Jewish Community News www.jfedps.org The Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert Tevet/Shevat 5781 - January 2021 The Power of Community As we have watched events unfold all possible. We all rely on these alive. Together with other agencies, campaign. Please help to the best of around the world over in 2020 and programs and services; they have we provide community educational your ability, so that as a community now with the increasing concern proven themselves during previous opportunities presented through a we remain strong, able to help regarding the COVID-19 in the US times of crisis and are a critical Jewish lens. support each other and able to and within our own community, reminder that we stand together Our goal is to make our Jewish respond whenever and wherever we are feeling the uncertainty and always for the greater good. community strong and vibrant. We needed. As you reflect on many anxiety of the moment. Thankfully, Sustaining and strengthening want to grow by attracting others things this holiday season, we ask you we belong to a great community that Federation’s network of services to move to the area and become to think about how you can help our cares for one another. in our local community is essential. engaged with us. We are here to community. As we announced last month, our These programs are in place 365 days build a future for young families and We extend our prayers for those 2021 Campaign is underway. We a year, in ordinary and extraordinary their children. We want our seniors individuals around the world affected thank all those who have supported times. Material support is in the to always feel welcome; sustained, by the spread of COVID-19 and to the Annual Jewish Federation forefront these days but equally nurtured and supported by “Jewish the families who have lost loved ones. Campaign throughout the years important is our support of Temples, community.” Stay safe and healthy. and have demonstrated faith in agencies and organizations that help Please help us by actively our life-saving work that makes this keep our Jewish values and traditions participating in this year’s annual A Rich Jewish Past, and Present: Why Israel’s Deal with Morocco is so Resonant Unlike other longtime and fresh peace partners of Israel, Morocco has an ongoing connection to the Jewish people, and many Israelis will be rushing for a direct flight ‘home’ By Raphael Ahren, The Times of Israel The December 10 surprise Moroccan Jewry’s origins date become a fixture on the Israeli announcement about Morocco back 2,000 years, to the destruction continued on page 4 agreeing to establish diplomatic of the Second Temple and exile. relations with Israel was not a In the modern era, the community Hannukah miracle, as many Israeli reached a high of some 250,000 politicians gushed when they lit their in the early 1940s, when Sultan holiday candles, though the timing Mohammed V resisted Nazi pressure was indeed brightly appropriate. for their deportation. Numbers Rather, it had been a long time dwindled with the establishment of coming, as the North African Israel, and today only some 2,000- kingdom has deep cultural and 3,000 Jews remain, but hundreds of religious ties with the Jewish state thousands of Israelis are proud of and had long been expected to join and Sudan, three Arab nations that their Moroccan origins. US President the current wave of Arab countries normalized relations with Israel Donald Trump’s senior envoy Jared normalizing ties with Israel. this year, Morocco and Israel have Kushner on Thursday put that As opposed to Egypt and Jordan, a profound and ancient Jewish number at “over a million.” which signed peace treaties with connection, and the Moroccan The mimouna party, which the Israel decades ago, and in contrast Jewish community, though small, still community traditionally celebrates to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain thrives today. right after Passover ends, has OF THE DESERT

2019-2020 JEWISH FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Roberta Nyman, Board Chair Phil Glass, Treasurer & Allocations Chair Stephanie Ross, Secretary Celia Norian, Past Co-Chair Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer

Jackie Cohen Ron Langus Lori Fritz Bernard Reiter Arnie Gillman Gary Schahet Bobbi Holland

Table of Contents Vol. 47 • No. 6 Community Calendar 16, 17 Federation 1, 3, 19, 24 Annual Report 6, 7 Lecture Series 9, 10 Legacy 5 Major Gifts 2 Woman's Philanthropy 10-12 Jewish Family Service 12 School Listing 10 Simchas & Classifieds 23 Temples Listing 16 Tributes 15

2 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com Relevance Federation model is still relevant. They important. so together. ask why they should not only give What does our community look like This year, we want to spend more directly to the agency or program of without Federation? I have no doubt time with you, our most important Bruce their choice. The answer is that we are that the effective organizations that partners in our work. We will be seeking Landgarten all part of the same community, and our serve our community will endure. your participation at our virtual events Jewish Federation collective needs are relevant. Federation They will serve their own constituents. scheduled for this season. You will see Chief Executive is the glue that holds us together and But what about the community? What catch phrases that demonstrate we want Officer sticking together as a community will about the overarching issues outside the to “start strong” to be able to successfully always be relevant. In these uncertain purview of any single organization? Only take on any challenge we face. We want Jewish Federation is guided by times, our need to support each other Federation is uniquely positioned to to “look forward” in our fundraising two basic principles: “Klal Yisrael” is of the greatest relevance. The basic address these broader community and efforts to create a lasting legacy for - a deep and abiding bond for all model and mission remain the same as overseas/Israel needs, to help convene future generations. We will do all this Jewish people and a sacred promise it did from its inception, but we adapt and mobilize the entire community. thanks to “the power of community.” that we will be there for each other; to the changing times and needs of Cries of irrelevance emanate from Together, we can — and will — be both and “Chesed” - caring for the most our Jewish community. Unfortunately, those to whom we have failed to stronger and more successful. vulnerable. today that means funding increased communicate or those who are angry at To those of you who have already Times have changed and with security needs due to rising anti- some differences in approach, ignoring pledged, thank you for being it the prevailing paradigm. Both Semitism, but it also means developing those areas of commonality that are philanthropic leaders. For those of ideologically and through their programs for our demographic, offering critical to us all. We need to focus on the you who have yet to make your gift, actions, Jews today are challenging the virtual programming as we remain many areas in which we undoubtedly please consider generously powering notion of collective Jewish partnership. homebound, creating offerings for agree. We cannot agree on everything, this year’s campaign now. Join our Many question it altogether and children, all in a Jewish space. but we need to agree and support the stakeholders in demonstrating that others challenge the importance and Someone once said to me, “If there many issues that will dictate our Jewish you see the continuing relevance of relevance of giving priority to Jewish were no Federation, we would have to future here. Federation’s mission. Now more than causes and of privileging relationships invent one.” We do not need to invent We have just come out of a year of ever we have to see to the needs of our with fellow Jews. Federation. It exists and it merits all of heartbreaking challenges and inspiring Jewish community. Thank you so very Federation functions as the our support, especially in this time of successes. We have significantly much. umbrella organization for the Jewish change. There is work to be done for impacted lives, and I thank you, community’s agencies, Temples/ our community. If we allow Federation because we have done this together. schools, and programs. Despite to fail, to close its doors, we do so at We are building a safe, secure, vibrant this mandate, some question if the our own peril. Federation’s work is too Jewish community and we are doing Promoting the Jewish Experience our board and staff that has enabled Jewish Community News, reaches over Miriam. us to work together to successfully 3450 homes. I suspect few people Obviously due to covid, organizations ROBERTA guide our Federation. I was president have read the “JCN Statement” that are not holding events and advertising NYMAN of the board when we selected Bruce appears on page 4, stating the paper’s in our JCN is significantly down. Please Landgarten as our Chief Executive mandate to “provide news and feature look for the information page and JEWISH Officer eleven years ago. Now Bruce material of special interest … to coupon regarding the JCN on page FEDERATION and I are again working together to create a heightened sense of Jewish 19 and make a donation to help us to BOARD CHAIR look for innovative ways to promote identity through the dissemination continue to bring our paper to your the Jewish experience here in the of information about people, events homes. Thank you. Thank you to our Board of desert. Thank you, Bruce, for your and issues at home and abroad.” Its From my family to yours, a Happy Directors, the many Woman's leadership and able management. importance is heightened at these and Healthy New Year … and stay safe. Philanthropy volunteers and our Communications with our donors difficult times. I eagerly anticipate hard-working Campaign Cabinet is important, even more so these and look forward to our newspaper who give tirelessly of their time and days as we cope with our restricted each month. I also want to say how expertise to our Federation. I am lives due to the covid virus. Our much we appreciate the hard work of Acts of kindness are among those proud of the partnership between Federation monthly newspaper, the our editor, Miriam Bent. Thank you, things that have no limit. (Mishnah) JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 3 continued from page 1 court said. Netanyahu on Thursday predicted cultural calendar, with countless Still, the king did not suddenly a “very warm peace” with Morocco, JEWISH people barbequing in parks and decide that his love for the Jewish but time will tell if the kingdom’s 35 COMMUNITY politicians rushing to as many people required him to recognize million citizens — virtually all Muslim mimouna celebrations as possible, the State of Israel; it was rather a US- Arabs — will welcome the deal as NEWS eating mufletot and other Jewish- brokered deal that pushed him to warmly as Emiratis and Bahrainis have. A Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert Moroccan delicacies. take the plunge. According to a recent poll, VOL. 47, No. 6 While Israeli tourists have begun Trump announced, in a tweet only 16 percent of Moroccans EDITORIAL discovering the Gulf only very followed by an official proclamation, have a favorable view of Israel, Bruce Landgarten, recently, they have been flocking that Washington as of now recognizes while a whopping 70% view Israel Chief Executive Officer to Rabat, Marrakech, Casablanca, Moroccan sovereignty over the unfavorably. In contrast, three- Miriam H. Bent, Editor Tangiers and Fez via third countries entire Western Sahara territory and quarters of respondents expressed Bailey Communications, for many years. Once the two “reaffirms its support for Morocco’s positive sentiments toward the Layout & Design countries establish diplomatic serious, credible, and realistic Palestinians. JCN STATEMENT relations and open direct air-links, autonomy proposal as the only basis The survey, conducted byThe Jewish Community News seeks that number can be expected to for a just and lasting solution to the Jerusalem-based pollster Mitchell to provide news and feature material increase dramatically. dispute over the Western Sahara Barak on behalf of the Konrad of special interest to its readership, Following the 1995 Oslo Accords, territory.” Adenauer Foundation, also found and to create a heightened sense of Jewish Morocco and Israel opened mutual The UAE got an Israeli commitment that only 17% of Moroccans support identity through the dissemination of “liaison offices,” but they were closed to halt plans for a unilateral West Israel’s Abraham Accords with the information about people, events and issues a few years later after the Palestinian Bank annexation and it appears to UAE and Bahrain, while two-thirds at home and abroad. The JCN seeks to serve Second Intifada broke out in 2000. have secured the F-35 fighter jets oppose them. Indeed, only 26% as a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community. Both Moroccan King Mohammed it long coveted (though that deal believe that Israel has a right to exist, VI and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin has not yet been finalized). Sudan according to the poll. The JCN is published monthly, ten months a Netanyahu cited the long and deep got taken off the US terror list and In a call to Palestinian Authority year by the Jewish Federation of the Desert, ties binding Morocco and Israel received promises of massive aid. President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday 69-710 Highway 111, in their statements on the historic And Morocco got a first, vital Western evening, King Mohammed reiterated Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, agreement. country to formally recognize its claim his staunch support for a two-state 760-324-4737, fax 760-324-3154. “Everybody knows the over the contested territory claimed solution, stressing that his position tremendous friendship shown by the by the Algeria-backed Polisario was “unshakably supportive of the ARTICLES & ADVERTISING, kings of Morocco and the people of group, which seeks to establish an Palestinian cause.” Miriam H. Bent, Editor 760-323-0255 Morocco to the Jewish community independent state there. The monarch is reportedly e-mail: [email protected] there. And hundreds of thousands Some countries, like France and expected to participate in a phone of these Moroccan Jews came to a few members of the Arab League, call with Netanyahu and Trump in ADVERTISING Israel, and they form a human bridge have long supported Rabat’s claim the near future, but it’s noteworthy The JCN does not endorse the goods or between our two countries and our to Western Sahara, but so far no that he felt it necessary to speak to services advertised in its pages and makes two peoples, of sympathy, respect, country has formally recognized the Palestinian leader first. no representation as to the kashrut of food of fondness and love,” Netanyahu the kingdom’s sovereignty over In the call with Abbas, the products and services in such advertising. said during a Hanukkah ceremony at the entire area. (The Emiratis in king also noted his “distinguished The publisher shall not be liable for the Western Wall. October opened a consulate- relations with the Jewish community damages if, for any reason whatsoever, it “Morocco has played a historic role general accredited to Morocco in of Moroccan origin, including fails to publish an advertisement or for any error in an advertisement. Acceptance in bringing the peoples of the region the Western Sahara city of Laayoune, hundreds of thousands of Moroccan of advertisers and of advertising copy is together and supporting security which some analysts consider as de- Jews in Israel,” according to a readout subject to the publisher’s approval. and stability in the Middle East… facto recognition.) provided by the royal court. The JCN is not responsible if ads violate [there are] special ties that bind Evidently, King Mohammed Many of those Israelis may already applicable laws and the advertiser will the Jewish community of Moroccan reasoned that incoming US President- be planning their next vacation, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the JCN origin, including those in Israel, to elect Joe Biden would be unlikely to hoping to see where their parents from all claims made by government agencies the person of His Majesty the King,” make the move, so he took advantage and grandparents once lived. and consumers for any reason based on ads a statement from Morocco’s royal of Trump’s last 40 days in office. carried in the JCN.

