamie’s Birthright group greets the day with Yoga at Masada needed — time to rest, get to know his life. Being on Birthright solidified launched fifteen each other and gear up for what was that feeling for him and opened new years ago and as of this month, more missions to tourist sites. Of course, going to be an exhausting, yet exhila- conversations and questions. than 500,000 young Jewish adults that doesn’t include the impact of rating, next nine days. As part of the Birthright program, from 66 countries have received the those who choose to return Isra- Each of the participants was so eight Israelis join the group for five gift of a free trip to Israel – 45,000 el – often with friends and family – different and interesting – they were of the 10 days. It is always everyone’s this summer alone. It is funded joint- thanks to their first experience with engineers, teachers, musicians and favorite part of the program. For my ly by the Birthright Foundation, the Birthright. everything in between. Each had a brother (and for many participants) Jewish Federation system, Jewish Birthright says of itself: “Ta- unique story. I overheard one partic- it was eye opening. He told me that he Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the glit-Birthright Israel is a social exper- ipant tell another his “Jewish” story had met Israelis before – the shlichim State of Israel. Each trip costs about iment that has created a social move- about growing up in an observant at camp and a friend of our mother’s $3,000 to give a young adult this gift ment.” Birthright has been called family, not feeling like he fit in and – but that was the extent of it. He of 10 days in Israel. “the most important thing to happen pushing Judaism away. He decided had never really had a conversation And what has Birthright done for to the Jewish people since the cre- at the last minute to come to Israel or connection with an Israeli before. Israel? Since its inception, Birth- ation of the state of Israel.” These are on Birthright and said to his friend, Of course he knew that every Israeli right Israel trips have contributed pretty powerful statements. And af- “this experience is the last chance I went into the IDF when they turned an astounding $825 million to Is- ter my 10 days on Birthright, I would am giving to feel connected to Juda- 18 but he told me that he “never really rael’s economy, including activities have to agree. ism.” That was a lot of pressure for thought about Israel being protected that have generated three-quarters This was the first Birthright Israel trip me as the group leader! by 18 year olds.” He was blown away of a million work days for Israelis. as a staff person for Jamie Cahn, Savannah We spent the next nine days see- by that concept. It is estimated that each participant Jewish Federation Campaign Director. Ja- ing Israel – Tzfat, As we were contributes approximately $2,400 to mie has committed to serve as an American Golan Heights, walking out of Israel’s tourism sector – through air- madricha on at least two more Birthright Jerusalem, Bed- Yad Vashem, we fare, lodging, transportation, and ad- trips. ouin tent, Ma- had another re- sada, Dead Sea, ally interesting Yad Vashem and interaction. He finally Tel Aviv. asked me if any of The participants our family were were awed at victims of the every site. And Holocaust and the experiential then admitted he programs and didn’t know any- discussions we thing about our had were pretty family history. I amazing – and thought to my- 2015 so fun for me, as self, “How could TEAM CAPTAINSFOR an educator, to he not know write and exe- where our family cute. Text study came from?” And turned into skits Jamie and her brother Bryan enjoy some family then I realized and songs; dis- time on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem that while I was INTERESTED? cussions were so learning Jewish CALL (912) 355-8111 intense during our Yad Vashem prep Studies in college and connected to TO SIGN UP OR that participants needed to con- the Jewish community for my career, FOR MORE INFORMATION sole each other; six word memoirs he was in college studying architec- helped frame their experiences from ture and spending his nights in stu- expectations to reality. It was pretty dio. Taking a Birthright trip and be- incredible to have these discussions ing in Israel forced him to ask these with young adults – many of whom questions that I don’t think would are not or never were part of a Jewish have crossed his mind otherwise. community. Many of the participants in my group A happy aspect of my experience is had similar thoughts and questions. that my younger brother Bryan was Birthright often is the entry point a participant on another Birthright to the Jewish community for young trip at the exact same time. Although Jewish adults. SUNDAY we did not travel together, we met The idea of providing the gift of a DECEMBER 13 up a few times, and to be able to trip to Israel was initially endorsed share our experiences while in Israel by the philanthropists Charles Bron- was so special. My brother and I are fman and Michael Steinhardt, who very close – we grew up in a Reform believed that if young adults just Savannah www.savj.org jewish news July-August 2015 | Page 7 New Direction for Facility Vital Statistics by Carol M. Towbin Greenberg BAT MITZVAH: Mazel tov to… Aaron Till- Aaron will serve a two-year term Jordan Jaffie, whose dream of be- inger was with the help of staff member Justin coming a Bat Mitzvah came true on named the Robertshaw, B & G mentor Bill Sand, May 12, 2015. Jordan’s seventh grade new Chair past chairs Kayton Smith and Carol teacher at Rambam Day School, of the JEA Greenberg and committee members Chavie Rabhan, and her friends Buildings Marc Gordon, Jason Rich, Bill Fox, planned a very special day for her. and Grounds and new appointees Brett Ratner, Jordan’s immediate family and Committee, David Reeves and Matthew Allen, classmates met at Morningstar Ma- following in with special project help from Bram rina where Captain Jay Epstein took the footsteps of Rusty Bridges, Kay- Odrezin, currently living in Alabama. the group on a beautiful and peace- ton Smith and Carol Greenberg. Na- Besides B & G tours scheduled once ful boat ride several miles down tive of and fifth generation member a season, B & G started a DIY (Do-It – the Wilmington River. The boat of the Savannah Jewish community, Yourself) home improvement course stopped and with the sun shining Aaron brings a unique perspective that will be repeated up to four times brightly and the birds singing, Morah to the building because he grew up annually. The first course on home Chavie stood up and she and the within its walls and playing on its maintenance and improvements was family members recited their parts. Then Jordan gave her speech and fields. Now a father of a little girl Jordan Jaffie who attends JEA PreSchool Sa- concluded the lovely and unique Bat vannah, Aaron wants little Sofia Mitzvah ceremony. and the granddaughter of Arlene Jaf- to have the same opportunities for Everyone enjoyed an ice cream fie. fun and sport on a safe campus; as party, resulting in a happy group of MISCELLANEOUS: Mazel tov to… a financial advisor who is active seventh graders, the happiest of all Faye Kirschner, who was named the in many community and civic or- being Jordan, on the occasion of be- Armstrong 2015 Alumni Volunteer of ganizations, Aaron understands coming a Bat Mitzvah. Jordan is the the Year. that investing in this building is daughter of Monique and Jeff Jaffie money well spent to ensure his daughter’s children will be able to live and play Jewishly on this campus as well. DIY instructor Murray Sauerbrei teaches With a motto of Better Building & Esther Buchsbaum and Arlene Ratner about Greener Grounds, the B & G Com- rewiring a dimmer switch mittee has moved past cleaning and repairing the property and into taught as three classes and a make-up using Jewish models of environmen- session by fix-it man Murray Sauer- tal responsibility to repair the world brei and his assistant Charlie Corde- as part of the committee’s strategic ro. The next class will be offered at plans. Aaron’s vision for B&G in- the end of the summer and will in- cludes improving the grounds for clude a simple building project. If you increased use by all members of the have suggestions of DIY class topics, JEA and initiating a recycling pro- building improvements or building gram, while maximizing usable inte- tours you would like to volunteer for rior space to serve the needs of the or see offered, contact MStarArts@ membership to fullest potential. gmail.com.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

7:00 p.m.

