Spring 2011 Vol 36 No. 1 Nisan 5771 y Passo Happ ver

Sergei Ratchinski The Exodus/part of a triptych/1993. (Ink on Paper)

•Tom Forrestall in Israel •Wheel of Conscience Unveiled •News from Around Our Region

Contents President: Shulamith Medjuck President’s Message from Shulamith Medjuck...... 2 The Atlantic Jewish Council Spring 2011 Executive Director’s Message, Jon Goldberg...... 3 Nisan 5771 Maritime Shabbaton for Newcomers Families...... 4 Vol 36 No. 1 From the Desk of Edna LeVine ...... 5 Mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Agreement Tom Forrestall in Israel ...... 6 No. 40052452 Atlantic Jewish Foundation ...... 7 Executive Director: Campus Life ...... 8 Jon Goldberg Editor: Judaic Studies in Israel...... 9 Edna LeVine Young Leadership...... 10 Contributing Editor: Camp Kadimah...... 12 Joel Jacobson Layout & Printing: Newcomer Program in Saint John...... 13 Halcraft Printers Inc. Wheel of Conscience Unveiled at Pier 21...... 14 Advertising Asper Foundation Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program...... 17 Edna LeVine Kayla Wexler-Robinson Yom HaShoah Programs in Atlantic Canada ...... 20 Address all correspondence Around our Region: Halifax...... 21 including advertising enquires to: Editor, c/o Shalom Around our Region: Fredericton...... 23 5670 Spring Garden Road, Suite 508 Around our Region: PEI...... 24 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1H6 Tel. (902) 422-7491 - Fax (902) 425-3722 Around our Region: Moncton...... 24 [email protected] [email protected] Around our Region: Saint John ...... 25 www.theajc.ns.ca Around our Region: Newfoundland...... 28 This publication is printed by Around our Region: Cape Breton...... 32 Rabbi’s Corner...... 34 Phone: (902) 453-4511 - Fax: (902) 453-4517 Email: [email protected] Cover artist Sergei Ratchinski Note to our readers Sergei Ratchinski was born in Ukraine in 1967. He Our Atlantic Jewish community is losing more and more members as the years go on. attended the Studio of Visual Arts and Painting in In the past, Shalom has printed stories of regional community members who have passed away. Odessa. Sergei participated in a movement of future While we try to acknowledge the major contributions of artists in Odessa in the 80s. His works has been many of our late friends and family members, we request that you inform Shalom of passings of which we may be exhibited in the Odessa Folk Art Museum, as well as unaware so we may recognize these individuals. at private galleries in the Ukraine and Israel. Shalom’s editorial staff reserves the right to determine the length of memorial pieces to be printed in the magazine. Written articles are the opinion of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the AJC.

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page  President’s Message by Shulamith Medjuck

s the holiday of Passover is upon us, we think of its meaning to Aus as a Jewish community and to Israel. God charged Moses Joseph S. Roza barrister & solicitor with the task of enabling the Jews of Egypt to practice their religion. Moses himself was not Suite 210Tel: (902) 425-5111 6021 Young StreetFax: (902) 425-5112 Halifax, Nova Scotiaw- given the privilege of realizing ww.josephroza.comB3K 2A1E-Mail: [email protected] this dream. To us in Atlantic Canada who have recently experienced the loss of senior members of our community, we mourn their loss but we are faced with a similar dilemma. These members brought meaningful contributions to our Jewish community and we are indebted to them and their families. ToTo allall ourour Donors,Donors, FriendsFriends We must ensure that the dream of a vibrant Jewish community is realized. andand FamiliesFamilies duringduring thethe As we watch the dramatic governance changes in the Middle East we on the one PassoverPassover festivitiesfestivities hand applaud the democratization of these countries and yet we are concerned . We have no certainty what this will mean for Israel . Having as a people been oppressed in Egypt, we understand better than most the tyranny of oppression . None of us has a crystal ball and can foretell what form of government will take hold in each of these countries and what their 6900 Decarie Blvd. relationship will be with Israel . Is this Suite 3155 an opportunity for more moderate Arab Montreal, QC H3X 2T8 positions or will the vacuum be filled with radical organizations such as the Moslem Toll Free: 1-800-731-2848 Brotherhood? Tel.: 514-731-4400 As we watch the environmental horror Email: [email protected] that has befallen Japan, we need to be empathetic to their plight and thankful for what we have . Despite, our kvetching With YOUR help – MDA will continue to provide about the weather being cold and or uninterrupted emergency service to the people of Israel wet; we are blessed . Passover is a joyous holiday . Sheva and I hope that you will be able to tell the story of the exodus and Visit www.cmdai.org to donate now! experience the happiness of being Jews in Atlantic Canada . ISRAEL CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT MAGEN DAVID ADOM MAGEN DAVID ADOM CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT YOU

Page  Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 From the Desk of Jon Goldberg, Executive Director

On Reaching Three Score and Five because of the community . Let’s face it, and recognize halom everyone and welcome few immigrants the contributions of those that pass on, to our Pesach 2011 edition of and newcomers cherish their memories, and honour Shalom magazine. I trust you that have come them by helping to maintaining the Swill find our magazine informative, to our Jewish Jewish life that they themselves and their entertaining and in some ways bring communities families contributed to over the decades . you closer to our roots as Jews here since the late Too many of our people have given in Atlantic Canada. 1940s . However up on Jewish life here in our region, “times are a either physically by moving away, or Just two short months ago I turned 65! It’s changin’” if we psychologically, by adopting a permanent hard to believe! I certainly don’t feel that are to maintain sense of melancholy when it comes to old, and nor do most of my friends say I Jewish Jewish continuity . It is time to reverse act that old! I want to thank all my family continuity here in our region we must the course . This may very well involve and friends, many of whom are Shalom be prepared to change the way we have some difficult and revolutionary decisions subscribers, for your good wishes, and in operated our Jewish communities over for many of our communities . We cannot particular my brother and sister-in-law the last 100 years . If not, there will be a live as Jews in 2011 the same way as we Victor and Judith Goldberg for hosting a wasteland of Jewish life in this country did 25 years ago . So you may ask, what kiddush at the Synagogue in my honour east of Montreal by 2050 . Some of you exactly can be done? I do have some ideas for about 200 of my closest friends and may not agree, some of you may even be and suggestions but I certainly don’t have acquaintances . Just last weekend my insulted, but my friends, this is where we the ultimate answer . I sure wish I did . old friend Bill Mosher of 50 plus years are in 2011 . However, I do believe in the ability, the joined me at 65, Mazel Tov to Billy and character, and the strength of the Atlantic all my other peers who have or will reach Our main challenge over the next few Jewish community to survive . Maybe I’m the threshold since the beginning of the years is to keep organized Jewish life a bit prejudice but I feel we are among year . Now that the baby-boom generation alive here in our region . Now you may the best and brightest of Canada’s Jewish has reached the senior citizen status it say how does one do this, recognizing population . becomes particularly apparent in the the factors that exist which work against demographics of the Jewish community this premise, aging community, most of Some of the things that I feel are here in Atlantic Canada . Walk into any our youth goes away to college and never happening to keep Jewish continuity alive synagogue in our region the average age comes home, lack of interest from our here in our region are: 1 . Chaplaincy: will certainly be 50 or over, unless it’s a younger generation, and socio-economic The AJC initiative now in its 12th particular children’s oriented Shabbat . In changes that have taken place over the year, is providing rabbinical presence some of our communities that 50 could last thirty years . These and other reasons and a sense of Halachic authority to be 70 . So what do we do? Well, some have cast a dark shadow over our future . Cape Breton on a continuing basis . left for Toronto, Montreal, and beyond . However, I’m pleased to tell you that Rabbi Ellis is also available to PEI, Some throw up their hands in despair, in many of our communities there are Newfoundland and numerous Jewish complain and cry about the shrinking and people of all ages who want to preserve individuals spread around our region . aging of our Jewish population . Others their heritage and provide some Jewish 2 . Immigration Initiative: In Moncton . acknowledge the reality of Jewish life in life for their families and friends . As we Fredericton, Saint John, and Halifax Atlantic Canada and try to confront the move into the second decade of the 21st members of the community, together problems head on . Sometimes they can century, these are the people whom you with the synagogues and the AJC, have affect some changes and sometimes not . should support and encourage in your for the last few years supported the But at least they try . respective communities . If you don’t live immigration of newcomer families most in Atlantic Canada anymore I’m sure of whom originated from the Former One of the major complaints I receive they could use both moral and financial Soviet Union . My congratulations, to all from newcomers to the region is the encouragement . It can be depressing the volunteers in these communities who clickishness of our communities . I to live in a community where there are have worked so hard at what is a very understand their point, having lived in more funerals than weddings, more difficult and time intensive program . Halifax all my life, however I don’t think unveilings than births and on and on . In Halifax, we are now expecting our it’s on purpose . It’s just the way we are Such is life here in the Atlantic Jewish continued on page 34

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page  All Newcomer Families in the Maritimes

With help from a grant from the Stephan Many new families have moved to and Sophie Lewar JIAS Canada Fund Atlantic Canada and attending this the Atlantic Jewish Council is pleased to camping event will assist in bringing us announce the first Maritime Shabbaton all together to get to know each other, for Newcomer families . create new friendships and share our When: Weekend of August 26th-28th, 2011 experience about being Jewish in Atlantic Canada . Where: Camp Kadimah, NS For more information and registration Theme: Being Jewish in the Diaspora please contact: What to expect: Enjoy celebrating Shabbat, Edna LeVine kosher meals, a weekend with music, Director of Community Engagement dancing, fun, games and activities to Atlantic Jewish Council explore our theme in a relaxed camp (902)422-7491 X226 elevine@theajc ns. ca. atmosphere .

Imagine green all around you, with the lake just a stone throw away. Imagine summer breeze on a sunny day. Imagine friends together, children’s laughter, good food, music, fun, games and activities. Imagine camping in a beautiful place. Come and experience Shabbat with your family and share your experiences with new friends. Let’s all make an effort to provide ourselves and our families with new friends and some outdoor fun!

Page  Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 From the Desk of Edna LeVine, Director of Community Engagement

ttraction and retention of new experiences while enjoying immigrants are essential for a Shabbat weekend with communities facing a decline in family and friends . Halifax Atheir Jewish population. Consequently, is expecting an additional there is a need to better understand 25 new families to arrive the purpose of the host community during the spring, summer and how to welcome newcomers to and fall and Saint John will facilitate integration and encourage also be welcoming their first participation. Change is difficult for both wave of new immigrants the host community and the newcomers . this summer; please see Maintaining the status quo is uncomplicated, the article “Newcomer comfortable and accomplished with ease in a Program Blossoming in small community thereby creating hardships Saint John” in this magazine for newcomers to integrate into the social for their inspiring story by and cultural lives of the community . Joel Jacobson . With this Successfully enabling integration requires new influx of families in the host community to communicate the our region we hope the Edna LeVine, left, with Benita Goldin, Coordinator of Community willingness to welcome . This summer the shabbaton will be a positive Relations, Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, Montreal. AJC will host the first Maritime Shabbaton experience for both the for Newcomers . In an effort to provide a families participating and for please contact the AJC if you are interested forum for the newcomers in our region their respective communities . in purchasing a copy . the AJC applied for and received a grant Holocaust education has continued to This spring I attended a conference in from the Stephan and Sophie Lewar JIAS demand the assistance of Holocaust NYC offering workshops and presentations Canada Fund for new immigrant programs . survivors in our region and this year on issues relating to Holocaust survivors . The theme for the shabbaton, selected by Francis Weil, Israel Unger, David Korn and Intergenerational programs for survivors a dedicated group of newcomers who are Philip Riteman responded to requests from and the role of survivors as an educator helping to organize this fun family weekend, schools and community groups interested in were informative . Holocaust education is “Being Jewish in the Diaspora” . In a warm expanding their knowledge of this part of our resources for educators were developed camp atmosphere newcomer families from history . This fall Sydney, Cape Breton will by the Museum of Jewish History and communities in New Brunswick and Halifax host their first Holocaust Education Week are available for educators teaching will be encouraged to share their stories and and the AJC will sponsor a program during the Holocaust in their classroom . The their inaugural event . Company for Location & Restitution of Holocaust Education Holocaust Victims Assets (Hashava) in Israel Week programs (last is a non-profit organization designed to week in October locate the beneficiaries of assets left behind and first week in in Israel by Jews who were killed by the November) are in Nazis . Many people are unaware of the the initial planning fact that Jews from across Europe invested stages in Halifax with in pre-State Israel as part of the Zionist local community dream to create a Jewish homeland . They partners . The AJC purchased land, bought stock & bonds and is continuing the opened bank accounts, most of which were successful sale of all but forgotten . Please check their website: signed copies of www hashava. org. il/eng/. for a complete list Philip Riteman’s of names and assets . book, “Millions of Yom HaShoah programs will be offered in Souls” as a fundraiser our communities in Atlantic Canada and Edna LeVine, right, with Anne Max, Social Worker, Toronto, who for our Holocaust a complete list is in the centerfold of this presented the Café Europa program for Holocaust survivors at Baycrest, at the conference in New York City. Education programs; magazine .

