WESTCHESTER February 2019 -- Shevat-Adar 1 5779, Volume 25, Issue 2 Celebrating

1994-2019 Years

JewishWESTCHESTER COUNTY’S ONLY MONTHLYLife JEWISH NEWSPAPER FOR 25 YEARS Afya Delivers Disaster Relief in Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King BY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN Quiroz, Afya Chief Admin- istrative Officer observed. On Monday, January 21st, “It takes about 25,000 Westchester Reform Temple hours of volunteer time to {WRT} in Scarsdale, partnered sort through all of the sup- with UJA’s Time for Good, in plies that are constantly a Day of Service in honor of coming in.” Martin Luther King Jr. UJA “Today is a day of ser- Federation of New York’s J- vice across the region,” Guy Teen’s came to the Synagogue Felixbrodt, Executive Di- to help with the 2019 Disas- rector, J-Teen Leadership ter Relief efforts with the said. “This is 1 location Afya Foundation (Swahili, out of 72, drawing 3,000 “health”), involving collect- volunteers and started 13 ing medical and personal hy- years ago as a response to Left to right: Guy Felixbrodt, Executive Director, J-Teen Leadership, UJA Federa- giene supplies to be shipped Hurricane Katrina in New tion NY; Lisa Goldstein, Office of Congressman Eliot Engel; Danielle Butin, to Puerto Rico, in conjunction Orleans. Our event drew Founder/CEO, Afya Foundation; NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; As- with AJC Westchester/Fair- 200 teen volunteers of all field and Westchester County semblywoman Amy Paulin; Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr; J-Teen faiths and trains leaders Left, J-Teen Leadership vounteers, white tee shirts; blue UJA Federation NY “mensch” Youth Council. Leader Abe Baker-Butler. in community service, tik- shirts, right. “This is a very special who are medically frail and el- call and founded Afya in 2008, kun olam.” event and this day of service ders who are frail… calling it that to honor the Assemblywoman Amy Andrew Cuomo’s office sent they sorted. They also wrote involves hundreds of teens “In 2007 I went on vaca- country. Since 2008 we have Paulin welcomed the teens a proclamation in honor of 500 letters written in Spanish coming together for the great- tion to Tanzania and met a rescued and shipped 9 million to her “spiritual home,” WRT. MLK Day. to be hand delivered by anoth- er good,” Afya founder and physician who talked about pounds of medical supplies “We have a tradition as a At the end of the day, er J-Teen Leadership service CEO Danielle Butin stressed. how there was no medical and equipment.” Jewish people to be “men- the students shipped 3,000 trip delegation to the Boys and “There is a very significant supplies in any of his clinics. “We check for expiration sches” (good characters),” pounds of medical supplies Girls Club of Puerto Rico in need in Puerto Rico for people I regarded this as a wake-up and identify the items,” Erica Paulin noted. And Governor to Puerto Rico from the 5,000 February. Westchester Torah Academy Breaks Ground for New Facility STAFF REPORT uven Fink, Young Israel of They strive to include person- New Rochelle, Rabbi Shmuel alized, progressive and cre- Excitement was in the air Greenberg, Young Israel of ative methods of teaching for as Westchester Torah Acad- White Plains, Rabbi Daniel grades K-8 and are committed emy {WTA} broke ground at Rosenfelt, Fleetwood Syna- to excellence in both Judaic 150 Stratton Road on January gogue, Rabbi Eli Kohl, Young and secular studies. 13, for the first Yeshiva Day Israel of Stamford, Rabbi Don The new facility is being School in New Rochelle. “We Margulies, Riverdale Minyan, designed with an open amphi- are most proud to have a pres- and Rav Tomer Ronen of Ye- theater at the entrance. There ence in New Rochelle,” said shivat He’atid. Deputy Mayor of will be 10 classrooms in the Judah Isaacs, WTA Director of New Rochelle, Barry Fertel and new 2 story building, a lunch- Finance and Operations. “Our former New Rochelle Council- room, gym, auditorium, offices goal is to have the new 16,000 woman, Shari Rackman repre- and a middle school wing. Gar- square foot facility on the 8 sented the City. dens and a large play area will acre campus ready for Septem- The Modern Orthodox, also be created on the grounds. ber.” co-ed Yeshiva Day School, In addition, an existing A large turnout of par- opened in some of Temple mansion and carriage house ents, grandparents and Rabbis Israel of New Rochelle’s class- Left to right: Brian Kalb; Chairman of the Board Westchester Torah Academy, Rabbi Shmuel Greenberg; Young Israel will be renovated to host the attended the ground breaking rooms in 2013, with a mission of White Plains, Rabbi Reuven Fink; Young Israel of New Rochelle, New Rochelle Deputy Mayor Barry Fertel , Deganit early childhood program. ceremony to support WTA’s of enhancing learning while Ronen; Principal of Westchester Torah Academy, former New Rochelle Councilwoman Shari Rackman,Rabbi Daniel The larger mansion will be mission including Rabbi Re- building a sense of community. Rosenfelt, Fleetwood Synagogue, Rabbi Avi Hoffman; Rav Beit Sefer Westchester Torah Academy. continued on page 2 Visit www.westchesterjewishlife.com 2 • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • Westchester Jewish Life www.westchesterjewishlife.com Rabbi Baldachin Visits Guatemala to Support Human Rights Advocates Rabbi Adam Baldachin of Shaarei Tikvah in Scarsdale is one of 15 influential Jewish leaders who traveled to Guate- mala in January as part of the prestigious Global Justice Fel- lowship run by American Jew- ish World Service (AJWS), the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and promote human rights in the developing world. The group returned on January 20, after meeting with leaders of nonprofit groups working to advance human rights in Guatemala, one of the Central American coun- Central America. He will con- advocates fighting for legal tries that residents are fleeing tinue the effort during a visit protections for human rights to seek work or asylum in the to members of Congress and activists at risk of violence, United States. other officials in Washington, midwives providing maternal “I have a responsibility as D.C. in March in the next part health support for indigenous someone with power to figure of the fellowship. women, and members of an Ben’s $3.99 Kid’s out not only how I can help, The rabbinic fellows independent journalism col- but also how my government arrived as Guatemala faced lective led by young Guatema- is responsible – and then I widespread condemnation lans seeking to expose human Meals In February!! have a real duty to respond to for ordering a United Nations- rights abuses. that,” said Rabbi Baldachin. approved team of corruption The rabbis learned from He vowed to tell his Scarsdale investigators to vacate the human rights advocates about community about the history country. During a week in the working to improve life in of human rights violations in country, the fellows met with continued on page 11 Westchester Torah Academy Breaks Ground for New Home continued from page 1

