Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5775 March/April 2015
Published as a Community Service by the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines online at jewishdesmoines.org • volume 31 number 4 Purim and Passover are almost here!
The Megillah is read on Purim, the evening of Wednesday, March 4th, and the first Passover seder is the evening of Friday, April 3rd.
Beit Sefer Community seders will be held the first night of Passover Friday, Shalom Update April 3rd by Temple B’nai Jeshurun - page 4 and The Judaic Resource Center. A second night seder will be held Saturday, April 4 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Contact the congregations for details.
Sports by April 16 Dinner Honoring David Wolnerman Scott Reister The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and our local congregations honor - page 12 Mr. David Wolnerman Holocaust Survivor Israel Thursday, April 16, 2015 Yom HaShoah Dinner and Program 6:30 p.m. at The Caspe Terrace on the occasion of the publication of “The Lucky Lie,” a book about Mr. Wolnerman written by students for young readers. Mor Borodovski The dinner is provided free of charge by the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, under rabbinical supervision. by Larry Deutch For reservations contact: Gayle Brimeyer at (515) 987- - page 19 0899 x 222 or [email protected].
Non-Profit Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines Organization 33158 Ute Avenue U.S. Postage Waukee, IA 50263-7538 PAID [inside] Des Moines, IA Permit No. 2506 Address Service Requested 2 COMMUNITY REPORT 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 7 TORAH TALK BY DAVID FRIEDGOOD 8 CHEF DU JOUR: KAREN ENGMAN 15 EUROPEAN ANTI-SEMITISM Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines Community Report January / February Education Beit Sefer Shalom • Special Israel Program about Israeli elections • David Adelman and Danny Klass were guest speakers in our Upper School “Judaism and Politics” class • Celebrated Tu B’Shevat by planting seeds and tasting various fruits • BSS students led Friday night services at Temple B’nai Jeshurun on February 6 Engman Camp Shalom • American Camping Association (ACA) application submitted Online Learning Center • Camp Registration is OPEN for 2015 • Camp Internships posted at local Universities • Spring Break Camp planning started • Beginning to Hire for summer camp Gan Shalom • New lead teacher hired in 3 year old (Eilat) classroom. New classroom opened January 12 • Mom’s Night Out was held at Smokey Row in January. • Child File Audit completed with Nurse Consultant as part of our Iowa Quality Rating System process. • One Hour Optical and Ben Giller offered vision screenings as part of our Iowa Quality Rating System process.
Beit Sefer Shalom 4th Grade • Dallas County Public Health immunization audit completed January 30 Senior Care & Family Outreach Jewish Family Services and Outreach • To date we have enrolled 138 children in PJ Library! This puts us well ahead of our enrollment goals, even though we are only a couple months into our second year. We are planning our next PJ Library event at the Science Center of Iowa, where we will be able to explore the planetarium and the “Why the Sky?” Exhibit together. • Co-hosted monthly “Kibitz and Kids.” In January we held a special session on raising Jewish children in an interfaith marriage, and in February invited Omaha schaliach Eliad Eliyahu, who talked about discussing Israel and bringing it into the home. While this group is designed for parents of young children, all who wish to attend are welcome. • Held monthly senior luncheons, which included speakers on a range of healthy living topics, a Jewish Family Services chair yoga session, and a presentation on the Ray Society. Senior Frances Rosen • Visited the Botanical Gardens with seniors and was able to enjoy the beautiful flowers during these cold winter months. Community Jewish Community Relations Commission • A JCRC representative participated in the interfaith service that was part of the Governor’s inauguration. • JCRC helped organize and the Federation co-sponsored the commemorative program at the Iowa Hillel marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz • JCRC held an informative Current Events lunch discussion at Beth El Jacob Synagogue • JCRC assisted in programming a Skype interview with Islamic reformer Dr. Zudhi Jasser co- Iowa Council for Holocaust Education sponsored with Temple B’nai Jeshurun. • JCRC and Federation were represented at the important annual MLK breakfast History Iowa Jewish Historical Society • Mark June 16, 2015 in red on your calendar and join the Historical Society for “Beyond Matzo: A Taste of Jewish Cooking” event from 5-7 p.m. at the Windsor Heights Community Center. The event will showcase recipes from the Society’s new cookbook and will precede a 7 p.m. performance by the Java Jews as part of the Windsor Heights Community Concert series. Details are being finalized by the event committee. • The search for the names and information on Iowa’s Jewish veterans continues. The database was started in 2011 with a list of 25-30 names. With the help of veterans, their families, cemetery records from Des Moines and across the state, 1,333 veterans are now listed in the database. If Iowa Jewish Historical Society a veteran, family member, or friend served in the military or the Iowa National Guard and has not sent the Historical Society their information, please contact us as [email protected]
2 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Message from the President THE GREATER DES MOINES A Celebration of our Historical Society, Jewish The Iowa Jewish Historical Society Press The Iowa Jewish Historical Society (IJHS) is a product Published 6 times annually by of love, tenacity, and deep commitment to preserving even the Jewish Federation of Greater the smallest treasures from daily life. You can feel it the Des Moines under the auspices of minute you walk down the corridor into the museum. Guests the Jewish Community Relations are always greeted with a warm welcome from one of our Committee many unbelievably dedicated volunteers, community members who have been vigilant in almost every aspect of building and sustaining a collection that tells the history of Jewish Mark S. Finkelstein, Editor settlement and daily life in Iowa. They will be the first to David Copeland, Layout tell you that this is a labor of love. Hours spent pouring over Gayle Brimeyer, Staff Assistant picture after picture, cataloguing and storing images and items Jodi Larson, Staff Assistant in order to provide the story of Jews in Iowa, our story, to the world. Sophie Homonoff, Staff Assistant Mollie Giller, Contributing Editor Each artifact, each picture tells a story. People walk into •••••••••••• our museum and see more than a collection of items…they Jule Goldstein, President JEWISH FEDERATION see their childhood pediatrician, the stores they shopped at EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE as children, moments in time that, without the IJHS, would Jule Goldstein, President be lost. The bond that visitors feel is immediate and goes beyond the walls of the museum. That bond links us to each other, to our community. It shows us that we are more than just buildings, and Don Blumenthal, Vice-President books, and history. We are a collection of stories: progressive and daring individuals who fought David Adelman, President-Elect for justice, entrepreneurs who helped turn our cities and our state into hubs of culture, with movie Kent Rosenberg, Treasurer theatres and department stores, and physicians, teachers, lawyers, and politicians who continue to Will Rogers, Recording Secretary bring us together and make us proud. Barb Hirsch-Giller, Immediate Past What started very humbly in the 1990s as the Caspe Jewish Heritage Gallery is something that President continues to collect artifacts from all over the state. The potential to continue to draw and engage Members-at Large: children, adults, Jews, and non-Jews has never been greater than at this moment, and we have so Beth Ohringer many stories left to tell! Brian Pearl Steve Schoenebaum AGENCY CHAIRS Beit Sefer Shalom Gabrielle Callistein, Chair Jewish Community Relations Jarad Bernstein, Chair Jewish Family Services Norene Mostkoff, Chair Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center Jon Fleming, President Iowa Jewish Historical Society Consortium of Past Presidents: Our Karen Engman Janice Rosenberg Melanie Sandler Robbie Winick traditions Stuart Oxer, Executive Director •••••••••••• Opinions expressed in The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press are not necessarily those of the Jewish are Federation of Greater Des Moines, its committees, or its staff. Inserts to the Jewish Press may not necessarily bear endorsement of ancient. the Jewish Federation. We are always happy to consider articles and information for publication. We reserve the right to edit Our submissions. packaging is 21st ••••••••••••
century. The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 33158 Ute Avenue Waukee, IA 50263-7538 515-987-0899 [email protected] Volume 31, No. 4 THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. www.jewishdesmoines.org March/April 2015 THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. facebook.com/jewishdesmoines Adar/Nisan/Iyar 5775
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 3 Education Beit Sefer Shalom Mid-Year Update Beit Sefer Shalom is having a prayers, and Hebrew words in tradi- great school year! All of our stu- tional Hebrew text books that corre- dents have been engaged in learning spond with the online program. Hebrew, enjoying holiday celebra- Several special events deserve to tions, participating in special Israel be highlighted. The Global Day of programming, singing and dancing Jewish Learning on November 16th with Stacie Franklin, and even going was a fabulous morning of learning on a Jewish Heritage Trip to New for all ages. Beit Sefer Shalom joined York for our oldest students. Our with over 400 other Jewish communi- community school currently serves ties from 40 different countries on 125 students ages 3 to 16 years. Our 6 continents to learn about “Heroes youngest children attend Sunday from the Torah”. There were activi- mornings, while the 3rd - 6th grad- ties for children and adults of all ages. ers study on Sunday mornings and Roughly 175 people attended this Wednesday afternoons, and our old- event including community members, est friends participate in the Upper students and their families, educators School program on Wednesday eve- and members of the Ames Jewish nings. Thanks to the tremendous Congregation. Also worth singling generosity of the Janice Zuckert out is a new tradition to have Beit Scholarship Fund, 11 of our students Sefer Shalom Shabbat services in all are currently receiving scholarships to of our area congregations during each attend Beit Sefer Shalom. school year. Students led Friday night We are excited to report that services at Tifereth Israel Synagogue the Upper School curriculum was on December 12th and again at revamped for this school year. It Temple B’nai Jeshurun on February now consists of two choices each 12th. Attendance and enthusiasm Wednesday evening including guest was incredible at both synagogues, speakers from the community and while the children enjoyed spend- beyond, Rabbi Rotation and conver- ing Shabbat with their friends from sational Hebrew. As an adjunct to throughout the community. Keep a the upper school, 17 teenagers, ages lookout for upcoming dates at Beth El 14 years and older, applied and were Jacob and Chabad. accepted into our new Madrichim Thanks to our hard working Beit Program for young Jewish leaders. Sefer Shalom Board of Directors, our These “teenage aides” support all parent handbook has been updated to classrooms, Hebrew learning, our include more detailed explanations of library, as well as the computer lab our code of conduct and expectations on Sunday mornings and Wednesday for students, teachers and parents. afternoons. These outstanding young New handbooks will be distributed at leaders are also attending their own the beginning of next school year. classes with their peers. As part of the program they receive professional The Board, along with Ellen training, on-going guidance and per- Nelson of Funding Solutions, Inc., formance reviews. They have been a worked hard in the fall to create tremendous asset to our school. a three year Strategic Plan which was implemented in December. It Another fabulous addition this will serve as our “road map” for the year is the Online Learning Center. upcoming three years and will guide Hebrew is being taught based on abil- our efforts to grow and succeed. We ity, and students can move at their look forward to continuing the excel- own pace through this online pro- lence that our community school pro- gram. In addition to the computer- vides for the education and well-being based Hebrew component, students of our Jewish children for many years continue to practice their letters, to come.
Beit Sefer Shalom Online Learning Center
The Behrman House Online Learning Center (OLC) has added tremen- dous support to our students and teachers this year at Beit Sefer Shalom. This unique online space is crafted specifically for the Jewish family and you do not need to be a technology wizard to use it. With the OLC, Beit Sefer Shalom has created easily accessible online resource materials , a homework and Hebrew practice space, assessment tool, and so much more. Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, our Kindergarten class of 20 students will now each be able to have their own tablet to maneuver the Hebrew programs during their computer lab time. Please check it out at: behrmanhouse.com or stop by Caspe Terrace on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening to see our computer lab in action.