4 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com Canadian Campus Fraternity Behind Racist, Anti-Semitic Chatroom ‘Seething with Hate’ By Algemeiner Staff A fraternity at the University activists said that members of Delta Members also spoke of recreating doing to create a more inclusive and of Windsor, in Canada’s Ontario Chi referred to Black Lives Matter tortures enacted by the Klu Klux equitable community at the University Province, is in the spotlight for running protesters as “criminals” and “idiots” Klan and routinely used racial slurs, of Windsor.” a private online chatroom reportedly and talked about “how they hate the source added, before claiming Gordon stressed that the university “seething with hateful comments” Black people and that Black people that they “talk about burning Jewish took “responsibility for the progress against Blacks, Jews and the LGBT+ were better as slaves.” people”. we need to make to ensure that our community. The email continued: “They In a statement Dr. Rob Gordon, campus protects the emotional, Delta Chi members made slews describe how they wish they could University of Windsor president physical, and psychological safety of racist, anti-Black, homophobic own Black people as slaves, and they and vice-chancellor, said the chats of everyone in our community” and and anti-Semitic barbs in the private dream about the day there are less were “disturbing, unacceptable, and the University “will immediately be chatroom, according to screen immigrants in Windsor and even entirely incongruent with the values launching an investigation into this captures shared with PinkNews by shooting Indians.” of our school and the work we are m atter.” anti-racist activists on the campus who exposed the chatroom’s existence. An email written by one of the

JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 5 Financial Overview Fiscal Year Ending 06/30/20 Where our Dollars Come From Dear Friends, Regular Campaign $1,710,492 The purpose of an Annual Report is to reflect, and boast a little, on Men’s & Women’s Tamarisk Tournaments $65,200 accomplishments from the past fiscal year ( July 1 through June 30), while Special Events $39,234 providing organizational accountability through sound financial reporting. Revenue from Endowments $100,000 However, this year is unlike any our community has faced. Fortunately our major General & Other Contributions $107,917 fundraising events had taken place before the Corona Virus overwhelmed our Donor Advised Contributions $91,561 country, but for fully one third of our fiscal year (March through June 2020) Net Investment Income – Operating $64,236 and in the months since, we have been impacted by the financial crises growing Net Investment Income – Endowment Fund $74,789 out of the pandemic. Net Investment Income – Donor Advised Fund $1,288 As of the writing of this report, we are still in the midst of this crisis. Members Net Investment Income – Board Designated Fund $28,244 of our community need help making mortgage payments or buying food for their families. Jewish institutions are grappling with financial shortfalls. Individuals Total Support & Revenues $2,282,961 and families face uncertainty about the coming year. The world around us is experiencing extraordinary distress, illness, and havoc wreaked by a global virus, Where our Dollars Go COVID-19. Businesses have come to a standstill, society is in hibernation, people Local Allocations – Caring for the Vulnerable $345,500 are hungry, scared, and anxious. Local Allocations – Jewish Education & Engagement $121,700 It is important that we share with you the generous response by our Jewish Local Allocations – Community Inclusion & Engagements $68,000 community to meet needs of our community. We are proud of the fundraising Overseas Allocations – Israel & World Jewry $425,000 we did accomplish so that we could be there for those who needed us. This is a Programs & Services Cost $510,169 report on the important work of the Federation and the impact of our donors’ General & Administration Cost $329,610 generosity. Fundraising Cost $301,672 In the aftermath of 9/11, John Ruskay, the then CEO of the New York City Jewish Donor Advised Grants $65,820 Federation, famously said, “We were effective on 9/11 because of the capacity Donor Directed Grants $43,342 of our network on 9/10.” The same holds true today: we were positioned to Depreciation Expense $49,372 respond quickly to meet the pressing and urgent needs of COVID-19 because Total Allocations & Expenses $2,260,185 of the strength and effectiveness of our network pre-COVID. Thanks to the generosity and trust of donors, Federation was here for you Total Net Increase in Funds $22,776 yesterday, we are here for you today, and we will be here for you tomorrow – Balance Sheet ready to weather and respond to whatever tomorrow may bring. Federation Assets never closes! Cash $412,288 Your acts of tzedakah continue to make the world a better place. Everything Investments $2,106,259 we do is deeply rooted in bringing people together to identify and address the most critical issues faced by our diverse community. In 2020, that meant Pledge Receivables $548,792 providing direct assistance to individuals in need, investing in the resilience Federation Building & Property Net $1,496,750 of our Jewish institutions, and adapting and nourishing Jewish life here. This Endowment Fund $2,371,207 collaborative approach defines who we are, what we do, and how we do it— Donor Advised Fund $144,798 during both good and challenging times. Board Designated Fund $1,211,136 Together, we move forward as a community that is changed but unchanged: Total Assets $8,291,230 resilient, compassionate, and ready to forge new and even more vibrant paths of Jewish life. Thank you for being part of this community, and for all that you Liabilities & Net Assets do to enhance it. Allocations Payable $1,006,833 On behalf of the Board and staff at Federation, we thank you for your continued Current Liabilities Payable $187,812 support and commitment to our Jewish community. Likewise, we are grateful to Fund Balances Payable $415,640 the beneficiary agencies for their dedicated service to our diverse community here and around the world. Total Liabilities $1,610,285 Undesignated $2,953,804 With great appreciation, Board Designated $1,211,136 With Donor Restrictions $2,516,005

Total Net Assets $6,680,945 Roberta Nyman, Board Chair Bruce Landgarten, CEO Total Liabilities & Net Assets $8,291,230

6 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE DESERT ALLOCATIONS Year End 6/30/20 For Distribution 2020/2021 Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs $4,000 Congregation Har-El - Interfaith Passover Seder $1,000 Jewish Federation of the Desert -Jewish Community News $50,000 Temple Isaiah - Palm Springs Film Festival $8,000 Temple Isaiah - Twice Blessed $5,000 Community Inclusion & Engagement $68,000

Congregation Beth Shalom - Scholar in Residence $5,000 Aleph Schoolhouse – Scholarships $5,000 Inland and Desert Hillel Council - Core Support $70,000 Temple Har Shalom of Idyllwild - Judaism in 2021 $3,200 Temple Sinai - Hebrew School Scholarships $21,500 Temple Sinai - Madrichim (Teacher Assistants) $7,000 World of Difference Institute by ADL $10,000 Jewish Education & Engagement $121,700

Aleph Schoolhouse - Sunshine Circle Meals $5,000 Bikur Cholim - Community Mission & Programs $110,000 F.I.N.D. - (Covid 19) Emergency Food Distribution $70,000 JFS of the Desert - Senior Care Management $45,000 JFS of the Desert - Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) $35,000 JFS of the Desert - Lets’ Do Lunch $5,000 JFS of the Desert - Mental Health Outpatient Treatment $40,000 Mizell Senior Center - Meals on Wheels $17,500 Temple Sinai - Mitzvah Food Delivery Project $10,000 The Joslyn Senior Center - Meals on Wheels $5,000 The Joslyn Senior Center - Lets’ Do Lunch $3,000 Caring for the Vulnerable $345,500

Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind $2,000 Jewish Federations of North America - Birthright Israel $10,000 Jewish Federations of North America - Annual Contribution $80,000 Joint Distribution Committee ( JDC) - Core Funding $125,000 Ramat HaNegev Regional Council - Center for Children with Special Needs $90,000 Ramat HaNegev Regional Council -Pitchat Nitzana - Children & Youth Programs $36,000 The Jewish Agency for Israel - Former Soviet Union (FSU) Camps $15,000 The Jewish Agency for Israel - Ofek Mechinot $15,000 The Jewish Agency for Israel - Youth Futures, Eilat $27,000 The Jewish Agency for Israel - Nativ - Strengthening Jewish & Israel Identity $10,000 ZAKA - Search and Rescue - High-impact Psychological Support $15,000 Israel, Overseas & World Jewry $425,000 Total Allocations $960,200

JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 7 King David-Era Fort Unearthed in Golan Heights Jewish News Syndicate A fortified building complex built strategically on a hilltop According to the IAA, while cities from the time of King David has above the Nahal El Al Reserve and of the Kingdom of Geshur, such as been discovered in the southern encompassed by 5-foot-thick walls Tel En Gev, Tel Hadar and Tel Sorag, Golan Heights, the Israel Antiquities made of basalt boulders. are known to have existed along Authority (IAA) announced. “In the excavation, we were the shores of the Sea of Galilee, The archaeologists who uncovered astonished to make a rare and hardly any such sites from the Iron the complex during IAA excavations exciting find: a large basalt stone Age have been found in the Golan in Moshav Haspin assess that it was a with a schematic engraving of two Heights. The discovery of the fort built by the Kingdom of Geshur horned figures with outspread Haspin complex is thus spurring new (Iron Age, 11th-10th centuries BCE). arms,” they said. Ofri Eitan of the Kfar Hanasi pre-military research in the area. The excavation—conductedThe IAA noted that a similar academy next to the engraved stone at The discovery has also led to the site of the ancient fortified building ahead of the construction of a horned figure with outstretched complex uncovered in the Golan Heights. changes in the construction plan for new neighborhood in Haspin— arms was discovered on a cultic to create a local copy of [it].” the new neighborhood in Haspin, was carried out predominantly by stone stele—uncovered last year The IAA explained that Bethsaida, to prevent damage to the ancient residents of Haspin and nearby Nov, during the Bethsaida Expedition a fortified city, is considered by complex—the surroundings of in addition to youth from the pre- Project, just north of the Sea of scholars to have been the capital of which will be developed along military academies at Natur, Kfar Galilee—next to a raised platform the Aramean Kingdom of Geshur, the El Al River’s bank for open- Hanassi, El Rom, Metzar and Katzrin. adjacent to the city gate. Since the which ruled the central and southern air educational archaeological It was funded by Israel’s Housing Haspin stone was situated on a shelf Golan 3,000 years ago. The Bible activities. This endeavor aligns and Construction Ministry and the next to the fort’s entrance, with two recounts that the kingdom enjoyed with the policy that “learning the Golan Regional Council. such horned figures depicted on it, diplomatic relations with the House past through experiencing work According to IAA excavation the archaeologists speculated that of David and that one of David’s in the field strengthens the young directors Barak Tzin and Enno “a person who saw the impressive wives was Maacah, the daughter of generation’s bonds with their roots,” Bron, the fortified structure was Bethsaida stele [may have] decided Talmi, king of Geshur. said the IAA. Anti-Semitic Outrages Account for More Than 1 in 5 Hate Crimes in Europe By Algemeiner Staff Anti-Semitic acts made up more — which include the US — the impossible, since most incidents are than 20 percent of hate crimes report counted 1,704 acts of anti- not reported and many countries committed in the larger European Semitism within an overall tally of are yet to train their police and area in 2019, according to a new 6,964 incidents. judicial officials to deal with such report from the Organization Jews were more than three crimes. for Security and Cooperation in times more likely than Muslims “In many countries there are Europe (OSCE). or Christians to be targeted, the Stamp on the Jews” — Anti-Semitic graffiti on mechanisms in place to record Gathering data from 34 of figures revealed, with 577 attacks an Italian street and collect comprehensive data the OSCE’s 57 member states against Christians and 511 against Muslims. on hate crimes,” the OSCE said Europe’s Jewish population is less in a statement. “However, a large than one percent of the total on the number do not provide police continent. and prosecutors with the tools and Acts driven by racism and knowledge they need to recognize, xenophobia accounted for 3,033 record and effectively investigate incidents while anti-LGBT outrages such crimes. This frequently involved 1,278 incidents. deprives hate crime victims of In publishing the data, the OSCE the opportunity to access much- emphasized that collating the true needed specialist support.” number of hate crimes was virtually

8 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com Beit T’Shuvah’s Charismatic Rabbi to Lead Three Virtual Programs synagogue community in Los a LCSW, he Angeles, Rabbi Mark’s leadership is developed the unparalleled. Community members, treatment modality addicts, educators, dignitaries, and that integrates executives all seek his wisdom, a blend Spirituality, of street savvy, and wise rabbinic Psychotherapy, teachings. When working with 12-Steps along people, he is living proof that change with Career, Harriet Rossetto anomaly, he is is possible; when speaking to the Creative Arts to able to reach both congregant, he stands for the hope help recovering people learn to live a the addict and the that every man has a higher purpose. whole life integration, responsibility, Ordained in 2000 at the University congregant, and After being released from prison and joy. They are both published of Judaism with a Master’s in Rabbinic de-stigmatize this in 1988 he began his work at Beit authors. Harriet was recognized by Literature, Rabbi Mark Borovitz life-threatening T’Shuvah. Over the past thirty-two the Obama Administration as an combined his knowledge of Torah disease. years, he has helped co-create one Advocate for Recovery and Harriet of the most exceptional approaches and Rabbi Mark were recognized by and street smarts to shape his calling: As the CEO Rabbi Mark helping recovering addicts find their and Senior Rabbi Borovitz to addiction treatment and criminal President George W. Bush for their way in the world. Spiritual Leader, of Beit T’Shuvah, rehabilitation and reintegration in the innovative and successful treatment Author, Senior Rabbi, CEO, ex-con, a nonprofit, non-sectarian, Jewish world. model. recovering alcoholic, and overall addiction treatment center and With his wife, Harriet Rossetto, Itamar Medical Wins National Sleep Foundation Award Itamar’s WatchPAT ONE is the first disposable home sleep apnea test that connects to a smartphone app and easily transmits sleep data for review. By ISRAEL21c Staff The Washington, DC- and easily transmits million people have sleep apnea in based National Sleep sleep data for review.” the United States, and 80% of these Foundation named Itamar The public people are going undiagnosed and Medical winner of the 2020 SleepTech company is based in untreated,” he said. Award recognizing the year’s most Caesarea, Israel, with “We are very proud of the home- innovative achievement in sleep US headquarters in based innovative technology and the technology. Atlanta, Georgia. digital health platform we have built to Itamar Medical makes non-invasive “We​ congratulate deliver simple and reliable solutions devices and solutions to aid diagnosis Itamar Medical for winning our health during a pandemic,” said John for the diagnosis and management of respiratory sleep disorders. 2020 SleepTech Award by further Lopos, CEO of the National Sleep of this condition without the patient Itamar’s WatchPAT ONE, sold in innovating their product to help Foundation. needing to leave home or be exposed the United States, Japan, and Europe, advance sleep technology. Their Gilad Glick, CEO of Itamar Medical, to infection, with a focus on additional is described as “the first and only response to customer insights and said sleep apnea is serious disease care pathways,” Glick said. disposable home sleep apnea test needs is particularly relevant this year that is severely underdiagnosed. that connects to a smartphone app in the effort to promote better sleep “It’s estimated that 54 million to 60 Have you registered the Jewish Federation of the Desert with Amazon Smile as your nonprofit? It couldn’t be easier to register: 1. Go to smile.amazon.com 2. Register Jewish Federation of the Desert as your favorite charity 3. Shop! 4. Bookmark the smile. amazon.com page and don’t forget to only shop through this link! We earn .5% OF THE DESERT of each purchase. Purchases made through regular amazon.com will NOT lead to charitable contributions. We appreciate your support!

JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 9 Jewish Federation Women's Philanthropy A Lion Gift and its Legacy, from Generation to Generation F r a n Boulevard Temple in LA where she president. Better Place,” installing in Carol that Kaufman went through Confirmation. Fran was Fran served on the Jewish as human beings being charitable and Carol surrounded by strong Jewish female Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy was paramount. Carol’s father was F r a g e n ’ s role models. Her grandmother was Board for nine years, including two the President of their Reform Temple charitable always involved in Jewish activities years as President. She also sat on the growing up and she went to Sunday giving as was her mother. When her family Federation Board, including serving School through Confirmation. Carol reflects moved to the Desert her parents as Board Secretary. Her annual gift and her late husband Ron raised their the values helped found Temple Sinai in Palm to the Jewish Federation is as a Lion five children in the Desert, belonging learned from their parents and Desert. Fran has always felt that of Judah. to Temple Isaiah where they went grandparents, a tradition each has her Jewish involvement was a part Carol Fragen’s through Hebrew School and saw their continued and built on in their adult of her DNA and made sure to be a grandparents were parent’ involvements in the Jewish lives and what they have taught to role model for her children, seeing born in France, and secular community. Carol serves their children. that her two children were involved Russia and the on the board of Temple Isaiah as well Fran Kaufman in Jewish activities in the Desert, United States. While as the board of the Mizell Senior grew up in Downey, attended Sunday School, Jewish Yiddish was never Center in Palm Springs. Carol has California and was the Summer camps and on Birthright spoken at home, been a member of the Federation’s only Jewish student trips to Israel. In recent years Fran and Jewish values were important, and Women’s Philanthropy Board, in her class. She was her late husband Mark were active she and her siblings were taught to including serving as its President. She driven to Sunday members of Har-El, where she is on get involved in doing good deeds. gives on the Lion of Judah level and School at the Wilshire the board and the immediate past Her parents were role models in last year chaired the event with Fran what it meant to “Make the World a Kaufman.

Community Schools Aleph Schoolhouse Reopening in September Director: Dina Pinson 73-550 Santa Rosa Way, Palm Desert Children 18 months through Elementary School Alephschoolhouse.org 347-721-8782

10 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com Minimum Gifts

$5,000 minimum gift to the 2021 Annual Campaign for a Local Lion of Judah

$1,200 minimum gift to the 2021 Annual Campaign for an Out of Town Lion.

$1,500 minimum gift for Pomegranate

OUR GUEST SPEAKER Mayim Bialik

JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 11 Jewish Federation’s Women’s Cultural Alliance, in Partnership with JFS, Launch ‘Baby Pantry’

For decades, Jewish Federation are stepping up to help, gathering baby food. Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, but we and Jewish Family Service have needed supplies for those who are A secondary demographic may be ask that you always call first (760-324- been helping Jewish families and struggling. included as recipients of this program: 4737) to be sure there is someone in individuals, directing their efforts Our Jewish Federation’s Women’s young families who have just moved the building. Due to the pandemic, as needs are identified. Today, one Cultural Alliance and JFS Desert to the desert. Giving them a package most of our staff work from home of the demographics particularly have come together for this hands- of items for their babies would be a most of the time. affected by the Covid-19 pandemic on volunteer opportunity to very special way to “welcome” them Thank you in anticipation of your are financial strapped young families, meet tangible needs in the Jewish and accelerate their integration into support. The Baby Pantry is the right stressed by their inability to meet community. “Baby Pantry” is being our Jewish community. idea at the right time. the basic needs of their babies and launched this month to collect staples Items should be brought to the young children. Federation and JFS as diapers and wipes, formula and Jewish Federation Office, 71,690 EU Invites All Members to Adopt Definition of Anti-Semitism Includes Israel Hatred By Cnaan Liphshiz, JTA The Council of the European Anti-Semitism across Policy-Areas.” worry that the action” because the phenomenon Union, which is a key driver of EU The IHRA workingdefinition, by is “an attack on European values,” as policy, “invited” all the bloc’s 27 definition describes various forms condemning the declaration states. members to adopt a definition of of anti-Semitism, including hatred certain forms The document speaks of the need anti-Semitism that includes anti- and discrimination against Jews and of anti-Israel to carry out Holocaust education Israel vitriol as anti-Semitic. Holocaust denial. It also includes rhetoric, will and also of “Protecting Jewish life The invitation to adoptexamples of anti-Israel criticism it have a chilling and making it more visible as part President of the the International Holocaust defines as anti-Semitic, including effect onEuropean Council of Europe’s identity.” It does not list Remembrance Alliance’s definition comparing the country’s policies criticism of Charles Michel concrete actions to achieve this. came in a declaration published to those of Nazi Germany, denying Israel more Several Jewish groups welcomed December 2 by the Council, which the Jewish people their right to broadly. The European Parliament, the document. In a statement, World is made up of cabinet ministers from self-determination and “applying the EU’s legislative branch, adopted Jewish Congress President Ronald S. all the bloc’s member states. double standards by requiring the IHRA definition in 2017, as Lauder called it a “significant step “Member States that have not of it a behavior not expected or have dozens of countries. forward in making Europe a better yet done so are invited to join the demanded of any other democratic The Council declarationplace for Jews.” other Member States and endorse nation.” Criticism of Israel similar to also reiterated earlier language European Jewish Congress the IHRA working definition as soon that leveled at any other country is expressed in declarations and President Moshe Kantor said it as possible,” reads the document, not anti-Semitic, the definition also resolutions by various EU bodies was an “important decision” that titled “Council Declaration on states. about the need to fight anti-Semitism “appreciates the sad growth of anti- Mainstreaming the Fight against Palestinians and their supporters with legal means and “decisive Semitism.”

