Wishing Everyone a Happy Passover - Chag Sameach! Yom Hashoah Commemoration Sunday, April 23, at 3:30 Pm

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HOW TO REACH US - BY PHONE 860-442-8062 • BY FAX 860-443-4175 • BY EMAIL [email protected] • BY MAIL: 28 CHANNING STREET, NEW LONDON, CT 06320 Wishing Everyone a Happy Passover - Chag Sameach! Yom Hashoah Commemoration Sunday, April 23, at 3:30 pm

On the Com- and Spiritual Life and the Zachs Hillel House of munity Holocaust Commemoration Service will Connecticut College. be held at the Zachs Hillel House on the campus The film documents how seventeen other of Connecticut College. individuals turned down the Unitarian Asso- There will be a musical prelude, a responsive ciation’s request for relief volunteers and how reading and a Memorial Candle Lighting cere- Waitstill and Martha Sharp committed to the mony with survivors and children of survivors dangerous mission. “Defying the Nazis: The lighting candles while students from the gener- Sharps’ War” is the story of their humanitar- al and Jewish community and from the College ian work and the effect it had on their lives. The will narrate a dedication for each candle. Sharp’s left their two young children behind Following the Commemoration Service, we in Wellesley, Massachusetts and traveled to will adjourn to the Olin Science Center theater Czechoslovakia to aid refugees just as war was for a 4:30 screening of “Defying the Nazis: The about to break out in Europe. Escape Room Sharps’ War,” with commentary by film mak- While abroad, they combated political and By Guy Carmi, Young Emissary er Artemis A. W. Joukowsky, grandson of the social legislation, breaking laws in order to get Sharps, and Helen R. Dewey, another Sharps imperiled individuals exit visas. From involve- family member and a 1969 graduate of Con- ment with the black market, money laundering, Have you ever gone to an escape room? A room where you go necticut College. to the clandestine transportation of refugees, with friends or family and solve puzzles and riddles to get out. The Commemoration Service and Film are the Sharps played a vital role in the rescue of It’s truly a bonding experience. co-sponsored by the JFEC, theHenny Office of Religious Simon, Jews and z’tz’ldissidents from persecution. To celebrate Passover, we decided to make a Passover-themed Escape Room for the students at Jewish Community High School July 15, 1925 - April 4, 2017 and 5th grade class of Solomon Schechter Academy. In each room, the kids had to find quotes of all ten plagues in order to get out. In Funeral - Friday, April 7 - 1 p.m. order to find them they had to solve riddles, puzzles, open locks, , Congregation Ahavath Achim • 84 Lebanon Ave., Colchester boxes and much more. It required a lot of critical thinking. This is one of the most complicated, crazy activites that we’ve ever done. We had so much fun making it but the best part was watching the kids’ reactions and seeing how well they worked JFEC March Mission inspirational togetherIsrael to solve Independence each challenge. Day (Editor’s Note: Please turn to page 7 for an article by Mission participant Nadine Lipman as th well as photos of the trip. Don’t forget to check Monday, May 1 Come celebrate Israel’s 69 “homemade” pareve birthday Nadine’s Mention column on page 2 for details birthday on , cake. of her Bat Mitzvah in Haifa) hosted at Congregation Beth The food is always delicious El, 660 Ocean Ave, New Lon- and to make sure we prepare By Jerry Fischer, Mission Leader contact Mimi at the don with Emissaries Tal and Jewishenough Federation and set up enough Guy who are planning another tables, “knock your socks off” event via phone Isidore and Safra Katz, Jerry and Lori Katz, for the community’s enjoy- or email (preferable) to let Mark and Nadine Lipman, Barry and Alice Sher- 5:45ment. PM with a Torch Light- [email protected] know your plans m by. Wed., riff, and Stan and Gayle Solinsky returned from a On the top of Mt. Gilboa Hedy Ben Eliayahu, ingThe & Little evening Something kicks off Ex -at AprilIf you 26 plan – 860-442-8062 to go. . . or JFEC Exploring Israel Mission filled with thanks the chief park ranger and a cousin of our Young tra. for the good weather and the remarkable expe- Emissary Tal Gilboa led us on a hike along the Checks/ riences they enjoyed in Jerusalem, Haifa, Akko, highest peak and showed us the magnificent, en- ISRAEL CONT. ON PG 13 Volunteers from our com- cash accepted at the door or and Tel Aviv, and for their warm reception dur- demic purple Gilboa Iris. munity will have the honor of ing two days of visits to our Southern New Eng- lighting 12 candles represent- land (SNEC) Partnership communities of Afula Film Festival ing the 12 tribes of Israel. This and the Gilboa region. rd custom began in Israel follow- The 23 International This Mission was notable for its encounters gave us the overview of the city from the Prom- ing the birth of the state. The Film Festival May 25 with Israelis and with Americans from our com- enade, and the following day took us around Little Something Extra is a through June 18, munity who had made Aliya (moved to Israel). the Old City and then to the Israel Museum and At around 6:30 an Israeli surprise, so don’t be late. They started as we arrived early in the night the Shrine of the Book. His son, Oren, is writing meal 2017. Look for details in Jerusalem at the Haas Promenade and were his Ph.D. on the Dead Sea Scrolls and works for in the next issue of of falafel, shawarma, met by Kobi Ableman, the son of the late Les- the Israel Department of Antiquities, housed in The Leader hummus, Israeli salads and ter and Shirley Abelman. Kobi, after a career the Israel Museum. He joined us and gave us a MISSION CONT. ON PG 13 hot dogs will be available. in banking in Jerusalem, retired and returned wonderful talk about the scrolls and their im- The meal will conclude with a to school to become a licensed tour guide. He 2 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 to buy a tub of ka’ik (a sesame seed savory ring Bannon vs. Mnuchin feud Mention & Menschen cookie) her grandmother Bessie Nasser used to By Daniel J. Solomon, Forward bake all the time to share with her traveling com- A rift has opened up in the Treasury Department between NADINE LIPMAN panions, but they stopped in to visit an oud maker those who back the Republican Party’s traditional1 Wall Street- [email protected] and he performed/sang her grandmother’s favorite friendly policies and those aligned with White House chief strat- song for her, “Mustapha”...so although the Nassers egist Steve Bannon’s economic nationalist agenda, according to Matthew Hausmann, son of Geoff and Susan weren’t there physically, she felt their presence on insider administration sources. Hausmann of Waterford and grandson of Ro- her special day. salyn Braverman of New London was recently Nadine is a graduate of UConn and is retired the same way and are pretty well aligned against some of the named a New England scholar at the University from the Waterford Public Library where she crazier“I think ideas Gary coming and Steve from (Mnuchin) Bannon and view the most rest,” of anthese unnamed things of Connecticut. At the Scholars Day ceremony, was Head of Children’s Services for almost twelve Wall Street banker close to The White House told Politico. He students were recognized for academic excellence years. She volunteers her time helping with the during the calendar year. Matthew is in his sopho- Congregation Beth El Gift Shop, writing the House’s National Economic Council and the former chief operat- more year at UCONN where he is in the Athletic Mention and Menschen column for the Jewish was referring to Mnuchin and Gary Cohn, head of the White Training program. Leader, planning with the Connecticut Library What most divides the two wings of the administration ap- Sara Juli is the Maine Arts Fellowship 2017 Consortium for the annual Take Your Child to the ing officer of Goldman Sachs. - winner in dance and she was invited to perform Library Day (an idea she came up with and that try and elsewhere have typically supported, but which Trump at the Maine Arts Commission spring quarterly was celebrated this past year in over 900 librar- pears to be free trade, which conservatives in the finance indus- meeting. Sara’s work, resume, and ambition for ies in 48 states and in Canada), and trying to set paign. According to Politico, Mnuchin has so far tried to thread advancing dance in Maine are all so impressive, up a Patient Resource Center at the Lawrence and (under the influence of Bannon) ran against during the cam which lead to her receiving the award. She’ll be Memorial Cancer Center in Waterford. She enjoys while acknowledging the cost that many feel it has on the do- performing at the American Dance Festival this cooking, traveling, gardening and some crafts, but themestic needle employment on the issue, market. offering qualified backing of free trade June and then in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival not necessarily in that order. That approach has managed to avert a full-scale war between throughout the month of August.. Look for her at Wishing you all a good Pesach..if I don’t get the two camps, but the truce might break down as President Connecticut College in February, 2018. Sara is the any news I may have to share some recipes in the Trump plans to pursue a full-bore overhaul of the federal tax- daughter of Harriet Juli of Waterford and the late next issue that you can save for next year! code. Harold Juli. Nadine Lipman, wife of Mark Lipman of Wa- Israelis not happy EDITOR’S NOTE terford, and mother to Philip, Daniel and Mat- The Jewish Leader published a photo in the last thew Lipman (all living somewhere in CT) was By Naomi Zeveloff, Forward edition that might have been offensive to our called to the Torah on Saturday, March 18, 2017 A third of Jewish Israelis would leave the readers. We regret our error. (the birthday of her youngest son!) at the Or Cha- country if they could, according to a poll con- dash synagogue in Haifa, Israel. She proudly stated ducted by Masa Israeli, a group looking at the in her Bat Mitzvah speech in English, “Today I am divisions of Jewish society in Israel. Candle Lighting for Eastern CT area a woman!” It found that secular Jews were the most like- Friday, April 7 • 7:02 pm She shared her day with a young man, Daniel ly to want to emigrate, with 36% saying they Bershtman (again, coincidentally, her middle son is would leave the country if they could. Orthodox Friday, April 14 • 7:10 pm also named Daniel!) The parents of the Bar Mitz- Jews were the least likely to want to emigrate; Friday, April 21 • 7:17 pm vah boy are Alex and Victoria Bershtman, the par- only 7% said they would leave. ents having come from the Ukraine in the early/ The poll, which was reported by the Walla! Friday, April 28 • 7:25 pm mid 1990s, probably with the massive Russian em- news site, found that while 44% of secular Jew- igration. They went to the Technion in the 1990s. ish Israelis identify as Israelis foremost, 83% of Nadine was in Israel as part of the JFEC March traditional and 90% of religious Jewish Israelis Mission to Israel. Although other than her hus- identify as Jews foremost. band actually being present for the service, there The poll was conducted ahead of a confer- was an unofficial family connection as the day pro- ence called the “Israeli Journey to Change” gressed. As the group walked through the Wadi in the Knesset which is looking for common National Award Winner of the Council of Jewish of Jewish Federations as the Outstanding Small Cities Jewish newspaper. Published every other Friday for the dissemination of Jew- Nisnas section of Haifa, not only was Nadine able ground in Israel. ish news and views by the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, 28 Channing Street, New London, CT 06320, 860-442-8062. Managing Editor...... Mimi Perl Layout Editor...... Forrest Sklar Social Editor...... Nadine Lipman President ...... Romana Strochlitz Primus Executive Director...... Jerome Fischer Mailing Volunteers...... Ruth & Henry Dunkerley, Jr, Mimi & Milt Seed, Irving Siegel, Marty Yavener Advertising: Call Mimi Perl 860-442-7395 or [email protected]. Advertising Deadline: Wednesday, April 12 for April 21 issue. Editorial Content: Preferred receipt of editorial material is via email to mimiperl@ gmail.com. Photo(s) submitted via email should be separate attachment(s) from article. Preferred photo format is a .jpg format; resolution should be a minimum of 200 dpi. Material sent via fax [860-443-4175] or first class mail [28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320] should be typed/double spaced or neatly printed. If you submit a hard copy of a photo and wish the photo returned, include a stamped, self- addressed envelope. Editorial Deadline: Friday, April 14 for April 21 issue. Printing: Chronicle Printing Co., 1 Chronicle Rd., Willimantic, CT 06226 Postmaster: Send address changes to Jewish Leader, 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 3 Coast Guard You are invited to a reception for May & Bar Seder April 13 Young Emissaries 2013-14 Hosted by Jewish Federation and the be hosting its annual Passover Seder Rowe, Rock, and Teeter Families The USCGA Cadet JewishThursday, Club will April 13 from 6 PM until 7:30 PM. inThe the Seder Officer’s will be Club led by on Rabbi Susan Sunday, April 16, 2017 Schein, Hillel Director at Connecticut College and Jerry Fischer, Executive 5:00-7:30 PM Director of the Jewish Federation. (Please note time change) The cost is $15, which includes dinner, and is payable at the event by Temple Emanu-El, 29 Dayton Road, Waterford check or cash. Please RSVP to Professor Ian If you would like to help with set up, clean up, and/or food, Frommer at ext. 8398 or email at [email protected] by April please contact Marcia Reinhard at 10 if you would like to attend. 860-442-8062 or [email protected] Chabad marks 50 years since Six-Day War By Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg, Like all JLI programs, this course discount for early registration, as well special to the Leader is designed to appeal to people at all One fateful week in June 1967 redrew levels of knowledge, including those or more sign up for the course. the map of the Middle East. Fifty years without any prior experience or back- as aInterested family discount students offered may callwhen 860- two later, Israel continues to face numerous ground in Jewish learning. All JLI 437-8000 or visit www.myJLI.com existential threats. courses are open to the public, and at- for registration and for other course- Beginning Wednesday May 10, at related information. JLI courses are 6:15pm, Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg will particular synagogue, temple, or other presented in New London in conjunc- tendeeshouse of needworship. not be affiliated with a tion with Congregation Ahavath Chesed from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute The course fee including the text- and Chabad of Eastern Connecticut offer(JLI) called a fascinating Survival new of asix-session Nation: Explor course- book is $84. There is and early bird ing Israel Through the Lens of the Six- Day War. The course will be held at Con- gregation Ahavath Chesed, 590 Montauk Ave. in New London. Commemorating 50 years since the Six- Mazel Tov Day War, the course invites participants to The Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut experience a captivating account of what along with to Guy! was at the time considered by many to be the most improbable and astonishing vic- The Gilboa, Rowe, and Zettler Families The Jewish Federation is pleased to tory in all of military history. announce that Young Emissary Guy “Traditionally, Jews maintain a fervent invite you to celebrate with us as Carmi has been accepted to the allegiance to Israel and also lobby against Technion in Haifa where he intends human rights violations around the globe” to have a double major in computer said Rabbi Sternberg of Chabad of East- engineering and computer science. ern Connecticut the local JLI Instructor Guy is awaiting a decision by the in New London “This course explores the Israeli army as to whether he will at- compatibility of these two values, examin- tend the Technion as part of his army ing Jewish perspectives on controversial service or if he will begin his degree human rights accusations leveled against after serving in the cyber security unit Israel.” of the IDF. If Judaism is a religion of ideas, why do Jews care so much about land? Why does Israel perpetually raise the ire of the are called to the Torah as B’not Mitzvah