4 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Education
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 5 Jewish Family Services and Outreach Meet Our Senior: Upcoming Events: • Sunday, March 1: Kibitz and Kids at Caspe Terrace from Frances Rosen 11:00-12:00 Frances Rosen is an active participant • Monday, March 2: Lecture Series at Tifereth Israel in Jewish Family Services senior Synagogue at 7:00, featuring John Zeller programs. She states that she really likes the luncheons because she gets to visit • Tuesday, March 10: Senior Luncheon at Prairie Meadows with people she knows, but would not from 11:00-2:30 otherwise have the opportunity to see. She also enjoys the food and the variety of • Sunday, April 12: Kibitz and Kids at Caspe Terrace from speakers, and really liked the recent yoga 11:00-12:00 presentation. • Monday, April 13: Federation Annual Volunteer Dinner at Frances was born and raised in Rock Caspe Terrace Island, Illinois with two brothers. She and her husband moved to Des Moines when • Thursday, April 23: Senior Luncheon at Tifereth Israel he was offered a job as an electrician at from 12:00-1:30 Firestone. They raised their five children – one girl and four boys – in Des Moines. Currently, three of her children live in March 2 Lecture on the Old Des Moines and the other two reside in North Carolina. Frances also has 12 Jewish Neighborhoods grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Frances remains close to her brothers – Join us for a presentation on the history of Jewish Des Moines. Led by John who are located in Florida and California. Zeller, local Des Moines historian, we will be looking at the developments of Whenever there is a “landmark” birthday, her entire family gets together, Jewish neighborhoods around the city including the historical factors that drove frequently in Florida or California. the evolution of many of these Jewish enclaves. We will also be reviewing the Iowa State Census of 1925, which was the last to examine and map residents of Frances was employed as a bookkeeper in a variety of settings, including the state based on religion. Mr. Zeller has a great familiarity with the history of attorney and medical offices, as well as the Red Cross and March of Dimes. Jewish Des Moines and was the lead in creating the Jewish Federation of Greater While working, Frances especially enjoyed meetings of the Medical Assistants Des Moines’s 100th Anniversary Book. Association. RSVP to [email protected] or 515.987.0899 ext. 230 Frances is very active and certainly a life-long learner. She attends classes at the Senior College regularly, and particularly enjoyed a class where films about other countries were presented and then there was a group discussion. She also enjoys reading, especially non-fiction and biographies. Frances has an e-reader and said she is learning how to use it. She is also a member of the Sewing Guild and enjoys cooking – making her own personal TV dinners is a specialty! Please be sure to greet Frances when you meet her – she is a great conversationalist with many varied interests.
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On a sunny winter day, a visitor to the Capitol takes time to view the Iowa Holocaust Memorial. The Memorial is located on the West Terrace of the Iowa Capitol, near the corner of East 7th Street and
® Grand Avenue in Des Moines. GONG FU TEA Across the street, to the west, is the Iowa Historical Building. 140 LOOSE-LEAF TEAS | ACCESSORIES | GIFTS For more information 414 EAST SIXTH | 288 3388 | WWW.GONGFU-TEA.COM about the Iowa Holocaust Memorial, go to www. IowaHolocaustMemorial.com.
6 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Torah Talk
Darkness (Hosech) by David Friedgood “When God began to create heaven with his God. He was enlightened and earth – the earth being unformed and set out on the work of his lifetime. and void, with darkness (Hosech) over Moses became God’s instrument in the surface of the deep… God said, liberating the Israelite people from “Let there be light (Or)”; and there was a life of darkness; an existence of light. God saw that the light was good, slavery in the narrows of Egypt. He and God separated the light from the brought his people to a land of light. darkness.” (Genesis 1:1-4) A place of ‘milk and honey’. Along For generations, readers of the the way Moses received God’s law and Bible have pondered on the question: wrote it down for the generations. This What is Hosech? Is it simply the book, described by the Ramban (in the absence of light, or is it more? English 13th century), as “The book which dictionaries define darkness as a state enlightened the darkness of the world”, of diminished light, but also a state of is our Bible. The words written by gloom, of confusion, and of evil. (The Moses over 3000 years ago became Prince of Darkness is Satan, a Hebrew the blueprint for our civilization, and word that has become synonymous continues to influence our lives today. with the Devil.) Hosech is derived Before the Israelites were allowed from the Hebrew verb ‘to be’, or ‘to to leave Egypt, God inflicted a series grow dark’. Hosech is not a void of plagues on the Egyptian people. or a state of nothingness. Rather, The 9th plague was Hosech (darkness). Hosech is a condition of extreme God brought Hosech on the land of darkness; a substance to be respected Egypt, “A darkness that could be and the Egyptian army in chariots us back. We search for enlightment and feared. As in Hannah’s moving touched… People could not see one chases after the Hebrews. They catch – towards Or and away from Hosech. prayer to the LORD after the birth of another, and for three days no one them on the seashore, but as the chariots The paths to our goal are varied, but her son Samuel: “… the wicked perish could get up from where he was; approach “… the pillar of cloud (which I believe one cure for the malady of in darkness – For not by strength shall but all the Israelites enjoyed light in had been leading the Israelites) shifted Hosech lies in our tradition. Through man prevail.” (I Samuel 2:9) Before their dwellings”. (Exodus 10:21-23) from in front of them and took up a education, dialogue, and understanding creation, the universe was not empty; What kind of Hosech was this, one place behind them. It came between we can finally build a world of peace it was tohu va-vohu (unformed and that could be touched? The Rabbis the army of the Egyptians and the and personal security, where ‘people void). Unformed, but it had substance, referred to this plague as a spiritual army of Israel. Thus there was the will not know war anymore’. (Micah and from this primordial soup God darkness; a darkness from Hell. The cloud with the darkness, and it cast a 4:3) In this world we will all live in brought Or (light) which was good. Egyptian people were afflicted with spell upon the night, so that the one the light of God’s providence, and This was not a light generated by the such a severe state of depression that could not come near the other all darkness will no longer threaten our sun, as the sun was not created until they could not move. This was not through the night.” (Ex 14:19-20) This lives, or those of our loved ones. May day 4. Or was a heavenly glow. A a darkness that could be lifted by is the power of divine darkness. It we all live to see the world envisioned light that separated from the evil – lighting a candle. It was a re-visit brings great powers to their knees. by our prophet Isaiah: Hosech. of the primordial Hosech present Unfortunately, thousands of years Thousands of years later, our before creation. An evil darkness that after the events of the Exodus, our “The people that walked in ancestor Moses drove his Father in weighed so heavy on the people, it world remains a broken place where darkness could be felt. As the Egyptians could Hosech can still be felt. Our human law’s flock into the Wilderness of Sinai Have seen a brilliant light; – a dark and frightening place. There not appreciate those about them, they souls, though infused with a holy light, he encountered his God, appearing to became paralyzed with fear; trapped can still be overcome with darkness. On those who dwelt in a land of him in a small burning thorn bush. A in an evil Hosech with no way out. As mortals, we work towards the gloom perfection of our world, and ourselves. bush that, although it was ablaze, was Finally, the Israelites are allowed Light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:1) not consumed by the flames. Through to leave Egypt and they march towards Each of us in a constant struggle with the light of this fire, Moses conversed the sea. Pharoah has a change of heart those forces that tempt us, and pull
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March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 7 Chef Du Jour In The Kitchen for Passover by Karen Engman The Passover Seder is steeped in tradition. We all look forward to hearing the story of our exodus from Egypt, the prayers, the wine, the songs and of course the special foods. We all have our favorite dishes and are generally quite full by the time we reach the end of the meal. Even after all the matzo, charoset, soup, gefilte fish, brisket or roast chicken, and a wide variety of side dishes, there’s always room for dessert. Passover sweets are special because we usually only serve them during the week of Passover. We look forward to both preparing and consuming them! Here are two recipes that will be included in the Iowa Jewish Historical Society’s Cook book. They are both parve recipes. The Jewish Press is always looking for new recipes to share with our readers so please call (515-274-3300) or email ([email protected]) with your ideas or questions. Chocolate Macaroons Passover Carrot Cake Hanna Gradwohl Shirley Hiersteiner
1 pound pecans, ground (more as needed) 1 cup matzo cake meal 1 ¼ cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 bar plus 3 squares of German’s Sweet Chocolate bar, finely grated 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 4 egg whites, beaten very stiff 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup brown sugar Blanched almond halves ½ cup shortening In a very large bowl, put the beaten egg whites. Add the remaining 3 eggs, separated ingredients, except almonds, and very gently fold into the egg whites. If 3 cups grated carrots handled roughly, the whites will liquefy and ruin the dough. Gradually add more ground pecans until the dough is soft but not too sticky. Roll into small balls. Put on greased cookie sheet then place a blanched almond half on top of Sift dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening. Beat egg yolks until light. each ball flattening it slightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Touch Alternate adding egg yolks and dry ingredients to creamed mixture. Beat well the top of the macaroon…it should have a bit of a crust but still be soft. Cool and then stir in carrots. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Bake in well-greased briefly and remove macaroons from cookie sheet while still warm. Store in air aluminum mold or small tube pan (9”x 3½”) at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. tight container lined with wax paper. Place a fresh slice of bread inside because its moisture will keep the cookies soft and chewy. Can be doubled and put in 8x10 inch pyrex.
Drake Hillel Presents its New Board
Drake University Hillel celebrated the new year by having seven new students on their executive board. At the beginning of the spring semester, Ian Miller began his presidency of Hillel. The main responsibilities as President include coordinating, planning, and running meetings and events. “It’s very delegation based, so I don’t want to take responsibility for everything,” Miller said, “I mainly coordinate things with other board members and our staff advisors.” The rest of the board includes: Tali Eisenstadt as Vice President of Jewish Traditions/Holidays, Michelle Kofman as Vice President of Membership/Recruitment, Kyle Grossman as Vice President of Finance and Fundraising, Jackie Heymann as Vice President of Tikkun Olam, Lisa Gerlach as Vice President of Israel Education and Programing, and Loren Rosenberg as Vice President of Communications.