12 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com US Supreme Court Hears Two Cases Related to Holocaust Restitution By Jackson Richman, Jewish News Syndicate On December 7 the U.S. Supreme “Welfenschatz”) should be returned Court “should take judicial notice Court heard related to the issue of to the heirs of four Jewish art dealers of the indisputable fact that Jews in Holocaust restitution. in Germany. Frankfurt Germany (like the owners The court will decide if the The dealers have argued that they of the Guelph Treasures who had to United States has the jurisdiction, in were forced to sell it to the Nazi- capitulate to the proposal made by accordance with the 1976 Foreign controlled Prussian government in Hermann Goering through a bank Sovereign Immunities Act, to rule 1935 in what they called a “genocidal intermediary) were not ‘citizens’ about crimes that happened abroad taki n g.” who is an expert on Holocaust of Germany in June 1935 even where there was no American The collection, worth around restitution and joined a group though the law that stripped them involvement. $225 million, consists of medieval that filed a brief in support of the of citizenship was not enacted until Although foreign governments church relics and was owned by the plaintiffs, told JNS that “depending September 1935.” usually cannot be sued in U.S. courts, House of Guelph in 1671 until it on how the justices decide, it Lewin went on to claim that exceptions for acts of terrorism was sold to a group of art dealers in will determine the viability of “Germany violated international law or acts of property confiscation 1929. The items currently sit in the suing European countries that principles by extorting the Guelph violating international law have Kunstgewerbemuseum (Applied participated in the Holocaust in the Treasures from individuals who been made in the past. The plaintiffs Arts Museum) in Berlin. United States.” did not have the rights of all other in both cases, Federal Republic of “The case will also determine the non-Jewish German citizens, and Germany v. Philipp and Republic of ‘It cannot defend its action’ viability of filing suits in American it cannot now defend its action Hungary v. Simon, will seek to have In a May 26 filing, then-U.S. Solicitor courts for Nazi-looted art against because of the rule supported by their cases heard based on the latter. General Noel Francisco argued museums, galleries and other private the solicitor general that says that “The Foreign Sovereign Immunity that the heirs have failed to make collectors that have such art in their the Sovereign Immunities Act would Act gives our courts jurisdiction over the case—in accordance with the collections, especially art located in relieve Germany of liability in a U.S. lawsuits alleging property was taken Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act— Europe,” he said. court.” in violation of international law— that the collection was confiscated Bazyler called for the Supreme for instance, if the perpetrators “in violation of international law” in Court to “make clear that the ‘Win something without doing took it as part of an effort to that the Nazi seizure was domestic. Holocaust began in 1933, and reject much for others’ deliberately create conditions of life That law includes limitations as to the specious argument made by In Republic of Hungary v. Simon, which were calculated to destroy a whether a foreign sovereign nation Germany and supported by the the Supreme Court will hear religious or ethnic minority group, may be sued in U.S. courts, either United States that German Jews had the case of 14 Holocaust survivors— and so violated international law state or federal. civil rights before the start of World four of whom are naturalized U.S. by committing genocide,” Arthur Francisco also noted that although War II and before the beginning citizens—suing the Hungarian Traldi, who was of counsel in filing the 2016 Holocaust Expropriated of the mass murder that began in government and the government- a brief on behalf of the American Art Recovery (HEAR) Act 1941.” owned railroad for their role in Association of Jewish Lawyers and “demonstrates Congress’s concern Nathan Lewin, national vice transporting Jews to death camps. Jurists in support of the petitioners, with art seizures that occurred as president of the National Jewish They are seeking restitution for the told JNS. part of the Holocaust,” that law Commission on Law and Public property that was confiscated by “Our courts have jurisdiction doesn’t “create a cause of action in Affairs, filed briefa in support of the the government at that time. as long as there is a sufficient U.S. courts” for the heirs’ case. plaintiffs in the case against Germany. Jeremy Rabkin, a constitutional commercial nexus to the United Michael Bazyler, a law professor He emailed JNS that the Supreme continued on page 14 States, whether or not the plaintiffs are United States citizens,” he continued. “The lower courts found a sufficient commercial nexus as to these defendants, and that issue is not on appeal.” In Federal Republic of Germany v. Philipp, the Supreme Court will hear the case about a German art museum and whether or not a treasure trove known as the “Guelph Treasure” (or JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 13 continued from page 13 In the case against Hungary, he Foundation USA, and other groups victims,” he warned that the and international law professor at said the “justices are likely to be and individuals, filed amici curiae precedents surrounding the cases the Antonin Scalia Law School at very wary of letting this go forward”; briefs in support of the victims in “are likely to be deployed next George Mason University, told JNS doing so could raise foreign-policy both cases. An amici curiae brief was against Israel.” that because questions surround problems at a time when we’re also filed on behalf of a group “Arab claimants will say the [Israel the jurisdictional aspect, even if the all supposed to be welcoming a of members of the U.S. House of Defense Forces] destroyed their plaintiffs win in any or both of the return of improved U.S.-European Representatives in support of the homes—or the Irgun did in 1947— cases, they would be sent back to the relations.” victims in both cases. and Israel needs to compensate lower courts for years of litigation in Rabkin cautioned that if the case Traldi remarked that “the United them,” he said. “They will say they which the petitioners could lose and against Hungary goes forward, it States has worked around the world have no more chance of getting a not get restitution. could set a precedent for cases in for decades to give Holocaust fair hearing in Israeli courts than On the other hand, in the case U.S. courts against other countries. survivors and their heirs a chance Hungarian refugees in Hungarian against Germany, the victims “The trend of Supreme Court rulings to realize their moral rights to courts.” could “negotiate a compromise over the last 20 years has been restitution for the mass thefts that In an email, Rabkin also warned settlement” that would probably rather cautious toward transnational were part of the Shoah. Congress that Arab petitioners will say “it’s all include “a stipulation that Germany litigation, in part because justices has found restitution is in our connected to genocide or enough does not regard the payment (for recognize the foreign-policy national interest. Preserving access so to justify property compensation this case) as acknowledging liability complications,” he noted. to American courts for survivors claims. And there’s [no] statute for similar cases later on,” explained ‘Likely to be deployed against and their heirs is a vital part of that of limitations, so no reason not to Rabkin. “So the plaintiffs can win Israel’ p ro cess.” dredge up claims from the 1940s something without doing much for The World JewishRabkin said that while “everyone … as the U.S. Supreme Court has others in their situation.” Congress, Holocaust Survivors feels sympathy for Holocaust just agreed is proper,” although he predicted that the court likely won’t rule in favor of the plaintiffs in the cases that will be heard on Monday. Stuart Eizenstat, a longtime diplomat who has made the issue of Holocaust restitution part of his life’s NEW CEMETERY work, said contrary to Rabkin’s claim, PROPERTY that while the cases won’t cause Arab plaintiffs to sue the Jewish DEVELOPMENT state, instead of using the power of the Supreme Court, it’s best to have continued on page 15 É A special property dedicated to Jewish traditional burials

É In-ground “double depth” garden spaces

É And a beautiful mosaic of the Western Wall of Israel created by Italian artisans.