The finest entire world? And what are the ethics of in printing preemptive strikes and collateral dam- Saturday, April 22, 2017 might protect itself against an enemy that at ten-thirty in the morning age?uses Thehuman course shields, also andinquires explores how Jewish Israel COPY positions about Israel’s moral obligation Temple Emanu-El concerning territories captured in the Six- 29 Dayton Road Day War. CATS “In Survival of a Nation modern his- Waterford, Connecticut

tory meets contemporary controversy,” Call for a quote explained Rabbi Zalman Abraham of JLI’s

458 Williams St., Kiddush luncheon to follow New London Brooklynmorality and headquarters, the prospect of “The peace thrilling in the Please RSVP by April 15th to [email protected] 442-8424 historicMiddle Eastnarrative that raises began--or questions were about high- lighted during--the Six-Day war and re- www/copycatsnl.com main unresolved.” 4 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 Beth’s Schedule Please call Beth at 860-444- 6333, Mon., Tues. or Thurs. Senior Offerings from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Reservations are necessary for all events. When making your res- regarding senior services. We ervation, let us know if you need a ride. Reservations can be allMUST reservations call in our ormeal questions counts made by calling Beth at 860-444-6333x112. If Beth is the week before the luncheon, not available, leave a voice mail message, she’ll check them the so PLEASE make your reserva- following business day. tion by the Thursday morn- Upcoming Trips ing prior to the KHL to ensure your spot and enough food. Wednesday, April 19, “The Foursome” at Newport Play- house. Rick, Ted, Donnie and Cameron are home for their 25th college reunion. During the weekend the men go out for a game Kosher Hot of golf, and it is during this game that the four get caught up on Lunch Schedule each other’s lives since their college days. The play is set on the Mar.-April Wednesday, May 3, “Biloxi Blues” at Ivoryton Playhouse. The New London Hebrew SSA Jazz Enrichment teesIt’s 1943. of The Come Windemere back in Golftime and to World Country War Club. II era, Cost Biloxi, $59/$62. Missis- Senior Club and the Norwich/ By Laura Frommer, special to the Leader sippi. It’s boot camp for a young man from Brooklyn and his fel- Colchester Jewish Senior Club It was a wonderful treat for Solomon Schechter Academy stu- low recruits where they will learn about Life and Love and some will resume weekly Kosher of life’s harsher lessons. Winner -1985 Tony Award for Best Play. Hot Lunches. These meals are and William Morrison, jazz bassist at a jazz enrichment program Cost $47/$50. Lunch on your own at Luigi’s. sponsored by the Jewish Fed- dentsheld on and March staff 21, to 2017.hear Ian Frenkel Frenkel, and jazz Morrison pianist played and composer, live mu- Wednesday, May 17, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Good- eration of Eastern CT and TVC- sic for our students, including “Take Five” by David Brubeck and speed. Cost $63/$66. Lunch on your own at Parthenon Diner. CA. Adults 60 years and older demonstrated other familiar tunes with a jazz style. Wednesday, June 7, “Million Dollar Quartet” at Ivotyton - The children also learned about the basic music concepts of Playhouse. - ify for the suggested donation melody, form, harmony, and improvisation. We are grateful to cords studio in Memphis, TN, Elvis Presley. Johnny Cash, Jerry areof $3 eligible per person. to attend and qual Frenkel and Morrison for inspiring our students with their musi- Lee Lewis, andGreat Carl Balls Perkins of Fire! met On december for a once-in-a-lifetime 4, 1956b at Sun rock Re Reservations are a must cal talent and for sharing their own personal stories of how they for these lunches as Beth got involved in jazz music. 1950’s rockin’ sensation. Cost $47/$50. Lunch on your own at (860-444-6333) from the ‘n’rollZhang’s/Pizza jam session. works. Get your Blue Suede Shoes ready for this Federation’s Senior & Com- Wednesday, July 12, “West Side Story” at Ivoryton Play- munity Services must call in a house. This is a classic musical about teen romance from the op- count to TVCCA by 10 am the posite side of town in 1950’s New York will make you cheer and Thursday prior to the lunch make you cry. The Sharks and the Jets reunite for this powerful to ensure enough food is pro- and gripping ode to Romeo and Juliet. Tonight, Tonight won’t be vided for Nancy and Norm to prepare on Mondays and Tues- And more shows are being planned for Summer and Fall days the following week. 2017.just any fight!!!!! Cost $47/$50. Lunch on your own at Luigi’s. The Monday luncheon is held at Congregation Beth El, Stuff you need to know about our trips 660 Ocean Ave. in New London beginning at 12:30 p.m. The reservation. These deposits MUST go through Beth. Just writing Tuesday luncheon is held at Our ticket policy requires that a $25 deposit accompany your Beth Jacob Synagogue, 400 make sure your phone number is provided so we can call you New London Tpke. in Norwich downwith a your pickup name time will for no the longer event. be sufficient or accepted. Please beginning at 12:30 p.m. Here Also, if you are a senior and you not attend the Kosher Hot are the menus for both venues - during March and April. ing trips, etc., please call us with your e-mail address and we will The Yazidi Genocide and IsraAid’s Response Luncheskeep you and informed. would like to be notified via e-mail of any upcom New London Schedule April 10 – NO KHL Pass- St. James Episcopal Church in New London hosted a program on over, JFEC closed the plight of the Yazidis on Sunday, April 2. One of the present- – NO KHL End of ers, Yotam Polizer of IsraAID described the work this Israeli NGO mailPayment or a phone in full call. is required If there three is no (3) response, weeks prior then to your the event. ticket April 17 Passover, JFEC closed does in international relief, and particularly with Yazidi refugees in Youwill be will forfeit. be notified If at the that last your moment final you payment are unable is due, to either attend by a – Vegetable Quiche a camp on the island of Lesbos. Susan Rosenstein of the CT Coali- performance, the responsibility for your ticket rests with you. If April 24 (reserve by 4/20) tion for Yazidi Relief described the humanitarian disaster facing the we have a wait list we will be happy to make a call. Because we Yazidis as ISIS attempts to eliminate or enslave them. have already paid for your ticket we are unable to refund your Norwich Schedule April 11 – No KHL Pass- enforced. over, JFEC closed Kushner visits Iraq base money or put it toward another show. This policy will be firmly April 18 – No KHL End of By Reuters Policy change Passover, JFEC closed President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, traveled with A trip MUST have at least 4 persons per car to happen. If there April 25 – Vegetable is an outing in which you are interested, make sure you get to go - from Mosul on Tuesday. Kushner was on the second day of a trip by asking a few friends to join us. Our policy has always been serve by 4/20) the top U.S. general to an Iraqi base just over 10 miles (16 km) “the more the merrier”. Quiche, Games & Prizes (re - Most transportation will be by van, as our numbers don’t al- Remember to to Iraq as the guest of Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman low for a bus. For this reason, if you are handicapped, or must send in your of the U.S. military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the visit to the Ham have a front seat, please mention this when you make your res- mamThe al-Alil trip has base demonstrated allowed them the to far-reachingget an operation portfolio briefing of Kush from- ervation. We will attempt to accommodate your needs, but vans subscription... Iraqiner, 36, and who U.S. iscommanders. part of Trump’s innermost circle and who has have a limited number of front seats. Please work with us on it supports been given a wide range of domestic and foreign policy responsi- this!! the Leader bilities, including working on a Middle East peace deal. His views