Purchase any sandwich or entrée at regular price in Ben’s dining room during the month of February and select an item of equal or lesser value for $3.99 from Ben’s Kid’s Menu.* OFFER VALID FEBRUARY 1-28, 2019 ONLY. *Each $3.99 Kid’s Meal requires a separate regular price purchase of equal or greater value. Offer valid during February 2019 for in-store dining only. No takeout please. May not be combined with any other Ben’s special, coupon, discount, offer or Ben’s remodeled to contain a li- and passion for Eretz Yisrael Faculty Award. Co-chairs of Friends Reward. brary, Maker’s Space/STEAM and continue to inspire others the event are Jamie Feit and lab, Beit Midrash, music with their story.” Joy Wilson. RESTAURANT room and common areas to The Avitals have been “Our new home will edu- facilitate Torah Study, tech- volunteers at WTA explained cate, inspire and motivate our nology and individualized Isaacs. “They encourage learn- students and will be designed DELICATESSEN learning. ing and as educators, they both to support their educational The WTA family is also embody the same values as we needs,” concluded Isaacs. BAR•CATERERS looking forward to their 6th do at WTA, so we wanted to “For the new building, we are annual Shomrei Torah Event honor them.” still looking for donations of Catering Hotline: 1-800-344-BENS taking place February 24 at Other honorees include any kind. We now will have a 7pm. They will be honoring Miriam Rubin with the Volun- permanent home in New Ro- BensDeli.net • 914-468-BENS (2367) • We Are Kosher Anita and Moshe Avital of New teer Award for her work with chelle.” 718 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, New York 10583 Rochelle with the Community the Vaad Horim {PTA} and Nel- To inquire about donat-

© 2019 Ronald M. Dragoon Award. “Two lifelong educa- lie Harris, the Early Childhood ing or to attend the February tors who have spread their love Admissions Director, with the 24 event call 712-6497. www.shorelinepub.com Westchester Jewish Life • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • 3 A Meeting of Two Men Named Chaim Judaism 101 Class Offered BY JACK SCHWEIZER, PRESIDENT, LPJC his conversion en; but one who survives and and learned of believes in Hashem, should be at the Shames JCC On December 28, 2018, Chaim’s perspec- an Angel. For that, Valencia Lincoln Park Jewish Cen- tive on his Holo- immediately decided he was The Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson ter {LPJC}, Spiritual Leader caust experience. going change his previous sec- is offering a new 16 session class on Judaism, for those who Rabbi Levi Welton hinted to Chaim stat- ular name to Chaim in Gross- want to learn more about the religion, those who are explor- the Yonkers Congregation ed that he shared man’s honor. ing it for the first time or even those who might need a re- that there would be a special a barracks bed Rabbi Welton was excited fresher on the fundamentals. Sermon on Shabbat morn- with Elie Wiesel to learn that a member of Lin- Judaism 101, organized by the Rivertowns Jewish Con- ing that would focus on their and despite the coln Park Jewish Center had sortium, is taught by the Shames’ Jewish Life Coordinator, long time Board member and horrors, death, such a profound impact on Rabbi Ben Newman and will cover traditions, rituals, holi- Holocaust survivor, Chaim deprivation, and Valencia and that the Rabbi days, and “Jewish Values.” (Henry) Grossman. starvation while found him 3000 miles away The comprehensive course will engage participants To emphasize the point, in the camps, from Yonkers! who haven’t studied Judaism since their Bnei Mitzvah, indi- he specifically made mention he never lost his Now Chaim Valencia can viduals considering conversion or members of the general that the weekly Parsha called belief in Hashem claim his name as his own and community seeking a solid knowledge of the religion. Shemot, beginning the Book and his love for pass it on to future genera- The course syllabus consists of Jewish history, all the of Exodus , also called Names, Judaism. He fur- tions. This was why the Rabbi Holidays, Lifecycle events, Jewish ethics and values, an in- explained that one virtue that Rabbi Levi Welton (left) and Chaim Valencia ther did not hold alluded to the Parsha Shemot troduction to the prayer book, and the Jewish movements Jews retained while in Egypt, any ill will to- the previous Friday Shabbat of Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal, Conservative, Or- is they did not change their 22, for a young lady whose fa- wards his oppressors or need night! thodox, Hasidic and others. name throughout their en- ther, a Mexican American, was for vengeance. After the California Bat Other topics include Israel and Zionism, Antisemi- slavement and was unique to named Chaim Valencia. Hearing this story, Rabbi Mitzvah on Sunday, Decem- tism, Jewish views of G-d, the Talmud, and Jewish symbols each person. The Father had changed Welton was momentarily at ber 23, Rabbi Welton had a and objects. When the sermon por- his name when he converted a loss for words since he im- photo taken with Valencia and Participants will be given homework and asked to read tion began the following Shab- to Judaism. When the Rabbi mediately surmised Valen- promised to bring this story sections of various books which are included in the price of bat, Rabbi Welton called upon asked why he changed his cia might be speaking about back to Lincoln Park Jew- the course. Chaim Grossman to come name to Chaim, Valencia re- Chaim Grossman. It was im- ish Center and honor Chaim For the course outline, suggested reading, and cost go forward and sit in a chair fac- lated his experience of visit- mediately confirmed. Grossman. to www.shamesjcc.org and click on the adult section and ing the Bima. The Rabbi pro- ing a shul in Yonkers some The Rabbi asked Valen- On Shabbat, December Jewish education and enrichment. The class meets on ceeded to tell of his encounter time ago. He met a Holocaust cia why he assumed the name 29, Rabbi Welton did just that, Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM beginning January while on vacation in Sacra- survivor called Chaim and ob- Chaim. Valencia’s response with a rousing hosannas from 31, 2019. For those who register after the session begins, the mento, California. He attend- served numbers on his arm. was, if a person who survives the Congregation. Efforts are cost will be pro-rated. Contact Ben Newman at bnewman@ ed a Bat Mitzvah on Shabbat, During the conversation, Va- the Holocaust and does not be- now being made to reconnect shamesjcc.org for more information. the prior week of December lencia spoke to Chaim about lieve in Hashem can be forgiv- both Chaim’s. 4 • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 www.westchesterjewishlife.com February Offers “Pink Shabbat” and “Teal Shabbat” Programs at Moishe House The world’s largest peer- own events. Pink Shabbats will ian cancer,” said Sharsheret attending more than 11,000 five 20-something residents sionals, community leaders, led program for post-college- focus on breast and