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november 2016/tishrei-cheshvan 5777 a publication of United jewish federation of Volume 18, Number 9 Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien Shimon Peres, Last of Honoring Achievement Israel’s Founders, Dies UJF Winter Soiree Celebrates Worldwide By Ben Sales quest for peace with the Work TEL AVIV (JTA) – Shimon Palestinians. He was instru- United Jewish Benson Zinbarg Peres, the former defense mental in negotiating the Federation of Lifetime Service hawk turned Nobel Peace Oslo Accords, the landmark Greater Stamford, Award. “Linda’s Prize winner and the last of Israeli-Palestinian peace New Canaan and dedication to our Israel’s founders, died on agreement, and was present Darien will hold community and September 28 at 93, Israel on the White House lawn its Winter Soiree to the work of UJF Radio reported. for its signing in 1993. on Sunday, De- is truly inspiring,” The phoenix of Israeli Though he served as cember 4, at 5:30 noted UJF CEO politics, Peres continually prime minister three times pm, at Temple Dr. Rick Hodes, Linda Spilka, James Cohen. “In reinvented himself as the Shimon Peres in New without ever winning an Sinai in Stamford. guest speaker honoree addition to travel- country changed. He began York City on October 24, election outright, and The celebration will focus on local and ing on a dozen JDC missions all over his career in the Defense 2014. (Photo by Taylor shared the 1994 Nobel international Federation leaders. the world, Linda was the founding Ministry and was the ar- Hill/Getty Images) Peace Prize for a peace that Linda Spilka, longtime UJF support- force behind our Shabbat across Stam- chitect of Israel’s nuclear has yet to materialize, Peres er and a champion of UJF’s overseas ford program, and is co-sponsor of PJ program, but in his later years Peres emerged late in life as Israel’s beloved partner, American Jewish Joint Distribu- Library in Stamford, New Canaan and was more closely identified with the See “Peres” on page 20 tion Committee, will be presented the See “Achievement” on page 2 After the Election: What it A New Name for JFS Means to Israel Agency Renamed to Honor Elayne and James Schoke AJC Sponsors Israel’s Deputy Consul By Jonathan Fass Jewish Family Service announced General that James A. Schoke, a past resident On Wednesday, November ford, Temple Sholom in of Westport, has chosen to recognize 9, at 7:30 pm, AJC Westches- Greenwich and Greenwich its work with a legacy gift. In recogni- ter/Fairfield will present a Reform Synagogue. tion of his generosity, Jewish Family program titled “After the Elec- “Coming just one day after Service is changing its name to the tion: What it Means to Israel.” these tumultuous U.S. elec- Elayne and James Schoke Jewish The program will take place tions, it will be a very interest- Family Service of Fairfield County. at Temple Sholom in Green- ing and well-timed program Both Jim and his wife Elayne – who wich and will feature Matan no matter who wins,” said were married for 69 years before she James and Elayne Schoke Zamir, Israel’s deputy consul Stephne Behrend, a member passed away in 2014 – have held a deep general to New England. The Matan Zamir, Israel’s of the executive board of AJC appreciation for the work of Jewish when we read about all the wonderful event will be co-sponsored deputy consul general Westchester/Fairfield. Family Service for decades. things they do for both the Jewish and by Temple Beth El of Stam- to New England See “Election” on page 2 “Elayne and I were driven to JFS See “JFS” on page 3

Candle Bits & Pieces JEEP Professional Adult Voices & Lighting 2 6 6 Support 17 Volunteers 18 Views 22

Story Time at YLD Family Day Cantor Marcia Lane, PJ Library coordinator for United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, read a PJ Library story to the children who attended the UJF Young Leadership Division’s Family Day on September 18 at Temple Sinai. (Photo by UJF staff) For further coverage of the event, see page 5. 2 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 CEO Message First-hand Knowledge is Power by James A. Cohen, UJF CEO foster meaningful discussions and help put issues Third, we are going to do more to promote the As heretical as this statement into perspective. Consensus will not be possible on incredible opportunity offered to young people sounds, Jewish professionals every issue, but surely better understanding is a goal through the Birthright Taglit program. The statistics and lay leaders alike lament the worth pursuing. You will be hearing more about this prove that this program and the offer of free travel fact that Israel is simply not the exciting undertaking and the various projects which to Israel is the best engagement tool to keep folks rallying point for American Jews will sit under its auspices in the coming months. in their late teens and 20s engaged. And finally, we which it once was. A generation Second, I am so pleased to announce that UJF is are going to work with our local partners to enhance ago, Jewish fund-raisers and organizing a communitywide mission to coincide the already rich Israel education programs to make friend raisers would simply have with Israel’s 70th birthday in April 2018. Chaired by them even more robust and inviting. to whisper the word “Israel,” and Rhoda and Avram Freedberg, the mission will feature Mr. Hughes was right. Knowledge is power and the checks and volunteer hours multiple options and elements that will appeal to first knowledge is even more powerful. I hope with would pour in. But we now live James Cohen, first-time and seasoned travelers alike. More infor- all sincerity that it is powerful enough to alter our in a far more complex and Bal- UJF CEO mation on this exciting trip will be available soon, current trajectory. I hope you will all join us on the kanized world. Nationally, our community’s views so get ready to mark your calendars. journey. on Israel are no longer monolithic. Fortunately, our local community’s connections to Israel are stronger than most, but divides still exist. This is a fact with Achievement Continued from page 1 which we must contend. Darien. Few supporters exemplify the scope of what dedication to curing the sick was documented in Rather than beat our proverbial heads against the UJF does better than Linda. Her love of the Jewish the HBO film “Making the Crooked Straight.” UJF wall, we should focus our energies on what can be people, whether they live here in Stamford or in a President-Elect Ricky Arbron said she was “thrilled done to solve this problem. My high school head- remote corner of the world few of us will ever see, is that Dr. Hodes will be gracing our stage. He is one master, William Hughes, had sayings that he would evident every time you speak to her.” of the most inspiring speakers I have ever heard.” exclaim in a rather loud voice when students’ grades The 2016 Harvey A. Peltz Award for Young Lead- The UJF Annual Meeting will follow the Soiree were falling short of his expectations. None of these ership will be presented to Jill Kaplan. She co-chairs and will be open to the public. At that time, the new sayings were new or terribly original, but they were UJF’s 3 Square Program, which provides hungry board and officers will be installed. all simple and profound. Among them was the tried children with nutritious food on the weekends, has For information about the Soiree, visit www.ujf- and true “knowledge is power.” In order for Jews to chaired Super Sunday and has worked on numerous winter.com or call 203-321-1373, ext. 101. not only be comfortable with Israel, but to fall in love UJF committees. Kaplan has also been involved with with it again (if in fact they are suffering from the the Stamford chapter of Hadassah and currently 68 year itch) is for them to experience it first-hand, serves as co-president of the Bi-Cultural Day School Election Continued from page 1 for themselves. Parents Association. Rebekah Raz, vice president for AJC will introduce Zamir to the community at To that end, UJF is taking some concrete and development at UJF, commented, “Working with Jill this event. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel exciting steps. First, we are set to launch our Jewish is a Jewish professional’s dream come true. She is the recently closed certain offices and reconfigured its Community Relations Council. This lay council, personification of a dedicated and caring volunteer.” embassies and consulates. Connecticut was reassigned aided and stewarded by a paid professional, will Rounding out the awards to be presented, Lin- to the New England office in Boston. have many functions, amongst them Israel advocacy da Gornitsky and Gary Schulman will be honored Zamir has been a member of Israel’s Foreign Ser- and the promotion of Israel (beauty marks, warts as Volunteers of the Year. “Normally,” noted UJF vice since 2011. He previously served as the deputy and all) to the Jewish community and of equal, if President Ellen Weber, “Volunteers of the Year are chief of mission at the Israeli Consulate in Mumbai not greater importance, beyond. The Council will recognized for specific achievements in a given year. and led a decorated career in the IDF – the Israeli But this year is special. While the fruits of Linda and Defense Forces. He served in the IDF from 1999-2003 Gary’s labors blossomed fully this year, the truth is and was released as a lieutenant. During his service, CANDLE LIGHTING they have been working for many years on crucial he trained more than 1,000 cadets. In 2003, Zamir was portfolios at UJF. Linda’s service as our first Advisory honored for his service and received the President’s Council chair has established the council as an im- Medal of Excellence on Israel’s 55th Independence TIMES portant community organ, dedicated to enriching Day. Before joining the Foreign Service, he was an October 21...... 5:46 pm conversation and coordination on critical issues. international business manager at Bezeq Interna- October 23...... 5:43 pm Gary’s service as UJF vice president for finance has tional, an Israeli telecom company, and before that provided the organization with highly improved he was the director of the training department of October 24...... after 6:41 pm best practices, transparency and a greater degree of the Israeli Supreme Court, a position that was part October 28...... 5:36 pm professionalism. I am grateful to them both.” Both of Israel’s Center for Citizenship and Democracy. November 4...... 5:28 pm Schulman and Gornitsky have served on the UJF Zamir grew up in Jerusalem, where his family November 11...... 4:20 pm board in a variety of capacities for many years. has lived for nine generations. He is a lawyer and A highlight of the evening will be remarks from received his L.L.B. from the Hebrew University in November 18...... 4:15 pm guest speaker Dr. Rick Hodes. Hodes is an American Jerusalem in 2008. November 25...... 4:10 pm doctor who has lived and worked in Ethiopia for more The event is open to the public, but RSVPs are December 2...... 4:08 pm than 20 years. He serves as the medical director for required at www.ajc.org/westfair/zamir. For more December 9...... 4:08 pm Ethiopia for JDC. A former ABC News “Person of information, contact Vicki Kline [email protected] or the Week” and a CNN “Hero,” Hodes’ career-long 914-948-5585. november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Navigating Expected and Unexpected Transitions Annual Saul Cohen – JFS Lecture By Lynn Saltz “Thresholds: How to Thrive Through A book signing and dessert buffet will follow the Rabbi, author and spiritual life con- Life’s Transitions to Live Fearlessly and main lecture. sultant Sherre Hirsch will be the keynote Regret-Free” – both with Random House. Rabbi Hirsch will offer a workshop to caring profes- speaker at the fifth annual Saul Cohen In addition to writing, Rabbi Hirsch has sionals on Wednesday afternoon, November 16. The – JFS Lecture. The presentation will be appeared on a variety of national media topic will be “Discovering the Cure to Compassion held on Thursday, November 17, at 7:30 outlets from “The Today Show” to “Ex- Fatigue.” “Spending so much time taking care of pm, and will take place at the Ferguson tra!” She counsels private clients, speaks others as part of the caring profession can inevitably Library, Stamford. nationwide at engagements for corporate result in compassion gradually lessening over time. “Life does not always turn out like we and religious organizations, and teaches How do we, as professionals, prevent burnout so that expected. Sometimes it turns out worse, Rabbi Sherre Hirsch classes across a variety of themes. Rabbi we can care for others with a full heart and forgive sometimes better but mostly just different. Hirsch serves as the spiritual life con- ourselves when we don’t?” notes Rabbi Hirsch. For How can we survive and ultimately thrive through sultant for Canyon Ranch Properties, where she information about the workshop, contact Eve Mos- these changes to live with faith and not fear?” ques- organizes retreats and leads workshops focused on kowitz, director of clinical services, at 203-921-4161, tions Rabbi Hirsch. Answers and thoughts about coping with grief and the healing process. Rabbi ext. 122, or [email protected]. these questions will be covered during the lecture Hirsch’s mission is to empower individuals to be An evening program with Rabbi Hirsch will be titled “At a Crossroads: Navigating Expected and their own spiritual guides. also held the night before the community lecture Unexpected Transitions.” Prior to the community lecture at the library, a for Jewish Twenties and Thirties at a private home. The lecture is a gift, offered free to the community, Patrons’ Reception Dinner will be held for a group In an informal setting, she will discuss “How to through the generosity of Mimi and Saul Cohen. of donors to thank them for their support of JFS. Live Authentically in the Digital World of Masks After eight years in the pulpit, Rabbi Hirsch During the reception, there will be an official cer- and Veils.” For more details or to attend, contact left Sinai Temple, Los Angeles’s largest and emony to name JFS. (See article on page 1.) For Jami Fener, JFS single outreach coordinator, at oldest conservative temple, in 2006. Since then, details or to learn how to become a JFS patron, [email protected]. she has published “We Plan, God Laughs: What contact Jonathan Fass, JFS COO, at 203-921-4161, For more details of the fifth annual Saul Cohen to Do When Life Hits You Over the Head” and ext. 108. – JFS Lecture, visit www.ctjfs.org. Lynn Saltz is the Jewish Family Service marketing and communications coordinator. JFS Continued from page 1 Jewish Family Service is a recipient agency of United Jewish general communities, and met Matt Greenberg. We help JFS to be a provider of chesed (compassion) Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. just love what they do, the scope and depth of their and gemilut chasidim (acts of loving kindness) to programs,” shared Jim. thousands of families each year.” Jim was born in Chicago in 1924. In the early The official ceremony to name JFS will take place 1940s, he studied at the Illinois Institute of Technol- on Thursday, November 17, in conjunction with Deadlines for ogy, enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was assigned to the patron’s reception before the fifth annual Saul the Special Engineering Detachment of the Army Cohen – JFS Lecture. (See article above.) An invita- Corps of Engineers and to the Manhattan Project’s tion to the reception is extended to all JFS Annual articles Instrument Section at the University of Chicago. Friends Campaign contributors at the $613 level The deadlines for the next three issues of The He was responsible for inventing instruments and above. For more information about attending New Jewish Voice are: to detect uranium and alpha emitters, traveling the lecture, the patron’s reception and the naming Tuesday, November 1...... December/January around the country to train scientists to use and celebration, contact Jonathan Fass at 203-921-4161, Monday, December 26...... February maintain his instruments. ext. 108, or [email protected]. Send New Jewish Voice article submissions to In 1946, following his work on the Manhattan Jonathan Fass is the chief operating officer of Jewish Sandy Golove at [email protected] marked “Stamford Project, Jim went on to a career in the fields of Family Service. Voice” in the subject line. Expect an acknowledge- nucleonics, instrumentation, and fluorescent and Jewish Family Service is a recipient agency of United Jewish ment; please re-send if you do not receive one. UV lamps, as the founder and president of several Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. companies. At the same time, Jim and Elayne were active across the Jewish community. Elayne was a United Jewish Appeal Lion of Judah, a Hadassah Keeper of the Gate and an ORT-America Golden Circle member for many years. She served at vari- ous times as a trustee and officer of Temple Israel of Westport. “Several years ago, I received a message from Jim, sharing that he wanted to make a lasting contribution to a Jewish agency that makes a sig- nificant impact on those most in need,” explained Greenberg, CEO of Jewish Family Service. “Of course, I was delighted to receive such a call, and Jim and I spoke many times over the next few months. It did not take long for Jim to recognize the impact that his legacy gift to JFS could make for all residents of Fairfield County. It is an honor to name our agency after Elayne and Jim. Their gift represents the highest form of tzedakah. It will