on Iraq could shape Trump’s own opinions. THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 5 beating at the hands of other children. of Jewish refugees who strug- I wondered if a nuclear physicist involved in our nation’s de- gled there, and raised families, By and tried to carry on despite mirror my own? the past. Some lacked the fense had forgotten childhood traumas? Did their effect on him psychological tools to adapt Artie him in on our classmates, show pictures of our old teacher, remi- to their new reality, to cope nisceI pictured and tell having secrets a longof our heart earliest to heart triumphs talk with and Jeremy. disappoint I’d fill- with the losses they must have Dean ments. Perhaps I’d gain some insight into the meaning of our journey through some shared vision of our past. We’d sit side unable to focus on their chil- by side, brush back the cobwebs of memory, and perhaps make suffered.dren, or to Perhapsvisualize thesome gems were Tales from the hood sense of it all. It would be a solitary journey between two old hidden within their rebellious Last month I chronicled my reconnection with one of my old- friends, meaningful because we’d begun our voyage together. - est childhood friends, Jeremy Taylor (not his real name.) We “I’d love to see you. You should come,” he texted. “And bring eration, born from war, should shared a most unusual childhood in Washington Heights—a your wife, Barbara.” offspring.have realized Or, backperhaps then my howgen neighborhood brimming with Jewish immigrants from Eastern So I did. hard it was for our parents to The Uber wound its way through downtown D.C., past the start a new life. We couldn’t. their arms, reminders of Nazi brutality. Others, like my parents, White House, the Lincoln Memorial, over the bridge to Virginia, We were just children. Europe,escaped manyon the from Kindertransport, Vienna or Germany. yet were Some traumatized bore tattoos just theon skirting the Arlington National Cemetery, until it came to rest As the conversation swirled, same by the past. Marked by hatred or the murder of their fami- in front of a modest ranch on a tree lined street—a far cry from I searched for larger truths. I lies, ripped from the culture they thought was their own, they the concrete jungle devoid of grass that I remembered from my replayed Jeremy’s lament in were thrust into America at a time of great social upheaval. youth. our earlier phone call. “I wish Jeremy’s wife, Rochelle, opened the door and led us to a couch children of immigrants bear the repercussions of their parents’ where Jeremy sat in the living room. His face was etched in a my children when they were traumas.Psychologists The parents speak of of most a first children generation I knew syndrome, in the neighbor where- Iyounger,” spent more he quality had said. time I wonwith- hood had a story to tell, of miraculous escapes, or incredibly for- dered how such sentiments tuitous events by which they were saved. Some would tell you whimsicalBarbara smile, disappeared his eyes into still thebright, kitchen yet his with stiff Rochelle, movements leaving and could be true. During Ro- their life story at the drop of a hat. Others kept their emotions subduedJeremy and responses me to talk. revealed After a the few effects pleasantries of his illness. the conversation chelle’s delicious dinner, sons bottled inside, preferring to bury their traumas and forge a new turned to our childhood. Daniel and Zach painted a dif- life on the urban island they shared with their Irish, Italian, Lat- “Do you think your earliest experiences had an impact on ferent picture. in, and Black neighbors. your life?” I asked. “He was the best father I Jeremy and I hadn’t spoken in nearly 15 years. We lost touch, “I had a terrible childhood. I never talk about it,” he said. But could ever hope for,” Zach said busy raising children, building careers, doing all the adult things on this day he did talk, revealing wounds that never healed, de- while rubbing Jeremy’s shoul- necessary to forge a life. Yet when I heard from a friend that Jere- ders from behind. my was ill, I felt compelled to reach out. As I age the events of the “He was amazing,” Daniel spitewell. I’vethe spentpassage years of a telling half-century. tales of Themy childhood,conflicts and writing brutality and said, with sparkling eyes that long impacted my life. I wanted to see if Jeremy felt the same. Iventing. remembered He repressed in our thetough stories, neighborhood perhaps until had myaffected visit. him as told me he spoke the truth. fifties and sixties still seem crystal clear in my memory, and have I asked about his parents, who, like mine, grew up in Vienna. Then he made a correction. MSA, an incurable, neurological disease that leads to paralysis. “My parents were both in concentration camps,” he said. “My “He is amazing.” Even Jeremy’s AfterThere’s speaking no way at length to sugarcoat on the Jeremy’sphone I resolvedcondition. to He’s visit fighting my old mother talked about it every day. My father, never.” Before he two-year-old grandson piped classmate. He recently settled in Arlington, Virginia, outside could elaborate the doorbell rang. “My children wanted to meet in with a big smile. Clearly this Washington D.C., to be close to his children in the time he has you,” he said as two tall handsome men entered, one with a next generation will have all beautiful wife and toddler in tow. “They’ve been looking forward the love and support possible. career working for the CIA at Langley as a Nuclear Physicist. to your visit for weeks,” Jeremy said. We got up to leave. Zach left—a difficult pill to swallow for a brilliant man who spent his Rochelle nodded towards Jeremy. “He’s never told us any- helped his father from his chair wanted to compare our experiences, despite divergent lives. My thing.” and guided him to the den. recentI knew trip little to see of Washingtonhis work, afraid D.C. towas ask my too opportunity. many specifics. I hesi -I We sat around the dinner table. “I don’t know anything about “I want you to see my li- tated to invite myself, afraid to impose on his privacy, but, when my father’s childhood,” the older son, Daniel, said. “He never brary,” Jeremy said, pointing talked about it, and we never see his parents.” to a wall of physics textbooks, never met anyone from the old neighborhood,” he said. “I never I told stories of our crazy Hebrew School days, of his father’s with titles way beyond my un- Itold offered them to anything visit, his about enthusiasm my childhood.” was palpable. “My children have derstanding. Prominently dis- played on a shelf sat a weath- fights with childhood bullies. Mostly we laughed, and we spun ered baseball glove from the ourImages schools—a of fights head withRabbi anti-Semitic in our Hebrew gangs School in the who schoolyard smacked ourrevealed tales. stories Jeremy of told intimidation of difficult and relations humiliation with parents at the hands scarred of old days. I smiled to imagine roseus in inthe my face mind—threats and knocked from us to older the ground boys, fights merely with for toughs laughing in bythose the who concentration should have camps. cherished “It affected him. everything they did. He - “I had to be the best to please my parents,” he said with pride old school yard. tematized brutality our parents faced a generation earlier. They tempered by sadness. JeremyJeremy’s fielding road softballs these in past our in class. These were surely insignificant compared with the sys In many ways he was the best. Best in math, best in science, four years has been a hard one, best in all the things that led him to a PhD in physics at MIT, and - faced guns and gas. We faced only fists and the possibility of a then eventually to a stellar career with the government. tals and the harsh reality of on- I wondered about our old neighborhood, about the thousands filledcoming with disability. doctors As and I said hospi my goodbyes I felt I would never forget this evening with Jer- Custom Tub & Shower emy and his loving family. No Since 1919 Southeastern Connecticut’s Oldest and Most Respected Jewelers Enclosures one can lead a perfectly happy Diamonds Watches Crystal Ruby Glass CO., INC • Design & Installation life, shielded from pain, be it Fine Contemporary & Antique Jewelry • All-Glass Enclosures physical or emotional. None of Custom Jewelry Design Expert Jewelry & Watch Repair SERVING SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT FOR OVER 60 YEARS us gets to choose the way we Estate Jewelry Bought & Sold Expert Mirror Design & will leave this life, although FULLSERVICE GLASS SPECIALISTS Installation certainly, we all will, sooner or 44726 • Visit Our Showroom later. But at least my old friend will get to spend time with his 262 Boston Post Road • Utopia Centre Waterford, CT • (860) 442-4391 151 Jefferson Avenue • New London, CT 06320 wife and family and know he is Phone (860) 442-0373 • Fax (860) 442-1356 loved. Perhaps that’s all any of Monday - Thursday 10:00-6:00 Friday 10:00-7:00 Saturday 10:00-4:00 us can hope for. 6 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 Solomon Schechter hosts Health Fair By Laura Frommer, special to the Leader On March 23, 2017 Solomon