Teal Shab- Executive Director Elana Sil- programs worldwide. live together and host ongoing and students, in all 50 states. age Jews is teaming up with bats will cover ovarian cancer. ber. “The earlier we can reach Each Moishe House en- events for their peers. Each Sharsheret creates a safe the leading organization for Studies have shown that this demographic, the better ables three to five post-college year, the 100+ Moishe Houses community for women facing Jewish cancer education to one in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish they can set themselves up Jewish 20-something profes- around the globe hold more breast cancer and ovarian can- get young Jews thinking about women who carry the BRCA to safeguard their health and sionals to live in a rent-subsi- than 11,000+ programs for cer and their families at every inherited risks of breast, ovar- gene mutation are at increased their future by asking the right dized home while dedicating 60,000+ unique participants. stage of life and at every stage ian, and other cancers. risk for breast and ovarian can- questions to their doctors and free time each month to host- Moishe House welcomes of cancer – from before diagno- Moishe House and cer. Each year, approximately staying on top of their breast ing meaningful Jewish experi- people from all Jewish back- sis, during treatment and into Sharsheret are collaborat- 70,000 men and women ages health, which can ultimately ences for their peers, or about grounds and is supported by the survivorship years. While ing on a nation-wide effort in 15 to 39 are diagnosed with help save lives.” 60 programs annually. In the organizations, individuals and their expertise is focused on February, by providing North cancer in the US. Breast cancer This is the ninth year the process, the Moishe House the young adult participants young women and Jewish fam- American Moishe Houses with is the most common cancer for organizations have collabo- residents join an international themselves. To find out more ilies, more than 15% of those toolkits to lead Shabbat discus- women in this age group. rated on raising genetic can- network of young Jewish lead- about Moishe House, visit they serve are not Jewish. All sions and other programs that “These are important cer awareness. Last year, 20 ers in 25+ countries around www.moishehouse.org. Sharsheret programs serve raise awareness of Jewish ge- health issues for our commu- Moishe Houses across North the world. Sharsheret, Hebrew women and men. For more in- netic mutations for breast can- nity to be talking about, and America and one in Sydney, Moishe House is a pro- for chain, a national cancer formation, visit online at www. cer, ovarian cancer and other to do it in a low-barrier place Australia participated. gram for young Jewish adults organization with five of- sharsheret.org or call 866-474- cancers. like a Moishe House will help Since its founding with a that creates meaningful, fices (California, Florida, Il- 2774. To get younger Jews talk- Jewish young adults better un- single house and four people welcoming communities for linois, New Jersey and New For details on the new pro- ing about the importance of derstand how this could affect who hosted Shabbat dinners themselves and their peers in York), serves 120,000 women, gram, visit: https://sharsheret. learning one’s genetic history them,” said Moishe House CEO in Oakland, Calif., in 2006, a post-college world. Three to families, health care profes- org/moishe-house/. regarding cancer, and to plan David Cygielman. the number of Moishe Houses health protection strategies, “Our collaboration with have multiplied worldwide to Moishe House and Sharsheret Moishe House is critical in 107 and counting, with demand Yad Vashem and Facebook Israel Announce are focusing on communal helping us educate young booming for peer-led Jewish events like Shabbat dinners adults in the Jewish commu- homes and programs. In 2018, Joint Holocaust Remembrance Project and challah bakes, though nity about their increased risk Moishe House is projected to houses are free to create their of hereditary breast and ovar- host over 62,000 young adults Yad Vashem and Face- unique opportunity for book Israel have joined to- the wider public to en- gether in a project to promote gage in an interactive Women of the Wall Marks 30th Anniversary Holocaust commemoration on commemorative activ- social media. The Holocaust ity. Participants were with Educational Partnerships Remembrance Project will randomly matched honor victims of the Holocaust with one of the men, with two unique activities: women or children re- “The IRemember Wall” creat- corded in Yad Vashem’s ed especially for International Central Database of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Shoah Victims’ Names. and “Unto Each Person There To date, the Database is a Story” to be implemented commemorates some this May. 4,800,000 names of Yad Vashem’s “IRemem- Jews murdered during ber Wall,” launched January Adi Soffer Teeni the Holocaust. The name of the 24, allowed Facebook users participant, together with the to share the identity of a Jew- rael will allow the broader pub- name of the Holocaust victim ish victim from Yad Vashem’s lic to connect with the names they are matched with, will be Central Database of Shoah and stories of the Jews mur- added to Yad Vashem’s virtual Victims’ Names. The Names dered during the Holocaust “IRemember Wall” and can Database will also be used to and enable those who wish to then be shared on the partici- provide information for “Unto express their commitment to pant’s Facebook page. Each Person There is a Story,” Holocaust Remembrance to do The second phase of the a new Facebook Story initia- so in a simple and timely way.” Holocaust Remembrance Proj- tive to be launched for Israel’s “As we commemorate ect will be launched in May Holocaust Remembrance Day. International Holocaust Re- 2019 in time for Israel’s nation- Over the last 65 years, membrance Day, we dedicate al Holocaust Martyrs’ and He- Women of the Wall (WOW) the Jerusalem-based organization that has fought for equal prayer Yad Vashem, the World Holo- ourselves to turning personal roes’ Remembrance Day. “Unto rights for women at Israel’s Western Wall (Kotel) for 30 years, recently launched its first compre- caust Remembrance Center, memory into a collective one,” Each Person There is a Story” hensive North American educational initiative. On March 8-9, when WOW will celebrate its 30th an- has been dedicated to restor- says Adi Soffer Teeni, Face- is a new initiative consisting of niversary with special Rosh Hodesh programming in Jerusalem, North American synagogues and ing the identities and honor book Israel Country Director. dedicated “Facebook Stories” other Jewish organizations will hold parallel celebrations, - themed “WOW Shabbat” events, - as a the memories of the six mil- “Through the use of technol- drawn from the millions of vic- way of educating North American Jews about Women of the Wall’s goals and in celebration of the lion Jews murdered during the ogy, we can each connect with tims