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203.302.3880 203.302.3880 203.302.3880 www.lampebatkin.com www.lampebatkin.com www.lampebatkin.com 4 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 “Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age” On Wednesday, November 16, at how tech time impacts development as 7:30 pm, at the State Cinema, the JCC At right: The JCC it offers solutions on how adults can Sara Walker Nursery School will host Sara Walker Nursery empower children to find balance as a screening of the film “Screenagers: School will host they navigate the digital world. Growing Up in the Digital Age.” a showing of the The screening will be followed by a “Screenagers” probes into family film “Screenagers” Q&A with Sean Grover, LCSW and author life and depicts struggles over social on Wednesday, of “When Kids Call the Shots.” Tickets are media, video games, academics and November 16, at $12 each or $15 at the door. There is a internet addiction. Through insights 7:30 pm, at the State discount for JCC members. Tickets may from authors and brain scientists, Cinema in Stamford. be purchased at www.stamfordjcc.org. solutions emerge on how parents can (Photo courtesy of The State Cinema is located at 990 empower children to best navigate the “Screenagers”) Hope St., Stamford. digital world. For further information, contact Liss “This film is a must-see for parents Johnson at 203-322-6541 or aljohnson@ who are watching their kids scroll who want to learn how to proactively search to uncover how it might impact stamfordjcc.org. through life,” said Anne Liss Johnson, manage family life in the digital age.” their development. Through stories The Jewish Community Center is a managing director of the JCC Sara When physician and film-maker Del- and insights from authors, psycholo- recipient agency of United Jewish Federation Walker Nursery School, “and is also im- aney Ruston saw what screen time was gists and brain scientists, “Screenagers” of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and portant for parents of younger children doing to her own children, she began a endeavors to help parents understand Darien. “Stories in Song” Temple Sinai’s Annual Cantor’s Concert “I love how music can tell As much as she enjoys ers; Kolot Sinai, the temple’s volunteer for children under age 12. Sponsors a story, spark a memory and performing, Cantor Morgov- adult choir; the RUJU youth choir; donating at levels of $180, $360, $500 give voice to a dream,” said sky said what she loves even musical guests, artists in residence; and $1,000 and up will receive added Cantor Micah Morgovsky. more is singing with others, and more. benefits, including reserved seating, She’ll attempt do all of that – so the hour-long program Seating is limited and tickets – which recognition at the concert and an ac- and more – during “Stories in will feature numerous mu- include pre-concert hors d’oeuvres and knowledgment in the program. Song,” Temple Sinai’s ninth sical guests, including Julia drinks – can be purchased in advance by The concert will be held in Temple annual Cantor’s Concert, Falkenberg, soprano; Ed calling Shelly Welfeld at Temple Sinai Sinai’s social hall at 458 Lakeside Dr., which will be held on Sunday, Greenberg and Alan Halp- at 203-322-1649; additional tickets may Stamford. For more information, visit December 11, from 5-7 pm. ern, baritones; Cantor Asa be available at the door. The suggest- www.templesinaistamford.org or call Cantor Morgovsky said Fradkin of Temple Sholom ed donation is $36 for adults and $18 203-322-1649. she was hooked on singing Cantor Micah in Greenwich; and Olivia and performing the minute Morgovsky Lapine and Sophia Graf, she first stepped onto the young singers, all accom- Chabad Parenting Club community theater stage at age 4. This panied by Alex Ruvinstein on piano. Beginning on Tuesday, November 8, at 9:15 am, Chabad of Stamford will musical pastime quickly turned into Concert proceeds will support begin another chapter of the Parenting Club. Held at Chabad of Stamford, her passion and eventually led to her music programming at Temple Sinai, the club will be co-facilitated by Leah Shemtov, director of Gan Yeladim, and profession – she’s been Temple Sinai’s including Ruach, the congregation’s Hillary Isaacs, associate director of Gan Yeladim. The Parenting Club will run cantor since 2008. ensemble of instrumentalists and sing- for four weeks and be open to mothers and fathers, who will read and discuss “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee” by Dr. Wendy Mogel. Based on the success of past Parenting Clubs, where parents read and dis- cussed “Raising Your Kids, Without Raising your Voice” by Sarah Chana Radcliffe, Shemtov said she felt that the importance of a Parenting Club is paramount. “Giving parents a chance to discuss and hear each other, and learn different Carmel Academy parenting skills is something that we’re happy to facilitate,” said Shemtov. Jewish Family Service Launches Winter Outerwear Drive JFS is accepting winter outerwear and accessories from now until Friday, No- vember 18. Meryl Japha, JFS board secretary and chair of the Stamford Back to School Shop, will set up the donations to be distributed to Kosher Food Pantry clients and their children during the Fresh Produce Day event on Tuesday, November 21. The community is asked to donate adult and children’s winter coats and jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and boots that are clean, new or gently used, and in good condition. Contact Rebekah Kanefsky, JFS case manager, at 203-921-4161, ext. 128, or [email protected] to arrange for drop off at JFS offices in Stamford (733 Summer St., th6 Floor) or Westport (431 Post Road East, Suite 11). The JFS Kosher Food Pantry serves the Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, West- port, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Trumbull and Fairfield Jewish com- munities. It provides kosher food and personal care items, including assistance for pharmacy and transportation, to members of the community experiencing financial difficulties and who are unable to afford food and household items for their families. Anyone who would like to receive assistance from the Kosher Food Pantry should contact Kanefsky at 203-921-4161, ext. 128, to arrange for an appoint- ment. All requests for services are kept strictly confidential. “Come Play with Us!” Bi-Cultural Day School introduced its Early Childhood Program Series – titled “Come Play with Us!” – for the 2016-2017 academic year. Each event is designed for young Jewish families with children ages birth-5 to experience the school’s full general and Judaic Studies curriculum. Events Sunday, October 30th • 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. are free of charge. The series opened in September with “Music and Movement,” featuring Come experience the difference... Rachel Bahar, accompanied by Peretz Cik, who sought to engage children through song, rhyme and storytelling. In October, children created a Suk- • CAIS accreditation with exemplary rating To RSVP, please contact kot-inspired project with Bi-Cultural’s Makerspace Engineering team in a • Small group instruction catering to the Ella Shteingart, Admissions Director, at Tinker Tots program. December will feature an exploratory art program needs of each child [email protected] called Kids on Kanvas, and a “Hanukkah-Hullabaloo” party scheduled for • Impactful values and character development program or 203-983-3503. early December. • Award-winning STEAM programs Events continue into January through the end of the school year. The line-up • Highly-credentialed, passionate teachers features a range of activities, including mindful yoga, science, Israeli cooking • Expertly developed general and Judaic studies curricula and dancing. • Robust extracurricular programs “I’m excited for young children to enjoy these fun activities, while par- ents mingle with other parents, and engage with our masterful teachers, A private school for children of all Jewish affi liations serving experiencing first-hand our interdisciplinary, interactive, child-centered students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. approach to early childhood education,” said Denise Rafailov, Bi-Cultural’s director of admissions. 270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 • (203) 863-9663 • www.carmelacademy.com For more information and to register for these events, contact Rafailov at [email protected] or 203-329-2186, ext. 1310.

FILE: CRML_160722_NJV LAYOUT: Copy Changes SIZE: 4.9167 x 7.875 CLIENT: Carmel Academy PUBS: New Jewish Voice PAGE #: 1 REV #: 0 DATE: July 2016 november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 5 YLD’s Family Day Reading Partners The Young Leadership Division of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien Celebrates Chai Year held a Family Day on September 18 at This fall marks the 18th, chai, year Temple Sinai. Young families from the of the Herbert and Sarah M. Gibor greater Stamford area and as far away Reading Partners Program. Its genesis as New Rochelle, NY, came together came as a call to action in 1998 follow- to enjoy a morning of mingling and ing President Bill Clinton’s educational children’s activities. Taly Farber chaired goal that all American children be able the event, and Galit and Tuvia Cooper, to read competently by fourth grade. Rachel Isaacs and Jeremy Hager were Boston activist Leonard Fine took up on the program’s committee. the national call and it landed locally Parents had a chance to catch up within the realm of the United Jewish with old friends and meet new ones, Federation of Greater Stamford, New while children played in the Kidzone Canaan and Darien. The mission is and enjoyed holiday craft projects and considered as vital and current as be- Iuliana Roata, reading specialist, modeled a face painter. Cantor Marcia Lane, fore; volunteers read with children to reading for the volunteers. UJF’s director of education and en- Children [names withheld] enjoyed face demonstrate a commitment to each gagement, read the children stories, painting with Yael Shmilovitch. student, to each school or community hort of 15 new reading volunteers was as part of the PJ Library program. center and to the local community. treated to Santasiero’s reading of “That Guests had a chance to enjoy a kosher current families who wish to learn more Opening events for the 2016-2017 is Not a Good Idea” and got to know brunch sponsored by the UJF’s Young about UJF and the good work we do for school year included: each other with various icebreakers. Leadership board. local and international Jewish commu- ‹‹ An August social get together at the Comments on the feedback form indi- “Family Day is an event UJF holds nities and agencies. It is a wonderful Bartlett Arboretum to hear a Sunday cated that the attendees found a lot of each year to welcome new families to way for young couples to meet other classical concert. value and guidance in the presentation. the community and to reach out to See “YLD” on page 7 ‹‹ New volunteer training with Marlyn ‹‹ Workshop with Iuliana Roata and Agatstein, director of Reading Partners, Lauren Vauvolidis at Stillmeadow and Sarah Santasiero, reading specialist School. These reading specialists from the Julia A. Stark School. The co- See “Reading” on page 8