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page  Tom FORRESTALL in Israel Tom Forrestall’s Amazing Israel Experience by Joel Jacobson artmouth artist Tom Forrestall has done scores of solo exhibitions, has seen his work Dhung in the finest art galleries, received dozens of awards and painted via many commissions. Last fall, the water color and egg tempura artist travelled with, and after, an Atlantic Jewish Council mission to paint various scenes in Israel . “Israel has a spirit, a mystique,” he said after his five-week experience travelling from north to south and putting scenes on canvas from Metulla, Golan Heights, Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea and more . Forrestall spent the first week with the Tom Forrestall shows artwork he painted of the Israeli site behind him. mission attendees, soaking up the culture, also travelled on the mission and spent Tom had the original idea to do this tour looking for subjects to paint and, as he says, the rest of the time with his father, filming and series of paintings . He approached focusing on all the senses – seeing, hearing, the journey for a documentary to be used Jon Goldberg, AJC executive director, with feeling, smelling, even tasting – before in other media, and helping Tom select the idea, to be used as a fund raiser for the deciding on his subjects . He estimates he locations . organization . did 45 paintings of which he chose 35 for “It was truly a remarkable journey,” said “The Jewish community has supported my showing . Frank . “We were in Israel from October 27 work greatly since I started (as a full-time His work, all framed, will be on sale April to December 2, five weeks . Tom had an painter in 1960),” Tom said . 14 at a special showing in Halifax . Then, exhibition in Israel about 25 years ago but His subject choices were left to him, the AJC, which supported the trip and owns this was so much more than being in one “whatever grabbed me,” he said . “This was all the work Tom created, will select one to place ”. a more complete picture of Israel than the be sold in print form to a wider audience . Tom agreed . “We definitely saw a lot of Tel Aviv exhibition . I had a real feeling His son, Frank, an artist in his own right, changes ”. for the country . It was so peaceful and the people were extremely helpful ”. Frank’s video shows quiet times as Tom totally concentrated and other situations where crowds gathered around to watch him work, something that Tom enjoys . At times, Tom put his brush in the dust and painted with it to see how it would mix with the water colours . “The desert reminded me of the coast of Nova Scotia with the waves of sand of Israel comparing to the waves of water in Nova Scotia . It was an awesome side of nature ”. Among the 35 works, Tom painted Toward the City of David, Jerusalem from the Olive Grove, the old city from Mount Scopus Campus, the Western Wall, the Hula Nature Reserve, a tank memorial at Metulla a sundown on the beaches of Tel Aviv, an Forrestall prepares to do a painting of the Wailing Wall.

Page  Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Tom FORRESTALL in Israel & AJF amphitheatre at Beit She’an, and a river on the Dafna kibbutz . He painted as many as four pieces a day but mostly one or two . Tom met an old friend from his home turf in the Annapolis Valley, Seamus McClafferty, who emigrated to Israel in the 1970s, changed his name to Yehuda Miklaf and has become a renowned bookbinder . Tom recalls Seamus was a Franciscan monk who married a Jewish woman and converted . Tom speaks passionately about his work . “I usually have a slight letdown when I finish painting, hoping that I’d do better than I’ve done ”. When asked which of the 35 pieces is his favourite, he laughs . “My favourite is Tom Forrestall at work usually the next one ”. From the New Chair of the Atlantic Jewish Foundation by Kathy Zilbert

he Atlantic Jewish Foundation agreeing to the AJF is the answer to dealing with has been in existence since be part of the issues as they arise . 1996. During that time it has management The national Jewish community also Tgrown to a value of approximately and growth could and should benefit from such a $900,000 and is made up of 2 of this very foundation as many national Jewish designated funds ,the interest from important initiatives such as campus life for Jewish which is used for scholarships ,and aspect of students and advocacy issues for all the remainder in undesignated funds. the Atlantic Canadians are the responsibility of our In 2007 the financial management of the Jewish national system . community . fund was given to the Montreal Jewish And then of course Israel, in particular Community Foundation to be invested The reason our partnership region of the Upper with a much larger pool of funds . d’être of Galilee, is always in the hearts and In December I was asked to become the the Atlantic minds of the Jewish community of chair of AJF and have spent the last few Jewish Foundation is to help preserve Atlantic Canada and it, along with our months familiarizing myself with it and and enhance Jewish life here in our own regional issues can be supported recruiting a new group of Trustees to own backyard and beyond . Providing through Bequests and or endowments to oversee it . scholarships for young people and others the Atlantic Jewish Foundation . in our community broadens their Jewish I would like to thank the previous It is a pleasure to speak to you through education and experiences . chairs - Victor Goldberg and Jim Spatz Shalom on this topic and hope this article who worked for the betterment of our Raising funds for chaplaincy services will and the information you will receive in foundation for many years . become a major initiative as there is only the near future will encourage you to funding remaining for this service for Victor has agreed to stay on as a trustee think about what you can do for your 2 more years . Holocaust education and which will make the transition to new community at home , nationally and immigration initiatives are two of the leadership a smooth one . Mark Rosen, through Israel . Please feel free to contact many focused of the AJC which require Howard Budovitch, Sheva Medjuck, Jack me for more information about AJF . stable funding as well . Haller and Curdis Karroll have all agreed to sit as trustees . I thank them all for As some Atlantic communities shrink and demographics and desires change

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page  Campus Life Campus Life by Bill Chernin, Director of Campus Services, Atlantic Provinces

nother Our Israel Affairs Committee came to life Is it anti-Semitic? Well, in legal terms term and in the second term, and our executive it is not, or at least (as a lawyer might another was made up of students with diverse correct me), it has never been proven to Ayear on campus political views . This was an important be . It is obnoxious and they are willing comes to a close. achievement, as we are a pluralistic to tread on Jewish feelings with what I This term saw organization . . We had a Hookah night would describe as little regard . They are our first Israel program, a straight-talk session for unwilling to tread on any other religious Apartheid Week students to discuss issues concerning or ethnic feelings however, and this is at Dalhousie in Israel, an Israel information table at part of the hypocrisy that damns them I six years, and I Dal, and organized a response to Israel believe . They also have several Jewish will provide an update on that, but apartheid week . We also have a plan to organizers (as they describe themselves) first, good news: engage more students next year, and for and offer them as a proof that they We had a strong year on campus . raising the level of debate which Israel cannot therefore by anti-Semitic . This Dalhousie, Acadia and Mt . Allison all had Apartheid Week lowers . is imbecilic in my opinion, seeing as successful JSAs, as did the Dalhousie Law Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) . I’ll try to racism is expressed through action, and to School . We also made significant inroads address the most common questions . suggest a person cannot commit a racist action because of their “race” is… racist . at King’s, where we believed we could Is it ugly? Yes, it is ugly . Michael Ignatieff The foolishness of this confounds people engage more Jewish students than we describes it as bigoted and I agree . I have spoken with . The prominence they had, and are now doing so . Our signature There is a palpable animosity towards give to their Jewish members, and their programs, including Shabbat dinners and Israel, relentless equivocation for the habit of engaging Jewish speakers, who Smoked meat dinners, ran well also . We Palestinians and Arab nations, ceaseless generalize about Jews, in non-positive also made significant improvements and vilification of Israel, and hypocrisy ways, also damns them I believe . The additions to our programs . that would make your head spin . The level of their content relating to Jewish We made Matzo ball soup this year and organizers pretend to be idealistic human attitudes and Canadian and American delivered it to our members, which was rights advocates, but their radicalism is Jewish institutions, not to mention very popular . We’ll definitely do it again . obvious . Zionism, strains decorum . Were they We also found strong ways to increase Will it ever be cancelled? Probably not . to do the same to any other identifiable our Jewish content . For example, we Academic freedom and the freedom of group the same questions pertaining to engaged a local professor as our keynote speech rule supreme on campus, and racism would be asked . They’ve earned speaker at our Shabbaton and used our most would agree they should . They the scrutiny they’ve acquired, and they student house as the venue . This was are at the heart of the spirit of academic deserve it . popular and cost effective, and engaged inquiry, and are embodied different students . There are other local in the concept of tenure . popular Jewish professors we can engage, The usual response from the and we will do so next year, on a more administration to complaint is regular basis . We also came upon a an invitation to host our own simple formula for including more Jewish events . This is considered discussion at our dinners, in a way that balanced and fair, and it is what allows students to comfortably choose we do . Our students, for the to participate or not . Our basketball most part, don’t want to stoop league swelled to 65 players, resulting to the IAW organizers levels, in games two nights a week instead of and it is believed that the more one . Our social justice group, ROW, had obnoxious IAW becomes, the an excellent first full year, is planning less sympathy the student body to ratify at Dalhousie, and is recruiting will have for them . Many feel new leaders for next year . We now have administrations could be more many points of access for students with vocal in condemning IAW . This different interests, and this is important may be true . for engagement .

Page  Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Judaic Studies in Israel Judaic Studies in Israel by Tamar S. Ellis

know there are many readers of carrying on writing a new chapter of Jewish Shalom who have had the immense history and I am very proud to be about of it . privilege of living and visiting Israel There have been many highlights of my Iso you understand that there are simply stay in Israel but those that rank among my no words to fully describe the amazing favourites is seeing people from Nova Scotia power of Israel and what an incredible who have come to visit . In October I have opportunity it is to be home in our own the privilege of spending a very pleasant land. For those of you who haven’t been evening with the participants from the AJC to Israel yet I highly recommend a visit mission . Just last month I was able to spend (and aliyah) as soon as possible! a fun filled afternoon with the Walts during Hannah Walt, left, and her mother, Peggy, Most of my classmates from the International right, spent time with Tamar in Israel. their stay in Jerusalem . I also met up with Baccalaureate Program at Citadel High the Appleton Family during their trip to never exchange . Jerusalem: the Eternal School are currently sitting in various Israel which was as always entertaining, City, the Holy City, Jerusalem the Golden . universities around Canada in full pursuit of including getting lost on the highway . I It has been conquered by the Greeks, their undergraduate degrees . I am presently have also had the opportunity to be hosted Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, enrolled in a year program in Jerusalem by former Haligonians . I visited the Brock Crusaders, Ottomans and the British and now devoted to Judaic studies, community service family in Mitzpeh Yericho after not seeing it finally back in Jewish hands once again . and touring the land of Israel from north to them for over ten years! I have also spent a Jerusalem is filled with history and yet also south, from the Mediterranean to the Jordan very enjoyable Shabbat with the Ludmans full of new development . Jerusalem is also River to the Gulf of Aqaba . I was unique in Ranana . It is a nice change to visit them bursting with diversity: minutes away from among all my peers in school in choosing to in Israel instead of them coming to us in modern downtown is the ultra Orthodox take a year off and spending it learning about Halifax . The trip from Jerusalem from neighbourhood of Mea She’arim . Moments my heritage in the land of my ancestors . Ranana is defiantly easier and shorter than away from the bustling Mamilla Market is Many were doubtful and even sceptical of Ben Gurion to Halifax International . the walls of old city containing the remains my decision but I have never regretted it for of our ancient temple . New and old, secular The entire country of Israel has been a second . The past few months have been and religious all blend together in Jerusalem . preparing for the holiday of Purim . There unbelievably rewarding and ultimately life Where ever I go I feel a sense of peace and a are banners and signs everywhere, the changing and I am enjoying and gaining from feeling of being a part of the Jewish People . bakeries are selling hamentashen in a dozen every minute . different flavours, all the supermarkets I have been on many trips outside of It is truly miraculous to see how much have pre-packaged mishloach manot and Jerusalem . Our land is rich with the history Israel has changed since the modern Jewish there are costumes for sale all over the of our people, every inch holding a holy exodus . Every morning I wake up to the place . We read on Purim of the triumph of site or the place where history happened . view of the Jerusalem forest outside; a forest Queen Esther and the Jewish people over I have visited the grottos of Rosh Hanikra, that didn’t even exist a hundred years ago . the wicked Haman . While we prepared to swam in the Kinneret, floated in the Dead I walk down the streets and I hear Hebrew celebrate, we received a loud and harsh Sea, rode a camel in the Negev Desert, and everywhere, a language that was considered hiked up a mountain in Eilat to see sunrise lifeless outside of the synagogue a hundred over the Gulf of Aqaba and the mountains of years ago . On Shabbat where I live it is rare Jordan . The Bible comes alive at every turn to see a car . Everywhere I can see evidence in Israel . In Chevron, city of the Patriarchs of a proud Jewish state that is thriving and it and Matriarchs I visited the tomb of our is amazing to be a part of it . ancestors . I have been to the battlefield of It wasn’t easy to pack for a year in two David and Goliath and have seen the modern suitcases and go away and face new battlefields of the State of Israel . The new challenges in a different environment . There city of Tel Aviv, the first Jewish city built in are times when I miss the ocean, Sunday hundreds of years lies beside the antique city vacations, Hershey chocolate and all the of Jaffa, the city that Jonah left from to warn Ari Isenberg, spiritual leader at Shaar familiar faces and places of Nova Scotia but the people of Nineveh to repent . Our ancient Shalom Synagogue in Halifax, and Tamar connected in Israel. living in Jerusalem is something I would history was written here and now we are continued on page 10