recorded in Yad Vashem’s organization’s ground-breaking work. Holocaust. the name and the story of one Central Database of Shoah Synagogues and other groups are encouraged to celebrate “WOW Shabbat” with sermons about “Yad Vashem works tire- victim of the Shoah. As “am- Victims’ Names. The stories of religious diversity in Israel and special songs and prayers that have been written for the occasion. lessly to ensure that the mem- bassadors of memory,” we have Holocaust victims may then in Communities that make a donation to WOW will receive commemorative buttons for participants. ory of the Holocaust is relevant the responsibility to keep their turn be shared with the world “The support of North American Jewish women and men is vital to our achieving the goal of re- and constant, while facing the memory alive and relevant for via Facebook. ligious equality for women at the Kotel. Since Diaspora Jews have always been essential to our work, challenge of its global dis- future generations to reflect Yad Vashem, the World we want to create more opportunities for mutual partnership, learning, and support. We are pleased semination,” states Yad Vash- upon and learn from. Our new Holocaust Remembrance Cen- to be sharing this celebration with our sisters and brothers in North America. The passionate re- em Chairman Avner Shalev. cooperation with Yad Vashem ter, was established in 1953. sponse from congregations has been inspiring” says Lesley Sachs, WOW’s Executive Director. “Therefore, we maintain an will ensure just that.” Located in Jerusalem, it To learn more about WOW’s 30th Anniversary and “WOW Shabbat” initiatives, contact active presence on social me- Running January 24-29, is dedicated to Holocaust com- [email protected] dia, today’s platforms for con- to mark International Holo- memoration, documentation, For information on involvement with “WOW Shabbat” in North America, contact Rabbi Jo Da- temporary discourse. The new caust Remembrance Day, “The research and education. vid (NYC) 917-346-5243 [email protected] joint project with Facebook Is- IRemember Wall” provides a www.yadvashem.org www.shorelinepub.com Westchester Jewish Life • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • 5 Beresheet Spacecraft Headed for the Moon Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral launch site. After landing at Or- Eyal Shitrit said el’s history and the first that’s and Israel Aerospace Indus- Air Force Station in Febru- lando International Airport, the that though IAI privately funded, Israel would tries (IAI)’s first lunar space- ary.. spacecraft – named Beresheet has extensive join superpowers China, Rus- craft began a historic journey SpaceIL and IAI recent- (the Hebrew word for in the be- experience in sia and the United States in to the moon on January 18, ly packed the 180-kilogram ginning) – will then be driven to complex ship- landing a spacecraft on the when it was transported in spacecraft into a special tem- Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta- ping projects, moon. a cargo plane from Ben Gu- perature-controlled, sterile tion, where it will be added as “the transport- Since the establishment rion Airport to Orlando, Flor- shipping container, built to a secondary payload by launch ing of Beresheet of SpaceIL, the task of landing ida, ahead of launching from protect the spacecraft and service provider Spaceflight. is a unique chal- an Israeli spacecraft on the SpaceX Launch Complex 40 ensure it arrives safely at the It will be launched on a SpaceX lenge since this moon has become a national is a once-in-a- project, with educational im- lifetime mission pact, funded mainly by Mor- and there is no ris Kahn, a philanthropist Masa Israel Teaching Fellows, backup plan – and businessman who took this spacecraft the lead in completing the must arrive mission, serving as SpaceIL’s New Program for College Graduates Falcon 9 rocket together with safely.” president and financing $40 Ramah will begin its their teaching assignments. In a geostationary communica- In addition to the con- million. first-ever immersive Israel addition, Fellows participate tions satellite built by SSL. tainer holding Beresheet, “The excitement we all experience for college gradu- in organized tours and travel, “After eight years of hard two more containers will be feel today will only intensify ates. Ramah Israel has been learn in a Hebrew ulpan, and work, our dream has come included in the cargo plane, moving forward, and I can’t selected to run the Masa Israel volunteer in a variety of settings. true: We finally have a space- which itself is temperature wait for the next milestone,” Teaching Fellows (MITF) pro- The program provides housing, craft,” said SpaceIL CEO Ido controlled. SpaceIL and IAI said Kahn. “This is only the be- gram in Jerusalem, starting a monthly living stipend, and Anteby. “Shipping the space- engineers will accompany the ginning.” in August 2019. The MITF in- medical insurance. craft to the United States is spacecraft on the flight to Flor- Additional donors in- vites English-speaking college Aliza Grabin, former as- the first stage of a complicated ida, and more engineers will clude Dr. Miriam and Sheldon graduates ages 21-35 to come to sociate director and guidance and historic journey to the join them in Cape Canaveral. Adelson – whose $24 million Israel for 10 months as English counselor for Tichon Ramah moon. This is the first of many Beresheet will undergo final contribution enabled the proj- teachers and teachers’ aides in Yerushalayim (TRY), the Ramah exciting moments, as we look tests before being launched by ect to continue – and Lynn schools across the country. Jerusalem High School, will be forward to the forthcoming a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Schusterman, Steven and Nan- At Ramah, they celebrate directing this program. With launch in Cape Canaveral.” Upon completing its lu- cy Grand, Sylvan Adams, Sami their bond with and love for Aliza Grabin her vast experience and exper- IAI Director of Logistics nar mission, the first in Isra- Sagol and others. Israel. MITF is an innovative tise in the world of Ramah and way to engage Ramah alumni As the program is highly Israel programs, Grabin will be and other young professionals subsidized, the cost to par- an exceptional asset to the MITF in creating a new community, ticipate in MITF Jerusalem program. offering them the opportunity is only $1,000 for the entire If you are between the ages to impact the future of Israeli 10-month program. of 21-35, or if you know someone society, experience day-to-day Beyond the teaching who might be interested in this life in Israel, and build their experience itself, the MITF exciting opportunity, visit MITF own Ramah kehillah in Jeru- program provides extensive Jerusalem website or contact salem. opportunities for personal [email protected]. All are wel- MITF is a partnership and professional growth and come to apply for the program; between Masa Israel Journey enrichment. Fellows receive Ramah experience is not re- and the Ministry of Education. training before and during quired.