Lori Gilbert (Young Leadership Division board member), Dan and Nicole Bloom with their son Isaac, and Amy Davidson (YLD board member) enjoyed a chat at the UJF Family Day. (Photos by UJF staff) Both new and seasoned volunteers took advantage of new volunteer training.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 6 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 bits and pieces JEEP* tracks: musings on By Sandy Golove Elise Jane Osman, daughter of To submit infor- Kate and Bart Osman; grandpar- mation to Bits and ents are Harley and Steve Osman. education and engagement Pieces, call 321-1373, Zachary Ostroff, son of Mi- ext. 107, or e-mail me chelle Rawicz and Larry Ostroff; Global Day at [email protected]. grandparents are Barbara and By Cantor Marcia Lane their attention on our shared Jewish MAZEL TOV TO Norman Ostroff and Eva and Every two weeks, texts to glean wisdom, questions and GROWING FAMILIES: Fred Rawicz. UJF sends out a a sense of being part of one people. Anna and Bryan Josh Sherman, son of Rachel and listing of all the ed- The 2016 theme is “Under the Same Kershnar on the birth of a son, Leo Mark Sherman; grandparents are ucational opportu- Sky: The Earth is Full of Your Cre- Kershnar; grandparents are Rae-ann Judy and Ed Jacobson and Mickey nities in the Jewish ations.” We’ll explore our world and and Scott Allen and Meryl Allen. Sherman. community, and ev- nature through Jewish texts. Here Martha and Yehuda Meyers on the Hailey Trell, daughter of Heidi ery time I edit that in Stamford, there will be several birth of a son; grandparents are Rabbi Trell and Jeffrey Trell; grandpar- list I am impressed. different options: preschoolers can Greg and Rona Wall. ents are Gail G. and Stephen Trell. We, in Stamford, engage in a project at Temple Sinai, MAZEL TOV TO: Jason Yudell, son of Sharon and are lucky. We are a community that adults can study text at Temple Beth Rochel and Hecky Attar and Yospa Robert Yudell. learns. That’s not something to take El and, at the JCC, there will be live Lieberman on the engagement of for granted, my friends! It’s kind of streaming of video classes led by their son and grandson, Chaim Attar, CONDOLENCES TO: Phyllis Heller on the loss of her remarkable that we have so many noted Talmud authority and transla- to Miriam Weingarden. offerings ranging from introductory tor Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz and other mother, Pearl Wasserman. Vicki and John MacKenzie on the Hebrew classes to Talmud to Torah wonderful teachers. Other Global David Moreinis on the loss of his marriage of their daughter, Lauren to other texts. There are entry level Day offerings will be finalized soon, Rosenfield MacKenzie, to Daniel Phan. sister, Miriam Farji. opportunities and opportunities for so stay tuned for updates! Leah and Peter Munk on the Susan Rich on the loss of her father, high level learning. Lilmod ul’lameid The amazing thing about Tapestry marriage of their son, Josh Munk, to Jerry Cohen. – To teach and to learn. Those are and about the Adult Ed. blast is how Mielcah Allswang. Toby Schaffer and Barbara Fried- mitzvot that come directly from our they bring Stamford-area Jews together MAZEL TOV TO B’NAI MITZVAH: man on the loss of their father, Joseph Torah. We can engage in Jewish to learn such a diverse range of things! Lauren Brooke Kassin, daughter of Macy. learning about topics of social justice The amazing thing about Global Day Lisa and Myles Kassin; grandparents Shelly Welfeld on the loss of her and advocacy, and we can educate is that Jews around the world come are Judy and Stanley Levine. sister, Phyllis Welfeld Jones. ourselves about Israel or about Jews together to think deeply about one in far-flung corners of the globe. I thematic aspect of our culture and UJF Tribute Cards are a wonderful way to connect with your challenge you to look at the whole our tradition. long list of Adult Education Oppor- In the Amidah, there is a paragraph family and friends and mark any occasion while supporting the tunities and not be impressed by that thanks God for giving us da’at, extraordinary work of UJF. To send a tribute, go to www.ujf.org. the breadth and depth of what the binah, v’haskeyl – knowledge, discern- community has to offer! ment and understanding. We have On Sunday, November 20 – the day the capacity, we just need to constantly after Tapestry – Jews in more than open ourselves up to the myriad possi- 450 cities all around the world will bilities that surround us. On November CHANUKAH come together in their communi- 20, we can become part of the great, Deadline: November 11 (December issue) ties, homes and online to celebrate global community of Jewish learners! our shared heritage. To be Jewish is JEEP* – Jewish Education and Once again this year, The New Jewish Voice is inviting its readers and local organizations to think, to study and to learn, so Engagement Project of United Jewish to extend New Year’s greetings to the community by purchasing a New Year’s greeting ad, that’s how we’ll celebrate! On the Federation which will appear in our Decemberber issue. seventh annual Global Day of Jewish Cantor Marcia Lane is UJF’s director of You may choose from the designs, messages and sizes shown here - more are available. You Learning, Jews everywhere will focus education and engagement. may also choose your own message, as long as it fits into the space of the greeting you select. (Custom designs available upon request.) The price of the small greeting is $18 (styles E and F), the medium one is $36 (style A and D) and the largest one (style G, not shown) is $72. To ensure that your greeting is published or for more information on additional styles, sizes & designs, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ New Around Town thereportergroup.org. Checks can be made payable to The New Jewish Voice, and sent to: The New Jewish Voice, 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 Stephanie Greenberg – Bi-Cultural kindergarten teacher Stephanie Greenberg recently joined the Bi-Cultural Style A - $36 • Actual Size: 3.22” x 1.975” Wishing you a Happy Chanukah Day School Early Childhood Program as a kindergarten light • peace • love teacher, joining Sharon Chimes in the kindergarten team. Greenberg holds a certification in early children education and has earned a master’s in early childhood education May the lights from Hunter College and a bachelor’s in elementary of Chanukah education from Boston University. Prior to teaching at Bi-Cultural, Greenberg was the shine in first-grade head teacher and co-head support services Your Name(s) your hearts provider at the Lubavitch on the Palisades School in forever Tenafly, NJ. She also worked as an assistant kindergarten Stephanie Greenberg teacher at the Manhattan Day School in New York and Your name(s) a head teacher at the 92Y Connect Jewish After-school Program in New Style D - $36Actual Size: 3.22” x 1.975” York. In addition, Greenberg has written individualized curriculum plans for general and secular studies at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach in Hewlett, NY. While studying education at Boston University, Greenberg CHANUKAH completed her student-teaching experience working in various schools in Deadline: November 11 (December issue) Warm Chanukah wishes to Massachusetts and has also worked as a head counselor at the Camp Gan you and your family! Israel in Tenafly, NJ. Name______Greenberg lives in Riverdale, NY, and enjoys music and reading. 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Checks can be made payable to Style F - $18 The New Jewish Voice, Actual Size: 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850. 1.5278” x 1.975” november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 7 TEEN VOICES Third Place Rabbi Alex Goldman Essay Contest Winner This month features Naomi Fogel, third-place year, and by the strength of the writing and the This year, she is an 11th-grader at Westhill High winner in the 2016 Rabbi Alex Goldman Memorial depth of the feelings they exhibited,” said Cantor School. Her essay responds to a quote from Rav Essay Contest. “Rabbi Goldman would have been Marcia Lane. Last year, Naomi Fogel attended Kook on the inability to remain silent in the face delighted by the very crowded field of entries this Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy in the Bronx. of injustice or need. “I Don’t Have the Power to Remain Silent” By Naomi Fogel I did not have the power to remain silent, and I others. Although I am still in awe about the unfair- “Mommy, mommy! Do we will never have that power. ness of the world, I have learned that the best and have the bags with us?” A nine- At my school in New York, there is a club known most helpful thing a person can do is to get actively year-old girl tugged her moth- as “Midnight Run.” The club goes out into the New involved in what he or she wishes to change. That is er’s hand. It was just another York City night a few times a year to provide the my job. It is what I have to do. Yet as a girl who has normal day. Another walk to homeless with any basics they may need. The night grown up sleeping with a roof over her head every school. Another conversation. of the run everyone in the club arrives at school to single night, I have realized I will never really be able Another group of people begin preparations. Some people sort clothing, some to relate to what these poverty-stricken people I enjoy digging through the garbage. make sandwiches and others put together bags of helping have gone through. This is the reason I am For me, this was normal. I had essential toiletries such as toothpaste and deodorant. even more obliged to speak up. People who are less adjusted to living in a different Naomi Fogel Once preparations are complete, the bus is loaded fortunate are often not given the same opportunities continent. Only a few months with all the items and everyone is off. About three to be heard as I am. Through helping them, I am earlier, my family had picked up and moved halfway or four stops are made and, at each stop, hot drinks in a way their voice. A voice that does not have the across the globe to Cape Town, South Africa, for six and bagged meals are placed on tables outside, while power to remain silent. months, as a result of my dad’s work. There were different categories of clothing are placed by different beautiful beaches, a whole new culture to explore, windows on the bus. The homeless men and women a house with an indescribable view and endless can walk by the bus and “shop” for clothes they need, YLD Continued from page 5 poverty complete with rows upon rows of shacks as well as visit the tables for some food and drink. parents in the community in a fun, family friendly filled with people waiting on the government to give I have participated in two midnight runs, as well as environment,” noted Sharon Franklin, UJF’s director them a home with a working sink. Yet there I was, one breakfast run, which occurs in the morning. of Community Campaign and YLD co-coordinator. strolling down the street on my way to the white, Through these experiences I have learned to truly “YLD members, ages approximately 25 to 45, are private, everyone-pays-tuition Jewish day school appreciate everything I have. Not so many years ago, committed to building a stronger Jewish communi- I attended. When we stumbled upon a group of my family members experienced the horrors of the ty in Greater Stamford, Israel and throughout the other human beings digging through garbage bins Holocaust. They were forced to remain silent, for if world, through community involvement, education for any scrap of food they could find, I could not they spoke up about something they believed in, they and fund-raising,” said Franklin. bring myself to remain silent. So I asked my mom would never speak again. I feel that it is my duty, in YLD holds events and programs throughout the for the bags we always kept with us. We had filled a day and age when I am lucky enough to be able year, both for adults and for the whole family. For them with an entire meal’s worth of food, in case to express myself freely, to not let the opportunity more information about YLD, contact Rebekah Raz we saw someone struggling. I asked my mom for pass by to be of help to somebody. To be silent and at 203-321-1373, ext. 102, or [email protected], or those bags because as Rav A. Y. Kook once said, “I passive, and to just let something fall between the Franklin at 203-321-1373, ext. 109, or Sharon@ujf. don’t speak because I have the power to speak; I cracks is not OK. If one has the power to speak, they org. For more information about PJ Library, contact speak because I don’t have the power to remain must use that power for good. Cantor Lane at 203-321-1373, ext. 104, or Marcia@ silent.” I couldn’t take my privilege for granted. It is an amazing feeling to have the ability to help ujf.org, or visit the UJF website at ujf.org.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 8 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 One Hundred Years and Counting at the J At left: JCC Past President Carol Selsberg at The Jewish Community Center of dedication in 1916, the JCC has served the Jewish Community Center of Stamford’s Stamford celebrated its 100th birthday as a second home for tens of thousands 100th birthday block party. The event with a community block party on Sep- of families and individuals in the Stam- featured activities for all ages and included tember 25. In the 100 years since its ford Jewish community. a performance of songs from Selsberg’s original musical, “The Truth About Youth,” written for the JCC and performed in 1981 by 140 school-age children as a fund-raiser for the new facility on Newfield Avenue, which opened that year. Thirty-five years later, members of the original cast reunited to entertain at the 100th birthday celebration.