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page  Judaic Studies in Israel & Young Leadership continued from page 9 connected to this family becuase we are all with ideologies or differences but to find wakeup call that even though Haman is a part of the Jewish people, no matter what similarities . We have strength in numbers . gone, there are still those who are more than we believe or what we look like . We must The situation may seem dismal: waiting for willing to carry out his plan on destroying all stand up for the injustices of our people minyanim, no participation in community the Jewish people . The brutal murder of the no matter where we are . I urge you to keep projects and stumbling leadership but in the Fogel Family in Itamar came as a shock to yourselves updated on the news in Israel and words of Theodore Herzl “If you will it, it is many . We forget sometimes that there is so to complain from abroad . Every voice counts not a dream ”. If we join together with a will much hatred surrounding us even though and is important . One of the most important there will be a way to rebuild and to strength . the media doesn’t report it . The media will things I have learned in Israel is that we are Wishing one and all a very happy and run to report construction beyond the Green one people with one land . We may not get healthy Purim full of happiness and a Line but the senseless and violet murders along or even like each other but we are one meaningful and enjoyable Pesach . May we of five innocent people goes unreported . In nation . I therefore ask you all to join together all celebrate in unity next year in Jerusalem!! Israel there is feeling of solidarity . We are all and build up our community, not to separate First Mini-Nahum Goldmann Fellowship Conference in North American by Morris Samuel, Moncton NB pon checking into the from the smaller communities . It turns out The most Minto Suites Hotel located that most of the other participants belonged prevalent in downtown Ottawa, each to various Jewish organizations that do problem, it Uparticipant of the mini- Nahum very important work for Klal Yisroel (All seemed, was Goldman Fellowship received a large Israel - the Jewish people) . Dr . Hochbaum that the Jewish brown envelope containing a schedule, then introduced me to some of the other communities profile of all participants and faculty participants and that was how the proverbial are never truly and a name tag. The hotel itself was ice was broken . united . The quite impressive and had all the At orientation, Dr . Hochbaum spoke of the group finally amenities one expects of an upscale previous conferences that took place all agreed that establishment. The rooms were large over the world and how they were a success rifts within a clean and had a quite modern decor. pointing to former alumni that went on to community It was the perfect setting for any do great things for their communities . He should not conference. stressed that the Fellowship has no political be and that this could be worked out with I could not help but wonder what it was that agenda and the objectives of this conference dialog, tolerance and a bit of humility - so no we were actually doing there . I had a rough was to provide us with tools so that we as realistic solution was forthcoming . idea of the lectures we would be getting, but individuals can change our communities Although none of the great questions the whole purpose for this gathering had according to our own visions and work with that plagued our people for the past two eluded me . I took a deep breath and walked other Jews regardless of denomination . thousand years was answered, we did come into the conference room where I would The forty participants were divided into out with a better understating of the issues be meeting “the others” for the first time . It three groups allowing for a more intimate facing the various Jewish communities of was just informal coffee and cake, but still, I setting for the Workshops . These were held North America but this time we weren’t always find meeting new people for the first throughout the three days and were group alone . We had successfully connected time a little stressful let alone a room full discussions on various Jewish topics . We with dozens of highly motivated, highly of them . Everyone who was there already all sat in a circle spoke our minds and most intelligent fellow Jews who would do seemed to be huddled in groups engrossed importantly listened to each other . Since we anything in their power to help a fellow in conversation . I walked around trying to all came from different backgrounds and friend . I can honestly say that I have indeed engage someone but couldn’t seem to find an had different opinions about everything, it learned a great deal from my experience at opening anywhere . It was then when I was became quite an exercise in restraint, self- the Nahum Goldman Fellowship in Ottawa . I approached by none other than Dr . Jerry control and the ability to listen and maybe am also comforted by the fact that despite all Hochbaum, the Executive Vice-President even learn something . the problems facing the Jewish people, there of the foundation, himself . Surprisingly he are so many young motivated and dedicated The first Workshop started with individual knew exactly who I was when I told him Jewish leaders doing great work for their introductions followed by a discussion of the my name . He seemed genuinely glad to see communities and Israel . Am Yisrael Chai! problems facing each of our communities . me and said how he wanted representatives

Page 10 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 YoungCamp L Keaaddimersahiph My Personal Perspective on the Mini- Nahum Goldmann Fellowship Conference by Irina Epelbeym, Halifax NS

re all Jewish people the same? identity or a religious identity? According to No, I don’t think so. Sure, last researches related to Jewish social life we share the same religion Canadian Jews identify themselves more Aand history, but we also come from as an ethnic group, while American Jews a wide-range of countries. From Asia identify themselves as more of a religious to Africa to North America…, we are group . everywhere. And then, there is me . I am neither This fact became even more evident to Canadian nor American . I immigrated to me after I had the pleasure of attending Canada from Israel 2 years ago . Previous to the Mini-Nahum Goldmann Fellowship that, I lived in the former Soviet Union . As conference in Ottawa, Ontario on March you can imagine, I have a slightly different 27th and 28th . 40 young leaders from all perspective than people who have grown over Canada and the United States gathered up in North America . To us, it was more to attend lectures by Professors’ Irving difficult to follow the religious doctrines of There was no right or wrong answer . There Abella, Jack Wetheimer and Rabbi Saul Judaism because of the political structure . were only thoughtful discussions with Berman . These three gentlemen provided Communism accepted no religions . Be it different perspectives . At the end of the us with fascinating insights and theories Judaism, Christianity, Islam or Buddhism . day, we are all Jewish . And it is our diverse into our culture . However, we still embraced Judaism as our backgrounds and different perspectives that will allow our community to grow and And from these lectures, came an even common “nationality” and it helped form thrive . No matter where we came from or deeper question . Is being Jewish an ethnic our moral centre . where we live now! But, that was what was so If you want to know more about the Nahum wonderful about Goldmann Fellowship Program please see this conference . http://ngfp org/index. htm.

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Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 11 Camp Kadimah Camp Kadimah by Jared Goldlust, Director

ver the past number of years, to be a focus own study to show statistically the long- as I have been immersed in at Camp term impact Camp Kadimah has had on its the Jewish camp world, I have Kadimah campers and staff . Ohad the opportunity to engage in today . With all Given the impact that Camp Kadimah and conversations with many individuals other things Jewish camp can have on an individual and who once attended Jewish summer being equal, subsequently on a community, we must camp. Whether they grew up in a attendance continue to wave the Jewish camp flag small Jewish community or a city at a Jewish high . As you join together with your family with a significant Jewish presence, or camp raises at the Passover seder, I ask you to take a if they went to Kadimah or another the likelihood look around the table and think about who Jewish camp, their eyes would light of feeling very there has been impacted by the power of up when talking about their days at emotionally Jewish summer camp . Look to our youth summer camp. Without fail, individual attached to Israel by 55% . As well, Jewish and ponder what their Jewish future holds . after individual would speak of the camp goers are 21% more likely to feel Are they proud to be a part of the Jewish formative and transformative power that being Jewish is very important in their people? Ten years from now, what impact of Jewish summer camp. The message lives . The list goes on and I urge you to could Jewish summer camp have on them? repeated over and over again was read the study which is available on the The holiday of Pesach, also means that the “Jewish summer camp made me who I FJC’s website at 2011 summer is just around the corner . am today.” www jewishcamp. org. . We are in full swing preparing for another These inspiring words and stories continue For the Atlantic Canadian Jewish amazing summer at Camp Kadimah . to affirm my belief that Jewish summer community, we need not to look much In March, Kadimah had a successful camp has a tremendous long-term impact further than the prominent leaders that youth program in Halifax with over 25 on our youth, not only Jewishly but more Camp Kadimah has produced . Look at any energetic kids in attendance . This is just importantly nurturing and instilling strong major Canadian university campus and you the beginning! It is our hope that every individual values . Even though many will be sure to find a Kadimah alumnus Jewish child in Atlantic Canada is able past and present camp goers (like me) or staff leading the Jewish student body, to experience one of our programs this have always known the impact of Jewish promoting the State of Israel and dedicating summer . Whether it is our traditional 6- summer camp anecdotally, it has never significant time and energy to social justice week program, a shorter program or one of been corroborated with substantiated data . causes . Across Jewish institutions you will our day programs, Kadimah has something That is until now… find management positions that are laden to offer to our youth . Please contact me The Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), with former Barss Corner inhabitants and (jared@campkadimah com). if you have any who provides support to the 150 non-profit individuals with deep maritime roots . One ideas or want to get more involved . Chag Jewish summer camps in North America day soon, we will have to commission our Pesach Sameyach! and has been the catalyst in bringing summer camp to the forefront of Jewish communities, has recently released a SHOW ISRAEL YOU CARE! study that illustrates precisely what we Be a Civilian Volunteer on an have always known . Jewish camp works! The study entitled, “Camp Works: The Israeli army supply base with long-term impact of Jewish overnight camp”, offers several striking conclusions Sar-El Canada when comparing the Jewish attitudes and Free: base accommodations, behaviours of those who went Jewish kosher meals, and events. overnight camp to those who did not . Cost: flight, $100 registration fee, Across the board those who went to Jewish weekend expenses. overnight camp are more engaged in Programs start approximately every 3 weeks. Jewish rituals, traditions and charity than www.sarelcanada.org those that did not . It is worth highlighting 902.422.7491 Atlantic Jewish Council a couple of the key findings that continues

Page 12 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Newcomer Program Newcomer Program Blossoming in Saint John by Joel Jacobson an Elman might be in his 80th Seventeen families agreed to come to Saint needs and the process is underway . The year, but he is one of the most John after two groups visited separately others expect to be confirmed by this forward thinking people you in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 . The working issue’s deadline . Dwould want to meet. committee hosted the families for a Dan smiles and added, “We have one The Saint John, N .B . resident is a life- week, holding receptions and special family already living here, and they came long, very active member of the Jewish events at the synagogue, showing them outside this newcomer program . The community, one that has dwindled from the city’s environs and areas to live, husband searched the web, discovered as many as 250 families in the mid-1900s setting up interviews and meetings with a Woodstock N .B . company needed to a mere handful today, one that was Enterprise Saint John to discuss housing truckers and would arrange work permits . compelled to sell its synagogue building a and business opportunities, and sessions They came to Saint John to our Jewish couple of years ago because of increasing with multicultural associations and the community and they’ve already integrated upkeep costs, but bought a new building newcomers resource centre . with us . Both children are in Hebrew that has kept the small community “The role of our support committees school and he is working steadily .” together . within the Jewish community is to help One lawyer from Israel, who will have to Now, Saint Johners are looking ahead the newcomers settle,” says Dan . earn his certification in Canada, tells Dan to the arrival of almost 60 newcomers, For example, Linda Hamburg, Susan he’ll do anything just to be here, “even including 25 children ages one to 14, a Isaacs-Lubin and Lorne Daltrop will assist shovel snow” until he is able to practise in number that will more than double the in housing . Phillip Bloom will guide them his profession . current Jewish population in the port city . to financial institutions . Robert Selby, “We told all these people we want them Elman, and a working committee of about Herzl Kashetsky and Kate Elman-Wilcott in our community . We said we want you 15, are eagerly anticipating August 30 will develop cultural contacts and assist to have our (shul) building . We want to when the first newcomer family, of 17 with finding education opportunities preserve our Jewish history and move who have agreed to emigrate from Israel to for the children, with Elman-Wilcott ahead and you can help us do that,” says Saint John, will arrive . also coordinating youth programs and Dan . activities . Cathy Tait has taken the “We looked back at the early 1900s when Most of the newcomers are originally responsibility of assisting in employment my grandparents and many others like from Russia and the Ukraine . They contacts, while Murray Goodman has them came to Saint John to start new come with backgrounds in security, taken charge of recreational programs . lives,” Dan says . “It was a successful music, engineering, welding, program emigration of these people from Eastern Ruth Koven and Diane Bloom will inform management, nursing, human resources, Europe who wanted to leave where they the newcomers about transportation . translation, pharmacy, sales, and even were to set up a new life . If they didn’t They even considered shopping, as all restaurant development and management . stay, it was okay but many did remain will have to know there the best buys Their English is good, but Dan says most and built Saint John into a vibrant Jewish are, and Lois Bessoudo and Lorie Cohen- have been studying on-line to improve community . We hope these newcomers Hackett are coordinating that . Dr . Ricardo their language skills . They’re employable, will have the same impact and bring Bessoudo and Shelley Cohen-Thorley Dan says, unlike his ancestors who were Jewish vibrancy back to Saint John .” are assisting with medical contacts, of educated but only through books, not work obvious importance to families with young He said his grandfather, Israel Elman, experience . children . started a group called Habonim as “When we drove them to Fredericton to the welcoming committee for other Dan notes many of the committee meet provincial government officials, they newcomers . The current committee has members have remained in touch with were so entranced with the area – the retained that named . the newcomers via telephone and e-mail landscape and the rivers – after coming following those early visits, just to assure “I set up a website called Habonim Online from Israel where things are brown, not them their arrival is being anticipated and (now non-existent) inviting interest in green to the same extent as here . They is under control from the Saint John end . emigrating to Saint John from Israel and truly feel they can relax here and can we received a couple of hundred resumes,” As of February 15, eight families have settle here ”. he recalls of the start of this newcomer their official provincial nominee number, program a year or so ago . meaning Ottawa has the background it

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 13 Wheel of Conscience Wheel of Conscience Unveiled at Pier 21 by Joel Jacobson

“If Canada had taken a stand (in admittance to Cuba, 1939) and opened its doors to people the United States on the MS St. Louis, probably 620 and Canada, and of them would have passed through sent back to Europe these halls (at Pier 21 in Halifax) where two-thirds seeking Canada’s promise of peace and of the passengers prosperity.” eventually perished ith those words, Minister of in concentration Citizenship, Immigration camps . and Multiculturalism Jason “ ‘None is too many’ WKenney bemoaned the actions of his became the policy predecessor in the 1930s. of the Canadian “My predecessors led to the tragedy of the government because St . Louis,” he continued at a ceremony of indifference and January 20 at Canada’s Immigration political subterfuge,” Museum at Pier 21 . The St . Louis said Kenney . “Today sailed from Germany in 1939 with 937 I say Canada will Jewish passengers seeking a life free never close its doors of persecution . The ship was refused to legitimate refugees Jon Goldberg and Shimon Fogel share thoughts on being executive who need our help ”. director of AJC. Shimon was one of the early leaders of the AJC.