Greenburgh Hebrew Center to Host Annual Blood Drive The Greenburgh Hebrew Center {GHC} of Dobbs Ferry is hosting its annual com- munity Blood Drive on Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 8:30 am – 1 pm. GHC is happy to announce that it will be renewing its association with New York Blood Center. New York Blood Center provides blood to approximately 200 hospitals in the NY/NJ region. New York Blood Center is coordinating the blood drive and is available at (800) 688-0900 to answer eligibility questions. All eligible donors 16 years old and over, weighing at least 110 lbs. -- are welcome to participate. 16 year old donors require parental permission on a form available at www. nybloodcenter.org. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by emailing [email protected] or going on-line to www.nybc.org. Walk-ins are welcome too. Bring your NYBC donor ID card or other identification with you. Donors under age 19 require an ID with a birthdate. Refreshments will be provided to all donors after they are done with their donation. For additional information, contact the synagogue office at 914-693-4260 or send an email to Dr. Andrew Goldstein at [email protected]. For directions to the Greenburgh Hebrew Center, located at 515 Broadway in Dobbs Ferry, go to http://www.g-h-c.org. The Greenburgh Hebrew Center is a fully egalitarian Conservative synagogue serving the Rivertowns and adjacent communities. The synagogue welcomes traditional, inter- faith, and blended families, singles and LGBTQ participants, and has daily services that are spirited and participatory. february 3 through Feb. 22 Large scale color photographs of The Borscht Belt by Photog- rapher and Professor Marisa Scheinfeld will be on view at West- At 2pm on February 3, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will chester Community College’s Fine Arts Gallery, Academic Arts perform with Zubin Mehta and Itzhak Perlman in Carnegie Building, 3rd floor, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla until February Hall, Stern Auditorium, NYC. For tickets call 212-247-7800 22. Call 606-6835 for viewing times. february calendar

cmw.org or call 472-3300 to learn more. Feb. 5 UPCOMING At 8pm, Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry UJA Federation of New York in Westchester will present the AJC Westchester/Fairfield presents The 2019 Westchester will present a lecture called Against all Odds, How One Jew following programs: February 11 at 10 am, author Lynda Co- Jewish Film Festival at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleas- Took on the Soviet System with former Soviet Refusenik Yosef hen Loigman discusses her new book, “The Wartime Sister” at antville from April 2-17, 2019. For tickets and information visit Mendelevich. For tickets go to chabadrt.org/lecture or call 693- Congregation B’nai Yisrael, 2 Banksville Rd., Armonk. Register ajc.org 6100. at ujafedny.org/event/view/we-writer-series or call 385-2108; February 13 at 7pm, Westchester Guys Night Out at West- {914}Cares and Kids Closet will hold a Fashion Show Gala on March Feb. 6 chester Table Tennis Center, 175 Tompkins Ave., Pleasantville. 10 at The Willow Ridge Country Club, 123 North Street, Harrison At 7pm, Friends of the IDF in partnership with Westchester Jew- Register at ujafedny.org/event/view/guys-night-out or call 385- from 4-6:30pm. RSVP to 914cares.org/2019-fashion-show/ ish Council and the Five Synagogues of White Plains, will fea- 2122; February 28 at 11am, in collaboration with the JCC of ture the IDF Band and active IDF Soldiers at Congregation Kol Mid Westchester, Exploring Women Artists at the Metropoli- Ami, 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains. For more informa- tan Museum of Art at the JCC of Mid Westchester, 999 Wilmot FEBRUARY tion call Michael at 646-274-9645. Road, Scarsdale, presented by Page Knox. Register at ujafedny. Feb 2 org/event/view/women-at-the-met or call 385-2125. Temple Israel of New Rochelle, 1000 Pinebrook Blvd., will Feb 9 host The Immigrant Song: the 2nd annual Benefit for Music at At 7:15pm, the 43rd Annual Gala of Westchester Jewish Coun- SAT Prep classes at the JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot 7:30pm. To attend call 235-1800. cil will take place at Congregation Kol Ami, White Plains, honor- Road, Scarsdale are as follows: SAT Spring Class for May/June ing Tracey Bilski, Elizabeth Lampert and Harry Mamaysky. To 2019 test will be held February 3 through April 28 at 10am, and The Westchester Community for Humanistic Judaism presents attend, RSVP to Donna Bartell at 328-7001 April 23 from 6:30-9pm. Register online at jccmw.org Jews in Rock-n-Roll, a talk with Bennett Muraskin at 2:30pm at the Community Unitarian Congregation, 468 Rosedale Avenue, Feb. 10 A class in Beginners Hebrew will be led by Cantor Isabel Kop- White Plains. Havdalah will follow the talk. For more informa- At 7pm, Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Avenue, New stein every Monday at 1:30pm at Yorktown Jewish Center, tion visit wchj.org or call Charlotte Klein at 218-8535. Rochelle will feature a Community Musical gathering with Is- 2966 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights. Contact the office at raeli Musician Netanel Goldberg accompanied by Nimrod Nol 245-2324 to attend. Feb 3 on violin. RSVP to Rabbi Sitkin at [email protected] to attend. From 8:30am -1pm, Greenburgh Hebrew Center, 515 Broad- Issues in Contemporary Israel, an ongoing class will meet at way, Dobbs Ferry will be having their annual Blood Drive. To Feb 11 Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle, make an appointment email [email protected] or call 693- At 7pm, Carmel Academy, 270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, Ct., led by Rabbi Molly Karp on Wednesday mornings. For ques- 4260 for questions. presents an evening with author Naomi Schaefer Riley who tions or to attend contact [email protected] will discuss her new book, “Be the Parent Please: Stop Banning Temple Israel of New Rochelle, 1000 Pinebrook Blvd. will fea- Seesaws and Start Banning Snapchat.” Open to the Commu- Join the first Woman’s Yoga Retreat February 15-18 at Isabella ture a Solidarity Fair with organizations that work for social jus- nity. Register at carmelacademy.com Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, 116 Johnson Road, Falls Vil- tice and human rights. For information call 235-1800. lage, Ct. To register call 860-824-5991. Feb. 20 The Shames Jewish Community Center, 371 South Broadway, At 7pm, join the Westchester Region of Hadassah and help plan Rabbi Molly Karp will be teaching 2 groups on Mussar, one Tarrytown, will host a Camp Fair from 1-3pm with special kid’s programs and events for 2019 at the Region office, 10 New group will meet Friday afternoons monthly in Chappaqua and activities. To attend, register at 366-7898 King St., {GPS West Harrison.