THE BEST OF THE

™

CHANUKAH 2014 / 5775

New Orleans Holocaust Memorial by Yaacov Agam Photo by Hunter Thomas Photography New Orleans U NDERDOGS? Never underestimate the resilient spirit of New Orleanians. The Jewish New Orleans community only totaled about a decisive victory at the Battle of New Orleans was quite the ego dozen men when the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803. boast for the underdog militia. It was a banner of pride to be However there are indications that they were quite comfortable worn proudly that, no matter what the obstacles, success would and connected in their newly adopted home. A decade later—at come to those fi ghting on the right side. the Battle of New Orleans most of these same Jewish men were fi ghting alongside Andrew Jackson’s troops defending and pro- Although the Crescent City Jewish News website is about tecting their beloved hometown of New Orleans. four years old, our commitment to the New Orleans Jewish community through our print issues is in its second year. This Who were these men who settled into the New Orleans com- publication—The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News – is the munity more than two centuries ago? First, of all , they were third issue of our semi-annual publications, which document the men seeking economic opportunities to improve their fi nancial events of the past several months. With each publication, we are well being and social standing. They voluntarily relocated from reaching more of our core local Jewish audience. Like those brave large Northeast and New England communities fi lled with the Jewish defenders of New Orleans from a previous century, we are security of their family and friends to an isolated region full of also proud to acknowledge that each new publication affords us high humidity, swamps teeming with alligators and disease car- invaluable recognition from our fellow journalists on the quality rying mosquitoes. Despite what we would prefer to believe, these of our product. Over the course of the last year our writing team earliest Jewish citizens weren’t seeking religious asylum. They has been awarded three separate recognitions. With your contin- were comfortable with their Jewish heritage, but they were not ued support, our perseverance and tenacious spirit will help us to religious nor ranked religious practice as a high priority. (Editor’s stay true to our mission! note: The fi rst organized house of worship, Congregation Gates of Mercy was chartered in 1828.) FYI…The Bicentennial COMMEMORATION DAY OF THE BATTLE OF New Orleans is Thursday, January 8, 2015. Don’t Even through the Treaty of Ghent ending the War of 1812 miss of the special events! For more information go to -- had already been signed two weeks prior to the altercation, the www.battleofneworleans2015.com TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chanukah Greetings 4 Best of June 6 Best of July 11 Best of August 15 Chloe Valdary 17 Best of September 19 Best of October 23 Allen Fagin 27 Best of November 28 CRESCENT CITY JEWISH NEWS Editorial & Advertising Offices 32 3810 Nashville Avenue Trivia New Orleans, LA 70125 Editorial Contact: Jewish War Veterans 33 [email protected] Advertising Contact: 34 [email protected] Obituaries

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 3 Happy Chanukah!

Holiday Greetings from Joy & Happiness through the Happy Hanukkah Lakeview Brew Coffee Café holiday season! from our family to yours. Open daily at 7:00AM Bryan Subaru Koz’s Restaurant in 5606 Canal Blvd. 8305 Airline Highway Lakeview & Harahan 629-2768 Visit us for all your Kosher shopping! Have a wonderful holiday season Great gifts for the holidays. A very happy & joyous from the best made Tickets to a performance at Hanukkah! hamburgers in town LePetit! Kosher Cajun LAKEVIEW HARBOR Happy Hanukkah! New York Deli & Grocery Restaurant & Bar www.lepetittheatre.com 911 Harrison Ave 3519 Severn Ave. Kenny and Ziggy’s Happy Chanukah from your Warm wishes to you and yours at OUR BEST FOR THE HOIDAYS! friends at Dixie Mill Hanukkah! Order your latkes from foody 901 Tchoupitoulas St. The Mandina family direct. 504-525-6101 www.kennyandziggys.com Mandina’s Restaurant Richard Cain, President 3800 Canal Mardi Gras Zone Wishes the community Happy Hanukkah Let’s celebrate at a great Hannukah. From Beverly Katz WAFFLES on MAPLE Check out our homemade Landscape Designer Happy Hanukkah! hummus and fresh Friday and Owner of 7112 Maple St. challahs. Exterior Designs www.mardigraszone.com www.exteriordesignsbev.com Happy Hanukkah from your friends at Chateau Drugs & Gifts 3544 W. Esplanade Ave.

4 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com Happy Chanukah!

THARP-SONTHEIMER-THARP Hanukkah Greetings from Naghi’s Funeral Home Benjamin Franklin High School 637 Canal – 633 Royal St. – 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. the best and the brightest since 1957 800 Royal St. May all the joys of Chanukah www.bfhsla.org Estate Jewelry & Judaica fi ll your heart throughout Gifts for the holidays the New Year. Happy Chanukah from our We believe in Elementary family to yours. Stephen L. Sontheimer Jewish Education. Billy Henry Visit us online www.jcdsnola.org Happy Chanukah! South Coast Solar Hampton Inn Garden District Jewish Community Day School of southcoastsolar.com 504-529-7869 3626 St. Charles Ave. Greater New Orleans Wishing you a BRIGHT Wishing all our friends a very Sharon Pollin, Head of School Chanukah! happy holiday season. Hanukkah wishes from Haase’s TURN sunlight into savings. Shoes and Children’s Clothing. Lighting the Chanukah candles – Come and visit us for your HAPPY CHANUKAH! a simple yet powerful holiday gifts. Jewish tradition Cheri Meisel (Sales/Lease 8119 Oak St. (Uptown) we pass from Consultant) generation to generation! Bergeron Automotive Happy Chanukah! May each candle you light make 3525 Veterans Blvd. Metairie Torah Academy your Hanukkah bright! Direct: 504-909-2270 Touro 5210 W. Esplanada Ave. PLEASE ASK FOR CHERI! 504-456-6429 1401 Foucher St. New Orleans

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 5 *PICTURE from Tulane, but need credit which isn’t Tulane

JUNE 2014

Gary Remer named new Anshe Sfard president

JUNE 13, 2014 Orthodox synagogue. Remer leader, Rabbi David Polsky. Berman’s track record and noted Street synagogue. Anshe Sfard is takes over the reins of the syna- Remer indicated he is ready to the signifi cant accomplishments the only Orthodox, non-Chabad Gary Remer, a Tulane pro- gogue following the resignation immediately assume the respon- he made under his administra- synagogue located in the city of fessor who previously served of Benjamin Berman, who had sibilities that have been held by tion. These included making New Orleans proper. Congregation Anshe Sfard as held that post over the last six Berman. substantial necessary physical its vice-president, was offi cially years. During Berman’s term In an interview Remer stated repairs and esthetic accents to the named the new president of the he secured the current spiritual that he was very happy with physical plant of the Carondelet Inevitable president Scott Cowen launches new book at JCC

BY ALAN SMASON and Seifter had intended for each of the ten chapters and 242 pages JUNE 13, 2014 it comprises. Chapter One, titled “Hard The primary title of outgo- Calls,” for example, dealt with ing Tulane University president the extremely diffi cult decisions Scott Cowen’s new book, “The Cowen and other Tulane Univer- Inevitable City,” comes from ge- sity administrators were called ographer Peirce Lewis’ prophetic into making following the de- description of New Orleans, struction from Hurricane Katrina which he deemed “the inevitable and associated fl ooding. The real- city on the impossible site.” ity, he said was that 1,000 faculty That interesting title seemed members were ultimately let go, fortuitous and when applied to departments were scrubbed or the general themes contained reorganized and even colleges within the work, particularly like Newcomb were absorbed apropos, Cowen explained before into new schools. Scott Cowen reading “The Inevitable City” at the JCC. (Photo by Outgoing Tulane University president Scott Cowen reads from an audience of 100 well-wishers He has very critical words Alan Smason) his new book, “The Inevitable City” at the JCC on Wednesday. and supporters gathered at the in the chapter titled “Chocolate (Photo by Alan Smason) Uptown Jewish Community Cen- City,” named after an infamous tempting to curtail the problems Cowen commented on the re- “His constellation of words and ter on Wednesday night, June 11. speech given by Mayor C. Ray associated with disconnected cent convocation exercises at the how he put them down…it was The event held in the Mintz Nagin, over which Cowen took youth. According to Cowen, Mercedes-Benz Superdome last just beautiful and his delivery in Auditorium had been rescheduled the mayor to task. “What were some 16,000 disconnected youth month at which trumpeter and particular.” The university presi- from the previous night, when a you thinking when you gave that may account for the vast major- jazz authority Wynton Marsalis dent declared his was the greatest combination of a late fl ight from speech?” Cowen recalled asking ity of the crime problem in the delivered the commencement commencement address he had Washington, D.C. and expected Nagin. area. speech. “This man is pure poetry ever heard. inclement weather sent JCC of- “I was just saying that the city He compared different ap- when he speaks,” he stated. Before ending the night, he fi cials scrambling into postponing had to remain a racially diverse proaches to the recovery effort Cowen explained that Marsa- entertained a number of ques- the book talk and signing for 24 community,” he responded to from Hurricane Katrina, citing lis does not fl y, but hired a driver tions from the audience and then hours. Cowen. some that were better than others to get him to New Orleans to began the task of signing the Cowen, whose work is sub- “You were very successful and noted that some, like Brad deliver the speech. “He spoke. nearly 100 books sold that night titled “The Resurgence of New to divide the city along race,” Pitt’s “Make It Right” efforts He played. He spoke. He played. by Octavia Books. Orleans and the Future of Urban Cowen recalled answering. may have built homes, but not He spoke. He played,” Cowen A dessert reception followed America,” credited Betsy Seifter Much of what Cowen neighborhoods. described Marsalis’ speech given the talk. as having assisted him with the described in the other eight “The book comes alive to tell in four parts. writing of the book. He read pas- chapters had to do with progress real stories about real people,” “And he did it all in 16 sages and went through what he being made in education and at- Cowen noted. minutes,” Cowen continued. CCJN now ‘award-winning’

JUNE 21, 2014 New Orleans Timeline” found in the SOURCE, a community resource guide. The article was written by Arlene S. Wieder and The Crescent City Jewish News is a winner in the InfoGraphics Category for the Xavier archivist Irwin Lachoff. The award will be given to Wie- 2014 Excellence in Journalism Awards sponsored by the Press Club of New Orleans. der and Lachoff in ceremonies to be held at Harrah’s Casino on Finalists and, in a few cases, winners in some categories were announced on Friday, Saturday, July 19. June 20. The CCJN was specifi cally cited for its “Jewish New Orleans” story and “Jewish

6 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com June 2014 Prime minister, president air views before Jewish journalists Special Report by ALAN SMASON

june 22, 2014

To the steady click of high- powered cameras amid a sea of Jewish journalists Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Yoga Instructor Laura Fiedler-Ates, left, shares her thoughts while clinical dietitian Heidi and outgoing President Shimon Gereighty, center, and cardiologist Dr. Pramila Subramaniam attentively listen. (Photo by Carol Newman) Peres aired their views on serious issues facing the Jewish State. Netanyahu began his talk by Hadassah holds ‘Every speaking about the death of a 15-year-old Israeli teenager and the severe injuring of three oth- Beat Counts’ initial event ers, one of whom was his father, in the Golan Heights. “Earlier I local cardiologist, was the first of spoke with the parents of Mo- Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the journalists at the Jewish Media june 22, 2014 three speakers. Her informative hammed Karaka and expressed Summit. (Photo by Alan Smason) and well-prepared talk from a condolences. It’s been nine days The initial presentation of the medical viewpoint was followed since the three teens were abduct- Greater New Orleans Chapter of by licensed clinical dietitian, ed by Hamas. Our enemies don’t Hadassah’s “Every Beat Counts” Heidi Gereighty. She explained differentiate between Jews and program kicked off yesterday, healthy choices that should be non-Jews, adults and children.” Sunday, June 22 at the Jeffer- included in all daily diets. Finally, Netanyahu addressed more son Orleans South ballroom in yoga instructor Laura Fiedler- than 100 Jewish journalists Metairie. The “heart-healthy” Ates closed out the panel by invited from across the globe as brunch featured an informative demonstrating specific poses and well as in front of several local panel, which focused on the breathing techniques that can be journalists as part of the first leading cause of death in women, utilized by ladies on an ongoing state-sponsored Jewish Media cardiovascular disease. basis. She also stressed the impor- Summit being held in Jerusalem. This program is part of the tance of good posture. The event runs for four days national Hadassah’s United The event concluded with through Wednesday, June 25. States initiative to educate and a question and answer session The prime minister was highly empower women to live healthy where attendees were able to ask critical of the divestment vote lifestyles. each panelist specific concerns taken by the Presbyterian Church The brunch included a salad, they wanted addressed. (U.S.A.), which he characterized Shimon Peres at the press conference opening the Jewish Media Summit. (Photo by Alan brown rice, carrots and a fish en- Hadassah will continue its as “misguided.” Smason) trée. Following the light dessert, Every Beat Counts series on Netanyahu focused on three the formal presentation began. August 3 with a healthy food major worries he believes Jewish Israel has seen a ten-fold increase question and answer period with Dr. Pramila Subramaniam, a demonstration. journalists should be concerned in population despite precipita- Times of Israel correspondent about. They are the rise of anti- tion amounts falling to “about David Horovitz, who acted as Semitism in areas like Europe, half” of what it had previously moderator. the loss of Jewish identity by been. The standard of living Peres was very supportive of Jewish youth throughout the in Israel has increased by 30% the work of Palestinian Authority world and the threat of weapons over the same period and Israel’s leader Mahmoud Abbas, whom of mass destruction falling into economy has increased by a fac- he termed “the best friend of Is- the hands of extremist Islamist tor of 100. rael.” He said he had nothing to groups, most notably those spon- “Our feet are grounded in the offer incoming president Reuvin sored by Iran. past in this land for what we see Rivlin in terms of advice, since he Netanyahu also spoke of the as our future,” he proclaimed. felt he was a very capable leader. great strides the Jewish State has Earlier, Peres, the outgoing Peres spoke for 20 minutes be- made, particularly in the area of 90-year-old former premier who fore leaving the room. technology. As an example, he leaves office as president next stated that in its 66-year history, month, engaged reporters in a

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 7 June 2014 Jewish Media Summit’s first full day

By ALAN SMASON, Special to the CCJN june 23, 2014

The first full day of activities at the Jewish Media Summit in Jerusalem began with a connection to a well-known former member of the New Orleans Jewish community, Judah Touro. The State of Israel-sponsored conference, which is being attended by 100 of the world’s leading Jewish media participants from 25 different na- tions, was held at Miskenot Sha’anaim, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walled portion of the city. With its iconic working windmill, Mishkenot Sha’ananim was constructed with monies supplied by the highly visible New Orleans merchant and philanthropist at the end of the 19th Century. ADL national director Abraham Foxman speaks on anti-Semitism with New Orleanians Julie Wise Oreck and Bill Hess at Mishkenot Sha’ananim in The complex of buildings houses several meeting David Horovitz of the Times of Israel. (Photo by Alan Smason) Jerusalem. (Photo by Alan Smason) rooms and restaurants and affords a spectacular view of much of the old portion of the city. It was utilized for four plenary sessions featuring panels of speakers, each cover- today: Yuli Edelstein, Speaker of the Knesset, and Natan ing an aspect of Jewish life or Israeli politics. Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel. That The morning session began with a panel of five discussion was led by Jewish Forward editor-in-chief Jane journalists from Europe and America. Moderator Shmuel Eisner. Rosner of the New York Times kept a tight leash on his Among invited members in the audience from the Jew- panel of speakers that included Jennifer Frazer from The ish Agency were National Hadassah president Marci Na- Jewish Chronicle in London; Henrique Cymerman, a tan and New Orleanians Julie Wise Oreck and Bill Hess. Middle East and international affairs expert; Gary Rosen- After a short break, two simultaneous sessions on blatt, editor and publisher of The Jewish Week from Balti- areas of interest to summit attendees were held in separate more; and Marshall Weiss, the president of the American rooms. The first on “Iran at the Crossroads,” featured Jewish Press Association from Dayton, OH. Emily Landau and retired Major General Amos Yadlin Rosner engaged the panel on the topic of “The Role of from the Institute for National Security Studies. Jewish Media in Maintaining Jewish Life.” A more contentious panel moderated by Uri Dromi The second session moderated by David Horovitz, the of the Jerusalem Press Club consisted of several Palestin- publisher of the online Times of Israel, was a conversation ian and Israeli journalists and spokesmen, who gave their with Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti- take on why the recent peace process initiatives failed. The City of David is the largest active excavation site in Israel. (Photo by Defamation League (ADL). Much of the talk centered on Haaretz correspondent Barak Ravid, Joel Greenberg from Alan Smason) the specter of anti-Semitism and the recent ADL report the McClatchy newspaper syndicate and Israeli journal- that showed the worldwide instances of what the ADL ist Asaf Gibor took varying positions on the failed talks tendees to the excavated site of what is now believed to be has termed as anti-Semitic activity. with Palestine Tomorrow CEO Elias Zananiri and Samer the original location of the palace of the conqueror King Following a lunch break of Israeli delicacies at the Shalabi, chairman of the Foreign Press Association. David. Archeological evidence gathered at the site and at nearby outdoor Touro Restaurant, participants heard A fascinating tour of the City of David, the largest adjacent locations document five different civilizations from two former “refusenik” Jewish prisoners of the active archeological excavation in Israel, followed the that built on top of one another near the walled city. Soviet Union, who are major leaders in the Israel of morning and afternoon sessions. Guides brought the at- An underground tour led to a view of the Western Wall and the now exposed Robinson’s Arch proposed as a site for egalitarian prayer. If approved, the controversial platform created in secret under the direction of Naftali Bennett, the Minis- ter of Jerusalem and Diaspora Affair, would be the first non-Orthodox area for prayer and would encourage more access for women at the holy site. Discussions between parties are ongoing and being promoted through Sharan- sky’s Jewish Agency for Israel. Both Bennett and Akiva Tor, the director of the Bureau of World Jewish Affairs and World Religions, spoke at a special dinner held at the City of David complex for the journalists, which disbanded late in the evening.

8 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com June 2014 Jewish Media Summit takes participants to Gush Etzion

By ALAN SMASON, Special to the CCJN

june 25, 2014

Gush Etzion was defended by Jewish settlers on the eve of the declaration of the Jewish State in 1948. Several hundred Jewish patriots were overrun and killed by seg- ments of the Jordanian army, which took control of the settlement for the next 19 years, losing control of the land following the ill-advised attack in the 1967 Six Day War. In more recent days, though, Gush Etzion has stood for something more. It is the place where three teenagers were abducted at a bus stop in a “very organized” attack according to Zeev Elkin, the head of the Defense and For- “Ancient Sea II” by Alan Gerson (©Alan Gerson and courtesy Lemeiux eign Committee of the Knesset. Elkin met with reporters Galleries) and editors in Gush Etzion to show them the actual site of Member of the Knesset Zeev Elkin shows reporters from where he be- the kidnappings thought to be carried out by members of lieves three Israel teens were absucted. the Hamas terrorist organization. Artist Alan “We know who the people are who are responsible found nearby, completely burned. It is suggested that the for this attack,” Elkin said, who labeled terrorist attacks kidnappers fled with their captives to nearby Hebron, but against non-military personnel as “unacceptable.” despite exhaustive searches, no trace of the three young Gerson featured The bus stop is situated in an affluent section of Gush men has been found. Etzion resettled in 1967. Although details remain very Israel Defense Forces are still maintaining a heavy sketchy, it is thought the three boys were stopped by the presence in the area, but announced a gradual stepping in new Lemieux terrorists, who were driving a car outfitted to appear to down of its contingents. Over 350 arrests of Paltestinans be a police wagon. A car matching the description of one by Israelis have occurred since the attack. seen in the area at the time of the abduction was allegedly Galleries show

june 29, 2014

Neff speaks on philanthropy Artist Alan Gerson, whose creative work has been featured at the New Orleans Museum of Art, shown at local art galleries and whose illustrations graced his at JEF’s Zoller lecture mother Sylvia Gerson’s and Mildred Covert’s published Jewish cookbooks, is taking part in a new show titled june 29, 2014 created while one “Water Water Everywhere” at Lemieux Gallery, 332 is alive due to the Julia Street. “Why Be Philanthropic?” That was the opening ques- complexities in Gerson has two oil works on panels such as tion that respected estate planner Carole Cukell Neff tax law. Certain “Ancient Sea II ,” which capture his own take on the asked a room of 40 women attending a Jewish Endow- funds are subject undersea world. ment Foundation of Louisiana (JEF) event this past to income and Christy Wood, the co-director of the gallery, curated Friday, June 27. estate taxes to the works in “Water Water Everywhere,” which The Linda Malkin Zoller Memorial Lecture, spon- one’s individual encompasses over 30 works by 24 artists working in sored by JEF, was held at the Five Happiness Restaurant. heirs. How- a variety of mixed-media, photography, sculpture and Neff answered her own question by simply explain- ever, she stated, if traditional painting. ing: “It feels good to give!” these same funds Wood chose the work to identify what she defines A law partner in the firm of Sessions, Fishman, are donated to a as “crucial issues” related to water. Ten percent of Nathan & Israel, Neff specializes in trusts, wills and non-profit agency the gross proceeds will benefit water.org, a non-profit estate planning and counseling. She spoke about the or organization, worldwide organization that brings potable drinking importance of contributing and giving back to the local Carole Neff (Photo by Arlene S. Wieder) then taxes are not water to remote villages and other locations. community. Neff said that active philanthropy teaches applicable. family and friends that there is a moral and ethical duty The event concluded with a brief note of thanks by to “give back” and take care of our own. JEF executive director Sandy Levy, who thanked her Neff enumerated several options for giving, depend- staff and volunteers who made the event possible. ing on the personal situations of each person involved. She stressed that charitable giving options should be crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 9 June 2014 Am Yisrael Chai! (Israel is Alive!)