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Shalom_Halfpage_Ad_032411.indd 1 3/25/11 5:01:38 PM Page 14 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Wheel of Conscience Through the of Pier 21 from a shabby waterfront shed Community in the late 1990s to its museum status Historical today, and is now on the board of trustees, Recognition said, “This has such historic value . I feel Program, the as excited today as I did July 1, 1999 when government allotted 10,000 people saw us cut the ribbon to re- $475,000 to CJC to open Pier 21 . The St . Louis happened in a memorialize the dark and tragic time in our government’s events . Part of the outlook . Today, symbolizes how every funds will go to a ethnic group entering our country has St . Louis education suffered and I hope young people will program that, Farber see how tragic it was to turn away people said, will go to every because of their ethnic background ”. high school across The manager of development and Michael Argand, Halifax, AJC first vice-president, and Karen Conter, Canada . partnerships of the Maritime Museum of Halifax, in conversation at the celebratory event. In a later interview, the Atlantic in Halifax, John Hennigar- A monument, Wheel of Conscience, was Farber said, “This Shuh, developed a St . Louis exhibition two unveiled by the Minister and designer is a fulfillment of a long-standing dream . years ago in conjunction with the Atlantic Daniel Libeskind, an architect of Toronto, It’s not necessarily to memorialize the Jewish Council . and the son of Holocaust survivors . The victims of the St . Louis and the Holocaust “The display includes a scale model of large round metal sculpture the ship and many pictures and has moving intermeshed cogs artifacts,” he said . “We want to denoting hate, xenophobia, develop a travelling exhibit and are racism and Anti-Semitism on trying to arrange use of the film one side, and the names of about the St . Louis tragedy produced those who sailed on the St . Louis by CJC ”. engraved on the other . Master of ceremonies Irving Abella “Today we remember those of Toronto, a noted author and who were consumed by the professor on Holocaust and Jewish Holocaust and those who subjects, later said, “Today was survived it,” said Kenney . unique . It reminds us of a time “Today, we are learning our own when Jews in Canada were at the history of Anti-Semitism and bottom of society and were not teaching people to contemplate always comfortable . Today, things this memorial, teaching that seem to be going well in Canada hate can lead to xenophobia with multiculturalism and openness . which leads to racism and can Kathy Zilbert, Halifax, Chair of the Atlantic Jewish It used to be a very different lead to Anti-Semitism ”. Foundation, chats with Mark Freiman, CJC president, at the Wheel of Conscience unveiling. Canada ”. The unveiling was witnessed by more than 200 people including Members but to act for of Parliament, members of the provincial future generations . legislature and city officials . Canadian It’s not really Jewish Congress president Mark Freiman enough to create a and CJC executive director Bernie Farber monument but to also addressed the audience . engage the public Freiman said he came to Canada through in a productive, Pier 21 at age four, 59 years ago . “My democratic way parents told me it was a place of safety, of responding to possibility, and a home ”. genocides and He praised Mr . Kenney’s vision in 2009 to crimes today ”. take the initiative “to eliminate the stain Ruth Goldbloom of of (the St . Louis) and learn from it . This Halifax, who was project is emblematic of the partnership vitally responsible between government and the Congress ”. in the development The Wheel of Conscience was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, son of Holocaust survivors.

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 15 What will YOU do this election to make our voice heard?

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Page 16 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Asper Foundation Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program If My Picture Was on the Wall by Rebecca David

Editors note: Last spring 15 Maritime ago, any one of those pictures on the wall because for the first time in the museum, students from our community could have been of me and it would be it was something that you could not read completed the Asper program and a mystery to museum-goers who might about, but rather had to experience . It was traveled to the United States Holocaust wonder if I had survived . It frightens me an unfamiliar atmosphere, and something Museum in Washington, DC. This how twisted the world had become and that you cannot be prepared to face . After article and the one that follows are how inconceivable it is for me to currently reflecting upon it, I feel lucky that I was reflections from two Halifax students. understand what it would be like to live able to walk out of that car back into t the Holocaust Museum in without freedom . At the end of the day, freedom and my life, when victims of Washington, D.C., there stands only survivors can truly understand the the Holocaust were not as fortunate, and a two story tall room filled top pain of enduring the Holocaust, no matter walked out into captivity . Ato bottom with pictures. These pictures how educated someone may be about it . No Being in the freight car allowed a different are of thousands who perished, which amount of books or movies can ever truly experience; it was more than just looking included husbands and wives, brothers quantify the ongoing anguish that those at a picture on the wall, it was looking and sisters, friends and acquaintances who came before us felt . through from the other side . In looking – husbands who might have been But the museum was relentless – exhibit at a picture, we cannot make ourselves doctors, and wives maybe in the after exhibit, I came face to face with understand it more than simply a visual, midst of cooking a Shabbos meal. The those who had died . And yet, in a way, it it has an apparent disconnect since it is pictures on the wall cannot properly bothered me less than I had anticipated . not our experience, only something we advocate the suffering that happened Throughout my education as a Jewish have looked at . We have fond memories because their pictures were not from individual, I have encountered countless looking over our own family albums since times of pain, but times of everyday videos and accounts of the Holocaust, we can recall memories, however, looking happiness. If the pictures were in any which, right or wrong, have had a numbing at a complete stranger’s albums would not other setting, you might not even take effect . By this I mean to say that my Jewish invoke any deep emotion . The same is a second glance –they might as well be education led me to understand that the true about the Holocaust – looking at the your family portrait or your first day Holocaust was a matter of my ancestry, pictures on the wall, I could not appreciate of school. It is unnerving to think that and therefore a personal matter that is a them more than just pictures, since I had these pictures, that were once looked part of me . Naturally, we are not afraid or no experience with that world . As soon as upon adoringly, now are viewed as scared of ourselves, and seeing the exhibits I was in the freight car, I suddenly found haunted memories of what came just that I already knew so much about were myself immersed in their world and could before the unspeakable tragedies. incapable of packing the same shock value see beyond the surface of the pictures . For example, there is a favorite picture for me compared to someone who knew The Asper Foundation provides a solid in my house of my siblings and I . We are nothing about the Holocaust . Nevertheless, Holocaust and Human Rights education happily smiling at the camera, a picture I could never fathom the idea of going for modern teenagers . For me, the Asper most likely taken by our parents, with the through the Holocaust personally and I can Foundation provided a chance to not oblivion and naïveté of children . You would never fully understand the gravity of the only read about the Holocaust, but to, in never suspect that a happy picture such situation having not been there at the time . a small way, experience different aspects as that could bring such dark memories The Holocaust Museum tries hard to give of my history . Over the course of the to mind, or especially be hanging in a its patrons an experience in order for them program, it occurred to me that I could not museum about genocide . Every picture to understand as much as possible . For instantly understand the pain behind the individually represents a family and a me, the most profound experience was photographs because I had not been there, memory, but together they signify a tragic walking through the freight car . I think and therefore I could not properly speak unintentional reminder of the horrors that this was because the freight car gave me a for those who are now unable to speak led those specific pictures to be on the wall . sensory experience rather than just a visual for themselves . Through this experience, I wonder how different my life would be experience . When I stepped into the freight I have realized that a picture is just a if my picture was on the wall . Would I be car, I saw a silver of light shine through picture if we cannot understand the story alive? Would someone be looking at my the cracks, almost as if it was a thin thread behind it . Because of this, we must first picture on the wall? The harsh reality that somehow connected me to the people understand before we can truly see . is that if I had been born seventy years who had once stood in this car . It smelled forgotten and musty, and that shocked me

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Page 18 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Asper Foundation Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program Asper Foundation Human Rights and Holocaust Studies Program by Robyn Budovitch t the Holocaust Museum in only survivors can truly understand the the Holocaust were not as fortunate, and Washington, D.C., there stands pain of enduring the Holocaust, no matter walked out into captivity . a two story tall room filled top how educated someone may be about it . No Being in the freight car allowed a different Ato bottom with pictures. These pictures amount of books or movies can ever truly experience; it was more than just looking at are of thousands who perished, which quantify the ongoing anguish that those a picture on the wall, it was looking through included husbands and wives, brothers who came before us felt . from the other side . In looking at a picture, and sisters, friends and acquaintances But the museum was relentless – exhibit we cannot make ourselves understand – husbands who might have been after exhibit, I came face to face with it more than simply a visual, it has an doctors, and wives maybe in the those who had died . And yet, in a way, it apparent disconnect since it is not our midst of cooking a Shabbos meal. The bothered me less than I had anticipated . experience, only something we have looked pictures on the wall cannot properly Throughout my education as a Jewish at . We have fond memories looking over advocate the suffering that happened individual, I have encountered countless our own family albums since we can recall because their pictures were not from videos and accounts of the Holocaust, memories, however, looking at a complete times of pain, but times of everyday which, right or wrong, have had a numbing stranger’s albums would not invoke any happiness. If the pictures were in any effect . By this I mean to say that my Jewish deep emotion . The same is true about the other setting, you might not even take education led me to understand that the Holocaust – looking at the pictures on the a second glance –they might as well be Holocaust was a matter of my ancestry, wall, I could not appreciate them more than your family portrait or your first day and therefore a personal matter that is a just pictures, since I had no experience with of school. It is unnerving to think that part of me . Naturally, we are not afraid or that world . As soon as I was in the freight these pictures, that were once looked scared of ourselves, and seeing the exhibits car, I suddenly found myself immersed upon adoringly, now are viewed as that I already knew so much about were in their world and could see beyond the haunted memories of what came just incapable of packing the same shock value surface of the pictures . before the unspeakable tragedies. for me compared to someone who knew The Asper Foundation provides a solid For example, there is a favorite picture nothing about the Holocaust . Nevertheless, Holocaust and Human Rights education in my house of my siblings and I . We are I could never fathom the idea of going for modern teenagers . For me, the Asper happily smiling at the camera, a picture through the Holocaust personally and I can Foundation provided a chance to not most likely taken by our parents, with the never fully understand the gravity of the only read about the Holocaust, but to, in oblivion and naïveté of children . You would situation having not been there at the time . a small way, experience different aspects never suspect that a happy picture such The Holocaust Museum tries hard to give of my history . Over the course of the as that could bring such dark memories its patrons an experience in order for them program, it occurred to me that I could not to mind, or especially be hanging in a to understand as much as possible . For instantly understand the pain behind the museum about genocide . Every picture me, the most profound experience was photographs because I had not been there, individually represents a family and a walking through the freight car . I think and therefore I could not properly speak memory, but together they signify a tragic this was because the freight car gave me a for those who are now unable to speak for unintentional reminder of the horrors that sensory experience rather than just a visual themselves . Through this experience, I led those specific pictures to be on the wall . experience . When I stepped into the freight have realized that a picture is just a picture I wonder how different my life would be car, I saw a silver of light shine through if we cannot understand the story behind if my picture was on the wall . Would I be the cracks, almost as if it was a thin thread it . Because of this, we must first understand alive? Would someone be looking at my that somehow connected me to the people before we can truly see . picture on the wall? The harsh reality who had once stood in this car . It smelled is that if I had been born seventy years forgotten and musty, and that shocked me ago, any one of those pictures on the wall because for the first time in the museum, Taxi Service could have been of me and it would be it was something that you could not read a mystery to museum-goers who might about, but rather had to experience . It was For pre-arranged taxi service for your trip To & From the Halifax airport wonder if I had survived . It frightens me an unfamiliar atmosphere, and something please call: how twisted the world had become and that you cannot be prepared to face . After how inconceivable it is for me to currently reflecting upon it, I feel lucky that I was Mark Fainshtein understand what it would be like to live able to walk out of that car back into (902) 441-7555 without freedom . At the end of the day, freedom and my life, when victims of

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 19 Yom HaShoah Programs in Atlantic Canada

Sydney, Cape Breton: Sunday, May 1st, at 2:00pm, Temple Sons of Israel. Guest speaker: Mr. Herb Goldstein, Holocaust survivor.

Fredericton: Sunday, May 1st, 3:00 pm, Sgoolai Israel Synagogue. Guest speaker, Mr. Alexander Eisen, Holocaust survivor, his topic will be “A Time of Fear.”

St. John’s: Sunday, May 1st, 2 pm, Inco Innovation Centre, Memorial University Campus. This year the theme will be Remembrance and Responsibility: Remembering those who died, their rich cultural contribution and our Responsibility that it not happen again.

Moncton: Sunday, May 1st, 6:30pm, Congregation Tiferes Israel. Guest speaker: Mr. Leo Adler. His topic will be “The Shame of the Shoah”. There will also be a presentation by the children of West Riverview School on “The Power of a Penny” project.