} RSVP to westchesterregion@ha- one group will meet twice a month on Thursday evenings in dassah.org or call 937-3151. Southern Westchester. To learn more, write rabbimollykarp@ Feb 4 gmail.com. At 6:45pm, free singing lessons for Men will be offered by the Feb 24 Westchester Chordsmen Chorus for 6 weeks, at Congregation The 6th Annual Shomrei Torah Annual Dinner of Westchester The JCC of Mid Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale will Kol Ami, 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains. Register in ad- Torah Academy, 1000 Pinebrook Blvd., New Rochelle will take offer a Jewish cooking Adventure Series for families with chil- vance at chordsmen.org or call 298-7464, leave message and place at 7pm. To attend, visit westcherta.org dren in grades 4-8 on March 10, April 7 and May 19. Check jc- phone number with questions. www.shorelinepub.com Westchester Jewish Life • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • 7 Global Awareness Initiative for International Holocaust Remembrance Day The World Jewish Congress launched its photograph themselves holding a #WeRemem- Social media companies, annual #WeRemember campaign, to combat ber sign and post it to social media, to spread including Twitter and Snap- anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred, geno- the message that never again must mean never chat, supported the World cide and xenophobia. The campaign, which again. Last year, the campaign reached more Jewish Congress’ campaign ran January 6-27, took off simultaneously in 50 than 650 million people – more than one out of in various ways. On Snapchat, countries, in 20 languages, with a number of 11 people worldwide. for example, the Our Story partners including several social media giants Participant photos, interviews with Holo- coverage of the day, including and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, caust survivors, and messages from influenc- content related to Holocaust and Educational Organization (UNESCO). ers of varied backgrounds, professions, ages education, was available on The 2019 #WeRemember initiative, now in and religions were projected on the walls of the Discover page on January its third year, urged people around the world to Auschwitz-Birkenau and live streamed from 27. Snapchatters joined the conversation by submitting their Snaps to the public Our Story using the available Fil- Julia Dorf Initiates the Fun ters. The United Nations Edu- cational, Scientific, and Cul- Buddy Reading Program tural Organization (UNESCO) also joined the WJC as an in- Mamaroneck Public Library and tegral partner, after launch- the Mamaroneck High School {MHS} ing together a joint website Future Business Leaders of America WJC President Ronald S. Lauder. (c) Shahar Azran / Courtesy of World Jewish on Holocaust education {FBLA} Club invites children aged 6-10 Congress (aboutholocaust.org). Roberta to a Fun Buddy Reading Program and Grossman and Nancy Spiel- Craft Day on February 16, March 23 and January 24-27. International Holocaust Remem- berg, the filmmakers of Who Will Write Our April 6. brance Day was on January 27, the anniversary History, and their distributor Abramorama, Developed by Julia Dorf, the Com- of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi were supporting the We Remember project dur- munity Service Director of the FBLA death camp in 1945. continued on page 12 Club, the MHS Junior initiated the program as a way to mentor young chil- dren. Teens from the FBLA club will vis- it the Library from 2-3pm on the above A Lost Love: One Family’s dates to read to the students, create art projects and hold conversations with the young participants. Forgotten History The program will allow the MHS Westchester Jewish Center’s Holocaust Learning Center and students to become leaders while help- World Jewry Committee will welcome author and journalist Sarah ing young children grow as learners. Wildman on Sunday, March 3rd from 10-11am. at Palmer and Rock- Each child will have one-to-one time Julia Dorf land Avenues, Mamaroneck. with a MHS student. “If the program is a success, we are looking to expand to other librar- Years after her grandparents passed away, Wildman discovered ies,” Dorf explains. a cache of love letters sent to her grandfather by a former lover in pre- In addition to her work on the Buddy Reading Program, Dorf is V.P. of the Students for war Vienna. In her debut book, Paper Love: Searching for the Girl My the Protection of the Environment {SPEC} Club where they are organizing a beach cleanup Grandfather Left Behind, Wildman details her search to discover in- with the Sheldrake Environmental Center. Other volunteer endeavors include the STEM formation about the mysterious woman, her family’s escape from Nazi Club, Lions Heart and participating at The Learning Zone in Chatsworth School. persecution, and all that was left behind. Wildman will discuss her She has been an enthusiastic supporter of The Midnight Run Club at the High School. research as she pieced together the story of a woman who was desper- Dorf’s interest began through her Bat Mitzvah project at Larchmont Temple, as the syna- ate to escape Europe and still clinging to the memory of a love that gogue recruited members to help defined her years of freedom. the Larchmont Avenue Church A mom herself, Wildman will also talk about how to approach make their visits to deliver goods topics like the Holocaust with our children. How do we impart this to the homeless in NYC. She con- knowledge without imposing trauma? How do we keep ourselves teth- tinues to take part in the Midnight ered to the past while looking to the future? And how do we decide how to define ourselves going Runs. forward? The Mamaroneck resident has Breakfast will be served and books will be sold. For more information call 698-2960. recently won a FBLA Community Service Award for 200 service hours helping at The Coachman Fam- ily Center in White Plains, reading and designing art projects with the children once a month. “In April, I will get a pin at the FBLA State Con- ference in Binghamton for my com- munity service work,” she proudly adds. “We are hoping for a good turnout at the Fun Buddy Reading Program,” Dorf concludes. “Any young child is welcome to partici- pate.” Registration for the program is required by calling 630-5894.