By ALAN SMASON (CCJN Editor, Special Feature)

It was my first trip to Israel, a country that was born out of the resolve of an un- daunted and committed group of Jews no longer seeking the world’s permission to self-determination. Israel is a shade under six years older than I am at my present six decades of age. Its allure to me has always been high. While it is true there were other oppor- tunities to go to Israel previously through Federation-sponsored or synagogue-led treks, I deliberately chose to attend the Jewish Media Summit sponsored by several governmental bodies of the State of Israel for my initial Holy Land experience. It was no less thrilling for me than it was for my own son when he traveled to Israel on a Birthright trip. My most profound observation of Israel was that with obvious exceptions, the majority of everyone living there was The old city of Jerusalem is seen from the Tower of David. (Photo by Alan Smason) The hand of CCJN editor Alan Smason touches the Jewish. I have never felt an immediate Western Wall. (Photo by Alan Smason) sense of inclusion like I experienced within moments of my arrival. Although I was a peace, respecting each other’s boundar- the women’s side. Women were allowed impressed with the large number of im- stranger to this country, I was connected ies despite the nefarious plan recently led to the bimah, which straddled both men’s migrants from the former Soviet Union, and not an outsider. by Hamas operatives. Even tested, the and women’s sides, and the davening from nearly one million, and the incoming Israel is a society divided not only by Israelis and Arabs manage to shop and the ladies oftentimes drowned out the numbers of French immigrants making religion and politics, but also by seman- work together, accepting each other in a worship from the men. aliyah to Israel. The increase in French tics. cooperative effort to survive. Such observance may be detested by Jewry is because of an alarming rise of Gush Etzion, the Jewish settlement In terms of citizens who live in and more religious observant Jews. There anti-Semitism in France. area from where three Israeli teenagers around Jerusalem, it is easy to witness are multiple synagogues on every street My most seminal of moments may were abducted this summer, is one of that there are many religious observant throughout the city, most all being Or- have been when I placed on my hand on these enclaves, made famous in a two-day Jews. Again, semantics is key for refer- thodox or modern Orthodox. And even the Western Wall. It was a deeply moving assault just prior to the declaration of ences to the various levels of observance. though it seems there is just about every experience for me as I thought about my Israeli independence in 1948 in which 157 The terms “haredi,” “ultra-Orthordox” or flavor of Judaism prevalent in Jerusalem, ancestors who never had a chance to wor- settlers were killed. “black hat” may be employed to refer to Conservative and Reform rabbis are rou- ship in safety at the last remnant of what Because of the newsworthiness I visited various religious types, but they carry with tinely discounted as Jews. remains from the original courtyard wall Gush Etzion, an area of relative affluence them a certain amount of insensitivity and By contrast, Tel Aviv is a modern of the Jewish Temple. located in the hills west of Jerusalem. disrespect. complex for hustling and bustling young Built upon ancient civilizations, Israel Although Jews did not live in the area For my Shabbat worship, I chose to Israelis. It is their zest for life that puts is a modern land that is truly welcoming from 1948-1967, the land was captured attend Shira Chadasha, a modern Ortho- them into a society that hardly ever shuts and I am honored to have shared briefly in by Israel following coordinated attacks by dox gathering with a mechitzah that was down, even late at night. its natural wonders and beautiful people. Jordan in the Six Day War. Despite the dis- anything but traditional. During the Torah In many ways Israel offers a shin- This was my first trip to Israel, but I dare- pute by Palestinians, Arabs and Israelis all service, the translucent mechitzah was ing beacon to the world as a place of say, I hope it won’t be my last. have lived and worked together in relative opened and the Torah scroll was passed to refuge for Jews. While I was there, I was

10 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com july 2014

New Orleans community mourns with Israel

By ALAN SMASON

july 4, 2014

New Orleans Jews gathered together Tuesday night, July 1, at the Jewish Com- munity Center to mourn the murders of Naftali Frenkel, 16, Gilad Shaar, 16 and Eyal Yifrach, 19, the three Israeli teenag- ers, whose bodies were discovered in a shallow grave in Hebron on June 29. The event, organized by the Jewish Rabbi Ethan Linden speaks at the community vigil Temple Sinai Cantor Joel Colman speaks about his Memorial candles are lit aside the framed photos of Federation of Greater New Orleans and (“Peace for Our Boys”) at the JCC on July 2 with im- son Josh, a member of the IDF, at the community vigil slain Israeli students Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar and sponsored by the JCC, was originally ages of slain students behind him. (Photo by Alan (“Peace for Our Boys”) at the JCC on July2. (Photo by Eyal Nifrach. (Photo by Alan Smason) planned as a means to show support for Smason) Alan Smason) the return of the teens. However when cantor offered the traditional prayer for news that the bodies were discovered, Linden continued: “We offer our presence Zion and Jerusalem”), Linden called upon the safety of the Israel Defense Force in Federation officials quickly transformed in the face of enormous darkness. At times all the other members of the Rabbinic English before turning the podium back the rally into a memorial and community like these, our presence is all we have to Council of Greater New Orleans to join over to Linden. vigil under the “hashtag” of “Peace to give.” him in standing and reciting together with Rabbi Linden’s closing words centered Our Boys.” The crowd of approximately 100 the audience the Kaddish prayer. on the upcoming three-week period of Rabbi Ethan Linden, the president attendees listened attentively as Linden Following Kaddish, Linden called upon mourning that begins with the 17th day of the Rabbinic Council of Greater New added more words of consolation. “We Temple Sinai Cantor Joel Colman to lead of Tammuz and ends with Tisha B’Av, the Orleans, chaired the event and delivered reach out to parents who have lost a son, the assembly in the singing of “The Star saddest day on the Hebrew calendar. the opening and closing notes to the short, to siblings who have lost a brother, to Spangled Banner,” which was followed by “Our three weeks began early this solemn program. He likened the vigil to teachers who have lost a student and to the singing of “Hatikvah,” led by the two year,” he stated. “This evening, as we the time of respect and consolation shown friends who have lost a friend,” he said. community schlichim (emissaries) from leave this room I will ask that we light a in the observance of shiva, which follows Offering the traditional Hebrew Israel. candle for each of these three boys and a funeral, as “a sense of community, (and) expression “HaMakom yenachem Later in the program, Colman talked leave in silence.” a sense of joined sadness.” et’chem b’toch shar avay’lay Tzion of his own son Josh, a graduate of Ecoule Speaking behind a massive screen bear- vee’Yerushalayim (“May the Omnipres- Classique. He is in the middle of a two- ing the images of the three slain students, ent comfort you among the mourners of year volunteer stretch with the IDF. The Keepers of the Gate event examines diabetes

july 4, 2014 The Greater New Orleans Chapter of Hadassah honored its most committed members – the Keepers of the Gate – last Sunday (June 29, 2014) with a luncheon at Café Adelaide and an opportunity to examine several medical advances in the treatment of diabetes. The Keepers of the Gate is an exclusive annual giving group within Hadassah. The “Keepers” commit to give annually at a min- imum basic level of $1,000. Annual givers of $1800 or $5000 are called Chai Keepers or Golden Keepers, respectively. After con- tributing annually for five consecutive years, these special donors are acknowledged in an Keepers of the Gate pose at the recent Hadassah luncheon at Café Adelaide. (Photo by Alan Smason) Dr. Stuart Chalew (Photo by Alan Smason) outside tribute area at the Hadassah Hospi- tal at Ein Karem in Jerusalem. great strides in medicine being achieved at spoke on the challenges and several promis- slide presentation that explained the Event chair Patti Ungar welcomed both the Hadassah Hospital campuses at ing advanced medical techniques being used underlying factors behind the disease and guests to the luncheon and received a Ein Karem and Mt. Scopus. to fight various forms of diabetes. several treatments options being explored welcome assist from her daughter Evette. Chapter president Ilana Reisin intro- Chalew, who is associated with L.S.U. including the use of stem cell transplants. They presented information about the duced special guest, Dr. Stuart Chalew, who Hospital and Children’s Hospital, had a crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 11 july 2014 Divestment issue will not alienate congregations, leaders vow

By DEAN SHAPIRO, Special to the CCJN

july 11, 2014

Despite the recent passage of a measure by the govern- ing body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) calling for June Leopold, left, NCJW president, is sworn in by Ina Davis at the clos- divestment in companies doing business with Israel and the ing luncheon and installation banquet on June 30. (Photo by Arlene S. publication of an anti-Zionist pamphlet by the church, those Wieder) views don’t represent the views of all American Presbyterians, according to Senior Pastor Donald R. Frampton of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. NCJW section holds Approximately 100 congregants from Temple Sinai, the St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church and contingents from St. Charles Avenue Presby- Temple Sinai Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn with St. terian Church Senior Pastor other Jewish and Presbyterian houses of worship gathered in Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Senior Donald Frampton. (Photo Pastor Donald Frampton with their olive installation banquet by Dean Shapiro) fellowship and solidarity on July 8 for a pot luck supper at tree. (Photo by Dean Shapiro) the temple. They listened to remarks from Frampton, Rabbi in Metairie Edward Cohn and Cantor Joel Colman of Temple Sinai, as well as members of the audience. did before this vote was taken. And we sincerely hope you did july 4, 2014 Emphasizing the longstanding friendship between his not see us differently either.” The two congregations would church and the New Orleans Jewish community, Frampton continue their friendly and cooperative relationships, “just as With homage to the past and hope towards the future, made it clear that the church hierarchy’s position did not we have for decades,” he promised. the Greater New Orleans Section of the National Council reflect his own. “My hope for tonight is what I see going on right now; of Jewish Women (NCJW) held its annual closing meeting Controversy erupted in January of this year with publica- table talk, rich conversation, getting to know each other and and installation luncheon on Mon., June 30 at the Heri- tion of the church-funded Israel/Palestine Mission Network’s renewing acquaintances around the tables. Strengthening and tage Grill in Metairie. 74-page anti-Zionist congregational study guide titled “Zion- affirming our friendship and the bonds that we have. . . . com- President June Leopold highlighted numerous accom- ism Unsettled.” The pamphlet went out for sale over the Mis- ing together as one; as people of God, and we’re doing that plishments and successes the local group had successfully sion Network’s website, accompanied by a DVD. tonight,” Frampton said at the conclusion of his remarks. participated with or hosted over the last year. Six months later, at its June 2014 meeting in Detroit, the Cohn concluded by assuring those gathered that “This Prior to the serving of dessert, Ina Davis a past section Presbyterian Church’s General Assembly narrowly voted to decision by the General Assembly will not interfere, for one president and current national board member, gave an support a measure authorizing the church to divest in three instant, with the close, trusting friendship and the commit- historical overview of organization founded in 1894 by large American corporations that do business with Israel. ment of Temple Sinai and St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Hannah G. Solomon. Davis credited her stewardship of In his opening remarks, Frampton explained that follow- Church to be with one another. It would be a tragedy were it the organization during its early years and her tenacious ing the Presbyterian General Assembly vote, he immediately to be otherwise. We need to work together on so many social spirit advocating for social change. got in touch with Cohn and suggested that their congregations justice issues in this community which is in such pain. What “That was our past, and now to our present,” she get together to discuss the issues and reaffirm their solidar- happened in Detroit happened and it is unfortunate. We have stated as she dismissed the outgoing board members, ity. “I just wanted to reach out to you, our valued friends at to center our attention on what is happening and what will thanking them for their dedication and support. She then Temple Sinai, to assure you of our ongoing friendship and happen in the Crescent City. That is our mission, and our proceeded to install the new board and executive officers, partnership, regardless of what happened in Detroit,” Framp- task.” culminating with the re-installation of Leopold as presi- ton said. (Editor’s Note: This is an abridged version. To read this dent for another year. Taking it down to the local level, Frampton said, “I think full article including Cantor Coleman’s talk, go to “I would now like to turn over this last portion of the it is important to affirm that St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian www.crescentcityjewishnews.com where you can read the program to our future!” Davis beamed as she introduced Church does not look at Temple Sinai any differently than it entire article.) three of the five NCJW Way Leadership participants in attendance. Each of the three spoke about their successful wine- centric event called, “Raise a glass to Social Justice!” Using mostly social media to advertise the event, about 60 individuals attended one of the five topics at various host houses throughout the city. The NCJW has been committed since its founding to serving and caring for local communities by supporting the arts and by advocating for the disadvantaged. Sev- eral programs seek to fight crime, help the needy, enable women to seek reproductive choices, expose domestic and elder abuse, and expand educational opportunities for preschoolers and children.

12 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com july 2014 Crescent City Jewish News nabs Press Club first place prize

july 20, 2014 The Crescent City Jewish News was singled out by the Press Club of New Orleans for a first place prize in Writing and InfoGraphics at the 56th Annual GOP champions (from left to right): Front row: Jared Davidson(LF), Aaron Karlin (SS), Fred Excellence in Journalism Awards Shear (Team Manager), Jeremy Jacobson (1B), Jon Lappen ( 2B) Second row: Mark Jaffe (RCF), Henry Rosenblat, (Team Statistics) Allan Berger (Team Coach), Scott Friedman (C), at Harrah’s Casino on Saturday David Hirsch (DH), Michael Gilman (3B), Martin Fischman (RF) night, July 19. Third row: Brad Rosenblat (LCF), Seth Shear (RCF), Damion Michael (P) Both CCJN editor Alan Smason and Xavier University archivist Irwin Lachoff, who con- Gates of Prayer captures tributed to the lengthy article and Irwin Lachoff, left, joins CCJN editor Alan Smason at the Press Club of New Orleans 56th timeline, were on hand to accept Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards. (Photo by Judy Antin Lacoff) SSL championship the award at the opulent dinner held in the Harrah’s Theater. these awards are not at all local.” “Members of the Press Club By FRED SHEAR and ALLAN BERGER All three – Smason, Lachoff Looking over the list of par- of New Orleans are often called and Wieder - are registered ticipating professional journalist upon to judge the submissions july 23, 2014 members of the Press Club of judges, he noted they represent of these national august bod- New Orleans. Lachoff attended the Florida Press Club, the Los ies of journalists as well,” he The Greater New Orleans Synagogue Softball League (SSL) held its with his wife Judy Antin Lacoff, Angeles Press Club, the Milwau- continued. “But because of the championship game at Mike Miley Playground in Metairie between while Smason attended the affair kee Press Club, the Press Club judging standards imposed in the top-seeded Congregation Gates of Prayer (GOP) and second-seed Tou- with family matriarch Annette of Cleveland, the Press Club of process, the Press Club of New ro Synagogue on Sunday, July 20. GOP reached the finals by defeat- Smith Smason. Southeast Texas, the San Diego Orleans Excellence in Journalism ing Congregation Beth Israel 14-7 in the first semi-final game. Touro “Some people may not realize Press Club, the San Francisco Awards are not, strictly speaking, reached the finals by beating Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation this, but the Press Club of New Peninsula Press Club, the Society local awards. They are, in fact, 7-5 in the other semi-final game. Orleans does not judge its own of Professional Journalists – Utah nationally judged and, therefore, At the championship game, Touro threatened to take the early lead submissions,” Alan Smason Headliners and the Syracuse nationally recognized awards.” when after consecutive two-out base hits by Jason Adler and Steven pointed out. “The judges for all Press Club. Fielkow. Zak Rosenberg singled to left field. However, GOP left- fielder Jared Davidson made a perfect throw to catcher Scott Friedman to get the out at home plate. Hadassah convention ends In the bottom of the first inning, GOP scored its first run with third baseman Michael Gilman scoring on an infield hit by center-fielder Brad Rosenblat. in Vegas with N.O. notables In the bottom of the third inning, GOP showed why it was seeded first, putting the game out of reach by scoring an additional five runs july 25, 2014 of Hadassah, who died in 2008. from hits by Scott Friedman, Michael Gilman, Aaron Karlin, Jeremy Plenary sessions were held on Jacobson and an over-the-fence, two-run homer by Seth Shear. Notable New Orleanians made Tuesday and Wednesday on a variety The game stood at 8-1 when GOP added a ninth run in the fourth their presence seen and heard at the of issues involving the two Hadassah inning on base hits by Jared Davidson and Scott Friedman. That was 97th national Hadassah Conven- hospitals in Jerusalem, Zionism and followed by the tenth and final run in the game after a base hit by Jon tion, which was held at the Sands advocacy for making change. Lappen and a double by Martin Fischman in the sixth inning. Convention Center in Las Vegas More than $2,000,000 was In the seventh inning, Touro failed to score. Gates of Prayer be- from Mon., July 21- Wed., July 23. raised in extra pledges from came, thus clinching the 2014 Synagogue Softball League Champion- Native New Orleanian and Hadassah members in support of ship for Gates of Prayer. Damion Michaels was the winning pitcher. national board member Roselle Un- Israel’s Operation Protective Edge The Synagogue Softball League (SSL) season ended notably with gar, acted as co-chair and welcomed campaign. the retirement of Touro’s Rick Epstein, who devoted more than 20 the 800 members and associates In support of its “Every Beat years to the league as commissioner. In honor of his service, the SSL to the organization’s opening night Counts” campaign to make women Championship Trophy has been renamed “The Epstein Championship festivities. Lee Kansas who serves aware of the dangers of heart Trophy.” as Southern Region president and New Orleanian and national board member disease, the number one killer of also is a national board member, of Hadassah Roselle Ungar served as co-chair women, all attendees were given was introduced as part of Hadas- of the 97th convention in Las Vegas. (Photo by heart-shaped clip-on pedometers to sah’s regional leadership team. Arlene Wieder) bring back home and wear while Native New Orleanian Arlene S. part of her duties as president of the walking, running and jogging. To Wieder, the marketing and advertis- Greater Cleveland Chapter of Ha- be heart healthy, the program says, ing director of the CCJN, was also dassah. The chapter was presented requires a minimum of 10,000 steps acknowledged for a program she with the prestigious June Walker Ad- per day. An award was given to the instituted on human trafficking as vocacy in Action Award, named in member who logged the most steps: honor of the past national president 25 miles total. crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 13 july 2014 Eruv planned for Despite threats, NOLA American Uptown New Orleans Bakery celebrates 2nd anniversary july 25, 2014 By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN

An eruv, or enclosure that would allow observant Jews to carry july 25, 2014 items or push strollers in areas of Uptown New Orleans has been pro- posed by Rabbi David Polsky of Congregation Anshe Sfard and Rabbi Two days before the official anniversary of her Mendel Rivkin of the Chabad House on Freret Street. NOLA American Bakery, native New Orleanian Talya Eruv, means loophole, and is a term applied to an enclosure that Rasner was caught up in the maelstrom of Operation establishes the boundaries of a community. It is commonly used to Protective Edge’s ground assault in Gaza like all other allow observant Orthodox Jews in areas of heavy Jewish population residents of Tel Aviv. the ability to carry keys or other items while walking to and from The dual citizen of Israel and the U.S. had expected synagogue on Shabbat. to celebrate with a possible sale for her loyal custom- An eruv already exists in Metairie between Lake Pontchartrain ers or some other measure to mark the milestone event Located in downtown Tel Aviv, the NOLA American Bakery is an and Veterans Memorial Boulevard bounded by Causeway Boulevard for the business. It wouldn’t be anything too exciting. homage to owner Talya Rasner’s hometown of New Orleans, LA. and Clearview Parkway. The eruv was constructed with approval of Instead, she and her employees found more excite- (Photo by Alan Smason) former Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Uri Topolosky in consulta- ment than they had dreamed for themselves as they tion with Rabbi Yossie Nemes of the Chabad Center of Metairie. It scrambled for protective shelter beneath the upstairs required the approval of Jefferson Parish officials and was in part stairwell as sirens wailed of incoming missiles from erected on existing power lines maintained by Louisiana Power and terrorists overhead. Light. The product designer turned bakery and café owner Rabbis Polsky and Rivkin flew Rabbi Moshe Yosef Unsdorfer was born with a sister and brother in New Orleans to of Borough Park, NY to New Orleans. He is considered an expert parents Kathy Leon Rasner and Israeli Kobi Rasner consultant on the erection of eruvim. According to Unsdorfer, eruvim before the family made aliyah to Israel. But those can use existing levees, floodwalls, lake and river edges as rabbinically formative years spent in New Orleans are still special recognized “walls.” to her. She still thinks about her maternal grandmother “Thanks to New Orleans’ unique geography and flood protections, Nathalie Goldman – affectionately known as “Grand- we would be able to cover almost all of Uptown and Downtown New ma Nat” – whose recipes and love of baking inspired Orleans areas until the Industrial Canal,” Polsky reported. the young Rasner to take the bold step of opening this There are gaps that remain between the walls that must be joined new enterprise, an American-style bakery and cafe Native New Orleanians (from left) Kathy Leon Rasner, bakery owner Talya Rasner, and Israeli father Kobi Rasner, whom Cathy or erected and this plan will require the cooperation of City of New replete with dishes like Mississippi Mud pie, pecan pie met at Zionist camp as a youth. (Photo by Alan Smason) Orleans officials as well as Entergy, whose power lines will be used for and a roast beef New Orleans poor boy. the purpose of enclosing the eruv. Before she opened her store, Rasner, who had studied product design in Milan, was at an emotional and career crossroads. She had studied for an entire year and was working as a designer, being well paid for her efforts. But she was bored and restless. To relieve her boredom and stress associated with sitting behind a computer and sketching all day, she started baking cupcakes. She couldn’t eat them all, so she gave extras to friends and family and received many compliments. Rasner recalls the encouragement became a gratifi- cation for her, but she kept hearing from those who had Grandma Nat’s recipe for sherry poppy seed cakes is a standard at sampled her wares that she should open up a place to NOLA American Bakery along with brownies, blondies and lemon sell them. “‘You should open an American bakery,’” squares. (Photo by Alan Smason) Her concept of an American bakery would rely not just on cupcakes, but brownies, blondies, chocolate photos of her Grandma Nat on the wall and used her squares and lemon bars to start. image on her business cards to give a genuine New So she began to expand her vision from a simple Orleans feel to the eatery. An article in Haaretz, the bakery to a café. “I wanted it to be a place like a café popular Jewish newspaper website, spoke glowingly of where you could sit down,” she continues. She hired her baked goods as well as of Harriet “Hat” Sternstein, consultants to flesh out her concept and vision. They a celebrated baker who had joined with Rasner in her urged her to add a food menu to the bakery concept. business. “‘Okay, but if I’m having a menu, it has to be an Sternstein had established the first dog bakery in American menu,’” she shot back. “‘I’m not losing my Paris some years before, but had recently closed it concept.’” That’s when the idea of a poor boy being and moved to Tel Aviv. The two were introduced by a added to the menu seemed right. mutual friend and the shidduch took. Knowing that Israelis also favor fresh salads, Rasner With Hat’s experience as a baker, Rasner’s business added a caesar salad, spinach salad and an American acumen and a staff she hired including a sister, NOLA salad to the menu and insisted that the kitchen turn out American Bakery has seen steady business since it American style breakfasts too. opened its doors. “Every Friday and Saturday there’s When she finally opened the bakery and café in a line,” Rasner beams, noting they close on Friday July of 2012, she had a mile of publicity. Rasner placed evenings in honor of Shabbat. 14 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com august 2014 Teens volunteer with Anshe Sfard cleanup august 1, 2014

More than 100 New Jersey teens volunteered their services from July 29 to July 31 at Congregation Anshe Sfard, 2230 Carondelet Street. The youth were part of the New Jersey Jewish Community Camp Movement’s community service travel camp. They worked for two mornings cleaning the kitchens, benches, floors, office areas, and bathrooms at the shul. On Thursday morning the teens gathered one last time to hear Polsky give a talk on the history of the New Orleans Jewish community and the legacy of Congrega- tion Anshe Sfard, now the only non-Chabad traditional Orthodox synagogue situated in Orleans Parish. Polsky took a group shot on his cell phone at the con- clusion of his talk and thanked the teens for their many Rabbi David Polsky applauds the New Jersey volunteer teens at Anshe New Jersey teens volunteer at Anshe Sfard. (Photo by Arlene Wieder) long volunteer hours. He also had a brief question and Sfard. (Photo by Arlene Wieder) answer period.

Chef Kristin Essig (Photo Kosher Cajun offers new fare by Fran Simon)

august 1, 2014

Kosher Cajun New York Delicatessen and Grocery has expanded its offerings to now include sushi and pizza. While owner Joel Brown is easing into the program, he is optimistic that it will be a popular improvement. Kosher Cajun enjoys its kashrut certification though the Louisiana Kashrut Committee headed by Rabbi Yossie Hadassah holds Nemes. In order to offer pizza, which involves dairy items, Brown had to implement “portable” areas for food preparation and a place to serve the dairy items. ‘Every Beat Counts’ He has constructed a counter in the middle of the store for the purposes of serving the pizza there. All dairy items event on Aug. 3 must be consumed in that area and cannot be brought to the regular dining area, which is restricted as meat only. august 8, 2014 At present the pizza is being served on Wednesdays Pizza area for dining at Kosher Cajun New York Delicatessen and Grocery. only. Brown hopes to expand hours as more and more (Photo by Alan Smason) The Greater New Oleans Chapter of Hadassah people learn of the availability. Special orders for five continued its implementation of the national Hadassah or more pizzas must be pre-ordered with appropriate knives and other items on premises for the sushi chef to initiative”Every Beat Counts” on Sunday, Aug. 3 with a advance notice. make preparations on site prior to opening on those days. program that combined healthy food options and listed Brown is also offering several options for kosher sushi, Also, a new line of fresh coffees are being offered by other ways available for women to fight heart disease, the being served on Thursday and Fridays in the restaurant. Brown in addition to his present line of Nespresso ma- number one killer of women in the U.S. He purchased all of the equipment and keeps all of the chines for single cups of java. The event held at the Lakeview home of Rachel Black- man Frank was held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with Meaux Bar Chef Kristen Essiq showing foods like quinoa that are easy to prepare and heart healthy. Also on the program was Jordan Berner, a candidate for the Master of Public Health in Nutrition at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and an intern with Ochsner’s Eat Fit NOLA Program. Aside from Hadassah members, outsiders were also encouraged to attend. Members were also asked to bring a friend to the event that cost $18 couvert. According to Hadassah, “‘Every Beat Counts’ is a U.S. initiative that educates, engages and empowers women to live healthy lifestyles by learning symptoms of and prevention tips for women’s heart disease.” crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 15 AUGUST 2014 ‘Music Over Sirens’ GOP announces Caplan event nets $19K as new administrator hire

AUGUST 8, 2014 ate of the University of New Sept. 5 will be earlier worship AUGUST 22, 2014 Orleans, has majored in business times for Friday evening services A multi-generational crowd and is in process of becoming a at 7:00 p.m. Pre-Oneg socializing of 90 individuals assembled at funds specifi cally tagged for Kib- Darrah Caplan, a member of certifi ed public accountant. She will take place at 6:15 and light The Howlin’ Wolf music hall in butz Kfar Gaza, a community in Congregation Gates of Prayer, has worked for the Make It Right refreshments will be served prior support of the local benefi t jazz southern Israel which has repeat- was selected by the Board of Foundation for the past fi ve to the worship service. Also, the concert, “Music Over Sirens: edly been barraged by fi re from Trustees from a pool of appli- years. She and her husband Ben Shabbat Yeladin program will NOLA Stands With Israel,” held Hamas. cants to become the new temple have taken an active role in rais- commence at 5:30 p.m. in order on Tuesday, July 29. The event netted $19,162 administrator. Caplan, who ing their son Izaak and have him to allow both Rabbi Robert The evening of music featured with $9581 raised by attendees. replaces outgoing administrator enrolled in the Gates of Prayer Loewy and cantorial soloist Vic- Israeli musicians, trumpeter That fi gure was matched 100% Louis Geiger, takes over the post Nursery School. toria Cohen May to participate. Itamar Borochov and saxophon- by master of ceremonies for the effective September 15. Other changes being imple- ist Jonathan Greenstein along night, Morris Bart, bringing the Caplan, who is is a gradu- mented at the temple as of with accompanying local backup total to $19,162. musicians New Orleans Center “I was proud to be associated for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) with this event, not only to raise jazz teachers Mike Pellera and much needed funds for Israel, but Tula ne’s President Fitts lauds Khali Lee. to express a message of hope and All those in attendance were peace for Israel and the entire asked to make a suggested region,” Bart told the CCJN. U.S – Israel Summit held here minimum donation of $10. All monies raised were earmarked AUGUST 29, 2014 long-term goals for Tulane: to been at the forefront of energy for Israel with the bulk of the promote interdisciplinary col- research ever since it found and Tulane University president laborations that address societal, developed large natural gas Michael Fitts cited as signifi cant economic and environmental reserves off its coast. CityBusiness names 3 the inaugural U.S.-Israel Energy challenges; to develop new areas “When energy industry lead- Summit held this past Monday at of technological innovation ers, environmental scientists and the university’s Uptown campus. where Tulane can make a real law and business faculty collabo- community members as Tulane and several other major difference in the world; and to rate like they did at this week’s Gulf Coast universities sponsored expandq1q Tulane’s global im- summit, when the boundaries ‘Women of the Year’ the event. Topics explored how pact,” Fitts wrote to his faculty, between schools and subjects are future energy and environmental staff, student population and crossed, great things happen,” AUGUST 29, 2014 concerns might be addressed. alumni. Fitts continued. “We not only The conference brought together Fitts hopes that this initial create stronger institutions that New Orleans CityBusiness newspaper announced its 50 selectees energy industry leaders and groundwork may one day lead answer critics’ demands that as “Women of the Year” and named three members of the local elected offi cials and paired them to the creation of a dedicated higher education demonstrate its Jewish community as a potential overall “2014 Woman of the with top Israeli academicians and U.S.-Israel Energy Center, which relevance in a society yearning Year.” government offi cials. would further the “collabora- for solutions, we help create a Among the 50 ladies named to receive recognition for their “This U.S.-Israeli initia- tion between the United States new and better world.” contributions in business and to the local community are Mindy tive incorporates several of my and Israel on energy.” Israel has Brinkman, Julie Wise Oreck and Dana Shepard. The three along with the other 47 ladies whose names were an- nounced yesterday will be honored at special noon luncheon event on November 14 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Of the 50 one person will be selected “Woman of the Year” at the luncheon.

16 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com special feature Chloe Valdary: Christian, black and a rising star of pro-Israel campus activism

september 8, 2014 According to recent public opinion surveys by Pew Research Center focused on the conflict in Gaza, black By MIRIAM MOSTER and ANTHONY WEISS Americans have tended to be somewhat less sympathetic toward Israel (64 percent expressing “a lot” or “some” (JTA) — Growing up in New Orleans, Chloe Valdary sympathy for Israel, versus 70 percent for whites), and kept kosher, studied the Jewish Bible and celebrated Jew- somewhat more critical of its response to Hamas, with ish holidays with festive meals. In recent years she 36 percent saying Israel’s response had gone too far, com- has become an outspoken pro-Israel campus activist, pared to 22 percent of white Americans. contributing regularly to the Jewish press, and speaking Valdary, who grew up attending grade school with a and posting widely about the merits of the Jewish state on number of Jewish friends, said that despite their common social media. religious practices, she didn’t feel a particular sense of But the senior at the University of New Orleans is not personal connection to Jews. That changed in her fresh- Jewish. She is Christian — a member of the Intercontinen- man year of high school, when Valdary saw the 2007 film tal Church of God, whose adherents revere the Hebrew “Freedom Writers,” in which a high school teacher uses Bible and follow the Jewish calendar — and she is black. the Holocaust to teach her minority students about facing In July, Valdary, 21, garnered widespread attention discrimination in their own lives. for a Tablet piece in which she accused pro-Palestinian Inspired by the movie, Valdary began to read vora- activists of misappropriating the rhetoric of the black civil ciously about the Holocaust and Jewish history, as well rights movement. In the piece, titled “To the Students as novels such as “Exodus” by Leon Uris and “The Town for Justice in Palestine, a Letter From an Angry Black Beyond the Wall” by Elie Wiesel. Woman,” Valdary addressed the campus group. The themes raised in her reading, combined with hear- “You do not have the right to invoke my people’s ing news about anti-Semitic incidents around the world, struggle for your shoddy purposes, and you do not get to sparked Valdary’s passion for Zionism. “Exodus,” a Chloe Valdary called her AIPAC-sponsored trip to Israel “life changing.” (Lauren Clarice Cross) feign victimhood in our name,” she wrote. fictional and highly sympathetic account of the founding Valdary also listed prominent black civil rights-era of the State of Israel, was particularly influential. Zionists, telling Israel’s college-age critics, “You do not “The importance of Jewish pride as a theme through- at an event organized by The Alumni Community, a New get to pretend as though you and Rosa Parks would out the book really inspired me to take action and do York-area alumni group for Birthright Israel, which is less have been great buddies in the 1960s. Rosa Parks was a something about the rising anti-Semitism,” Valdary told ideologically oriented. And not all of her fans consider real Freedom Fighter. Rosa Parks was a Zionist.” (Parks JTA. themselves conservative. signed a 1975 letter by the Black Americans to Support Once she arrived at the University of New Orleans, “She’s a champion on campus of a Zionism that Israel Committee, backing Israel’s right to exist.) Valdary threw herself into campus activity, both at her doesn’t apologize and also comes from a deep place of Her outspoken support for Israel in the name of civil school and nearby Tulane University, which unlike UNO humanism,” said Rabbi Menachem Creditor of Congre- rights not only cuts against the arguments of Students has a substantial Jewish population. Her work caught gation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley, Calif., who describes for Justice in Palestine and other critics of Israel, but also the attention of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle himself as a “progressive Zionist.” “Her rejection of the against the drift of much black civil rights rhetoric over East Reporting in America, or Camera, which has funded demonization of Israel is not based on being a talking the past few decades. Valdary’s own campus organization, Allies of Israel, at head on the right or the left. It’s based on being a very While a number of early civil rights leaders, includ- UNO. articulate and thoughtful leader on campus.” ing the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., were supportive of One of her pro-Israel rallies at UNO also was noted by Although her views on Israel tend to be aligned with Israel, subsequent black leaders — particularly starting a coordinator for the American Israel Public Affairs Com- more right-leaning pro-Israel groups, Valdary maintains with the black power movement in the late 1960s — often mittee, which then sponsored her to come to an AIPAC that her opinions are based on liberal ideals. She argues have been sharply critical of the Jewish state. Black power policy conference and subsequently paid for her to take that Israel’s sovereignty over Arab citizens “speaks to leader Stokely Carmichael described Israel as a “settler a 10-day trip to Israel — a trip Valdary described as “life the concept of indigenous people” — the Jewish people, colony,” while more recently, professor and activist Cor- changing.” according to Valdary — thus is a liberal value. This places nel West endorsed the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Since then, Valdary has worked with and spoken to her at odds with a number of Israel critics, as well as movement and called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin a number of pro-Israel groups. She spent this summer in black leaders such as Carmichael and Angela Davis, who Netanyahu a “war criminal.” Boston employed as a paid consultant for Camera, which have argued that the Palestinians are indigenous while Against that backdrop, Valdary’s stance and identity is still funding Allies for Israel, and will resume working Jewish-Israelis are colonizing interlopers. make her a uniquely compelling voice in the world of for the group later this month. Valdary says that “Israeli society, like any other Israel advocacy. Her mentor, Dumisani Washington, is a black minister society, has issues with discrimination, but in terms of “Because so many prominent black leaders are hostile who serves as the Diversity Outreach Coordinator for systematic discrimination, like apartheid in Africa or to Israel, it makes it even more powerful to have someone Christians United for Israel, an evangelical pro-Israel Jim Crow, that does not exist in Israeli society.” She says who’s black supporting Israel,” said Morton Klein, presi- group led by Pastor John Hagee. Valdary also was a fea- that she opposes a two-state solution, favoring a “Jewish dent of the Zionist Organization of America, a hardline tured speaker at the ZOA’s national convention in March, one-state solution” in which all citizens in Israel and its Israel advocacy group. and she has recorded videos for Americans for Peace and territories can vote, but “the culture, the personality” of Indeed, a number of pro-Israel organizations, includ- Tolerance, which was founded by conservative pro-Israel Israel is Jewish. ing AIPAC and Christians United for Israel, have made advocate Charles Jacobs. Valdary’s political views, and her invocation of civil concerted efforts in recent years to develop ties with But Valdary also has found a receptive audience rights history and rhetoric in the cause of Zionism, has African-American supporters. beyond the more hardline groups. In August, she spoke v aldary on page 18 crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 17 special feature

valdary from page 17 on this issue.” In a response to Blumenthal, Valdary herself invoked made her a controversial figure and a lightning rod for race, when she and co-author Daniel Mael accused Blu- criticism. Some of the criticism has been racially deroga- menthal of classifying critics like Valdary as “black people tory, as when blogger Richard Silverstein posted an article who obviously have no capability to think for them- of Valdary’s on Facebook with the note, “They finally did selves.” Blumenthal did not mention Valdary’s race in his it: found a Negro Zionist: Uncle Tom is dancin’ for joy!” comments at Brandeis. Other criticism has focused more on her aggressive After she graduates from the University of New Or- attacks on critics of Israel. In a speech at Brandeis Uni- leans, Valdary hopes to intern at The Wall Street Journal, versity, writer and filmmaker Max Blumenthal, a harsh on the opinion side, and to study at the Tikvah Advanced critic of Israel, after describing a pair of Valdary critiques Institutes, a right-leaning series of political and economic of Israel critics Judith Butler and Maya Wind, said, “This seminars. She also wants to spend a year in Israel. Upon is a perfect example of where the Israel lobby is heading, her return, Valdary hopes to start a “Zionist movement,” of where Zionism itself is heading, is that a right-wing though her plans on that front are still hazy. evangelical has been recruited to attack Jewish intellectu- Whatever it turns out to be, though, Valdary will have Benjamin Franklin High School graduate and current UNO senior als and to tell them that they are bad Jews.” (Valdary does fans eagerly awaiting her moves. Chloe Valdary Speaking at Congregation Beth Israel on October 23rd. not consider herself an evangelical or right wing.) “Her heart is beautiful, her mind is beautiful, her (Photo by Alan Smason) Blumenethal added, “I find it peculiar that someone words are powerful,” the ZOA’s Klein said. “She’s really with no credentials is so outspoken, so heavily promoted the whole package.”