Halifax: Sunday, May 1st, 7pm, University of King’s College. Guest speaker: Dr. Philip Riteman, Holocaust survivor; with Asper students (2010) receiving their program certificates.

Prince Edward Island: Monday, May 2nd, 6:30pm, Memorial Hall, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown. Guest speaker: Mr. Leo Adler.

Saint John: Monday, May 2nd, at 7:30pm, Shaarei Zedek Synagogue. Guest speaker: Mr. Alexander Eisen, Holocaust survivor.

For more information please contact:

Edna LeVine Director of Community Engagement Atlantic Jewish Council

Office: (902) 422-7491 #226

elevine@theajc .ns .ca

Page 20 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Around our Region: Halifax

Mark Goldhar discusses what colours to add to his seder plate, while Matthew Robinson concentrates on finishing his Elijah Cup at the Young Leadership Event “Passover Painting at the Clay Café”

Louise Wolfson, Halifax, shows a glass seder plate she created during a Chabad Lubavitch of the Maritimes workshop conducted by noted glass artist Marcela Rosemberg of PEI.

Jenna Conter and Simon McKnight painting at the Clay Café workshop.

Elinor Itzhakov proudly shows her completed project to her mother Jon Goldberg, executive director, AJC, thanks Judie Oron, Toronto, Ella, at an AJC family art workshop conducted by Halifax artist author of award winning book, ‘Cry of the Giraffe,’ during her Margarita Fainshtein, standing in back. presentation at an AJC- sponsored event in Halifax.

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 21 Around our Region: Halifax Club Massada – 2011 by Barb Alberstat, President

ur seniors club has once and the AJC, for their financial assistance Massada Card chairperson . We will miss again survived another throughout the years . A great deal of you on the board . year, successfully. We have thought has gone into these meetings Being the President or any position on Ogiven many of our Jewish Seniors a with the assistance of Shirley Burnstein, the board is not an onerous job . There venue to meet with their relatives myself and all of the people on the is generally 5 meetings a year, with and friends and to enjoy a couple of executive and board . Many thanks to all . a couple of hours preparation during hours of togetherness with the Jewish We will greatly miss Sarah Rose, Leonard that time . Shirley and I are finding it community. If Club Massada did not Fineberg, Lil Aronson, Max Fishman harder due to age and health reasons to push to succeed with our mandate and Harry Freeman . May they rest in continue . We need younger people to of bringing our seniors out for these Peace and may their families know of no take up the little work of keeping Club once a month gatherings, many of further sorrows . Get well wishes to all Massada running for another term . It them would not share this wonderful members who are ill at home or in the has been in existance here in Halifax opportunity. hospital . for about 30 years . Don’t let it go now . We have had many lunches and meetings We shared one lunch with the Beth Israel Consider a few hours of your time to at Northwood who supply room and Synagogue Seniors group, which was keep this great club going . As they say delicious dairy meals . We gratefully well attended and enjoyable . As we all “Call me” . appreciate what Northwood and their age, it is getting harder for many of the We will be having our closing Annual team has done for us through many supporting cast to carry on for another Dinner in May, and we hope many of years . They have gone out of their way year . Many thanks to Marianne Ferguson you will be able to attend . to make these arrangements easy and for her faithful and long standing job of delightful . Our thanks, to Jon Goldberg

Page 22 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Around our Region: Halifax & Fredericton News from JNF Atlantic by Lea McKnight

hen the devastating fires say that Atlantic Canadians were part of in the Carmel mountains that outpouring of support . You opened were blazing last your hearts and your wallets when WDecember, the JNF response was asked during our emergency appeal swift with their firefighting teams and annual Tu B’Shevat Telethon in out in full force. With the help of January . All of the funds raised went many other first responder teams toward the clean up and restoration of thankfully the fires were brought the Carmel forests . under control before they reached Our telethon was a success thanks to the city of Haifa. However, the Lea McKnight, chair JNF Atlantic Canada, a great bunch of volunteers who made thanks phone telethon participants, Sylvia worst forest fires in Israel’s history countless phone calls . My heartfelt Mendleson, Molly Rechnitzer and Leo took a heavy toll with the tragic thanks goes to Nancy Cieplinski, Sue Weniger, all of Halifax. loss of lives, trees and wildlife. David, Jamie Ferguson, Bonnie Katz- the past 17 years working tirelessly November had been particularly dry Webber, Ethel Kostman, Eric and out of the Montreal office to build leaving the forest more vulnerable Rebecca Malloy, Simon McKnight, relationships and raise funds for JNF . than usual at that time of year but Sylvia and Gerry Mendelson, Diane He will be missed but we wish him best thanks to the winter rains many Morrison, Beverly Parsons, Molly of luck in his new position as National beautiful shrubs and wildflowers Rechnitzer, Kayla and Matthew Executive Vice President of Canadian are now poking through the ground Robinson, Merlinda Weinberg and Leo Associates of Ben Gurion University . from amidst the burnt remnants of Weniger . A big thank you as well to Planting trees is a heartfelt way to the fire. With the power of nature Jim Spatz and Southwest Properties for honour friends and family . Please the renewal of the forests has lending us their offices once again this contact me when you want to purchase begun and JNF is working tirelessly year and to all of you for your generous trees, return a blue box or get a new to help in the rehabilitation and donations . efforts to prevent future forest one . You can call 902 444-4563 or email Unfortunately, Mark Mendelson, the fires. atlantic@jnf .ca . Keep in touch with all Executive Director of JNF for the the latest news on JNF at www .jnf .ca . Swift response came as well from Eastern Region will be leaving JNF Warm wishes for a Happy Pesach . people around the world in the form of at the end of June . Mark has spent generous donations and I’m proud to

Fredericton News by Marilyn Kaufman, AJC Community Representative

he Fredericton Jewish The Purim celebration was well attended The Holocaust Memorial Presentation Community celebrated Tu Sunday morning by parents and children, scheduled to take place May 1, 2011 at the TB’shvat with a Kiddush and an the latter who were dressed in costume . A Sgoolai Israel Synagogue and is organized aboriginal drum presentation by Elder brunch followed services . Chedar children by Israel and Marlene Unger . Please Carlos Gomes following services in the then proceeded to perform a Purim reserve this date . community hall. It was well received skit . Hamentashen were served, aptly Correction to the article on Morton Cohen, by those in attendance. Artist Carlos prepared by members of the congregation . 300 Pints of Blood Donations, in the previous Gomes is a well-respected member of Our thanks to those who baked and to issue, the last column should read, “Morton the Fredericton Aboriginal Community members of the Sisterhood who assisted known to many members of the Jewish with the brunch . Also a thank you to those retired to Toronto with his mother Lillian community for his positive stance on who delivered Purim treats to seniors who Budovitch.” Human Rights. were unable to attend .

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 23 Around our Region: Prince Edward Island & Moncton Report from Beautiful PEI By: Anna Serapins, AJC Community Representative

n late February, the community good time. year a great success and strengthen the was present to share some Our Purim Party was hosted by Leslee bonds within our community . The Service traditional Jewish food at a Sack in her home, the afternoon was will be led by our President John Zarwan . multiculturalI event, in Stratford. The enjoyed by all who attended . Yom HaShoah will be observed on visitors to the Jewish community’s In preparation for Passover, Manischewitz Monday, 2 May 2011 . Rosalie Simeone booth were encouraged to eat and was made available locally to Prince will be using her teaching skills to visit enjoy. Our most popular food Edward Island . The Pesach Seder will be schools and bring awareness to the youth item was the cheese blintzes. We held again as a communal gathering . In and the greater community on Prince were grateful for the invitation to working together, we aim to make this Edward Island . participate in this event and had a Moncton Report by Nancy Cohen, AJC Community Representative

n spite of a record amount of the birth of their granddaughter Saige Joan’s father Eli Louis Ilson, and to Barrie snow falling on Moncton this Kristina-Rose, a sister for Piper . The and Evy Carnat and family on the passing winter, minyans continued proud parents are Brian and Megan of Barrie’s mother Ruth Carnat . May their Iand there were good turnouts for Cohen . memory be a blessing to all . several community events. A special Congratulations and good luck to Joshua Some people in Moncton are placing event was held to honour Rabbi Makarov, son of Michael Makarov and bets on when the piles and piles of snow Nachum Rosenberg for his work on Victoria Volkanova, who will be taking will finally be gone . Here’s hoping we’ll the mikvah. As reported in the last part in the provincial chess tournament . be able to see the grass by Pesach . On Shalom, Rabbi Rosenberg, a well Joshua is a grade 6 student at Lou behalf of the Moncton community I wish known mikvah expert, raised the MacNarin School in Moncton . everyone a happy and healthy Passover . funds needed to renovate the mikvah, Our heartfelt condolences to John and and stayed in Moncton at his own Joan Sichel and family on the loss of expense to oversee the renovations. Those who attended this event were entranced by Rabbi Rosenberg’s inspiring stories. Morris Samuel, a recent immigrant to Moncton, has started a Torah study group . The group meets at his home on the first and third Thursday of the month and has been discussing Jewish philosophy . Learning is also taking place at Rabbi Yagod’s monthly “Lunch and Learn” where Montreal smoked meat sandwiches are served up with the discussion of many interesting topics . Many people showed up for a lively reading of the megillah on Purim . All of the children and some of the adults were dressed in costume . The service was followed by a delicious brunch prepared by Anne Jochelman and Carole Rinzler . Mazel tov to Sam and Terry Cohen on

Page 24 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 ArAoundround ou our rR eRgion:egion: C aSpaein Btret Johnon Saint John Jewish Museum Celebrating 25th Anniversary by Katherine Biggs-Craft, Curator

his year the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum celebrates a new milestone: 25 years since Tit first opened its doors. “We hope you will come to Saint John for our big celebration on June 2 to join us in this festive occasion,” said founder and Curator Emeritus, Marcia Koven. The Jewish Museum opened officially in July 1986 in a modest space that Marcia liked to call “the lower level” of the former Jewish Community Centre in Saint John . Now it occupies much of two floors of an historic house at 91 Leinster Street, not far from King’s Square . Congregation Shaarei Zedek generously provides a perfect setting for the Museum’s exhibits, library and archives . For the past two years the major temporary exhibit featured weddings that took place since It is visited by thousands of people every the founding of the Saint John Jewish Community. It will be replaced in 2011 by two exhibits year from the local community, families about where Jewish people lived and worked in Saint John. “coming home” for a visit, friends and many aspects of research on Jewish members of the community lived and tourists . There have been nearly 90,000 topics and family histories . One of its worked over the last 150 years . visitors since it opened in 1986 and it most successful outreach programmes On June 2 a celebration dinner is being generated more than a million dollars in is the Holocaust Studies Programme, held by supporters of the Museum . (See economic activity . in which students from local high the ad in this issue) or email the museum schools meet regularly and work on Exhibits tell the stories of Jewish at sjjhm@nbnet .nb .ca or look at the projects, culminating in Yom Hashoah immigrants and the new lives they website at: observances . created for their families in Saint John http://personal .nbnet .nb .ca/sjjhm . and provides information about the Since 1986 many exhibits have been broader Jewish community and Judaism . produced to show It operates educational programmes for the community’s young people, guided tours to school, history, including church and private groups, and other weddings, events . bar mitzvahs, immigration, In its heyday the Saint John Jewish Israel, Community had 200 families, including organizations, many children . Today it is closer to 30 . medical “Growing from Marcia’s inspiration and professionals, her energy along with a small group of military dedicated supporters, the Museum has involvement, and become a widely recognized institution much more . This that preserves many aspects of the year’s exhibits community’s history through artifacts, will be “Open photographs and videos,” said Gary for Business” Davis, President of the Saint John and “There’s No Jewish Historical Society . The library Place Like Home”, The permanent exhibit in the “Religion Room” includes artefacts and archives provide resources for like these that were used by members of the Jewish Community describing where over the past century.