8 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 News President of Israel addresses Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center UN General Assembly on Director To Retire in 2016 After 24 years of dedication and service to the Iowa Jewish International Holocaust Senior Life Center, Mr. Steven Blend has informed the Board Remembrance Day of Directors of his plans to retire as CEO in the summer of 2016. For many years, Mr. Blend has successfully led the Life On this day we must ask ourselves is next? When I walked on the blessed Center through the challenges of the constantly changing health honestly, is our struggle, the struggle and holy ground on my way up to of this Assembly, against genocide, Jerusalem, I asked myself if we are care landscape. The Board of Directors is very appreciative of effective enough? Was it effective living in our modern era, in 1915, or in Mr. Blend’s leadership the past 24 years. We wish Steve suc- enough then in Bosnia? Was it the days of Titus or Nebuchadnezzar? cess in his future endeavors. effective in preventing the killing in Did I, a Jew, forget that I am a Jew? Khojaly? Of Afghans by the Taliban? I also asked myself if I have the Is it effective enough today in Syria? right to weep ‘over the tragedy of my --Dr. Jon L. Fleming, Chair of the Life Center Board of Directors Or in the face of the atrocities of Boko people’ only, and whether the Prophet Haram in Nigeria? Are we shedding Jeremiah did not shed tears of blood too many tears, and taking too little for the Armenians as well? “ action? Avshalom Feinberg wrote that Your Excellency, Secretary exactly one hundred years ago, one General of the United Nations, hundred years of hesitation and denial. 10 Books about... Being Jewish Honorable members of the General But in the Land of Israel of that time, in Assembly, Your Excellencies, ladies the Jerusalem in which I was born, no As listed by the The Herald, a The Elected Member and gentlemen. one denied the massacre that had taken newspaper in Scotland, here are ten place. The residents of Jerusalem, of the best novels about the Jewish By Bernice Rubens I stand before you, at a time of community. Perhaps you may be great tension in our region. My heart my parents and the members of my Author of the phrase, “the best family, saw the Armenian refugees interested in reading some of those and my thoughts, are with my people in mentioned? revenge is to live well”, Cardiff-born Israel. Terrorism does not distinguish arriving by the thousands - starving, Rubens was the first woman to win piteous survivors of calamity. In between blood. In this war, all of us, all Suite Francaise the Booker Prize, in 1969, with this the nations united, countries of the free Jerusalem they found shelter and their strange novel - as many of hers were world, must form a united front. Today descendents continue to live there to By Irene Nemirovsky - about a man who sees silverfish we are marking the International Day this day. wherever he goes. The source of his of Commemoration in Memory of the There were two questions Two remarkable novellas, left problem, of course, is his family. Victims of the Holocaust. It is seventy reverberating then, whose turn is it unfinished at the time of the French years since the Red Army threw open next? And will we Jews weep tears of author’s death, they portray the year Falling Out of Time the gates of the Auschwitz-Birkenau blood for the tragedy of others too? between 1940 and 1941, when Paris death camp. Now in its tenth year, this was occupied by the Nazis. Although By David Grossman The first question was answered a convert to Catholicism, Nemirovsky day was established in the calendar of by history, some two decades later. This Hebrew novelist’s most recent the United Nations, at the initiative of was sent to Auschwitz, where she The Jews were next. We, the members died in 1944. This work was only work, it is a heart-rending tale, based the former Israeli Foreign Minister, of my people, were next. In the valley on the death of Grossman’s son in the Silvan Shalom, and each year since discovered by her daughter half a of death of Europe it was the Jewish century after her death. Israeli army. It deals with the grief then, this Assembly has marked this people who were the victims of a of a husband and wife in a similar day, with the commitment to preserve methodical, brutal, perverted and The Ghost Writer situation, but is about profound loss the memory of the Holocaust. murderous extermination. Six million of any kind, especially to a political Paul Celan, the great Jewish poet people, one third of my nation, about By Philip Roth cause. of the 20th century, himself a prisoner a million and a half of them children, in a Nazi work camp, once said, “Only were killed, slaughtered, suffocated, The first appearance of Roth’s A Tale of Love and Darkness in one’s mother tongue can one speak gassed to death, buried alive, burnt, rambunctious character Nathan one’s own truth. In a foreign tongue, massacred, died from hunger, from Zuckerman. Here the young writer By Amos Oz the poet lies.” My friends, I am no thirst, from disease, and other meets the revered novelist E I Lonoff, and begins to think his idol’s An autobiographical novel by this poet, but I must agree, that there gruesome kinds of death, in the most outspoken proponent of a two-state are truths, there are prayers, and horrifying crime ever committed in mysterious house guest might be Anne Frank. solution, showing Oz’s childhood, there is pain, deep pain, that one can the history of the human race. during which his mother committed only express in one’s mother tongue. The answer to the second question In Paradise suicide, and reeling back to his family’s Therefore, on this important day, I asked by Feinberg. Truly, shall we Eastern European origins. have chosen to stand before you, and weep, each one of us, only for our own By Peter Matthiessen speak in the language of my mother, nation’s tragedy, or shall we be able The Mandelbaum Gate my father, in the ancient language of to cry also for the tragedies of others; His thoughtful but witty last my forefathers, the same language that for the tragedy of wounded children novel is set during a spiritual retreat By Muriel Spark my grandchildren speak today. from Syria; for the tragedy of the to Auschwitz, in which a group of This is the same language in which young men and women from Europe, Holocaust tourists come face to face Spark attended the Eichmann my fellow Jews cried “Shema Yisrael” from the Middle East, from Africa and with reality, and - worse - themselves. trial in 1961, a sensational event that Hear O’ Israel, as they were marched from Asia. This question still awaits inspired this, one of her least-read to the gas chambers. The language an answer. The Radetsky March novels. Her heroine, a half-Jewish Catholic convert, must pass through of my brothers and sisters, whose Ladies and Gentlemen. There memory we honor today. By Joseph Roth the Mandelbaum Gate in Jerusalem has been no atrocity in the history if she is to meet up with her fiancee, “Oh that my head was water, and of the human race to compare in The most famous novel by the but it is a dangerous act for someone my eyes a fountain of tears, that I its viciousness, its scope and its Austrian Jewish writer, known as Red like her. might weep day and night for the slain magnitude, with the Holocaust of the Roth for his leftist tendencies. Charting of the daughter of my people! . . . For Jewish People. However, the slaughter the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Berl Make Tea the mountains will I take up a weeping of nations and of communities was empire, it is a melancholy work, and wailing, and for the pastures of the not born in Nazi Germany and did not reflecting Roth’s sense of rootlessness By Chaim Bermant wilderness a lamentation.” [Jeremiah, cease with the opening of the gates of after the empire’s collapse in 1918. chapters 8,9] Auschwitz-Birkenau, Majdanek and A central figure in the British Buchenwald. A Friend of Kafka Jewish scene, born in Eastern Europe Ladies and Gentlemen. In 1915, and later brought up in Glasgow, his when the members of the Armenian Now, in our own time, when the By Isaac Bashevis Singer comic novel is about a gardener whose nation were being massacred, fundamentalist viper is raising its ugly wife leaves him, and soon fears she Avshalom Feinberg, a leading member head, we must remember that evil A collection of typically hard- will return. The Daily Telegraph called of Nili, the Jewish underground which is not the property of any specific hitting short stories. In the title story, it “hapless, luckless, feckless, lovable, cooperated with the Allies during the religion; just as it is not the attribute of Singer’s narrator has befriended a man indestructible and stupendously First World War, wrote the following any specific country or ethnic group. called Kohn, who recounts anecdotes funny”. and I quote, “My teeth have been continued on pg 14 from the time when he knew Kafka ground down with worry, whose turn who, he claims, was impotent.
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 9 Local Theater
March 26 StageWest presents Parking: FREE parking is available east of the Des Moines Social Club in the ramp between 8th & 9th St. and Mulberry & Cherry St. after My Name is Asher Lev 5:00 pm and on weekends. Enter the ramp via Mulberry St. only. Please do not park in the West End Architectural Salvage lot. Entrance: Theatre events are in the south building of the old Des Moines firehouse in the Kum & Go Theatre, entrance at 901 Cherry Street. Handicap drop-off and pick up is available under the 9th St. via- duct. April 10 - 26 Repository Theater of Iowa Presents The Diary of Anne Frank In honor of Days of Remembrance, The Repertory Theater of Iowa will present “The Diary of Anne Frank” from April 10 - 26 at the Des Moines Social Club’s Kum & Go Theater in downtown Des Moines. “We chose this year to present this classic play, because it is also the 70th anniversary of the tragic death of Anne Frank and the end of WWII in Europe,” said Richard Maynard, Managing Director of the theater. “Usually, Anne Frank is performed in high schools and colleges. This will be the first production by a professional cast in the area, at least for a long time.” RTI has its own company of actors who live in the metro area, but who have had professional experience in other venues. RTI is also bringing in the Anne Frank Traveling Exhibit from the Anne Frank Center in New York City, which will be open free to the public in The Gallery of the Des Moines Social Club from March 30 - April 26. The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, along with the Iowa Foundation for the Environment, Education, and the Arts, are co-sponsors of this educational exhibit. For ticket information and a performance schedule, go to www.RTIowa. com or call 515-244-2771.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and Temple B’nai Jeshurun’s Rose and Sidney Pearlman Fine Arts Fund are co-sponsoring StageWest’s production of My Name is Asher Lev. All performances will be at the Kum & Go Theatre at the Des Moines Social Club, 900 Mulberry Street. My Name is Asher Lev follows the journey of a young Jewish painter town between his Hasidic upbringing and his desperate need to fulfil his artistic promise. When his artistic genius threatens to destroy his relation- ship with his parents and community, young Asher realizes he must make a difficult choice between art and faith. Laura Sparks, a member of Temple B’nai Jeshurun, will play all the women parts. A special event celebrating the play will be held on Thursday, March 26th. For $100 per person individuals will enjoy dinner at Malo, adjacent to the Kum and Go Theatre, and learn more about the production from the director, then walk one block to the Kum & Go Theatre for the perfor- mance. For reservations or more information please contact Jody Caswell at the Federation Office – 515-987-0899 x 210. Reservation deadline is Wednesday, March 11th. Tifereth Israel will be discussing the book “The Chosen” from which “My Name is Asher Lev” was adapted, at 10:00 a.m. during their Torah by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich study on Sundays March 1 and March 8. The show’s director will attend adapted by wendy kesselman on March 8. Contact Mike Kuperman [email protected] or Judy Deutch [email protected] if you are interested in attending. There will be 8 performances: March 20 – 22 and March 25 – 29. Seating starts at 7:00 with curtain at 7:30 for all performances except for the Sunday matinees with seating at 1:30 and curtain at 2:00. Adult tickets ASL performance on Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 PM are $30; Seniors and students are $15.00. On Wednesday and Thursday adult tickets are $25 and students are $15. Tickets are available by calling APRIL 10 - 26TH 515.309.0251. For Tickets, Showtimes and More: 9th & Cherry, Downtown Des Moines
10 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Arts NOW ON SALE!
April 24 – 25, 2015
Steve Brodsky / Robbi Sherwin / Scott Leader
*Artist-in-Residence Weekend Sponsored by Larry and Suzanne Engman Friday, April 24 Shabbat Service - Tifereth Israel Synagogue 6:00pm 924 Polk Boulevard, Des Moines Saturday, April 25 Community Concert - The Des Moines Social Club 5:30pm 900 Mulberry Street, Des Moines Open to the public. RSVP for both events at 515-255-1137 or [email protected]
GREAT SEATS AVAILABLE! ONLINE: DesMoinesPerformingArts.org CALL: 866-870-2717 VISIT: Civic Center Ticket Office 221 Walnut St. • Monday– Friday, 9– 5 or Ticketmaster Locations
GROUPS (15+): 515-246-2340 APRIL 28 – MAY 17 DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER
©Disney March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 11
DES MOINES / C M Y K 90525 / JEWISH PRESS 5” X 13.75” RUN DATE: MARCH-APRIL ISSUE Local Focus on Sports Marc Shulman, ISU’s Team Physician by Scott Reister He didn’t doctor’s orders. He travels. A lot. The High Holy a field he loves, and a pool of patients catch the Days always come during football that make it all worthwhile. touchdown. He “It was frustrating seeing the same season. Wherever he happens to be, definitely didn’t people doing the same kind of things-- the Iowa State coaches always make “It’s very rewarding to hear throw down drug addicts, violence,” he said. “It sure he is able to attend services. someone say they ran their best 400, or the alley-oop. was known as the gun and knife club.” their knees don’t hurt anymore, or they However, each “I have been to more Hillel Houses are running faster or skating faster. It time the Cyclones He knew sports medicine was his and synagogues around the country is a way to quantify it with them. You do battle, they future. than I can count: Oklahoma City, Kent can see them making progress. They Scott Reister have a Tifereth (OH), Toledo, Austin, Kansas City, are great to be around.” Israel member to “I wanted to take care of a highly Waco,” he said. “Everybody is very thank. motivated population,” he said. “I nice and they love it if I tell them how So the next time a finely-tuned thought I’d rather take care of people the football game is gonna go. They ISU athlete makes a play, there’s a Most ISU fans may not know him, that really wanted to be at their best.” are all big fans too.” well-traveled doctor –and TI member- but Dr. Marc Shulman is the man who should get credit for the assist. behind the medical curtain that keeps In 1987, he left for UMass Medical Marc Shulman has found a role in Cyclone athletes in the game, and gets Center, where he did his residency in them back when injuries inevitably Family Practice and sports medicine. occur. When he had time, he would serve as team doctor for the Holy Cross Shulman is the Head Team University hockey team and a local Physician for ISU Athletics and high school football team. “I made an a doctor at the ISU Student Health extra 75 bucks a game to show up and Center. cover them,” he remembers.
“I’ve always been a big sports fan He also got to work with the growing up in Detroit,” he said. Boston Red Sox, USA Gymnastics and the NCAA Crew Championships. Sports medicine, however, is not In 1994, he accepted his current role at where his career started. Iowa State. He’s busier than ever.