a Health Fair. Working with PE Schechtercoordinator, 5th Ada Graders Filippetti, hosted our Israeli emissaries, and Coast - unteers, the 5th graders’ re- Guardsearch focused Academy on studentmaintaining vol a healthy diet and exercise. The Health Fair featured several stations, including Fid- dleheads Co-op, a nutritionist from Shop Rite, and our school nurse among others. The fair concluded with a short talk by a chef from Pae- sano’s on Bank, who spoke about preparing healthy meals. The guests enjoyed a pasta and vegetable lunch brought to them by this local restaurant. Stonington Christian Academy for being our Thank you to Mayor Michael Passero of New Londonguests at andthe SSA the Health students Fair. and staff of North Israeli firm provides drinking water By Andrew Tobin, JTA An Israeli company has - signed deals to produce drink- lagesWater in the Gen country. inked anEarlier, agreement the company last week arranged with India’s with thesecond Ha- ing water — by extracting it largestnoi government solar company to set toup produce water generators purified water in the for Vietnamese remote vil from the air — in India and capital. Vietnam, two countries that “The government of Vietnam greatly esteems the technologi- have long faced shortages. cal developments in Israel, and I hope that the Israeli technol-

Energy Saving ogyMirilashvili that we saidsupply after to Vietnamthe signing will in significantly Hanoi, according help to to improve a state- Windows & Doors! waterment. conditions in the country,” Water Gen President Mikhael The memoranda of understanding are worth $150 million in Order Factory Direct! Vinyl Replacement & creates technology that extracts water from the air for use by total,civilians according and soldiers to Water who Gen, do not which have was access founded to clean in sources.2009 and New Construction Windows - Storm Windows & Commercial Aluminum lation, live in areas of water scarcity, according to the United Na- About 1.2 billion people, nearly one-fifth of the world’s popu Professional Installation Available million of India’s 1.25 billion people lack access to clean water, Railings & Fences of Many Styles tionsaccording Department to a report of Economic last year andby Water Social Aid, Affairs. a water More and than sani 75- 860.848.9258 • www.alltimemfg.com million people with water because of contamination, poor infra- tationstructure nonprofit. and heavy And agricultural Vietnam has demand. struggled to provide its 95

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March Mission incredible mix of sites &interactions By Nadine Lipman, JFEC Social Editor Let me start off by saying everything in this article is my opinion, but I am sure the minyan that made up the JFEC mission to Israel in March led by Jerry Fischer, JFEC Execu- tive Director, would agree with me that it was incredible: Safra and Izzie Katz, Alice and Barry Sheriff (my New Lon- don High School French I classmate!), Gayle and Stan Solin- sky, Lori and Sonny Katz (Gayle’s cousins from Minnesota), and Mark and myself. Every. Single Part. From Gayle: “I saw more on this visit than a year of living in Israel, and four previous tours. It was a perfect cross section of the country, we didn’t just visit all the important sights, we bit off, tasted and savored. Jerry Fischer is the ultimate guide; he knows the language, the people, history, and culture. Plus, he knows the contacts to get you right up that road where no one else can enter. Every time I close my eyes I see a slideshow of everlasting memories!” When asked at the end of the trip what we would each Stan Solinsky in Yusef Natsche remember most, there were so many different thoughts, Mission arrives at Ben Gurion Airport, an hour and a half late Rug and Fabric Shop on the whether it was visiting one of the many museums, dining but very happy to have landed! Christian Quarter street of Jeru- with a family in Afula Gilboa, visiting Masada, the Western salem’s Old City. Wall, the Dead Sea, Yad Vashem or the food.... Oh the food!!! We ate sooo well. Be it the breakfasts at the Dan Panorama Hotels -- a buffet filled with salads, fish, hummus and halvah; the wine tasting at Tishbi Winery with a fabulous Ital- ian meal; falafels, lamb shawarma at Dr Shakshuka just to begin with. The restaurants that Jerry brought us to never heard of all the “starving children in China” because the amount of food they brought out to us...dish after dish comprising mezze, small plates filled with salads, hummus, olives, beets, On the southern side of the Temple Mount there are steps that etc. AND then they brought led up to the Temple. Excavations after June 1967 revealed a Harrod’s Northern Palace on Masada revealed the ostentatious out the MAIN meal. Jerry grandeur and decadence of King Harrod, but provides a great treasure trove of significant discoveries regarding the Temple archeological site for exploration. seems to find the best places Mount, including these steps that pilgrims to the Temple would to eat. As Stan said, “We also climb while chanting Psalms of Ascent.

went to a 5-star restaurant in Migdal/ Tiberias. An amazing meal - as good as any in the US.” We did a lot of walking which was good, and necessary(!!!) The first day in Jerusalem we walked over 14,000 steps or six miles, and the second day we walked over10,000 steps or four miles. Everywhere it seemed we were either going up or down steps; one of our party referred to Jerusalem as the “City of 10,000 Steps” and I think Jerry had us climb each of them...twice. Our tour through the Jewish Quarter that first day was led by Kobi Ableman, former- ly of New London, son of Shirley and Josh Benson and Aaron Rosenfield with Jerry Fischer and Eyal Sebag, our very first Young Emissary in Eastern CT. Josh and Aaron have made Aliyah and are studing Hebrew in Tiberias. The two young men studied with both Jerry Fischer and MISSION CONT. ON PG 8 Gayle Solinsky when they were students at Solomon Schechter Academy. 8 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017

Celebrating a B’naiPlaza Spa Hotel Mitzvah amidst the rather loud con - versations around them. Mark and I last visited Israel in 1979, and there were none of the spas/resorts built around the Dead Sea then that we remember; it was amazing how similar it was to some of the pools we have experienced in Cancun...and this is the DESERT!!! As if this wasn’t a full-enough day, that evening we went to the Tower of David Museum for a special viewing of the night spectacular where the walls of the Citadel serve as stage for a sound and light show. Yet another place that made an impression on the group was Yad Vashem, the Jewish people’s living memorial to the Holo- caust. (Again, this was totally different and brand new from my last visit, partly because computers and DVRs weren’t in use at that point.) Ironically, the few raindrops we saw during our trip were as we left: symbolically, Nadine’s Bat Mitzvah Lester Ableman and who some of you may re- teardrops. member; in the afternoon, we went to the Israel Lightening up the mood was a visit to the Tishbi Daniel Bershtman shared his Bar Mitzvah with Na- Winery for a tour, wine tasting and wonderful Ital- dine Lipman at the Progressive Reform Congrega- Museum where the Dead Sea Scrolls are located tion Or Chadash in Haifa on Shabbat March 18. and where we had a special meeting with Kobi’s ian lunch; as we finished one plate (everything was Daniel’s parents and grandparents all came to Israel son (whose name I can’t remember) and who is served family style) another two replaced it! Coin- from the Ukraine. a Ph.D. student studying the scrolls. Very disap- cidentally they also dealt in fine chocolate, soooo... pointing we didn’t have any time for shopping in The next day we visited Akko, a wonderful Cru- of Independence. We then visited the Gilboa with the old city (more about shopping later). sader city, which has been excavated since my last Tal Gilboa’s cousin Hedy Ben Eliyahu, who is the The highlight of the trip for many was the vis- visit(!!!) This led to one of the ‘lowlights’ of the trip head Park Ranger for the Gilboa. We took a hike it to the Western Wall. It is truly awe-inspiring, when Jerry took us on a shortcut that included a and got to see the beautiful purple/black Irises no matter how many times one visits, and for tour of the sewer system-yuck!!!! It’s endemic to the Gilboa. This was a first for Jerry, those who visit it for the first time, it is the thrill kinda weird when you think about of a lifetime. it because that was the only town Another highlight for some was the visit to that the couple of bathrooms we Masada on our second full day in Israel. (When we saw required payment, ALL the arrived two days earlier, it was early evening; let’s just others were free. Speaking of bath- say we were tired, hungry and COLD and we rushed rooms, Jerry has a rule that when- to get though everything so we could check into our ever there is a bathroom break, hotel.) Overheard was the comment, “I feel like you go whether you need to or not! this was the inspiration for the song Stairway to Fortunately, he knows where to Heaven.” find the good ones!!! We also visited the Dead Sea that day and From Akko, it was time to head some of our group took the opportunity to float to Afula Gilboa and learn about our around, and cover themselves with mud, while New England Consortium (SNEC) others attempted to rest their aching tootsies Partnership. So, where else do we on lounge chairs around the pool at the Crown meet, but at a restaurant, again where the food doesn’t stop! Here we meet several of the people in- and something they were so proud to share with volved in the partnership, but us because they are so rare and bloom for a short are also joined by two young period of time. That night we had Shabbat din- men who have recently made ner with Partnership families; what a wonderful aliyah, Joshua Benson, son of sharing experience and we all had tears in our Debbie and Gregg Benson and eyes when we had to say goodnight. Adam Rosenfield, son of Sue Prior to attending Shabbat services, we met and Wayne Rosenfield; what with the General Secretary of the Mahmood a lovely reunion we had!!! Mosque in Kababir, Haifa, built by the Ahmadi- We visited four Museums yya Muslim community in the late 1970s. The Ah- on our Mission. One of them madiyya Muslim Community is a sect of Islam, was the Ein Harod Art Muse- founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian in um in the Gilboa, a Museum established during the War MISSION CONT. ON PG 9 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 9

