Jewish CommunityPlease Join Us for the VirtualBOARD OF AKRON Campus Gala AKR N Sunday, October 18 at 7:30pm Jewish News TO KNOW THE CAMPUS GALA HONOREES Margo Sommerville Jackie Derrow OCTOBER 2020 | 5781 | Vol. 90, No. 7 www.jewishakron.org Judi Shapiro Rochelle Stone PAGES 4 and 5 THE LIPPMAN SCHOOL ADOPTS A HYBRID MODEL By Sam Chestnut, Head of School From the national news we all read and from our own experience The underly- on campus, opening school this year has posed tremendous chal- ing assump- lenges for us all. The Lippman School opened school with 103 stu- tion is that if dents, a strong enrollment number for our school in any year, but we can train particularly strong given the amount of change that we are expe- our students riencing in education this year. to become strong remote After much consideration from staff, parents and local medical ex- learners now, perts, our school chose a hybrid model with the bulk of the in- they will get struction for most stu- the most out dents delivered in live of this school interactive online classes year given the using Microsoft Teams. trends we are In addition, there is a ful- seeing. In the ly remote option avail- short time we able for any family. Most have been together, we have seen how quickly our students have students spend two half- adapted to this new educational paradigm. day learning modules in school. This allows im- One of the greatest state- portant time for teachers ments about the profession- to check in with students alism of a staff is their ability and for students to have to adapt to adverse condi- important social inter- tions. The Lippman Staff actions with their peers. have exhibited a remark- Even students who are able commitment to our fully remote are engag- school. They spent many, ing in live social experi- many hours this summer, ences through our Mic- and continue to invest time rosoft Teams meetings. above and beyond what is demanded of teachers in It is our ultimate goal to add more on-site opportunities a typical school year. Their for students as health and safety conditions allow. How- hard work and dedication ever, our model is built for what we see as the best long- to our school and their stu- term strategy for students to have the most productive dents is what has allowed academic year, given this unprecedented time and what experts this year to begin in such a predict for the coming months. successful manner.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Akron, OH Permit # 311 2 AKR N Jewish News OCTOBER 2020

AT ROSH HASHANAH THERE IS MORE SCHULTZ CAMPUS FOR JEWISH LIFE THAN ONE WAY TO COME TOGETHER CODES OF CONDUCT Once again, as it has been for generations, the first of FOR YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY AND THE HEALTH AND Tishrei and Rosh Hashanah are upon us. The will SAFETY OF OTHERS, WE ARE REQUIRING THAT YOU: • Participate in our health screening process upon soon sound, rousing us from our daily lives' mundanity to arrival – you will have your temperature taken and reflect, renew, and recommit to answer a few health questions* ourselves, our faith, and those • Use only facility-provided hand sanitizer or wash your hands thoroughly for a minimum of 20 around us. Just as it did for our seconds upon entering and when transitioning ancestors, the Shofar will also between spaces • Wear a face mask at all times, unless otherwise signal our people's ingather- specified ing; a time to make taught the • Maintain a social distance of 6’ or more slacked metaphysical threads • Abide by posted signage and area-specific codes that bind us as a people. of conduct • Do not congregate Given the unique circumstanc- • Do not wander throughout facility es this year, how we define our *We have a zero-tolerance policy. If you have an people's unity is of great im- elevated temperature or answer “yes” to any of portance. As , our union our health questions, you will be required to leave the facility. is not determined solely by our Todd Polikoff, JCBA CEO physical proximity; it is also marked by the moments when we collectively access our shared memory, history, and consciousness. Therefore, when the Shofar sounds this NEW TO THE AKRON JEWISH year, despite the necessary distance that we must main- COMMUNITY OR LOOKING FOR tain, our ability to gather as a people remains entirely WAYS TO CONNECT TO JEWISH LIFE? accessible. Contact Erin Katz Ford, This Rosh Hashanah, especially, let us make sure to pull Community Concierge in the slack in our connections and gather as a communi- 330.835.0005 or ty by actively tapping into our collective consciousness, participation, and responsibility to each other. [email protected] Erin can provide assistance with job and Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and sweet New Year. house searches, options for Jewish community life, and more! Todd Polikoff, Chief Executive Officer Jewish Community Board of Akron

CHAIR: BRENDA SCHWARTZ The AJN is distributed at the Shaw JCC and mailed to members of the CEO: TODD S. POLIKOFF Jewish community and members of the Shaw JCC. An online version is EDITORS: MATTHEW RUSS & ALISA REINBOLT also available at jewishakron.org. Deadlines for AJN are two weeks prior GRAPHIC DESIGN: ALISA REINBOLT to the publication date. The newspaper will be delivered the first week of every month. Editor & Advertising: 330.836.0419 ext. 403 • [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Circulation/Address Changes: 750 White Pond Drive, Akron, OH 44320-1195 330.869.2424 • [email protected] Tel: 330.869.2424 • Fax: 330.867.8498 JEWISHAKRON.ORG AKR N Jewish News 3

SYNAGOGUE SCHEDULES & SERVICES

ANSHE SFARD BETH EL CONGREGATION TEMPLE ISRAEL 646 N. Revere Road, Akron 750 White Pond Drive, Akron 91 Springside Drive, Akron 330.867.7292 330.864.2105 / www.bethelakron.com 330.665.2000 / www.templeisraelakron.org www.akronshul.com/virtual Rabbi Elyssa Austerklein Rabbi Josh Brown Rabbi Moshe Sasonkin Hazzan Matthew Austerklein Cantor Kathy Fromson