Savannah Bee Company & Wine Tasting

Thursday, October 1, 2015 7:00 p.m. Jewish Educational Alliance Mi Casa es SUKKAHsa A Mexican Fiesta with Snacks & Sangria in the Sukkah!

Young Jewish Savannah invites Jewish young adults to the JEA from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday of each month to hang out and talk about Jewish topics with a modern twist! Pizza & beer are ALWAYS provided! Savannah Page 8 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org

I on Israel

tation, in the Israeli sporting world Hoop Dreams Sporting Women according to Women’s Sports Coverage Women’s basketball fans may in Israel: Perception Versus Reality, a re- know the name of Shay Doron. Orig- Women’s golf may not be every- and completed port published a few years ago in the inally from Ramat Hasharon, where one’s first viewing choice when surf- her military International Journal of Sport Communica- she played her first two years of high ing the channels on TV, but if you exams, but was tion. The report’s Israeli authors take school basketball, Doron moved to happened to turn on coverage last designated a to task the unequal funding of men’s New York to play her last two years month of the Manulife LPGA Clas- sports prodigy and women’s sports and the minimal with the renowned Christ The King sic, you would have been pleasantly and allowed representation of women in sports Regional High School women’s bas- surprised to see an Israeli flag next to postpone management and on governing bod- ketball team. While there she be- to the name of Laetitia Beck, the service until she completes her golf ies of individual sports, especially came the first girl from New York to second-place contender early in the career. Beck golfed on scholarship those such as gymnastics and swim- play on the McDonald’s All-Ameri- tournament. Beck, 23, finished the at Duke University from 2010–14. In ming that have high participation can Team, and during her senior year tournament 11 strokes off the lead, 2011 she was voted the Atlantic Coast rates for women athletes. was named the Gatorade Player of tied for 19th. She is in her first full year Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Yet along with Laetitia Beck, wom- the Year from New York and led her on the LPGA tour, having turned Year; in 2013 and in 2014 she was an en athletes are and have been blaz- team to number one in the country. professional last summer after qual- All-American. ing paths to glory for Israel. Esther Doron was recruited to play at ifying for the British Open. Beck is the first Israeli to qualify Roth-Shachamorov was the first Is- the University of Maryland, helping Laetitia Beck was born in Belgium; as a LPGA or PGA player; she dis- raeli to reach an Olympic final in any them to four straight NCAA appear- her family moved to Caesarea, home plays Israel’s flag on her golf bag. She sport when she raced in the 100-me- ances and a national title in 2006. to Israel’s only 18-hole golf course, has been quoted as saying: “When I ter hurdles final in Montreal in 1976. She holds several school records and when she was six. (Israel’s one other play golf I’m very proud to represent To this day, she is the only Israeli started (119x) and played in more golf course is just 9 holes.) She began Israel. My goal is to represent Israel ever to make an Olympic track-and- games (134) than any other player in taking lessons when she was nine and the Jewish people.” Beck lives in field final. Yael Arad became Israel’s school history. Doron was named to and by the time she was 14, showed Caesarea when she is not on tour and first Olympic medalist in Barcelona the All-ACC third team in 2004, All- enough promise to warrant a move keeps kosher at all times. in 1992 when she took silver in Judo, ACC first team in 2005, and All-ACC to the U.S. to attend high school at Despite their significant achieve- dedicating the medal to the Israeli second team and ACC All-Academ- the IMG Pendleton Academy in Bra- ments among Israeli athletes, wom- athletes killed at the 1972 Olympics ic team in 2006. In 2005, she led the denton, FL. After graduating, she re- en actually are underrepresented, in in Munich. U.S. Maccabiah team to a gold medal turned to Israel to enlist in the IDF terms of participation and represen- (5-0) and was named MVP. She was named to the U.S. National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. The WNBA’s New York Liberty Equal Time drafted Doron in 2007, but she saw limited game time that season and It’s only fair that we recognize raeli to join the NBA, signing with the team approved her request to the accomplishments of some the Dallas Mavericks in 2013. In 2014 leave the following May. Since then, of Israel’s notable male athletes, he suffered a knee injury, was waived Doron has played in Israel and Ro- too. While a woman was first by Dallas, signed by New Orleans and mania and currently plays in Israel. to earn an Olympic medal, all then waived after only four games. He of Israel’s medalists since then currently plays in Russia. Previously, Greatest of all? have been men. Of the five Israeli Yotam Halperin of Tel Aviv had been Israel’s most beloved athlete may men to medal in the Olympics, selected in the 2006 NBA draft by Gal Fridman be Keren Leibovitch. While training only one, windsurfer Gal Frid- the Seattle Supersonics, but wasn’t to be an IDF officer in 1992, Leibo- man, has medaled twice, and he signed, and the Minnesota Timber- vitch’s back is Israel’s only gold medalist in wolves currently own the draft rights was badly any sport. (Fridman’s first med- for Lior Eliyahu, who now plays injured in al — bronze — was earned here for Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli an accident, when Savannah hosted the sail- Super League. leaving her ing events for the 1996 Atlanta Tennis is one of the most popular greatly par- Games.) sports in Israel but the country has alyzed from Basketball may be the unoffi- yet to produce a breakout star. Dudi the waist cial Jewish sport, seemingly ev- Sela, once ranked 29 on the ATP sin- down. She eryone’s favorite to play. Omri gles list, now stands at 85. He proba- began swim- Casspi was the first Israeli to bly is Israel’s best male tennis player Omri Casspi ming as part play in the NBA, signing with to-date, but he has no career titles won the prestigious 2014 Junior of her rehabil- the Sacramento Kings in 2009. and has not made it past the fourth Orange Bowl International Ten- itation and went on to become one of Since then, he has played for round of a Grand Slam event. All nis Championships for the second the world’s elite disabled swimmers. Cleveland and Houston and cur- eyes now are turned to Yshai Oliel, time, becoming one of only a hand- Among her many accomplish- rently is back with the Kings. a 14-year-old, left-handed phenom ful to have done so in both the 14- ments, Leibovitch won three gold Gal Mekel was the second Is- from Ramla in central Israel. Oliel and 12-and-under brackets. continued on page 9 The Jewish Educational Alliance presents a monthly program guide: CENTERPIECE Jewish Educational Alliance July-August 2015