Mission hearsof the Federation.speakers, They are doing great work there,supports Afula and the facility represents the majo,r medical center for the northern part of Israel, other than the Haifa area. This includes caring for IDF soldiers. We continued to Beit Alfa, an Ethiopian absorption center, where we experienced a coffee ceremony, watching as the beans were first roasted and then ground, and fresh baked Ethopian bread. We also went to Kibbutz Ginnosar to see the Sea of Galilee boat, almost 2000 years old. (They had a gift shop here that was open for maybe fifteen minutes...it was amazing what we could do here during that time, when we hadn’t been able to visit any shops in a week!) Good time to talk about the shopping! The best shopping, which was the next to the last day in Tel Aviv, was at Nachalat Binyamin. Compare it to Guilford or Mystic for the quality of its arts and crafts. The prices were very reasonable and we all wished we had more time, more money and more Jerry Fischer was the Mission guide. He space in our suitcases (and then didn’t have to knows and loves the geography of Israel worry their weight at the airport!!!) Next to it was and enjoyed being able to transfer map the Food Market, which had also had a lot of the information to the reality of the rich his- souvenir-type items available in the old city; and of tory of Eretz Israel. course, every museum has a gift shop, so it is possible to lighten your wallet here and there. We nev- 1889. We learned so much and wished we could er changed our money to shekels; we used either have spoken to him longer. credit cards or American dollars. And, just to men- From there, we went to the Or Chadash syna- Jerry Fischer with former Young Emissary Oren Levi. tion, we didn’t really have any time (or any shops Oren credits his year in Eastern CT with exposing him gogue, where we attended a Bat Mitzvah, mine!!!! nearby) to make any purchases at the airport on (If you haven’t already, read Mention & Menschen to opportunities for higher education. He is about our way back home to Boston. obtain a degree in mechanical engineering and will on the 2nd page of this issue for more informa- Caesarea was wonderful, and we spent a couple go on to a Masters degree in the same subject. tion!) Following a walk, through Wadi Nisnas, we hours there; shops looked great, but of course, visited a Druze village where we enjoyed a tradi- shopping was off-limits. But little did we know we were spent in Tel Aviv. Visits to Nachalat Bin- tional Druze meal and learned about the Druze were on our way to Sarona for lunch, a HUGE in- yamin, that wonderful craft market (that is only people. door food market, where we were able to purchase open on Tuesdays and Fridays, by the way), Old Continuing our Partnership Activities, we vis- some gifty items; it was tempting but we did not Jaffa, Beit Hatfutsot (the Museum of the Jewish ited Ha’Emek Hospital, where Stan Solinsky pre- indulge in the Snick- People) and finally sented a check on behalf of the Medical Division er or Oreo halvah, or Independence Hall, more than 50 other which gave chills to choices, some sweet, all of us as we heard some savory, some the voice of David spicy! From there we Ben-Gurion declare experienced one of Israel’s independence the best tour guides, on May 14, 1948 and after Jerry of course, the singing of Ha- the gentleman who tikva which brough took us through the us to tears. Indepen- Yitzhak Rabin Cen- dence Hall is the ac- ter. The exhibits in tual building where this museum chron- this occurred...and icle how Rabin’s life is set up exactly as is intertwined with it was back then. Israel’s history. We Another highlight ended closing the for me was crossing museum (showing to the center of the you how full our days street there where Alon Friedman, Director of Hillel International in were!) and I know we Dr. Stan Solinsky presented a $1,600 check to support the there is a monument Israel spoke to our group about the need for Hil- all would have want- JFEC Research Fellowship at Ha’Emek Hospital in Afula. lel on Israeli college and university campuses, the and fountain dedi- ed more time to visit Accepting the check is Larry Rich, Drector of Development. cated to the sixty- importance of Hillel’s role in strengthening Israel- Looking on is Dr. Avi Weiss who received the JFEC fellow- more of the displays. Diaspora relations. Alon is the brother of Schechter ship for his retrospective study on harvesting eggs for in MISSION teacher Ella Sackett. Our final two days vitro fertilization. CONT. ON PG 10 10 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017

sixUnusual families considered to be the founders food of Tel Aviv; Jerry sampled restaurant, tres bien!) before byhead- participants spotted the name of my Aunt Rocky (Raquel) Nasser’s an- ing to the airport. We had also en- cestor (great-grandfather, I believe) Corchidi on the monu- joyed lunch the previous day at the ment. famous Dr Shakshuka also in Yaffa. In Old Yaffa, we had our final meal at Abrage (French As Stan said, “For the pickiest eater that I know, I really enjoyed this place. Especially the shawarma. Very interesting discussion with the Hil- lel Director for Israel as to how this program helps bring Israeli college students back to their Jewish/ religious background. Apparently, many in Israel are secular and not religious.” He is referring to Alon Friedman, the brother of Ella Fried- man Sackett and the Director Gen- eral of Hillel in Israel who spoke of the challenges of relations between We visited the Ethiopian Absorption at Kibbutz Alfa and Israel and Jews around the world. were served freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee in a tradi- That’s our trip in a nutshell (be- tional Buna ceremony. We also learned about the history lieve, I left out a lot!) Stan said it best: of the Ethiopian Jews and their close ties to the land of “By far the trip of a lifetime! Perfect Israel. While visiting the kibbutz we also saw the ancient tour leader, perfect group, the best mosaic synagogue floor. weather, and unimaginably fantas- tic experiences. It will be forever in my memory.” So, if you are thinking about taking a trip to Israel and wonder- ing about whether or not to go on a mission: if you go with a regular tour company you may see more of Israel, but if you go with Jerry you will EXPERIENCE more of Israel. ‘Nuff said.

P.S. I would consider going on another mission if it was at least 50-60% different, that’s how wonderful this trip was; I haven’t mentioned this to my hus- band yet and seeing how he rarely reads what I write (I know, really???!!) MUM’S THE WORD!