Property Savings Available

69855 E. RAMON ROAD CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234 800-204-3131

14 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com All contributions received by the Jewish Federation for Tribute Cards are Tribute Card Donations placed in our special Tzedakah Fund, which provides direct monetary Sending tributes and memorials is a meaningful way to honor loved ones. intervention for needy Jews living in the Coachella Valley. Call 760-324-4737. Honorarium Tributes • Karen Cohen, In memory of your beloved Youth Enrichment Fund in memory of your In Appreciation For: husband Chuck, from Roberta and Allan Nyman. mother, from Barbara and Bernie Fromm. • Dr. and Mrs. Dolin and Family, In memory • Mrs. Donald Levinson, In memory of your • Barbara Fremont, In honor of your special of your beloved sister Ricki, from Gail and Bob beloved sister Harriett, from Jill Steinberg. birthday, from Toni and Bobby Garmisa, Cora Scadron. Ginsberg, Libby and Buddy Hoffman, Ruth and • Carol Lewis, Condolences on the passing Mal Kaufman. • Laurie Ember Deepest condolences on the of your aunt, Selma Schnitzer, from Frances passing of your beloved mother, Ann, from • Inland and Desert Hillel, In your honor. Mazel Horwich. Cora Ginsberg. tov. From Don and Geri Shaevel. • In memory of Sherry Markowitz by Jay • In loving memory of our beloved father-in- • Roberta Holleb, Wishing you a very happy Markowitz. law, grandfather and father Irving Ginsberg, birthday, from Libby and Buddy Hoffman. • Mrs. Robert Paley, In memory of your from Lynda and Trevor Bailey, Jeremy Ginsberg, beloved husband Bob, from Marnie Miller. • Marjorie and Steve Kulp, Happy 30th Alexis and Warren Engdahl and the Ginsberg Anniversary with love from Carol Horwich Luber. family. • Bobbie Rosenberg, In memory of your beloved husband Shelly, from Roberta and • Marjorie Kulp, Happy and sweet 70th birthday • Dr. Barry Goldberg, In memory of your Allan Nyman. from Carol Horwich Luber. beloved wife Jane, from Gail and Bob Scadron. • Carrie Rosenstein and Family, In memory • Rabbi and Mrs. Shimon Posner, In honor • Stuart Goldfine, Remembering Susan of your beloved Herbie, from Eunice and Jerry of your son Shlomo Aharon’s Bar Mitzvah, from Goldfine with affection, from Eddie and Jackie Meister. Barbara Platt. Cohen. • Ken Schoenfeld, In memory of your beloved • Noel Hanford, In memory of your beloved Refuah Shleimah wife Beverly, from Bobby and Toni Garmisa, husband Lloyd, from Bobby and Toni Garmisa, Get Well Wishes To: Cora Ginsberg, Loreen Jacobson, Eunice and Frances Horwich, Margot and Jerry Halperin, Jerry Meister, Barbara Platt, Gail and Bob Loreen Jacobson, Eunice and Jerry Meister, • Robin and Bob Berman, Best wishes for a Scadron, and Sherry and Howard Schor. Sherry and Howard Schor speedy recovery from Gail and Bob Scadron. • Sally Schwartz, In memory of your beloved • Fran Kaufman, In memory of your beloved mother Cece, from Marnie Miller. Memoriam Tributes husband, Dr. Mark Kaufman, from Fred and • Mr. and Mrs. Albert Silverman, Deepest Condolences Sent To: Linda Cherniack, Jackie and Eddie Cohen, Cora Ginsberg, Edward Gubman, Barbara Platt, Dr. sympathy on the loss of your dear brother, from • Baker Family, donation made to Fromm Youth Paul and Stephanie Ross. Margot and Jerry Halperin, Libby and Buddy Enrichment Fund in memory of Amy, by Barbara Hoffman. • Dr. Bart Ketover, donation made to Fromm and Bernie Fromm. continued from page 14 In 1998, while serving in the U.S. Court cases] is the same thing, trying brief includes a biblical quote in the governments like that of the United State Department, Eizenstat got a to find ways in which these can be original Hebrew. States use their power in leveraging Swiss bank to give out $1.25 billion mediated.” From Kings I (“Melachim Alef” in foreign governments and entities to in claims to Holocaust survivors. Were the plaintiffs to win, while it Hebrew), it challenges what Lewin give Holocaust-era restitution. “All of these were done because would ultimately be up to Hungary called “Germany chutzpah in taking One example he cited was that of the reputational damage and Germany in their respective this issue to the Supreme Court by in 2014, as special advisor for that would’ve been done to the cases to issue restitution, neither quoting what Elijah said to King Holocaust issues in the U.S. State companies if they hadn’t settled, country would want to ignore the Ahab after Ahab’s Queen Jezebel Department, a position he still and because the U.S. government highest court in the United States, had arranged to murder Naboth holds, he got a French railway chose to make it a priority, and to stated Eizenstat, who declined to so that Ahab could seize Naboth’s company, SNCF, to give $60 million elevate the issues and to insist that take a position on the cases due vineyard. … ‘Have you murdered in compensation to Holocaust justice be done quite apart from the to his current role in the Trump and also inherited?’ ” survivors deported by the railway legal technicalities,” he told JNS. “So administration. during the Nazi takeover of France. what could happen [in the Supreme On an interesting note, Lewin’s JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 15 January Shabbat Schedule Due to the uncertainties from the Covid Pandemic, we urge you to check online or call any temple or shul you are interested in attending to find out what is currently being offered. BETH SHALOM (Member, United CHABAD OF SUN CITY PALM OR HAMIDBAR Isaiah’s website and click on link to Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) DESERT Rabbi David Lazar rabbi@ desired service or program. Friday Ken Hailpern, Spiritual Leader Rabbi Yonason Denebeim. orhamidbar.org. Virtual Kabbalat evening services accessed, as above, 79-733 Country Club Drive, Bermuda See Chabad of Palm Springs. Services Fridays at 6:30 pm and on website or directly on Facebook Dunes, CA 92203 Shabbat morning services at 10:30 ‘Temple Isaiah Palm Springs’ at 7:30 www.congregationbethshalom.net CONGREGATION HAR-EL am. For information email info@ pm. Twice a month we offer Shabbat 760-200-3636 (Member, Union for Reform Judaism) orhamidbar.org. Under the Stars from our outside Virtual Shabbat Morning Services: Rabbi Richard Zionts; Cantor Joseph bima. Check website to confirm 10:00 am, Zoom link on website: Gole. [email protected] SUN CITY JEWISH SERVICES which weeks each month. Outside CongregationBethShalom.net 760-779-1691. New website: www. Rabbi Kenneth Emert; Cantor service also available on Facebook For information, email BethShalom18@ harelurjpd.org. Alan Scott. Virtual Services held Live. gmail.com or call 760-200-3636. Zoom Shabbat Evening Services the first and third Fridays at 7:15 Shabbat morning Nosh and Drash 5 pm with Rabbi Richard Zionts, pm. Information: Contact Susan Virtual Torah Study Saturdays CHABAD OF PALM SPRINGS & Ph.D., Cantor Joseph Gole, D.Mus. Katzman, 760-641-0411 or email at 10:00 am via Zoom. “Jewish DESERT COMMUNITIES and a Guest Cantor. Discussion with SusanK92253gmail.com. University” from 1:30-3 PM also on Rabbi Yonason Denebeim & Rabbi attendees before and after the Zoom. No charge. RSVP requested. Arik Denebeim Shabbat Services. TEMPLE HAR SHALOM, Idyllwild 425 Avenida Ortega, Palm Springs, CA Saturday 11 am—Zoom Torah (951) 468-0004. www. TEMPLE SINAI (Reform) 92264 www.chabadpalmsprings.com Study with Discussion conducted by templeharshalomidyllwild.org Email: Rabbi David Novak 760-325-0774 Rabbi Zionts. For Zoom invite email templeharshalomofidyllwild@gmail. 73-251 Hovley Lane West, 5:30 pm: Pre-Shabbat services offered [email protected]. com. Palm Desert, CA 92260. www. online Friday afternoons. Check website Erev Shabbat Services via Zoom templesinaipd.org 760-568-9699. for information. CONGREGATION SHALOM the third Friday of each month with All services offered via Zoom. BAYIT (Reform) Rabbi David Lazar. This month’s Connection: https://zoom.us/j/565 CHABAD OF PALM DESERT Rabbi Kenneth Milhander, 1320 W. service January 15 at 6:00 pm. 3101739?pwd=Rm5Na1hieERvR3 Rabbi Mendy Friedman Williams Ave., Banning, CA 92220. Every other Friday of the month: BqUVJwYWQvR0hxUT09. Friday Call for information: Contact 951-392-5380. Shabbat Candle Lighting with Rabbi evening services 5:30 pm. Saturday 760-651-2424. www.chabadpd.com Emerita Malka Drucker at 5:45 pm. morning Torah study 8:45 am; 760-969-2153 / 760-969-2158 DESERT OUTREACH Saturday morning January 16 at Shabbat morning services 10 am. SYNAGOGUE 9:30 am: Shabbat study. Contact CHABAD OF RANCHO MIRAGE Rabbi Jules King; Cantor Lori Reisman templeharshalomofidyllwild@gmail. BIKUR CHOLIM Rabbi Shimon Posner Patterson. 760-449-0111. Mailing com for Zoom Address. A project of Chabad of Palm Springs 72295 Via Marta, Rancho Mirage, CA address: P.O. Box 982, Rancho & Desert Communities (Community 92270. www.chabadrm.com Mirage, CA 92270. www.Desert- TEMPLE ISAIAH Outreach) www.BikurCholimPS.com 760-770-7785 “Taste of Shul” available Outreach-Synagogue.com. Virtual Rabbi Steven Rosenberg Rabbi Yankel Kreiman - 760-325- Fridays on Zoom and Facebook live. services held the second and fourth 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs, 8076, and Rabbi Mendy Kreiman – Check website or call for additional Fridays at 7:00 pm on Zoom. For link CA 92262, 760-325-2281. www. 760-567-6726.. services and classes being offered. and password contact rabbi @desert- templeisaiahps.com. outreach-synagogue.com. To access any activity, go to Temple Biden Names Dr. Rochelle Walensky to Head CDC JTA getting emotionally pretty hard. A Jewish doctor from Boston on the members of the new government seeking solace in her I certainly have everybody’s cell the front line of that city’s coronavirus health care team announced Jewish community phone number … I may need to use response is President-elect Joe December 7th, noting Walensky, a as she faced down it in the weeks ahead.” Biden’s choice to helm the Centers leader of Boston’s Pandemic Team, the disease. “I said Also named as coordinator of the for Disease Control. is a “leading expert on virus testing, to them, ‘I’m thinking COVID-19 Response and Counselor Rochelle Walensky, the chief of prevention, and treatment.” I need you more to the President is Jeff Zients, an infectious diseases at Massachusetts Walensky, a member of Temple than you need me,’” Dr. Rochelle economist who, incidentally, owns a General Hospital and a professor at Emanuel in Newton, told Boston’s Walensky said. “I Walensky chain of Jewish delis in Washington, Harvard Medical School, was among Jewish Journal in April that she was have a sense it’s D.C.. 16 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com Community Calendar of Online Programs - January 2021 Email (preferred) Miriam Bent at [email protected] or call 760-323-0255 to have your events included in the community calendar.

Mondays: Thursdays: 4:00-5:00 pm Sabra Hadassah Wednesday, January 13 2:00 pm - Chabad of Palm Springs/ 3:30 pm – Chabad of Palm Springs virtual meeting. Program: Mark 3:30 pm Har-El Sandra & Robert Sun City: Virtual class: The - Virtual class: “The Mystical Werner, author of ”A Passion for Borns Har-El Lecture Series Prayerbook, with Sussie Denebeim Parsha” with Rabbi Baruch (Boz) Israel: Adventures of a program: Rabbi Sue Silberberg, 7:30 pm - Chabad of Palm Springs/ Werdiger. RSVP to Boz Werdiger, Sar-el Volunteer.” See page 18 to Indiana University, “College Life Sun City: Virtual class: “The [email protected], or 760-550- “atten d.” During Covid.” See ad page 5. Prophets: Stories that shaped our 5793 history” with Rabbi Baruch (Boz) Thursday, January 7 and 21 and Wednesday, January 27 7:00 pm – Chabad of Palm Springs/ Werdiger. Tuesday, February 2 3:30 pm Har-El Tu B’Shevat Sun City: Virtual “Ask the Rabbi” Time TBA Jewish Federation Interfaith Seder online. See ad with Rabbi Yonason Denebeim. Tuesdays: Virtual series with Rabbi Mark page 5. 7:00 pm – Chabad of Palm Springs/ Borovitz of Beit T’Shuvah. See Tuesday, January 5 Sun City: Virtual class: “Insights for article page 9. 4:00 pm Jewish Federation Daily Living, from the Torah” with Email (preferred) Miriam Bent Women’s Philanthropy Virtual Sussie Denebeim. Tuesday, January 12 Event: Lecture by Dr. Ralph at [email protected] 4:30 pm Jewish Federation Nurnberg: “Nicholas Winton or call 760-323-0255 Wednesdays: Women’s Philanthropy Lion of and the Kindertransport from 1:00 pm – Temple Isaiah Virtual Judah and Pomegranate Virtual to have your events Prague.” See ad page 10. “Coffee with the Rabbi” with Rabbi Event, featuring Mayim Bialik. See included in the Steven Rosenberg. Go to website: ad page 11. Thursday, January 7 community calendar. templeisaiahps.com and click on link. Unique Women’s Health Innovation Center Opens in Israel By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel 21c Femtech – technologies to manage risk pregnancies, Texas data, this model would have women’s health more innovatively, postpartum follow- each laboring mother undergo an accurately and efficiently – is up, contraception, ultrasound growth evaluation. the newest focus for the ARC IVF, gynecologic About a dozen staff OB/GYNs (Accelerate Redesign Collaborate) oncology and other under Dr. Eyal Sivan, director of Innovation Center at Sheba Medical OB/GYN medical Sheba’s Josef Buchmann Gynecology Center in Israel. assessments. and Maternity Center, are working gestational diabetes and post- “We can not only share our ideas “My goal is with Tsur and other ARC members. Dr. Avi Tsur, term pregnancies; and identifying with the world but really change the selecting projects director of the Some of the projects have partners the best medication to prevent clinical paradigm,” says the Women’s that will disrupt and Women’s Health in other Israeli institutions. Innovation Center complications in each high-risk Health Innovation Center’s director, improve women’s “The shared vision is leveraging the at Sheba Medical pregnancy. obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Avi healthcare,” Tsur Center. passion of the OB/GYN department One project is an AI model for Tsur. tells ISRAEL21c. for innovation together with the predicting shoulder dystocia — Launched in July to promote “I’m not trying to publish papers but resources at Sheba,” says Tsur. baby’s shoulder getting stuck patient and doctor safety during to change clinical paradigms. I think “Our strength is the integration during birth – based on work Tsur Covid, the initiative grew in scope. that is unique.” of the different disciplines across did at Stanford using data from Big data, artificial intelligence (AI), The center selected 20 projects, the hub. I don’t think any other Sheba. Shoulder dystocia has precision medicine, telemedicine, which include technologies for hospital in the world has such a set always been unpredictable and virtualization and surgical managing high-risk pregnancies of resources for digital health.” therefore unpreventable. Validated innovations are being harnessed and decision-making in labor and on Stanford and University of to find new approaches to high- delivery; at-home monitoring of JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 17 Sabra Hadassah Brings Author of Book on Sar-el on Zoom January 7 The author of a new book on more vital duties. from home. He will share stories Sar-el will be the program for Sabra Werner’s father, a Holocaust about the many faces of the IDF, Hadassah on Thursday, January 7 from survivor and partisan during the including Druze soldiers, special 4:00-5:00 PM on Zoom. Mark Werner, war, instilled in Werner a deep needs youngsters in the IDF’s “Special a retired attorney living in Raleigh, sense of the importance of Israel to in Uniform Program,” and the brilliant young people he met in the Talpiot North Carolina, has volunteered for all Jews. As an adult, he found himself program, trained to contribute to the past 18 years to serve on military wanting to do more than write checks new technologies. bases around Israel for two or three to show his support for Israel, and Participation in this Zoom program weeks each year through Sar-el, an found a gratifying way of doing this is a donation of $20. Mail checks, Israeli organization whose mission as a civilian volunteer on IDF bases payable to Hadassah, to Nancy Singer, is to connect Diaspora Jewry with through Sar-el. 78098 Allegro Court, Palm Desert, CA Israel through volunteer service on Werner will share stories from his A strategic partnership agreement between 92211 or call Nancy at 760-345-7647 book A Passion for Israel: Adventures the Israeli Watergen company and Emirati with credit card information. You will IDF bases. Since its creation in 1982, Al-Dahra signed in Abu Dhabi Sar-el has enabled over 150,000 of a Sar-El Volunteer, speaking of need to provide your email address and the Zoom link will be sent prior to volunteers from all over the world the joys and challenges of being an while doing physically demanding, American Jew who travels halfway but not particularly intellectually the program. Men and non-Hadassah to work in a civilian capacity on Israeli across the world to don an olive- members welcome to join this special bases, freeing up IDF soldiers for challenging, volunteer work on an green uniform and sweat (or freeze) Israeli army base 10,000 kilometers program. Abu Dhabi Company to Bring Israeli Drinking-Water Technologies to Gulf Jewish News Syndicate A strategic partnership agreement company and Emirati Al-Dahra was Accords was and the tremendous between the Israeli Watergen signed on November 25 in Abu wisdom of our leaders in making this Dhabi. breakthrough for our region and The agreement establishes a the world. Though I had other plans, partnership between the companies as soon as I learned of the accords I to bring Watergen’s revolutionary rushed here in order to show the water solutions to the United Arab world the tremendous impact and Emirates and other countries in the Watergen, led by president and importance of this historic step. With region. CEO Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, comes this agreement, we’re showing our The partnership will target many on the heels of a memorandum of two nations, the region and the world sectors, including but not limited to understanding (MOU) signed in what is possible with peace,” says agriculture, offices and apartment Israel in October when a high-ranking Mirilashvili. buildings, hotels, industry, maritime, delegation of Al-Dahra executives Watergen is an innovative Israeli etc. visited Israel. company that has developed a The agreement between Al-Dahra, “From the moment that we signed cutting-edge patented technology to headed by vice chairman and co- this agreement, it has shown how generate clean drinking water from founder HE Khadim Al Darei, and important the signing of the Abraham the air using cost-effective energy consumption. Its impact creates an additional clean drinking water source while accomplishing it in the most economically efficient manner. High temperatures and humidity of the region’s air are ideal conditions for Watergen’s devices, which can produce up to 5,000 liters of clean drinking water per day.