After graduating Michigan State “I go to all contact football in 1981, he went to medical school at practices, all football games home Wayne State University in Detroit. He and away, all home basketball games, started in trauma surgery and soon wrestling meets, gymnastics meets, realized it wasn’t for him. Typically, and I travel with men’s and women’s ISU Team Physician, Dr. Marc Shulman and Scott Reister, KCCI Sports Anchor his patients were not ones to follow basketball for tournaments.” Photo Courtesy of Iowa State Athletics
WITH GREAT GRATITUDE TO HASHEM WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE
ten hrvt rpc tcnkh rit -w m l! NEW o ae st sr u I C in
With f orma l di to nn fol e low r
TORAH COMING TO:
Sunday May 31
At the home of our Rabbi: 1012 Cummins Pkwy 3:30 Writing of the final letters (across from the synagogue)
Accompanying the Torah to Beth El Jacob. 5:00 A family musical procession
Cost: $54 per person - RSVP Required 5:30 Formal dinner children under 3 eat free
To RSVP: or for more information on how to contribute towards our Torah, please call the Beth El Jacob office at 515-782-8718 or email [email protected]
Photo Courtesy of Iowa State Athletics
12 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 JCRC News Iowa Council for Holocaust Education News A program marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz- Birkenau was held the evening of January 27, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hillel in Iowa City. The film, “The Last Days” ( produced by Steven Spielberg and the Shoah Foundation) was screened and a panel discussion was held. The panelists included Dr. Elke Heckner, Visiting Assistant Professor of the University of Iowa’s Department of German, Dr. Daniel Reynolds, Chair of Grinnell College’s Department of German, and Ms. Terri Toppler, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow and teacher within the Davenport Community School District. The program was introduced by Dr. Stephen Gaies, Director of the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education. The event was initiated by the Iowa Council for Holocaust Education and sponsored by Iowa Hillel, UNI’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, Agudas Achim Congregation, the Iowa City Jewish Federation, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines.
“We are allowed to disagree, but we cannot be disrespectful. Not on the right, nor on the left. Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel, alike, deserve respect.” -- President Reuben Rivlin of Israel. 2/3/2015
We are here to care for your Check Out Our E-Newsletter! Eyewear needs As many of you may have noticed, we have a new weekly e-newsletter that keeps the community Eye Exams are available informed of what’s going on at The Caspe Terrace as well as our upcoming events. If you would like for the location nearest you call 1-888-367-2020 to receive our emails, please contact Gayle at [email protected] to subscribe.
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 13 News Rivlin
continued from pg 9 It is branched out. Today, its enterprises sixty-four years ago, has remained a afterthought’, or from considerations evil, that by its very nature, seeks include economic and environmental merely symbolic document. It did not of cost benefit. to differentiate and discriminate development, preservation of heritage succeed in realizing its commitment Unless the moral fire burns within between one life and another, between and the maintenance of peace. But and fulfilling the objective that us, the lesson of the Holocaust will one human being and another, while despite all this, on this day, we once underpins the establishment of never be learned. Communities and the only real difference is between again remember the essence of the the United Nations Organization. nations will continue to be murdered, good and bad; between humanity and mission of this institution: all-out war Therefore, this institution, where we children, women, men and the elderly darkness. against genocide. are standing today, has a duty of will continue to march to their death to The president of Israel, the To our great regret, since the UN unparalleled challenge not to make the enlightened music of the ‘orchestra Honorable Reuben Rivlin, presented was established - this rationale for do with statements but rather to push of death’, against the background of the following remarks on January its existence, its very raison d’être, ahead with decisive action. a cynical and apathetic world, and 28 for International Holocaust has become ever more acute. Bosnia; The international community that through no fault of their own. The Remembrance Day. His remarks, Rwanda; Sudan; Cambodia; Syria; is joined together in this organization oath of “never again” will remain however, are just as meaningful on the Nigeria. These are just a few of the bears the duty to lay down the red lines hollow and defiled, and we, all of us, day that the Jewish communities recall places where nations and communities that define genocide - and to agree that will remain forever - prisoners of the the victims of the Holocaust, Yom have been slaughtered in a way that the crossing of those red lines makes camps. HaShoah, commemorated this year on reminded the world that the Holocaust it compulsory to intervene. On the Ladies and Gentlemen, to the April 16, 2015. of the Jews was not the final chapter other hand, and in the same breath, extent that we believe that the voice For exactly that reason, those who in the brutal scheme of man against we must remember that definition of of justice has not been silenced; to the regard Islam, Judaism, or Christianity, his fellow man. Each and every one of the red lines requires putting an end extent that we believe in the dream as enemies of the world are wrong them were victims of genocide, even to the devaluation and the cynical, of a different, more compassionate and they mislead others. My father, without wearing a yellow star. supposedly objective usage in rhetoric human race; we have the duty, here, Yosef Yoel Rivlin, of blessed memory, As a Jew, as a Zionist, as an on human rights of concepts such as in this Assembly, to act together as a devoted his life to translating the Israeli, as a human being, even though “genocide”, for political purposes. determined and unified international Quran into Hebrew, believing in the my hands are tied - my heart weeps Thus, for years, this Assembly community, which does not yield to importance of dialogue and the cultural together with those anonymous people (whose resolution validated the narrow and inappropriate interests. significance of the Quran for all the marching to a mass grave. When we establishment of the State of Israel) In the name of the members of my children of Abraham. As my father’s stand here today and declare, “Never identified Zionism - the Jewish revival People, victims of the Holocaust; in son, I too believe implicitly that neither again”, we call out, never again movement - with its greatest enemy, the name of the hopeless, persecuted the West, nor the Christians nor the racism and incitement; never again racism. That shameful UN resolution, people; in the name of our children; we Jews are at war with Islam. anti-Semitism; never again systematic number 3379 - has since been annulled. must remain silent no longer we must Right now, Islam encompasses, rape and humiliation; never again However, unfounded comparisons of rise up and take action. under its enormous wings, victims of concentration camps and torture; never that type, to which we, as Israelis, As I conclude, I would like to persecution and of terrorism, while again killing pits and mass graves, gas are constantly exposed (among them return to the words of the ancient and at the same time it also serves as the chambers and crematoria; never again the attempt to make a link between sorrowful Jewish Yizkor memorial banner of the attackers. The victims - this is the task set before the gates of Israel and genocide, and only recently, prayer for victims of the Holocaust: consist of hundreds of thousands of this Assembly. This is the mission laid once again, with war crimes), not only ‘Judge of the earth, please remember Muslim men and women, together before us. do they confuse between partner and the rivers of blood shed like water, the with Christians, Yazidis, Kurds and Ladies and Gentlemen. On this enemy; they also sabotage the ability blood of fathers and sons, the blood of Druze, each one of them a helpless day we must ask ourselves honestly, of this Assembly to effectively fight mothers and their babies . . . The cry victim of vicious barbarity, of wicked is our struggle, the struggle of this the phenomenon of genocide. of “Shema Yisrael” called out by those terrorism that has nothing at all to do Assembly, against genocide, effective My friends, at the end of the day, taken to their death are not silenced; with the religion or with the words enough? Was it effective enough this Assembly too, like any political and may the moans of the tortured rise of the Prophet. It is our duty and our then in Bosnia? Was it effective in institution, is motivated by many up to thy heavenly throne.’ responsibility to fight without mercy preventing the killing in Khojaly? Of different considerations and interests. May the memory of the victims against the attackers; just as it is our Afghans by the Taliban? Is it effective Even if we agree on clear red lines of the Holocaust, and the memory of duty and our responsibility to protect enough today in Syria? Or in the face - that is not enough. We must agree the persecuted and the tortured be all the victims. of the atrocities of Boko Haram in that in the fight against genocide - the engraved upon our hearts forever. May Ladies and Gentlemen. The United Nigeria? Are we shedding too many humanitarian and moral consideration their souls be bound up in the bond of Nations Organization arose on the tears, and taking too little action? must take precedence over economic, life. Amen. ■ basis of the great visions of peace of I am afraid that the United Nations political and other interests. As a the prophets of Israel, “They shall “Convention on the Prevention and member of the Jewish People, I stand beat their swords into plowshares”; Punishment of the Crime of Genocide” here before you and say, nations cannot it was established on the foundations that came into force as long as be saved and must not be saved ‘as an of human solidarity and the values of humanism. But above all, this Assembly arose on the ruins left by that war of devastation, the Second festive and formal World War. invitations for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, This day, the International Day weddings, graduations and other of Commemoration in Memory of the special occasions Victims of the Holocaust, is not just a • calligraphy services gesture of memorial for the members • professional assistance of the Jewish people, the victims, or even the survivors. This day, this extraordinary gifts for family and friends International Day of Commemoration, • baby boutique is not merely another memorial day on • wedding accessories the UN’s annual calendar. This day • shower gifts - so I believe - is the most important day on that calendar. “Never again”, is Clocktower Square not just a pledge by the survivors, and 2900 University Avenue also not a pledge by the world only West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 to the members of the Jewish People. 515-223-6205 “Never again” is, first and foremost, the very essence of this United Nations Organization, it is its mission, it is the primary and principal rationale for its existence. Since the establishment of this organization following that world war that claimed so very many casualties, the UN has expanded and
14 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Commentary After Copenhagen, what next for Sen. Schumer: A nuclear Iran Europe? By David Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee is an existential threat to Israel Once again, the jihadists have Muslim population, verbal acrobatics and must be stopped attacked, this time in Copenhagen. all too often come into play. If you can’t name the adversary, how can Schumer Supports Toughest further destabilize an already-volatile Once again, they have murdered Sanctions Possible innocent people. you effectively fight it? region, and fuel more aggressive sup- port of Iranian-backed terror orga- Once again, they have targeted Of course, this problem is not New York, NY- On February unique to Europe. In the United nizations. To those who say Iran is both democratic values – freedom of 12, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer not going to use a weapon, I say: if speech and the press – and a minority States, we saw the massacre at Fort released the following statement Hood ludicrously labeled “workplace there is only a 10% chance Iran uses a community – the Jews. regarding the ongoing negotiations nuclear weapon it is vital we prevent violence” rather than the jihadist involving Iran sanctions: And once again, Europe has it. violence it so obviously was, and “A nuclear Iran is a huge threat been reminded that it is at the center, our government’s refusal to refer to “A nuclear Iran is an unaccept- not the periphery, of this global chal- to the United States and an existential able scenario. I believe the only way “Islamist” or “jihadist” terrorism, threat to Israel. I agree with Prime lenge. even when the perpetrators them- Iran will voluntarily stop their march Minister Netanyahu that a nuclear for nuclear weapons is if they know As a result, we will have all the selves do. Iran is an existential threat to Israel. right symbolic gestures, which I don’t Fourth, stop tying anti-Semitism that tougher and tougher sanctions One nuclear weapon, hurled from Iran will be enacted if they fail to come a wish to minimize. to Islamophobia, as if the two are to Israel could end the Jewish state Siamese twins. AJC’s Brussels office strong agreement that prohibits them There will be visits to the syna- and could kill almost as many Jews as from obtaining nuclear weapons. The gogue, solidarity events, statements of has been trying for months to encour- did Hitler. A successful deal will not age a European Parliament hearing only thing that brought Iran to the anguish, and affirmations of collec- be a middle-of-the-road compromise, table were strong sanctions, not the tive will and determination. on anti-Semitism, only to be met but a deal that removes any possibil- with insistence that any such meet- goodness of their hearts. That it is ity of Iran being able to use nuclear why I am a co-sponsor of the Nuclear But will they really change any- ing include Islamophobia. Why this weapons. thing on the ground? That remains to Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015 (Kirk/ demand to join the two together, “A nuclear Iran is not only an be seen. when the majority of incidents occurs Menendez) in the Senate and why existential threat to Israel, it is also a I voted the bill out of Committee. I With each such bloody outrage, against Jews, when Europe has a huge threat to the U.S. and the rest of particularly ugly history of anti-Semi- have been one of the leaders in push- we earnestly hope that something the world. A nuclear Iran could send ing the toughest possible sanctions might be learned because we don’t tism, and when the principal attackers weapons to Saudi oil fields, destroy- of Jews invoke their Islamic faith? against Iran. If Iran does not come to want to believe that history must con- ing them and sending the world an agreement by March 24th I stand tinue to repeat itself in this all-too- Fifth, recognize that we confront economy into chaos, and could poison ready to vote for additional sanc- familiar cycle of killings, vigils, and both a short- and long-term menace our atmosphere. A nuclear Iran would tions.” mourning. that won’t be overcome by even the And yet, after 15 years of engag- most eloquent of speeches and the ing with European leaders to get their most symbolic of acts. Rather, it attention, help them understand what requires a full-court, sustained effort stares them in the face, and press for by individual governments (and, of sustained action, I’m not quite ready course, by the EU) using the resourc- to bet the family farm that the day es they have the capacity to mobilize, after tomorrow will be all that differ- joined by the determined efforts of ent than the day before yesterday. civil society. Even so, I desperately want to Sixth, connect the lessons of the believe that Europe, with all its daz- Holocaust to the present-day threat zling achievements since the end of to the Jews. I’ve witnessed too many World War II, can still strengthen its Holocaust-related events where mur- Best Wishes for a resolve, stiffen its spine, and fully dered Jews are mourned – Jews who, understand the stakes involved, how- tragically, cannot be brought back to ever late in the day it is. life – but that totally ignore the cur- Here is what I wish would hap- rent dangers to living Jews. A refusal Happy Purim and pen now. to connect the two quite frankly emp- ties these commemorations of much First, the European Union of their meaning and sincerity. should quickly organize a high-level Passover conference to discuss the rise in anti- Seventh, don’t apologize for Semitism, as evidenced by repeated European values of democracy, terror attacks, EU polls showing ris- human dignity, openness, and plural- Bruce Sherman ing fear among Jews, and statistics in ism. Europe has built something to countries like France and the United be proud of and that is well worth Dave Lettween Kingdom revealing a major spike in defending. It is, after all, to Europe anti-Semitic incidents. It ought to dis- that refugees and immigrants are and families cuss and adopt a comprehensive plan seeking to go by any means possible of action, and then implement and to escape failed or failing societies, monitor it. and not the other way around. It’s high time to stand up in defense of Second, European leaders must these noble values and do everything understand, as French Prime Minister possible to ensure that newcomers Manuel Valls has, that anti-Semitism embrace them as well. is not only an attack on Jews, but also an assault on Europe and its values. And last, but by no means least, The two cannot be separated. That it is important to understand that the was amply illustrated in the attacks in jihadist barbarism which Europe is Paris last month and in Copenhagen experiencing first-hand is not much this month. In the end, if there is no different from what Israel has been other choice, Jews will leave Europe, facing for decades. Why, then, does but where will Europe go, unless, that Europe continue to try drawing a dis- is, it is prepared to succumb to the tinction, when, in reality, none exists? jihadist threat? The same jihadists who hate Europe detest Israel, and the same jihadists Third, call a spade a spade. For who wish for Israel’s annihilation many Europeans, there is no hesita- aspire to no less for Europe as we tion in identifying the source of anti- know it. Semitism when it emanates from right-wing extremists. But when anti- Since hope springs eternal, Semitism, including deadly violence, here’s hoping for the dawning of a springs from within a segment of the new day, starting right now.