MORNING SERVICES (SHACHARIT) MORNING PRAYERS SUKKOT AND SIMCHAT TORAH SCHEDULE Sunday, 8:00am 10:00am on Facebook Live ONLINE EREV SUKKOT SERVICE¹ Monday-Friday, 7:30am SUNDAY MORNING PRAYERS Friday, October 2, 6:15pm EVENING SERVICES (MINCHA & MA’ARIV) 8:45am on Facebook Live with Hazzan Matt Sunday-Thursday, 7:30pm BYO COFFEE IN THE SUKKAH WITH RABBI

Friday, sunset WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY MINYAN BROWN² 7:30am on ZOOM Tuesday, October 6, 10:00am SHABBAT SERVICES: 10:00am BYO HAPPY HOUR IN THE SUKKAH WITH VIRTUAL LUNCH & LEARN SUKKOT AND SIMCHAT TORAH SCHEDULE Thursdays at noon. Study with Rabbi Moshe CANTOR KATHY AND LAUREN² about the weekly portion. Lunch must be SUKKOT Wednesday, October 7, 6:00pm self-provided :-) Saturday, October 3, 10:00am / Facebook Live DRIVE-IN ROCK SHABBAT FOR SIMCHAT HAVDALAH LIVE! HOSHANA RABBAH TORAH³ Saturday, after Shabbat ends. Tune Friday, October 9, 10:00am / Facebook Live Friday, October 9, 6:15pm into Facebook for a lively Havdalah RAIN DATE: Friday, October 16, 6:15pm service! WITH YIZKOR Saturday, October 10, 10:00am / Facebook Live YIZKOR SERVICE¹ IN PERSON HOLIDAY SERVICES Saturday, October 10, 10:30am SIMCHAT TORAH SUKKOT Sunday, October 11, 10:00am / Zoom Friday, October 2 1 Streaming on Temple Israel Akron YouTube Mincha & Ma’ariv 6:45pm Channel, Facebook Live, and Boxcast. Shabbat, October 3 Shacharit 10:00am 2 Look for an email invitation. Advanced registra- Mincha & Ma’ariv 6:45pm tion required. Sunday, October 4 SHABBAT CANDLE 3 Shacharit 10:00am Join us for drive-in Rock Shabbat in the Temple Mincha Ma’ariv 7:30pm Israel parking lot. An email message with regis- LIGHTING TIMES tration information will be sent days prior to the SHMINI ATZERET service. Attendees must remain in their vehicles, Friday, October 9 which should have members of the same house- Mincha & Ma’ariv 6:30pm October 2 6:48pm hold. Please, no ridesharing. Restrooms will not be available. Shabbat, October 10 Shacharit 10:00am October 9 6:36pm 48 parking spaces are available for Temple Isra- Yizkor 11:30am el members. Attendees must pre-register for a parking space ticket with one ticket = one park- SIMCHAT TORAH October 16 6:25pm ing space for one car, truck, or SUV. The ONLY Shabbat, October 10 exception is one parking space for two motorcy- The AJN is distributed at the Shaw JCC and mailed to members of the Mincha & Ma’ariv 7:00pm cles ridden by members of the same household. Jewish community and members of the Shaw JCC. An online version is Hakafot Celebration 7:30pm October 23 6:15pm also available at jewishakron.org. Deadlines for AJN are two weeks prior Sunday, October 11 to the publication date. The newspaper will be delivered the first week Shacharit 10:00am of every month. October 30 6:06pm Ma’ariv 7:30pm POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 750 White Pond Drive, Akron, OH 44320-1195 For all of our outdoor and virtual holiday Tel: 330.869.2424 • Fax: 330.867.8498 programs visit: www.akronshul.com/holidays 4 AKR N Jewish News OCTOBER 2020