Reading Continued from page 5 highlighted the benchmarks and de- seasoned readers has formed and velopmental stages for early readers are eager to be a part of this exciting and demonstrated various craft-like new school. objects that can be used to stimulate Reading Partners commit to vol- reading skills. unteering once a week for one hour, ‹‹ Assembling a new team for The either during the school day or at New School at Strawberry Hill. This an after-school program. For more is Stamford’s 13th and newest school, information about the program or an extension of the Rogers Magnet to inquire about joining for the next School on Blachley Road. A team cohort in 2017-2018, contact Marlyn of eight Reading Partners, consist- Agatstein at 203-321-1373, ext. 115, or ing of The New School parents and [email protected]. Cast and creators reunited on the 35th anniversary of the JCC musical “The Truth About Youth.” L-r: Co-creator Jeff Chase, Judie Birnbaum, Jenny Draizin Fuchs, Gary Chase, Jill Weinfield Chase, Nancy Pearce Herz, Alix Field Eben, Lisa Borowik Whetsell, Karen Pearce Kalt, Risa Bauman Goldblum, Carol Selsberg, Karen Goldblum Malkin, Jami Birnbaum, Linda Mostel Kucinski and Julie Trell. The group performed at the Jewish Community Center of Stamford’s 100th birthday block party. A Turkey in Every Pot JCC early childhood programs KinderPlace and JumpStart will hold their annual Turkey Drive on Sunday, November 20, from 8-11 am. Everyone in the community is asked to share Thanksgiving dinner with those who otherwise would go without by donating a turkey and fixings, which will be distributed by the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. Those interested in participating are asked to drop off food at the JCC on Sunday, November 22, before 11 am. Gift cards to area supermarkets can be dropped off any time. The JCC is located at 1035 Newfield Ave., at the intersection of Vine Road. For more information, contact Liz Gebert at 203-487-0968 or lgebert@ L-r: New volunteers Rise Mattler and Mirel Roig enjoyed Sarah Santasiero’s presentation. stamfordjcc,org. november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 9 Center Women Host Annual Gift Show Vendors, kosher tastings and more! By Nancy Schulman Attendees at last year’s gift show enjoyed samples program of its kind in the Greater Fairfield County The Center Women of the Jewish Community from Abel Caterers, Joseph Craig Caterers, Main area, JumpStart follows the pattern of a typical nursery Center of Stamford (“The J”) will present its annual Event Caterers, Margery Gussak Catering and Sam’s school classroom, offering social and educational gift show on Thursday, November 17, from 5:30-9:30 Center Café. At the time this article went to press, experiences in a group setting. Each vendor’s table pm at The J. This year’s gift show co-chairs are Beth The Center Women were in the process of inviting fees will benefit the JumpStart program. Baer, Stacey Palker and Dani Kwalwasser. these caterers, restaurants and others to showcase The suggested admission for the event is $5. Park- “The gift show is an event that everyone looks forward their food at the 2016 Gift Show. Interested caterers ing at The J is free, and there will also be free offsite to,” says Baer. “It’s a fun night where you can shop with and restaurants can contact The Center Women at overflow parking. The Jewish Community Center is friends and enjoy wine and snacks while you’re looking [email protected]. located at 1035 Newfield Ave., at the intersection of at all the great items that are available.” Childcare will also be available, with the staff of Vine Road. For more information, visit stamfordjcc. Favorite vendors from past years will return, along The J’s youth department offering pizza and a movie org or contact Nancy Schiffman at 203-487-0941 or with many new vendors offering gifts, hand-crafted for kids at a nominal fee. [email protected]. jewelry, Judaica, clothing and more. As they did The event raises funds for JumpStart, The J’s The Jewish Community Center is a recipient agency of last year, The Center Women hope to offer tast- therapeutic early-childhood classroom experience United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan ings from local kosher caterers and restaurants. for 2- to 4-year-olds with special needs. The only and Darien. Kosher Food Provided for High Holidays Jewish Family Service held a kosher food drive at rant, Gold’s Deli in Westport and The Food Bank the Stop and Shop Supermarket in Stamford, continu- of Lower Fairfield County provided traditional hol- ing its tradition of collecting and distributing kosher iday food items such as round challot, fresh apples food to individuals and families who need assistance and honey, cakes, soup, roasted chicken and grape during the High Holidays. Temple Sinai’s sixth-grade juice, as well as an assortment of typical pantry Hebrew School class, along with many community food items for the holiday gift bags. Congregation volunteers, helped collect the food necessary for JFS Agudath Sholom of Stamford and Congregation clients to share a holiday meal. Beth El of Norwalk also donated food from their Program Chairs Risa Goldblum and Abigail Kurtz holiday food drives. packed and distributed the holiday food bags. The To donate non-perishable kosher food items food bags benefitted more than 250 food pantry cli- such as canned fruits and vegetables, fish, rice, ents and 20 individuals and/or families, primarily in pasta and beans, toiletries and store gift cards to Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, Wilton and Trumbull. JFS, contact Rebekah Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or The generosity of the Greater Stamford community e-mail at [email protected] to arrange drop-off at made it possible for JFS to assist more people than the Stamford office. Collecting food at Stop and Shop on September 25 were it has previously. Jewish Family Service is a recipient agency of United Jewish (l-r): Jeremy Malloub, Zoe Goldberg, Sam Sherman and Chabad of Stamford, Soosh, Six Thirteen Restau- Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Lilly Lapine. Friendship Circle Volunteers Hit the Ground Running Volunteers at the Friendship Circle kicked off a teers, offering them advice for the future. Anders Piers’ facilities, including rock climbing, gymnastics, new year on September 18. A group of nearly 100 explained that her family first got involved in the trampolining, cheese pits and more. high school teenagers (old and new volunteers) Friendship Circle when her daughter volunteered Mussi Kantor, the volunteer program coordinator, gathered at Chelsea Piers for a kick-off event that for two siblings with special needs. She said their said she was impressed with the teens’ enthusiasm and included speakers, Chinese food and a variety of families connected deeply and have become very positive energy, all of whom said they couldn’t wait activities. Everyone involved said they were eager close. “This past weekend,” she said, “we celebrated to volunteer for the Friendship Circle this year. “To to make this “a remarkable year” for the Friendship the bar mitzvahs of our friends and we truly felt the see so many teenagers take their time and dedicate Circle. Numerous events and volunteer opportunities full circle come together.” it to a special cause was inspiring to me,” she said. offer a role for everyone interested in the organiza- In addition, she said, the difference the Friendship “It’s incredible to see teens in this generation feel so tion, which matches teens with individuals who have Circle volunteers make on her son, Will, who has empowered by opening their hearts and committing special needs. special needs, is heartwarming. She said his friends’ to make a difference. With such a great kick-off, I’m After catching up with friends and settling down visits are the highlight of his week. On behalf of all confident that this year will be like no other.” to eat, the teens heard a word of Torah. Judi Anders, Friendship Circle families, Anders thanked the vol- For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, a mother of both alumni volunteers and a Friend- unteers for their time, commitment and friendship. visit FriendshipCT.com, e-mail Malya@FriendshipCT. ship Circle participant, then spoke to the volun- After Anders’ talk, the teens were able to use Chelsea com, or call 203-329-0015, ext. 131.

AN INTENTIONAL JOURNEY

DEVOTED TO LIFELONG SUCCESS New Canaan Country School students progress Friendship Circle volunteers geared up for a new year. naturally and confidently, building the self-awareness Standing, l-r: Eric Magnuson, Grant Gelles and Sam Terr. Seated: Carly Barocas. (Photo by Liat Feller) and intellectual skills they need to succeed at every step of the way. Our graduates are marked by their academic preparedness and strength of character.

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, FROM 1–3 P.M.

GO BOLDLY.

www.countryschool.net

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 10 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 “If You Build it They Will Come…” Carmel Academy Opens “Playground of Dreams” By Julie Lapin Gan Chalomot, she said. When Carmel Academy’s young- The new playground is just outside est students began the school year the school’s Early Learning Center, this September they were in for a which houses Carmel Academy’s surprise – a brand new playground shorashim class and kindergarten that seeks to put their imagination, classes. Gan Chalomot is built upon creativity and sense of discovery natural beauty, authentic materials center stage. and toys that spark imagination and “Carmel Academy’s Gan Chalo- play. Specially cut tree trunks, a tee- mot, or Playground of Dreams, is pee crafted from tree branches and truly a one-of-a-kind play area,” said play equipment mostly made from Carmel Academy early childhood wood give children a nature-themed specialist Julie Thaler, the brains slate to explore. behind the project. Playground equipment include a “Inquiry-based learning, discovery music wall made up of pots and pans, and approaching the world with a sense a maze of tubes where children can of wonder is paramount to Carmel use marbles or water to explore the Academy’s early childhood program,” concepts of motion, a pyramid made said Head of School Nora Anderson. from tires, a sandbox, log balance “Our Gan Chalomot is a natural and beam and a life-size scale for students wonderful extension to our school’s to experiment with object weight teaching philosophy and it is inspir- and measuring. Carmel Academy transitional kindergarten students Yonah Vamos and Benjamin Gutrmann ing to watch our youngest students “The children just love it,” Thaler explored Carmel Academy’s new Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood playground. creatively play and learn in this unique said. “And as an educator it is so ex- outdoor play space.” citing to see the type of learning that Thaler, the lead teacher for the is taking place during recess as the school’s Shorashim Transitional Kin- playground encourages children to Yoga Comes to Carmel dergarten program, uses the Reggio think about how to use the materials Emilia approach to early childhood and they draw upon their real-life education, a philosophy that con- experiences and imagination.” Academy siders the surrounding environment Carmel Academy is a recipient agency By Julie Lapin release is so important for teachers to be a “third teacher” for children. of United Jewish Federation of Greater As Carmel Academy middle school because we give so much of ourselves,” And it’s this approach that inspired Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. students enter Rachel Mann’s class- she said. room on a recent afternoon, she asks Mann trained alongside several them each to describe how they are others who teach in Jewish schools. feeling. “Naturally we began having con- “Tired, sleepy, stressed,” some of the versations about how related this is students say. not only to prayer, but to Judaism Mann turns on relaxing music as as a whole,” Mann said. “We talked the students roll out yoga mats. She about the idea that there is a deep takes the group through yoga poses, and natural connection between the meditation and breathing exercises as mind, the body, the breath and the part of a “Yoga and Meditation” elective soul. Every time you begin yoga you class. At the end of the session, Mann start with an intention. Often during reassesses her students. tefillah (prayer) that is something we “Happy, energized, refreshed” are do naturally. It is such an intrinsic the new words the students use to de- connection to prayer.” scribe their frame of mind. Mann also offers “Meditation T’fill- Mann, a Carmel middle school ah” once a week, as part of a new Car- humanities teacher, said she is not mel initiative in which middle school surprised by the immediate benefits students supplement their traditional that the class offers. In fact, that’s ex- prayer services with individual prayer. actly what she experienced this past They choose between a variety of summer as one of 50 educators trained options that include art, singing and by Breathe For Change. discussion to name a few. Breathe For Change is a wellness During a recent session, Mann and yoga teacher-training organiza- played a music compilation of Jewish tion that seeks to empower educators prayers by Yonatan Razel. She took the L-r: Antonia Knijnik, Miri Lebwohl and Zeev Schuck played with a music wall in Carmel to take care of themselves, their stu- students through a series of breathing Academy’s new Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood playground. dents and their school communities and yoga poses. The session ended with through wellness practices such as reciting the Shema prayer. The students yoga and mindfulness. inhaled and, with every exhale, said a The 16-day workshop gave Mann word of the Shema for the duration of 200 intensive hours in training that the breath. she is bringing back to the Carmel Meditation and yoga are all re- community in a variety of ways that search-based ways for children to com- she hopes will impact students and bat stress, Mann said. In fact, stress is teachers alike. ranked #5 in the top 10 child health Mann calls her experience transfor- concerns in a 2016 poll conducted by mative and she is sharing her new skills University of Michigan’s National Poll with Carmel colleagues through weekly on Children’s Health. yoga and meditation classes. “Stress See “Yoga” on page 11

Carmel Academy middle school teacher Rachel Mann led a “Yoga and Meditation” elective class to a group of Carmel students. Mann spent the summer training with Breathe For Change, a wellness and yoga teacher-training organization. november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 11 Chabad Kids Health Day On Sunday, November 20, Gan Yeladim Early spective families wanting to tour Gan Yeladim Early simultaneously throughout the morning for all Childhood Center will host a Kids Health Day and Childhood Center. children and adults to participate in. The Loaves Open House from 9:30 am-12 pm. Based on the Separate programming for parents and children of Love Cooking Marathon will include jobs such as success of last year’s Kids Health Day, this year’s will be available. For the adults, programs will kneading dough, peeling vegetables, cooking and event will be similar. The day will be an opportunity include presentations by a local nutritionist, who baking, and packing everything up to be used for for families to educate themselves on healthy habits will discuss healthy lunchbox ideas, and a local pe- the weekly “Shabbat 2 Go” packages that are sent for kids, encompassing nutrition and exercise, and diatrician, who will discuss keeping healthy during out weekly as part of Chabad of Stamford’s Loaves is open to all children ages 0-10 years, as well as pro- “cold” season. For the kids, children’s yoga instruc- of Love program. tors will give a class featuring moves to enhance Says Hillary Isaacs, associate director of Gan Yelad- activity and core strength with specific Mommy im Early Childhood Center, “This will be a great day and Me yoga, and the Gan morahs (teachers) have to stimulate your minds and bodies while improving Physics First! planned hands-on activities to keep children busy, the physical and mental well-being of your children.” active and healthy. A Loaves of Love Cooking Mar- For more information about the event, contact athon, as a chesed (kindness) project, will be run [email protected]. Carmel Kicks Off Year With School BBQ