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 15 Our Jewish Community F. Brody and Sons by John Zeller, Special Reporter to The Jewish Press Falk Brody was the patriarch and founder of that the workers could F. Brody and Sons, a clothing manufacturer that attend the funeral at thrived in Des Moines for more than a century. The Children of Israel He was born in 1842 to a middle-class family Synagogue. The congrega- in Kalvarija (Calvary), a shtetl in the province tion’s famous former rabbi, of Suwalki, Lithuania on the Polish border. He author and Zionist Leader, escaped just prior to the pogroms initiated by the Simon Glazer, hurried in tyrannical Russian Czar Alexander III in 1882. Falk from Montreal to assist brought his wife Peshie and his family of six boys Rabbi Ellison in the ser- to New York where he learned the window glazer’s vice for his old friend. trade. That year the Brody He disliked the hard and dangerous task of brothers incorporated clambering up scaffolds on five-story New York the company, with a brownstones carrying large, heavy sheets of plate capitalization of $126,000. glass. Sometime around 1884 he was attracted to After living together in Iowa, where his nephews the Blotckys were already Lithuania, then on the east successful in the wholesale dry goods business, side, Falk’s sons Abraham equipping the Russian peddlers that were operating and Meyer moved to the out of east Des Moines. west side and shared a He tried the hard life of peddling the Iowa house at 662 14th Street. countryside for a while but disliked the long absenc- Later they married sis- es from his home and family and from Sabbath day ters “Gertie” and Lena Orthodox rabbinical services. He first appears in Friedman from Portland, House at 412 42nd St. the 1888-89 Des Moines city directory, living over a Oregon. As the year ended after the war ended, they turned off the sewing small rented store at 308 East Walnut Street. By this the sisters were helping an architect in planning a machines on Court Avenue for good. time he had entered the jobbing trade, equipping new home they would share with their families in That year Abraham’s son Julian (Steve) Brody Jewish peddlers who fanned out across the state. Nate Frankel’s Addition at 412 42nd Street. Only returned from Iowa City, where he had operated after Meyer’s wife Gertrude died in 1929 did the Steve’s Men’s Apparel, and took the family busi- In the 1890s the business moved to bigger two sons, after fifty years together, live separately. buildings on the west side at 303 and then, 205 ness in a successful new direction as a Midwestern Court Avenue. The family lived at 513 East Maple Son Samuel, died in 1919 at Red Oak. After distributor of a nationally-recognized lines of Street. In 1896 Falk made his oldest of six sons, the Elliott store burned and Falk’s 1912 death, the menswear. His father, Abraham, the last of Falk’s Harry, a partner, and changed the firm’s name to other western Iowa son, Jacob, moved his family six boys, died at 89 years of age in 1964 at the F. Brody and Son. About 1900 he bought his last back to Des Moines to take care of his mother at Commodore Hotel on Grand Avenue. One of his home, a house at 924 Pennsylvania Avenue (now the old home on the east side. After her death in pallbearers was the company’s vice-president, Fred non-extant). Two years later he asked two younger 1923 they moved into a new “airplane” bungalow at Lorber, who had joined the firm in 1950. Steve sons, Abraham and Meyer, to join up, and changed 5237 Shriver Avenue. Jacob’s daughter, Miss Jennie credited Fred with rejuvenating the firm by intro- the “Son” in the title to “Sons.” In 1903 they made Brody, would become Des Moines’ most beloved ducing new fabric lines, along with style shows the historic decision to name another son, Jacob I. (and, sometimes, feared) high school English teach- and sewing classes. In 1971 Lorber brought in $6 Brody, as head of their new clothing manufacturing er, first at East High School, then at Roosevelt. million to the company in fabric sales. He left the division. Family lore held that the birthdate of the com- Brodys to buy the old Capital City (Sheuerman) pany was in 1880, so on October 14, 1930 the firm Woolen Mills and established his own successful In 1907, the old Purity Candy business at 312-14 textile milling business. Court Ave. was demolished by the Ragsdale Bros. celebrated its golden anniversary with a banquet for to make way for a new $50,000 six-story warehouse sixty local merchants at the Hotel Savery. Then for The Brody firm celebrated its centennial year in and factory built for F. Brody and Sons. The build- two days it sponsored meetings by national retail 1980. That year Julian’s son, also named Steve, the ing was finished in time to star in the May 15, 1908 leaders on strategies to survive the hard financial forty-six-year-old fourth-generation company presi- “Factory Day.” That morning thousands of citizens times. The company had already added two stories dent, joined with other firms to buy an interest in paraded through the streets and at 9:00 a.m., as to their building around the year 1920 to increase Springfoot Inc., adding another clothing line and an every factory whistle in town shrieked, signaling factory capac- office in Minneapolis. the opening of sixty local factories to visitors. ity and was After the Central Life Assurance Company now poised to bought the old Brody building in 1986 the company The throng stepped into the first floor to expand its prod- examine the Brody’s offices and shipping rooms, moved to an east-side distribution center. The Court uct line just as Avenue structure passed into the hands of developer and found the sales rooms equipped with roll top many blue collar wooden sample cases. The building’s four middle William C. Knapp and was being demolished when workers needed on the afternoon of June 23, 1987 it erupted with floors divided the stock by category: on the second affordable work were shirts, the third: underwear, the fourth: over- “volcanic explosiveness” into a four-alarm fire that clothes to find nearly consumed the entire block. alls, and the fifth: piece goods. On the top floor jobs. At the the visitors encountered a hub-bub of industry. bottom of the After the loss of the venerable building and There, seventy-five of the one hundred employees depression in the sale of the company in 1989 to the Onthank were busy, some at the cutting tables using elec- 1934 F. Brody Company the last link to founder Falk Brody van- tric-powered scissors capable of cutting through and Sons was ished with his grandson Steve’s death in October up to 108 layers of fabric and some operating the running at full of that year at his home at 3660 Grand Avenue. He fifty-five sewing machines, as porters moved gar- capacity with was just as extraordinary as his grandfather, Falk, ments downstairs to storage or directly to railcars weekly produc- the company patriarch. After Steve graduated from that waited at the back-door rail spur. tion of 9,600 Exeter Academy and Harvard University, he mas- Falk Brody treated his workers well. The garments. tered Spanish and French, traveled to 89 countries newspaper “The Union Leader” declared that he and came to possess one of the country’s finest The Brodys African art collections. He was President of Temple was a “friend of labor” who always treated his did their part workers “in a considerable and fair manner.” He B’nai Jeshurun and an early Jewish member of in the war Wakonda Golf and Country Club. was also held in high esteem as the only Jewish effort, dressing store in Iowa doing over $250,000 in annual busi- the thousands This writer was lucky to have met him in 1986 ness that closed on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath. of farm boys while there still was a discussion of saving the Falk’s son Jacob brought the sale of the firm’s (and girls) Brody building. I stuck my nose inside for a peek, work clothes out to the countryside when he who turned fully expecting to be “shown the door” and instead moved to Elliott Iowa and erected a large store. out planes discovered Steve, a lively octogenarian, who invited Later, he bought 500 acres of land nearby, becom- and bombs in me in, gave me the run of the place, and regaled me ing the rarest of Iowans: a Jewish farmer. Yet wartime fac- with the company history. another son, Samuel, was also a success in western tories across Julian “Steve” Brody was remembered by Iowa at nearby Red Oak in the iron trade. the Midwest straight-talking clothier Bill Reichart as, “a very in well-fitting tough businessman, and yet he had a wonderful The business passed on to the next genera- and comfort- tion in 1912. Falk had died suddenly on January charitable heart. He cared for a lot of people. He able Brody “Big was a heck of a guy.” 17 at the Mayo Brothers Hospital at Rochester B’s” overalls. Minnesota. The brothers closed the factory so In 1946, a year
16 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Jewish Crossword, courtesy of the Jerusalem Post “Inner Sanctum” By Harvey 7 Country of the Chabad House of Estes Kathmandu 8 Matter for a Jewish ancestry test Across 9 Synagogue regulars 1 King of Israel whose name means “brother-father” 10 Helps, like a prayer 5 Tear, as a mourner might do with a 11 “Fateful Triangle” author Chomsky garment 12 St. of Tulsa’s Beth Torah Synagogue 9 Word after shalach or mishloach 13 United Synagogue Youth member, 14 City in Italia that had a large Jewish typically ghetto 21 Simon Wiesenthal Center founder 15 Job owned 500 pair of these Marvin 16 What an Irving Berlin tune can do 22 Biblical hosts washed their guests’ to memories 25 Cottage for Sergey Brin’s birthland 17 Whoopi Goldberg on whether she’s 26 One of the Hebrews Jewish: “Would you ask me that if I was white? ___ not” 27 Win for Max Baer, briefly 18 Muslim-Jewish (!) filmmaker Tariq 28 Iwo ___ (site of a Joe Rosenthal photo) 19 Part of an Jerusalem suburb’s name 29 “The Bubble” director Fox 20 Long-time Dolphins coach 30 “What rough beast...slouches 22 Government agent towards Bethlehem” writer 23 Like flights from the US to Israel 31 Michael Cammalleri’s first NHL 24 Non-kosher fish goal was against Tommy ___ 25 A calendar from 5770, for example 32 Tell a tale about the Wise Men of Chelm 28 Members of Maccabi Haifa wear them 33 Menorah lighters, sometimes 32 Big bunnies 34 Scrooge would probably say it about Chanukah, too 35 Affirmative Knesset vote 38 Cohen of espionage 36 Reverberate in Israel’s Red Canyon 40 Sun worshippers, in a way 37 Burning bush term for YHWH 41 Flow like milk and honey 38 Discrimination case: Jewish commu- nity of Oslo ___ v. Norway 42 Kvetching 39 “Put a sock in it!” 43 “Better is a handful of ___ than two handfuls of toil and frustration” 40 Frozen coffee treat (Ecclesiastes 4:6) 44 Adam Levine sports many 45 Tool used to rebuild the Temple walls 46 The Negev enjoys few of these 48 Look from Fagin 47 “The New Yorker” cartoonist Chast 49 Setting for Larry Gelbart’s 48 Hits the Mt. Hermon slopes “M*A*S*H” 50 “Everybody Loves Raymond” family 50 False move, to Sandy Koufax name 51 Away from the wind that divided the 53 Hold one’s own in spite of waters 58 Golan Heights refugee, perhaps 52 Typical review of “Annie Hall” 59 Palatnik of The Jewish Women’s 54 “Kapow!” in a Dave Berg cartoon Renaissance Project 55 The letter I in the Septuagint 60 Movement afoot at a wedding 56 Gait for one of Michael Tabor’s 61 After it failed in New Orleans, many horses Torahs needed rescuing 57 What AEPi would, um, never do to 62 Clive, who played a Dachau inmate a pledge in “Bent” 59 Article written by Diego Rivera 63 Alef through tav equivalent 64 Stabilizers at Israel Shipyards 65 “Ghetto” comes Key on pg. 19 from the Italian word for this byproduct of metal- lurgy 66 Jerry Stiller to Anne Meara
Down 1 Like the Desert of Zin 2 Drifter found in Rehoboth? 3 Word between prayer and meal 4 Sticks for Hank Greenberg 5 Dome near Dianne Feinstein’s workplace 6 “___ the Lord our God” (Psalm 99:9)