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18 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com september 2014 Tulane University unwraps Yulman Stadium for season opener

By ALAN SMASON rooms with direct field-views, a sports bar, expanded concession september 5, 2014 offerings, a large space for gather- ing and restrooms. This club area There is no Star of David atop connects to the Club Decks and to its state-of-the-art facility, but the Hertz Center Hall of Fame. Tulane University’s new Yulman But no story would be com- Stadium, the 30,000-seat football plete about Jewish involvement in arena that opens to the public for the planning and construction of the first time tomorrow, has many Yulman Stadium without includ- Jewish benefactors and promoters ing the direction and planning to thank for its construction. given by former Tulane University There is, of course the Yulman president Scott Cowen. Tulane University athletic director Rick family, whose Tulane alumnus Tulane athletic director Rick Dickson recalling the leadership of Scott Cowen. (Photo by Alan Smason) include Richard and daughter Dickson recalled a 2010 trip Katie Yulman Williamson, who both he and Cowen took first to both remember Janet, Richard’s Atlanta and then to the Miami Tulane University’s new facility, the $75 million, 30,000 seat Yulman Stadium opens late wife and Katie’s mother. The area. In both cities they met with tomorrow. (Photo by Alan Smason) Yulmans’ large gift led Tulane to key potential donors like Yulman granting them the right to attach and inspected recently erected that moment when he and Cowen kickoff. their family name to the structure. stadiums there. launched what they both felt The New Orleans City Jill Glazer, a Tulane alumna “‘Is this the right thing?’ Dick- would be a “game changer” for Council gave Tulane permission and member of the Tulane Univer- son recalled Cowen asking him Tulane. to begin the massive construction sity Board of Administrators, and and Yulman inside “The Cage,” Dickson believes the new project two years ago. her husband Avi Glazer, who own the popular name of the new stadium will have the benefit of Tomorrow begins this new era the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, lent Florida International University exposing Tulane and its campus in Tulane athletics with a sold-out their names to sponsor the Jill Stadium. ‘Is it doable? What do to a great many more students, game opener against Georgia H. and Avram A. Glazer Family you think?’” faculty and outsiders. Game day Tech. Dickson announced that Katie Yulman Williamson and her father Club. This exclusive area of the It was Richard Yulman who tailgating on campus will begin fewer than 1,500 seats remain Richard Yulman at the Tulane press confer- ence announcing the opening of the new stadium features approximately responded “Let’s do it!” And four hours before game time and for the entirety of the six-game football stadium named for them and 1.500 chair back seats, two club Dickson claims he’ll never forget continue until a half hour before season. their late mother and wife Janet. (Photo by Alan Smason)

JCDS unveils new ‘Wine Plotkin addresses crowd at WWII Museum By ALAN SMASON contributing factors to the onset to find forests to fuel their needs. of hostilities by the Axis forces. Think back to the Boston Tea and Wonder’ programs september 14, 2014 Before addressing the modern Party at the time of the American era, Plotkin took audience mem- Revolution, he advised his audi- september 12, 2014 Ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin bers back to earlier times when ence. “The real reason behind it delivered a major lecture at the warfare was fought in close com- was wood, not tea,” he said. The Jewish Community Day Boeing Freedom Pavilion of the bat and with powerful navies. In particular, the British School (JCDS) will be present- National World War II Museum The common resource utilized by desired to possess the tall white ing a three-part series intended on Thursday, September 11, the ancient armies was wood. “How pine forests of the Northeast to to stimulate discussion and 13th anniversary of the attacks did the Greeks fight their wars?” build the masts and to create creativity. on America. he asked rhetorically. “Their the naval craft to maintain their The first session of the “Wine Plotkin, a native New Or- ships were made of wood. Their hold on their worldwide empire, and Wonder: A Lively Evening leanian, spoke on “How Plants spears were made of wood, and Plotkin maintained. of Jewish Conversation and Helped To Win the War,” appear- their shields were made of wood. Foodstuffs like buckwheat Creativity” series will be held ing before an estimated crowd It was the same things with the and citrus fruit were determined this Wednesday, September 17 in of 100 World War II enthusiasts. Romans.” by indigenous peoples to be the Art Room of JCDS, located at Wine and Wonder A co-founder and president Navies had until the 20th cen- successful in fighting disease 3747 West Esplanade Avenue in of the Amazon Conservation tury been fashioned almost ex- like scurvy. The British stocked Metairie. Team (ACT) that advocates for clusively from wood, he pointed their ships with the more hearty It is titled “Reflections and Revisions: Preparing for the New indigenous lands and peoples, he out. All of the use of wood to of these fruits and thus took on Year.” theorized that several products cook fires, build ships and form the nickname “limeys.” Today, Two other future sessions will be held in advance of Chanukah found in nature were either weapons created tremendous Plotkin pointed out, we know (“Preparing for Chanukah”) on Thursday, December 11 and prior to critical to the success of the Allies deforestation, which impacted they work because of their high Purim (“Preparing for Purim”) on Tuesday, February 24. These ses- or – because of their lack – were and created demand for nations plotkin on page 20 sions will also be held at the same location and same time. crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 19 september 2014

Max Nathan honored at JFS gala

By KAREN LOZINSKI

september 17, 2014

The elegant and alluring Audubon Tea Room was filled to capacity on Sunday, September 14, for the Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater New Orleans’ Rhythm and Soul Gala. Proceeds from this affair, the organization’s annual fundraiser, went to support and Ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin at the WWII museum on September 11th. (Photo by A. underwrite essential JFS programs Smason) and services. This year’s honoree, attorney Max Nathan, Jr., left, receives the JFS award for his lifetime of work with the agency and in plotkin from page 19 Max Nathan, Jr., was a past JFS the community. (Photo by Karen Lozinski) content of vitamin C. president from 1973 to 1974. A Treating wounds of soldiers created demand for medicines and community volunteer and phi- Orleans area and in raising funds ence as a means of survival of Jew- dressings. “Two of the great medical plants – cotton and opium – they lanthropist, he is an educator and to support programs and services ish culture through its emphasis on were in use thousands of years ago,” he stated. author and has had a distinguished for the Jewish community. He family life and values. Another product that had a major impact on World War II was career specializing in estate plan- has served as president of the He mentioned more draconian natural rubber, which became even more valuable after Charles Good- ning and tax law. Jewish Endowment Foundation of times when JFS battled overarch- year developed the process of vulcanization that made it more readily Living up to its name, the Louisiana (JEF), the New Orleans ing and negative societal attitudes usable for waging war and as a means of transportation. grand room was warmed with the Holocaust Memorial Project and towards counseling and mental This demand for South American rubber production had a disas- music of keyboardist Joe Krown the South Central Region of the illness; though those harsh condi- trous effect on native populations. “Indians were kidnapped, enslaved and saxophone player Tom Fitz- Anti-Defamation League (ADL). tions did not stop JFS from its mis- and killed to increase the demand of rubber,” Plotkin said. patrick as Nathan’s friends, family, A longtime member of Temple sion of “preserving, strengthening “One Sherman tank had a half a ton of rubber,” he quipped and colleagues bustled around the Sinai, he has served on its board and enhancing the well-being and Rubber production was so important that President Roosevelt set space greeting each other. After and as a board member for the self-sufficiency of individuals and up a National Rubber Board to oversee it and to manage the various introductory remarks by Roselle Jewish Federation of Greater New families at every stage of life.” drug-resistant varieties of natural rubber. Ungar, the president of the JFS Orleans. He has been recognized Nathan spoke with great pride Plotkin delivered an almost unheard of fact related to the World Board of Directors, and Michael for his contributions to the Jew- of the work JFS did with Russian- War II Pacific campaign. “More American soldiers were taken out by Steiner, JFS executive director, the ish community and has been the Jewish refugees in Louisiana, malaria than they were by Japanese soldiers,” he said.” recitation of the Hamotzi blessing recipient of both the Tzedakah commending the organization Indigenous people discovered the benefits of quinine, a derivative was led by Temple Sinai Rabbi Award from JEF and the Torch of with saving many lives through its of tree bark that prevents malaria. Its production was highly desired Edward Paul Cohen. Attendees Liberty Award from the ADL. endeavors. by both the Allies and the Japanese during the war. were then treated to more beauti- Attorney and past president of Nathan closed his talk with Anti-infectives like naturally occurring myrrh and penicillin and ful music during dinner. JFS, Joshua Rubenstein, presented sage words and a beaming smile. those created in the laboratory like prontosil were especially impor- In addition to his many career Nathan with his award. “The secret to success in this life is tant antibiotics used for treating disease contracted by soldiers and accomplishments, Nathan has had Nathan was sure to credit JFS to find people that you love, and a sailors fighting during World War II a lifelong commitment to Jewish as what best exemplifies Jewish profession that you love, and I hit “Every American medic had penicillin in their pouch,” Plotkin organizations in the Greater New heritage, citing its work and pres- the jackpot on that,” he said. said. “That was a powerful weapon.” “The Japanese move into Southeast Asia was to take over the rub- ber, quinine and oil production,” Plotkin averred To illustrate his point, he recalled the story of I-52, a Japanese Rabbi Linden named to Tablet list of notable rabbis submarine sunk during the war by the Allies, which was found and raised in 1994. The ship’s hold was filled with gold, quinine and rub- september 18, 2014 Heard Of, But Should.” and less on spirituality. ber, he said. Unlike the controversial Linden is singled out because Antibiotics and anti-infectives, which owe much of their discovery Rabbi Ethan Linden of Shir Newsweek list of “America’s Top of his attachment to Conserva- to that of indigenous medicine men and shamens, may have had a Chadash Conservative Congre- Rabbis,” which was discontin- tive Judaism, despite indications major effect on how injured soldiers were able to heal and return to gation in Metairie was named ued this past February, the Table that it has been losing ground in the battlefield. by Tablet Magazine as one of a article does not attempt to list recent years. Linden’s leadership “How ironic if Stone Age Indians were able to provide the means group of 15 selected figures who the rabbis in any order. In fact, at Shir Chadash is listed as a for 21st century warriors carrying high tech weapons how to heal are worthy of mention and mak- the author makes a point that major reason that the synagogue themselves!” he concluded. ing a difference in their respective none of the 15 selected had ever has been “thriving” in recent communities. made the Newsweek listings, years, having fully recovered The article penned by writer which had been criticized in some from the losses it registered in its Yair Rosenberg is titled “15 circles because they were some- membership before and follow- American Rabbis You Haven’t times based on media popularity ing Hurricane Katrina.

20 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com september 2014

Federation’s 101st Annual Meeting: Decision to include interfaith members deferred until December 17th

By DEAN M. SHAPIRO tion which, in effect, expands the definition of a “Jewish household,” Katz explained, “will make us (the september 19, 2014 Federation) more inclusive.” That wording, he noted, will Current or former members make it possible for widows of Jewish households who are not and widowers of Jews or former Jewish themselves will have to spouses who are no longer married wait another three months to learn to Jews to become Federation whether they will be allowed to join members as long as they meet the the Jewish Federation of Greater other membership requirements of New Orleans, according to a deci- supporting the Federation’s mission sion announced by Federation of- and making an annual financial ficials at the 101st Annual Meeting contribution. on Tuesday, September 16. “There are many officers, past and Federation president Morton present of our Federation, who Katz made the announcement at are married to non-Jews or have the beginning of the meeting held spouses who are non-Jewish,” Katz at the Uptown Jewish Community told the audience gathered in the Center. It preceded discussion from auditorium of the Jewish Commu- the floor that appears to indicate nity Center on St. Charles Avenue. Rabbi Brad Hirschfield speaks at the 101st Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Federation president Morton Katz defers Greater New Orleans. (Photo by Dean Shapiro) action on opening membership from the path to ratification of an “Some of those spouses would like strictly Jewish to Federation. (Photo by amendment to that effect may be a to participate in the Federation, Dean Shapiro) rocky one. Comments from several whether it be on committees or audience member worried that Pandora’s box to a lot of discom- members in the audience – includ- whether it be on the Board. Studies someone fitting the definition of a fort and perhaps to even litigation,” and Leadership, he has been ranked ing one participant who called it a are showing there’s more intermar- “former member of a Jewish house- the speaker noted. by Newsweek magazine as one “Pandora’s box” – revealed how riage than ever before in the Jewish hold” who converted out of the The final speaker from the of America’s “50 Most Influential thorny an issue this has the poten- community. And we don’t want to faith could still qualify for member- floor, Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn of Rabbis.” tial to become when it is taken up lose those people.” ship and he suggested that the new Temple Sinai, while not expressing Hirschfield delivered a stirring by Federation’s Board of Trustees at Citing figures that show house- wording be limited to “widows and a stand on the issue, thanked and speech on the current situation in its December 17 meeting. holds of intermarried Jews and non- widowers.” congratulated the Board for taking the Middle East and the continued The crux of the issue revolves Jews as high as 40%, Katz added. Katz explained that the up the task. He suggested that a importance of supporting Israel around the definition of what con- “We don’t want to turn them away. amendment is worded the way it new subcommittee be formed to in the face of growing worldwide stitutes a “Jewish household” and We have to look toward the future is because it will hopefully include “examine all of the intricacies of hostility relating to the Gaza crisis. whether or not that definition can of what’s happening amongst Jews other household arrangements such the feelings about the Jewish-ness Also at the meeting, outstand- be expanded to include non-Jews worldwide. I’m not telling you how as unmarried partners. However, of these individuals and all of the ing members of the Greater New who are or were formerly members I feel; that’s how the Board feels.” he acknowledged that the final implications that have bothered Orleans Jewish community were of Jewish households. Under Article He also cited examples from wording might be “fine-tuned” to people. I think, between now and honored for their service. Valerie III, Section 2 of Federation’s Articles other U.S. cities where this issue has be more specific. December 17, there should be Marcus and Dr. Juan Gershanik re- of Incorporation it states: been resolved to include non-Jews Another audience member asked plenty of time to provide wording ceived the Anne Goldsmith Hanaw All persons of the Jewish faith who are or were formerly members about the possibility of a straw poll that people can examine and come and J. Jerome Hanaw Tikkun Olam who are over the age of majority, of Jewish households. He was care- being taken on the issue but Katz to this meeting with a degree of Award for Campaign Excellence, support the mission of the Corpora- ful to note that this does not open noted that this option has already intelligence, articulate their feelings honoring their volunteer work on tion, and who contribute to the up membership to any non-Jew been considered and decided and be qualified to vote on it,” behalf of the Federation’s Annual Corporation’s Annual Campaign who wants to join the Federation, against. “It might be misinterpret- Cohn said. Campaign. shall be members of the Corpora- nor does it automatically open up ed. Someone looking at that might The meeting at which the vote In addition, Gary Zoller was tion from the date on which the membership on the Federation think we actually voted and we’re on the issue will occur will be at honored with the 2014 Herbert J. contribution is made through the Board to them. Board membership not,” he replied. 6:00 p.m., December 17, at the and Margot Garon Young Leader- end of the fiscal year succeeding will still have to be earned through Still another audience member Goldring-Woldenberg Facility in ship Award. Financial reports on the fiscal year during which the diligent, sustained service to the expressed reservations over the lan- Metairie. the Annual Campaign indicated a contribution is made. Jewish community, he added. guage of the proposed amendment, Prior to the discussion on the significant upward trend in dona- The proposed amendment to However, despite these reassur- particularly as it applies to the cri- membership amendment, members tions from around $2.5 million to the section would add the words ances, some trepidation was voiced teria defining a member or former of the audience gave a warm recep- $2.7 million, the proceeds of which “and members or former mem- among several of those present, member of a Jewish household. tion to keynote speaker, Rabbi Brad will go to constituent agencies bers of their households” after the particularly over how the word “Who is going to determine who is Hirschfield. A renowned author, supported by the Federation, Katz opening words, “All persons of the “household” is defined within the a member of or a former member lecturer and president of The Na- explained. Jewish faith.” This wording addi- wording of the amendment. One of a household? You are opening tional Jewish Center for Learning crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Beatles expert Bruce Spizer celebrates 50th anniversary

BY ALAN SMASON, EXCLUSIVE TO THE CCJN

SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

It was 50 years ago this past Tuesday night that Beatlemania came to New Orleans and the four lads from Liverpool – John, Paul, George and Ringo – made sure that the Crescent City would never be the same. The date of September 16, 1964 would have been just another sleepy day in the humid, sprawling municipality known as the Crescent City. But for those few thou- sand who assembled at City Park Stadium, there was history to witness and songs to hear above the din of hundreds of young ladies screaming at the four mop-topped performers. The Beatles had arrived at the outdoor arena “protected” by members of the New Beatles expert and lecturer Bruce Spizer, who has Orleans Police Department, who had no Even though WNOE sponsored The Beatles’ historic A mayoral proclamation signed by The Beatles and written extensively on the Fab Four’s recording career. concert, WTIX elected to distribute iers that sug- issued by Mayor Victor Schiro. (Courtesy Bruce Spizer) idea of their charges’ attractive nature to (Courtesy Bruce Spizer) gested they had sponsored the event. (Courtesy Bruce pre- and post-pubescent girls. The Beatles Spizer)

group has long been fans of the fabled experience. He labored for myriad hours “New Orleans sound” – in particular the and prepared materials he would eventu- songs engineered by the late Cosimo Mas- ally self-publish on his 498 book label as sina – by studio artists like Fats Domino, “The Beatles on VeeJay Records,” the fi rst Little Richard and the late Larry Williams. of eight different hard cover tomes that in Foolishly, they thought they might have intricate detail have catalogued the record- time to sightsee the city, but an added con- ing careers of the most famous rock band cert on the tour nixed that opportunity. of the Sixties era. Their fame was so great that these weary All of this expertise has brought Spizer travelers from England would never again invitations to speak at various Beatles – as a group – visit the relatively small, conventions across the globe. He has been yet musically important city before calling recognized as a Beatles authority and their concert tours fi nished a little over revered for his time-consuming research. two tours and two years later. And he’s a fairly upbeat talker who makes One of those who longed to be in the the subject matter sparkle when he speaks. crowd was a nine-year-old Bruce Spizer, When asked about his favorite Beatles IN BUSINESS SINCE 1932 a young Jewish New Orleanian who had album, there is no hesitation. “‘Revolver,’” repeatedly heard several of their popular he shoots back. “It’s my favorite by far, (FAMILY OWNED) songs over the local radio stations like but I like the U.K. version best, because WTIX and, as all America, had witnessed it’s got three more songs than the U.S. NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT their triumphant three TV appearances on version.” the Ed Sullivan Show in February. A week ago Spizer attended the WYES- ITALIAN CREOLE HOME STYLE COOKING. In his adult years Spizer began to col- TV Beatles Tribute Concert featuring The lect albums, promotional posters, buttons, Fab Four tribute band that appeared at memorabilia and photos from fellow Tad Gormley Stadium on the exact 50th collectors and reasoned there were many anniversary of their only appearance in other clueless Beatles fans who could New Orleans. It was a bittersweet 50th benefi t from what he had discovered and anniversary and he was thrilled to be able collected. Spizer reached out to a graphics to attend. 3800 Canal Street, New Orleans designer and others who had publishing 504-482-9179 mandinasrestaurant.com

22 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com october 2014 Jerusalem’s Hazelnuts appear here

By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN were close to each other in many others ways than blood connections. “It’s very important to say before we were october 8, 2014 singing together we were very good friends,” Ziv added. Beyond being feminists, they also have a closeness that The close jazz harmonies of New Orleans’ own few non-related girl groups enjoy. “We didn’t’ grow up Boswell Sisters have made an indelible impression on a together but there is the essence of being very close, caring succession of well-known performers – from the Andrews for one another and being considerate whenever we are Sisters to Ella Fitzgerald. And now the herald call of doing things.” And she added: “We practice a lot.” “Sing, Sister, Sing!” has been heard by The Hazelnuts, An international festival of groups who emulate the three recent graduates of the Jerusalem Academy of Music Boswell Sisters was organized in conjunction with The and Dance, who have journeyed from Israel to New Or- Historic New Orleans Collection’s “Shout, Sister, Shout” leans this week to honor Vet, Connee and Velma Boswell exhibit that has been showing at the museum on Royal and participate in an international gathering of artists Street for the past six months. The granddaughter of Vet who, similarly, have been influenced by them. Boswell, Kyla Titus, helped organize the event and invited Shira Z. Carmel, Yifeat Ziv and Talya Amzaleg have The Hazelnuts along with many other groups from as far been classmates for four years, but have only been per- away as Australia and Europe to perform over the course forming Boswell Sisters songs for the past two years. Enjoying the Lake Pontchartrain seawall are (from left) Shira Z. Carmel, of this weekend in a final tribute to the Boswell Sisters Yifreat Ziv and Talya Amzaleg, collectively known as The Hazelnut Sisters. At first they were looking for anything that would al- (Photo by Alan Smason) titled “The Boswell Sisters: The Music Goes Round and low their voices to harmonize. “We were amazed like how Round.” our voices were going together,” Carmel, the oldest in the Boswell Sisters. “The New Orleans essence is present in Although The Hazelnuts have never been to the United group, explained. “We started looking for more advanced their musicality – how they express themselves and how States or New Orleans before, they have not been wasting or close harmony singing.” their three voices merge.” much time soaking up the culture. They have been tak- One of them chanced to find some of the Boswell All three singers point to their unique phrasing, ing in the sites of the French Quarter and other musical Sisters vintage recordings on YouTube. It wasn’t long rhythmic games in the lyrics and the unusual mimicry of areas such as Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny before “Heebies Jeebies” and “Crazy People,” two of the instruments that made the Boswell Sisters the national and Oak Street in the Carrollton section. They’ve caught Boswells original standards, became part of The Hazel- stars they were in the late 1920s and early 1930s. “You several acts including Charmaine Neville and the Rebirth nuts’ repertoire. They clamored for more. don’t hear those things in Israel,” she admitted. Brass Band and have performed karaoke at The Spotted “I think it’s safe to say that all three of us were Although not technically sisters by blood, their trans- Cat on Frenchmen Street. extremely impressed by their musicality,” said Amzaleg, lated name from Hebrew would be translated as “The the only non-native Jerusalemite in the group, about the Hazelnut Sisters.” They chose their name because they Joanna Gleason makes first appearance here