L-r: Carmel Academy parents Pam Feldstein, Amy Ament, Keri Ben-Zvi and Ali Hurwitz at Carmel Academy’s Parent Students in Dr. Paul Castle’s physics classes at the Jewish More than 300 members of the Carmel community – students, Association Council Annual Back-To-School BBQ. High School of Connecticut worked in teams to construct parents, alumni and faculty – kicked off the school year a desk top “scaffold” using spring scales, clamp stands with a Parent Association Council Back-To-School BBQ. and meter sticks, which they then used to investigate and Activities for students included an inflatable obstacle course, Yoga Continued from page 10 test the experimental aspects of the concepts of net force, arts and crafts, and airbrush tattoos. There were parent “I am so thankful that I can give my students the tension, support force and static equilibrium. The JHSC vs. kids flag football and basketball games, as well as a opportunity to really breathe, de-stress, listen to their follows the Physics First sequence for science courses, namely barbecue. New and veteran families had a chance to connect bodies and let their minds be still. It’s a powerful physics followed by chemistry then biology. Labs are used to as they celebrated the start to a new school year. L-r: Carmel skill that I hope they can keep with them throughout underpin and reinforce the fundamental concepts discussed Academy students Leora Safer, Annabelle Raz, Maya Fogel, their lives,” Mann said. in the classroom. Pictured (l-r): JHSC students Ami Fogel, Lily Fanwick, Maya Buck, Talia Moss and Talia Orbach. Carmel Academy is a recipient agency of United Jewish Celia Rosen and Jakob Okun. (Photos by Francesca Margolius) Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 12 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 13 14 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 Bi-Cultural Parents Go Back to School By Dora Salm painter Jackson Pollock, who is known pressed with how Mrs. Andersen can Back to school night usually involves for his abstract method and his style of get my 4-year-old to sit and be mindful parents listening and learning about splatter painting. Parents sat at the class- for a few minutes each day. There is their child’s daily schedule and activ- room art tables and created their own a huge amount of current research ities. On September 14, Bi-Cultural sample artworks in the style of Pollock as indicating how mindfulness can help Day School took this one step further Andersen explained the importance of children improve their abilities to pay as parents in the Early Childhood using primary colors. That lessons helps attention, calm down and make more program listened and learned – and children discover how certain colors effective decisions when they become created, crafted and played during its can be combined to create other colors. upset – and it was interesting to be able annual Back to School event. Andersen also led a short mindfulness to try it myself,” said Dr. Alex Rafailov, a Parents in the pre-kindergarten and and meditation session – helping par- parent of a child in the pre-kindergar- kindergarten program donned art ents practice breathing and relaxation ten program. “The evening was really smocks, held paintbrushes and med- techniques – that are the same methods creative and a lot of fun for the parents.” itated on the story-time carpet, prac- that she uses in class with her students. Bi-Cultural Day School is a recipient ticing calming, mindfulness breathing Parents said they enjoyed the revised agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater exercises as they got the chance to back-to-school format. “I am really im- Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. experience firsthand the different activities that their own children do on a daily basis. “For our Back to School Night, A Commanding Visit we really wanted to design a unique experience other than the traditional IDF Takes Center Stage at Bi-Cultural model of sitting in a classroom and Bi-Cultural parent Melissa Steinberg created By Dora Salm 2014 Operation Protective Edge, just listening to the teacher speak – we Jackson Pollock-inspired drip painting On September 13, Israel Defense Adler weaved stories of his military wanted to transform our parents into during the Early Childhood Back to School Force First Lt. Eden Adler visited experience with universal lessons of the children themselves for a short time Night. (Photo by Alice Andersen) Bi-Cultural Day School, sharing his personal growth and determination. and help visualize themselves in the experiences as an Israeli military officer “The monsters in our head that tell us classroom as active, creative learners,” leaf graphs to sort objects by shape and and discussing his involvement with a that we can’t do something are obstacles said Rachel Bahar, associate principal color as they learned about math lessons movie detailing a soldier’s life. that we alone create – it’s up to us to of the Early Childhood program. connected to Autumn. “These activities Bi-Cultural middle school students face those challenges directly so that Combining literacy with science, were a lot of fun for the parents; they viewed the full-feature length documen- we can achieve our goals,” said Adler. parents of kindergarten students sought played literacy games and learned about tary film, “Beneath the Helmet: From Adler also described the larger issues insight into their children’s upcoming important kindergarten math concepts High School to the Home Front” in early and questions that members of the IDF literacy lessons as they made a substance in a fun and interactive way,” said kin- September, integrating the screening of face on a daily basis and his role in help- known among teachers and students dergarten teacher Sharon Chimes. the movie with a discussion of current ing to foster teamwork and collaboration called oobleck, a substance that gets Pre-kindergarten Head Teacher Alice issues in Israel and a conversation about to create a cohesive group. “Each day as its name from the Dr. Seuss book “Bar- Andersen, with the help of assistant facing personal challenges and respon- a soldier, we ask ourselves, ‘Why are we tholomew and the Oobleck.” Parents teacher Ely Sahar, created an art project sibility. The 2014 film is a coming-of-age here and what is our overall purpose?’ combined the green substance with specific to pre-kindergarten parents. story that follows the journey of five Every day, each of us had the same an- cinnamon, made applesauce and used They discussed the style of American Israeli high school graduates as they swer: We are here defending Israel not are drafted into the IDF to defend their just for the people who live in Israel, but country; it offers viewers a look into the we are ultimately protecting the Jewish Bi-Cultural Celebrates Literary demanding and oftentimes difficult life people who live all over the world.” of an Israeli soldier. Adler provided time for questions Currently a political science major following his presentation with the Birthday with Special Visit at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, middle-school audience, who asked On September 16, Bi- Adler, 24, originally from the Western Adler questions ranging from the Cultural Day School’s Galilee town of Kfar Vradim, served as typical training regime to food in the pre-kindergarten class a commander in the 101st Paratrooper army to Adler’s most difficult moment received a visit from Brigade basic training base and was re- during his tour of duty to his experience the literary character sponsible for 42 recruits and three ser- being a subject of a movie. “The movie, Curious George geants during his time of service. Adler ‘Beneath the Helmet,’ was about five in celebration of the introduced his talk with a discussion of different people’s stories, but in the character’s 75th birthday. the concept of achrayut, a Hebrew word end, it is all our story. We are here to In an author study tied that encompasses not just personal learn about Judaism and Israel and the in with the character’s responsibility, but also obligation and more knowledge you have, the more anniversary, pre- accountability for others. powerful you are.” kindergarten Head Providing insight into the daily Bi-Cultural Day School is a recipient Teacher Alice Andersen training regime and duty assignments, agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater used the book series including his involvement with the Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. to teach vocabulary using writing and art activities centered on the concept of curiosity. Curious George creators At left: First Lt. Hans and Margret Rey, Eden Adler answered both German-born Jews, a question from Bi- fled from Paris by bicycle in June 1940, as the Nazis prepared to invade Europe, carrying Cultural eighth-grader the manuscript of what would eventually become “Curious George.” L-r: Pre-kindergarten Joshua Terr following students Aharon Rafailov and Bina Siscovick showed the character of Curious George a a discussion about life “Curious George” book from their classroom library. (Photo by Dora Salm) in the IDF and the documentary “Beneath the Helmet.” (Photo by Dora Salm)

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Campus on Park Avenue

Skilled Nursing* (The Jewish Home) Rosnick Fitness Center (The J) Goldstein Assisted Living Residences* Friedman Home Care / Kuriansky Family Residence – 1-bedroom apartments Chaifetz Family Hospice Goldstein Rehabilitation Center Federation for Jewish Philanthropy

*WAIT LISTS For questions and information on current or future services: FORMING NOW www.jseniors.org • 203-365-6400 • [email protected] november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 15 16 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 International Math at JHSC A Walk in the Woods One of the biggest challenges of gained in popularity in some North 21st century education in the United American schools. States is considered the ability to re- The Jewish High School of Con- main competitive with international necticut has addressed this issue by ex- achievement standards of global panding a U.S. based math curriculum excellence in mathematics. This is and adding some new international one of the reasons that international approaches to teaching mathematics. baccalaureate programs have steadily Natasha Cohen brings her exper- tise from the Russian mathematics program to her students with a focus on proving and mastering in-depth mathematical concepts. Dr. Yidi Zhang blends his training at the Stevens Institute of Technology with his knowledge of the Chinese mathematics approach of high level mathematical subjects. William Berson holds more than 50 U.S. patents and seeks a practical Shown are Carmel Academy’s sixth-grade class members during their four-day trip to the flair to his classes using manipula- Teva Learning Center, at the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center in the northwest hills tives and real world applications of of Connecticut. The Teva nature’s classroom seeks to integrate outdoor environmental abstract mathematical concepts for education with Jewish concepts and values. The students hiked the mountain trails, studied his students. pond organisms to determine the health of the pond, saw how matter cycles through the “As technology makes the world a environment in its natural settings, and viewed and helped run environmentally friendly ‘flatter’ place, it is critical to provide farms. Skits and hands-on activities taught the students about making intelligent choices our contemporary students with the concerning the resources that they use. most sophisticated approaches and global best practices to education that are available. In this way, they will be prepared to compete success- Chabad Kids Programs fully on the emerging global playing field of interconnected business and commerce,” commented Rabbi Elisha Begin A New Year Paul, JHSC head of school. In September, Chabad of Stamford (Hebrew reading program) seek to inte- The Jewish High School of Connecticut is a launched their Chabad Kids Club and grate Judaic lessons that teach children recipient agency of United Jewish Federation Hebrew School for children in kinder- about their Jewish heritage, holidays, L-r: Ninth-graders Jakob Okun and Nate of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and garten-sixth grade. practices and customs. The program is Herman worked on a math problem together. Darien. CKC is an afterschool program, which run by Rabbi Elazar and Shaina Glick. includes Hebrew School, Judaic home- For more information about CKC and work help, lessons, games and crafts. Chai Hebrew School, contact shainaglick@ Five (Chesed club) and Aleph Champ stamfordchabad.org.

Clockwise from bottom left: Noam Haron, Andrew Yakubovich, Zoe Jaffe-Berkowitz, Sarah Hanna, Gabriella Lieberman, Danny Goldblum, Kovi Bodek, Doug Herman, Jacob Sigman and Nate Herman. Students at CKC and Hebrew School enjoyed a cupcake at the start of school. L-r: Nate Elsner, Tommy Surette, Ari Lechner, Gideon Lechner, Wyatt Elsner, Nate Margerum and Shmuly Shmotkin. (Photos by Shternie Shemtov)

Shaina Glick addressed the Chabad Kids Club and Hebrew School students on the first day.

Morah Leah Shemtov (left) helped to organize the Chabad Kids Club registration. november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 17 Ancient City Unearthed Where David and Goliath Battled By Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman JNS.org Archaeologists believe they have found evidence of King David’s foot- prints in a mysterious two-gated city from 3,000 years ago, mentioned in the Bible’s story of David and Goliath. The site is known by its modern name, Khirbet Qeiyafa, in Israel’s Elah Valley. After nearly seven years of excava- tions, the public can now explore the archaeological findings of Qeiyafa through “In the Valley of David and Goliath,” a new Bible Lands Museum exhibition that opened recently in Jerusalem. The Qeiyafa findings have sparked debate and intrigued histori- ans and archaeologists since they were first revealed. The city was discovered between Sokho and Azekah, on the border between the Philistines and the Judeans, in the place where David and Goliath battled. It’s mentioned The site’s casemate walls are reminiscent of the type of urban planning found only in Judah and Transjordan. (Photo by Maayan in the Torah in 1 Samuel 17: 1-2. Jaffe-Hoffman) Carbon-14 dating of some 28 charred olive pits found during excavations Institute of Archeology at Hebrew faced Philistia, and the southern gate, gates”), a city mentioned in the David date the city as existing around the University of Jerusalem. He, along with which faced Judah. Having two gates and Goliath story in the Book of Sam- end of the 11th century B.C.E., until Sa’ar Ganor from the Israel Antiquities for a relatively small city of 5.7 acres uel, which reads, “And the slain Philis- the early 10th century, in the days of Authority and Prof. Michal Hazel of is unusual, according to Bible Lands tines lay along the way of Sha’arayim, Saul and David. Southern Adventist University of Ten- curator Yehuda Kaplan. Gates are the as far as Gath and Ekron.” (1 Samuel “No one can argue with this data,” nessee, led the excavations. weakest part of any city. The two gates 17:52) It’s also in Judges 16:5 and in said Prof. Yosef Garfinkel, Yigal Ya- Among the site’s highlights are its are what led excavators to identify the Jeremiah 17:19-20. din Chairman of Archeology at the two gates: the western gate, which site with Sha’arayim (Hebrew for “two See “City” on page 22