Jackie Derrow grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She has a BA in Sociolo- gy from Syracuse University and a MA in Campus Gala Communications from The University of Maryland. She lived in Washington D.C. for nine years and then moved to Columbus. Honorees While living in Columbus, Jackie worked Margo Sommerville Judi Shapiro as a Communications Consultant and Man- ager of Client Development and Marketing Jackie Derrow Rochelle Stone for Watson Wyatt Worldwide (now Willis Towers Watson). As a single mother, Jack- ie juggled work and raising her daughter, Margo Sommerville was born in Nora. She found time in her busy schedule West, Akron and graduated from Fire- to serve on the board of Columbus’ Actors’ stone High School. She continued her Theatre. education at Lincoln University in Penn- sylvania. Lincoln University shaped her After living in Columbus for 19 years, Jackie moved to Cleveland. She con- leadership skills and challenged her to tinued her work with Watson Wyatt Worldwide as the Director of Client strive towards excellence. Margo gradu- Development. In 2007, she joined the global law firm of Squire Sanders & ated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor Dempsey (now Squire Patton Boggs) as Manager of Client Service Teams. of Science Degree in Business Adminis- Her passion for giving back to the community led her to serve on the tration. She later continued her education boards of The Sculpture Center and Montefiore Care, both in Cleveland, as at The University of Akron, where she well as Cleveland’s CollegeNow where she served as a Mentor. served as a Graduate Assistant for the McNair Scholars Program. She graduated Jackie currently resides in Akron with life partner, Dr. Steve Kutnick, who with her master’s in Public Administration she met through good friends Sheri and Stuart Glauberman (who would and Urban Studies. later become Nora’s in-laws). She volunteers for many different local orga- nizations and takes great pride in her work as Advocacy Chair of League Margo decided to join the family business, receiving her Funeral Director’s of Women Voters of the Akron Area. The League is a non-partisan political license in 2004 and is presently serving as the Vice President of Sommer- organization whose mission is to encourage informed and active partici- ville Funeral Services. pation in government, increase understanding of major policy issues and influence public policy through education and advocacy. “League work Margo is the daughter of former Ward 3 representative and Council Pres- has kept me very busy during this year of commemoration of the 19th ident Marco Sommerville. She was appointed to office in 2013, to replace amendment and work on the election,” said Jackie. Additionally, Jackie her father when he accepted a position on Mayor Don Plusquellic’s cabi- served as President of this organization from June 2018 to July 2020. She net. Margo was elected in 2014 to Akron City Council as 3rd Ward Coun- was also Voter Service Chair from June 2016 to June 2018. cilwoman, where she has served on Budget and Finance, Parks and Rec- reation and Public Safety Committees. She was also Chair of Economic Jackie’s volunteer interests are varied. She participates in the ECE’s Gran- Development and Rules Committee. Her leadership and service awarded ny Group, serves as a Mentor at i.C.A.R.E., and is a Volunteer Guardian for her the opportunity to be elected in 2018 as President of Akron City Coun- the Summit County Probate Court. Her deep love of art is what ultimately cil. led to one of her current volunteer roles as a docent at the Akron Art Museum. Notable accomplishments as Ward Councilwoman include: 4 million Op- portunity Center at Summit Lake; Save a Lot Grocery Store in the Summit “One of my first jobs out of college was at the National Gallery of Art in Lake Community which was considered a food desert; 11 million total ren- the sales gallery,” Jackie describes. “Although it wasn’t a prestigious role ovation at Spring Hill Apartments; bringing retail back to Vernon Odom by any means, I had the profound experience of spending my lunch hours Blvd. after 49 years since the Akron riots; created legislation to create with the great masters of the Renaissance to the late 20th century. During CDL community training program. the ensuing years, I have always enjoyed art and trips to museums, but in retirement I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to learn about and share Margo is and has been passionately involved in several community lead- art insights with the community - mostly students - as a docent at the ership responsibilities, including past board membership of the follow- Akron Art Museum. The museum is a treasure for the whole community’s ing boards: East Akron Community House, Keep Akron Beautiful, Mature enjoyment.” Services, PEARL Foundation, and Metro Parks. She also served as Youth Director at Second Baptist Church and Chair of Joint Board of Review. When she’s not volunteering for the organizations that are close to her heart, Jackie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, Hannah She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Akron Branch and Elliott. She spends her free time cooking, gardening, reading and NAACP, and The Order of the Eastern Star. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling. the arts, traveling and spending time with husband, Aulden, daughters, Peyton and Ava, and extended family. JEWISHAKRON.ORG AKR N Jewish News 5

Judi Shapiro was born and raised in Rochelle Stone was born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls, graduated from Cuyahoga Akron, Ohio where she graduated from Buch- Falls High school and attended St. Thom- tel High School and the University of Akron as Hospital School of Nursing and Malone with a BS in Elementary Education. College. She married in 1959 to Dr. Robert Stone, her In 1971, she states her “real life” began high school sweetheart, and they have three when she met Marvin Shapiro. After dating adult children: Cindy (John); Randy (Larry); for two and a half years, Judi and her three and Jeff (Amy) and two grandchildren: Dan girls (Kim, Wendy, and Missy) married (Cindy and John) and Scout (Jeff and Amy). Marvin and they began their journey into a Jewish life. Within a year, their son Ja- Once she started raising a family, she became son was born and when he was a year old, active in all PTA school activities while her they both were converted into the Jewish children were in school. She also became and religion by Rabbi Leibtag. remains active in the local Jewish community and general community. Judi’s first experience with volunteerism was joining the Akron Jewish Center Women’s Auxiliary and eventually serving as President. Within As a founding member of Mobile Meals, Inc., this is perhaps Rochelle’s most a short period of time, she became a community volunteer, serving on significant and longstanding contribution to the local community. She deliv- numerous boards, including St. Thomas Hospital Women’s Board, Unit- ered the first meal in 1971 and this organization now delivers approximate- ed Way, Vice President of the Akron Symphony, ACCESS and the Akron ly 1500 meals and supplements daily throughout Northeast Ohio. She also Area YMCA Association where she became the 1st female President of the served as the organization’s board president in 1986. Board. “Obviously, I was not Young, Male, nor Christian,” Judi stated. Rochelle is also active at Beth El Congregation where she served as the Con- Over the years, Judi chaired numerous community events, including Day gregation’s first woman President in 1982. Additionally, she has been active At the Races, the Symphony Ball, National Inventors Hall of Fame Black with the Women’s Board of Akron and Children’s Hospital since 1988. She Tie Gala, and the JCC 750 Club. served as Board President in 1998.

Her volunteer experiences led to what she considers her first real adult Rochelle has acted as board member and president of Jewish Family Service job when, in 1977, Judi was hired as the Regional Director of the Nation- and Hadassah and remains active on their boards. She is also an active mem- al Multiple Sclerosis Society, serving eight counties in Northeast Ohio. In ber of the JCBA and was an Officer on the board of The Lippman School, 1990, Congressman Tom Sawyer asked her to consider being his District where her grandson is a graduate. Director. She took the job, became politically involved in the community, continued her commitment to volunteer activities and stayed with Sawyer When Rochelle is not serving the many organizations of the local community, for 10 years. she enjoys reading and playing bridge, is a former golfer and is “currently resting on my laurels.” “Twice during that time I assumed the responsibility for hosting and orga- nizing events for President Clinton’s visits to Akron,” she stated. Then in 2000, after considering retirement, she was offered the position of Direc- tor of Community and Public Relations for the National Inventors Hall of Fame where she would finish out her working career.