Staff Report January 7 - Seffi Kogen on Jewish Life on Campus Julia reading at Coachman Family Center January 21 - Moment Magazine Editor Nadine Epstein on Israel, antisemitism and more 8 • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • Westchester Jewish Life www.westchesterjewishlife.com The Passing of Amiel Wohl, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Israel of New Rochelle Amiel Wohl, Rabbi Emer- Zion Church in New Rochelle. charitable work for Israel. Maryland and California, and itus, Temple Israel of New The Coalition is still going This grew into the Westches- was Chaplain for the Califor- Rochelle, and former New strong, holding dialogues, con- ter Jewish Conference, now nia State Senate; Rabbinic Rochelle, resident, died on ferences and social events with the Westchester Jewish Coun- overseer of the Hebrew Union January 16, 2019 at the age of Black and Jewish members of cil, of which he was the first College-Jewish Institute Reli- 88. For more than 40 years, the community. President. He represented the gion; Chaplain for Maryland Rabbi Wohl was a pillar of the Within the walls of the Central Conference of Ameri- Law Enforcement Officers Jewish community, whose synagogue, Rabbi Wohl cre- can Rabbis on the Conference and auxiliary Jewish chap- commitment and passion ated a warm and welcoming of Presidents of Major Jewish lain for the United States Air for bringing together diverse environment, inspiring and in- Organizations in the United Force and chaplain for the peoples of different faiths and fluencing several generations. States and is the past-Presi- New Rochelle Police Depart- backgrounds, had far reach- He was devoted to his congre- dent of the Westchester Board ment. ing impact on the larger New gation, which continued long of Rabbis. Born on June 29, 1930, Rochelle and Westchester after he retired and became Rabbi Wohl was instru- in Cincinnati, the son of Rab- communities. Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Wohl mental in creating a religious bi Samuel and Belle Wohl, Rabbi Wohl served as was known for his hard-hitting broadcast for every Sabbath, Rabbi Wohl graduated from Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel sermons on important social the only one in the Metropoli- the University of Cincinnati of New Rochelle for 27 years, and religious topics and even tan Area, and he hosted a live and was then ordained by from 1973 to 2000, when he re- published a book, Entrusted call-in radio show with Judge the Hebrew Union College- tired. During that time, his ef- with the Word, with his 50 best Samuel Fredman to discuss Jewish Institute Religion. He forts and reputation for racial sermons. Amiel Wohl, Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Israel of New Rochelle issues of the day. Rabbi Wohl received an honorary Doc- harmony extended far beyond In addition to his role as also hosted The Coalition for tor of Divinity from Hebrew Westchester County. He co- the Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Wohl Rights Commission of New Yom Kippur War in 1973, Rabbi Mutual Respect cable TV pro- Union College-Jewish Insti- founded the Black-Jewish dia- co-founded and served as Rochelle and the Westchester Wohl organized a county-wide gram. tute Religion and honorary logue group, the Coalition for President of the Interreligious County Human Rights Com- Israel Action Committee to Before coming to New doctorate degrees from the Mutual Respect, with the then Council of New Rochelle. He mission. plan and coordinate politi- Rochelle, Rabbi Wohl served College of New Rochelle and pastor of St. Catherine A.M.E served both on the Human In the aftermath of the cal action, programmatic and congregations in Texas, Iona College. Open Mind Summit Deals with JCC Social Action Event Benefits Mental Health WJCS Programs One in four adults will expe- rience a mental health problem over his or her lifetime. Half of those problems start before the age of 14. The students at Solo- mon Schechter Upper School of Westchester chose to devote a full day of learning on January 10 to mental health awareness and de-stigmitization. Brenda Haas, WJCS Part- ners in School Consultant (far left) worked with head school psychologist Bill Blank, Psy.D. and the students to shape the agenda of the “Open Minds” Summit. In his opening words, Mi- chael Orth, Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Mental Health, (right photo on far left) talked about the neces- sity to “change the narrative” about mental health issues. Stephanie Marquesano of The Harris Project (right photo, second from left), Randi Silver- man of Youth Mental Health Project (right photo on far right), as well as WJCS Rabbi Pam Wax In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, January 21, 2019, WJCS partnered with JCC of Mid- and WJCS psychology expert Levi Lipovenko all played important roles. Westchester, Westchester Reform Temple and UJA Federation of New York, and hosted an extremely Topics included: bullying, depression, suicide, anxiety, stress, LGBTQ, and body image. successful social action event. A group of 160 dedicated volunteers came together and packed hun- Students from Maria Regina, Westchester Day School, Irvington High School, IONA Prep and dreds of food bags for individuals in WJCS programs throughout Westchester County. Volunteers Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County also attended this very special program. Over 600 also wrote inspiring messages of hope and encouragement. students and parents attended. www.shorelinepub.com Westchester Jewish Life • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • 9 A New Light Shines on The Borscht Belt Westchester’s Exclusive With an homage to the past, Westchester Communi- ty College Fine Arts Gallery is Monthly Jewish Newspaper featuring a traveling exhibi- tion based on Marisa Schein- feld’s widely acclaimed book, Celebrates it’s The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America’s Jewish Vacationland {Cornell 25th Anniversary! University Press}, on view until February 22. The exhibition includes WESTCHESTER over 30 large scale color pho- tographs and a selection of Jen Vegh archival Borscht Belt ephem- era including postcards, brochures, menus, soaps, pa- per weights and more from the authors own collection, Outdoor Pool, Rosemond Hotel, Woodridge, NY JewishLife giving context to