November & December 2016 SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED SPECIAL EVENTS COUNSELING, MEDIATION & CRISIS 5th Annual Saul Cohen - JFS Lecture JFS For Children/Adolescents Diagnosed With ADD/ADHD Thursday, November 17th at 7:30 pm Wednesday afternoons. Finding Your Focus with Dr. Lee Combrinck-Graham MD. Service Rabbi Sherre Hirsch will speak about At a Crossroads: Navigating Expected and Unexpected includes psychiatric evaluation, review of previous evaluations, family assessment, on-going Transitions. Open to the community at no charge at the Ferguson Library in Stamford. Call support, and medication management. Qualifies for insurance reimbursement.For more JFS at 203-921-4161or visit www.ctjfs.org for more information. information, contact Eve Moskowitz at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. JFS College Ahead! JFS College Counseling Thursday, December 1st at 7:30 pm. Deans of Admissions of prominent colleges will form a Need help navigating the college admission and application process? Qualified, experienced panel of experts to share information about the college admissions, academics, Jewish life on assistance provided by Claire D. Friedlander, JFS College Consultant. Competitive fees. For campus, residential options and other topics of interest. Claire Friedlander, JFS College Con- more information, contact Claire Friedlander at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. sultant, will moderate the discussion at the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy office at 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Open to the community at no cost and registration is not required. JFS Counseling Contact Claire Friedlander at 203-921-4161 or email [email protected] for more information. Qualified, licensed professionals provide counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, children, adolescents, families, couples and groups. For emotional support while unemployed, see Life Transitions below. Affordable fees, based on income; no one is “turned DIVORCE & BEREAVEMENT away”. Insurance accepted. For more information, contact JFS at 203-921-4161. Parent Education Program (PEP) JFS Individuals / Families in Crisis State-mandated workshop for divorcing parents with children at JFS Stamford. Fee is $125 Comprehensive services. Assistance with basic necessities, housing, medical, social, legal and per person. Call for dates and to register at 203-324-3167. financial matters. Fees based on ability to pay. For more information, contact: Rebekah Kanefsky JFS Focus on K.I.D.S. at 203- 921-4161 #128 or [email protected]. For divorced or separated parents experiencing high conflict around parenting decisions. Teaches both parents strategies for communicating in a non-hostile manner. For more information, contact Erika Garcia at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. CARING FOR SENIORS EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING JFS Home Companion A program placing fully trained and vetted home companions and CNAs matched to the needs JFS Computer Training Courses and specific circumstances of senior clients. Trained aides assist seniors with daily activities, Variety of courses - all levels, individuals or small groups. Nominal fee. For more chores, and socialization. Certified Nursing Assistants can provide personal care, toileting, and information, contact Ilene Locker at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. medication management. Services are provided hourly, daily or up to 24/7 at competitive rates. JFS Seniors2Work Full supervision by professional JFS staff.For more information contact Isrella Knopf, Director of Job Bank for age 50+. Lower Fairfield employers can list full / part time jobs for dedicated, Senior Services at JFS at 203-921-4161 or email at [email protected]. skilled mature workers. No fees. For more information, contact Ilene Locker or Jodi Maxner JFS Residential Cleaning at 203-921-4161 or www.seniors2work.org Employ professionally trained individuals to clean your home and at the same time help Life Transitions support Jewish Family Service. Rates lower or competitive than other service providers. For more information, contact Jodi Maxner at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Support group for unemployed facing the emotional challenges of finding employment at the Stamford JFS office, 733 Summer Street, 6th Floor. Contact Anne Birchenough at 203-921-4161 Let’s Talk - Stamford or [email protected]. Thursdays at 11:00 am Free at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue. Seniors talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Jewish Family Service counselor. Contact Taking Your Job Search by Storm in 2016 Anne Birchenough at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Wednesday, October 19th 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Presented by the JFS Employment and Training Services Workshop, Abby Kohut, known as Let’s Talk - Westport “Absolutely Abby”, will teach the steps needed to take to assure a successful search before Thursdays at 1:00 pm Free at the Westport Senior Center, 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport. Seniors the end of 2016. Workshop will be held at the Stamford office: 733 Summer Street, 6th Floor. talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Jewish Family Service counselor. No cost to attend but registration is suggested. Contact Ilene Locker, Director of JFS Employ- Contact Anne Birchenough at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. ment & Training at 203-921-4161 or email at [email protected] SNAP Enrollment Workshops - STAMFORD For adults and seniors. JFS will be providing information and eligibility assistance for the Sup- SUPPORT plemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-formerly food stamps). The second Wednesday of every month at 2:30 pm in the Stamford office (733 Summer Street, 65th Floor. SNAP Enroll- JFS Brain Fitness Pilot Program ment Workshops will be presented monthly. For additional information or to register, please Working with clients to improve brain function while aging in the client’s home. JFS is contact Rebekah Kanefsky, JFS Case Manager at 203-921-4161 or email [email protected]. looking for volunteers to provide one-on-one brain fitness training. No experience necessary. SNAP Enrollment Workshops - WESTPORT Contact Jami Fener at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. For adults and seniors. JFS will be providing information and eligibility assistance for the JFS Kosher Food Pantry Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-formerly food stamps). The second Tues- Non-perishable staples for those in need. Donations welcomed. Please contact Rebekah day of every month at 11:00 am in the Westport office (431 Post Road East. SNAP Enrollment Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or email [email protected] to arrange drop-off. For more informa- Workshops will be presented monthly. For additional information or to register, please con- tion, contact JFS at 203-921-4161. tact Rebekah Kanefsky, JFS Case Manager at 203-921-4161 or email [email protected].

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 18 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 Why Tel Aviv is so Crazy about Dogs By Andrew Tobin for people to bring their dogs to work here.” TEL AVIV (JTA) – It’s not every day you see a dog This city is home to 25,000 registered dogs, along getting a massage. But in this Israeli city, somehow with more than 400,000 people. Ahead of its dog it seems expected. festival, called Kelaviv (a portmanteau of “kelev,” At Tel Aviv’s first official dog festival, hundreds of Hebrew for “dog,” and Tel Aviv), Tel Aviv declared dogs took over Yehoshua Park and its dog park on itself the friendliest world city for dogs, with the most a Friday afternoon. As canine customers wandered dogs per capita. (New York City’s Economic Devel- among vendors selling dog-related products and opment Corporation might beg to differ, putting the services, a DJ kept tails wagging with pop hits. number of dogs in the Big Apple at 600,000 with a One of the longest massages of the day went to a population of 8.4 million humans, or 1 percentage luxuriating yellow Labrador mix. Nearby, a pair of point higher than Tel Aviv – but who’s counting?) well-kept poodles snacked on maki tuna rolls and Dogs crowd the streets of Tel Aviv, encouraged by its posed for professional photos. Leashed shoppers year-round sunshine and walkability. They’re allowed sampled organic gluten-free kibble, tried on boutique in most cafes, stores and even high-end restaurants, collars and leashes, and eyed bespoke dog tags and as well as on city buses and trains and in taxi vans. local dog-themed art. Tel Aviv boasts 70 dog parks and four dog beaches. Orange Tel Aviv-branded dog bowls were regularly The regular parks and legally dog-free beaches have Mira Marcus, the city of Tel Aviv’s director of international refilled with bottled water. their fair share of canine visitors, too, many of them press, with her dog Shani at the Kelaviv dog festival in Tel Meanwhile, the dogs’ owners mingled and forked off-leash regardless of regulations. Aviv on August 26. (Photo by Andrew Tobin) over the necessary shekels, seemingly unfazed by True, most of Israel’s nearly 400,000 dogs don’t their reduced role in the whole affair. After all, live in Tel Aviv. But like elsewhere in the world, an Perhaps more than other urbanites, Tel Avivians Tel Aviv is a dog city. The reasons for that are both increasing number of Israelis are migrating to the demand that their dogs be accommodated. Busi- global and local. city and many of them want dogs. The number of nesses know barring dogs means losing business and “Everywhere in the world is fighting for the cre- dogs in Tel Aviv has more than tripled since 1996, that they would likely hear about it on Facebook. It ative class and one of the ways to do that is to make according to the city. helps that Tel Aviv is an informal city, in an informal life better for those people in the city,” Mira Marcus, Israeli experts on human-dog relations said the country, where T-shirts and sandals are appropriate Tel Aviv’s international press director, told JTA. “I animals play the role of children in the lives of ur- attire at most restaurants, not to mention weddings. think many creative people are dog owners. Many ban millennials, who are waiting longer than ever to Even Hotel Montefiore, a premier local restaurant times, when I walk into a startup company in Tel Aviv, marry. For Israelis, whose national culture has roots and hotel, welcomes dogs. there are dogs everywhere. It’s very, very common in the ethos of the kibbutz, dogs may also help ease Many businesses leave out bowls of water for thirsty the isolation of urban life, they said. dogs. Some go even further. Asaf Gorelik, 34, was at “We still have a very strong memory of our collec- Kelaviv with his girlfriend, Dana Galant, and his two tivist past, and dogs help us cope with the loneliness adopted dogs, Nelly and Rahat. Gorelik owns a trendy of the post-modern present,” Orit Hirsch-Matsioulas, Tel Aviv barbershop chain called Barberia, where in a doctoral student in anthropology at Ben-Gurion September he will be selling posters of rescued pit University of the Negev, told JTA. “We opened the bulls sitting in his retro barber chairs to raise money apartment door to dogs and made them part of for a charity that rehabilitates the animals. the family. People understand their dogs as their “I love dogs and I always wanted to help,” Gorelik own children.” told JTA. “Dogs are an accepted part of Tel Aviv. When Florencia Aventuriny, a 27-year-old media manag- I leave the city, people are like, ‘What are you doing er, and Hod Kashtan, a 31-year-old software engineer, bringing dogs in here?’” each had a dog in tow at Kelaviv. In the month the More and more Tel Aviv-based businesses exist two Tel Avivians have been dating, their dogs, Sandy specifically to serve dogs. You can’t walk more than and Chuni, have been part of the relationship. a few blocks in the city without coming across a pet “I grew up with a dog outside Tel Aviv and it was store. Many such businesses were at Kelaviv, including Hod Kashtan, left, with his dog Chuni, and Florencia nice, but not the same,” Aventuriny said. “In Tel high-tech startups like DogMen, a fast-growing dog Aventuriny with her dog Sandy at the Kelaviv dog festival Aviv you take your dog everywhere and he’s part walking service that sends owners photographs of in Tel Aviv on August 26. (Photo by Andrew Tobin) of your community.” See “Dogs” on page 23 Adult Volunteer Opportunities CHABAD STAMFORD JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER (JCC or The J) Betsy’s Buddies Volunteers Kosher Lunch Program for Seniors Weekly or bi-monthly commitments available. Betsy’s Buddies Help set up and serve HOT Kosher lunch to seniors. Tuesdays, is a program looking to facilitate one-on-one visitations between Thursdays & Fridays at the JCC. For more information or volunteers and homebound members in the community. Weekly reservation: Connie Cirillo Freeman at 203-487-0983 or or bi-monthly commitments available and a great opportunity for [email protected]. retirees and families. For more information, contact programs@ chabadstamford.org. JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE (JFS) Drivers needed to deliver food from the Kosher Food Pantry to Loaves of Love Deliveries individuals in the community. For information: Rebekah Every Friday after 10 am. Help distribute Loaves of Love Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. packages to new neighbors, friends, new moms, the sick and ANYONE who could use a “Taste of Shabbat.” For more JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF information, contact [email protected]. FAIRFIELD COUNTY (JHS) FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE Harry Rosenbaum JHS Judaica Library at the JCC Adult Circle Program Cover 2-hour slot (or more) once a week. You’ll be trained on the Serving adults with a full range of physical, mental and computer system and the arrangement of books in the library. Call cognitive needs through one-on-one friendships and social 203-487-0957. opportunities with other adults in our community. Oppor- tunities this year will include, social events, swim nights, The Archives at the Jewish Historical Society of bowling and community integration employment. For more Fairfield County information please contact Sarah Lipsker at Help protect the pieces of our Jewish history. Do you enjoy [email protected]. finding out about our region’s early Jewish settlers? Do you want to help Jewish organizations retain their history and documents? UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER Call 203-359-2196. STAMFORD, NEW CANAAN AND DARIEN 3SQUARE - In Connecticut, nearly one child in five is hungry UJF’s READING PARTNERS or food insecure and does not get enough food outside of the Read one-on-one with Stamford public school children. One free meal programs provided by the public schools. Women’s hour a week, mornings or afternoons. 13 elementary schools. Philanthropy of the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stam- Training, literacy, focused workshops and support network pro- ford, New Canaan and Darien is joining other programs through- vided. Contact Marlyn Agatstein 203-321-1373 x115 or out the country to do something about this situation in our [email protected]. own backyards. Help shop and pack bags to be delivered to area schools. Call 203-321-1373 for more information. november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 19 Thank YOU! On September 18th, 250 Friends of the IDF supporters gathered for the Annual Connecticut Dinner to pay tribute to Israel’s bravest at the Stamford Marriott Hotel. ank you to those that attended. Your presence and support make all the dierence for Israel's heroic young men and women soldiers.