Children’s Programming

Just a couple of weeks left of JEA Camp Savannah

Week Into The Woods Highlights: Movie Theater Field Trip 7 July 13th – July 17th Dress-Up Days: Villain Vogue Off, Prince Charming’s Soireé • At the Savannah JEA, we believe that your Shabbat: Medieval Times Banquet Celebration child should have happy memories every day. We Week Camp Ruach Highlights: LIT/CIT Sleepover & On-site Extreme provide a foundation for their future, help shape their lives, and take part as your children grow 8 July 20th – July 24th Obstacle Course, Black Out Pep Rally and change. Dress-Up Days: Ultimate Sports Fan, Neon Tutus and Ties Shabbat: Camp Fire Cook-Out Celebration • At the JEA’s After School program, your pre-K through 6th graders will participate in activities Week SILENTGlee Highlights: All-Camp Sleepover, Glee Performance AUCTION such as swimming, sports, homework help, daily FOOD9 July 27th – July 31stMUSICDress-Up Days: I Love the 80’s, Celebrity Look-Alike snacks, cooking, fitness fun, art, and much more! WALL OF Shabbat: Drive-in Diner and Movie Celebration WINE Visit www.SavannahJEA.org to download camp brochure and registration paperwork. • After School hours are Monday-Thursday, 3-6 pm, Fridays 3-5 pm. We pick up from Garrison, Charles Ellis Elementary and Jacob G. Smith Schools.

JoinFOR THE us JEA GATS BY Join Us for the GALA JEA Gatsby Gala SUNDAY Join Us for a Roaring Good Time! Aftercare Prices: $18/day plus transportation until $75/week plus transportation RSVP BY Purchase your ticket online at AUGUST 17 www.SavannahJEA.org or Member Value Prices: $12/day plus transportation at the JEA front desk $50/week plus transportation order tickets at www.savannahjea.org or 912 - 355 - 8111 Register in person at the JEA at 5111 Abercorn Street Phone (912) 355-8111 reserved seating available for Email DJ Horton, [email protected] tables of (10) ticket holders

black, white, gold and pearls or 1920’s attire Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details! Meet the Chef for Our Adult Gatsby Gala The JEA is excited to Programming announce that Jeffrey Quasha and his team will Bridge - Wednesdays 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm once again be in the kitchen Scrabble - Wednesdays 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm preparing amazing kosher Mah Jongg - Mondays 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm delights for guests at our Thursdays 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Chef Jeffrey Quasha August 30th Gatsby Gala.

According to Anna Berwitz, Great Gala coordinator, acquisition Community Garden of Jeffrey and his services came through an amazing set of Love to garden, but don’t have the space? Be part of the JEA Garden circumstances: Club and help work one of the 18 garden boxes at the Midtown Says, Anna, “In December of 2013 I got a call from my mother- Miracle Community Garden, three blocks north of the JEA. Excess in-law who lives in Florida saying that she had spoken with a produce and herbs will be donated to Second Harvest to aid them woman in Boca Raton who mentioned her son Jeffrey, daughter- in their mission to feed up to 6000 children daily. For more details, in-law Laura and two grandsons, Joshua and Austin, were moving “like” Midtown Miracle Community Garden on Facebook or to Savannah. The woman asked my mother-in-law if I would email Carol Greenberg [email protected]. mind calling them since they were my age and welcoming them to Savannah. I called and invited them to the Tu B’shevat celebration Lunch Bunch - Every Thursday 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at CMI. Jeffrey said they would love to come and that his parents Join us for Thursday Lunch Bunch! Visit with old friends and meet would be in town that weekend so he would bring them along. When new ones, enjoy lunch followed by an educational speaker or per- they arrived at the event I was chatting with Jeffrey’s parents, asking former. them questions about where they are from. Both of his parents are from Milton, MA, which is the same town my dad grew up in. I July 16th - “Live Your Life to the Fullest,” with speaker Pat Feigin asked if they knew my grandfather, Dr. Samuel Shuman, who was a July 23rd - Israel Update with Motti Locker very well-known doctor in the community. They looked shocked— July 30th - “Introducing the Savannah Voice Festival,” with Samuel Shuman, my grandfather, had been their doctor growing up. Maria Zouves, Exec. Director VOICEExperience & Savannah Additionally, Jeffrey’s father, Steven, had an uncle that was at one VOICE Festival time married to my grandmother’s cousin. Talk about a small world! CenterpieceAugust 6th - “KulturFest Review,” with Carol Greenberg So in a nut shell, we are sort of related. After that I asked Jeffrey if he August 13th - “Learn More about Low Vision and How You can would mind cooking for the 2014 gala, and he accepted. Since then Improve Your Safety at Home,” with Occupational Therapist, we have kept in touch. This summer his boys are in camp here and Hilary Schweiger Robertshaw we continue to joke about how we both have “family” in Savannah.” August 20th - “The Magic of Water Exercise,” with JEA Aquatics Director, Kaylee Grue For the past 25 years Jeffrey Quasha has surrounded himself with (2) August 27th - JEA Preschool visits Lunch Bunch! the passion, intensity and finesse of the culinary industry.