“In 2010, while honing my golfing and bridge skills, David Minc, President of the JCC Board of Trustees, called and asked me to consider recycling my volunteer life and join the Board of Trustees...the position of Secretary was open,” said Judi. Over the next years 6 years, she served in numer- ous capacities on the board and Center committees until 2016 when she became only the 2nd woman ever to serve as President of the Jewish Community Center, “following in the footsteps of my husband and father- in-law.”

The evening will be hosted virtually, while participants enjoy a wine and chocolate package. Throughout the evening, the ef- forts of our campus agencies and community can be supported by bidding on online auction items (will open earlier in the day), participating in our Chance Raffle (access up to a week before the event) and donating to the Mission Auction. All event proceeds benefit the Shaw JCC of Akron, The Lippman School, and the Jewish Family Service of Akron’s Silver J-Ticket Program 6 AKR N Jewish News OCTOBER 2020

AKRON-SUMMIT COUNCIL ON HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE EDUCATION VIRTUAL SEMINAR The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust & Genocide Edu- Keynote speaker will be Tim Murnen Ph. D., Associate cation will hold a virtual Holocaust Seminar on “What Does Professor, School of Teaching & Learning at Bowling the Holocaust Teach Us About Opposing Hatred & Cruelty?” Green State University; President, Ohio Council on This event will be held virtually on October 26, 2020 from Holocaust and Genocide Education. Dr. Murnen will 4:00-5:30 P.M. The event is free and open to the public. frame Holocaust education as a call to action using lessons of the Holocaust to engage current issues in The link to the event can be found at student’s own communities. Facebook.com/AkronSummitHContest or at AkronSummitHholocaustEducation.org. Dr. Tim Murnen (pictured on the Full link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ right) was Proj- tZEvde2tqDouGNRtboYwfQsjXYCP6XNQYsW8 ect Co-Director of Walking Witness, a Fullbright-Hays Group Projects funded program. On this trip ed- ucators traveled to Poland, Hun- gary and Greece researching the lives of 6 Toledo area Holocaust survivors. He de- velops curriculum that challenges students to en- gage the issues of the Holocaust and other genocides while considering current issues and events.

During the seminar, information will be shared re- garding the Akron Summit Holocaust Collaborative Project, formally the Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts & Writing Contest, changed this year to work with pos- sible social distancing guidelines. More information on the project will be available at AkronSummitHolo- caustEducation.org.

The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust & Genocide Education is supported by Summit County, the City of Akron and donations from the community. To help continue Holocaust awareness and educate the youth in our community, donations can be made at: AkronSummitHolocaustEducation.org/donate. JEWISHAKRON.ORG AKR N Jewish News 7 RUBBER CITY JEWS RUNDOWN SUBMITTED BY RACHEL OSHEROW

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year - Shanah Tovah THE RCJ-TICKET: Umetukah! Gain unlimited access to an entire year of RCJ programs and col- laborative events, and receive exclusive discounts to many other In the new year, RCJ will continue to provide both virtual and phys- community events. RCJ-Tickets are $25 per person, or $50 per cou- ically-distanced programming for adults in their 20s-early 40s. We ple, and can be purchased online or with cash or check at any RCJ always welcome program suggestions and new faces! Contact us event. For just $25, attend our regular programs and receive dis- at [email protected] and check our Facebook page for counts to many community events for a whole year! events and updates. Our organization works in partnership with and in support of the Upcoming Events: Jewish Community Board of Akron, the Sands-Rogovy Fund, and Fall Shabbat Hike - October 17th at 2:00pm at the Ledges the Albert L. and Janet A. Schultz Endowment Fund for Jewish (CVNP) Programming. Sukkot BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) - October 4th from 12:30 - 2:00pm at the JCC Pavilion