For more information, please contact: Anat Chavkin at 646-274-9669/Anat.chavkin@fidf.org or Ali Picheny at 646-274-9645/Ali.picheny@fidf.org Mission Statement: FIDF initiates and helps support educational, social, cultural and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. FIDF also supports the families of fallen soldiers. Photos: Capitol PhotoInteractive 20 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 Peres Continued from page 1 elder statesman and a rare figure capa- Bank and Gaza. He shared the Nobel ble of uniting a fractious society. Peace Prize with Rabin and Palestinian Following the signing of the Oslo leader Yasser Arafat. “Israel’s role in the Accords, Peres emerged as Israel’s Middle East should be to contribute global ambassador for peace, predict- to a great, sustained regional revival,” ing the emergence of a “new Middle Peres said upon accepting the prize. East” in which conflict was supplanted “A Middle East without wars, without by shared prosperity. Elected to the enemies, without ballistic missiles, largely ceremonial role of president without nuclear warheads.” in 2007, talk of peace pervaded nearly After Rabin was assassinated in 1995, every speech he gave. Well into his 90s, Peres became acting prime minister, Peres still insisted he would live to see but lost the post again in a close race the day when peace would come. with Likud’s Netanyahu. Following his Peace, however, doomed his political defeat in ‘96, he founded the Peres career. After middling political success Center for Peace, which runs programs in the 1980s, the Oslo Accords debilitat- aimed at regional reconciliation. ed Peres’ Labor Party, which fell from Peres remained in the Labor Party power in 2001 with the outbreak of through 2005, twice regaining the the second intifada and has yet to win chairmanship and serving another another election. When Peres won the stint as foreign minister under Prime presidency in 2007, he was a member Shimon Peres, left, walked with David Ben-Gurion, center, and an unidentified man in Minister Ariel Sharon. In 2006, follow- of Kadima, a short-lived centrist party. Kibbutz Sde Boker, Israel, on January 3, 1969. (Photo by Government Press Office) ing the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, As president, Peres rose again, this Peres joined Sharon’s new centrist time as Israel’s wise old man. Free to rise on her Tel Aviv mailbox to Sonya Gal, Menachem Begin’s Likud party. Kadima party. above the political fray, Peres trumpet- a Hebraicized version of her maiden Peres headed the Alignment – the The next year, he won a race for ed Israel’s technological achievements name. Sonya Peres died in 2011 at 87. precursor to today’s Labor Party – for Israel’s largely ceremonial presidency. and articulated its hopes for a brighter In 1947, Peres joined the Haganah, the next 15 years, contesting three As president, Peres stayed largely above future. More than anything, he became managing arms purchases and person- more close elections with Likud. The the political fray, though he conducted a symbol of the country’s resilience nel. After Israel gained independence two parties formed a unity government secret negotiations with Palestinian – able to survive, thrive and remain the following year, he continued work- following the 1984 elections – Peres Authority President Mahmoud Abbas optimistic – no matter the challenges. ing in the Defense Ministry, becoming was prime minister from 1984-86, then in 2011, culminating in a peace deal “Shimon devoted his life to our its youngest-ever director-general in foreign minister under Prime Minister that Netanyahu’s government rejected. nation and to the pursuit of peace,” 1952 at 29. In that capacity, he ex- Yitzhak Shamir from 1986-88. After leaving the presidency, Peres re- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- panded Israeli arms purchases from As foreign minister in 1987, Peres mained largely silent on politics. anyahu said in a statement. “He set his France and later helped manage the conducted secret negotiations with King Peres frequently traveled inter- gaze on the future. He did so much to 1956 Sinai Campaign. He also founded Hussein of Jordan for Israel to withdraw nationally as president, focusing his protect our people. He worked to his Israel’s arms production industry and from the West Bank as part of an Israe- speeches and activism on encouraging last days for peace and a better future led efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. li-Jordanian peace treaty. But Shamir Middle East peace and touting Israel’s for all. As Israel’s president, Shimon Peres was first elected to the Knesset rejected the proposed agreement and technological achievements. In 2012, did so much to unite the nation. And in 1959 with Ben-Gurion’s ruling Mapai the following year Jordan unilaterally President Barack Obama awarded him the nation loved him for it.” party, becoming deputy defense minister. relinquished its claim to the West Bank. the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Born Szymon Perski in Wiszniewo, He would serve in the Knesset for an as- After the Alignment lost the 1988 United States’ highest civilian honor. Poland, in 1923, Peres moved with his yet unmatched total of 48 years. Peres elections, Peres again joined a Likud-led Peres’ annual Presidential Conference family to Tel Aviv in 1934. At 20, he remained a close Ben-Gurion ally, splitting government as finance minister, but brought together leaders in politics, became the head of a Labor Zionist from Mapai with him in 1965 to form a tried to overthrow the government science and culture. He finished his youth group, through which he met rival party and then rejoining Mapai when two years later. In what became known presidential term in 2014. David Ben-Gurion, who would become it became the Alignment in 1968. as the Dirty Trick, Peres assembled an He is survived by three children, Israel’s first prime minister. In 1945, After serving in several minor minis- Alignment-led coalition with leftist and Tsvia Walden, Yoni Peres and Chemi Peres married Sonya Gelman, who had terial positions, Peres became defense haredi Orthodox parties, only to see it Peres; eight grandchildren and two just returned from World War II service minister in 1974 under Prime Minister fall apart after he received a mandate to great-grandchildren. in the British Army. Yitzhak Rabin. Peres was a territorial form a governing coalition. He lost his “A light has gone out, but the hope The couple was married for 67 years, hawk, opposing early proposals for party’s chairmanship to Rabin in 1992, he gave us will burn forever,” Obama though they separated after Peres be- West Bank withdrawal and supporting and again became foreign minister said in a statement. “Shimon Peres was a came a presidential candidate. Sonya settlement expansion. When Rabin when the party, now renamed Labor, soldier for Israel, for the Jewish people, Peres had long refused to play the resigned amid scandal in 1977, Peres won elections that year. for justice, for peace and for the belief part of political wife and, after Peres briefly became acting prime minister, Under Rabin, Peres was the architect that we can be true to our best selves – to moved to the president’s residence then lost the post when the Alignment of the Oslo Accords, which gave the Pal- the very end of our time on Earth, and in Jerusalem, she changed the name was defeated in the 1977 election by estinians autonomy in parts of the West in the legacy that we leave to others.” november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 21 REFLECTIONS ON SHIMON PERES Shimon Peres, Nellie Forbush and Cockeyed Optimism By James Cohen something I feel we all must do better ing for the silver lining need not mean I want, and put a little extra into the UJF CEO to buy into: optimism. Only a life-long that one needs to be naïve (much like pushke in Peres’ memory, I am going I met Shimon Peres three times. optimist would be able to transform the wonderful character from “South to try to follow his example. Fresh off his Oslo success, I met him as himself from the man who plotted Pacific” referenced in the title. Curious Note: The above article was originally an Emory University junior in January out the Suez invasion on a cocktail to see for yourself? Visit www.youtube. sent out at the beginning of October as 1994. His calls for a shared economic napkin into one of the most cogent com/watch?v=p0DusO6ipLw). As I James Cohen’s monthly e-message to the zone to be shared by Jews and Pales- proponents of lasting and prosperous think about the kind of year and world community. tinians were characteristically bold peace in the Middle East. Only a life- and ahead of their time. Encounter long optimist, who as a younger man number two was in 2005 when, as a could never gain the trust of a majority foreign service officer, I staffed Sec- of Israelis to win the premiership in retary Rice’s trip to participate in the his own right, could become a beloved An Israeli Remembers ceremonies commemorating the 10th elder statesman, to whom all (or anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin’s death. certainly most) gave their undivided Shimon Peres Even while eulogizing a former rival, attention when he had something to By Yael Stolarsky strengthened Israel’s power in many Peres was able to look forward and say. Some visionaries paint pictures Stamford JCC Israeli shlicha ways. ... As a man of peace, he worked talk about the future that he and of gloom and doom, or prophesize Shimon Peres, the former pres- until his final days for reconciliation Rabin would not live to see. Lastly, about Armageddon to get the faithful ident and last of Israel’s founding with our neighbors and for a better in 2013, I met President Peres while to follow them. Not Peres. His default fathers, passed away September 28, future for our children.” representing UJF at the opening of to appeal to our better angels, to after having a stroke on September An outstanding leader, beloved the Jewish Agency for Israel Board of dream big and to challenge us all to 13, a stroke he never recovered from. public figure and a national treasure Governors meeting. Spry, sharp and do the same, won him the respect of Having over a seven-decade career, are just a few of the accolades Shimon dapper, he talked about how Israel’s millions and inched us closer to the Peres is one of Israel’s most admired Peres has been receiving these last few leadership in neuroscience and nan- peace which we hope will eventually symbols. He has held virtually every days. In the case of Shimon Peres, I otechnology was making the world a be achieved. senior political office, including two believe these words are not just a way better place. In the spirit of the High Holidays and stints as prime minister and served to praise the deceased and to remem- Though I met him during three as we think about the kind of year and extended terms as foreign, defense ber the good, as we tend to do when very different stages of my life, the the kind of world we want to have, let’s and finance ministers. someone is gone. Shimon Peres was same winning attribute impressed be optimistic. Peres taught us how to do When we hear the name Shimon exactly these things and even more. me each time. Peres’ greatest gift is that and the important lesson that look- Peres, we usually think about the peace Peres holds a special place in the lives he worked so hard for and the Nobel and hearts of the Israeli people. Some Peace Prize he won in 1994 for his active agree with his political views and some role in the peace talks he participated may not, but there’s no doubt that each in. Peres’ contribution is much greater and every Israeli recognizes Shimon Impressive at Any Age than that, even greater than words. Peres as a man of a great influence By Ellen Weber mistake in life,” he noted, “is to dream Peres helped develop the country’s on us all. As an Israeli, Peres is exactly UJF President too small. ...We are a civilization that Air Force into the world-renowned the kind of leader I know we all want In early April of this year, Nancy shouldn’t be measured in kilometers.” juggernaut that it is today and played to be led by. He has dedicated his life Mimoun, a past president of UJF, and As I listened to him speak, I rapidly a central role in the creation of Israel’s for the country, for us, and we love him I had the privilege of representing recorded the pearls coming from this defense industries. He urged Israel to for that. In addition to being a brilliant our Federation at the 20th anniversary man who has worked for decades to dream and to innovate. He was a man of statesman, Peres’ sense of humor and celebration for Partnership2Gether promote peace. “Demography is not many visions and he worked tirelessly to approachability made him a beloved in Israel. One of the highlights of the important. It’s better to have 2 states achieve them. With his creativity, deter- figure. We Israelis feel like we have lost trip was our visit to the Peres Center and 1 peace.” mination and faith, Shimon Peres has our grandfather. for Peace, where we had the incredible As one of the founders of the state led the state of Israel from its inception This is a great loss for my country, opportunity to be addressed by Shimon of Israel and Israel’s high tech indus- to the start-up nation it is today. In the and for the entire world, but I know Peres, in person. At the Center, set in try, Peres was a true visionary. “A Jew beautiful words of Benjamin Netanya- the legacy of Shimon Peres will pros- Jaffa, on the beautiful Mediterranean cannot be satisfied by just doing,” he hu, “As a man of vision, he looked to per always. Sea, former President Peres took to the said. “We must discover something new the future, as a man of security; he May his memory be for a blessing. stage to address the participants, who every day in order to be content. … were in awe at being in the presence The world is moving forward and we of one of the great senior statesmen have to decide that we should be on of Israel. the side of the future, the side of the At 93, Peres was amazing, looking innovators. ... It was my big dream – to and sounding much younger than his help the world – and that dream has years and simply “sharp as a tack.” He been fulfilled.” gave us historical perspectives about the The world will miss Shimon Peres. state of Israel and the Jewish people as I am thankful to have had the oppor- well as his vision for the future. “The tunity to be inspired by him.