While attending Florida State University Jeffrey honed his culinary techniques in some of north Florida’s finest restaurants and under the watch of some of their finest chefs. After In 2010 Jeffrey shifted his culinary focus from the fast pace of the kitchens to creating graduating Jeffrey took his talents to West Palm Beach and healthy and enticing meals for child nutrition in South Carolina as a district chef for spent the next several years working in the kitchens of the world Sodexo. It was during this time that Jeffrey became a member of the Chefs Move to renowned Breakers Hotel. There, Jeffrey’s passion for classical School Program, Chef and Child Chair for the Midlands Chapter, and an adjunct cooking was developed under Chef Kevin Ives. It was during this culinary arts professor at the University of South Carolina. time Jeffrey was chosen to represent the Breakers as a competitor in the Chaines De Rotisseurs, Jeunne Commis, best young chef’s In 2012 Jeffrey was chosen to lead a culinary team in London, England as the Executive competition. While working in Palm Beach Jeffrey also graduated Chef of the London Olympic Parks and Stadium. from Florida Culinary with a degree in Culinary Arts. Recently, Jeffrey was the Senior Executive Chef of Memorial Hospital in Savannah, In 2004 Jeffrey moved his talents to the mid-south and began Georgia and currently Jeffrey was promoted to Corporate Executive R and D Chef for training under the renowned Master French Chef Jose Gutierrez Morrison Healthcare. at Chez Philleppe in the Peabody Hotel. After several years Jeffrey became the Executive Chef of the Capriccio Grill. During his Jeffrey has also been an active supporter and culinary certification board member tenure there, Jeffrey earned top honors including distinguished of Savannah Technical College, Chef and Child Chair for the Low Country Chefs marks ranging from Three Stars, Three Diamonds and several Association and Midlands ACF Chef of the Year. Dirona and Food and Wine Awards. Jeffrey Quasha is a Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified CulinaryAdministrator In 2008 Jeffrey became the Executive Chef of the Old Hickory (CCA) and Approved Culinary Evaluator (ACE). Jeffrey and his wife, Laura, moved to Steakhouse and Senior Executive Chef of the Opryland Hotel in Savannah in 2014. Their two boys, Joshua and Austin, attend summer camp at the JEA Nashville, Tennessee. Preschool Savannah and JEA Camp Savannah.

July-August 2015 Centerpiece Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details! Summer Health & Wellness Fitness Classes Sunday How To Use the Principle of 9:15 am - Power Pilates 10:30 am - Total Body Blast Progression in Fitness 1:00 pm - Extreme Toning Monday Exercising can bring about way to increase the intensity of your exercise and 8:30 am - Firm It Up physiological benefits, but if perform more work in less time. Increase the 10:00 am - Aquasize you continue to do the same intensity of your cardio by adding interval training 10:00 am - Vinyasa Yoga exercises, time after time, in which a short period of intense exercise is 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Classic your body eventually becomes followed by a short rest period. Decreasing the rest 6:00 pm - Evening Water Aerobics accustomed to the exercises. period progressively makes the exercise harder. A recent study concluded that Tuesday once this happens, your body Stephanie Johnson - Increasing the frequency 9:15 am - Power Pilates Health & Wellness does not have to work as hard Frequency Director of your workouts is another way to apply the 10:00 am - SilverSneakers Splash to perform the exercises and principal of progression to your fitness routine. If 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Circuit the physiological benefits - including calorie burn, you are currently working out two times a week, 5:45 pm - Zumba fat loss and muscle strength - begin to slow. The increase that to three or four days a week. Allow 6:00 pm - Savannah Kenpo study noted that one way to prevent this plateau for adequate rest periods between workouts. The 7:00 pm - Savannah Fencing Club is to apply the principal of progression to your American Council on Exercise recommends a fitness routine. Wednesday minimum of 48 hours between training of the 8:30 am - Firm It Up same muscle groups to allow your muscles to 10:00 am - Sun Flow Yoga - Increasing the intensity of your recover and grow after strength training. Adequate Intensity 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Classic exercise is one way to add progression to your rest periods are also necessary for intensive 6:00 pm - Billy’s Boot Camp fitness training. You can apply this principle to cardio workouts such as plyometrics and interval your resistance-training program by increasing training. Thursday the amount of weight you are lifting with each 9:30 am - Barre Blend repetition. If you want to boost the intensityCenterpiece of Joining a fitness class and alternating them 10:00 am - Aquasize your cardio program, increase the pace of your frequently will keep you 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Circuit exercise or the incline on the right track. The 6:00 pm - Savannah Kenpo of your work surface. JEA currently offers 23 6:30 pm - Yoga Flow If you are using a fitness classes per week 7:00 pm - Savannah Fencing Club treadmill, jog faster or with a variety to choose increase the incline on from. If classes are(3) not Friday the machine so that you your thing, then schedule 8:30 am - Firm It Up are walking or jogging an appointment with 10:00 am - Yoga uphill. one of our trainers to 10:00 am - Aquasize keep your fitness level progressing. Duration - Add the principal of progression to your workouts by exercising for longer periods Fall Soccer of time. This is especially effective when beginning running programs. Increase your endurance and Registration fitness by running an extra few minutes every time PJ Library and JEA you run. If you want to apply this principal to • For children ages 4 to 10. your resistance training, add more repetitions of Preschool Savannah • Registration for the JEA Fall Soccer season will the same exercise to each of your sets or increase Pool Party begin July 1, 2015. the number of sets of each exercise you perform. • Practice days and times are to be determined. We practice behind the JEA. Sunday, August 2nd • Make sure you bring water for your child. Rest - Increase the intensity of your workouts • Must have cleats and shin guards. by manipulating the rest period after each exercise. 11 am - 1 pm • Practice will start the second week of August. Resistance training becomes more difficult when you reduce the rest time between repetitions and Join PJ Library and JEA Preschool Savannah for a Our goals for the season are to develop the JEA’s sets within the same workout, even if the amount fantastic pool party! Beat the heat and cool off in six core values of honesty, fun, caring, respect, of weights and the number of repetitions remains our pool! responsibility and faith. the same. Eliminate rest between two resistance exercises if the exercises focus on different muscle For more information, please contact Jamie Cahn Cost: $50 - Member groups. Known as a superset, this is an efficient or Jodi Sadler, 912-355-8111. $75 - Non-Member