FORUM 360 LOOKS AT UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES IN A COVID WORLD Submitted by Leslie Ungar Several shows in the upcoming months center on the unintended Branding was challenging before COVID. Now how do you Brand consequences of COVID. Shows will talk about how our pets have yourself or your company virtually? How do you stand out on been affected, voting in a Covid world, how to differentiate our- Zoom or Skype or Microsoft Teams? Forum 360 host Mark Welfley selves professionally in a virtual world, and how to find love during welcomes an expert in Branding Yourself in a COVID World. the Coronavirus. Voting in the Time of COVID with host Pat Simon will look at op- At the beginning of the COVID shutdown, animal shelters around tions to vote: early voting, voting by mail, or voting the traditional the country were emptied. People fostered or adopted dogs so way on Election Day. Project Sew United features host Ashira Nel- they would not be alone during the uncertainty of the various son and Authentic Intimacy is hosted by the host with the perfect forms of shelter-at-home. A huge concern at the time: what would name for this show, Leia’ Love. happen after the new owners went back to a “normal” life. Forum 360 is a jewel in the fabric of NE Ohio. Our goal is always to We don’t know when normal will return but the good news is that feature people, places, issues and ideas with a global outlook or a people didn’t return their dogs. Until . . . until those new owners local view. Our listeners and viewers are eager to hear their stories. had to change their living arrangements and new landlords didn’t We welcome ideas for topics and guests. accept dogs. The bad news is that shelters now have animals turned in from loving homes because the owners living arrange- ments changed due to COVID. Each show will air: PBS/Fusion channel 45/49 on Monday at 8:00pm and One-of-a Kind Animal Rescue visited Forum 360 with 4-legged Saturday at 5:00pm friends to update us on another negative consequence of the WONE FM 97.5 on Sunday at 6:00am coronavirus: dogs from loving homes that need to be re-homed WAKR AM 1590 on Sunday at 5:00pm and Monday at into loving homes. 12:30am 8 AKR N Jewish News OCTOBER 2020 THE BENE ISRAEL, JEWS OF INDIA By Sue Spector The Bene Israel have always been the largest of the three conversion or death. Divekar refused to convert; he vowed Jewish communities in India. According to their oral tradi- that if freed he would build a synagogue as an offering to tion, they are descended from “seven couples from a coun- God. The prince, impressed with Divekar’s bearing, asked try to the north,” the sole survivors of a shipwreck off the the prisoner his religion. When told Bene Israel, the prince, Konkan coast near Navagaon, north of Bombay. The cen- familiar with the “children of Israel” from the Koran, com- trality of the prophet Elijah in their tradition suggests that muted his sentence. their ancestors lived in Israel—the country to the north, in 8th century BCE. One theory says they were fleeing the More Bene Israel were founded, and each be- Assyrian occupation of the northern Israelite kingdom. came a vital center of religious, social, and communal life. Another claims they escaped from the persecution of the With no ordained rabbi, the synagogue was served by a Greek Antiochus Epiphanes in the year 175 BCE. Are they hazan (cantor), usually a Cochin, Baghdadi, or Yemenite one of the lost tribes? They settled in Konkan, adopting Jew who also served as shohet (slaughterer), mohel (ritual local customs and the native Marathi language. Every- circumciser), and sofer (scribe). During the 19th century, thing they had was lost, including many lives, and all their Bene Israel families also settled in Pune, Ahmadabad, Kara- ritual items. Without a community, they lost many of their chi, Delhi, and other cities. Initially, services traditions. They only remembered the two words “Sh’ma were held in the homes of community members, but in Yisrael,” which they recited at births, weddings, and funer- time a synagogue or a prayer-hall was erected. als. They observed circumcision and —but didn’t Gateway to Magen Aboth synagogue, near landing site of the know why. Having been olive pressers in Israel, they be- first Bene Israel Jews Educated Bene Israel were favored for civil service posi- came coconut pressers (or sesame seed pressers) in India. tions under the British; many served in the government Because they didn’t work on Shabbat, they were known In 1674, the British East India Company moved its head- police services, the army, navy, merchant marine, and, later, to their Hindu neighbors as “Shanwar telils,” Saturday oil quarters to Bombay, which developed into a bustling port the air corps. These positions tended to involve permanent men. They also farmed, peddled produce, and worked as city, attracting thousands of Indians from the countryside, or temporary postings far from Bene Israel population skilled carpenters. including many Bene Israel, tempted by the opportunities centers. For those stationed in remote places, the only re- for employment and education or to enlist in the “Native minder of their Jewishness would often be home life and For generations they lived as a distinct group. As the fam- Forces” of the British East India Company‘s Military Ser- the , or family rites of passage. They would ilies were scattered among many villages, community life vices. Because an oil-pressing monopoly already existed travel to Bombay, to their native villages, or to the nearest was extremely limited, and group prayer and rituals took in the city, they did not pursue their traditional occupation, Jewish congregation in order to celebrate with family or place in the home. Their religious observance was based but worked in construction and in the shipyards, where fellow Jews. on Biblical . They had no Torah scrolls, prayer they were introduced to new techniques and tools. books, or synagogues, nor were they familiar with rabbinic In the 19th century, they were confronted with the simulta- Judaism or halacha. They were guided by three religious In 1826 the Bene Israel were “discovered” by a group of neous influences of Jewish orthodoxy, secular education, leaders called kazis, who traveled among villages to offici- dedicated Cochin Jewish teachers, who came to live and Western ideas. At the end of the 1940s, the Bene Israel ate at rites of passage. among them in Bombay and Kolaba District in the north population in India peaked at an estimated 25,000. After and taught them rabbinic customs about mainstream 1948, many members of the community began emigrating, We visited the original landing site and monument at Nav- Jewish observance. On Saturdays, they conducted prayer mainly from the cities, to the new State of Israel. They were gaon, with 26 Tombs, as well as the Magen Aboth Syna- services, teaching about halacha and Jewish beliefs in the motivated by a sense of Jewish identity, Zionist idealism, gogue (pictured below), built in 1840 by retired Bene Is- afternoons; and on weekdays, Hebrew. and concern over their economic prospects in the new- rael army officials. Jewish stars were seen on some of the ly-independent India. They made Aliyah to Israel—not out homes on Israel Street, but there are few Jews living in this India’s Bene Israel are unique among Diaspora communi- of fear of persecution (Hindus had no reason to persecute area now. ties because it was a Christian missionary who created — them, as their Karma determined that their actions in this unintentionally — a basis for the community’s entry into world would determine their place in their next life). They mainstream Jewry. The British did not allow missionaries made Aliyah because of their love of Zion, which in their in India until 1813; but when Reverend John Wilson of the long exile, they never forgot. Church of Scotland arrived, he introduced Hebrew as a subject at Bombay University and saw in the Bene Israel A minority of Bene Israel also emigrated to England, the the Biblical “remnant of Israel.” Using Wilson’s book of United States, Canada, or Australia. Since then, the total Hebrew-Marathi grammar, some pupils became proficient number of Bene Israel remaining in India–almost all in ur- teachers of Hebrew. These Bene Israel scholars published ban centers–remains fairly stable at around 5,000. Marathi translations of classic Hebrew texts, Jewish prayer books, rabbinical commentaries, and sermons, for the first time giving the Bene Israel access to a wide range of Jew- ish texts. Bene Israel studied the English language and secular subjects, which opened up a whole new world of knowledge. Most important, their literacy in Hebrew and in English enabled them to communicate and maintain con- tact with mainstream Jewry. It is remarkable that during a century of concentrated efforts to convert them to Chris- tianity, the various missions met with almost no success.