By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN would be comfortable. “That’s not really me,” she explained. “I as a youngster to New York City and later to a suburban home in want to tell a story and guide a narrative there.” New Rochelle, NY, as her father’s career improved. She attended After the success of the Provincetown performance this past two different schools in different districts there. Later, as her dad’s october 12, 2014 summer, the caberet hot spot in the former Studio 54 space, came career kept improving, they moved to a modest neighborhood in calling and asked her to play for three nights there with Well Beverly Hills, CA. Her parents still live in that same home. Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason made a long overdue Strung in support. Gleason described that last move as culture shock because trip to New Orleans this weekend appearing at Le Petit Theatre “I wanted to use Well Strung to not only back me orches- she still considers herself “an East Coast girl.” Her fellow Jewish du Vieux Carré along with sexy and talented string quartet Well trally,” she continued. “I wanted to use them vocally too.” Well schoolmates at Beverly Hills High School were Richard Dreyfus, Strung. Gleason appeared as part of the Broadway@ series initi- Strung figures as a soundtrack to her life. “They play beautifully Lorraine Newman, Albert Brooks and Julie Kavner to name a ated by producer Mark Cortale two years ago. and they are charming,” Gleason added. few. It was there that she became a regular fixture in school plays It was Gleason’s first trip to the Crescent City, a fact which Along with her music director and pianist Jeff Klitz, she wrote and began to craft her profession, receiving instruction from soap seems illogical given her many years of being a big name star on her biography in words accompanied by selected songs. “He’s star John Ingle, who was a teacher at her school. Broadway and in Hollywood where she worked on several TV written some gorgeous arrangements,” Gleason gushed. “It is She followed that up with her enrollment and graduation series and in film. But it may well be her success and her dedica- my story; the story of my life and it shows how I ended up right from Occidental College. Her master’s degree from UCLA also tion to teaching others that explains her inability to get away and where I am in life.” further prepared her for an acting and singing career and bred in get much traveling done. Her story is interesting to say the least. Born the daughter of her the desire to teach and give back to up and coming perform- In a recent interview, she also admitted that cabaret is very TV’s Monty Hall (real name Maurice Halperin) of “Let’s Make a ers and acting students. Gleason has done this most of her life much a new experience for her. Invited by Cortale to perform Deal” fame, Gleason was imbued with a number of Jewish values and still holds several master classes throughout the year teaching along with pianist and interviewer Seth Rudetsky in Provinc- including hard work and dedication towards family. specific exercises and techniques for as few as 15 or as many as 40 etown, MA, she first became aware of Well Strung, the string “The fact that dad was on a show that was nationally famous students. quartet Cortale also manages, who opened for her. She was made him into a sought-after fund raiser,” she noted. TV’s big But as important as education was to ground her in her real transfixed. “Yes, I met them and I had this inspiration – this idea – trader made frequent appearances as a keynote speaker, auction- life, Gleason said she sometimes retreated into an imaginary life, that I would do a little show in Provincetown,” Gleason stated. “I eer or host for the night. “He has raised over a billion dollars for where she could be anything she desired, particularly during had never done a cabaret show. I had never done an evening show charity,” she beamed. “Also, he has been a tireless and ceaseless those turbulent periods when she was moving from one school of my own.” fundraiser for Israel.” to another or one culture to another. Part of that imaginary life – To do an evening of unrelated songs or even a night of songs Gleason’s memories of her childhood are largely pleasant. She her life as a dancer or a big band vocalist – was expressed in the revolving on a theme didn’t seem like something with which she recalled having first lived in her native Canada, before journeying joanna on page 24 crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 23 october 2014

ZBT works on Cantor Mintz is installed at Touro

By KAREN LOZINSKI, house rehab Exclusive to the CCJN for mitzvah october 24, 2014

project The celebration of the formal installation of Cantor David Mintz took place during last october 18, 2014 week’s Shabbat service at Touro Synagogue, taking normally anticipated jo y and gratitude Members of Zeta Beta Tau, an histori- to soaring levels of ebullience through wor- cally Jewish fraternity, gathered to reha- ship and song. bilitate a rundown house in the 600 block The service was jointly led by Touro of D’Hemecourt Street in Mid-City on Fri- Rabbi Alexis Berk and Rabbi Angela Buch- Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason. (Photo courtesy day, the date that corresponded to Simchat dahl, the senior rabbi of Central Synagogue Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, who was instrumental in Mark Cortale Productions) Torah in the Orthodox and Conservative of New York. Buchdahl was instrumental Cantor David Mintz’s appointment and installation at Jewish worlds, but which is regarded as a in Mintz’s appointment to his new cantorial Touro Synagogue. (Photo by Karen Lozinski) joanna from page 23 non-holiday by Reform Jews. position at Touro, as Mintz completed his show she wrote and performed at Le Petit. “We The ZBT brothers gathered at the internship under her tutelage at Central while moved so many times,” she acknowledged, “I home from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to he was studying to prepare for ordination at would retreat into this.” replace doorways that had been rotted and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of That overactive imagination may have been needed to be replaced as well as weather- Religion (HUC-JIR). behind the drive for her success both as a profes- boards on the sides of the house. “Even as a student, David was a star,” sional actor and as a teacher. Although she did The project was intended to show the Buchdahl exuded from the pulpit. “Now, appear on several series including “Bette” with fraternity’s ability to dedicate itself to a as a fully-grown clergy person, he takes on Bette Midler and “Hello, Larry” with McLean project of public service. all manner of tasks, and Alexis (Berk) is not Stevenson, her true love has always been the alone in leading this Jewish congregation.” stage. Buchdahl should know. She is the first Gleason’s win in 1998 for her role as the Louis-Fest at Asian-American to be ordained as cantor or Baker’s Wife in “Into the Woods” by Stephen rabbi in North America, was invested as a Sondheim and James Lapine is probably her cantor in 1999 and also ordained as a rabbi greatest professional achievement. But Gleason, The Willow in 2001 by the HUC-JIR. (Editor’s note: Since who kept her married name from an earlier mar- 2012 all cantors are ordained rather than riage to acting instructor Paul Gleason, points to invested by HUC-JIR. All previously invested her current marriage to Chris Sarandon (since (Uptown) cantors received notifications of ordination at 1994) and her three children from all three of that time.) Touro Synagogue clergy Rabbi Alexis Berk and Cantor her marriages as to her real great successes. october 20, 2014 Buchdahl referred to the congregation at David Mintz at Shabbat Kiddush. (Photo by Karen Lozinski) Sarandon, who some will remember from Touro as “beautiful, vibrant, and singing,” his role as Prince Humperdinck in “The Princess Louis-Fest, a celebration of the life of lo- and claimed Berk as her “soul sister, as well Bride,” made one of several guest appearances cal realtor, bicycle enthusiast and musician as her oldest, dearest friend in the rabbinate.” Mintz spoke from the pulpit of his being during the course of the evening. Louis Lederman of blessed memory was “I’d like to believe I have a little bit of “surrounded by moments of transition” in Although Gleason doesn’t profess to an held yesterday, October 19 at The Willow insight into the rabbi-cantor relationship,” life and in the Jewish community as a whole. observant lifestyle, she raised her children with (formerly Jimmy’s Music Club), 8200 Wil- said Buchdahl, to ripples of laughter from the He regarded his new position as cantor at many of the values found in Judaism. She low Street, from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. service attendees. She went on to state that Touro and his work during the recent High has focused on having a finely attuned social The event honored Lederman’s life the relationship works better as a partner- Holidays. The cantor stated that the leaves conscience, with which she was indoctrinated as as friends gathered to enjoy brass band ship rather than a hierarchy, referencing the on trees are changing around the country a child by her parents, most especially her dad. music from Lederman’s band, Bone Tone Book of Genesis and the creation of Eve from with the progression of fall, not just around “You have to have a basic grasp of right and Brass, as well as many others such as The Adam, and how through the lens of life in the General Pershing Street. The assembly echoed wrong,” she mused about her upbringing. She Tumblers and the Gentilly Brass Band. ancient Near East that may be interpreted as a chorus of appreciative laughter. also claimed that her dad told her and her sister Lederman’s fellow members of the carnival a message of female subservience. Mintz referred to his grandmother’s belief to never be afraid to “be who you are.” group, the Phunny Phorty Phellows were Buchdahl prompted the congregation to from the earliest days of his childhood that Gleason’s fearless show was a near sellout also represented. think of the Creation story in terms of gender he’d one day become a cantor—that he was Saturday night. One of the highlights of the Several out-of-town individual equality, however, since Eve’s existence in destined for Jewish leadership. Though he hour-plus long show on Saturday, was a song musicians and close friends and family Adam can be understood as fully formed, and always loved music, his path in life wasn’t from her starring role in the not-so-successful, members including Lederman’s surviving that she emerged as an equal partner as well always as clear for him, and he was grateful but critically acclaimed “Nick and Nora,” based sibling, Dotti Lederman Shtafman of New as a helper. he had to craft himself into his role rather on “The Thin Man” movie series. Jersey were in attendance, too. “Every rabbi needs a helper,” Buchdahl than simply inherit it. Prior to her performance, Gleason described Bone Tone CDs were sold and dona- observed, “and though that may make Alex- Mintz earned his bachelor’s degree in her realized work with Well Strung as a book tions were solicited throughout the after- is, Adam, and David, Eve, in this relationship, music from Boston University, and contin- show with music. “Hopefully it’s a window into noon. These raised funds were donated this is partnership.” ued his studies in the same discipline at the my wacky world,” she said, admitting, “I like to Teen Life Counts, a program run by Buchdahl encouraged the worshippers to my little show.” Jewish Family Service. embrace Mintz with “everything they have.” cantor on page 25

24 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com october 2014

Rabbi Cohn receives Living Legend Award from Marc Morial

october 24, 2014 Former Mayor Marc Mo- rial did not disappoint a small crowd gathered in the Temple Sinai chapel last Friday evening, October 17. Morial was on hand Cantor David Mintz is installed with (from left) Rabbis Alexis Berk and Angela Buchdahl at as president and CEO of the Touro Synagogue on Oct. 17, 2014. (Photo by Karen Lozinski National Urban League, based cantor from page 24 in New York, to present Rabbi summer chaplaincy intern at Beth Ed Paul Cohn the Living Legend Manhattan School of Music, where Israel Medical Center in New Award sponsored by his civil he completed his master’s. While York, NY and was the recipient of rights organization. a student at HUC-JIR, he was the a Fischl-Kohn Memorial Grant to Morial spoke with the silver recipient of a cantorial fellowship travel to Prague with the Defiant tongue of a preacher as he ex- in the Tisch Leadership Program, Requiem Foundation to research tolled Cohn’s commitment to the which aims to foster transforma- his cantorial thesis on the music of City of New Orleans’ Human National Urban League president and CEO and former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, tional leaders in the Reform move- Theresienstadt. Relations Commission during his left, presents Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn the Living Legend Award from his organization. (Photo ment. He served as cantorial intern Mintz said he was humbled tenure as mayor and Cohn’s sup- by Alan Smason) at Central Synagogue in Manhattan by the shoes he now had to fill as port of in areas of public safety, and Congregation Emanu-El of cantor at Touro, expressing more community inclusion and police the City of New York, as well as gratitude towards the congregation reform that crossed all ethnic and given to those individuals who mother Sybil, the former first student cantor at Adat Chaverim in for being “generous, and open- racial lines. have made a significant impact lady of New Orleans, and sister Plano, Texas. hearted and open-minded.” The National Urban League on advancing the rights of were in attendance with him, left As an educator, Mintz has Mintz’s father is a rabbi, and is the nation’s second oldest civil African-Americans. the chapel to make another event served as a guest lecturer on Jewish he thanked his parents for showing rights organization, founded in Morial made the presenta- at the Watson Memorial Teach- liturgical music at the Univer- him, through words and deeds, 1910. tion during Friday night services ing Ministries facility further up sity of Louisiana (Lafayette) and what it means to be a Jewish adult The Living Legend Award is at Temple Sinai. Morial, whose St. Charles Avenue. has taught at BIMA at Brandeis in the world. University and Union for Reform An Oneg in Jacobs Social Hall Judaism (URJ) Mitzvah Corps followed the service and installa- in San Francisco, CA. He was a tion. Bra-Veaux! is definitely not a bust, say chairs

october 26, 2014

The Greater New Orleans Chapter of Hadassah’s annual breast cancer awareness and fun- draiser for Hadassah Hospitals in Jerusalem – Bra-Veaux! – raised a significant amount of money last night, according to event chairs Barbara Kaplinsky and retired Judge Miriam Waltzer. While figures from the silent Albert Daube stands with 4 generations of his family. The event Charisse Sands admires one of the many art bras New Orleans Hadassah President Ilana Reisin, Bra-Veaux auctions and live auctions held at was in honor of his wife of blessed memory, Pearl Daube. created by Hadassah members, which were on Co-chair Barbara Kaplinsky, and Bra-Veaux Co-Chair Miriam the recently renovated Lakefront display. “I Want Candy” was created by Gail Fenton Waltzer. Airport are not final, the money Pesses. raised should be between $30,000 and $60,000, Kaplinsky reported. Jonathan Lake served as emcee, Attendees were treated to small while Talora Gross modeled many bites prepared by Messina’s Cater- of the art items and colorfully ing and wine and beer served at the decorated brassieres intended for bar in the ornate art deco facility. live bids. crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 25 october 2014 JEF honors Solls, Katz, Lestelle and Wainer

By ALAN SMASON

october 28, 2014

Despite the failure of a speaker to deliver the keynote address, the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana (JEF) kept the conver- sation local and on point with its 2014 Annual Event on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Hilton Hotel Riverside, moving ahead with recognition for one very involved married couple, two profession- als and a prominent community leader. Aaron David Miller, a vice Rabbi Robert Loewy delivering the dvar Torah at the 2014 JEF Annual Event at the Hilton Maury Herman presents the JEF’s 2014 Tzedekah Award to cousins Dr. Edward and Karen president of the Woodrow Wilson Hotel with JEF president Richard Cahn at right. (Photo by Alan Smason) Soll as JEF president Richard Cahn, right, looks on. (Photo by Alan Smason) International Center for Scholars, had been expected to deliver a timely address on Middle East affairs. Miller’s talk was expected to deal specifically with the fallout and current situation arising from the summer’s Israeli military campaign, Operation Protective Edge, and the antipathy existing between Hamas and Israel. However, Miller’s early morning flight was one of dozens cancelled as a result of military maneuvers in the Washington, Cousin Maury Herman, (left), leads the three sons of Dr. Edward and Karen Soll – Shea, Ellie Wainer, (left), is given the Helen A. Mervis Jewish Community Professional Award by D.C. area that morning. He was Michael and Gregg – in the priestly blessing. (Photo by Alan Smason) Andrea “Andi” Lestelle. Lestelle was also given the Young Family Award for Professional Excellence. (Photo by Alan Smason) unable to find an alternative flight on short notice and was not able ment to the Jewish community as something.” Professional Excellence. mused Katz, “and happiness is to make it into New Orleans in both a safety net during times of Levy was asked to come back Following yet another video up there with good health – well, time for deliver his talk. crisis and as a visionary organiza- to the podium to make a special on his work as a committed and maybe not as important as good Undeterred, the program tion looking to ensure the future presentation to immediate past involved community leader, health – but it’s up there with began with a welcome address by viability of the Greater New president Carol Wise. Wise took Morton Katz, the president of the good people and good relatives. JEF executive director Saundra Orleans Jewish community. the opportunity to thank Levy Jewish Federation of Greater New We make a life with what we Levy that emphasized the Jewish He noted with pride that and the other members of her Orleans was invited to accept give.” tradition of community involve- the highlight of the day was to board. Displaying a photo of her the Jewish Federations of North The final video of the day ment and tzedakah (charity). be the recognition of two of his father, she proclaimed how proud America (JFNA) Endowment centered on the Solls and their “May each of us choose a life that congregants, Dr. Eddie and Karen she was to carry on in her com- Achievement Award from Levy. acceptance of the 2014 Tzeda- matters,” she said in welcoming Soll, expressing admiration for mitment to the Jewish community In the video Katz humorously kah Award. Attorney and cousin the crowd of over 250 gathered their commitment to Torah and he instilled in her. stated he was spurred to become Maury Herman was called upon there for a kosher-style breakfast their involvement in the Jewish Cahn went ahead with the more involved with the Jew- to make the presentation. that included fresh fruit, rolls, community. Using the Solls as an introduction of Andrea “Andi” ish community when he noted Herman called for the Solls’ smoked salmon, blintzes, an example and referring once again Lestelle, who made the presen- how involved his son Brian had three sons – Shea, Michael and omelette station and more. to the parsha, Loewy concluded tation of the Helen A. Mervis become. He felt he was being Gregg – to ascend the podium and Rabbi Robert Loewy of Con- that, like Abraham and Sarah, Jewish Community Professional outshone by his son, he suggested, he lead them in reading aloud the gregation Gates of Prayer deliv- everyone should go forth and be a Award to Ellie Wainer. Wainer and so he became a notable priestly blessing. ered a dvar Torah on the parsha blessing. “May we do the same,” was cited for her work as the co- Jewish community volunteer as Dr. Soll took the podium to Lech Lecha. Loewy referred to he said. ordinator of the Teen Life Counts a result. He wondered aloud just thank the JEF for their award. the reading and its opening words Acting as emcee, JEF board suicide awareness and education where his son had received such a “We should count our blessings,” delivered from God to Abraham, president Richard Cahn empha- program administered by Jewish drive to be so involved. he stated. “This is an especially which translate into “Go, go for sized the ease with which a finan- Family Service. Wainer has been Katz, who will be finishing up vibrant and supportive Jewish yourself.” He called it the founda- cial commitment to JEF can be ac- succeeded in the past year by his two-year term as Federation community.” tion that was established between complished as part of a financial Talora Gross. president next year, said it is all a He advised all attendees to God, Abraham and Sarah. plan that might be as simple as a Videos extolling the virtues process of giving back. He noted support the JEF by creating a Jew- “So, too, is the JEF an exten- 5% tithe of one’s estate. “Your of Wainer and Lestelle were then that the incoming president will ish legacy as well as Federation sion of that foundation,” the plan does not have to be perfect shown. Cahn presented Lestelle be Dr. Soll. and its constituent agencies and rabbi stated, noting its commit- to execute it,” he stated. “Just do with the Young Family Award for “Giving is part of happiness,” programs.

26 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com october 2014 OU top exec Allen Fagin grants exclusive interview