Centerpiece July-August 2015 Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details! New JEA Members The JEA would like to thank our members. Without Joseph Joynes & Brandi Sellers your membership and support, we would not be able Meg Lego & Carolyn Golden to offer all the services that we do. Our members are Carlos & Diana La Luz our most important asset! Christy Lax & Amy Atterberry (New Members as of 5/9/15-6/15/15) Leslie Lovell JEA Preschool James & Paula Metts Mashama Bailey Alexandra Moshier Savannah News Jerrie Batey Katie Musler Requita Dawson Daniel & Kimberly Pelletier Sebastian & Sheila Edwards William Richards & Karen Kendall Jake Ehrlund Krista Roach Judy Farabaugh William & Jessica Roberts Enroll Now Lucie Findlay Adil Ryouq & Carole Benton Jean Frost Suzie Schulz Brittany Gardner Jay Self for 2015-16 Tom & Connie Glaser Schavawna Sims • Limited Fall openings 16 months-24 Anthony Graves Rachel Teegarden months, 4-year olds Carva Harding Carlos & Nancy Victorica • 2, 3 and 5-day options for the toddlers Cametrice Heyward Jakob & Elizabeth Von Trapp and two-year-olds Weston Johnson & Claire Partlow Ebony Williams • For full details, visit our website at www. SavannahJEA.org In honor of Joel Greenberg JEA Donations Maya & Jerald Greenberg Contact Jodi Sadler, Director, at (May 12, 2015- June 15, 2015) Michael Karpf [email protected] or 912-355-8111 ARKIN-CLARK GARDEN FUND Chrissie & Arnold Karp In honor of Marilyn Seeman In honor of Kaye Kole JEA Preschool Savannah Steffi & Sol Zerden Beth & Steven Roth Rita & Alan Asher Meet ‘n Greet for 2015-2016 Doris Klugman ALLAN ULLMAN PLAYGROUND FUND Penny & Ed Berman In honor of Kaye Kole Wednesday, August 5th Sylvia Yellin In memory of Carol Ann Rosenthal Shear 3-5 pm Betty Lasky Harriet Ullman Sally Sanders JACK M. & MIRIAM S. LEVY CONCERT Vivian Slotin Visit the classrooms, drop off school CenterpieceFUND Jackie Friedman In honor of Dayle & Aaron Levy supplies and meet the teachers Sally & Steve Greenberg Marilyn Seeman Marcy & Jerry Konter Vera Hoffman In memory of Sam Jospin Summer Fun at Marilyn Seeman JEA Preschool Camp Savannah ETHEL COHEN MEDDIN MEMORIAL FUND Lisa & Lawrence Arkin In memory of Sam Jospin Eva & David(4) Arkin Chuck Palefsky Marilyn & Jonathan Arkin Sherry M. Macchia JEA BUILDING FUND Louis Meddin In memory of Sam Jospin Eva Odrezin JEA FITNESS FUND Judy & Larry Odrezin In memory of David Silverman In memory of David Silverman Steffi & Sol Zerden Donna & Tony Eichholz & Family In honor of Toby Hollenberg HARVEY RUBIN MEMORIAL FUND In honor of Harriet & Paul Kulbersh In memory of David Silverman In honor of Linda & Michael Zoller Brenda & Patrick Salter Arlene & Allan Ratner Bernice Elman In memory of Isie, Madeline & Harvey Rubin JEA GENERAL DONATIONS Elise & Victor Shernoff In memory of Sam Jospin In honor of Elise & Victor Shernoff Ruth Katz Marsha & Chuck Bernstein Emma Adler Thelma & Frank Hoffman HENRY W. CENTER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP James Yeckley FUND Spring & Tom Asher In memory of Sam Jospin Joanne & Bruce Remler In memory of Walter Carson Michael Karpf Tony Center Leigh Ann & John Adler In memory of Sam Jospin Cindy Paradies & Larry Moscow In honor of Andy Kramer Carol & Avram Goldberg In honor of Louis Freedman Catherine & Ron Fagin Vicki & Harry Center Providing for the social, emotional Charlene & Murray Gordon In memory of Sam Jospin and cognitive growth of young Betsy & Harvey Applebaum In memory of Helen Spiers children in a Judaic setting. Arlene & Mike Steinfeldt In memory of Candice Peagler Berna & Noah Levine Miriam Center

July-August 2015 Centerpiece Savannah www.savj.org jewish news July-August 2015 | Page 9

...... from pg 8 Sporting Refinance NOW while medals at the 2000 Paralympics in events are particularly remarkable rates are at historic lows Sydney (100-meter backstroke, 100- because her injury required her to Fixed Rates Up To 30 Years and 50-meter freestyle); gold, two start races in the pool, competing Free Good Faith Estimate silver and bronze medals at the 2004 against other swimmers who could 1/2 point origination Paralympics in Athens (100-meter begin from a diving position. backstroke, 100- and 50-meter free- Leibovitch was given the honor of No intangible tax style, 200-meter individual medley); lighting the torch at the 2001 Macca- Contact Chris or Jessica has been a three-time World cham- biah Games in Jerusalem. In a 2005 pion; a five-time European cham- poll conducted by the Israeli news (912) 356-9225 pion; and has held world records website ynet to determine who the Or Apply Online at in three different events at various general public considered the 200 times. It is usually noted that her Greatest Israelis, she ranked as the workmenscirclecu.com medals and records in the freestyle 46th greatest Israeli of all time. 527 Stephenson Avenue, Suite 2 Savannah, Georgia 31405 Discover the Credit Union difference...

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Check the Community Calendar at www.savj.org. Exciting programs are added regularly, check for new events each week! Savannah Page 10 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org And, I realized that if I expected my two years. Greater scrutiny of the Returning to the Farm children to share my commitment to school forced the Principal and Board I am a private and other events. When I came home being a part of a Jewish community, to reexamine and improve in a num- person by nature for graduate school, I enjoyed the I must model that behavior for them, ber of ways. From addressing student and despite hav- perk of returning to the congregation the same way I wear a bike helmet security to introducing more fami- ing lived in Savan- I had grown up in. hoping that when they are old enough ly-friendly programming to starting nah for the past Then, at 25, I loaded up a Ryder to make their own choices, the exam- a Hebrew tutoring program as an twelve years and truck and moved to Cincinnati, chas- ple I set will stick with them. When I alternative to traditional “Hebrew Lisa Elkin, serving as presi- ing after a nice Jewish boy. I loved was later asked to serve as president School,” we have looked for ways to Shalom School dent of the Sha- living in the city that, like ancient of the board, I reminded myself that I keep pace with the needs of our fam- President lom School Board Rome, sits in a valley surrounded by would be doing this just as much to ilies. The academic year ended with for the last two, I seven hills and is named for Cincin- set an example for my children as to over 90 children from Congregations hope most folks in town have no idea natus: farmer-statesman who was try and give something back to the Agudath Achim and Mickve Israel who I am. called to lead, served and then ea- community. enrolled in Shalom School and we Just before my thirteenth birthday, gerly returned to his farm. Of course And so I found myself president of look forward to more next fall. my family moved to Buffalo, NY, for I sought out a Jewish home. Cincin- the Shalom School Board, ready to But Shalom School is about more my parents to take better jobs. De- nati, home of the Hebrew Union Col- work hard but not knowing what to than providing Jewish children with spite the logistical challenges for lege, had an abundance of congrega- expect. In the end, I could not have a religious education. It is about gath- two working parents, I was enrolled tions to choose from. So many, in fact, predicted what lay ahead. It turned ering as many of them as possible to- in our temple’s religious school that, it was hard to decide between them. out to be quite a bumpy road and I gether, so they can socialize, make not unlike Shalom School, served By the time I caught that boy, mar- wondered often if I could travel to its friends and start to find their own the families of two congregations: ried him and we moved away, we had end. Thankfully, many good things Jewish community. It is my hope that one Reconstructionist, the other tried out so many I lost count. can come out of adversity. I met many Shalom School, a cooperative endeav- Conservative. There I finished pre- When we arrived in Savannah, we amazing, intelligent and kind peo- or, will continue to unite children paring for my bat mitzvah, complet- felt warmly welcomed by the Jewish ple whose paths I would not have and provide them with a strong Jew- ed confirmation classes with five community and joined Mickve Israel crossed otherwise. I was fortunate ish foundation. And I hope that just other students and later attended soon after our arrival. As our children that the principal and Board of the like that school in Buffalo did for me, the JCC-sponsored Hebrew High came along and became old enough, school were wonderful to work with. it will instill in our children the im- School. Even though Buffalo was a they started attending Shalom I was lucky to have had the support portance of maintaining a connection bigger city than Savannah, the group School. On Sunday mornings, I drove and guidance of so many great people to whatever Jewish community one of Jewish kids I knew was small. them downtown, quietly dropped who not only offered helpful advice might find oneself in. When I left home to attend col- them off and snuck out to Target. But but frequently connected me with And now that my term is up, like lege, I had to find the Hillel chapter in a town the size of Savannah, it is the person who possessed exactly the Cincinnatus I am looking forward to on campus with a microscope. The hard to stay completely anonymous. expertise the school needed at the returning to my “farm,” to tend to my other Jewish students and I ven- Eventually, I was invited to join the moment. two sprouts. I hope they have their tured out to other colleges in the area school’s Board. I was reluctant, but The school also benefited from fac- helmets on! where we went to services, parties felt like it was time to do my part. ing the challenges it did over the last