In 1796, the first Bene Israel synagogue, Sha’ar haRahamim (Gates of Mercy), was built in Bombay by Samuel Ezekiel Inside of Magen Aboth synagogue, a Bene Israel synagogue with Divekar, a Bene Israel officer in the British army. Captured our guides Rahel Museleah (a Bagdadi Jew) and Joshua Shapur- by an Islamic prince, Divekar was given the choice: kur, a Bene Israel Jew, who has lived in Mumbai all his life. JEWISHAKRON.ORG AKR N Jewish News 9 SENIOR ADULT PROGRAMMING Submitted by Julie LeFever Senior Adult Coordinator RETIRED MEN’S CLUB Tuesday, October 13th and Tuesday, October 27th • The Retired Men’s Club will be meeting OUTDOORS at the JCC at the front of the building. Look for the tent off to the right of the parking lot • Bagels and coffee will be served (individually packaged) with a $1 donation suggested • Please bring your own folding chair. Social distancing with masks or face shields will be observed! • Reservations are a MUST one day prior by calling Julie LeFever at 330-835-0027

FULL MOON LUNCHEON GET-TOGETHER Thursday, October 1st, 11:45am at the JCC Pavilion Full of surprises, we will meet again for a socially distanced, individually packaged lun- cheon. Masks are a must! Our first luncheon was such fun we’re doing a repeat! Great food, great friends, just great to be together! Reservations a MUST by September 25 by calling Julie at 330-835-0027 or email at [email protected]. $8 per person

FALL HARVEST LUNCHEON GET-TOGETHER Thursday, October 22nd, 11:45am at the JCC Pavilion Enjoy the bounties of fall! A harvest themed, individually packaged, homemade lunch! Enjoy the autumn weather and gather (socially distanced, of course) with friends be- fore the snow flies! Masks are mandatory. Reservations are a MUST by October 16 by calling Julie At 330-835-0027 or email at [email protected]. $8 per person

THANK YOU! The Shaw JCC would like to thank all the special individuals who have stepped forward to help deliver Mobile Meals and distribute soup for the ‘Soup for the Soul’ program during this pandemic. So many others have offered to help, and we so appreciate your desire to help others. We will keep you posted when the needs increase.

Thank you to Marvin and Judi Shapiro, Eddie Regal, Sherry and Marty Hellman, Ar- lene Markey, Marina Lasbin, Sylvia Levinson, Rachael Osherow, Peggy VanBuskirk and Bob Parker for delivering Mobile Meals.

Thank you to Bart Oldenburg, Nan and John Riemenschneider, Shelly and Marty Hellman, Pat Heideman, Bonnie Bromley, Peggy VanBuskirk and Bob Parker for helping with soup distribution.

WE TRULY ARE A COMMUNITY!

10 AKR N Jewish News OCTOBER 2020

NEW FITNESS OFFERINGS AT THE JCC Submtted by Lynn Satow Fitness Director | Shaw JCC of Akron

As Fall approaches and you’re thinking about keeping ac- tive, Shaw JCC has some new offerings to keep you busy. J O I N U S The JCC has over 38 live classes right now. These classes are socially distanced with proper cleaning procedures W I T H in place for your comfort and health. Many classes are outside, and will continue as such until weather brings us L E S M I L L S inside. W O R K O U T S Think of the Shaw JCC when looking for wellness al- ternatives. Currently, the JCC offers massage, reiki and Launching on October 3rd, The acupuncture for both members and non-members. Acu- Shaw JCC will be hosting a new puncture has been our latest addition to these wonderful Fitness Platform in our facility, body therapies. Call our desk at 330-835-0042 to learn using classes filmed by 400 of the more about appointments, peripheral services and costs. world's best fitness instructors.

Look for announcements shortly in regards to a new Reserve your spot for a Les Mills class! More class times, more group exercise platform that will be added to our rotat- flexibility, and more workout ing schedule. A big kick off is planned for the weekend of options. October 3rd!

Some new programs commencing in September, Octo- ber and early November include: S.A.F.E. (a safety and N E X T L E V E L M O T I V A T I O N awareness program for women and teens), Yoga Founda- tions, and Ignite Transform Boot Camp.

2Left Feet, a fun dance lesson group, is now conducting 6-week sessions on Monday nights at the J! The next ses- sion begins Sept. 21 (skipping the 28th) with Intermedi- ate to Advanced at 6 pm and Beginner to Intermediate at 7 pm in our Auditorium. Cost is only $85/couple for the 6 week session. Contact Ed Balaj to register at ed@2left- feet.com Payment is made directly to Ed Balaj. The sec- ond session this fall if you miss this next one begins Nov. 9 and runs through Dec. 14.

BUNDLE YOUR SERVICES AT AKRON’S JEWISH INSTITUTIONS FOR A SIGNIFICANT COST-SAVINGS!