18 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com Newswww.jfedps.org ews mmunity Tevet/Shevat 5780 - February 2020 mmunity Nwww.jfedps.org Co Jewish Co JewishTevet/Shevat 5779C - Januaryo 2019mmunity News Jewish Jewish C www.jfedps.org The Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert ommunity The Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert The Publicationterrorism of theand violent Jewish attack. Federation While of the Desert Cheshvan/Kislev 5780 - December 2019 HELP US KEEP The Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert Partnering with ADL:the A Coachella World Valley of is notDifference a large News www.jfedps.org Run | Hide | Fight enough Jewish community to afford Cheshvan/Kislev 5779 - November 2018 Swastika Incident in Palm Springs Must Be a Call to Action Against Hate a full-time security director, our By Bruce Landgarten, Jewish Federation CEO The actions implied in these three Jewish Federation is dedicated to On a Saturday and spray painted on a sidewalk at of Mr. Weinstein’s building. utilized in recent years is their anti- words saves lives. It was proven 16 helping agencies prepare, mitigate, morning in late Florida State University, a tree in New Let me be clear: Graffiti and bullying training. Jewish Federation understanding. Workshops and months ago, when the Tree of Life The Anti-Defamation League and respond to a crisis as part of our October, Palm City, N.Y., a Jewish couple’s mailbox in vandalism will not be tolerated, and "fights anti-Semitism and all forms allocations and the proceeds from Assembly programs are provided Springs police Phoenix, and on it goes. the Jewish community rejects the Synagogue in Pittsburgh was the site (CSI), Communal Security Initiative.the Tamarisk Men’s Golf Tournament for students in Becoming-an-Ally, of the worst anti-Semitic attack on of bigotry, defends democratic responded to The swastika is the all-purpose hatred these symbols represent. ideals, and protects civil rights for We are committed to the continuationfunds ADL’s ‘A World of Difference Cyber-Ally, Peer Leadership and Peer reports of a swastika hate symbol, the mother of all hate While this may be an isolated incident, American soil. As horrible as the attack all.” Our desert Jewish community of efforts to help train and educateInstitute’ in which we bring into our Training, designed to give a voice to drawn outside the brands. There is no single explanation we cannot allow this behavior to on that Shabbat morning was, the local schools. This program offers the targets of bullying and prejudice, advancing self-sufficiency and has a long symbiotic history with the safety and security awareness. office of Weinstein for the new omnipresence of this become routine. Everyone has a anti-bias, bullying prevention, and build empathy in the aggressors and THE JEWISH security training given the leadership ADL, turning to them for direction (left to right)Secure Federation Community Board co-chairs Network has stimulating social entrepreneurship “Jerusalem is the heart of our heart, the andsoul Associates. of our soul.” —symbol. Elie Law Wiesel enforcement officers role to play in combating bigotry diversity training for students and inspire bystanders to become allies. as usual. People in coastal North San Diego County and members of the Pittsburgh Jewish and leadership when anti-Semitic Allan Lehmannbecome and Celia a proven, Norian, ADL’scritical partner A swastika drawn with a crayon was say bona fide neo-Nazis are growing —we must advocate, educate and Annie M. Ortega, and Federation CEO educators. Interactive, cutting Jerusalem: dropping their and Jerusalem. community in the preceding eighteen incidents have occurred in our In addition, our Federation reported by Palm Springs attorney bolder and more public, reflecting investigate until hate is no longer for Jewish Federation of theedge Desert, programs rooted in research partners with ADL to bring an it’s a headline, kids off at Dr. Marik Shtern, an Urban months unquestionably saved lives. community and taking advantage Bruce Landgarten. Robert Weinstein on a sign outside an increase in the influence of racist welcome in our society. 2020, our Jewish throughout theworking years. with our Federationto equip and participantsin to counter annual educational program to our a muse, a school, going to Geographer, is a visiting lecturer of their educational programming his office. While most people know ideology in the political conversation. At the Jewish Federation of On January 15, Patrick Daly, SCN; Jewish Federation Board Chair Roberta Nyman, SCN’s Brad Orsini, andThe Jewish ADL programtraining with that our our local lawprejudice enforcement and bigotry as well as community. This year’s program will symbol and work, shopping at UC San Diego, and a researcher Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten with three membersat Tree of theof LifeRiverside Synagogue Sheriff’s Department. made a something about the Holocaust, they Police say that many of the crimes the Desert, our CAST initiative Federation, in partnership with Secure community has agencies. focused on andSecurity Communitypromote positive human relations be Tuesday, November 27th, with an actual in the market. at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy have no idea how much horror, pain involve kids who are rebelling, aware (Combatting Anti-Semitism Today) Community Network, hosted a session As devastating as were the eleven practice of not carrying his cell phone through increased knowledge and Dr. Peter Simi. (See ad on page 4). city in which Perhaps that Research His fields of research are Remembering KristallnachtNetwork has also become our and fear is tied up with the swastika that the swastika is bad, but perhaps aims to prepare individuals to stand deaths, it could have been far worse. on Shabbat. Appreciating that without people work, is because seemingly intractable dilemmas with Geographies of Encounter, Urban “Before and After the Tree of Life: “community insurance policy.” When symbol. ignorant to the fact that it symbolizes up and fight for social justice while 75th Anniversaryhis phone he couldn’t – Denmark’s contact law Daring Rescue of Their Jews celebrate, Jerusalemites know a little secret: this bold new approaches. Geopolitics and Jewish-Arab from a peak in High Tor State Park in Lessons Learned” with Brad Orsini. The training given to Pittsburgh’s conflict in the Middle East heats up or Do people understand the links genocide. faced with hostile behavior, aiming to Israeli and Danishenforcement dignitaries in case of an emergency, m o u r n , city does not belong to one religion Panel Speakers include Chaya relations in Jerusalem. As a social New York to a picnic table outside the Orsini, a former FBI agent, was the Jewish community may have been the terrorism level rises in the United create, between the symbol and Nazi The symbol is used so liberally that public library in Choctaw, Oklahoma. spread a message of solidarity. marked the 75th anniversaryhe began carrying of the his phone … and or nation. Instead, the Jerusalemites Gilboa, Charlene Seidle and Dr. activist, Marik also specializes in the Director of Jewish Community Security prompted by rising anti-Semitism but States, we rely upon SCN to keep us innovate, cry, pray and play. On belong to her. Germany? Nobody predicted sometimes it’s hard to know its point. I’m especially disgusted that this We call for action motivated by COMMUNITY NEWS daring rescue of morehis call than to 7,000 911 on Jews October 27, 2018, country of 4 million people. Before Marik Shtern. sphere of community empowerment for the Jewish Federation of Greater it included basic survivalfrom techniques Denmark by boat to neighboring informed and assist us with taking the Sunday, January 20, 2019, the This interactive educational the outrage,Chaya Gilboahurt and was sadness born this in Changes in the swastika’s use reflect perpetrator, or group of perpetrators, freedom and tolerance, rather than the war, Denmark's small Jewish could now move against the Jews. and strategic consulting for third Pittsburgh, and had implemented and the rethinking of Swedenpriorities during The Worldwas War the firstII. Israel’s call to reach police. Leichtag Foundation is bringing a program will give participants an action has caused. There is an issue changes in the hate community. crayoned a swastika, a historic and hatred and fear. To learn more, call necessary measurespopulation and precautions was well integrated into In September Hitler approved the Jerusalem to an ultra-Orthodox sector organizations. President Reuven RivlinIt andis a matter Danish of record that Jewish unique perspective on Jerusalem experience of Jerusalem through of intolerance in America today. It’s Its users can be divided into two extreme emblem of hatred, in front 760-324-4737. security training protocols, beginning community learned that a moving to secure our facilitiesthe community. and people. On April 9, 1940, deportation of the Danish Jews. family. A social activist, she is We hope you will join us for Prime Minister Lars Loekkeinstitutions, Rasmussen Federations, It's onesynagogues, of the great almost to the Jewish Federation of the the lens of some of the city's most disturbing that it has happened, but broad categories: vandals — who in 2017, for Pittsburgh’s extensive target is much harder to hit, and on Germany attacked Denmark. From Werner Best of the SS, Hitler's chief committed to creating alternatives Jerusalem 2020: Beneath the paid tribute to the events in 1943 in unknown stories of World War II. In Desert. The program will be held creative residents and its profoundI’m not convinced it was planned or are by far the more numerous — and Jewish institutions (synagogues, JCCs, that horrible morning it was those JCCs, camps and day schools have then until 1945, Denmark was under in Denmark, received the final order within the realm of religion and Headlines for a peek into the world ceremonies at the small fishing town 1943, in German-occupied Denmark, at the Jewish Federation, beginning challenges. We’ll also hear frompremeditated. ideologues. schools, etc.) servicing the area’s were able to run that survived. been the target of hatred, extremism, German occupation. Most Danes were to proceed with deportation of Jews state, establishing Hashgacha Pratit, of social activists in Jerusalem of Gilleleje, some 50 kilometers (31 the Danish people find out that all at 11:00 am. There is no charge, but keynote speaker Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, Swastika use is on the rise, but Vandals mark the swastika pro-British and anti-Nazi, but they to death camps, on Sept.28, 1943. an alternative kashrut system and working to make a difference in 50,000+ Jews. Before the training,miles) north the Rabbi of Copenhagen. 7,500 Danish Jews are about to be reservations are required as space among those who understand it anonymously and covertly; they were also aware of the need to adjust The Nazis were prepared to deport President of the Andrea and Charles active in crafting egalitarian wedding one of the most important cities in The training made a difference. rounded up and deported to German is limited. least. The swastika has morphed into don’t display it at rallies in the town “The rescue of the Jews of to living in a German-dominated the 7,500 Jews, starting at 10 PM. on Bronfman Philanthropies (TBC) and ceremonies and other initiatives the world. We will also receive an Denmark is a remarkable event in concentration camps. Danish citizens The world seems to want violence a universal symbol of hate. People square. Some in this category are Europe. Danes and Germans quickly Oct.1, 1943. Georg F. Duckwitz, a luminary of Jewish philanthropy, that combine feminism and Jewish up-to-date briefing on the recent the history of the Holocaust, a bright spontaneously make their ownmedia platforms. The time for in Jerusalem. It expects and awaits it. didn’t give their lives fighting Hitler individuals, often adults, who don’t worked out the terms of occupation. German maritime attaché, leaked out about why he sees Jerusalem as identity. Jerusalem Municipal Elections which US Congress Debate Responselight in the to darkest Rising time in been human Anti-Semitism, coming decision: to America it's not since going Domestic to happen.thoughts and prayersTerrorism has passed — And today’s Jerusalemites are saying: an important philanthropic lab.for Nazi ideas to go unchallenged care about ideology and use the ( JCN) COMING TO King Christian X remained in Denmark, the order to Hans Hedtoft a Danish Charlene Seidle is the Executive are widely thought to be a preview By Algemeiner Staff history. Denmark is a shining example And it didn't. Risking their ownthe lives, time now is for action.” here at home. Hitler’s torch shows swastika as a psychological weapon on Intelligence & Counterterrorism before it was even called America unlike his fellow monarchs in Norway Social Democrat, who in turn warned Not us, not now. They refuse to act Attendees will be challenged, Vice President of the Leichtag of the trends that will be seen in of a country that stood at the side the Danes quickly rallied roundExperts to addressing the hearing no sign of burning out. against someone because of a in order to freely practice their and the Netherlands who fled to C.B. Henriques, the head of the Jewish out the script that’s been written delighted and surprised as they meet Foundation, a private independent national Israel elections to be held Two separate hearings at the titled “Confrontingof its Jewish the Rise community in Anti- during the save their fellow citizens, and almost In the recent past, swastikas have personal grudge or beef. Thanks to religion, escape persecution, and included Nathanescape the Diament Germans — and the establish Community. for them. Despite pressure from activists from across the spectrum of foundation committed to igniting in early 2019. Semitic DomesticHolocaust. Terrorism.” The Jewish people and the all of the country's Jews were able to US Congress in mid-January have executiveresistance director movementsof the Union in England.of The On September 29th, two days national and international leaders, Jerusalem’s multifaceted society andappeared across America. No place a combination of hate, ignorance state of Israel will never forgetbuild that,” a betterescape life the for clutches their families. of the Nazis and and inspiring vibrant Jewish life, examined potential measures that “The horrific rise in anti-Semitic Danish government continued to rule. before the projected round up on what Jerusalemites actually see on engage with thought leaders tacklingseems safe. The swastika has been and nihilism, the swastika has been Rivlin said. Yet now wefind are refuge under in assaultneutral Sweden. by Orthodox Jewish Congregations of legislators can take in response domestic terrorism is an issue that In August, 1943, a state of Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New the ground is daily life continuing etched on parked cars in Miami Beach, painted, posted, scratched, chalked extremists, Denmark many of was whom a small are idyllic America — who argued that the Cincinnati, and Port Washington, N.Y., and inked on all manner of surfaces, to the recent rise in anti-Semitic has deeply affected my district, emergency wascontinued declared on page in Denmark, 2 Year, Dr. Marcus Melchior, the acting emboldened to act and often and the Nazis decided that they rhetoric and attacks across America. my community, and the whole chief Rabbi of the Krystalgaade encouraged by content on social On January 15, freshman Rep. Max New York City area,” Rose said in continued on page 21 chaired a session of the Rose (D-NY) a statement. “Jewish people have YOUR DOORSTEP Homeland Security Subcommittee The JCN, published by Jewish Federation of the Desert, has grown over the years. With a hard copy distribution of 10,000 copies and an online edition, thousands of readers living in Coachella Valley keep up-to-date on all things Jewish happening. It is important to our Federation‘s mission that we provide this paper free of charge to everyone in our community. But the newspaper is not inexpensive to produce. Paper and production costs have increased greatly over the past few years. We welcome donations to help offset our expenses. With your generosity, we can continue to offer such a top-notch paper to our Jewish community for many years to come. Thank you!