MARVIN ARKIN October 2001 Interviewed by

The Savannah Jewish Archives holds an excellent collection of oral histories. Other excerpts appear in our publication, Voices of Savannah. The Savannah Jewish Archives now is part of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, www.thebreman.org. Savannah www.savj.org jewish news July-August 2015 | Page 11

Sensory Summer at

JEA Preschool Our JEA Pre- Do you love school Savan- nah Summer to read? Jodi Sadler, Program has JEA Director of been filled with Early Childhood days of mean- Education ingful play and We’re looking for avid readers to review hands on experiences for the chil- dren. Swimming in the kiddie and books for the Savannah Jewish News. big pools, splashing at the water Interested? Contact us at table, or performing yoga poses in [email protected] or (912) 355-8111. the shape of the Hebrew letters, the children are busy interacting with the materials and each other as they grow and develop. Children learn best through the sensory activities designed especial- ly for them. With this learning style in mind, here’s what we’ve learned during our summer program at JEA ‘Miss Jodi’ is the focus of the summer program Preschool Savannah about our chil- sensory activity one day — the children have a dren and families through the sights, great time painting her! sounds, and smells happening here: • Splashing water at the little Sights pool • Daddies walking their tod- dlers into JEA Preschool Sa- My reflection: Children experi- vannah for the day ence all emotions when they are here • Mommies carrying their tod- and the teachers work hard to honor dlers home for the day those feelings and assist the children • Children painting moons and in working through them. There is stars much language and literacy develop- • Teachers doing the hand mo- ing for the children through songs, tions to “Five Little Monkeys” stories and dramatic play. • Smiles on children’s faces during water play Smells • Shabbat candles lit on Friday • Fresh baked “alien” cookies • Children floating on their • Dirty diapers (that quickly are backs at swim lessons taken away) • Sunscreen My reflection: Children are en- • Teachers’ lunches gaged in hands-on activities and they • Chlorine from the pool are happy to walk through the doors • Challah of the Preschool. They are learning • Diaper cream in all areas of development: physical, social and emotional. Celebrating My reflection: I know summer is Shabbat together creates a sense of here with the strong scent of sun- community between children, teach- screen permeating the air. This tells ers and parents. me that the teachers are being dil- igent about taking care of the chil- Sounds dren. Teachers are nourishing their • Crying at drop-off from the bodies with healthy foods so they can children who don’t want dad- feel satisfied and fueled when work- dy to leave ing with the children. • Crying at pick up from the Now that I have shared some of my children don’t want to leave reflections I would encourage you to • Laughing at a friend who put a come visit our wonderful program bucket on his head and experience the sights, sounds • Laughing at a funny story be- and smells for yourself. You’ll be glad ing read by the teacher you did! • Singing a favorite rocket song • Yelling for joy outside riding a tricycle We couldn’t do it • Giggling with each other in without them! the housekeeping corner • Our favorite “Shabbat is Here” Help us thank our advertisers song by supporting their businesses. Savannah Page 12 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org

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supporting our Engaging Services major fundraiser. We had a great Backpack Buddies time!! Hebrew Classes and Study Groups Conversion Program Young Family Shabbat Daily Minyan and … Good food too!!!

SHABBAT SERVICES: DAILY SERVICES: Friday 5:45 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Sunday 9:00 am & 6:00 pm, Monday & Thursday 7:00 am & 6:00 pm Saturday 9:15 am Shabbat Service & Kiddush Luncheon Tuesday 7:30 am & 6:00 pm, Wednesday 8:00 am & 6:00 pm Saturday Evenings Mincha/Maariv & Havdalah Friday Shacharit 7:00 am & Kabbalat Shabbat 5:45 pm Savannah www.savj.org jewish news July-August 2015 | Page 13 He replied, “That’s okay – my dad was about to have a leak in the basement The Savannah Jewish Federation proudly provides space for a half-page ad to It’s a Funny Thing pipes!” ______each local congregation in each issue of the Savannah Jewish News. Sol opened a clothing store and was trying to manage it to the best of his capabilities. Once day he overheard A new patient was quite upset when the doctor’s nurse led him to a small, his cashier say to a customer, “No, we haven’t had it for a curtained cubicle and told him to undress. “But I only want the doctor to look while, and it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting it any time at an ingrown toenail!” he protested. soon.” “Our rule is that everyone must undress,” replied the blond nurse. Melinda Stein Sol quickly assured the customer that they’d have it “That’s a stupid rule,” grumbled the patient, “making me undress just to look next week – no questions asked. After the customer left, at my toe.” Sol read his cashier the riot act. “How many times do I have to “That’s nothing,” growled a voice from the next cubicle. “I just came to fix tell you? Never tell the customer that we’re out of anything! Tell them we’ll have the phones!” it next week. Now, what was it that she was asking about?” ______“Rain.” ______In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth... After that, every- thing else was made in China. Abe and Irv were neighbors in a Florida retirement community, and both proud pet owners, always trying to one-up each other about how smart their dogs were. “My dog is so smart,” Abe bragged, “that every morning he waits for the pa- perboy to come around. He brings the kid his tip and then brings me the paper, along with my morning medicine.” “I know that,” said Irv. “How could you know?” asked Abe. “My dog told me,” Irv replied. ______