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? One member of the household must be Jewish by having a Jewish parent or have completed the conversion process by an ordained Rabbi. Learn more at www.jewishakron.org/about-us/j-ticket

The J-Ticket is made possible by funds from the Albert L. and Janet A. Schultz Endowment for Jewish Programming and the Jewish Community Board of Akron JEWISHAKRON.ORG AKR N Jewish News 11 12 AKR N Jewish News OCTOBER 2020

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO PURCHASED FOOD AND HELPED PREPARE FOR THE WOMEN'S CHAVURAH FOOD FAIR. WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT AND WE WISH YOU A L'SHANA TOVA. JEWISHAKRON.ORG AKR N Jewish News 13

Shaw JCC of Akron

SHAW JCC OF AKRON ALL-DAY AFTER- DISTANCE SCHOOL LEARNING ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Providing a safe environment for children to attend their school’s virtual classes and complete PROGRAM their educational requirements

Activities include: Martial Arts, Strength LEARN MORE & REGISTER AT Training, Swimming, and Basketball SHAWJCC.ORG/ALL-DAY- DISTANCE-LEARNING Program runs M-F 3-5PM We will support your children by helping them log on to classes, making sure they complete assignments, and providing socially distant Go to shawjcc.org/after-school-enrichment-program to learn more and register activities when they are not participating in classes or school-related projects.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS & HEALTH PROCEDURES: Children and staff are required to wear masks Twice daily temperature checks for staff and children Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher will not be admitted inside and/or isolated from the group and will need to be picked up ASAP Continual facility and equipment sanitization Hand washing upon arrival and after each activity Curbside pick up & drop off Outside visitors are prohibited

This program will start on your child's first day of school and will run 5 days a week. We will accomodate all surrounding school districts, including, but not limited to, Copley-Fairlawn, Akron Public, and Revere. Please contact Lyndsey Kirk to discuss details specific to your child's school. (330) 835-0064 | [email protected] 14 AKR N Jewish News OCTOBER 2020

TRIBUTES AND MEMORIAL GIFTS

JENNIFER MOSS SCHOLARSHIP JCC SENIOR ADULTS RONALD PENNER JCC FUND In Memory of MEMORIAL FUND FOR ISRAEL- Mazel Tov to Sally Eichner, from Carolyn Narotsky CENTRIC BBYO PROGRAMMING Sue Lax, on being recognized as a top Sally Eichner, from Scott & Tracy In Honor of attorney by the ABJ, from Herb & Ellen Eichner Mr. & Mrs. Marty Oppenheimer’s new Moss granddaughter from Mort & Sandy Mr. and Mrs. Steve Markowitz on their Emerman daughter being honored for her role RANDY RECHT SPORTS CAMP in Judaic education, from Herb & Ellen FUND Speedy Recovery for Moss In Honor of Rabbi David Horowitz from Mort, Sandy Blake & Maggie Gross’s Anniversary, & Scott Emerman Dr. Lizzy Foster on her marriage to Dr. from Marjorie Recht David Smith, from Herb & Ellen Moss Staci & Joel Fealk’s Anniversary, from In Memory of Robert Taub, on the Bar Mitzvah of his Marjorie Recht David Sokol from Mort, Sandy & Scott grandson, from Herb & Ellen Moss Doreen & Jack Weissberg’s Anniversary, Emerman and Debbi Rosenblum Bill & Diane Caplan on the birth of their from Marjorie Recht grandson, from Herb & Ellen Moss Marjorie Recht’s Special Birthday, from Teddi Kay on the birth of her grandson, Sheryl & Jeff Levin from Herb & Ellen Moss Rivie Zimmerman’s Birthday, from MAZEL TOV! Marjorie Recht Vera and Nathan Ida Wishes for a speedy recovery to Jack Weissberg’s Birthday, from on the birth of their grandson. Proud par- Bill McMahon and Richard Cooper, from Marjorie Recht Herb & Ellen Moss ents are Heidi and Jonathan Ida Joel Recht’s Special Birthday, from Marjorie Recht Robert and PamelaOBM Taub on the Bar Mitzvah of grandson JEWISH NATIONAL FUND Marjorie Recht’s Special Birthday, from Sally Ekus Joshua Lippman. Proud parents are Jef- Mazel Tov to frey and Alisa Lippman Matthew Siff and his family on his Bar Marjorie Recht’s Special Birthday, from Mitzvah, from Mr. & Mrs. Max Rothal Bev & Len Bernstein AlanOBM and Teddi Kay Marjorie Recht’s Special Birthday, from on the birth of grandson Miles Louis Kay. Harriet Dickson Proud parents are Dana and Ian Kay of THE ROSE & LAWRENCE Denver, Colorado. Big brother is Foster. SCHWARTZ HOLOCAUST Marjorie Recht’s Special 90th Birthday, from Lauren Recht Weinstein EDUCATION FUND Jim and Maddy Berlin Marjorie Recht and Happy New Year, on the birth of their first great grand- In Memory of from Lauren Recht Weinstein daughter, Mila Rae. Proud parents are Aaron Saltzman, Robert Mercer, and Morea and Zachary Cutler. Rose & Lawrence Schwartz, from Eddie Paula & Scott Gross and Happy New & Marla Schwartz Year, from Laure Recht Weinstein Les and Traci Tobias Marjorie Recht’s Special Birthday, from on the occasion of their wedding Joel & Beth Recht DAVID & CHERYL SOKOL FUND Aaron and Elisha Manassa FOR YOUNG LEADERSHIP Marjorie Recht’s Special Birthday, from on the birth of Margot Mae Manassa, DEVELOPMENT Doreen & Jack Weissberg born September 12, 2020. Big brother In Memory of Marjorie Recht’s Special Birthday, from is Aiden. Grandparents are Marsha Staci & Joel Fealk & Family Friedman and Robert Lazarow; Meryl David Sokol, from Fran & Don Golden and John Robinson; Stewart Manassa JEWISHAKRON.ORG AKR N Jewish News 15