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 25 Around our Region: CSainpet B Johnreton Marcia Koven Receives High Honour by Joel Jacobson

ike most volunteers, Marcia a couple of teachers in the Koven sought no credit for Jewish community, and starting the Saint John (N.B.) Katherine Biggs-Craft, currently LJewish Historical Museum 25 years the curator and a summer ago and for fostering it into a model student in year one, Holocaust for small, effective museums across education programs were Canada. developed for New Brunswick “I did it because it was fun,” she said, high school students, along expressing awe and disbelief when told with outreach programs for she was the 2011 recipient of the Louis junior high teachers to present Rosenberg Canadian Jewish Studies to their classes on Jewish Distinguished Service Award . holidays, life cycles and the Holocaust . Annually or from time to time, as may be appropriate, the Association for Today, Jewish Heritage Canadian Jewish Studies presents an Tours, focusing on cruise ship award honouring an individual, group passengers, are conducted or institution, who has made significant by community volunteers . contribution(s) to Canadian Jewish Displays change annually with Studies in one or more fields . The award Biggs-Craft currently preparing will be presented in Fredericton, N .B . a panorama of No Place Like May 29 at the annual conference of the Home, focusing on family Jewish life in early Saint John, organization, just four days prior to the Through the years, Koven served as and Jewish businesses, highlighting 25th anniversary dinner of the Saint president of the synagogue sisterhood, artifacts and clothing from the 1930s John Museum . president of the Saint John chapter and forward . Koven, 84 and still active, is a retired member of the National Executive of teacher and was volunteer leader of the She estimates 88,000 people have visited Hadassah-WIZO, was a New Brunswick museum for more than two decades . She the museum through the years with the representative on the Atlantic Jewish said she’d go to work every day (at the greatest summer in 2004 when 6,000 Council, head of the women’s Hevra museum) “like it was a real job . It was people came through the doors . Last Kadisha in Saint John, and in a variety my whole life for a long, long time .” year, over 5,600 were tallied . of capacities with other organizations, In the early years, she worked from a It operates full time from March through such as the local Shomar Seniors Club tiny office before finding space in the October (closed Saturdays, of course) and the Holocaust Committee of the basement of the Jewish Community and part time and by appointment AJC . Centre, attached to Sharrei Zedek through the winter months . The Saint John Jewish Historical Synagogue in downtown Saint John . “I’ve enjoyed working with Marcia,” Museum has received awards from the Born and raised in the community, and said Biggs-Craft . “I’ve learned a lot American Association for State and a mature graduate in sociology from about a culture not my own,” she adds, Local History, (1987), The Church and UNB-Saint John when in her 50s, Koven chuckling, “I think I know more about Synagogue Library Association, (1996), collected photos and memorabilia, and Saint John than some of our community and the Province of New Brunswick, did oral histories with senior members folk . They’ve lived it by being here for (2000) . of the community (since converted to decades, so I learn a lot from them, too .” She said she saw the museum as video and now DVD) . Marcia, who in her 50s was the first a preservation of the heritage of a With government grants for museum female to be bat mitzvahed at Sharrei diminishing Jewish community and development and summer student Zedek (originally orthodox but changed to educate the wider population about employment (more than 100 have to conservatism in the 1960s), described Jewish traditions and history . been employed through 25 years), the that as “my proudest moment” despite “I’m proud of everything that has been museum flourished from its opening the honour being bestowed for her accomplished,” she said . date in July 1986 . Between Marcia, museum development .

Page 26 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 ArAoundround ou our rR eRgion:egion: C aSpaein Btret Johnon Report from Saint John by Dr. Joseph Arditti, AJC Community Representative

Shalom from Saint John! s we approach the holiday of Pesach, Exodus from Egypt, we, the community of Saint AJohn looks forward to welcoming new immigrants in the near future. Most are originally from the Soviet Union, via Israel. I know that communities in the Maritimes have welcomed similar immigrants in the past. This will be our first experience in this regard. Here in Saint John, we all are excited in anticipation of the increase in our dwindling numbers of Jewish persons in our city . We all realize that all may not be rosy as we would wish . After listening to our Maritime neighbours’ comments, we Moshe Granik at bimah, and Joe Arditti lead the reading of the Megillah at Purim in Saint John. have concerns that the new immigrants most are fluent in English and those who we had the treats on time . may not integrate or participate in our are not will be assisted with introduction We are looking forward to the return Community . Nevertheless, we are looking to local English language Training of some of our congregants who have forward with optimism to their arrival and programs . spent the winter in the south . They will their participation . We celebrated Purim in or Synagogue . receive a very big welcome upon their We have established committees Prior to reading the Megilla, we recited return . Then we can resume our regular and individuals to extend help to the Motsae Shabbat prayer, and lit the Shabbat morning services . You know, newcomers, as they seem employment, flame, (according to the Halacha) . Then occasionally, we have a bit of difficulty housing, healthcare, shopping, schooling we proceeded with the reading of the achieving Minyan on Shabbat mornings . for the children, banking, transportation, Megillah, which was done by Moshe In the recent past, one of our members, and orientation to the city and Granik, our Hebrew teacher, and by those Sam Koven, passed away . The funeral community at large . As we understand, attending the service . Some of the reading parlous was packed with people of all was in Hebrew, and denominations . Shiva was held at his some in English . home . After the reading Our Museum is planning to celebrate of the Megilla, its twenty-fifth anniversary on June 2, we concluded the 2011 at the Delta Hotel . There will be a service by reciting reception, followed by a dinner . The guest Habdallah . Two speaker will be Jacques Steinberg, who of the children, is an author, interviewer, correspondent Veronica and Sapir, and reporter with the New York Times . wore costumes appropriate for As I mentioned at the beginning, as we the occasion . We approach Pesach, we shall not forget enjoyed very much that there is still some slavery in this the Hammantachen world, and remember that our ancestors sent to us by the were slaves in the land of Egypt . We are AJC . For this, we committed to live a meaningful life and thank Jon Goldberg lovingly committed to our fellow citizens, for undertaking the as well as to our heritage . Moshe Granik and Joe Arditti enjoy well-costumed Veronika and Sapir task, and ensuring Happy Pesach to everyone! during the Purim celebration.

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 27 Around our Region: Newfoundland Report from The Rock by Claire Frankel-Salama

“Le monde est un mouchoir” (The world is a handkerchief). This well- worn French comment on the fact that we live in a small world has again been proven to be oh, so true in our little Jewish community in St. John’s. t last year’s Rosh Hashanah services and community dinner we were pleased to Awelcome two new students, one from Toronto, Michael Cooper, and another from Israel, Michael Seider. Michael Cooper, the son of friends of very close friends of mine in Toronto, has become our new Hebrew School teacher. Every Sunday morning four children, aged 4 - 10, attend classes to learn Hebrew, Jewish customs and Members, young and old, of Beth El Synagogue in St. John’s celebrated a joyous Purim. holidays. We are thrilled to report that even the four-year-old is reading who, thankfully, is now on the mend . at the start of a post-army summer trip Hebrew, and the pupils (and their Additional thanks go to Dr . Sharon Koubi to the island . Yossi lives slightly north of parents) are participating more who helped with communications and Haifa and has just completed a degree in eagerly in synagogue life. kept Lilya and her family back in Israel architecture at the Technion . In fact, I informed . I would also like to thank Avi mentioned getting his on-the-spot reports The second young man, Michael Seider, Lewis, the Consul for Eastern Canada in about the forest fires on the Carmel in a is a graduate student in Economics . Montreal for his help and support . The previous article . Unfortunately, he recently became ill Israelis certainly look after their young and his mother came over from Israel This time, Yossi wrote us that he had just people when they are abroad . and stayed with us while he was in found out that Lilya, the mother of his hospital . Needless to say, we got along Just after Lilya returned home, I received very good friend, Oleg (Michael Seider’s like long-lost relatives (who knows ?) and an email from a Lilya quickly became comfortable with young man, Yossi St . John’s and the members of Beth El Abkin, who stayed . It was also comforting for her to hear with us for a week a Mishe Berach for her son, Michael, several years ago

Delicious food was served at the Purim party. Colourful costumes highlighted the celebration.

Page 28 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Around our Region: Newfoundland younger brother), had stayed with us in St . John’s in the very same bedroom that he stayed in several years ago . I had not bothered to mention that we knew Yossi to Lilya, as it seemed foolish to cite the names of all the people we know in Israel . Unbelievable! There truly are only about one and a half degrees of separation among Jewish people . And now Yossi is contemplating coming back to Newfoundland as a graduate student as well! Other happenings in the synagogue include several Oneg Shabbats, including one on January 7th to mark Tu B’shvat and to honour Ernie Mauskopf on the occasion of his 85th birthday . We were Religious Education students from Holy Trinity Junior High and High School in Torbay, also glad to see Philip and Christine Cull NL, were welcomed to Beth El to learn about Judaism. that evening as well . from Frank Roberts Junior High . former congregant, Dr . Shelly Hasinoff, On January 17th we welcomed 120 Very shortly, Dr . Michael Paul will giving who returned to Winnipeg from where Religious Education students (in two a talk at the Synagogue to members of St . this recipe originates . batches, thank G-d) from Holy Trinity Mark’s Anglican Church . At this point we are all busy getting ready High School in Torbay . On March 15th for Passover and our Community Seder on we had an excellent group of 60 students On Saturday evening, March 19th, we held our annual Purim party . Ernie Monday, April 18th . If you are planning from St . Kevin’s High School in the to be in town for business or pleasure, Goulds, and on the 30th several classes Mauskopf read the Megillah, accompanied by a terrific cacophony provided by our please do not hesitate to contact us; you Hebrew schoolers will always have a place at our table . and the rest of Best wishes for a speedy recovery go to the congregation . Prof . James Rosen and Mary Pratt, and MILLIONS OF SOULS: THE PHILIP RITEMAN STORY The reading was we hope to see you both once again at by Philip Riteman as told to Mireille Baulu-MacWillie followed by a dairy our Seder . Congratulations to Dr . Anat supper and three Rahamimov and Dr . Joel Stemmer, different lots of former members of Beth El, who now “A stirring account . . .” Bedford magazine Hamantaschen reside near Boston on the upcoming provided by Bonnie marriage of their son, Ophir, to Rachel “Anybody who has heard Riteman speak, and thousands of schoolchildren and adults Leyton, Dr . Barbara Jacobs in August . Ophir and his sister, have, will recognize that the voice is his own Grandy and myself . Ella, were once students in our own little and that he does, indeed, ‘put a face on this part of history.’” I’m still using a Hebrew school and were known to wield The Telegram wonderful recipe their greggors (almost) as loudly as our #1 on the Chronicle Herald (Nova Scotia) given to us by a present students . Bestseller List (January 9, 2011)

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Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 29 Around our Region: Newfoundland Jewish Community Havura by Ruth Noel and Nancy Bennett

ith the snow slowly Commonwealth, at their annual service disappearing, the crocuses at the Anglican Cathedral on Sunday and snow drops are March 13 . Their warm invitation said, Wappearing in areas of exposed lawns “We celebrate the diversity of peoples and – the first flowers of spring which religious faiths as an essential part of the come up even when “old man winter” Commonwealth and its role as a force is still hanging around. for peace” . The Lieutenant Governor, The winter months have not been a time the Honourable John Crosbie, read the of hibernation for the Jewish Community Queen’s message to the Commonwealth . Havura . Bi-weekly Shabbat services, As the Commonwealth theme this year talks in schools, and Hebrew school for is “Women as agents of change”, Nancy young and old alike are but a few of chose to speak about a Jewish heroine, Yona and Andrea prepare hamentashen the activities we have been involved in . Queen Esther, whose holiday was about to for the Purim party. be celebrated . She told the story of Purim The Hebrew School for the “wee ones” sexual orientation, gender identity, and likened the brave women of Egypt is continuing with great success with or occupation may have experienced and Libya fighting for their people, to that parents sharing in planning and directing stereotyping or prejudice and is willing brave woman so many centuries ago . activities . Elizabeth Siegel has started to speak about this experience . Ruth Noel a Hebrew class for adults and children The St . John’s Refugee and Immigrant participated as a human book . It was an nine and older and this is proving to be a Advisory Council’s Centre for Social eye -opening experience for her and for great success . She is showing it is never Justice and Memorial University’s the “borrowers”, some of whom had never too late to learn and the group has been International Students Advising Office before met a Jew . making great strides . Bar Mitzvah lessons hosted their first Human Library event The events of Purim started with a have started for Nick Bendzsa, who will this year and invited the Havura to hamentashen-baking and mask -making be making his Bar Mitzvah in about a year participate . The Human Library helps get together along with a Hebrew School – our third in two years! to encourage open and safe dialogue session at the home of Elena Hammel and between people of all backgrounds, Havura members are still speaking in Jonathan Kitzen and their children Siena experiences, and cultures . “Readers” at schools as well as being invited to speak and Beckett . Jennifer Miron organized the Library “borrow” a human book for to community and religious organizations . the mask-making and other craft events . 30 minutes, and the two sit and chat and Recently Elizabeth-Anne Malischewski Elizabeth-Anne Malischewski organized get to know one another . The human and Ruth Noel teamed up to speak to the hamentashen baking and ensured that book is someone who, for reasons of their speak to five classes of 4th graders . They a variety of luscious fillings were put into got high marks from both students and ethnic, religious, or cultural background, teachers . Nancy Bennett was invited by the Royal Commonwealth Society of Newfoundland and Labrador to represent the Jewish community here and throughout the

A fourth grade religion class learns about Judaism from Ruth and Elizabeth-Anne. Elena reads the story of Purim to students.