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 22 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016 VOICES AND VIEWS Why I Care… “The nature of the community is but the sum-total of what there is in the individuals.” – Yitzchak Levi Satanov Focus on: Michael Wirgin and Rob Hoff – Co-chairs of UJF Cardozo Society By Jane Levene this unique community. Why did you agree to chair this Michael Wirgin and Rob Hoff have Rob: I’ve always believed that a program? been Stamford residents for many Jewish community, and Judaism gen- Michael and Rob: We agreed to years and, together with their families, erally, is what you make of it. And it’s chair the Cardozo affinity group as a believe that they must do all they can important for me to give as much as means to build relationships within to support local Jewish organizations. I receive. UJF, and the entire Jewish the Stamford Jewish legal community They believe that when the local Jewish community of Stamford, give so much and help advance UJF’s mission of a community is strong, it can serve as a to my family and me. From fun events community built on the Jewish ideal source of strength for everyone, both for kids and adults, to bringing the of tzedakah: charity, righteousness and here and around the world. They have entire Jewish Stamford community social justice. been extremely active in UJF and their together in unity, to giving us a plat- Why should others get involved in efforts are a shining example of what it form to help Jews in the community this program? means to give of our time and energy L-r: Michael Wirgin and Rob Hoff (Photo and around the world in need, UJF Michael and Rob: We encourage in support of our community. by UJF staff) has been a great source of strength participation in the Cardozo Society as Here’s why they care… for us. We try to give back as much as it provides an excellent opportunity to Describe your current and past in- connected to the Jewish community we can through charity, our time, and connect with other attorneys within the volvement with UJF and how long you here. We learned what a diverse, vibrant our energy. community socially, enjoy education have been involved. and friendly community Stamford Describe the Cardozo Society pro- activities and help enlighten others Michael: Upon moving to Stamford has, and we decided then to dedicate gram. How does it benefit the local about the work of the Federation. five and a half years ago, my wife, our time and donations to UJF. I have community as well as the greater Have you been involved with other Emily, and I were welcomed by UJF been a YLD board member, a UJF Jewish community? Jewish organizations? almost immediately. The YLD presi- “big board” member and co-chair of Michael and Rob: The Cardozo Michael: I am a board member at dent and UJF staff personally reached the UJF Cardozo Society. I have also Society is an affinity group connect- Congregation Agudath Sholom and a out to us and helped us feel part of co-chaired and attended many UJF ing attorneys within the Greater parent of twin girls who are first-graders the local Jewish community from day events. My wife was the head of UJF’s Stamford/New Canaan/Darien at Bi-Cultural Day School. one. Shortly thereafter, Emily joined Reading Partners program for many area. We offer continuing legal ed- Rob: I’ve been involved in many the YLD board and is currently the years, before returning to teaching in ucation programs, social events and other Jewish organizations in the president of that group. I am co-chair the classroom. fund-raising activities. We hope to community. I am a board member at of the UJF Cardozo society. We have Why is it important for you to give make connections among attorneys Congregation Agudath Sholom, an also participated, co-chaired and/or back in this way? who have a shared interest in the active member of the JCC, a proud hosted many UJF events. Michael: I feel deeply connected local and global Jewish community parent of graduates from Sara Walker Rob: I have been involved with to the Jewish community and, in par- so that they can learn together and Preschool and Chabad’s Gan Yeladim, UJF almost from the day I moved to ticular, the community here in Stam- support the community together. and a proud parent of students (and Stamford in 2006. My wife, Tricia, and ford. I believe that Stamford has a We also hope to benefit the Cardozo husband of a teacher) at BCDS. I am I attended the first YLD event where diverse, unified and accepting Jewish Society members by giving them an feeling old now that I am also the we made great friends and instantly community and it’s important to me outlet for networking and sharing proud parent of a student at SAR to do my part to further strengthen ideas and experiences. High School. The New Jewish Voice Continued from page 17 “The New Jewish Voice” (USPS #189) is published monthly by City the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan The gates were corroborated by as part of the new exhibit, is attributed and Darien Inc., 1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905-2521. additional evidence of Jewish activity to Hazel, king of Damascus, who boasts www.ujf.org for updates and donations at Qeiyafa, including thousands of about killing a king of Israel and a Ellen Weber...... President sheep, goat, cow and fish bones, and king of Judah, the latter of which is James A. Cohen...... Chief Executive Officer the absence of non-kosher pig bones, referred to in the inscription as “King Advisory Committee Kaplan said. of the House of David.” Meryl Gordon...... Chair Evidence of cultic activity through- While the site stirs the biblical imag- Meryl Japha, Nancy Schulman, Sue Yellen out the city was also unearthed, as ination, it also serves a political role. well as two inscriptions written in the Biblical Minimalists, a band of biblical Reporter Group Staff The Reporter Group edits and publishes The New Jewish Voice. Canaanite script. One was incised on scholars and archaeologists trying to Rabbi Rachel Esserman...... Executive Editor a jar and contains the Hebrew name eradicate the connection of the Jewish Diana Sochor...... Layout Editor Eshbaal, son of Beda. The second was people to the land of Israel by claiming Michael Nassberg...... Assistant Editor inscribed on a pottery shard with only a there’s not reliable evidence for what Jenn DePersis...... Production Coordinator few identifiable words, including “king” had happened in ancient Israel, can Bonnie Rozen...... Advertising Representative Kathy Brown...... Bookkeeper and “judge.” Many of the letters seem be negated by some of Qeiyafa’s find- to reflect Hebraic writing. Garfinkel ings. Within 10 days of his publishing Opinions suggests this is the earliest writing doc- the first paper on Qeiyafa, another The views expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily the views umentation of the Hebrew language article claimed the site as Palestinian, of the United Jewish Federation. discovered to date. Garfinkel said. Among the pottery on the site, less “This happens a lot,” said Jacob Letters than 2 percent was typical Philistine L. Wright, associate professor of The New Jewish Voice welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be pottery. Kaplan said if the communi- Hebrew Bible at Emory University signed and include a phone number. The editor may ty had been Philistine, a minimum Bible Lands curator Yehuda Kaplan. (Photo in Atlanta. “In no other area of the withhold the name upon request. of 20 percent of Philistine design by Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman) world do you have such a connection Kashruth should have been found. Of the 24 to biblical imagination.” We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any adver- weapons and tools discovered, 67 Wright said there’s likely a middle tiser’s product or establishment. percent were made from iron and period of King David, people lived in ground. While he believes Garfinkel 33 percent from bronze. Use of iron small farming communities. Around has placed Qeiyafa in the right time HOW TO REACH THE EDITOR: during this period by other sites in 11 B.C.E., these agrarian communities period and that it’s likely a Judean Mail: Sandy Golove Judah, such as Arad and Beersheva, became urban societies. “In this, the community, experts aren’t certain that 1035 Newfield Ave. - Suite 200 helped archeologists identify Qeiyafa biblical tradition has historic memo- King David had anything to do directly Stamford, CT 06905-2521 as a Judean site. ry,” Garfinkel said. “If we ask, ‘Where with the site. E-mail: [email protected] Finally, casemate walls – two thin- is archaeology starting to support “One has to separate the Bible Phone: (203) 912-9945 ner, parallel walls with empty space in biblical tradition, Khirbet Qeiyafa is and archaeology,” Wright said. “The Send article submissions via e-mail to between and a belt of houses abutting the beginning.” minimalists want to deny the state of Sandy Golove at [email protected] the casemates, incorporating them as There’s only one other archaeolog- Judah and Israel; they are politically marked “Stamford Voice” in the subject part of the construction – are remi- ical reference to King David found in driven and have a loose agenda… line. Expect an acknowledgement; niscent of the type of urban planning Israel, the Aramaic inscription from But it does not help when the max- please re-send if you do not receive one. found only in Judah and Transjordan. the mid-9th century B.C.E. found at imalists try to connect everything HOW TO REACH Garfinkel explained that before the Tel Dan. This inscription, on display they find on the ground with Jesus THE ADVERTISING or King David.” REPRESENTATIVE: Bible Lands’ Kaplan is confident in Phone: 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 the exhibit and the story it’s telling of SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Please support our advertisers - Qeiyafa. “Everything you touch at Kh- Phone: (203) 321-1373 ext. 107 tell them you saw their ad here in irbet Qeiyafa brings you to this biblical period,” he said. november 2016 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 23 Dogs Continued from page 18 their dogs on Whatsapp, and Dogiz, an that’s mandatory in Israel. It can be a app that helps owners find dog walkers discount on dog food in a dog store in their neighborhood and lets them in your area that’s participating in the track the walks in real time. program,” Marcus said. “The market is growing along with Dogs also have cultural cache in the urban population,” Dogiz CEO Tel Aviv. Rescuing them from shelters Alon Zlatkin told JTA, noting there is a full-blown trend. Several shelters are now six dog walking and doggie were represented at Kelaviv. And at day care companies in the city. “Our least two set up shop on the streets research shows millennials in Tel Aviv, of the city every weekend, lining up as in Europe, are more focused on their dogs to be adopted or fostered, or to careers. Their dogs are like their kids, recruit donations and volunteers. In and they need a solution while they’re the Florentine neighborhood in south working long hours.” Tel Aviv, which many call the city’s The city of Tel Aviv must answer hippest enclave, the city estimates to dog owners, too. Though there is every third person has a dog. “Peo- more than one dog park every square ple think we can’t really do anything kilometer, according to the city, some about all the horrible things that are Tel Aviv residents complained that they going on around us, some of which had to walk 15 minutes to reach one and we’re partly responsible for. Even if we they would like more greenery for their become activists, helping Palestinians pooches to play in. Dog parks have even or whatever, it would be hard to make become part of political campaigns in a change” in the political situation, municipal elections. Dafna Shir-Vertesh, an anthropologist Kelaviv was the brainchild of Tal who studies human-animal relations Hollander, a Tel Aviv resident who was at Ben-Gurion University, told JTA. in Yehoshua Park with his dog when “But maybe this is our way of making he was struck with inspiration. He a change in the world.” contacted the city, which helped him By flaunting their dog friendliness, plan the event over several months. secular Tel Avivians also distinguish “Many people had doubts about this,” themselves from Israel’s poorest Hollander told JTA. “How will the dogs communities, Arabs and haredi Ortho- behave? That was the biggest question. dox Jews, for whom dog ownership But I had faith in the dogs, and I was is rare. That’s partly because there lucky to find a nice girl at the city who are traditional taboos about dogs in wanted to help.” both Judaism and Islam, according In 2017, the city plans to launch to Shir-Vertesh. a service called DigiDog to give pet But don’t tell that to Agriculture owners in Tel Aviv personalized updates Minister Uri Ariel, a member of the on pet-friendly events and services, as religious Zionist Jewish Home political well as deals from local pet companies. party’s more religious faction, Tkuma. The service will be based on the city’s Along a doggy red carpet at Kelaviv award-winning Digitel service for hu- where mutts and purebreds could strut man residents. “It can be a new dog park their stuff, he was among the politicians that’s opening in your area. It can be a who appeared on a series of posters reminder for your annual rabies shot promoting animal adoption. innovations from israel From JNS.org Israel showcases agriculture innovation at international conference Hundreds of investors from 20 countries participated in the fourth in- ternational AgriVest conference, where ag-tech start-ups showcased new technologies in the agricultural industry, on Sept. 28 at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot. “We have instituted an event that is not only an integral part of the Israeli ag-tech landscape, but may well have the power to influence the agriculture of the future,” said Dr. Nitza Kardish, CEO of Trendlines Agtech. The conference included a competition between a dozen Israeli startups that highlighted Israel’s newest agricultural technology, in- cluding the winner, an agro-biotech company called Enzootic that developed a platform for crustacean aquaculture. AgriVest is an initiative of Trendlines Agtech, Invest in Israel, the investment promotion center of Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, and GreenSoil Investments. “AgriVest showcases technologies that will enable us to produce unique foodstuffs, additives, seeds and agricultural products to combat the stress on our dwindling natu- ral resources,” said Gideon Soesman, co-founder and managing partner of GreenSoil Investments. “Investing in new crops, treatment methods, waste reduction and yield enhancement will provide solutions to the world’s food crisis and can deliver sizable returns to investors.” Israeli researchers make breakthrough in autism research (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Researchers at Ben-Gurion Univer- sity in the Negev have made a breakthrough in a study to better understand autism, discovering a particular evolutionary signature in autism genes. The breakthrough brings doctors one step closer to understanding the genetic mechanism for the disorder, and being able to diagnose it prior to birth. Dr. Idan Menashe and his colleagues, Erez Tsur and Prof. Michael Friger, studied more than 650 genetic variations out of the 1,000 genes linked to autism, and found characteristics that differentiate them from other genes in the human genome. “If we find the remaining genes out of the thousand, we will not only be able to understand autism better, but also be able to conduct a genetic test before pregnancy even, and perhaps, in the future, also find a cure to help fix the genetic distortions to prevent autism,” said Menashe. “We can certainly estimate that within five years it will be possible to conduct this type of genetic test,” he said. The unique characteristics of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, among others, are unusual genomic length, longer than other genes manifested in the brain; and a genetic similarity to diseas- es such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Additionally, researchers found that ASD-related genes carry a signature typical of the genetic process known as negative evolutionary selection. This process is responsible for purging deleterious impacts on the genome, through a gradual process that spans generations. “These findings expand our understanding in relation to the genetic mechanisms involved in autism, and provide new tools for the discovery of additional genes linked to the disorder,” Menashe said. 24 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ NOVEMBER 2016