IN MEMORIAM

CHARLES “CHUCK” BISSINGER, DAVID KATTAN passed away SARAH SNYDER, age 96, died WWII VET, age 93, passed away peacefully September 19, 2020 peacefully on August 29, 2020 in Tuesday, August 18, 2020, beloved while watching the Cleveland In- Atlanta. Sarah was born March 13, husband of the late Ellie Bissinger, dians game after a 4 month battle 1924 in Boston. loving companion of Sue Bardach, with cancer. David was preceded Sarah grew up in Akron, Ohio with devoted father of Charles (Diane) in death by his parents, Arthur and her parents, of blessed memory, Max Bissinger Jr. of Cincinnati, OH, Craig Mildred and his sister, Ellen Butorac. and Rose Kantrovitz, where she was (Margie) Bissinger of Morristown, the oldest with three younger sib- NJ, Julie (Larry) Geller of Bath, OH, David and his family came to Akron lings. She married Sam Snyder, who dear brother of the late Ben Bissing- from Los Angeles in 1969. Shortly af- grew up on her street in Akron, in er, Lawrence Bissinger Jr., and Fran- ter arriving in Ohio, he attended the 1943. Sam joined the Army the day ces Goldman, grandfather of Kelly University of Akron. In 1971 he met after their wedding. After the War, (Matthew Porter) Bissinger, Charles his wife, Susan and they married in Sarah and Sam moved to Dayton, “Chad” (Martha Aranda) Bissinger III, 1976. David started his professional Ohio. Their three children Gary, Lar- Joshua (Hillary), Scott, and Lindsey career in advertising until he joined ry, Marilyn all grew up in Dayton. Sar- Bissinger, Heather (Chad) Clink and his father at Akron Extruders in 1976. ah was very popular in Dayton, had Natalie Geller, great grandfather of He ended his career by starting his may friends and was active in Jew- Jackson Porter, Sawyer, Holden and own representative agency. David ish community activities. She was a Parker Clink. Private graveside ser- loved his family, tennis, and base- member of Beth Abraham Congre- vices were held at the convenience ball. He was continuously involved gation and a Life Member of Hadas- of the family. In lieu of flowers, me- in all of his kids and grandchildren's sah. In 1986, Sarah and Sam moved morial contributions to the American activities and sports throughout his to Atlanta to be closer to their grand- Heart Association or the Gary Sinise life. children. Sam passed away in 2001. Foundation (a Veterans charity). We would like to thank the follow- Sarah is survived by children Gary ing people and organizations for (Ellen Monk), Dr. Larry (Rene) and SALLY WEINTRAUB EICHNER, their love and support: Seidman formerly of Akron, Ohio, passed away Marilyn (David) Flemming, brothers Cancer Center, Hanna House, Cross- peacefully at age 96, on August 30, Jack Kent in Akron and Mel Kent in roads Hospice, Gifted Hands, as well 2020 in Pittsburgh PA. She was pre- Boynton Beach, Florida and many as David's friends and family. A spe- ceded in death by her husband, Dr. grandchildren, great grandchildren, cial thank you to Dr. Bruce and Deb- Sidney Eichner, in 1987, as well as her nephews and nieces. Grandchildren: bie Gerlach. David is survived by his brothers Sam, Hy, and Harry, and sis- Nikki (Randy) Weisburd; Dr. Mar- wife, Susan; daughter, Lindsay; son, ters Ann and Lil. She is survived by la (Jeff) Barkoff; Robyn (Jonathon Justin (Tricia); grandchildren, Brady her devoted son, Dr. Martin Eichner Shirley) Flemming; Tim Flemming; and Allie; his sister, Diane; and other (Elyse) and adoring grandsons, Scott Justin Snyder (Danielle Wolfe). loving family members. Donations (Tracy) and Max Eichner, in addition Great Grandchildren: Hilary Weis- can be made to Stewart's Caring to being an aunt and cousin to many. burd, Ryan Weisburd, Emmett Bar- Place or any charity of your choice. Sally was a proud member of both koff, Raina Barkoff. Beth El Synagogue and the Shaw JCC in Akron, Ohio, where she worked DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL OR for many years. Graveside services FAMILY LIFE EVENT TO SHARE? and Interment were held in Akron, Please submit information to Alisa Reinbolt at Ohio. Thanks to the staff of the Jew- [email protected]. Content must be received by the 12th of every month, for the following ish Association on Aging, Pittsburgh, Celebrate or honor a loved one or friend with month’s issue. We accept submissions for: a contribution to one of the many funds we and Home Instead Senior Care who manage, which support various programs and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Graduations expenses. Tributes are a minimum of $10. helped Sally with such compassion. Engagements Special Birthdays Funds at the JCBA: 330-869-2424 Donations in her memory can be sent Obituaries Special Anniversaries Funds at JFS: 330-867-3388 to the Jewish Association on Aging. Weddings Birth Announcements Funds at the Shaw JCC: 330-867-7850 THE 27th ANNUAL SHAW JCC GOLF OUTING We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for the 27th Annual Shaw JCC Golf Outing! Although the event looked a little different this year with necessary heath precautions in place, we still had a wonderful time and raised money "fore" a great cause!

The Meaden & Moore foursome took 1st Place in the tournament and the Westfield Bank foursome took 2nd Place. Congrats!

The tournament helps to raise scholarship money, providing families, children and seniors with the opportunity to enjoy Camp JCC, before and after school care, the Lisa & Thom Mandel Early Child- hood Center, fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool and more. As a mission-driven organization, the Shaw JCC counts on fundraisers to continue provid- ing top-notch programming and services that are available to all regardless of their ability to pay.

Thank you to everyone who participated and for supporting The Shaw JCC!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS!

HOLE SPONSORS Akron Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Group, Inc ALCO AMHA Bober Markey Fedorovich Fast Signs Fifth Third Bank Jules & Associates LRC REALTY Malco Products, Inc. Meaden & Moore Mike Coppola - Brunswick Companies Rubber City Radio Group Sequoia Financial Group Toshiba Business Solutions Westfield Bank

DONATIONS Summit Management Services, Inc. Jahant Outdoor Maintenance