Exclusive interview found Fagin: I don’t focus on having only in the CCJN ordination or smicha or not having smicha. For me the issue is to focus october 31, 2014 on those areas of the OU’s op- erations that require much greater In the spring, Allen Fagin was emphasis. I think my strengths have unanimously named the new execu- been and the reason I’m here is to tive vice president and chief profes- superimpose a sense of managerial sional officer of the Orthodox coherence to a very, very far-flung Union (OU), the governing body set of operations and programs that of Orthodoxy. Fagin is a successful now constitute the union. lawyer from the firm of Proskauer CCJN: Do you feel there are ar- To make Mardi Gras participants happy, here is Allen Fagin, right, seen at a New York City and Rose and a dynamic and well eas you need to shore up especially parade as part of an OU float. (Photo courtesy OU) known civic leader. He is the first when dealing with some of the executive officer of the OU not to most learned and respected rabbini- Ou executive vice president and chief hold smicha (rabbinical status). He cal thinkers in the world? professional officer Allen Fagin. (Photo was in New Orleans this weekend Fagin: Yes, to me a lot of this is courtesy OU) to speak at the installation of Rabbi the return to basics, making certain Gabriel Greenberg as the new rabbi that we have in place really excel- closer to your home, Perlow con- at Congregation Beth Israel. Prior lent systems for insuring that every demned Rabbi Avi Weiss of Yeshiva to his arrival and shortly after his penny we spend we spend wisely. Chovevei Torah (YCT) in Riverdale selection, he graciously agreed to For making certain that we will for opening the roles women may engage in an exclusive conversation have in place appropriate devel- play in Orthodoxy. He called it with the CCJN. opment efforts, that we take full “heretical.” Have you a response? CCJN: First of all, we con- advantage of our human resources Fagin: There’s probably not gratulate you on your unanimous by developing and fostering the a whole lot that I can say or that selection. In a world where our professional development of our I can make clear other than to favorite expression is two Jews, staff by engaging in career planning point to various statements that three opinions, one doesn’t hear and succession planning, in effect we’ve made over time. We’re not the word unanimous all that often. by bringing some of the manage- a rabbinic organization. We’re a OU executive vice president Allen Fagin at his office in New York. (Photo courtesy OU) How does that make you feel? ment basics to bear on all of the membership organization. Our Fagin: I felt pretty good. myriad activities of the OU. position is clear that we represent ties where it is absolutely critical to dedicated in 2012. It was important CCJN: With regard to the ex- During the summer Rabbi a constituency that believes in the do so is at the top of my agenda. to be with you when times were ecutive vice presidency, previously Yaakov Perlow of Agudath Israel eternal values and requirements of CCJN: The OU was especially difficult and important to be with Rabbi Steven Weil had served for of America complained about the Torah and halacha. helpful to Congregation Beth Israel you when you celebrated having six years and previous to him Rabbi Conservative and Reform move- (Editor’s note: Rabbi Asher in helping it recover from the effects stepped out of that adversity. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb for six years. ments saying they would (and we Lopatin, the current president of of Hurricane Katrina. Closer to CCJN: Anything else to add Are you in fact about to serve for quote) “be relegated to the dustbins YCT, will be speaking at the instal- home, Hurricane Sandy gave New before closing? six years or do you expect the term of history.” Such animus towards lation brunch on Sunday. Rabbi Avi Jersey and New Yorkers a taste of Fagin: It is also enormously of office to be longer? Reform and Conservative Judaism Weiss, the founding president of what destruction there is from such important that our young people Fagin: I don’t know what to can be seen as counterproductive. YCT, was also originally scheduled devastating storms. Do you feel learn and continue to learn these expect the term to be. I’ve commit- Have you any comments? to be there as well, but was forced more needs to be done to protect same lessons. I know our NCSY ted through the year of our 2016 Fagin: I’m not commenting on to cancel at the last minute due to institutions whether on the Gulf chapter in New Jersey has over the fiscal year and have indicated to his comments, but I will say that a “a family matter.”) Coast or on the Atlantic Coast? last several years made 12 trips to the board that we can certainly large portion of our activities are CCJN: What are the biggest Fagin: Absolutely, as you know Beth Israel. These are public school see what’s happening at that point specifically designed to reach out to challenges you think the OU faces? we respond when our brothers and kids and (Jewish) day school kids and decide further. I’ve made that the totality of the Jewish commu- How do you expect to deal with sisters are in peril. Following the all learning as part of their NCSY commitment through that period of nity. Many of our programs service them? hurricane we helped to raise, as you experience the need to give back to time and we see how that develops. the entire community. Our program Fagin: I think probably one of probably know, several hundred their own communities and to share CCJN: Then the obvious for people with special needs has the largest challenges I face is insuf- thousands of dollars for Beth Israel, with communities that are having follow-up question. You graduated a multitude of participants from ficient resources to accomplish the so the economic assistance is cer- difficulties. This process continues from Ramaz Upper School, but every stream of Judaism. Our enormity of our mission. There’s tainly part of it. I think equally the now years after the hurricane. We all of your academic work was at advocacy efforts in the government an assumption that the OU has majority of support, the knowledge cooperate with Beth Israel and Columbia College and Harvard arena are designed in many respects significant resources at its disposal that your disaster was our disaster the day school. I believe there is Law School. You are not a rabbi. Is to the broader Jewish community. and we’re not in need of additional – that wherever there are Jews who another trip planned in February. this a first for the OU? Probably the largest of the OU assistance and the fact is nothing are in need, they know that the en- We’re going to keep doing this be- Fagin: I’m told that it is. I’m the Programs, which are the youth could be further from the truth. tire community stands behind them cause we feel it is important. We’re first executive vice president to not activities of NCSY, are open to high There are communities that cry out and with them in moments of crisis going to continue doing this as part have smicha. I suppose in that sense school students with deep Jewish for us to bring our programs to is one of the most important things of the educational experience we it is a first. backgrounds and those with none. their synagogues and to their com- we can do. I was proud not only of provide to our kids. This is a lesson What do you feel are your We take our responsibilities to all of munities and we simply lack the the degree of economic assistance that is enormously important, not greatest strengths or abilities that Klal Yisrael (“the whole of Israel”) resources to do it. The development we provided, but I was equally in the abstract, but very important you bring to the executive vice very seriously. of additional sources of revenue to proud that Rabbi Weinreb was in terms of “hands on.” presidency? CCJN: At the same time and allow the expansion of our activi- with you when Beth Israel was re- crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 27 NOVEMBER 2014 Happy Chanukah from your JCC’s Center Celebration friends at Haase’s. featured Broadway Boys with their renditions of popular Serving New Orleans since NOVEMBER 22, 2014 show tunes from crowd pleasers like Wicked, Jersey Boys and Hairspray. The sounds of Broadway fi lled A live auction followed the dinner 1921. the Jewish Community Center’s main with WVUE’s Lee Zurik as the event’s stage last night as the Lupin Founda- auctioneer. The most sought after item tion sponsored the JCC’s fall fund- was a serigraph print, “Chimera,” by raiser, titled Center Celebration. Ida Kohlmeyer. The evening started at 7:00 p.m. The event’s co-chairs were Ana- with cocktails followed by a catered maria and Tim Lupin and Ann and dinner by Chef Rommel Hernandez. Carey Kaufman. Broadway Boys entertained guests

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28 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com NOVEMBER 2014 Beth Israel installs Rabbi Greenberg

BY ALAN SMASON NOVEMBER 7, 2014 Congregation Beth Israel installed Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg on Sunday (November 2, 2014) as its new spiritual leader. In atten- dance to support the event were the Orthodox synagogue’s membership and others from the ranks of local Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations. The installation banquet at the Audubon Tea Room consisted of a long pro- gram and a kosher dairy meal catered by Lee Sands from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 pm. Jefferson Parish president John Young made an impromptu appearance to kick off the after- Abby and Rabbi Gabe Greenberg at the installation YCT president Rabbi Asher Lopatin, renowned Jewish Rabbis Asher Lopatin, (left), David Polsky (Anshe noon’s celebratory mood. Former Beth Israel brunch at the Audubon Tea Room on Nov. 1. (Photo leader Richard Stone and OU executive vice president Sfard) and Gabe Greenberg dance at the end of the president Eddie Gothard served as the master of by Alan Smason) Allen Fagin. (Photo by Alan Smason) banquet. (Photo by Alan Smason) ceremonies. Gothard recalled his being on the search erman and Berenson families – hailed. Having sanctuary in August of 2012. wife Abby, stating simply that she “taught me committee that was charged with securing lived most of his life in New “We’ve been with you during time of you,” the Torah of Chesed, of loving kindness.” the services of a new rabbi. “Rabbi Gabe was York, Stone still waxed romantically about Fagin noted. “And we’ve been with you during “Everything I have accomplished and will resolute about honoring his commitment to his hometown. “I always believed I had not times of pain.” accomplish will be from you,” he said speaking Hillel,” he said. That impressed the committee abandoned my roots,” he explained, “but had In relating the recovery of Beth Israel to a to her directly at a table fi lled with their rela- even more, although it meant they would have taken them with me.” new home in Metairie, Fagin called upon the tives. to interview others in the interim. Then, he turned to briefl y discuss the state words of author and Holocaust fi gure Elie As to his rabbinate, Greenberg insisted that Gothard went on to say that the other can- of relations between the United States and the Weisel, who suggested that “the strength of the the focus of Congregation Beth Israel will be on didates were all qualifi ed, “but in the back of State of Israel. Stone suggested that the Obama Jewish people lies not in their power to build, learning and study and that study of Talmud their mind, they were no Gabe Greenberg.” administration’s staunchest ally and defender but in their power to rebuild.” and Torah will be at the foundation of Jewish In the end, the committee opted to offer of Israel has proven to be Secretary of Defense Fagin congratulated the congregation on education for all its members. He also has estab- Greenberg the Beth Israel position, but had to Chuck Hagel. the selection of Greenberg as its new spiritual lished weekly one-on-one learning with him for deal with not having a spiritual leader for a year. “The irony of that was that the Jewish com- leader and said he considers its ability to rebuild every Beth Israel child. Within a few days of his early arrival in June, munity was extremely apprehensive with the and transition as emblematic of “a vibrant and Shabbat will be a centerpiece of Beth Israel though, according to Gothard, Greenberg offi ci- appointment of Secretary of Defense Hagel,” forward looking community.” life, he continued, allowing for a time and place ated at a funeral, a wedding and a bris. Stone said. Along the same lines, Lopatin spoke about to celebrate and refl ect. He also reiterated his Prominent Jewish speakers included Al- Next Fagin, the OU’s executive vice- Greenberg as a very effective and strong leader, desire to increase the role that women may play len Fagin, executive vice president and chief president spoke and reminisced about the past. characterizing him as a visionary who will carry within the balance of halacha (rabbinic law), professional offi cer of the Orthodox Union Fagin follows the immediate tenure of Rabbi the banner of Modern Orthodoxy and make stating they possess “a spark of the Divine that (OU), Rabbi Asher Lopatin of Greenberg’s alma Steven Weil and that of Rabbi Tzvi Hersh it relevant to the outside world. “I cannot tell shines within us.” mater, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in Riverdale, Weinreb, both of whom oversaw relief for Con- you…how proud we are at your yeshiva,” he Impromptu dancing occurred after NY., and New Orleans native Richard Stone, gregation Beth Israel after its devastation from said. Greenberg’s speech with music provided by the a prominent New York tax attorney, renown fl ooding related to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “Show the world we can unite, pick up the Panorama Jazz Band featuring Ben Schenck on Jewish leader and currently a professor of Fagin acknowledged that Beth Israel was the pieces and rebuild together,” Lopatin said in clarinet. Women and men danced separately, as Columbia Law School. recipient of hundreds of thousands of dollars closing. “May we from you from strength to is the custom among Orthodoxy. Stone, who is related to Greenberg’s wife, to aid in recovery from the storm. He reminded strength! Chazak! Chazak! V’nitzchazek!” Abby, fi rst reminisced about life in Bogalusa, audience members that Weinreb was a keynote In accepting the Beth Israel post formally, from where their common ancestors – the Sing- speaker at the dedication of the new Beth Israel Greenberg acknowledged fi rst and foremost his

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WWW.LAKEVIEWBREW.COM 637 Canal St. | 633 Royal St. | 800 Royal St. | 504-586-8373 crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 29 NOVEMBER 2014 CCJN editor Smason receives AJPA award

NOVEMBER 10, 2014 Crescent City Jewish News editor Alan Smason was surprised to receive the President’s Volunteer of the Year Award at the American Jewish Press Award’s 2014 Rock- ower Awards dinner last night. Smason, who heads the Webinar Committee for the AJPA, was given the award by AJPA President Marshall Weiss for his volunteer work with the group, the largest association of Jewish press in the U.S. and Canada. Another recipient of the award was Kevin S. Adelstein, Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn with wife Andrea at the Weiss Awards. (Photo by Alan the co-chair of this year’s conference and the CEO and Smason) publisher of the Cleveland Jewish News, which celebrated AJPA president Marshall Weiss and CCJN editor Alan Smason at Rockower its 50th anniversary this year. The AJPA also celebrated its Awards presentation. Rabbi Cohn is honored 70th anniversary along with Hadassah Magazine, one of its members. The AJPA is holding its conference in Maryland this at NOCCJ event The presentations were made just prior to the an- year for the fi rst time in association with the Jewish Fed- nouncements for the 2014 Rockower Awards for excel- erations of North America’s General Assembly. NOVEMBER 7, 2014 lence in Jewish journalism. Temple Sinai Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn was the 41st indi- vidual member of the Jewish community selected with the presentation of one of the six annual Weiss Awards on Wednesday, November 5 at the Hyatt Regency Empire NATA holds conference in N.O. Ballroom. Established by the New Orleans Council for Commu- banquet held at Temple nity and Justice (NOCCJ) 60 years ago in the memory of NOVEMBER 14, 2014 Sinai on Wednesday brothers Seymour, Bernard, Milton and Julius Weiss, the evening if New Orleans awards recognize members of the Greater New Orleans While much of the American Jewish world’s atten- had met her expecta- community whose civic and humanitarian contributions tion was fi xed on the Washington, D.C. area as the Jewish tions as a conference are considered exemplary to all of the area. Federations of North America (JFNA) met for its General city. “Yes, everything The NOCCJ has been in existence for more than 70 Assembly, 170 administrators and executive directors of was great!” she beamed. years, serving to inspire locals who are working to con- Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) temples and synagogues She claimed to be most front bigotry, prejudice and racism and at the same time descended upon New Orleans as part of the annual National impressed with the to build community. The non-profi t agency offers several Association for Temple Administration (NATA) conference National World War II programs and forums, where differences can be explored from Sunday, November 9 through Wednesday, November Museum. “I was quite and embraced and understanding furthered. 12. impressed with the museum,” she explained. “The exhibits The presentation of the several Weiss Awards is the NATA is a professional organization and URJ affi liate, were quite moving and emotional.” organization’s major fundraiser of the year. which was formed in 1941. This year’s conference highlight The temple administrators volunteered their time work- Cohn was honored for his social activism, outreach included workshops and lectures on a variety of topics from ing in St. Bernard Parish and at the Nola Greens. Conference and work in the area of civil rights. His fellow Temple Si- Israel, to Judaic studies to fund development in addition to attendees installed sheet rock, applied paint to construction nai members fi lled a total of fi ve tables at the dinner event membership growth and fi nance. walls and picked vegetables to donate to area shelters. to support him as he accepted the award. Renee Higer, executive director of Temple Emanu El It was announced that next year’s conference will be held in the Clevleand suburb of Orange Village, OH, was the in Orlando, FL. chair for this year’s conference. She was asked at the closing

8305 Airline Drive, Metairie 504-466-6000 www.bryansubaru.com NOCCJ executive director Stephanie Bridges listens as Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn accepts his Weiss Award on Nov. 5, 2014. (Photo by Alan Smason) 30 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com november 2014 Sandy Lassen toasted as ‘Divine’ at roast

By ALAN SMASON

november 17, 2014

Longtime Shir Chadash Con- servative Congregation executive director Sandy Lassen was given a raucous roast and a sentimental sendoff by her congregation in a swank affair Sunday night at the Audubon Tea Room. Titled “The Divine Miss L,” the event was an homage to Lassen and one of her favorite perform- ers, Bette Midler, also known as With her husband Elliot Lew at left, Sandy Lassen, center, Incoming Shir Chadash executive director Bruce Yaillen, left, with Temple Comedienne and spokesperson Rhonda celebrates with emcee Rhonda Shear at “Divine Miss L” event Sinai administrator EllenRae Shallett, Sandy Lassen and former Gates Shear at “The Divine Miss L” roast and toast “The Divine Miss M.” Vocalist on November 16. (Photo by Alan Smason) of Prayer temple administrator Louis Geiger and previous Shir Chadash on November 16,. (Photo by Alan Smason) Meryl Zimmerman, who works executive director Will Samuels. (Photo by Alan Smason) at the religious school, performed several Bette Midler-inspired for Lassen, whom she described as Thilim and Shir Chadash. Bockman, who traveled from New Yaillen, who was born in Pitts- pieces throughout the evening with “brassy, bold and with boobies.” She also thanked former Jersey to be at the event, is a trum- burgh, has spent the last 25 years accompaniment by pianist Tom Without missing a beat, she an- Chevra Thilim Rabbi David peter and opened the festivities working as an executive director in Hook. nounced “I have a bra for you!” Bockman, who had officiated in with a second line in the event hall. the Baltimore Jewish community. Los Angeles area Cantor Kenny Among her friends and col- the merger with Tikvat Shalom, Lassen concluded her talk by “He’s not at all like me, so you’ll Ellis sang a short program and led leagues in the audience, other which resulted in the formation wishing incoming executive direc- love him,” she joked before the the chanting of the Birkat Hama- roasters were New Orleans native of the reconstituted Shir Chadash. tor Bruce Yaillen all the very best. evening ended. zon following the meal. Renee Leon Sabel, who now lives New Orleans native and former in San Antonio; Shir Chadash Miss Louisiana Rhonda Shear board member and former presi- served as mistress of ceremonies. dent Lis Kahn; and law partners The former “Up All Night” cable Nicole Tygier and Bob Kutcher. TV star regaled the audience with Tygier and Kutcher presented a number of pithy putdowns Lassen with a dictionary because CHATEAU regarding her roast subject. “They they said she never understood wanted to have a close friend do the meaning of several words like DRUGS & GIFTS this, but they couldn’t find one. So “can’t” “impossible” and “too they asked me,” Shear started. hard.” “Sandy’s been on more laps After they all had their turns at than a napkin,” she continued, the podium, Rabbi Ethan Linden mentioning Lassen’s three mar- gave his personal take on working riages. “She’s crossed more state with Lassen. He credited her with Unexpected lines than a Greyhound,” the a number of wonderful qualities blonde bombshell joked. expected from an effective execu- Elegance Continuing the marriage theme, tive director. His major sting came Shear considered that Lassen’s first in his criticism of Lassen’s unusual two marriages were early: “before habit of singing in the office, which noon” and that the three weddings he described in detail to the delight 3544 West Esplanade had left “rice marks on her face.” of the 233 guests in attendance. In referring to her 18-year- Following the presentation by Between Severn and old marriage to Elliot Lew, Shear synagogue president Sandy Krilov Hessmer Avenue took the opportunity to suggest of a lifetime membership to Shir that Lassen is a bit bossy. “Their Chadash enacted by a resolution Metairie, LA 70002 marriage is a true partnership,” of the board, Lassen ascended the 889-2300 she began. “Except, he’s the silent podium. M-F 9am-7pm Sat 9am-5pm partner.” After taking exception with Shear claimed Lew once Linden’s remarks about her sing- thought he might have bad breath. ing, Lassen became very emotional “He’s never had to worry about and grateful to everyone who had that,” Shear mused. “He never gets put on the event. She thanked all of a chance to open his mouth.” those who had attended, especially FREE GIFT Shear, who is now a successful all of the family members who had brassiere manufacturer in Florida, traveled far to be with her to cel- WRAP concluded her portion of the ebrate her achievements as a leader program professing admiration at the former Congregation Chevra crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 31 JEWISH TRIVIA QUIZ SAMPLER Written by New Orleans native Mark Zimmerman

Early in Joan Rivers’s career, she The pitom is the extension of an etrog at performed with Barbra Streisand. What the opposite end from the stem which did Joan comment about working with connects it to the tree. When is an etrog Barbra? without a pitom considered kosher?

A. They performed together in a high school production of Fiddler on A. Only if it was accidentally broken off rather than intentionally. the Roof. Barbra played Tzeltal and Joan played Hodel. In her book, Di- ary of a Mad Diva, Joan wrote, “I knew right away that she had a stage B. Only if it broke off while being carried around the synagogue career ahead of her. And I knew right away that the only way I would during the Hakafot processional ever become famous is by making fun of people like her.” C. Only if the etrog never grew with a pitom in the fi rst place B. They worked together in New York in a stage play, Driftwood, as sisters, and Joan said Barbra “was all nose.” D. Only if the etrog is fi rst immersed in the mikvah.

C. They worked together in New York in a stage play, Driftwood, as lesbian lovers, and Joan said Barbra “was all tongue.

D. They competed against each other in a talent show at Erasmus High School in Brooklyn. In her memoir, I Hate Everyone…Starting With Me, Joan wrote, “I went on fi rst, but when Barbra performed after me, I went to Mr Greenbaum the teacher in charge of the contest and said, ‘I quit. I’m going to put my head in an open oven.’ And I never appeared on the same stage with her again.

The Israeli company On-Track Solutions saw its stock jump by as much as 75% last Wednesday after Apple announced the iPhone 6, Apple Pay, and Apple Watch. What does On-Track Solutions make that led to the rise in its stock price? In a recent online survey by the Israeli news and entertain- ment website Mako, what did slightly fewer than half of the

A. The company makes products for the Orthodox community. One product is ShabbatGuard, that Israeli respondents say regarding ebola? will automatically turn off the Apple Watch a half hour before Shabbat, disabling it until one hour after sunset on Saturday. A. 46% of Israeli respondents said that they saw the potential spread of the ebola virus by terrorists

as a greater threat than the Iranian nuclear program. B. In 2010, they created a security camera that is placed in apple orchards in Israel to detect thieves, as the theft of apples is common in advance of Rosh Hashanah, when there is great demand. The B. 47% of Israeli respondents said that they believed the cure for ebola would come from research camera is called “Apple Watch,” and Apple announced that they will be buying On-Track Solutions at the Weizmann Institute of Science. in order to obtain rights to use that name for their new watch.

C. 48% of Israeli respondents said that they wished to give President Barack Obama an envelope C. Apple Pay is only designed to work with the new iPhone6. On-Track Solutions makes a product with the ebola virus for his birthday. call WAVE, which is a device that plugs into older models of the iPhone, enabling them to use the Apple Pay system to purchase goods. D. 49% of Israeli respondents said that to prevent the spread of ebola, all Africans in the country

should be deported or quarantined immediately. D. The company makes software called ShekelPay, which will enable iPhones to pay for items in

Israeli shekels, which is not a currency that is supported directly by the Apple Pay software. C I S THE CORRECT ANSWER TO EACH QUESTION EACH TO ANSWER CORRECT THE S I C

32 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com SaluteWE OUR JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT

“The Jews have always been a peace loving people, not because we are cowards but because they realize that peace can accomplish far more for humanity than war.” Jewish Ledger (New Orleans weekly Jewish publication) July 2, 1915 This January 8th we will be celebrating the bicentennially of the Battle of New Orleans fought in Chalmette Park. Although there were only a dozen or so Jewish males living in New Orleans at that time, according to information found in the 2012 book, The Jews of New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta there were about 10 known Jewish men who served with Andrew Jackson and the American forces against the British invasion. The reality is that since the fi rst Jews arrived in New England in the 17th century there has been consistent Jewish participation in defending and serving in our armed forces. The National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington, D.C., collects and validates Jewish participation in the military. According to their statistics since the American Revolution, Jewish soldiers have been awarded 52,000 metals or decorations for serving their country. In New Orleans under the command of Judge Sol Gothard the Jules Lazard Post 580 of the Jewish War Veterans organizes special programs and activities on days such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day and D Day. We thank these brave soldiers!