We enjoyed our visit to the Tishbi Winery and sampled a variety of Food was a key element in the Mission, the platter is part of the delicious wines meal that was served to us in a Druze home in Usefiyah on Sat- urday night, March 18. The cheese and fruits were on display in the Carmel market in Tel Aviv. THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 11 mentally challenged. They are located at 18 Meridian Street, Possibility New London, Ct, Phone: 860 I decided to sell By Tammy Stoner Pinkerton 439-1207 Southeastern Area Tran- my home - part 2 Transportation guide for sit IBy Geoff Hausmann, special to the Leader This is the bus system for In the last article, I shared with you the senior citizens the New London area. Phone: steps necessary to prepare to sell your house. - 860 886-2631. Transporta- In this article, I will tell you how to prepare for ing. Poor eyesight, decreased coordination, and an increase in tion for seniors is $1.00. a showing. Consider the following advice: accidentsAs people are age, contributing one of the factors. very first tasks discontinued is driv Clean – I know this was mentioned in the last article, but this This column is written as a partial resource for seniors liv- Airport Transportation is the most important thing you can do. ing in the New London area. It is not inclusive and it is not an Services Natural aroma – it is been proven that buyers use their sense endorsement for any particular service. It is just a resource Phone: 860 449-8614. of smell as a decision factor. Think about baking something like Provides transportation to bread or cooking tomato sauce with garlic and basil in it. If you sure where to turn. and from Hartford airport - for those who may find they need to get around, and aren’t quite ing to “enjoy”. Allied Transportation Services Island. Hartford is $85. The bake,10 itsecond is fine torule leave – When some aout buyer on the enters counter your with property, a sign statthey This group provides transportation services for elderly and and Green Airport in Rhode form an impression within 10 seconds of entering. Decisions to disabled persons. Phone: 860 741-3701 Extension 320 M-F purchase happen in the second 10 seconds. Put a jar of M & M’s 7:30 AM-3:30 PM costMed-Link to Green Serving airport Newis $80. on the table. People have trouble eating them and in the mean- Mega Bus London time, they are looking at your home again. This is a senior transportation system in Connecticut that Phone: 1-888 279-6118. Lights – You want to make your home welcoming. Having the - This is long distance medical seeing, broad way shows. Includes box lunches and luxury bus transportation. Must travel a switches. offerstravel. Phone:mega deals1 877 using 462-634 a luxury2 bus to travel to hotels, sight minimum of 200 miles. They lights Laundry on helps – allas itlaundry is sometimes must be difficult put away to findor at all least the hiddenproper advertise luxury transporta- under the bed with a bed spread hiding it. Remember, they will Care.Com tion for long distance medical be opening the closets. Care.com provides personal assistants for driving. You sign needs. Air fresheners – be careful using air fresheners. If you go too up at www.care.com. You can sign up if you need help with a strong, buyers want to know what you are hiding. The Center for the Blind Moving boxes – Everyone understands you are moving, but Phone: 1 860 447-2048. don’t let this stop you from showing your home. Boxes need to be Easterntask, and Connecticutyou can sign upTransportation if you are offering Consortium a job and seek to The center for the blind adver- put against one wall; remember to allow access around them. provideECTC care.acts Theyas a brokeroffer drivingand operator assistance. of para transit services tises that they may be able to Firearms for people of low income, the elderly and those physically and provide transportation assis- locked safe. tance for seniors in New Lon- Comfortable – Please temperatures make sure – all make firearms sure yourare secure home isand pleas in a- don for medical appointments, ant to be in. Keep the heat about 68 or put the air conditioning on during hot humid days. Pets – You never know how your pets are going to react to un- Ubershopping Transportation upon request. known people or vice versa. Please either remove the pets from the home or put them into a pet cage. anywhere anytime. Sign up Trash andUber download offers the transportation ap at www. Lysol if necessary. uber.com CLEAN– – allthis trash is worth cans repeating. need to be emptied. A quick spray of Harry’s Taxi service 158 Montauk Ave New Lon- Do you have a questions about real estate? Advice/re- don Ct. 06320 860-443-4400, Phone: 860 442-4054 [email protected] Hunger Seder sponses will be made by: Geoff Hausmann, RE/MAX on the Bay, Yellow Cab JFACT, Food Share, Hunger CT and the Federations of Hartford 176 Cross Road, Waterford, and New Haven sponsored a Hunger Seder in the Judiciary Room CT 06385, Phone: 860-443- of the State Capitol in Hartford on April 3. The goal of the Seder 4321 was to encourage legislators to maintain support for community meal programs, school lunch programs, and to advocate for pres- If you are aware of addi- ervation of food stamps and associated programs. Heading the tional services, please write Seder were representatives from the Islamic, Jewish, and Christian me so that we can keep an traditions. L-r: Dr. Saud Anwar, Rabbi David Small, and Rev. Doctor updated list of services avail- Damaris Whittaker. Michael Bloom, the new executive director of able. JFACT organized the Seder. JFEC operates a food pantry. Tammy Stoner Pinkerton is a social worker who coaches AUTO | HOME | COMMERCIAL | MARINE individuals and families in the development of special events designed to touch, move and inspire. She creatively writes, Levine Insurance Group LLC researches, and organizes Andrew J. Levine information into personal- ized letters, dramatic skits, and unique entertainment for 221 Boston Post Rd. 860-739-4444 Oﬃce birthdays and family reunions. P.O. Box 339 860-739-6861 Fax She can be reached by phone East Lyme, CT 06333 [email protected] at [email protected] or at 770 639-7719. 12 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 Passover & The Jewish Art of Questioning Everything By Rabbi Jonathan Leener “When will you understand that a beautiful answer Don’t be alarmed, but Passover is coming! It often a true sign of humility as we admit what don’t know feels that as my Purim costume is being stored away himself by what disturbs him and not by what reas- questionor understand. that made him fit to lead since a question is issures nothing? him. When Nothing will more you understand than illusion! that Man you defines are liv- with the countdown to the Seder frantically begin- - and its entire methodology is based on challeng- thening. Passover Matzah suddenlydishes are appears simultaneously everywhere, dusted secur off- ment and not explanation.” Finally, the Talmud itself is a book of questions ing a brisket becomes a priority and spring cleaning ingWhat and searching is even more in error, profound because God means move is that we instill this value in inglike, and “from raising where questions. do we de Its- In just a couple of weeks, Jews around the world our children. One could argue pagesrive these are things?”, filled with “what phrases does takeswill congregate on a completely for the different Passover meaning. Seder. To my sur- it teach us?” and most impor- prise, more American Jews attend a Seder than fast but only after they reach a cer- tantly “what is the reason for on Yom Kippur, making it the most celebrated Jewish thattain level questioning of maturity. is This important is not this?”. Nothing can be learned if holiday on the calendar. With such large participa- the Jewish way as traditionally not challenged, even if it means tion, it becomes an opportune educational and re- the youngest child recites the deconstructing everything in ligious moment as the Seder is for many their only the process. Truth can only be encounter with Judaism throughout the year. So with study the four children with claimed if it can withstand the all their wisdom, what did the rabbis instruct us at four questions and later we such an auspicious time? - - their questions. “To be a Jewish tions than when we thinkstorm we of have questions. the answers” Rabbi Nope. They preached about the importance of ask- childobedience is learn as thehow ideal to question” behavior ofexplains a child, Rabbi Jewish Jona tra- Abraham“We are Joshua closer Heschel to God once when taught. we are Curiosity asking quesis not Belief in God? Keeping kosher? Giving charity? thandition, Sacks. in the “Against Haggadah, cultures regards that thesee ‘childunquestioning who has sacrilegious but a vital religious virtue. On Passover not learned to ask’ as the lowest, not the highest, we replicate the experience of going from slavery to inginstead questions! of answers With — all a truly ears listening,radical pedagogic they decided deci- stage of development” he concludes. The rabbis were freedom by drinking wine, reclining like royalty, and thatsion on Passover their part. night Beyond should asking be filled why with tonight questions is dif- eating a delicious meal. However, the Seder teaches ferent from all other nights, the Seder is structured to and debating instead of dogma and compliance. us that the highest expression of freedom is asking insistent that our first memories be of questioning- - forced in Jewish learning and spirituality. Abraham, into freedom. provoketions. all sorts of questions. Even a Torah scholars The importance of questioning is continually rein- questions. By asking “why?” we take the first step whoFor know many, all religion the laws is ofadvertised Passover as must a way ask to ques gain - Rabbi Jonathan Leener is a co-founder of Base Hil- the very first Jew we often learn about has the chutz lel, a new initiative in Jewish engagement, and rabbi of core seeks to disrupt and challenge. For the rabbis pahalong to with question the guilty. God’s Mosesdecision also making follows ability the Abraha by ask- its Brooklyn site. clarity and provide comfort while a question at its ing God whether He will sweep away the innocent The views and opinions expressed in this article are teaching us to value exploration and not discovery. the Jewish people out of Egypt. According to some the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of though,Elie Wiesel a question echoed isthe more words valuable of the sagesthan an by answer, asking, miccommentators, legacy by asking it was God the whyvery hefact was that chosen he asked to leadthis the Jewish Leader. Ties between U.S.Jews/Israel reaching breaking point By Tamara Zieve, Jerusalem Post - impact the ability of an increasing number of indi- The year 2017 could see a “perfect storm’ for Isra- tions. viduals, as well as Jewish communal organizations to el’s relationship with the Diaspora, according to a re- conflict and its implications for Israel-Diaspora rela maintain a meaningful connection to Israel. port released by the Reut Institute this month under central organizations in the American Jewish com- “Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people the title “The Future of the Nation State of the Jewish munity,“The includingresolution AIPAC, of the the conflict World is Jewish a foundation Congress, of is taken for granted, but the reality is that this has People: Consolidation or Rupture?” and Jewish Federations of North America,” the report changed in the last few years,” the Managing Director The report discusses various components of Is- says. “Due to a decline in the prospects for a Two- of the Reut Institute Naama Klar told The Jerusalem rael’s ties with world Jewry, primarily US Jewry, and State Solution, and the lack of an agreed upon alter- Post on March 27. posits that if Israel does not take action to change an native, these organizations increasingly struggle to Klar emphasized that the issue should not only be outdated mindset and working assumptions which deal with a complex Israeli reality.” of concern to the Israeli government, but also to civil no longer correlate with reality, Israel’s function The institute also sees the advent of the Trump era society, lamenting an ignorance regarding the impor- as the national home for the Jewish people will ul- as driving a further wedge between Israel and pro- tance of the Diaspora relationship among the general timately be destroyed. If that happens it warns, the gressive Jews in the US. public, which social entrepreneurs, public intellectu- Jewish state’s very existence could be threatened fur- “The present Israeli government’s strong support als and thought-leaders can help change. ther than it is today. of the Trump Administration, expected agreements The institute is collaborating with the Diaspora on the status of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, - organization which strives to be a “force of change” and lack of progress in negotiations with the Pales- ership programs and youth movements to change in IsraelThe Reut and Institute,the Jewish a World,non-partisan collaborated and non-profit with nu- tinians, are likely to place most American Jews and Affairsthis. She Ministry explains in thatan effort while to according work with toIsraeli the “oldlead merous experts to produce the 31-page-report. mindset,” Israel would send shlichim (emissaries) to The Reut Institute conducted the research proj- political arena,” the document states, also warning Diaspora communities to try to strengthen its rela- ect in response to several indicators of a consistent thethat Israeli Israel isgovernment becoming aon partisan two different issue. sides of the tionship with them, the focus is now shifting inwards. decline in the connection between the state of Israel “There is a problem and it’s our problem,” she as- and large Jewish communities in the US, partly fueled will be compelled to take clear sides on Israeli politi- by an increasingly complex relationship between Is- cal “Consequently,issues, including American Israeli settlement Jewish policy organizations and the by Israeli leaders and members of society, “we are on rael and the younger generation of American Jews. status of the Orthodox Rabbinate.” serts,a destructive warning trajectory.” that if certain questions are not asked The latter comprises the third major component Dealing with a complex reality - Can Israel fulfill its role? The Institute sees the convergence of major Zionist tween Israel and non-Orthodox Jews over the status events this year, including the 100-year anniversary flaggedof Progressive by the Judaism institute in - Israel. the growing Referencing daylight the be as of the Balfour Declaration, and the 50-year anniver- yet unimplemented government agreement for an JewishAt the people. crux ofAccording these questions to the institute, is how modern-day the reasons sary of Israel’s victory in the Six Day War, which also egalitarian section at the Western Wall, as well as is- Israelfor which can Israelfulfill wasits role in the as past the annational asset tohome the Jewishof the marks 50 years of Israeli control of the West Bank, as sues pertaining to conversions and mikvaot, the re- occasions which will highlight the Israeli-Palestinian search found that these types of disputes negatively U.S. ISRAEL TIES CONT. ON PG 13 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 13 Trump’s America requires new Haggadah By Jay Michaelson, Forward ventional Seder. The other major root of today’s social justice Haggadah was from all other years? On all the Freedom Seder, written by (now-Rabbi) Arthur Waskow and otherWhy years, is this we yearcelebrate different new published by Ramparts in February 1969. Inspired by the civil Haggadot together, Repub- rights movement, and in particular by the assassination of the licans and Democrats, con- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Freedom Seder was a watershed servatives and moment in the history of American Judaism. It was intersec- OP-ED progressives. We tional before intersectional was a word, and its ritual innovation disagree about many things, - and we argue about them at duction. the Seder. presagedWaskow the has subsequent put the original half-century text online of Jewish — now liturgical an artifact pro of But this year, as we watch its time, of course, but also a thrill to revisit. He has often cre- a minority-elected president ated updated Haggadot, such as the 2009 Freedom Seder For attack the press, the courts, The Earth. U.S./ISRAELI TIES CONT. FROM PAGE 12 immigrants and allies around These are the classics — but 2017 has a stellar new entry in people are no longer relevant in the same ways. For instance, it the world, it feels like the op- states that most Jews today do not face existential threats and posite of “seder,” which means One of the most courageous and controversial social justice thus no longer see Israel as a country of refuge; it also posits “order.’ It feels, to many of us, the field as well. that the decline of Israel’s image may even endanger Diaspora like a new pharaoh has arisen a beautiful and justice-focused Haggadah, A World Beyond Bor- - — arbitrary, capricious and rabbis of our day, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, has this year produced - mean. World Beyond Borders is indeed “a joyful and spirited retelling Jews,isfaction particularly with its democracy in times of andconflict. the Orthodox Raising a monopolyhost of other of the is This year, our Haggadah ders.of the I Passover rarely do Haggadah this, but Gottlieb’s that celebrates promotional the whole text humanis spot on:com A- sues,country, such the as institute a lack of concludesidentification that with “instead Israeli of policies,being a dissatsource roundup is a special edition munity and lifts up voices of resistance and artful transforma- of unity for the Jewish People, the State of Israel has become a of Haggadot that foreground tion.” Beautiful, personal, progressive, perhaps even radical, “A cause of division.” social justice concerns, so that World Beyond Borders” is my pick for the Haggadah Of The Year. The result of this, the report continues, challenges the basic your Seder can be a relevant Especially this year. legitimacy of Israel’s existence, which stems from its role as a discussion of topics like libera- Over the years there have been numerous individually and national home for the Jewish people. tion, migration, human rights, institutionally created Haggadot in a similar vein. As longtime Fixing the problem resistance and the Israelites’ readers might expect, I gravitate toward the former ones. I love - experience of being a hated ience and prosperity of the entire Jewish people, the institute minority of foreigners. highlightsOffering three solutions areas: asconsciousness, to how Israel structure can today and serve policy. the resil Naturally, all Haggadot the authenticity of quirky, handmade Haggadot. They’re often “The State of Israel should aspire to develop a widespread touch on these themes, but laborsOne ofexample love, and is thereflect Love someone’s And Justice genuine In Times creative-spiritual Of War Hag- consciousness among Israeli Jews, which emphasizes the basic here are some that focus on vision.gadah, How created often in do 2003 you byfind Dara that Silvermanin today’s world? and Micah Bazant. assumption that the State of Israel is the nation state of the en- - Historically speaking, these terpretations of the Seder symbols. Using the Love And Justice that formal and informal educational bodies can play an impor- thoseHaggadot themes owe specifically. their existence It’s chock-full of well-curated poems, quotes and hard-left in tiretant Jewishrole in People,”this. the institute says of the first element, noting to two moments in Jewish left- they’ll be up all night if they read every word. And if you’re trig- In terms of structure, the organization notes that in the past, ist history: the 1920s and the Haggadahgered by the requires word “Palestine,” some preparation; you better it rightly look elsewhere. warns users But that the the Israel-Diaspora relationship was managed by “strong me- Haggadah is also awesome, with most of the traditional liturgy diators and dominant institutions” such as Chaim Weizmann the phenomenon of the Third and tons of provocative social justice commentary. And it’s free. and Rav Soloveitchik, as well as the Jewish Federations of North 1960s. The first was when- If your 2017 word of the year is “resistance,“ it can’t be beat. America, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and other Israeli govern- dish, and often socialist alter- On the institutional side, American Jewish World Service has - Sedernative to offered the traditional a radical, ritual. Yid updated its now-wistfully titled Next Year In A Just World: A ence has waned and must be modernized in addition to bringing These grew in popularity for mentin new institutions. mediators. “Historically,Today, the Reut these Institute issues believeswere decided their byinflu re- decades, with rival Zionist and - non-Zionist versions compet- ligious authorities from various communities in a decentralized Global Justice Haggadah, which was firstTRUMP published CONT. last ONyear. PG Like 15 manner,” the report points out. It also raises the idea that Israel ing for attendees. the first version, this is somewhere between a social justice Hag These days, the Workmen’s should allow a higher level of Diaspora political involvement, as CONT. FROM PAGE 1 Circle/Arbeiter Ring still puts MISSION well as anchoring Diaspora Jewry as a core issue in Israeli deci- portance to Jewish history and Torah studies. sion-making. Quoting Zionist thinker Ahad Ha’am, the institute drums Haggadah. omitting much of outthe atraditional terrific, justice-themed liturgy in fa- home the essential mission of preserving the unity of the Jewish The other significant encounters were with Josh Benson, people: “If a land is destroyed, but its people are still full of life vor of secular, socialist texts in Yiddish and English. On its sonstudying of Greg Hebrew and Deborah at an Ulpan Benson, in Tiberius, and Aaron and Rosenfield, David Beshstein, son of and strength – they will rise to her. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Ne- Waynewho shared and his Susan Bar Rosenfield,Mitzvah with who Nadine have Lipman made Aliyahat the Progres and are- hemiah and the people will return and build it again; but if a own, the Arbeiter Ring Hag- gadah may be too specialized sive Congregation Or Chadash in Haifa. Josh and Aaron travelled people is destroyed, who will rise up for them, and where will to Afula to meet us for a lunch with many of our SNEC Partner- help come from?” for most people, but it remains the perfect addition to a con- ship lay and professional leaders, and we went to Or Chadash for Israel US flags. (photo credit:REUTERS) a Shabbat Mincha service the following day.

ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY CONT. FROM PAGE 1 that bloom in March, home visits with families whose teenagers credit cards over the phone in advance. Make Cotton Candy; Make your own pita with top- areA hoping guided to hike be Young on the Emissaries, Gilboa to seevisits the to unique the Women’s purple Center irises checks payable to ‘JFEC.’ in Afula and HaEmek Hospital, as well and a private tour of Ein Admission: $15 per adult, $10 for students will be able to watch a short movie and listen Harod rounded out two days of moving visits in our Partnership under 21, $5 for children under 12. No one will pings;to a talk Green by Daniel Screen; Robinson and so muchabout more. Israel’s Adults Eco- region. be turned away. nomic Miracle. We closed our trip with a visit to Independence Hall, the After dinner there will be many activities The Beth El Gift Shop will be open and will to keep everyone of all ages busy and enter- - the establishment of the State of Israel. It is an emotional and tained - sortment of Judaica for purchase. Israeli Gold- homeprofound of Meirexperience. Dizengoff, When wherewe all stoodDavid to singBen Hatikvah Gurion atannounced the able items to purchase; Moon Bounce; Obstacle staralso havebeer a will table be at available the shuk at offering a nominal a cost.wide as conclusion of the talk there were tears in our eyes. course for– an youngster Israeli Shuk and (market)tweens; Arts with & affordCrafts; 14 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 Polish Heritage Mission evokes memories of Holocaust By Carol Goodman Kaufman Since the cemetery was with Solomon, a tall and ebony-skinned student. (Thirty percent In my mind’s eye, Poland is a land of gray skies and bone-chill- closed during the war, much of our Youth Aliyah students are from Ethiopia.) Joel asked him ing cold – both physical and spiritual -- so going there in Feb- of it is overgrown, and many how he felt about visiting sites related to the history of Eastern ruary didn’t sound like the best travel choice one could make. of the headstones are tipping. European Jewry, not at all similar to his background. Extending But, the Poland heritage mission is part of Israeli high schoolers’ A small portion today serves his arm and pointing to his hand, he said, “We’re all Jews. Just Jewish education, and since I serve as the national chair of Youth Warsaw’s tiny Jewish popula- Aliyah, Hadassah’s child rescue program, Joel and I packed up tion, estimated by the World And, upon return home, I found that my new Facebook friends Jewish Congress as somewhere ourwere skin posting color photos is different.” and comments about the trip. Perhaps the our youth villages. between 5,000 and 20,000. most telling was the very proud picture of Lolli’s Israeli pass- and headed off to accompany a group of teenagers from two of Most live in the capital. port. Home again. Safe. board country, the skies were gray, the temps hovered around From the cemetery, we zeroAnd, (at indeed,one point almost minus-18), the entire snow time fell, we and were the in winds that flat-as-a- howled. headed to the ghetto. Of all the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls The receiving line of Soviet-era apartment buildings along the landmarks we saw that day, Adapted for Passover road from the airport to the city center only served to reinforce that was for me the most dif- A long-ago conversation at a family holiday dinner has stuck my mental image of the place where, before World War II, fully in my mind to this day. The various aunts and uncles were good- 30% of the population was Jewish, the largest in Europe, and the city was a vibrant center of culture and intellectual activity. ficult.400,000 Established Jews from inthroughout 1940 by The Poles said “golumpki,” while the Russians said “holipkes” the country Germans, in a it space imprisoned bound- naturedlyor “holishkes” arguing – or, overat least, the that“correct” is my termmemory. for stuffedNo matter cabbage. what ed by a nine-foot-tall, eleven- name they went by, the resulting sweet and savory rolls from any a Soviet-designedAfter settling in at complex our hotel, that we housestook a walk theaters, and did restaurants, find some mile-long brick wall. The Na- member of the family were consistently wonderful. th brightsports spots. clubs, Our and first libraries, stop was and the a Palace 30 of Culture and Science, zis forced multiple families to - from which one can see the city. It is set in a park dotted with share apartments, an average tries, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East. The following is a statues and monuments. floor “viewing terrace” of six people per room. And recipeStuffed for an cabbage authentic is found Polish in dishmany that forms I have in just adapted as many to makecoun then, of course, came the de- kosher for Passover. by Polish-born Nathan Rapoport, the 36-ft.-tall sculpture evokes portations and mass execu- In the park stands the Ghetto Heroes Monument. Designed tions. By the end of the war, Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil sculptor’s words, “The great stones would thus have framed the only 11,500 Jews remained in 2 yellow onions, chopped both the Ghetto walls and the Western Wall in Jerusalem. In the- Warsaw, most of whom had 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes and their juice been in hiding in the Aryan ¼ cup red wine vinegar memorythat of Mordechai of events Anielewicz. in Warsaw Kibbutz in the iconographic Yad Mordechai figure in Israel of Ju is section of the city. ½ cup light brown sugar daism’snamed for holiest him. site.” The central standing figure of this frieze is I was shocked to discover ½ cup raisins In fact, I was surprised by how many memorials to the Ho- on looking at the map that our 1½ teaspoons kosher salt locaust there were throughout the country, from the Rapoport hotel was within the ghetto ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper monument to synagogues-turned-museums. walls, only steps away from the 1 large head green cabbage Chilled by the winds at the top, we descended from the tower remnant we had just visited.