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 17 Israeli Anthropology Ancient skull from Galilee cave offers clues to the first modern Europeans The discovery of a 55,000-year-old Institute in the Faculty of Sciences. The partial skull in Northern Israel provides dating work was done at the Geological new insights into the migration of Survey of Israel under the supervision modern humans out of Africa. The rare of GSI Senior Scientists Dr. Miryam find is reported in the journal Nature Bar-Matthews and Dr. Avner Ayalon, this week by an international team of together with Prof. Alan Matthews, the Israeli, North American and European Raymond F. Kravis Professor of Geology researchers. at the Hebrew University’s Earth A key event in human evolution was Sciences Institute. Prof. Amos Frumkin, the expansion of modern humans of Director of the Cave Research Center African origin across Eurasia, replacing at the Hebrew University’s Geography all other forms of hominin (humans Department, researched the geological and their predecessors), around 40,000- context of the skull in the Manot Cave. 60,000 years ago. However, due to the Ms. Mae Goder-Goldberger, a doctoral scarcity of human fossils from this candidate at Hebrew University’s period, these ancestors of all present- Institute of Archaeology, is part of the day non-African modern populations archaeological team working in the have largely remained a mystery. cave. Now, researchers describe a partial This finding represents the first skull that dates to around 55,000, which fossil evidence from the critical period BoBBie McKiBBin > was found at Manot Cave in Israel’s when genetic and archaeological models Western Galilee. The Manot Cave was predict that African modern humans discovered in 2008 during construction successfully migrated out of Africa and activities that damaged its roof. Rock colonized Eurasia. It also represents falls and active stalagmites had the first fossil evidence that during the apparently blocked the initial entrance late Middle Paleolithic, the Levant was to the cave for at least 15,000 years. occupied not only by Neanderthals but The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s also by modern humans. Cave Research Center conducted an The researchers suggest that the unwrap a masterpiece... initial survey of the cave and reported population from which this skull is O l s O n - l a r s e n the findings of archaeological remains. derived had recently migrated out of O l s O n - l a r s e n G a l l e r I es Prof. Israel Hershkovitz of Tel Aviv Africa and established itself in the University led the anthropological study Levantine corridor during a time span G a l l e r I es that was favorable for human migration, of the skull, and led the excavation a contemporary gallery representing 70 of the finest artists in the midwest together with archaeologists Dr. Ofer due to warmer and wetter climatic events over the Northern Sahara and 203 fifth street west des moines, iowa 50265 515 277 6734 [email protected] www.olsonlarsen.com Marder of Ben-Gurion University, John Preston At WAll’s EdgE (detail) oil on canvas 24 x 24 inches and Dr. Omry Barzilai of the Israel the Mediterranean. Antiquities Authority. The research appears in the journal The skull has a distinctive “bun”- Nature under the title “Levantine shaped occipital region at the back. In cranium from Manot Cave (Israel) this way its shape resembles modern foreshadows the first European modern African and European skulls, but humans” (DOI 10.1038/nature14134). differs from other anatomically modern The excavation at Manot Cave was humans from the Levant. This suggests initiated and supported throughout that the Manot people could be closely the years by the late Mr. Dan David, related to the first modern humans that founder of the “Dan David Prize”, and later colonized Europe. his son Mr. Ariel David. The ongoing The specimen also provides research is financially supported by evidence that both modern humans and the Dan David Foundation, the Israel Neanderthals inhabited the southern Antiquities Authority (IAA), Case Levant during the late Pleistocene, Western Reserve University (CWRU), close in time to the likely interbreeding the Leakey Foundation, the Irene Levi event between modern humans and Sala CARE Archaeological Foundation, Neanderthals. the Keren Kayemet L’Israel (JNF) and the Israel Science Foundation (ISF). Researchers from the Hebrew Radiocarbon dating research has been University played important roles in supported by the National Science this discovery. Dating the skull at Foundation (NSF), the Exilarch’s around 55,000 years is the graduate Foundation and the MPS-WI Center thesis work of Gal Yasur, a student at for Integrative Archaeology and Save the Date: the Hebrew University’s Earth Sciences Anthropology. Afternoon of Sunday, April 26 Join us for a community celebration of Israel’s 67th Birthday!
Inside the Manot Cave in Israel’s Galilee, where a 55,000-year-old skull sheds new light on human migration patterns. (Photo: Amos Frumkin / Hebrew Details to come. University Cave Research Center)
18 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Israel Meet Mor Borodovski Israeli Innovation: by Larry Deutch Keeping Food Fresher If you have seen Wal-Mart, SunPacific, Pepsico, know works. Coming to them with Mor Borodovski in the FritoLay and BASF are testing Pimi something new is not easy, but we Community School Agro CleanTech’s technology to keep are lucky in that farmers in Israel are building recently and food from rotting before reaching the relatively open to adopting new tech- if you are sports- market. nologies.” minded you might have thought, I wonder if she Nimrod Ben-Yehuda is on a Pimi Agro’s worldwide-patented plays basketball. The mission: to feed millions of starving products are 99.4 percent stabilized answer is “yes” and children worldwide. Not, the lifelong hydrogen peroxide (STHP), which at a high level. Mor, farmer explains, by producing more returns to nature as oxygen and water, a native of Moshav food, but by dramatically cutting while the other 0.6% is formulated Bet Ezra, Israel, is a wastage on route to the consumer. according to the particular fruit or member of the Grand The company he founded 15 years vegetable it is used on. View University ago, Pimi Agro CleanTech, has a “Fifteen years of research pro- women’s basketball unique, environmentally friendly line duced separate formulations for cit- team. In addition of products to keep fruits and veg- rus, stone fruits [such as peaches and to being a full-time etables fresh for as long as 10 weeks, plums], potatoes, onions and sweet student, she volunteers drastically reducing deterioration dur- potatoes that can greatly extend pro- to in Beit Sefer Shalom ing transport. duce shelf life,” he notes. and Gan Shalom About one-third of food never The company is now developing teaching Hebrew. Mor makes it to the marketplace; in devel- formulations for asparagus, mush- was a starting forward oping countries the figure is usually rooms, peppers, meat, poultry and on the Israel Under- higher. Spoilage, disease and trans- fish. 21 National Team and portation issues whittle away produc- considered one of the Tests demonstrate that Pimi’s ers’ and marketers’ profits – and raise solutions can be as much as 15 times top prospects in Israel consumer prices. by coaches across the more effective than other preservation United States. She was “Before being sold, all produce and disease-prevention systems. “We recruited by several is sorted. Thirty percent gets thrown found that for citrus fruit in Israel schools and wound up selecting Vikings coach Garey Smith is away, and what’s left hardly lasts a we need only a third of the fungi- Moberly (Mo.) Area Community excited about Mor’s potential. “She’s day before being replaced,” says Ben- cide usually used,” he says. “Strictly College, one of the nation’s most a great shooter with size and really Yehuda, who dates his concern back speaking, it’s not organic, but the pro- prominent junior college basketball understands the game. Sitting out this to his days as a teenaged kibbutznik duce is significantly healthier and has programs. “On the national team, we year is really helping her learn our working in the fields. a far longer shelf life.” system.” traveled all over Europe. Many of my “I was amazed at the amount of Breakthrough stage teammates had come to the United As with most Israeli teenagers, she fruit and vegetables thrown away States to play and I wanted to try it,” served two years in the Israeli Army. “Right now we’re at the break- in the packing stations. I saw piles through stage,” says Ben-Yehuda. “We she says. After two years at Moberly, Her assignment was to teach physical of rotting peppers and tomatoes — she was recruited by a number of activities to soldiers. She would like to have US Environmental Protection meanwhile children are going hungry. Agency approval and American mar- schools, and selected Grand View continue in that field after graduation, It’s crazy!” University. majoring in kinesiology and health keting networks are interested.” promotion. Already his young mind was The Western world’s largest “I wanted to move to a bigger working on a solution. city,” she notes. “I came here in the Mor’s family includes her father, retailer, Wal-Mart, and America’s spring and liked it. It’s been really fun a policeman, her mother, a teacher, “The critical period is from largest shipper of citrus fruit, and I have met a lot of people.” Due to a 7-year old brother, 12 and 16 year the time the fruit is picked to when SunPacific, are conducting large- National Association of Intercollegiate old sisters and “many cats, dogs and it begins to rot,” Ben-Yehuda tells scale field tests. Major food producers Athletics (NAIA) transfer rules, Mor is chickens.” She admits missing them ISRAEL21c. “Take a single eggplant, such as Pepsico, FritoLay and BASF not allowed to play this year. However but adds, “the Jewish Federation for example. We cut it from its life- are also trying out Pimi’s technol- she does practice with the team and really helped me connect with this line when we pick it. It’s all alone, ogy. Other customers from Israel, will have two years of eligibility community.” and has to survive. Inside, its body Germany, the UK, Canada, Japan remaining. systems weaken; it uses up all its sug- and Russia also are interested in the ars and goes into stress, with telltale simple, affordable solution. signs. The fruit rots because it’s weak “The material itself will be An Evening with: IZZY inside.” locally produced,” says Ben-Yehuda. Overcoming skepticism “We’re developing partnerships in the EZAGUI Monday, April 20 Pimi’s zero-chemical method of Philippines, in developing countries Monday, April 20, 2015 7:00 preserving produce is not the result of in Africa, in India, China and South pm at Beth El Jacob Synagogue some momentary flash of brilliance. America. It’s all in the development stage with local investors.” The only thing standing “I first had the idea 25 years ago,” says Ben-Yehuda. “It evolved from Ben-Yehuda is busy country-hop- between you and your ecology, and it was difficult to over- ping, introducing this innovation to come skepticism and get investors international institutions. “We are in dreams is yourself. contact with the United Nations and Izzy Ezagui is an American- interested at first. Honing it into a working project took a long time.” World Bank – but are not yet working born one-armed squad com- with them,” he tells ISRAEL21c. mander in the Israel Defense Eventually, research done at Forces. He was injured in com- Haifa’s Technion-Israel Institute of “Developing nations have the bat, losing his dominant arm and Technology, the Hebrew University most to gain — I visited India and returned to the fight. In May of of Jerusalem and the government’s saw mango plantations where the 2011, Shimon Peres, then presi- Volcani Agricultural Research depreciation due to loss can reach dent of Israel, awarded him the Organization proved how well the 70%. This issue has global implica- highest accolade a soldier off the technology works. tions. If only 30% of produce reaches the marketplace, this affects both battlefield can receive. A popular The next stage was checking with keynote speaker at disabilities prices and availability, and poor peo- vidual at Beth El Jacob Synagogue, farmers over at least two seasons for ple simply cannot buy them. conferences, Izzy receives invita- 954 Cummins Parkway in Des each crop – which was not as simple tions to speak around the world, Moines. To RSVP call (515) 987- as it sounds. “No two seasons are the “It also alleviates the need to and has addressed large audiences, 0899 x 213 or email jodi@dmjfed. same and variable climate conditions plant on greater expanses of land, sometimes of over a thousand, on org have to be taken into account,” Ben- using more fertilizer and irrigation, to the topics of motivation, success, Yehuda points out. the detriment of groundwater. We live overcoming obstacles, and the Israeli Sponsored by the Jewish with this reality as if it’s okay – but it army. Federation of Greater Des Moines “Most farmers are conservative isn’t, and it’s in our power to change in Partnership with Beth El Jacob by nature – they stick to what they this.” continued on pg 21 Come hear this remarkable indi- Synagogue.