Jacob comes home from work on a freezing winter day. He steps into the kitchen and his wife welcomes him, saying, “Darling, what would you say to a nice hot bowl of matzah ball soup?” And Jacob replies, “It depends on what the soup said to me first!” ______Don’t Don’tmiss miss the the chance chance toto includeinclude your your holiday holiday wishes in the next issue of the Savannah Rachel was going out on a blind date. She called her best friend Becky and wishes in the next issue of the Savannah said, “Would you call me in about 30 minutes? If I can’t stand the guy, I’ll make Jewish News! an excuse that it’s my mom and she needs me.” Download the HolidayJewish Greetings News! Order Form at www.savj.org The date was a flop, so a half hour later when Rachel’s phone rang, she spoke for a moment, then told the fellow, “I have to go, my mother’s electricity just Download theHoliday Holiday greetings Greetings due Order date: AugustForm at 3rd www.savj.org went out.” Holiday greetings due date: August 3rd Congregation BBJ’S FABULOUS B’nai B’rith Jacob SOUP & SALAD BAR Morning, Afternoon and Evening Services Daily. TUESDAYS IN THE SOCIAL HALL 365 Days a year for over 150 years. Contact the Shul office for menu and times Teens Event BBJ FOOD SERVICES IS NOW ONLINE !!! WWW.KOSHERFOODSAVANNAH.COM

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Visit our website to subscribe to our popular weekly newsletter 5444 Abercorn Street, Savannah GA 31405 912-354-7721 www.bbjsynagogue.com [email protected] Savannah Page 14 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org Condolences The Savannah Jewish Federation We express our sympathy to the families of: Gratefully Thanks Our Contributors Frances Hirshberg Wagger Who died June 26, 2015 SJF GENERAL DONATION FUND HYMIE & BERTHA SCHEER In honor of Sharon Galin FRIEDMAN FAMILY FUND UJA Greenwich In memory of Sam Jospin She is survived by her daughter, In honor of Merry & Richard Bodziner In memory of David Silverman Margie Wagger Smith of New Mex- Sarabel & Ross Stemer Janna & Stan Friedman ico; her son-in-law, Michael Karpf In honor of Lisa Bodziner of Savannah; two grandchildren; Carol & Joel Greenberg MATTHEW J. CRANMAN two great-grandchildren; and many HOLOCAUST TEACHER EDUCATION loving nieces and nephews. She was JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES FUND FUND preceded in death by her husband, In honor of Stephanie Rotkow In memory of Stanley Weiss Larry Wagger; her daughter, Susan Linda & Michael Zoller Vera Hoffman Wagger Karpf; and her brothers, Sy In honor of Harriet Meyerhoff In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Ron Goldenberg and Bernard Hirshberg. DAYLE & AARON LEVY FUND Jane Rosenblum Remembrances: Congregation In memory of Sam Jospin Agudath Achim, 9 Lee Blvd., Savan- c/o Congregation Bnai Brith Jacob, Sarah Denmark & Adam Solender nah 31405; the Savannah Jewish Fed- 5444 Abercorn St., Savannah 31405. TIKVAH FUND In honor of Dayle & Aaron Levy In memory of Sam Jospin eration, 5111 Abercorn St., Savannah Sylvia Yellin Toby Hollenberg 31405; Hospice Savannah, Box 13190, Doris & Arnie Goldstein ASHLEY SAMUELS CHILDREN’S & Savannah 31416. Stanley Irving Weiss Gail Wexler Who died June 16, 2015 YOUTH ACTIVITY FUND In memory of David Silverman In memory of Sam Jospin Doris & Arnie Goldstein Florence K. Alterbaum He is survived by his wife, Sheila In memory of David Silverman In honor of Kaye Kole Scott, Jared & Allison Samuels Who died June 23, 2015 Karesh Weiss; a son, Eric Alan (Lau- Betty & Larry Lasky ra) Weiss, a daughter, Jan Weiss In memory of Stanley Weiss Harriet & Paul Kulbersh Sue & Leonard White She is survived by her daughter, (Norman) Epstein; four grandchil- A donation was made by dren; his sister, Betty (Larry) Lasky; Lisa (Tommy) Cohen of Alpharetta; Lois Gonchar JULIUS RUDIKOFF HEALTH CLUB & sisters- and brothers-in-law, and sev- In memory of Carol Ann Rosenthal Shear her sons, Tommy Alterbaum, of At- ATHLETIC FUND lanta and Steve Alterbaum, of Savan- eral nieces and nephews. Sara Jospin In honor of Lynn & Dick Berkowitz nah; four grandchildren and many Remembrances: Congregation Bnai In memory of Stanley Weiss Erica Gal nieces and nephews. She was preced- Brith Jacob, 5444 Abercorn St., Sa- Harriet & Paul Kulbersh ed in death by her husband, Richard vannah 31405; or University of Geor- LLOYD & SANDRA GOODMAN JEA Alterbaum. gia College of Pharmacy, 250 West SAVANNAH JEWISH ARCHIVES In honor of Kaye Kole GENERAL FUND Remembrances: Karpf Youth Fund, Green St., Athens, GA 30602. Carol & Joel Greenberg In honor of Sandy Goodman Gale & David Hirsh Rita & Alan Asher Sara Jospin Sally & Steve Greenberg Contributions to the Savannah Jewish WILLIAM & MILDRED WEICHSELBAUM CAMPAIGN FUND Federation may be made In memory of Sam Jospin on our secure website at In honor of Norman Dolgoff www.savj.org or by Peggy & Stanley Harris, Jr. calling 912-355-8111.