Thank you for Jewish Community News your support q $1000 Silver Circle q $250 Media Mensch q $18 Supporter q $500 News Cham- q $125 Press Patron q Other: of The Jewish pion q $50 Friend of JCN ______Community News! Please make checks payable to:Jewish Federation of the Desert; Name: ______Address:______Phone:______Email: ______CC # ______CVC: ______Exp.______Thank you for your support.

JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 19 Where Biden’s Secretary of State Choice Tony Blinken Stands on Jewish issues, from Immigration to Israel By Gabe Friedman, JTA Tony Blinken, President-elect nuclear deal (an agreement with who survived His diplomatic career has Joe Biden’s choice for Secretary of major diplomatic consequences for t h r e e spanned decades and gained State, is the stepson of a Holocaust Israel). concentration him a reputation as a centrist. survivor whose stories shaped his Under Blinken, the State camps, also That career began on the National worldview and subsequently his Department will usher in a much worked for Security Council under Clinton. policy decisions, including in the different foreign policy era,the United Blinken also was appointed staff Middle East. including on Israel. Like Biden, Nations, Tony Blinken director of the Senate Foreign Blinken, 58, has been one of Blinken has close ties to the country wrote a Relations Committee, which was Biden’s closest policy advisers for forged from his decades of strong libretto title “Kaddish-A Dialogue headed by Biden during the George over a decade and espouses the support of the Jewish state. With God” at the behest of Leonard W. Bush years. opposite of Trump’s “America Here is what you need to know Bernstein and penned an award- In 2008, Biden tapped Blinken to First” agenda, which prioritized about the new top diplomat. winning memoir about his Holocaust help his presidential campaign, and nationalist goals over international experiences. There is a Yad Vashem when Biden was chosen as Barack diplomacy. Multiple reports say that His Jewish Parents Were program named after him. Obama’s vice president, Blinken Blinken will seek to rejoin many of Influential in Their Own Right Blinken has said that Pisar’s followed, becoming one of his the international agreements that Blinken was born in New York experiences have informed his national security advisers. In 2014, Trump left as president, notably the City, where he spent most of his vision for the “engaged” role that Obama elevated Blinken to deputy Paris Climate Accords and the Iran early years. His father, Donald, co- the United States should play on secretary of state under John Kerry. founded the hefty E.M. Warburg the global stage. Here’s one story During those years, Blinken was Pincus & Company (now Warbug he tells frequently (source: Jewish heavily involved in the crafting of Pincus) investment firm and served Insider): Middle East policy, including the as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary “One day as they were hiding out, landmark Iran deal. for four years under President Bill they heard this deep rumbling Blinken has been described as a Clinton’s administration. There is an sound,” Blinken recounted, “and centrist and an interventionist, and archive at George Soros’ Central as my stepfather looked out, he he’s said to have a “mind meld” with European University in Hungary saw a sight that he had never Biden on foreign policy — an area of named for Donald Blinken, now seen before — not the dreaded governance in which the president- 95, and his second wife, Vera, Iron Cross, not a swastika, but elect specializes and wants to who survived the Holocaust, on a tank a five-pointed white prioritize in the Oval Office. in part for their support of the star. And, maybe in a foolhardy Blinken is more hawkish on issues “democratization process in the way, he rushed out toward it. He such as Russia, whom he considers United States and in Hungary.” knew what it was. And he got to a foe (he helped Obama’s team Donald Blinken’s grandfather the tank, the hatch opened up, respond stiffly to Vladimir Putin’s Meir Blinken also was a noted and a large African-American G.I. encroachments into Crimea). Yiddish author whose stories were stared down at him. And he got published in a book in the 1980s down on his knees and he said the On Israel, Blinken’s views reflect that features an introduction by only three words that he knew in the Democratic mainstream. scholar Ruth Wisse. English, that his mother had taught Within the Democratic Party, him before the war: ‘God bless a minority of lawmakers and His Stepfather’s Holocaust America.’ And at that point, the advocates have been trying to Experience Shaped his G.I. lifted him into the tank, into shift the party to the left on Israel Worldview. freedom, into America. That’s the issues. Progressives including Bernie Tony Blinken’s mother, Judith, story that I grew up with — about Sanders have suggested that aid to remarried Samuel Pisar, a Holocaust what our country is and what it Israel ought to be conditioned on survivor and attorney who advised represents, and what it means certain policy choices. President John F. Kennedy and when the United States is engaged The Trump administration has multiple French presidents. Pisar, and leading.” continued on the next page