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 19 Iowa Jewish Historical Society Artifacts, Information and Item Identification Update Images of F. Brody January/February and Sons Sought A special thank F. Brody and Sons Co. – John you goes to Karen Zeller’s article on page 16 highlights Mendelsohn who the history of F. Brody and Sons. The identified the pictures Historical Society needs to add more of the two glass display information as well as any artifacts cases featured in the that are available to our collection. January/February If you have information, photos, or edition of The Jewish artifacts about the company, please Press as having email [email protected] or call 515- been used in the 987-0899 ext. 216. gift shop at Tifereth Israel Synagogue! Unfortunately, no one has contacted us with more information about the other picture of a ceremony at Tifereth. If you can identify the event, please email Repertory Theater of Iowa is seeking [email protected] or call 515-987-0899 ext. 216. docents for the Anne Frank Exhibit at the Des Moines Social Club The Repertory Theater of Iowa weekday afternoon and on Saturdays is looking for volunteers to serve as and Sundays when patrons of the docents for 3 - 6 hours per week for Social Club and the theatre are most the Anne Frank Exhibit, which will likely to want to see the exhibit. be on display from Marcy 30 - April There will be a docent training 26 at the Des Moines Social Club’s session with a representative from Gallery in downtown Des Moines. the Anne Frank Center in New York This exhibit will coincide with RTI’s City on Saturday afternoon, March production of The Diary of Anne 28 at the Des Moines Social Club. Frank to be performed at the new This training will be required for all Kum & Go Theater, located behind docents. the DMSC, from April 10 - 26. If you are interested in All volunteer docents will receive volunteering, please contact RTI two complimentary tickets to any Managing Director, Richard Maynard, performance of their choice of the at [email protected] or play. Right now, hours are flexible at 515-779-0994. depending on volunteer’s availability. Preferred times would be each Pictures of Ribbon Winners Sought Stephanie Turner: Simpson Ribbons Won at the State Fair in the Food Categories – College Intern at IJHS This spring, the Historical Society The Iowa Jewish Historical Society is delighted to be participating in the will be opening a new exhibit on Jewish internship program with Simpson College in Indianola, IA. This year, we will cooking and the importance of food have an intern in the spring and in the summer. Each intern will work 120 in Jewish life in conjunction with the hours during the semester on a variety of projects—inventorying and cataloging printing of our first cookbook: Beyond collections, research for the new exhibit, social media, and more. Matzo Balls: Celebrating 100 Years of Our first intern, Stephanie Jewish Cooking. We want to include a Turner, began working with list of members of the statewide Jewish us on January 16 and will community who have won ribbons in continue through April. any of the nearly 900 classes of the Food competition—but we need your help! Stephanie Turner in Her Own Words: If you, a friend, or a family member has won a ribbon for cooking or baking I grew up in the Kansas at any of the state fairs, please send us City suburb of Overland the following information by April 1: Park and I am currently a senior at Simpson College in • Name of the Winner • Type of Ribbon – Blue, Red, White, Indianola, IA. I am studying other awards Political Science, History • Class and Year and Communications, and it • Contact Information: Name, address, is a dream of mine to move phone number, and email address. to Washington D.C. after graduation. I have already If you have a picture of the winner, had internships in the political the ribbon, and/or the winning item, world and three semesters we would like to add the photos to our of Student Media practicum. collection. You are welcome to scan the Still, I wanted to gain some picture and send it to us or send us an real world experience in the original. If you want the picture back, field of History, because for please let us know and we will scan it me, understanding our history and then return the picture to you. Also, and where we came from is a please include any information you have key part of civic engagement about when the picture was taken and the in a globalizing world. My circumstances under which it was taken. favorite part of IJHS is that Thank you! every day is a surprise and there is always something new to learn. I have really enjoyed my time at IJHS so far and will definitely be applying for Karen Engman with her blue-ribbon winning Challah. museum jobs in D.C.
20 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Commentary WAKE UP TO MILITANT ISLAM’S AGENDA IOWANS SUPPORTING ISRAEL READY FOR By Rabbi A. Leib Bolel CAUCUSES We are blessed and privileged to their doctrine. This ultimately means, passing of Ed Skinner, the organization live in a state and country that is you, the reader are on their “to-do welcomed Geri Huser, Ed’s daughter strong and committed to the safety of list,” just a little further down the list. as Board member and supplemented its citizens. Is this something that can I am fearful to say that anti- the organization’s leadership with be maintained with the trajectory of Semitism is so strong in parts of the addition of Thomas Henderson, a determined militant Islamists? Europe it may be too late. British prominent Iowa Democratic. What we have witnessed over the Home Secretary Theresa May noted At ISI’s Winter meeting held in late last few weeks in Europe must be a recently that she “never thought January, presentations were made by wake-up call for us all, one that propels she’d see the day where members Loretta Sieman, Chair of the Advisory us to educate the tolerant society we of the Jewish community” would “America’s support for Israel & Action Council and Judge Jeff live in that we are not immune to the be “fearful” of staying in the U.K. is important” is the unifying belief Lipman, who, as Chair of the West infiltration of radicals. If we don’t, the European Commission Vice-President motivating the work of the bi-partisan Des Moines Sister Cities Commission, cost will be devastating. Frans Timmerman and others have grassroots organization called Iowans spoke about the recent adoption by the On Jan. 7, the world was echoed the same concern. Supporting Israel (ISI). As the season City of West Des Moines of Mateh collectively captivated by the acts A country that faces daily threats of presidential candidates visiting Asher in Israel as its first Sister City. of the Kouachi brothers when they by militant Islamists and yet continues Iowa to test their electoral viability All Iowans can make a difference killed 12 people at the Charlie Hebdo to encourage freedom of expression has already begun, ISI has stepped in our state and nation by participating offices. Another operative killed a and speech is Israel. While Israel is not up its activities here in Des Moines in the work of Iowans Supporting Israel. policewoman, followed by the killing perfect, it has maintained a democracy and across the state. The goal of ISI To get involved, contact LSieman@ of four Jews in a Kosher supermarket. in the face of militant Islam. -- leading up to the Iowa Caucuses yahoo.com or call 515.453.2002. One needs to note the differentiation How? First, less than 80 years -- is to empower individuals regardless The organization is online at www. in whom the victims were in the two ago the world saw an attempt to of their political affiliation to put the IowansSupportingIsrael.com. attacks. exterminate the Jews, hence Israel’s question to each of the candidates: The first attack on Charlie Hebdo commitment to never see a repetition. Because America’s vital interests are was in retaliation to its publication Second, the awareness that Israel has involved, what are you prepared to do of caricatures portraying the Prophet of its past makes it imperative to give to support our closest strategic ally in Mohammad, an act that cannot be freedom to even those who do not the Mideast, the Jewish state of Israel? justified by any Western values, most align themselves with Israeli values. Founded in 2013, Iowans notably freedom of the press. The Third, and most important, history Supporting Israel has grown murders of the four Jews can only be and its lessons are taught rigorously. appreciably. Its path has been guided attributed to anti-Semitism. But where Emphasis is on balancing the freedoms by former Iowa Democratic chairman is the correlation in the targets picked of speech, action, press and civilization Ed Skinner, former Republican for these attacks? from actual acts of terror. This can Party chairman Matt Strawn, and It is critical to realize that the be modeled by instilling within our community and business leaders, Bud education the reality and the effects of Hockenberg and Mike Schreurs, as motivation and ambition of terrorists Tom Henderson and Matt Strawn carrying out such attacks have one brutality and its regimes. founding directors. With the recent goal in mind, to eradicate any society I believe that to maintain the that is not in line with theirs. We safety and greatness of our country have seen and continue to see this in for generations, schools and parents “Never Forget” is Everyone’s Iraq and Syria with the annihilation must continuously educate our of Yazidi and Christian communities; children about the lessons that history Mission by Jorie Slodki, University of Iowa thousands are murdered because of has taught us. History for some is Hillel their faith. unfortunately the reality for others. The recent acts of terror in France on It is the beginning of 2015, mark- also affirming their own values. The threat is growing. In Africa ing the 70th anniversary of the end This past November, we found and parts of the Middle East, Christians two very different targets was just a mechanism to progress the agenda of of the Holocaust and the liberation of an entirely different way to educate are being targeted and victimized. In the camps. Preserving the memory of the public. On the anniversary of Europe, it is the Jews. militant Islam. If our next generation is not consciously aware of this agenda, the Holocaust can seem like a daunt- Kristallnacht, we collaborated with It is crucial to acknowledge that in we will be caught off guard before we ing task as the number of survivors local Dreamwell Theatre to pres- the psyche of militant Islamists, each know it, and too late. dwindles and the event recedes fur- ent a staged reading. The material act of terror is a means closer to having ther into memory with each passing came from the transcript of a meeting a society governed by militant Islam RABBI A. LEIB BOLEL leads year. Now, more than ever, we need between Nazi officials several days and its ideologies, as well as a religious Beth El Jacob Synagogue in Des to renew our commitment to making after Kristallnacht, when they tried act in and of itself. This doesn’t start Moines. Contact: rabbi@betheljacob. the public aware of the horrors of the to determine whether the attack was and end with a targeted annihilation org Shoah. By collaborating with com- a “success.” Dreamwell helped us of one or two groups. Rather, its part The above opinion piece was munity partners, we can find new provide publicity and actors, while of a longer-term strategy towards originally published in the Des Moines ways to communicate our message we provided the space, material, accomplishing the very foundation of Register on February 3, 2015 and educate an expanded audience. and director (yours truly). None of Shulman Hillel at the University the actors in the performance were of Iowa has found multiple organiza- Jewish, but all were eager to portray Food Tech tions eager to join in this mission. this unusual side of a familiar event. continued from pg. 19 - Pimi, based on Kibbutz Alonim in the Galilee, In May, we sponsored a traveling They were grateful for the opportu- concentrates for now on post-harvest. exhibit about the White Rose resis- nity to learn, and to teach others. For “The same diseases can be better treated pre-harvest when they’re still on tance movement. This was a group one afternoon, our bimah (“stage” in the plant. That’s our next target,” says Ben-Yehuda, who cofounded Pimi after of students in Germany who used Hebrew) became a different kind of heading Nir Ecology, which develops ecological solutions for veterinary, food non-violent resistance to fight the stage as the actors portrayed a scene industries and hospitals; and Swissteril Water Purifications. Nazis. Aside from Iowa City Jewish that embodied the banality of evil. organizations, we co-sponsored the After the performance, UI history “There will be over nine billion people on the planet by 2050,” he notes. exhibit with the UI College of Public professor Lisa Heineman gave some “How are they to be fed if water and land resources continue to disappear? If Health, UI Center for Human Rights, remarks and answered audience ques- we save the lost food there will be no more hunger in the world.” and the University of Northern Iowa’s tions. City Channel 4 was present to For more information, see www.pimiagro.com Center for Holocaust and Genocide film the performance so that it could Education. Each organization found air on TV and the internet. Source: Israel21C.org ■ its own reasons for why this exhibit Even though the Holocaust was important to support. For remains in the past, we have never example, the College of Public Health been in a better position to keep its Waterfront Seafood Market • Restaurant Wholesale (where the exhibit was on display) memory alive. By collaborating both wanted to participate in order to com- within the Jewish community and 2900 University Avenue 2414 Southeast Tones’s Drive municate the message that human with outside organizations, we can West Des Moines, IA 50266 Ankeny, IA 50021 rights are an essential component for increase the variety of perspectives on 515-223-5106 515-963-1940 public health. The exhibit gave these the tragedy, as well as help all organi- organizations an opportunity to par- zations involved grow. ticipate in Holocaust education, while