Veterans day program at Congregation Shir Chadash on Sunday, November 9, 2014. Pictured are local vets with Commander, Judge Sol Gothard. (Photo by J. Gothard)

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 33 DINE IN, GROCERY & CATERING OBITUARIES Specializing in Hot Pastrami & Corned Beef • Jambalaya • Chopped Liver • Matzoh Ball Soup Homemaker Bella Goldblum Goldman, 87 Interior designer Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Mintz, 94 PIZZA EVERY WEDNESDAY | SUSHI THURSDAY | FRIED CHICKEN FRIDAY June 22, 2014 July 01, 2014 BELLA GOLDBLUM GOLDMAN, a home- DOROTHY “DOTTIE” (NEE LIGHTMAN) Buy 1 Sandwich maker and mother, died on June 20, 2014. She was MINTZ, an interior designer associated with her 87. family business, Lafayette’s Carriage House, died on & Get 1 FREE Predeceased by her husband Irvin A. Goldman, Wednesday, June 25, 2014. She was 94. of equal or lesser value she is survived by daughters Linda Green (Michael A native of Nashville, TN, she moved to New Dine in only. Up to $6.95 Value. Expires 12/31/14 Brown) and Toby (Issac) Hazen and son Gary Orleans after marrying native New Orleanian Ber- Goldman (Judith Wyle); four grandchildren and four nard “Barney” Mintz. She fell not only for her hus- 3519 Severn Ave., Metairie great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted band, but also quickly for New Orleans and became by Rabbi Ethan Linden on Sunday, June 22, 2014 one of its most prominent supporters. Together, the Mon-Thur 10am-7pm at 3:00 p.m. at the Metairie chapel of Tharp-Son- Mintzes enjoyed a passion for a great many things meisel 9-14_Layout 1 9/8/14 Fri. 8:55 & AM Sun. Page 10am-3pm 1 theimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway together – among them fi ne dining and following the Boulevard. New Orleans Saints. One of her biggest drives in life, www.koshercajun.com | 888-2010 Interment followed immediately in Hebrew however, was for philanthropy. She truly enjoyed giv- Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Pelopidas at Frenchmen ing of her money and her time. An inveterate shop- Street. Donations are suggested to Passages Hospice, per, she was known to retail and service employees 617 Dublin Street, New Orleans, LA 70118. Family throughout the metropolitan area. members have also asked for friends and relatives to Mintz was predeceased by her husband of 61 honor Goldman’s memory by performing an unsolic- years. She is survived by her sons Steven Mintz ited act of kindness on her behalf. (Mary) and Robert Mintz, daughters Joanie Shubin (Lewis) of Atlanta, GA, and Suzanne Mintz Blanche Steinman, mother and homemaker, 87, (Jonathan Elkind) of Silver Spring, MD, and fi ve June 29, 2014 grandchildren. BLANCHE G. STEINMAN, a mother and A private memorial service is planned. In lieu homemaker and lifelong resident of New Orleans of fl owers, the family requests donations made to a Sales/Lease Consultant CheriCHERI Meisel MEISEL until Hurricane Katrina, died in Brookline, MA, on charity of your choice. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Fu- 3525 Veterans504-909-2270 Blvd. Direct: 203-606-2671 Wednesday, June 25, 2014. She was 87. neral Home of Metairie is in charge of arrangements. Steinman, a member of Congregation Beth Israel, Online condolences may be expressed. Metairie, LA3525 70002 Veterans Blvd. Fax: 504-455-6545Please ask Phone: 504-888-2131 [email protected] was forced to relocate after the storm destroyed her Metairie, LA 70002 residence, choosing to live with her daughter for the Homemaker Eileen Pulitzer Latter, 66 Toll Free: 866-882-2131 www.bergeronauto.comfor Cheri remainder of her years. July 03, 2014 [email protected] She was predeceased by her husband of many EILEEN PULITZER LATTER died peacefully www.bergeronauto.com years, Saul Steinman. Steinman is survived by her at her New Orleans residence on Tuesday, July 1, son Arnold Steinman, her daughter Anne Steinman 2014, following the prolonged effects of a stroke she (spouse Susan D. Tatelman) and her sister Esther suffered several months ago. She was 66. Berger. A native New Orleanian, she graduated from Graveside services were held on Sunday, June 29, Ridgewood School in 1965 and was a homemaker 2014 at 10:45 a.m. in the New Beth Israel Cemetery, and mother. 4400 Elysian Fields Ave. Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg She is survived by her husband of many years offi ciated. Stanford Latter; daughters Lisa and Cindy Latter; In lieu of fl owers, donations in her memory brother Simon Pulitzer; brother-in-law Gerald (Libby) are suggested to Congregation Beth Israel, 4004 Latter of New York; sister-in-law Ann (Martin) Light W. Esplanade Avenue South, Metairie, LA 70002 of Nashville; and a grandson. Waffles on Maple or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be Graveside services were held on Thursday, July expressed online. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral 3 at Metairie Cemetery with Rabbi Robert Loewy neW orleans original Home was in charge of arrangements. offi ciating. In lieu of fl owers, memorials are suggested to Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 W. Esplanade 7112 Maple street Newborn Saul Novod Ave., Metairie, LA. 70002. Condolences may be 504-304-2662 June 29, 2014 expressed online. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral SAUL WELTON NOVOD, the newborn son of Home of Metairie was in charge of arrangements. wafflesonmaple.com Kimberly and Aaron Novod, died yesterday evening, Saturday, June 27, 2014 at Children’s Hospital. Dietitian, artist Bettie Florence Stovall Rosen- Funeral services will be held on Monday, June baum, 87 30, at 10:00 a.m. at Providence Park Cemetery, 8200 July 09, 2014 Airline Drive in Metairie. BETTIE FLORENCE STOVALL ROSEN- In lieu of fl owers, donations in memory of Saul BAUM, a dietitian, who in her later years became PLEASE SHOW SUPPORT TO Welton Novod are suggested to Children’s Hospital known as an artist specializing in enameling, died on of New Orleans, Neonatal ICU, 200 Henry Clay Monday, July 7 in Atlanta, GA, after a long illness. OUR ADVERTISERS Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118. Send attention to: She was 87. Development Offi ce. For more information call She was predeceased by her husband of many 504-896-9375 or to donate directly, click here. In years Dr. Percy Rosenbaum, of blessed memory. BY YOUR PATRONAGE! addition, donations are suggested to the Louisiana Rosenbaum is survived by fi ve daughters: Judy March of Dimes Chapter, 11960 Bricksome Ave., Rosenbaum Juran of Jerusalem, Israel; Mindy Baton Rouge, LA 70816. For more information, Rosenbaum Parnes (Mitchell) of Lakewood, CO.; call 225-295-0655. Lisa Rosenbaum of Atlanta, GA.; Tana Rosenbaum Coman (René) and Linda Rosenbaum Hart (Scott); and seven grandchildren. Rosenbaum graduated from the University of

34 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com obituaries

Montevallo in Alabama where she earned a Bachelor Social worker Roberta Hirsu and Heller was a mainstay for more than 40 years Following the war, he was transferred to Wash- of Science degree in home economics with a minor July 16, 2014 and has since become part of the new firm of Heller, ington and New York to assist in the termination of in fine arts. She then interned in dietetics at Johns ROBERTA TAYLOR HIRSU, a social worker Draper, Patrick, Horn and Dabney, LLC. He was a wartime contracts and evaluation of work in process. Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Later, she be- who was employed with Jewish Family Services for member of the New Orleans Estate Planning Council He started his longtime law career upon his return to came the head dietician at Charity Hospital in New more than three decades, died on Tuesday, July 15. and served as a member of the Tulane Law Review New Orleans. Orleans and met her husband when he gave a lecture A graduate of the University of Michigan, she and the New Orleans Bar Association. A believer in the power of community, Bronfin as a physician to the hospital dietitians. received both her undergraduate and master’s degrees Bronfin’s biography appeared in “Who’s Who in had served on the boards of the Jewish Childrens’ Re- A wonderful cook and a great storyteller, Rosen- from Ann Arbor, MI. America” and “Who’s Who in American Law.” gional Service, B’nai Brith, Jewish Family Service, the baum took courses at the Uptown Jewish Commu- She is survived by her husband Vladimir L. Hirsu After attending Henry W. Allen Elementary Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Endowment nity Center in copper enameling, and enjoyed it so and daughter Dr. Melissa B. Hirsu, both of Atlanta, School, Bronfin enrolled next door at the newly- Foundation of Louisiana. much she bought a kiln. Beginning in the late 1970s GA. Hirsu was a member of Congregation Gates of opened Alcee Fortier High School and graduated in He was married twice, first to Saralyn Planto- and early 1980s, she helped run Enamellers Incorpo- Prayer. 1934. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from wsky Bronfin, and then to Carolyn Pick Bronfin, rated, with fellow artists Jullie Yoedicke, Gerri Puyau Memorial services were held on Sunday, July 20, Tulane University in 1938 and then a Juris Doctor both of whom predeceased him. Bronfin is survived and JoAnn Ballanco on Hillary Street. She exhibited 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Gates of Prayer Synagogue, degree in 1941 from the School of Law. In the Col- by two sons from his first marriage, Dr. Daniel enamels at Carol Robinson Gallery and won several 4000 West Esplanade Avenue in Metairie. Rabbi lege of Arts and Sciences he was elected to Phi Beta Bronfin (Melanie) and Kenneth Bronfin (Sarina) of awards in American Craft Council competitions. Edward Paul Cohn officiated. A reception followed. Kappa, an honorary liberal arts fraternity, and in Ridgewood, NJ, six grandchildren and eight step- A lay-led graveside service was conducted at In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Law School he was elected to the Order of the Coif, grandchildren. Chevra Thilim Cemetery, 5000 Iberville St. on Thurs- the Louisiana SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New the honorary legal society. Funeral services were held, Friday, July 25, 2014 day, July 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Orleans, LA 70114 or the charity of your choice. Shortly after receiving his law degree, he joined at Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, with In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are sug- Condolences may be expressed online. the U.S. Navy, where he was trained to be a fighter visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The service gested to Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, director, a relatively new concept, which involved the was conducted by Rabbi Ethan Linden. 3737 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, LA. 70002 or the Attorney, community leader Fred Bronfin, 95 use of radar to plot the course and interception of Private interment followed immediately at Jewish charity of your choice. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral July 24, 2014 approaching enemy aircraft. Radar was also used to Burial Rights Cemetery. Home was in charge of funeral arrangements. FRED BRONFIN, a New Orleans native, locate downed aircraft at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to attorney, and longtime community leader, died on Bronfin saw duty at Midway Island and at Pearl Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, Tulane Wednesday, July 23 at the age of 95. Harbor, where he was a member of the Pacific Fleet University or the Anti-Defamation League. Tharp- Bronfin actively practiced law for more than 45 Radar Center, and later was officer in charge of the Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home is in charge of years with areas of specialty that ranged from estate Fighter Director School, charged with interpreting the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online. planning to corporate law, probate, trusts, real estate plots of incoming attacking squadrons of planes and law and successions. His venerable firm of Bronfin to intercept them with fighter planes.

Stephen L. Sontheimer Billy Henry

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 35 obituaries

Housewife, mother Lore May Mendler, 91 Ambassador Vanessa Redgrave for two years running UNICEF. Additionally, he also studied at British Thomson- August 12, 2014 as having raised the single most amount from any In addition a celebration of his life, “Louis- Houston and Rugby College in England. In 1949, he LORE MARIE BAER MAY MENDLER, a one person for his efforts. Among his events was the Fest!,” will be observed on October 19, 2014 at a site immigrated to the United States. housewife and mother who, along with her family “Great Around the Lake,” a bike-a-thon in which he and time to be determined. Holzmann married his first wife Martha Eulalie successfully fled the Nazis as a young lady and came raced around Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas in (née Meadows) in Quincy, MA., and they raised a to New Orleans to live, died in Columbus, OH, on an effort to eradicate childhood hunger and abuse. Ralph Schwartz, nurse, 58 family together for 33 years until Martha died of Sunday, August 10, 2014. She was 91. “I do this because it’s fun,” Lederman admitted August 19, 2014 cancer in 1985 in Fairfax, VA. Holzmann remained Mendler, who was born in Frankfurt in 1923, once to a reporter. “Having it for charity is just an RALPH JACOB SCHWARTZ, a nurse who in the Virginia area until 2006, when he relocated married her first husband, Paul David May in 1946. excuse, really.” worked at various local nursing homes, died on to Gretna to be closer to Mary Myers. Myers and The couple lived both in New Orleans and also in Lederman regularly rode bicycles on several Saturday, August 16, of heart failure. He was 58. Holzmann were married in April 2007. They were Texas for many years before she returned to New lengthy treks including one of 156 miles across Mis- A native of New Orleans, Schwartz had been devoted to each other during their eight-year relation- Orleans, following her husband’s death. Later, she sissippi on a one-day pleasure ride with 35 fellow working in nursing since 2004 and had worked for ship. Holzmann enjoyed using various forms of tech- married Leopold “Poldi” Mendler and continued to enthusiasts. He rode to the Rockies and back and a time in nursing homes in Alexandria and Baton nology and was an ardent music lover. He enjoyed reside in New Orleans, until she was forced to evacu- accomplished a so-called “century,” a journey of 100 Rouge before moving back to work in the New studying about religion and learning and recording ate the city due to Hurricane Katrina. The Mendlers miles or more in a single day, on several occasions. Orleans area. his genealogy. He developed many strong friendships took up residence in Brenham, TX, after the storm, A child of Holocaust survivors Abraham and He began his nursing career following his studies over the years. but the toll proved great on her second husband, who Toby Lederman and sibling of Norma Grapes, who at Delgado Community College and Charity School Holzmann is survived by his wife Mary; his four died in 2006. In 2008, she elected to live near her was born in a Displaced Persons Camp, all of blessed of Nursing. sons Theodore, John, Peter and David Holzmann; his daughter Susan May in Ohio. memory, Lederman was also involved with the New Prior to his nursing studies, Schwartz had been two daughters Ruth Naomi Holzmann Hartog and Mendler was the recipient of the “Woman of Val- Orleans Holocaust Committee since its inception employed as a waiter catering to private parties at Miriam Rebecca Holzmann; 13 grandchildren and or” Award from Touro Synagogue and was an avid and was regularly called upon to lead attendees in Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter and was also 19 great-grandchildren. cook. She was a proud breast cancer survivor, who the singing of both the Star Spangled Banner and employed at the oyster bar at the Monteleone Hotel. Holzmann was interned next to his first wife at came to the aid and support of all victims of cancer. Hatikvah at the opening of the community-wide Born as one of a pair of twins, Schwartz was a the National Memorial Park in Falls Church, VA. Aside from her daughter Susan May (A. J. Ball) Yom Hashoah Memorials at the Uptown Jewish former member of Sigma Alpha Rho fraternity and of Columbus, Lore is also survived by survived by Community Center. graduated from Alcee Fortier High School. An avid Marilyn Levy Planer, former newswriter, 80 two other children, Richard May (Sheila), Rose Elllen Following grade school at Wilson School and the reader, he attended Louisiana State University in September 12, 2014 Eckberg (Douglas); stepson Joel Mendler (Toby); New Orleans Hebrew Academy, Lederman attended Baton Rouge. Among his many interests, he enjoyed MARILYN LEVY PLANER, a former journalist, step-daughter Fran Lake (Johnny); 11 grandchildren Eleanor McMain Jr. High School and was a 1971 theatre and loved watching movies. who traveled across the United States and to Europe and 11 great-grandchildren. graduate of Alcee Fortier High School, where he was Enamored of theater, he embarked on an acting with her husband, Ed Planer, who worked with local Graveside services were held in Hebrews Rest a member of the German Club. He was a member career in 1978, moving from New Orleans to New station WDSU-TV and later as a had a career as a Cemetery No. 3 on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 11:00 of the Theta Theta Gamma Club and a member of York. During the next six years, he became involved producer and vice president of network news cover- a.m. with Rabbi Alexis Berk officiating. In lieu of Sigma Alpha Rho fraternity during high school. He in several acting projects including some with soon- age for NBC, died yesterday morning, September 11. flowers, memorials are suggested to the Greater also became a formidable pingpong player at that to-be megastars Robin Williams and Bruce Willis. She was 80. New Orleans Chapter of Hadassah or your favorite time. Schwartz is survived by his twin brother David A native of New Orleans, she graduated from charity. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Lederman graduated from the University of and his younger brother Alex; sister Irma Schwartz; Eleanor McMain High School and then enrolled at Metairie was in charge of arrangements. New Orleans with a business degree and for several step-sisters Jacqueline Lob Stern (Chuck) and Nancy Tulane University. While at Tulane she was a member years became a history teacher, teaching at his former Lob Karesh; and step-brother Dave Lob. of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and was a member Realtor Louis Lederman, 61 middle school when it was recast as McMain Magnet Services were private. of the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society. She August 15, 2014 School. enrolled at Newcomb College and graduated from LOUIS SALOMON LEDERMAN, a successful A lover of popular music and jazz, Leder- Space engineer Ernest Holzmann, 92 Tulane in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from local Realtor for Gardner Realty for more than two man founded Bone Tone, a traditional pickup jazz August 25, 2014 the School of Journalism. decades, died at his home on Thursday, August 14. ensemble that played regularly for special events, ERNEST GUNTHER HOLZMANN, an ac- She met her husband and the two were married He was 61. in Mardi Gras parades and at music festivals. With complished electrical engineering researcher, who by Rabbi Leo Bergman of Touro Synagogue, where A native New Orleanian, Lederman enjoyed a Lederman on snare drum, Bone Tone played music came to the New Orleans area eight years ago, died she had attended as a youngster and from where she career at the former Prudential/Gardner Realtors at several Selichot celebrations on the Saturday night on August 20 of pancreatic cancer. He was 92. had been confirmed. and Gertrude Gardner Realty, specializing in the immediately preceding Rosh Hashanah. He was also Professionally he worked as an electrical engineer The couple raised their family in New Orleans sale of historic homes and was a life member of the a longtime supporter of the annual B’nai B’rith Mardi researcher for numerous large corporations that before her husband’s career path meant they had esteemed Million Dollar Club with designations from Gras “Mitzvah Makers” indoor parade first held at included Shell Oil, Ford Research, General Electric to leave for the Chicago area in 1972. They next the Realtor Institute and the National Association of Charity Hospital’s Pediatric Ward, later relocated to and, finally, SAIG, where he was employed with moved to New York and later to London as part of Realtors. Children’s Hospital and, more recently, continued at the government contracts division. His research his duties. Lederman also maintained a lifetime love of bicy- Touro Infirmary. contributions included work done for the Apollo The Planers retired in 2004 to Dunwoody, GA, cling. He worked for several years at the Bikesmith, Lederman also was a member of the Phunny space program, most significant that which led to just outside of Atlanta. a bicycle shop on Tulane Avenue, where he learned Phorty Phellows, the group that ushers in the Car- the success of the Apollo Lunar Module (LM), also Predeceased by her husband in 2011, Planer is to build and repair bicycles. More than 30 years ago, nival season each year while riding a streetcar along known as the lunar excursion module or LEM. In survived by son Matthew Planer of Dunwoody, and he and his sister Dottie rode across Europe for three the historic St. Charles Avenue tracks. Lederman 1969, Holzmann completed his doctorate in electrical daughters Diane Lovejoy of Houston and Marcy and a half months on a tandem bicycle he built for was selected as “the boss” several years ago and his engineering from Stanford University. His thesis Planer, a brother, Ronald J. Levy of Tallahassee, FL, the occasion. honorary reign over the organization consisted of a researched crystal formations and growth through and four grandchildren. Over the course of many decades, he oftentimes coronation, the ride announcing Carnival, and con- mathematical descriptions and equations. A private funeral service was held in Dunwoody. billed himself as “Bicycle Louie,” especially when tinued up to the selection of the next year’s “boss.” Born in Furth, Germany in 1921, Holzmann organizing charity events dealing with bicycling. A lifetime member of Congregation Anshe Sfard, participated in the last kindertransport from Ger- Shirley Heiman Ermon Eason, Realtor, teacher He created his first such charity event in 1979 Lederman is survived by his sister Dottie Shtafman many to London when he was 17 years old. He was September 16, 2014 when he rode his bicycle for the Hunger Project, rais- (Steven) of Springfield, NJ, two nieces, a nephew and separated from his two younger brothers and parents SHIRLEY HEIMAN ERMON EASON, who ing money for each mile he achieved in a three-day a great-niece, as well as a girlfriend of 14 years, Susan during the entire Nazi occupation of Germany. devoted much of her life as a teacher and school race from New Orleans to Houston. With another Gingold. Unbeknownst to him, however, they had successfully administrator and later worked as a successful real enthusiast, Lederman organized “Outspoken for Graveside services were conducted by Rabbi escaped to Bolivia. The entire family reunited in the estate agent, died on Saturday, September 13. Kids,” which was sponsored by the New Orleans David Polsky on Sunday, August 17 at Anshe Sfard United States a decade later. A New Orleans native, she received a bachelor’s Area Committee for the United Nations International Cemetery on Elysian Fields at 11:00 a.m. A shiva While living in London, Holzmann attended the degree in music from Newcomb College and later Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). minyan service was held that evening at Anshe Sfard. University College of Nottingham, where he received completed her studies with a master’s degree in edu- Lederman was cited by UNICEF Goodwill Memorial contributions are suggested to his first of many electrical engineering degrees. cation from Loyola University. She taught at Eleanor