Page 30 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Around our Region: Newfoundland over a hundred delicious cookies . The Michael Winograd kids made enough for snack time, too . Trio . It was a Inbal Bahar, Yona Koubi, Andrea Monro, highly successful Joy Hecht, and Nancy Bennett were on effort to make hand to help . Jewish culture Our Purim party was bigger than ever available, not – we had so many coming we had to move just to the Jewish locations . The Newish Klezmer Ensemble community, but also played for us and both adults and children to Newfoundlanders danced to the infectious tunes . Charlotte of every heritage . Anne Malischewski was home for a long This immensely weekend and she entertained with some talented group of beautiful violin pieces . She joined the New York Jews Falafel and so much more – the Purim feast begins. klezmer band as well as playing solo . Our – a clarinettist, an number totalled between sixty five and accordionist and a work to close the growing gap between seventy (with so many children running cellist – taught four master classes at the rich and poor . Jewish, Christian, Muslim around it was hard to do an exact count) . University, taught Yiddish dancing to the and Hindu leaders across the country Arnold Bennett wrote a new translation public one evening, and gave a powerful signed on as supporters of the website of the Purim Megillah and Elizabeth concert of Ashkenazic music and as a consciousness-raising tool in the Siegel led the service and did a great job Yiddish poetry set to music at Memorial campaign to eliminate the injustice of cueing the exuberant groggers . Several University’s Petro-Canada Hall . They also poverty in a rich land . During the federal adults shared the reading and everyone tutored members of the St . John’s-based election, the Coalition asks voters to talk had fun drowning out Haman’s name . Newish Klezmer Ensemble, who regularly to candidates about the issue of social Falafel with all the trimmings, salads, perform for Havura events including fairness – and to be sure to vote . Purim, Hanukah, and Bar Mitzvahs . sweets and our hamentashen made for The winter has seen two new babies join Nancy Bennett assisted with the publicity a delicious meal . It was a successful our Havura: evening . Elizabeth-Anne Malischewski and Paul Bendzsa helped arrange events Mazel tov to Elena Hammel, Jonathan organized the evening and coordinated at Memorial University’s Music School . Kitzen and Siena on the birth of baby the volunteers who set up and cleaned up . One week the city was rocking with Irish Beckett Mendel . She also single-handedly made enough Music for St . Patrick’s day and the next handmade mishloach manot for all the week we were singing and dancing to Mazel tov to Inbal Bahar, Sharon Koubi, children and others added to this so most Jewish folk music . Noam and Daphna on the birth of children went home with two bags . There The Havura is one of several daughter/sister Ayallah . were many tired but happy members on organizations in The Religious Social Passover coming and this year primary Sunday . Action Coalition of Newfoundland and seder-givers the Noels and the Bennetts In the week following Purim, the Havura Labrador . They recently launched a will be in Ontario visiting their children . helped pay for a visit to St . John’s by website www .candidatesagainstpoverty .ca So members are organizing seders to a Brooklyn-based klezmer group, the to give every Canadian the ability to see accommodate all who wish to attend . which candidates As usual, the welcome mat is down, so in their riding please let us know if you are in town and have pledged to you can join us at Shabbat services .

Ava and Queen Esther (Charlotte-Anne) at the Pruim party. The kitchen crew takes a break from its preparations.

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 31 Around our Region: Cape Breton Cape Breton Report by Adam Conter, AJC Community Representative

pring has arrived to Cape Breton looking forward to May with even more on dedicated member of our congregation and Island and with the thaw of our the horizon for all members here in Cape community . A fashionable, family oriented record snow fall, and the return Breton . I would Sof the birds and the sun, comes another like to especially great season full of many reasons to thank Rabbi Ellis for celebrate. his efforts and his To begin, we had Purim . A wonderful continuous support celebration of our people’s triumph as we build more and over our oppressors, however this time more events for our celebrated in costume with graggors for the community . kids and alcohol for the adults . With energy I would like to and enthusiasm our community celebrated! pay tribute to Dr . Drawing a crowd of 30 members for our Gason Lecker, a meal and megillah reading . It was a very special member of fun evening and for that we must thank all our congregation who contributed . who passed away Photo of the Holocaust Education Comittee: Members and position: this past month . Front row: Shirley Chernin, Evy Druker, Fran Morrison, We are already at the drawing board in Marjorie Bursey, Carmelita Cousins preparation for Passover, also we are Dr . Lecker was an Middle row: Diane Lewis, Avvie Druker incredible man and Back row: Mike Kelly, Pam Van Dommelen, Dr. Graham Reynolds

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Page 32 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Around our Region: Cape Breton man who was a dedicated community hospitality first hand when he and his wife, Edith as you supported us . volunteer . We will miss his Saturday thank Edith, opened their home to me when I first That is the report from Cape Breton, you speeches from the Bimah and his arrived in Cape Breton three years ago . I please enjoy our photos and the articles stories over coffee at Tim Horton’s . will miss you Garson, as we all will . Rest contributed by our Holocaust Education I experienced Gason’s generosity and easy knowing the community will support Committee .

Tubishva’at at Temple Sons of Israel

n a cold and windy winter day learn about the trees and plants around by enjoying our photos, a good time was in Sydney our thoughts were of us. Rabbi David Ellis visited the community enjoyed by all members, young and old . warmer places as we gathered and lead the congregation in a lesson about Thanks to the Rabbi for his contributions Oat the Synagog for a Tubishv’at learning Israel and the celebration of Tubishv’at and as well as Linda, Shayna, Tamara and all session, lunch and some coloring with the help of Linda Cerezny, lead the helpers in the kitchen . Stay tuned to other for the younger members of the kids in a coloring activity and the planting articles about great activities in Sydney! community as we talked about spring of the first seeds for their little plants time in Israel and a reflection on what in planters they colored and decorated it means to be Jewish, respect the land themselves . Take a look at the turnout Sydney Congregants Flock to Celebrate Purim at Temple Sons of Israel by Lynda Ceresne

ore people than usual—many peals of laughter and ran off in various a crowd of over 30 people turned up to in costume--came out to directions, homemade graggers in hand. celebrate and indulge in the lovely food celebrate Purim this year in Congregants Shayna Strong and Lynda congregants had prepared . ourM small Sydney congregation. We Ceresne organized a Feast of Esther on The graggers are now tucked away and we had Haman in the crowd who chased Sunday March 20, 2011 after services . And are all looking forward to more homemade the children whenever his name was though there were skeptics about attracting hamantaschen and Haman’s antics next read. The children delighted with congregants for a second Megillah reading, year . The Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, California by Marjorie Bursey

ast April, I had the privilege of Roberts from The Little Rock Nine, who was the name of change for the good was the spending 3 days in an educational part of the vision to help end segregation . message I clearly understood from my retreat at the Museum of He was just a teenager when he and 8 experiences there . Simon Wiesenthal once LTolerance in Los Angeles. The Program others courageously had the guts to fight said “hope lives when people remember ”. in which I participated, Glassman for the end of segregation . While there, I Remembering injustices that happened in Tools for Tolerance focused on justice, was also able to meet people like myself the past in order to not have them repeated tolerance, diversity, values and civic who were interested in learning what they in the future is the message I took away responsibility. I had the privilege of could do to make a small difference in the with me . The emphasis was on the power meeting and listening to Eddie Elan, world in the name of peace . The museum of the “ordinary person” and the power we Holocaust Survivor, who appeared in the exhibits and interactive activities had the have, each and every one of us, to make a film “Freedom Writers” . To hear him speak potential to play on your emotions but this change in the name of good for this world . was truly humbling . I also met Dr . Terrance was not their focus: keeping hope alive in

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 33 Rabbi’s Corner & Executive Director’s Message continued… Only in Glace Bay Rabbi David Ellis, AJC Regional Chaplain

It was typical Glace Bay from Glace Bay was one of the notable beginning to end. communities of all Jewish history . It was ast fall between holidays, I was that rare place where one could be fully coming over to Glace Bay from and maximally Jewish and also contribute Sydney to stay a day or two in to its civic society . Lthe “Chabad House,” as Ruth Lewin Was it pure coincidence that I met calls it. Raymond? At that very moment? Just It is the house once owned by the late after he’d been called and couldn’t notify Norman Lipschutz which I have stayed anyone about his speech? Or was it a in for the last many years . While not miracle from above? Take your choice . Lubavitchers, the owners, Reuven Schmidt Let’s just say, it was Glace Bay . Things like and Asher Pillar from New York, have that have always happened there . been fervent patrons of Glace Bay for Many lament the demise of the Jewish many years, and we appreciate their community of Glace Bay . Many have generosity . moved elsewhere . But as we know But as I approached the house, I just in Jewish life, the stories we share of happened to cross the path of Raymond things can be as inspiring as the events Goldmann, en route downtown for his themselves . mail . Yasher Ko-ach, Raymond--I’ll see on the “Rabbi! Rabbi! You’ve gotta come tonight! Raymond Goldman speaks at the street again sometime soon . They called at the last minute . The regular Glace Bay Historical Society. Rabbi David Ellis is available for speaker can’t make it, so I’m speaking at doctors, dentists, and business people introducing persons looking for Jewish the (Glace Bay) Historical Society .” from the Jewish community who had mates in the region . Sure enough, Raymond gave the contributed to Glace Bay’s history, All inquiries and discussions presentation at the refurbished museum as much was given by questions and are strictly confidential . in the old city hall building . A very large remembrances from the audience . All of Rabbi David Ellis crowd was there . them remembered Jewish holidays and 902-422-7491, ext. 228 While Raymond gave a marvelous what they were . They recalled special [email protected] presentation about the storekeepers, Jewish cooking over the years .

From the Desk of Jon Goldberg, Executive Director continued… continued from page 3 representing the entire region and many talented individuals here in Atlantic sixtieth family by the end of 2011 . As staffed by Perry Romberg, is embarking Canada . We are not ready to close the in the other communities retention and on a concerted effort for community doors on Jewish life here in Atlantic integration have continued to be a major building and securing our future here as a Canada . I believe we can, and we will, challenge but we must persevere . 3 . In Jewish community . There is much more maintain Jewish continuity in our region . Halifax there is a voluntary group of to come from the AJF in the next few “If you will it, it is no dream” . community leaders that has been meeting years . 5 . Camp Kadimah must and will My best wishes to all our readers and to discuss the future and well-being of be supported by its over 15,000 alumni their families for a Happy and Healthy the overall Halifax community . The and by the new generation of potential Pesach . Particular thanks to the hard group is appropriately called Next D’Or campers wherever they live . working staff here at the AJC and to the which means “The Next Generation .” In closing, I want to say that there is officers and board of directors for the You will be seeing and hearing much much that has changed over the last 65 continuing advice and support . more from this group in the near future . years, and yet much remains the same . Chag Sameach 4 . The Atlantic Jewish Foundation, now We have some great communities with chaired by Kathy Zilbert with trustees terrific leaders, outstanding citizens, and

Page 34 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Rabbi’s Corner Yosef – a Careless Optimist? By Rabbi Yosef Goldman, Sgoolai Israel Synagogue, Fredericton

couple of months ago, I was being built . for the best and expect the worse! I totally asked by my father to give a Moses is disagree! Joseph was the rejected brother, Dvar Torah (a short idea on the commanded yet he went to seek the peace and welfare ATorah Portion of that week) in a family and tells the of his brothers . If he thought he was going gathering we had in Israel. people of Israel: to his death (or slavery) he would not have The idea was that each of the children and “you shall make gone . He trusted his father’s judgement grandchildren who were willing, would curtains of goat and his brothers to be able to overcome share something about the building of hair for a tent . . the differences between them . If he were the Mishkan (The Tabernacle), and my eleven curtains a ‘careless optimist’, our Rabbis would not father would put it together towards the shall you have put his dreams into our Seder night conclusion of the Shabbos . make them” . song! Of course, we need optimism, and I The result of try to always be one . I believe that Joseph I chose to discuss the two times in the this interesting command, is that there and Moses together taught us the right entire Torah that we have the number was “left over” or extra length of these balance . Hope for the best, and try to work eleven . Yosef was the eleventh son of curtains . What caused this “problem”? Did out whatever seems ‘not to fit’ . Jacob, but it does not say that about him . people bring more than needed and Moses What it does say is, that in his second Moses chose not to store away the felt compelled to use everything? I don’t dream, he dreams of the sun and the moon eleventh curtain, but rather ‘make it fit’ think so . It seems that Moses invented the and eleven stars bowing down to him . into the complex puzzle of the Jewish “boidem system” but with a twist . Always We sing this as part of “Echad Mi Yode’a” people – VEHAYA HAMISHKAN ECHAD save for a rainy day, always put stuff Who Knows One, at the end of the Seder (and the Mishkan shall be made into that you don’t need right now, away in a night . His father reprimands him: “are one), we have to learn that there are no cupboard you will probably never open, we to come - I and your mother and your ‘rejects’, there are no Jews that cannot be or a garage shelf that is too high to reach brothers – to bow down to you?!” but Jacob welcome in our community . If we learn anyway . But you must make sure to use it does not punish or demand that Joseph this message, our Passover will be more eventually . apologize . meaningful . Have a Happy and Kosher In the hospital this winter I heard so Passover! The second time in the Torah we find the many times the following mantra: hope number eleven, is when the Mishkan is Unity, Diversity and Moncton By Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yagod, Congregation Tiferes Israel, Moncton

t’s been a little over a year that involving the children of our I have been in Moncton and I communities . We are planning am enjoying it immensely. I see on hosting a great NCSY Shabbos Itremendous growth potential for this weekend sometime in the spring, community. We have a terrific shul hopefully, right here in Moncton . with great people. New people are This coming summer we will joining the community. I am happy once again bring back, by popular to announce our mikvah has recently demand, the Tiferes Israel been renovated and brought up to the summer Day Camp, serving highest standards of kashrut. There are children who are too young to go still ongoing renovations to the mikvah, to Camp Kadima . We are working but it is usable and open. on increasing the availability of We are looking forward to a very exciting kosher goods in our region . Masquerading at the Moncton Purim party. to the first intercommunity event Although our communities continued on page 36