20 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com Innovative Genome Editing Treatment Destroys Cancer Cells A study from Israel shows promise for a novel nanotechnology that can increase life expectancy in people with brain and ovarian cancers. By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel 21c There’s been a lot of press about editing system can be used to treat survive this disease. Treatment with interesting genetically, as well as upcoming Covid-19 vaccines built cancer in a living animal effectively,” CRISPR-LNPs in a metastatic ovarian genetic diseases such as Duchenne with mRNA – genetic messengers said Peer. cancer mice model increased their muscular dystrophy. It will probably that carry instructions to cells to “It must be emphasized that this overall survival rate by 80%. take some time before the new make proteins to treat or prevent is not chemotherapy. There are no “The CRISPR genome editing treatment can be used in humans, disease. side effects, and a cancer cell treated technology, capable of identifying but we are optimistic.” This same technology was used to in this way will never become active and altering any genetic segment, The researchers include, among treat cancer in mice in the laboratory again. The molecular scissors of Cas9 has revolutionized our ability to others, Daniel Rosenblum, Anna of Prof. Dan Peer, VP for R&D and cut the cancer cell’s DNA, thereby disrupt, repair or even replace Gutkin and Dinorah Friedmann- head of the Laboratory of Precision neutralizing it and permanently genes in a personalized manner,” Morvinski from TAU; Dr. Zvi Cohen, Nanomedicine at the Shmunis preventing replication.” said Peer. head of neurosurgical oncology School of Biomedicine and Cancer Peer and his team chose to “Despite its extensive use in at Sheba Medical Center, Dr. Research at Tel Aviv University. test the technology on two of the research, clinical implementation is Mark Behlke, CSO at Integrated The novel lipid nanoparticle- deadliest cancers: glioblastoma and still in its infancy because an effective DNA Technologies; and Prof. Judy based delivery system, called metastatic ovarian cancer. delivery system is needed to safely Lieberman of Boston Children’s CRISPR-LNPs, carries mRNA that Glioblastoma is the most and accurately deliver the CRISPR Hospital and Harvard Medical encodes for the enzyme Cas9. This aggressive type of brain cancer, with to its target cells. The delivery School. enzyme acts as a molecular pair of a five-year survival rate of only 3%. A system we developed targets the “Through Ramot, the scissors that snips the cancer cells’ single treatment with CRISPR-LNPs DNA responsible for the cancer technology transfer company of DNA, effectively destroying them. doubled the average life expectancy cells’ survival. This is an innovative Tel Aviv University, we are already The results of the study, funded of mice with glioblastoma tumors, treatment for aggressive cancers negotiating with international by Israel Cancer Research Fund, improving their overall survival rate that have no effective treatments corporations and foundations, were published November 18 in by about 30%. to day.” aiming to bring the benefits of the Science Advances journal. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal He said the research team now genetic editing to human patients,” “This is the first study in the world cancer of the female reproductive intends “to go on to experiments said Peer. to prove that the CRISPR genome system; only a third of the patients with blood cancers that are very continued from previous page from centrist Democrats, but also “singular intelligence and warmth” closing off U.S. borders and shifted U.S. policy to the right from Sanders’ foreign policy adviser, in a passage of his 2015 book “Ally: punishing immigrants who sought in recent years, moving the U.S. Matt Duss, who tweeted that it My Journey Across the American- asylum in a policy set by a Jewish Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv would be “a new and great thing Israeli Divide” — even in describing adviser, Stephen Miller. and saying that the United States to have a top diplomat who has how Blinken rebuked Prime Minister Biden has said his approach to would consider the movement to regularly engaged with progressive Benjamin Netanyahu for expanding immigration — an issue important boycott Israel officially anti-Semitic. grassroots.” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, settlement building after agreeing to many American Jews — will be Blinken is a centrist here, too. He D-Mich., a progressive who is not to. “How could you do this to much different. Blinken explained has said that a Biden administration known for her harsh criticism of Israel’s best friend?” Blinken said his attitude about refugees in will not condition aid to Israel on Israel and support for boycotting about Biden to Oren, who was the a 2016 video with the “Sesame policy choices, will keep the embassy Israel, responded that she would ambassador at the time. Street” character Grover, in which in Jerusalem and will staunchly be happy as long as “he doesn’t On Twitter Oren said he could he explains to the fuzzy blue puppet support Israel at the United Nations try to silence me and suppress my think of “no finer choice” for the post, that refugees should be treated the — a body that often singles out First Amendment right to speak and news of Biden tapping Blinken same as “you and me.” the Jewish state for human rights out against Netanyahu’s racist and drew praise from a cross-section of “We all have something to learn abuses without condemning inhumane policies.” Israelis who have encountered him and gain from one another, even offenders such as Syria and China. Blinken’s record has earned him in the course of diplomacy. when it doesn’t seem at first like we In May, Biden wrote that he “firmly” respect from Israeli officials, even have much in common,” Blinken said rejects the Boycott, Divestment and when he hasn’t always agreed with As he told a “Sesame after asking Grover to imagine how Sanctions movement, and Blinken them. Michael Oren, a conservative Street” character, Blinken is challenging it must be for someone has backed up that stance. former Israeli ambassador to compassionate toward refugees. to feel so unsafe that they decide to Blinken’s appointment drew praise the U.S., called Blinken a man of President Trump prioritized leave their home. JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 21 Philippines Honored for Aiding Jews in Holocaust and Support for Creation of Israel By Shiryn Ghermezian, The Algemeiner The Confederation of General 1947, and the Open Doors policy of the consideration of the Philippines Zionists (CGZ) — a faction of the the late former Philippines President to vote in favor of Resolution 181 World Zionist Congress (WZC) Manuel Quezon. (the partition plan) on November — gave a special certificate to Quezon offered a safe haven 29, 1947.” the first secretary and consul of to Jews seeking refuge from Nazi Former Knesset member and the Philippines Embassy in Israel, persecution and his Open Doors CGZ Secretary-General Dov Lipman Reichel Quinones, on November policy saved over 1,300 Jews, said, “In a world filled with enemies 29, in honor of the republic’s aid according to a CGZ press release, of Israel and the Jewish people we to Jews during the Holocaust and cited by The Jerusalem Post. “The Jewish people have a long cannot take it for granted when a its support for the creation of Resolution 181 called for the memory and President Quezon country saves Jews and supports the State of Israel, The Jerusalem partition of British Mandatory deserves to be remembered for his Isra el.” Post reported. Palestine into Jewish and Arab brave act of kindness during such “We owe a debt of gratitude The certificate, awarded in a states. The Philippines was the a dark period of Jewish history,” to the Philippine government ceremony at the Philippine Embassy only Asian country to support the stated CGZ Vice Chairman David and people, and today was just in Tel Aviv, noted the republic’s vote resolution, which helped pave the Yaari. “As leaders of the General the beginning of showing our in favor of UN General Assembly way for the creation of the State of Zionist faction of the World Zionist appreciation,” he added. Resolution 181 on November 29, Israel. Organization, we deeply appreciate Woman Screaming ‘Slaughter the Jews’ Attacks Rabbi as Onlookers Stand By By Algemeiner Staff A woman screaming “Slaughter According to Austrian media Interior Minister Karl Nehammer “But the Jewish community will the Jews” attacked a rabbi in reports, the rabbi — who was not said he had ordered extra security not be intimidated,” Oskar Deutsch broad daylight on a Vienna street seriously harmed — told police around synagogues following the declared on Twitter. on November 26 as passersby officers that despite the presence of attack and pledged to find the On Friday, Vienna’s Catholic reportedly looked the other way. several witnesses, no-one came to rabbi’s assailant. Archbishop added his voice to the The attack occurred at 4pm in the his aid. Police are currently trying to “All measures will be taken to condemnation. Austrian capital’s Third District. The apprehend the woman. quickly clear up this obviously anti- “I am dismayed by yesterday’s woman, said to be about 50 years Austrian politicians were quick to Semitic attack,” he said. “There is attack on a rabbi in the middle of old, approached the rabbi at a tram condemn the attack. no tolerance for anti-Semitism – Vienna. I assure our fellow Jewish stop shouting “Slaughter the Jews” “We must fight anti-Semitism regardless of whether it is politically citizens of my complete solidarity,” and brandishing a knife. She then with all our determination and do or religiously motivated.” said Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. ripped the rabbi’s hat and kippah everything to make Jewish life here The head of the Jewish community “Anti-Semitism must have no place from his head and kicked him before in Austria safe,” Chancellor Sebastian in Vienna called the attackamong us. It endangers the peaceful fleeing the scene. Kurz stated following the outrage. “disturbing.” coexistence of us all.” DESERT HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL

The Desert Holocaust Memorial is located in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park at San Pablo Avenue & Fred Waring Drive. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit this moving memorial, a place of remembrance and monument of hope.

22 • JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com We Mourn the Passing of...

Martin Berman, Hedy Ferber, Irving Ginsberg, Dr. Mark Kaufman, Henry Kotzen, Barbara Levin, Alan Magdovitz, Bertha Jane Nebenzahl, Dr. Lester Safier, Joann Sarkowsky, Susan Sarto, Norman Subotnik, and Amy Zendle. Our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. May their memories endure as a blessing.

JEWISH MEN’S OUTREACH GROUP OF THE DESERT take tikkun olam (repairing the world) to heart, raising funds and gathering gift or food items throughout the year for holidays and special occasions. This photo shows the $1100 check for funds they raised for Thanksgiving dinners for Angel View plus board games and toys for the Boys and Girls Club. Pictured with Jewish Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten (far left) and Federation’s Director of Community Impact Kevin Giser (far right) are (left to right) Arnie Gillman, Matt Fisher, Michael Zaifert and Ben Weissbach.

Candle Lighting Times THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Classifieds Swedish, deep tissue, and foot Friday, January 1 Shabbat Vayechi 4:05 pm reflexology modalities. Treat Friday, January 8 Shabbat Shmot 4:11 pm yourself or someone you love to JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE Friday, January 15 Shabbat Vaerah 4: 18 pm a wonderful therapeutic massage. SUPPORTERS wel comed. Friday, January 22 Shabbat Bo 4:24 pm Jewish Massage Therapist with over JFS has rewarding volunteer Friday, January 29 Shabbat Beshalach 4:31 pm 30 years experience; nine in the opportunities in its community desert. Will come to your home or programs and is now accepting at my location. Call Leora at 760- applications for several positions. 778-0068. Tribute cards provide a unique way to celebrate a special Sisterhood of Temple Isaiah BIG occasion or honor a loved one, all CLEARANCE SALE of Judaica while supporting JFS programs. If from Jewel of the Desert Gift Shop. you’re interested in learning more Up to 40% off selected items. Shop about volunteer opportunities staffed Tuesday and Thursday from or supporting JFS through the 2-4 PM, or call Melanie Garver for purchase of tribute cards, please an appointment, 817-422-2547. contact 760-325-4088 ext. 101.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/ PERSONAL AFFAIRS MANAGER Excellent local references. Bill paying, reconcile bank statement, run errands, drive to appointment. Computer help: MS Office, QuickBooks, emails. Notary. 2 hours minimum. Trustworthy, discreet, dependable. 760-408- 5260. JCN • January 2021 • Tevet/Shevat 5781 • www.jfedps.com • 23 JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE DESERT Nonprofit 69-710 Highway 111 Organization U.S. Postage Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Paid (760) 324-4737 Permit #113 Santa Ana, CA

THIS NEW YEAR DO SOMETHING AMAZING: GIVE If you care, if you want to make an amazing Go to www.jfedps.org to be awesome difference in the world, now is the time. It’s the or call 760-324-4737. New Year, a time of resolutions, the right moment for each of us to give to what means the most to us. HAPPY NEW YEAR!