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Savannah www.savj.org jewish news July-August 2015 | Page 15 Your Campaign Dollars at Work Exhilarating and Life-Changing Lasting Legacies by Hannah Slotin “She was just a beautiful soul,” Arlene “When I Birthright. An experience that is Richman Ratner said of her cousin think of her, made available (and constantly men- Ceceile Richman, who died in 2014 I am always tioned by their Bubbies) to young at the age of 99. “She was quiet, unas- reminded of Jews aged 18-26. Jewish young suming and always had a smile on her a passage in adults are given the free opportunity face,” Arlene continued. Ethics of Our to change their life in a very meaning- Upon her death, Ceceile Richman Fathers [Pirkei ful and spiritual way through Taglit left a generous bequest to the Jew- Avot] that ba- Birthright. Little did I know, but the ish Educational Alliance that was sically says Ceceile Richman trip that I applied for and was placed used to establish the Ceceile Richman ‘we all should on was about to change my life for the JEA Fund at the Jewish Community be pleased and happy with our lot in better. Foundation of Savannah. With ad- life,’ and she was. That personified I had the privilege to attend an Is- vice from Arlene and her cousin Da- Aunt Ceil and that’s why I always rael Outdoors national trip with Jew- vid Cohen (Ceceile’s nephew from loved her so much.” ish students aged 18-22. I went with Charleston), it was determined that Arlene notes that “Ceil was such a the perfect mix of some of my best annual income from the Fund would quiet person; she never wanted rec- friends from the University of Geor- be used to support The PJ Library in ognition for anything and she proba- Hannah Slotin (far right) with her old and gia, as well as new best friends from Savannah and the Health & Wellness bly would have a hissy fit if this was new best friends in the Golan Heights. all over the country. Our group, Bus Center at the JEA. known about while she was alive.” 132, instantly clicked and we were friends that easily became family in ‘Ceil,’ as she was called, was a pro- Ceceile Richman’s generosity to so fortunate to have the most incred- such a short period of time. This trip fessional librarian for all of her career, the community will be felt and her ible staff, tour guide, and Israeli sol- pushed me so far out of my comfort first in Baltimore and then in Savan- name will be remembered for genera- diers around. The trip was amazing zone, in the best possible way. I am nah, where she retired. “Books were tions to come. to say the least. It didn’t matter how now adding “staff a Birthright trip” to her major love,” said Arlene. She also long and hot the hikes or days were, I my bucket list. had a deep concern for the connec- knew that I was growing and becom- We are very fortunate to have the tion between the mind and the body ing a more knowledgeable and pas- Savannah Jewish Federation helping as relates to overall wellness. Because Create a Fund sionate Jewish individual. fund Birthright trips for thousands of The PJ Library provides a free book A designated fund can benefit a specific Our group ended each day with Jewish teens around the world. I will (or sometimes CD) each month to purpose dear to your family or the com- personal reflections and endless mo- never be able to repay or thank Taglit Jewish children ages 6 months to 8 munity at large. Funds can be created ments of enhancing our Jewish iden- Birthright enough for the most ex- years old, it was a natural choice to and activated now or established with tities. We, as Jews, owe so much to hausting, dehydrating, exhilarating, help share Ceil’s enthusiasm for read- a bequest or other financial instrument. Taglit Birthright. Although I feel that and life-changing ten days of my life. ing and learning. Arlene said that she To discuss establishing a Lasting Leg- I started my Birthright experience Hannah Slotin, 20, is a junior at the Uni- and David felt that it and the Health acy for your family with a fund at the with a strong Jewish foundation and versity of Georgia, double majoring in Com- & Wellness Center reflect both of Jewish Community Foundation of Sa- identity, this trip greatly impacted munication Studies and Spanish. She is the Ceil’s passions. vannah, contact Adam Solender at (912) my Jewish pride and connection to daughter of Susan and Frank Slotin. (Her Speaking of his aunt, David said: 355-8111 or [email protected]. my heritage. My favorite part of the ‘bubbies’ are Harriet Ullman and Vivian trip was watching Birthright connect Slotin.) Hannah went on a Birthright Isra- so many Jewish teens to Judaism and el trip during the current summer session. Israel who had little to no Jewish Taglit-Birthright Israel, a beneficiary of the identity prior to this trip. For exam- Savannah Jewish Federation Annual Cam- SAVE THE DATE ple, getting to watch some of my new paign, provides free, peer group, educational friends become Bar or Bat Mitzvah trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages SAVE THE DATE and being given Hebrew names were 18 to 26 with the belief that a trip to Israel memories that I will cherish forever. strengthens Jewish identity and is the best I am still in constant contact with way to build a lasting bond between young my group—Israeli soldiers includ- Jewish people around the world and their ed—thanks to social media. I also peers in Israel. For more information, con- had the amazing opportunity to ex- tact Jamie Cahn at (912) 355-8111 or see 2015 Annual Meeting tend my trip a few extras days with www.birthrightisrael.com. 2015Wednesday, Annual September Meeting 9th 7pm at the JEA Wednesday, September 9th Investiture7pm of newat the Executive JEA Board and Board of Governors Investiture of new Executive Board andAwards Board andof Governors Honors

ALHAMBRA EDGEWATER TRACE KESSLER POINT THE ARBORS Updates on the Federation 2200 East Victory Dr. 10714 Abercorn Ext. 901 Kessler Ct. 4035 Kessler Ave. Awards and Honors Savannah, GA 31401 Savannah, GA 31419 Garden City, GA 31408 Garden City, GA 31408 912.354.1968 912.925.5519 912.964.4452 912.964.8787 Please plan to be there! TIMBERLAND RIDGEWOOD WINDSOR ARMS WYNDMERE Updates on the Federation 10612 Abercorn Ext. 12008 Middleground Rd. 12409 Largo Dr. 1326 Highway 80 West Savannah, GA 31419 Savannah, GA 31419 Savannah, GA 31419 Garden City, GA 31408 912.925.5475 912.925.9108 912.925.4811 912.964.9211 Please plan to be there! Savannah Page 16 | July-August 2015 jewish news www.savj.org

$1,045,654

What can One Gift Do?

Thanks to Donors like You, a World of Good!

The Savannah Jewish Federation provides support wherever there is need.

Thanks to you, members of our community continue to live dignified lives when they face difficult economic times.

Thanks to you, we are able to care for and feed the neediest among us.

Thanks to you, the Savannah Jewish Federation continues to focus on Jewish education and Jewish identity, maintaining support for Shalom School, the JEA, JELF, BBYO, SCAD Hillel and programming to combat the growing threats of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.

Thanks to you, we maintain support for local children to attend Jewish overnight summer camps, and for teens to participate in Jewish leadership development programs, to travel to Israel for educational tourism and yeshiva study; and we are able to support Birthright Israel and other programs that inspire a deep love of Israel and Jewish life.

Thanks to you, we are able to respond, on a moment’s notice, to the critical needs of our fellow Jews in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make the 2015 Annual Community Campaign a success.

We will do a world of good.

The Strength of a People www.savj.org The Power of Community (912) 355-8111