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 35 Rabbi’s Corner continued from page 35 that left Egypt . And so, Elijah the Prophet that is diverse, but united . Thus, there may seem small in number compared explains it was partially in the merit of were no gossipers amongst all the Jews in to Toronto or Montreal, yet when this great promise that the Jews were Egypt, for a gossiper is a divider . taken together, we form a very strong redeemed from Egypt .” component of the Canadian Maritime The Jews in Egypt faced a very provinces . As I write these lines, in the difficult situation, but they were synagogue this week we will be reading united, and this saved them . the Torah portion in which re recount the This, my friends, is the lesson the story of the Jews going down to Egypt and Passover can teach us . We can still being enslaved under terrible conditions, be diverse and achieve unity . This and, yet, emerging as a powerful, is my hope and my dream for all independent Am Yisrael that we are part of our communities . We find that of today . There is a Talmudic reference to the foundation of Israel originates the following fascinating statement that in great measure from the twelve was said by Elijah the Prophet . sons of Jacob, the leaders of the “In Egypt the Jews made a pact and a bond twelve tribes of Israel . Each one amongst themselves . They promised each was different and, yet, they came other that they would never gossip about Moncton congregants and Rabbi Yagod, standing together through shared spiritual left, thank Rabbi Nachum Rosenberg, for his work one another and there was not a single values, especially, later on in life . raising funds for, and overseeing the renovation of, gossiper that was found among the Jews They left behind a legacy of Israel the mikvah at Congregation Tiferes Israel. Don’t be a Boss, be a Leader by Rabbi Ari Sherbill, Beth Israel Synagogue, Halifax

hat would you say is the companies and to ask him ”. The fourth guy went right up to difference between a boss and teams that the this Hasid and pulled out a white business a leader? Many people are world loves card, put it right up against his face and Wbosses: they tell their employees what and can’t get asked, “Hey, do you know who this is?” to do, how to do it and are generally enough of . His heart went racing trying to read the fond of instilling fear in the hearts of There are few name and to his shock he knew who it was . everyone in the office. There are plenty leaders and we “Of course, that’s Reb Shlomo Carlebach, of of bosses and we need less of them. need more of course I know who he is ”. He stammered in Leaders on the other hand do not give them . confusion, “He’s the greatest, the holiest ”. people something to do, but something to Here’s a story: The fourth man appraised the Hasid, believe in . Leaders give people something Late one night looking him up and down and said, “Relax to be inspired by and excited about, and so years ago, a Bobov Hasid (Ultra-Orthodox guys, he’s cool . Leave him alone, he’s under their followers are driven to act . Actions Jew) made a wrong turn off the highway my protection now ”. and work done with vision, passion and and found himself in Harlem . This man As the three men moved away in inspiration is what creates the products, was not too concerned, thinking to himself confusion, the fourth man helped the Hasid that he’ll just turn around and drive back fix the car and told him the following story . on the highway . Confident he was, until “I’m helping you because Shlomo always his car sputtered and died on a dimly lit helped me . Years ago, I was among the garbage-strewn street . He got out of his car homeless who lived in cardboard boxes in to check under the hood until he saw three Riverside Park near Shlomo’s shul . I used menacing figures step out of the shadows, to live on the handouts I got begging . The moving quickly toward him . biggest handouts were always from Shlomo The street was deserted with no one to call Carlebach . Every time I met him he gave for help . He was sure that his end was near me no less than $10 of his money and 5 so he quietly began to say the Shma . minutes of his time . The three men encircled him as a fourth He always greeted me with, ‘Hey holy Chabad Lubavitch Rabbi Mendel Feldman ran to him from another corner and brother, what’s happening?’ and tried to and Beth Israel Synagogue Rabbi help me change . I’ve never forgotten him, Ari Sherbill, in costume at the shouted, “Hey, wait a minute before you Halifax Purim party. hurt him . He’s Jewish and I have a question and I carry his card with me always . It’s

Page 36 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Rabbi’s Corner because of Shlomo Carlebach’s love that I help and guidance helped so many people values are what changes the world . Not saved your life tonight ”. in unimaginable ways . with what but why . A leaders’ actions are felt years later . A Parents, spouses, teachers, Rabbis, Cantors, There are many whats in Pesach: the seder, leaders’ passion gives others passion . A CEOs, Employers, Politicians, Presidents no chametz, the 4 cups, the 4 questions, the leaders’ love helps others love . and many more all have the ability to be afikomen . You know all the whats, but it’s Imagine if Shlomo Carlbeach would have either a boss or a leader . A parent can act the whys’ that inspires . treated the homeless man the way most like a boss to their children who just tells At your Seder, try to lead your family and people do, like bosses . Even if they were to them what to do, where to be and to get it friends with why . We don’t do this because give some money, they would never give done . A spouse can tell their husband/wife we have to, because we can choose not their time . Even if they were to give of their what to do, where to be and to get it done . to . We have Seders to drive us to deeper time, most people would say or think, “You The same is true of all of the above . The places . All the what’s are in order for us should work . Get up off the street and do question to ask yourself is: am I telling to ask why . The more why’s we have, the something with your life ”. people what to do or am I giving something more inspired we’ll be . The more inspired people to be inspired by? Shlomo treated this homeless man the way we’ll be, the more we’ll change the world . he treated everyone: like a leader does . He A leader inspires because they don’t hand Don’t be a boss or an employee at your gave him something to believe in, he cared out tasks, they give out values . Leaders Seder . Be a leader and change the world . about him, he showed him that anything is inspire because of the cause that they possible . Shlomo was a true leader whose embody and guide others with . Those

Celebrate Freedom Today by Rabbi Mendel Feldman, Chabad Lubavitch of the Maritimes

n just two weeks Jews the world The answer lies in ancient Hebrews sought emancipation over will be celebrating the first the Talmudic dictum is conceptually still present . Slavery Seder. During the Seder, we (which we recite in finds many forms and takes on various Iobserve various traditions such as the Hagadah): “In appearances . In days of old it was depicted eating Matzah, Maror and drinking every generation by a task-master standing over a slave with four cups of wine. All of these rituals a person must feel a whip in hand . Today, bondage is often are reminders of the Jewish people’s as if he or she was found in our character and attitudes where exodus from Egypt 3,323 years ago. actually liberated we find ourselves addicted to a certain However, the question often presents from Egypt” . In negative trait and find it excruciatingly itself, what meaning does an ancient story other words, we have a responsibility to difficult to “break free” we might feel and its associated ceremony hold for the make an ancient experience important to trapped with no easy way out . average Jew in 2011? How can we look at us living in modern times . Hence the Torah’s command to remember events which transpired so long ago and We achieve this by recognizing that the Exodus of Egypt each and every day of still be spiritually inspired by them? the imprisonment from which the the year, since we must constantly seek to free ourselves from this spiritual slavery as well . Every detail of the Torah’s account of the physical exodus contains directives to us regarding our spiritual and conceptual exodus . One such significant detail is the first plague with which the Almighty broke the proud spirit of Pharaoh and his people - the plague of blood, in which the waters of the Nile River were turned to blood . The Almighty is the ultimate source of life . Hence, everything associated with G-dliness and holiness has vitality and

Renee Ross, Robyn & Jason Berman, Jon Ross, enjoy the Purim Feast at Chabad continued on page 38

Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 37 Rabbi’s Corner continued from page 37 “waters of the river” - the deathly coldness are more about a commitment to the life - which is characterized by warmth . and convert it to blood, symbolizing present then reminiscing about the past . Coldness, on the other hand, is the ‘mark warmth, life and vitality . During this time of year we once again of the grave’ it is the very antithesis of The lesson for our own “Yetzias Mitzrayim” reaffirm our obligation to fight all forms of life, and therefore the very opposite of spiritual liberation, is that the very first negativity and slavery, be they within or holiness . undesirable trait against which we must without . And most important, we devote The idolatry of Egypt, the basic evil struggle is coldness, indifference and ourselves to being positive members of our of their culture, was coldness - icy apathy to our Yiddishkeit . The approach to community with renewed involvement indifference to G-d . This was symbolized religion must be, one of warmth, interest and enthusiasm . by the cold waters of the Nile River which and enthusiasm . Wishing you a Kosher and joyous Pesach the Egyptians worshipped as a god . The Therefore, every year as we begin the Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher very first step, therefore, towards breaking holiday of Passover and the celebration of Rebbe of righteous memory . the spirit of Egypt and towards freedom freedom, we are reminded that the stories from the Egyptian exile was to strike at the we recount and the rituals we observe

A Message in Honour of Jon Goldberg’s 65th Birthday by Rabbi Isenberg (Cantor Ari) Spiritual Leader, Shaar Shalom Congregation, Halifax

alk into Jon’s office at the with one noteworthy distinction: act as a place for celebration, gathering, Atlantic Jewish Council, Jon’s physical stature, though and unity; investing in an organization and the foremost feature, overwhelming and impressive, is that can help concretize our identity Wimpossible to miss, is the number of and provide the resources to ensure that measurable . pictures displayed. Judaism can continue to flourish . Underneath it, though, lie a heart and a Pictures of his sister, Susan, his brother, neshama whose depths are limitless and Like Moses and the Children of Israel in Victor, his sister-in-law Judith, his immeasurable . Jon simply cares . He cares the desert, the stakes are high, but Jon cherished nephew Eric and niece Rachael . about the state of our Jewish community, continues to persevere . Pictures with friends from the many he cares about the state of our synagogues, In recognition of his sincerity, his missions and conferences he’s led and he cares about how we are portrayed on countless contributions, his dedication attended . Pictures of other relatives and the national and global stage, and he cares to the Shaar Shalom, the Halifax Jewish very close friends . profoundly about each individual with Community, and the Atlantic Jewish Walk down Spring Garden Road with Jon whom he interacts and to whom he is Council, and in recognition of his love of and, impossible to ignore are the dozens related . the Jewish people and the State of Israel, of people – shopkeepers, businessmen, Perhaps it is no surprise and no it is an honour to wish Jon a happy 65th Jews, Gentiles, police officers, custodians, coincidence that this week’s Parsha birthday . grocers – Haligonians who all warmly say is Terumah . We read this week about Jon, I wish you health and the continued “hello Jon, how are you?” as Jon passes God, Moses, and the People of Israel all fulfillment of all that you do . To you, by . preoccupied with building the Mishkan, many more years filled with health and Happen to go to the same dentist or barber building that sacred dwelling place in happiness . as Jon? Well, from the minute you walk-in the desert where the Jewish people will www .theshaar .ca to the minute you leave, you find yourself all gather together, focus their energies, showered with story after story about concretize their relationship with God Jon, all of which paint Jon accurately: and their identity, and lure God to dwell as a kind, compassionate, attentive, among them . It seems to me that this is charismatic, and insightful gentleman, precisely reflective of the work Jon has with a flair for wit and cleverness . undertaken for decades . In the Maritimes, Jon is a big man with a big heart, perhaps establishing Jewish institutions that can

Page 38 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Rabbi’s Corner

Since 1943 ……………..……………………….………………. Nova Scotia, Canada

Located on the beautiful shores of Nova Scotia

Camp Kadimah provides a meaningful, active and fun 6 week camping experience with an emphasis on Jewish programming

Ages 7-16

New for 2011 Introductory 4-week session for younger campers! APPLY TODAY! Registration closes October 31, 2010

www.campkadimah.comNisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1 Page 39

Registration Closes October 31 The Atlantic Jewish Foundation Announces SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2011 Scholarships & Bursaries Available THE NOA AND SARAH HEINISH FOUNDATION TRUST Throughout their lives, Noa and Sarah Heinish devoted themselves to the betterment of their community, their house of worship and the State of Israel . Passover of 1943 found Noa and Sarah assisting in the preparation of a Seder for hundreds of young Jewish servicemen stationed in Halifax before shipping out to Europe . At the end of WW II, Noa was one of a group of interpreters who met the ships which brought Holocaust survivors from Europe to the shores of Halifax . Speaking in Yiddish, he helped them transfer to the trains which took them to family members awaiting their arrival in upper Canada . Noa Heinish was one of the founders of Shaar Shalom Congregation and served as its first president . Together with Sarah they lent their support to every arm of the congregation . Sarah Heinish was an active member of Women’s League, Hadassah, Neptune Theatre, the Soroptomists and the Nova Scotia Institute for the Blind . Both Noa and Sarah gave generously of their time and resources in the support of Israel Bond drives, United Jewish Appeal, Camp Kadimah and other groups and were leaders in the Canadian Jewish Congress . For many years they operated a successful clothing business on Gottingen Street in downtown Halifax which closed in 1972 . To carry on their good works, the Heinish family established the Noa and Sarah Heinish Foundation . This charitable foundation has provided endowments supporting Jewish educational and health care institutions in Canada and Israel . A portion of the funds has been allocated to the Atlantic Jewish Council Foundation to provide an annual merit scholarship for a student from the Maritime Jewish community to study in Israel . Dependent on the vagaries of the market, the scholarship should provide a stipend of several thousand dollars to the successful recipient . Application deadline: June 30, 2011 The Miasnik-Rein Trust A limited number of scholarships of $2,000 each are available to worthy students, one or both of whose parents profess the Jewish faith . The scholarship is open to students of the Atlantic Region for the purpose of establishing or continuing exposure to their Jewish heritage by means of study, travel, community service or other suitable means . Application deadline: June 30, 2011 Halifax Endowment Fund (Jayson Greenblatt Bursary) A $500 bursary awarded to a Jewish student from Atlantic Canada to further Jewish studies in Israel or in the Diaspora . Deadline: June 30, 2011

For further information and applications please contact the Atlantic Jewish Foundation (scholarships and bursaries) in c/o Jon Goldberg, jgoldberg@theajc .ns .ca; 422-7491x222

Page 40 Nisan 5771 - Vol 36 No. 1

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40052452 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: The Atlantic Jewish Council, 5670 Spring Garden Road 40052452 Suite 508, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1H6