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 21 Community News
Passover Calendar Junior Congregation & Tot Shabbat Passover Seder of the Messiah in the Jewish tradition. The third set of classes examines the Friday, April 3rd – Erev Pesach Saturday, March 28th – 9:30 am – Temple B’nai Jeshurun’s congre- history of the modern nation of Israel gational first night Seder will be No Services at Tifereth / First Night Elijah Waltman’s Bar Mitzvah beginning with the Zionist movement held on Friday, April 3 at 6:00 p.m. of the late 19th Century and focuses Seder in your Home Sunday, March 29th - 2:00 pm – Reservations are required. Please Kadima not on Israel’s wars, but on the origins Saturday, April 4th – First Day RSVP to the Temple office at (515) of the people who came to call the Pesach Sunday, March 29th – 12:30 pm – 274-4679 or office@templebnaije- modern nation home. 9:30 am – Pesach Morning Services YAD Scavenger Hunt shurun.com by March 27. The cost is $20 per person, Children 6-12 $7, These classes are open to anyone 6:30 pm - Tifereth Community Under 6 free. interested and are free. Donations Second Night Seder (Social Hall) April 2015 supporting the Temple and its pro- We are limiting the number of non- grams are always appreciated. All Sunday, April 5th – Second Day Saturday, April 4th – Second Night Temple members so ensure we have Pesach Seder classes will be taught by Rabbi David enough room for all of our members, Kaufman and take place from 7:00- 9:30 am - Pesach Morning Services Wednesday, April 8th – Women’s so please RSVP as soon as possible! 8:30 pm at Temple B’nai Jeshurun, Tuesday, April 7th League Passover Meal Yizkor for Passover will take place on 5101 Grand Ave in Des Moines. Do to winter weather, the schedule is subject 7:00 am - Morning Minyan Saturday, April 18th – 9:30 am Sydney Saturday, April 4, at 10:00 a.m. Pearl’s Bat Mitzvah to change, so please call the Temple Wednesday, April 8th ------Office at 515-274-4679 to confirm the 6:00 pm - Women’s League Passover Sunday, April 19th – 2:00 pm Tikkun schedule or with any questions that Olam Shelter Dinner Prep Please join Dinner The Temple’s Youth Group As they put you may have. Friday, April 10th - Seventh Day 2:00 pm Tifereth Book Club on A CHOCOLATE SEDER Pesach Friday, April 24th – 6:00 pm – For the Whole Family March 29, 2015 at 12:30pm at Temple B’nai Jeshurun Holidays and Messianic Fervor 9:30 am – Pesach Morning Services Mishpacha Family Shabbat Service featuring “Sababa” followed by dinner 6:00 pm - Shabbat Evening Services People of All Ages are invited to the 1. Purim – March 5 Saturday, April 25th – 5:30 pm Sababa Seder which will include lunch Saturday, April 11th – Eighth Day concert at Des Moines Social Club 2. The Jewish Concept of Pesach There’s no Seder like our Seder, Messiah and the Messianic Age – 9:30 - Pesach Morning Service / Yizkor March 12 Adult Education: Yes, no Seder like ours, Recurring Events: Everything about it is Chocoholic 3. Passover – April 2 Introduction to Judaism – Rabbi Nothing that the Torah won’t allow Minyan: Tuesdays 7:00 am Edelman-Blank: Contact the Tifereth Listen how we read the whole Services: Fridays– 6:00 pm Shabbat office for more information 515-255- Haggadah A Brief History of Zionism Evening Services 1137 It’s not all in Hebrew So don’t worry how. Saturdays- 9:30 am Shabbat Morning 1. Zionism – Reimagining Services There’s no Seder like our Seder, Spirituality Study and Discussion We tell a tale that is swell: The Jewish State – April 9 Group - Patrick Courtney: Tuesdays Special Events for March and April Moses took the people out into the heat 2. The Shoah – April 16 2015 at 5:30 pm They baked the matzah While on their feet 3. Jews in the Arab World March 2015 [Show Rehov’s Exodus] – April 23 S.T.E.P. (Sunday Torah Education Now isn’t that a story Wednesday, March 4th 6:00 pm That just can’t be beat? 4. The Reality of Israel Megillah Reading Program) - Michael Kuperman: Sundays at 10:00 am Please show up for the show!!!!! Today – April 30 Saturday, March 7th -5:45 pm – Havdalah, Potluck & Game Night A GREAT TIME WILL BE HAD BY Tifereth Book Club – Wednesday, ALL A separate set of classes will take Sunday, March 8th – 2:00 pm – 4:30 place on Shabbat Mornings. There pm – YAD Purim Carnival March 18th 6:30 pm Cost is $5.00 per person will be monthly Study Programs from Wednesday, March 18th – 6:30 pm – Sunday, April 19th – 2:00 pm Additional donations accepted February through April that will take Tifereth Book Club place from 10:00-11:00 am. These Saturday, March 25th – 10:30 am – PLEASE RSVP BY MARCH 15 programs taught by Rabbi Kaufman are also free. Please RSVP to the Wendy or Amy by email Temple office as all programs are [email protected] aflugge- subject to scheduling changes. The In Celebration [email protected] Saturday morning classes are called We note with joy the upcoming celebration of or the “Rabbi’s Tish,” meaning “Rabbi’s Erin in the Temple office 274-4679 Table,” and include bagels and coffee. ------Elijah Waltman, son of Ken and Kim Senior Recognition: March 28 – Passover in the Christian Waltman, is a 7th grader at Waukee Tradition South Middle Schoool. Elijah will be Our Senior Recognition Night is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah Friday, May 1 at 6:00 p.m. This spe- April 25 - Jews and Angels at Tifereth Israel Synagogue on cial event recognizes the high school Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 9:30 seniors in our congregation. Please Crossword Answer Key a.m. Please join the Waltman family e-mail a picture of yourself to Erin at: for a Kiddush Luncheon immediately [email protected], as following the service. well as a brief paragraph discussing your future plans after graduation by Sydney Pearl, daughter of Brian and Friday, April 24th. We can’t wait to Krista Pearl, is a 7th grader at Stilwell honor all you have done and will con- in West Des Moines. She plans to play tinue to do! the viola for the residents at The Iowa We will also have our Youth Group Jewish Senior Life Center as a mitzvah members help lead service. project. Sydney will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on April 18, ------2015 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue at The second set of Rabbi’s classes for 9:30 am. The community is invited the spring will take place March 5, to a Kiddush luncheon following the March 12, and April 2 and will look service. at Purim, Passover, and the concept
22 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press March/April 2015 Community News
Evening Services: 7:30 pm Recurring Events; a.m. and candle lighting at 7:24 בס״ד JRC Pesach Schedule Friday, April 3, 2015 Wednesday April 8, 2015 Morning Minyan Times: p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m., Monday: 6:45 April 4th, Pesach Day 1 Services Finish Eating Chametz before 11:05 Shachris: 9:00 am a.m., Tuesday: 7:00 a.m., Wednesday: at 9:30 a.m. am Evening Services: 7:30 pm 7:00 a.m., Thursday: 6:45 a.m., April 5th, Pesach Day 2 Services Burn Chametz before 12:05 am Friday: 7:00 a.m., Shabbat: 9:00 a.m. at 9:00 p.m. April 9th, candle lighting at 7:30 Friday Night 1st Seder Night Thursday, April 9, 2015 Daily after morning minyan: Two p.m. Light Candles at 7:25 pm Light Candles at 7:31 pm study groups to choose from that will April 10th, Pesach Day 7 Services Evening Services: 7:30 pm study a range of Jewish topics, from at 9:00 a.m. and candle lighting at Say Blessing 2 the Weekly Torah portion to Mishna 7:31 p.m. Community Seder: 8:00 pm Evening Services at 7:30 pm & Talmud and Jewish Law. April 11th, Pesach Day 8 Services Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. and YIZKOR at 10:30 Tuesdays: a.m. 1st Day of Passover Friday, April 10, 2015 Lunch N’ Learn 12:30 p.m. Join April 20th, Izzy Ezagui – IDF Morning Services: 10:00 am Seventh Day of Passover us for lunch with central Iowa Jewish veteran injured in combat 7:00 p.m. Evening Services: 7:30 pm students followed by a learning April 25th, Yom Ha’atzmaut Morning Services at 10:00 am discussion. celebration Saturday Night 2nd Seder Night Evening Services at 7:30 pm Light Candles* after 8:26 pm The “Shiur” at 7:00 p.m. – covers May 2015 Light Candles* before 7:33 pm Jewish learning on self- improvement, May 14th, Federation Senior Say Blessing 1 interpersonal relationships, weekly Luncheon at BEJ 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 5, 2015 portion and current events. Please contact the office to attend. 2nd Day of Passover Saturday, April 11, 2015 In Memoriam Morning Services: 10:00 am Final Day of Passover Thursdays: We note with sorrow the recent passing of Evening Services: 7:30 pm RIE Family Hebrew Supplement Morning Services at 10:00 am Program 4:30 p.m. Gordon Burstein Holiday Ends at 8:28 pm Yizkor Memorial Service at 11:30 am Monday April 6, 2015 March 2015 Evelyn Balto Evening Services at 6:30 pm March 5th; Purim & Heros 4:15 Helen Galinsky Shacharis: 9:00 am Meal of Moshiach 7:00 pm p.m. Megillah reading followed by Patricia Mae Perry Evening Services: 7:30 pm Passover Ends at 8:35 pm dinner Madalyn Rovner * Light only from a pre-existing April 2015 Barbara Spizman Tuesday April 7, 2015 flame. April 3rd, Last eating of Chometz Raisa Zaprudsky Shachris: 9:00 am 11:10 a.m.; Burning Chometz 11:30
בס״ד Maccabee’s Deli Pesach Hours PURIM AND H EROES בס״ד TRADITION COMES ALIVE AT THE JRC
JOIN US FOR A GREAT Pesach Seder PURIM CELEBRATION 4 :1 5 p. m . Relive the Exodus; discover the eternal meaning MEGILLAH READING of the Haggadah and enjoy a Community Seder K9 OFFICER complete with hand-baked Matzah, followed by PERFORMANCE wine, and a wonderful dinner spiced PURIM DINNER & KIDDIE ACTIVITIES with unique traditional customs. cost:
day, Marc
Thurs h 5
Adults: $15
at BETH EL JACOB
FIRST SEDER NIGHT
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 8:00 PM ChildreN: $7 Children 3 and under: FREE AT THE JRC OF IOWA 943 Cummins Parkway Des Moines, Iowa 50312 (RSVP REQUIRED) 515-274-1551 Suggested donation: Adult: $36 Child $15 (under 12) Please RSVP by April 1st. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: CALL: 515-277-1718 EMAIL: [email protected]
March/April 2015 March/April 2015 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press 23 Yesterday we saved millions of Jews by bringing them to Israel. Today we’re taking a new generation to inspire them. It’s a mission of identity that This transforms their lives forever. At home, in Israel and around the world Federation is there. Changing lives. Helping to care for our entire Jewish community Seeking innovative approaches to building Jewish life. Supporting, nurturing and rescuing our people wherever they’re in need.
time it's Your Federation gift enables us to accomplish all this and more. You’re an integral part of all we do. Give to the Annual Campaign today. Visit us at not a jewishdesmoines.org or call (515) 987-0899. rescue mission.
24 The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press . March/April 2015