(Seattle has nothing on Warsaw). From there, we continued on the ghetto, they force-marched For the filling: andto Old stopped Town, off where at one charming, of the city’s pastel-colored hundreds of stuccocafes to buildings warm up theWhen Jews to the the Nazis Umschlagplatz, liquidated 2 lbs. lean ground beef house trendy shops and restaurants along the curving streets. a holding area adjacent to the 2 extra-large eggs, light- We stopped for lunch (and to warm up – seeing a trend here?) at ly beaten a pierogie restaurant. million Jews were then loaded railwayonto trains station. headed A quarter to the Treof a- yellow onions fact that this was the neighborhood in which most Jews lived be- blinka death camp. From there ½ cup finely chopped foreTaking the World the rose-colored War II before tint they off were our herdedvisit to intoOld theTown ghetto. was theIn we began the walk along the 1/3 cup ketchup Path of Remembrance that ½ cupteaspoon uncooked thyme quinoa Heroes) and Franciszkanska was one of the busiest in a vibrant leads from the Umschlagplatz ¾ teaspoon kosher salt fact,city. the intersection of Nalewki Street (now Street of the Ghetto - ½ teaspoon freshly We met up with the kids at the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery. One ment. Placed along the Path ground black pepper of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the world, it dates from 1806 toare the blocks Ghetto of Heroes black granite, Monu and contains over 250,000 marked graves on 83 acres of land, as Directions: well as the mass graves of ghetto victims. Headstones and mau- person or event related to the The day before: soleums range from the simple to the elaborately carved, sport- eachHolocaust dedicated in the to ghetto. a significant Remove the entire core of the cabbage with a sharp knife. ing designs from Egyptian Revival to Art Deco. They represent And at Mila 18 (ironically Seal the cabbage in a plastic bag and place in freezer for at the wide variety of Jews who once lived and worked in Warsaw: “Pleasant Street” in English) least 24 hours. communists, rabbis, and intellectuals. Among the monuments Remove from freezer and thaw. was one for three prominent writers: I.L. Peretz, Jacob Dinezon., Jewish Combat Organization When cabbage has thawed out, carefully remove leaves one and S. Ansky, author of The Dybbuk. stoodpopularized the headquarters in the Leon of Uristhe by one. novel of the same name. From POLISH CONT. ON PG 15 this bunker, Mordechai Aniele-

Uprising, the last, desper- CTRI Landscaping wiczate stand led theagainst Warsaw the Nazis. Ghetto A 'PXKTQPOGPVCNN[(TKGPFN[.CPFUECRKPI large mound built from rubble 2TQRGTV[/CPCIGOGPV& of the once thriving community stands there in silent me- 136 Sachem Street 4155)+5'4/#0 morial. Norwich CT 06360 I wasn’t sure how much of Memorial the vast amounts of informa- 860-889-2374 tion being imparted the stu- Fax 860-886-2396 TQUUIKUGTOCP"IOCKNEQO dents actually absorbed. Not to

worry. That first day, we talked THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017 15 TEDDY WEINBERGER Mah Nishtanah? Everything © 2017, Teddy Weinberger (A free translation from the work of Rabbi Lior Engelman) is not only asking about “Happy is the man who is nourished from the marrow of The main threat to the world of faith is the the maror and the mat- childhood even when he is an adult, and even when he is in his fulfilsworld thisof routine, wish. the feeling that what lies ahead za. From a child’s per- old age.” ---Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook in the future already was in the past. Laws of spective, everything has Both in the text used and in the rituals performed, the child’s nature blind the eyes from seeing the hand that changed because every- importance at the Seder is clear; for example, a whole section thing changes and is re- of the Haggadah is devoted to “The Four Sons,” and the young- newed all the time. For a est present recites the “Mah Nishtanah.” What is less obvious is directs(“what has the changed”) world with and beneficence. answers decisively The adult to child, the biblical phrase that the Seder night is also supposed to work its magic upon the findshimself: himself “Nothing cynically has changed;asking “mah whatever nishtanah” will “His mercies are re- adults. Adults lack a certain faith perspective that comes natu- be, already was!” It’s hard for the adult to iden- newed every morning” (Lamentations 3.23) is rally to a child. At the Seder, as we gather around the story of the tify renewal; it’s hard for him to acknowledge not just a saying. The adult who listens carefully Exodus of Egypt, we have what to learn from our children. “the One who renews daily, perpetually, the work of creation” [from the morning liturgy]. that really everything has indeed changed, that reality in a cynical way. Life doesn’t look as optimistic to us as we The regular laws of nature cause the created to tothe the miracles questions of the of the story child of suddenlythe Exodus discovers are but viewedIn the it coursein childhood. of our Welives are we not often convinced, find ourselves as we were looking in the at forget their creator. Only on Seder night, a time the disclosure of the secret that the world is re- past, that the future looks rosy. Even if we believe in the Master to remember clear-cut miracles that violated newed every day, every hour. On Seder night we of the World, we do not believe in His world. We are suspicious the laws of nature, is the adult able to feel re- need to look inward, into the astonished eyes of of other people. But we secretly want to experience again the newal. our children, and perhaps in their eyes we will world from the eyes of a small child, eyes that can appreciate the But what will happen to this feeling as one also discover ourselves. Happy Passover! good, eyes that are not constantly seeking out dark motives, eyes returns to day-to-day life? Here is where the that look upon the story of the Exodus from Egypt as is--and res- child can help. An adult needs the eyes of a small A TASTE OF MEMORIES onating deep within the eyes, an innocent soul that has complete child. There in those curious eyes, everything is faith in the One who said “Let there Be.” The parent in his heart new and renewed, everything is wondrous and Hadassah of Eastern CT of hearts wants to make use of the precious hours of the Seder miraculous. The child’s heart is not yet hard- invites you to join us for a special night to exchange cynicism with innocence and complexity with ened to the world; nothing is natural for him Holocaust Remembrance simplicity; the presence of the small child who sits before him or routine. The child who asks mah nishtanah Tasting the recipes NEW HAGGADAH REQUIRED CONT. FROM PAGE 13 Sharing the memories gadah and a glossy development tool for AJWS. There is also a host of special-interest justice Haggadah of those who survived the Holocaust and those who did not It’s less crunchy and less radical than some of the others, but also much more accessible and Thursday, April 20 suitable for an ideologically diverse family. No supplements.fair-trade-chocolate-themed Chances are, you Haggadah can Google supplement your favorite accompa cause- 7:00 - 9:00pm trigger warnings needed in this one — but still andnying find the a bookSeder “On supplement The Chocolate devoted Trail,” to it. featuring Example? the There’s “Three a At the home of Karen Rosenberg plenty of prompts to have the kind of conversa- tions we need this year. If you prefer a shorter covered matzo and, of course, bittersweet. RSVP: Seder and want something clear and visually ap- ChocolateAnd, at Symbols Haggadot.com Of Passover”: you can certified assemble chocolate, your own chocolate- justice- Karen Rosenberg: 860-912-8732 pealing to print and pass around, Next Year In A themed Haggadah that might even please Uncle Irv. email [email protected] Just World may be just the solution. Then again, the Passover Seder is not about pleasing one an- Estelle Bogdonoff: 860-912-6368 In addition to these Haggadot, there are sev- email [email protected] eral supplements that have been published over the years. For example, the Orthodox social jus- other;“Love Andit’s about Justice afflicting Haggadah”), the comfortable, “if they come reminding for you in usthe that, morn as- If you would like to make a recipe from one of our tice organization Uri L’Tzedek has put out a sup- Jamesing, they’ll Baldwin be coming said to for Angela us at night.”Davis (in a quote I learned in the cookbooks or from one of your own, please let us know. plement with social justice themed commentar- Another way to put that is to paraphrase Exodus 22:21: You shall not oppress or mistreat the stranger, for the service. And Tikkun magazine typically puts you were strangers in Egypt. That’s what we iesout and excellent “action annual items” keyed supplements, to different though parts the of have to remember each year — that we were 2017 one was not online at press time. Be sure strangers, we are strangers, and we will be to preview the text before sharing all of it with strangers again. And that’s why every Hagga- your Trumpist Uncle Irv. dah is a social justice Haggadah.

POLISH MISSION CONT. FROM PAGE 14 For the sauce: To assemble, place 1 cup of the sauce in the Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, add the bottom of a large Dutch oven. onions, and cook over medium-low heat, until Remove the hard triangular rib from the the onions are translucent. base of each cabbage leaf with a paring knife. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar, raisins, salt, and pepper. shape and place near the rib edge of each leaf. Chuck and Romana Primus, Owners Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and sim- RollForm up toward 1/3 to the 1/2 outer cup edge, of filling tucking into the an sides oval mer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occa- in as you roll. sionally. Set aside. Place half the cabbage rolls, seam sides down, over the sauce. For the filling: Add more sauce and more cabbage rolls al- In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, ternately until you’ve placed all the cabbage rolls in the pot. and pepper. Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage eggs,Add onion, 1 cup matzah of the sauce meal, to quinoa, the meat thyme, mixture salt, rolls. Cover the dish tightly with the lid and Come in! We’d like to meet you! and mix lightly with a fork. bake for 1 hour or until the meat is cooked and Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 475 Broad St., New London CT • 860-443-CITY

the quinoa is tender. Serve hot. 16 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 7, 2017

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