36 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com obituaries

McMain Junior High School and later became an as- proud of his work for the National World War II Street. Lief Goldberg (Eliot) of Pittsburgh, PA, Felix Lief sistant principal at another Orleans Parish school. In Museum. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are sug- (Judith) of Brooklyn, NY, Michael Sternberg (Linda) 1970, Eason began working for the Jefferson Parish Levy was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member gested to Tulane Cancer Center – Prostate Cancer Re- of Montrose, NY, and Deborah Sternberg Bernstein Schools until she retired in 1986. of the Scottish Rite Consistory. A longtime member search, 1430 Tulane Ave., SL-68, New Orleans, LA (Howard) of Billerica, MA; and five granddaughters. She joined her husband, Angus Eason, as an as- of Touro Synagogue, he served as the president of the 70112, Jewish Family Service, 3330 West Esplanade He is also survived by sister Gladys Cohen Stillman sociate with Angus Eason Real Estate for almost two Men’s Club during the 1960s. Ave., Suite 600, Metairie, LA 70002 or Temple Sinai, of Nashville. decades. She later worked full time with Larry Trunk After his first wife predeceased him in 2008, Levy 6227 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118. A memorial service was held at Touro Synagogue Real Estate before retiring in 2008. Her regular sales married the former Nancy Cowan, who survives Condolences may be expressed online at Tharp- Forgotson Chapel, 4238 St. Charles Avenue, on figures resulted in her achieving Million Dollar Club him. Levy is also survived by sons B.G (Susan) of Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie, which Monday, October 6, at 2:00 p.m. Rabbi David Gold- lifetime membership. Cincinnati and Gilbert (Susanne Teng) of Tampa Bay, was in charge of arrangements. stein, a close friend and colleague from the Jewish A devoted member of Congregation Gates of daughter Adele Levy Wormser (John) of New Iberia, Studies Department, officiated. A mincha service led Prayer in Metairie, Eason was active as a director his sister Adele L. Adatto, seven grandchildren, three Newcomb professor Joseph Cohen, 88 by Gates of Prayer Rabbi Robert Loewy followed at of the Riverside Homeowners’ Civic Association. A step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. October 01, 2014 4:30 p.m. at the home of Gerald and Susan Levin. resident of River Ridge, she also served as a director A memorial service was held September 19, at JOSEPH COHEN, a highly regarded and In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to of the Jefferson Community Arts Commission. 11:00 a.m. at Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 longtime Newcomb College (and Tulane University The Jewish Studies Department at Tulane University, Predeceased by her husband, she is survived by West Esplanade Avenue in Metairie. Rabbi Robert professor), who founded the Jewish Studies Program 7031 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70118; The her children Merrill Ermon O’Neal and Kerry Billy Loewy officiated. Interment in Hebrew Rest Cem- that has since been established as the Jewish Studies Center for Research on Women at Newcomb Ermon-(Cox) and her brother Dr. Sol Heiman. etery No. 3, Pelopidas at Frenchmen Streets, followed Department at Tulane, died on Thursday, September College, via the Newcomb College Institute, 7025 A service was held at the Garden of Memories immediately after the service. 25, 2014 in New Orleans. He was 88 years old. Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70118; The Joseph Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie on Cohen began his career as a university professor Cohen Collection of World War I Literature, in care Monday, September 15, at 2:00 p.m. Rabbi Robert Mark Greenberg, insurance agent, investment in 1955 at Sophie Newcomb College and was active of Treasures Acquisitions Fund, USC Educational Loewy officiated. Interment followed immediately in advisor, 65 at Newcomb until his retirement in 1991. During Foundation, University of South Carolina, 1027 the Garden of Memories Cemetery. September 19, 2014 his tenure as a professor, he served in the 1960’s and Barnwell St., Columbia, SC 29208, or the charity of Memorial donations are suggested to the Animal MARK STEVEN GREENBERG, age 65, died on early 1970’s as associate dean of Newcomb College. your choice. Rescue of New Orleans (ARNO) or Congregation Thursday evening, September 18, 2014 after a brave Cohen served as the director of the Jewish Studies Arrangements were by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp, Gates of Prayer. Online condolences may be offered. battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by the love of Program until 1987. In connection with the program, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, La. 70001. Con- his family and close friends. he established the Gulf South Jewish Historical dolences may be expressed online. . Insurance agent, broker Otto Levy, 88 Known best as a career agent for several Archive, currently housed in the Tulane Rare Book September 18, 2014 insurance agencies such as MONY and Sun Life of Collection. From 1970 to 1971, Cohen served as the Madeline Scheinuk, homemaker and mother, 94 OTTO AARON LEVY, a retired insurance Canada, he eventually functioned as an independent president of the National Collegiate Honors Coun- October 07, 2014 agent and broker, died September 15, 2014 in New agent working from his home. Following his evacu- cil. He also established the Newcomb College Center MADELINE L. SCHEINUK, passed away from Orleans. He was 88. ation to Houston after Hurricane Katrina, he was for Research on Women. heart failure on Sunday, October 5, 2014. She was A native of New Orleans, he was reared during associated with Cravens/Warren Insurance Agency, Cohen published and edited four books, 50 94. the Depression. Levy attended Alcee Fortier High specializing in property and casualty. After returning scholarly articles and 250 book reviews. His most Although she did assist other family members in School before eventually graduating from the Gulf to New Orleans, Greenberg joined Securian Financial noted book titles he authored were “Journey to work at Scheinuk the Florist on St. Charles Avenue Coast Military Academy in February of 1944. Im- Services where he remained until his death. the Trenches: The Life of Isaac Rosenberg 1890- during holidays and other busy times of the year, she mediately, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and was sent Born in Chattanooga, TN, Greenberg was 1918,” published in 1975; “The Poetry of Dannie was strictly a homemaker and mother. to the World War II South Pacific Theater, where he raised in Jackson, MS. He attended the University Abse: Critical Essays and Reminiscences, published Scheinuk was an active member of Temple Sinai’s saw action in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Levy survived of Alabama for two years and then transferred to in 1983; and, “Voices of Israel: Essays on and Sisterhood and was a longtime organizer of the a kamikaze pilot’s attempt to sink his ship, the USS the University of Texas (Austin), where he received Interviews with Yehuda Amichai, A.B. Yehoshua, T. annual plant bulb drive for many years. She was also Salamaua, on January 6, 1945. That attack killed 15 his BBA degree in accounting in 1971. Greenberg Carmi, Aharon Appelfeld, and Amos Oz, published an active member of the National Council of Jewish sailors outright and injured another 88. He received a then moved to New Orleans where he had married in 1990. In 2003, the University of South Carolina Women and was a leader of the Newman Parents commendation from the Navy for his heroic actions Barbara Barton Greenberg in 1970. From that time established the Joseph Cohen Collection of World Club. that day carrying the injured to the infirmary and to on, New Orleans was his home. War I Literature. Graveside services were held Friday, October medics at great personal risk. Initially Mark served as a manufacturer’s rep for Born in 1926 in Central City, KY., he served in 10 at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 2. Rabbi Edward Following the end of the war, Levy was given an Ira. M. Kohn Co. and then branched out on his own the U.S. Army during World War II as a Japanese Cohn officiated with services starting at 11:00 am. honorable discharge in 1946. He enrolled at Tulane as an independent rep for Dallas Cap and Emblem interpreter. Cohen received his undergraduate and Madeline is the wife of the late Arthur Scheinuk University and graduated in 1950. Just one week fol- Co. and in MSG Advertising Specialties before master degrees from Vanderbilt University in Nash- and is survived by daughter Gail Scheinuk Tonn lowing his graduation, the Department of the Navy becoming an insurance agent. ville. He later earned his Ph.D. in English literature (William) of Houston, TX., son Ronald Scheinuk of recalled him to active duty and he became embroiled Mark was everyone’s good guy – fun, im- from the University of Texas in Austin. Cohen Covington and four grandchildren. in the Korean War. maculately dressed, distinguished looking, with an studied under Harry Ransom, and later established Levy was married in 1949 to the former Lulu unapologetic set of definitive values. He and his wife the Wilfred Owen War Poetry Collection at the Texas Manufacturer’s rep Charles Zucher, 89 Ruth Whitson of Pensacola, whom he met while a were best friends for over 48 years, and married for Humanities Research facility, today known as the October 14, 2014 student at Tulane University. The two were married 44. They shared life’s experiences, holding hands Harry Ransom Center. CHARLES ZUCHER, a clothing manufacturer’s for 59 years. until the end. Following his retirement, Cohen was proprietor representative for firms like Wembley Tie, Equire’s, Returning to civilian life for the second time from He is survived by Barbara Barton Greenberg; two of Great Acquisitions Books, from 1992 to 2012. Glazer’s, Grossman’s Manufacturers and others, died active military service, Levy became associated with sons Mark S. Greenberg, Jr. (Niffer), Sean D. Green- He not only loved his scholarly work, but he relished on Saturday, October 11. He was 89. various insurance agencies and brokerages, most berg (Diana) and a daughter Lauren G. Wakeman collecting and selling antique books. He was one of Zucher, who has been a resident of New Orleans notably for Acacia Life and Connecticut Mutual. (Devin); his stepmother Helen Greenberg; a sister Jill the top experts in New Orleans in appraising literary since 1975, previously lived in Texas and New York. Known for his outward, friendly demeanor, he stud- G. Mason (Mark); and nine grandchildren. He was collector’s items, letters, and documents; and was He was a longtime member of Touro Synagogue. ied the course work and later became a trainer for the the son-in-law of Sue and Herbert Barton, the temple called upon often to perform this service profession- Zucher had no survivors. Dale Carnegie seminars held throughout the southern emeritus administrator at Temple Sinai and the late ally on many occasions. A private gathering of friends took place near the region of Louisiana. Vera Barton; and by brother-in-law of Chip Muller. Cohen was predeceased by his first and second Audubon Aquarium on October 30. Later, friends As a mentor and trainer for decades in his many Funeral services were held at Temple Sinai, 6227 wives, the late Gloria Plitman Cohen and the late remembered him at Arnaud’s Restaurant, one of his businesses and for the Dale Carnegie seminars and St. Charles Avenue, on Sunday, September 21, 2014 Dr. Ruth Samuels. He is survived by his beloved favorite local haunts. programs, Levy excelled in making connections with at 4:30 p.m. Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn and Cantor wife Theodora Sternberg Cohen; three children, leaders of industry and those who would become Joel Colman officiated. Susan Cohen Levin (Gerald), Cynthia Cohen Larner better businessman because of his methods. He was Interment followed immediately in Hebrew (Keith) of Manchester, MO, and Jeffrey Daniel a volunteer for several organizations, but was most Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Frenchmen at Pelopidas Cohen (Francine Gertz) of Austin; stepchildren Polly crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 37 obituaries

Homemaker Dorothy Caplan, 100 Jacob Weisler, M.D. and her son David Weisler. She is Shir Chadash’s property to the Jewish Federation (USSAF) for two years and served on the USSAF’s October 15, 2014 survived by her children Sharon Weisler Leader and of Greater New Orleans, and the consolidation of board of directors for four years from 1980 to 1984. DOROTHY RYCKMAN CAPLAN, a home- Faye Leslie Weisler, brothers Harold and Benjamin Congregation Chevra Thilim and Tikvat Shalom Dr. Issacson dedicated his life to his family and maker and wife, died on Sunday, October 12, 2014 Rosen and one grandson. Conservative Congregation. community. He was the president of the Newman at Lambeth House, where she was a resident. She Funeral services were held on Friday, October 24 During his term as president of the Label A. Katz Dads Club and from 1976-1982 served on the New- was 100. at 10:30 a.m. in the Forgotson Chapel with Rabbi Lodge of B’nai Brith, Berins helped launch the Opera- man School Board of Governors. Additionally, he Predeceased by her husband of 75 years, Alvin Alexis Berk officiating. Interment followed immedi- tion Brotherhood program in which members of the was the team doctor for the Newman High School Solomon Caplan, she is survived by her children ately in Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, Pelopidas at Jewish fraternal organization were able to fill in for football team for 20 years. Dale Caplan Strickland (Mike) and Dr. W. Ryck- Frenchmen Streets. some employees of East Jefferson General Hospital Dr. Issacson also volunteered for a number of man, her sister Mary Louise Ryckman Phillips, two Contributions are suggested to Touro Synagogue, so that they could spend the Christmas holiday at other causes including COPS2, a citizens support grandchildren, one step-grandson and four great- the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, or The home with their families. group for the New Orleans Police Department. A grandchildren. Friends of Music. Arrangements are by Tharp- Above all his non-profit endeavors, Berins longtime member of Temple Sinai, he served from Private graveside services officiated by Rabbi Sontheimer Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd., received the most satisfaction from his more than 1975 to 1977 on the synagogue’s board of directors Alexis Berk were held on Wednesday, October 15, Metairie. For more information call 504-835-2341. 32-year tenure as the first chairman of the Congrega- and was a member of the brotherhood’s board of 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in Metairie Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online here tion’s cemetery, where he played a key role in the directors from 1973 to 1975. He is remembered as a A memorial reception for family and friends was acquisition of the Tikvat Shalom Conservative very caring and ethical person. held at Lambeth House, 150 Broadway, on Friday, Longtime attorney Bernard Berins, 75 Congregation Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Babette October 17 between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. October 30, 2014 In recent years, he was also a member of Chabad (née Stern) Isaacson; five daughters Robbin De- Memorials are suggested to Lambeth House BERNARD HARRIS BERINS, a longtime Jewish Center of Metairie. Weese (Jan), Kim Plotnick (Fredrick), Juliette (Jill) Employee’s Fund or the charity of your choice. resident of Metairie, died at his home of cancer on Berins is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane Lashner(Michael), Gail Isaacson (Marc) and Pamela Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp of Metairie was in charge October 29, 2014, surrounded by loving family. He Z. Berins; children Deborah L. Berins of Austin, TX, Micznik (Benjamin); four granddaughters and six of arrangements. was 75. Amy Berins Shapiro and David M. Berins; brothers grandsons. Berins graduated from Tulane University with a Howard and Leonard Berins; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will take place at Temple Si- Dr. Stanley Bleich, renowned cardiologist Bachelor of Arts in 1959 and went on to receive his Visitation will begin on Friday, October 31, 2014 nai, 6227 St. Charles Ave, on Wednesday November October 22, 2014 J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1962. at 11:00 a.m. followed by services at noon at Shir 12, 2014 at noon. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. STANLEY DAVID BLEICH, M.D., a renowned In 1961, while still attending Tulane University Chadash Conservative Congregation in Metairie. Burial will be private. cardiologist and chair of the board of cardiology at School of Law, he was employed as a law clerk with Interment will follow at the Tikvat Shalom Conserva- In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The East Jefferson General Hospital, died on October 21, Heller & Heller, beginning his nearly 53-year tenure, tive Congregation Cemetery in Jefferson Memorial Jewish Endowment Foundation, 615 Baronne St., 2014, while visiting family in the Boston, MA area. only slightly interrupted by military service. Gardens, 11316 River Road, St. Rose, Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70113 or COPS 2, www.COPS2. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his Berins thoroughly enjoyed the practice of law officiated by Rabbi Yossie Nemes of Chabad Jewish org preferred. immediate family. and, more importantly, valued his relationships with Center of Metairie. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home in Dr. Bleich, who originally hailed from Boston, his amazing partners, associates and staff. Bernard In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shir charge of arrangements. had a successful practice for more than two decades would have practiced for many more years, but Chadash Conservative Congregation, 3737 West in Metairie. elected to retire from Heller, Draper, Patrick & Horn Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002 or Chabad Realtor, instructor Frankie Wittenberg, 73 Bleich’s research as a primary investigator in the at the end of 2013. Jewish Center of Metairie, 4141 West Esplanade November 12, 2014 study of TPA was considered especially noteworthy. Widely respected for his expertise in real estate Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002. Condolences may be FRANCES “FRANKIE” MILES WITTEN- TPA is a protein involved in the breakdown of blood and security interests, Berins was also well known expressed online here. Information, please call (504) BERG, a Realtor and instructor passed away on clots. for his practice in various business entities as well 835-2341 Sunday, November 2, 2014 from complications due He is survived by his wife Caron; daughter Dr. as bankruptcy and related matters. Most notable to to COPD. She was 73. Lauren Feldman (David); sons Dr. Steven Bleich those in the practice of law, he successfully confirmed Dr. Julius Issacson, surgeon, 87 An adjunct professor at Loyola University, Wit- (Miriam) and Jeremy Bleich and two granddaughters. many allegedly “non-confirmable” Chapter 11 plans November 10, 2014 tenberg was associated as an instructor for Skillpath, Dr. Bleich is also survived by his mother Yolanda of reorganization. In addition, Bernard handled JULIUS E. ISSACSON, JR., M.D., a retired Inc., a professional development series of courses Bleich and his sister Florence Shapiro (Howard). numerous commercial transactions, including com- surgeon with a thriving private practice, who was and seminars. Funeral services will take place tomorrow, Thurs- mercial leases, acquisitions, mergers and industrial on staff at Touro Infirmary and St. Charles General A volunteer for several community organiza- day, October 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Levine’s Cha- revenue bond issues. Over the years, he was invited Hospital, died on Friday, November 7. He was 87. tions, Wittenberg was most affected by children and pel in Brookline, MA. Burial will follow immediately to share his knowledge and expertise as a speaker at A native of New Orleans, Issacson was the son regularly advocated for education and advancement at Beit Olam East Cemetery in Wayland, MA. conferences and educational seminars. of a doctor and got the desire to become a physician for children in local schools. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in From 1962 to 1974 Berins served in the U.S. early on. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1947, She is survived by her husband of 53 years, John memory of Dr. Stanley D. Bleich to Dana Farber Coast Guard Reserve, entering as a seaman recruit his Masters of Science degree in 1949 and his medical H. Wittenberg; her two daughters, Terri Benton Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA and leaving as a lieutenant commander. His time in degree in 1953, all from Louisiana State University (Chris) and Susan Callahan (John); as well as by two 02215 the U.S. Coast Guard added to the extensive reper- in Baton Rouge. Dr. Issacson served his residency in grandchildren. Burial was private. toire of stories that he loved to share. general surgery at Charity Hospital of Louisiana in A celebration of her life was held on Tues- Housewife, mother Ruth Weisler, 90 Berins was very active in Shir Chadash Conserva- New Orleans. Additionally, he served a residency in day, November 11, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 October 23, 2014 tive Congregation (formerly Tikvat Shalom Conser- orthopedic surgery at LSU Medical School in New p.m. at the New Orleans Lawn and Tennis Club. RUTH ROSEN WEISLER, a housewife and vative Congregation) in Metairie where he served as Orleans and an independent residency in general Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home was in charge of mother, died yesterday, Wednesday, October 2014. a board member for more than 40 years. During that surgery before becoming an intern at Hotel Dieu arrangements. She was 90. time he held various positions, including president, Hospital, also in New Orleans. At the time of her death, she was a resident of executive vice president, and vice president of educa- Professionally, he was a member of the Orleans Lambeth House. A lifetime member of Greater New tion. As a huge proponent of youth programming, Parish Medical Society, the Louisiana State Medical Orleans Chapter of Hadassah and a member of the Berins served on the committee that developed the Scoiety, the International Academy of Proctology, the New Orleans Section of the National Council of first local United Synagogue Youth (USY) chapter. American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, the South- Jewish Women, Weisler was a longtime member of A testament to his ongoing commitment to the eastern Surgical Society, the James Rivers Surgical Touro Synagogue. congregation, Berins provided legal work required Society, the New Orleans Out Society, the Southern She was very involved in community arts, for it to operate and flourish. He revised the by-laws Medical Association and the American Society of especially the Friends of Music and the Louisiana and charter, drafted life cycle rules, and managed the Sports Medicine. Philharmonic Orchestra (formerly the New Orleans congregation’s purchase, financing and construction He served as the president and was on the board Symphony Orchestra). of its current site in Metairie. He also assisted in the of directors of the New Orleans Acrobatics Team, Weisler was pre-deceased by her husband Morris legal work for the innovative sale of a portion of the treasurer of the U.S. Sports Acrobatics Federation

38 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com

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