the once famous resort hotels of the Catskill Mountain a picture of a single lawn chair. Today, many region. small Catskill area towns are being revitalized Raised in the Catskills, Scheinfeld took and the future is emerging.” her first black and white photography class at Her career path took her to California in age 15. In 2002, she graduated from The State the early 2000’s. In 2009, she was accepted into Celebrating University of New York at Albany having stud- the graduate program at The School of Art, Art ied under photographer Phyllis Galembo and History and Design at San Diego State University photographer Abby Robinson at The School of and over the course of her studies worked with 1994-2019 Visual Arts. Arthur Ollman, photographer and founding “I look at photography as an act of preser- director of MoPA, photographer Kim Stringfel- vation. You capture a slice of life and time,” she low and Dr. Carol McCusker, Curator of Photog- explains. “I worked at the Concord Hotel while raphy at the Harn Museum at the University of Years I was in High School, so years later, when I was Florida, Gainesville. Scheinfeld received her working on the book, I wanted to celebrate the Master of Fine Arts in the spring of 2011 and re- Borscht Belt, even though things have changed. located back to her home state of New York. Capturing the abandoned remains with my cam- Currently, an adjunct instructor of Photog- era, I was mourning the loss but also cherishing raphy at SUNY Purchase and Westchester Com- it.” munity College, the Katonah resident is work- As a photographer, she is highly motivated ing on a second book. Interested in landscapes, Shoreline Publishing is excited to announce the by her interest in ruins and the history embed- history and folklore, she is tinkering with ideas 25th Anniversary of Westchester Jewish Life, ded in them. “The remains of the Borscht Belt she says, using a broad theme that involves New became an intriguing adventure as it was a place York State and the Hudson Valley. a monthly lifestyle publication serving the that had a huge impact on me and the commu- When Scheinfeld had her book published nity at large. Of the 50 or so bungalows in years in 2016 with 129 photographs. “I was very appre- Jewish community in Westchester County gone by, more than one quarter are now eradi- ciative of the response it received. The Center cated. A majority of people stopped vacationing for Jewish History helped develop the exhibit and beyond with local news you need to know. in the region and left crumbling buildings. with me,” she mentions. “Even though there is “You can’t recreate the past but you can a pathos that runs through the project, it has preserve it. One of my recent favorite photo- toured in many places. And in 2020 the exhibit graphs from the book and the exhibit, is the will be featured in the New York State Museum We are asking our loyal readers of our print and on- picture with the fern growing out of the pool. It in Albany!” shows something new coming out of the past. Scheinfeld’s photographs have been exhib- line editions to send in their comments and The cover of the book was also very important to ited widely and her work has been featured in me. It was taken at Grossinger’s and it was just various publications including Newsweek, The well wishes for our Special June 5, 2019 edition to: New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Her photo- [email protected] graphic projects and work as a guest lecturer, have taken her from the United States Reserve your display advertising today to Israel, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, India and for this special edition. beyond. To view the exhibit while in the County, visit Westchester Fine Arts Gallery in the Academic Arts Call 914-738-7869 or Building, 3rd floor, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla. Gallery Hours are email [email protected] Monday through Saturday 10am- 3pm and Thursday evenings, for space reservations. 4-6pm. Synagogue groups that wish a private tour with the pho- tographer should visit borscht- beltbook.com www.westchesterjewishlife.com Indoor Pool, Grossinger’s Catskill Resort and Hotel, Liberty, NY Staff Report 10 • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • Westchester Jewish Life www.westchesterjewishlife.com Rabbi Dr. Ariel Burger Speaks Lovingly of Mentor Elie Wiesel BY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN sharing stories from the book and hearing peo- a student asked Wiesel the secret of his happi- ple’s questions about Wiesel’s…themes of faith, ness. ‘Learning,’ he replied, saying that he asked Writer, artist and teacher Rabbi Dr. Ariel doubt and activism… Red Cross representatives for the same volume Burger, Ph.D. 43, Sharon, MA. presented his new “It is a call to action to bear witness to the of Talmud that he was studying before the war. book, Witness Lessons in Elie Wiesel’s Classroom, survivors of the past, to those who lived through Rabbi Burger noted that many students in 2018 National Jewish Book Award winner in the experiences we can hardly imagine. I believe Wiesel’s class were not only grandchildren of Biography Category at Young Israel of Scarsdale this deeply changes the way we act towards one Holocaust survivors but grandchildren of Nazi on Wednesday, January 23rd, sponsored by UJA another and the most vulnerable in our society...” officers, trying to come to terms with their iden- Federation Westchester. Introducing Dr. Burger, UJA volunteer Kar- tity as Germans. Speaking privately before the program, en Hammerman stressed that there are 45,000 “Wiesel often said that listening to a wit- Rabbi Burger noted, “I was privileged to be a Holocaust survivors in the New York Area, ness makes you a witness. The opposite of a student of Elie Wiesel for many years. I met him 40% living in poverty, supported through UJA’s witness is a spectator, someone who watches after a lecture at the 92nd Street Y in New York Community Initiative for Holocaust Survivors indifferently. City in 1990 when I was 15 and later became his (CIHS). “This is the first of several reasons why I Teaching Assistant at Boston University. “In his book, Night, Wiesel stated that after named my book ‘Witness.’ It is a verb as well as “I wrote a book about his legacy as a teach- his liberation, he looked into a mirror and saw a noun, calling people to action,” Burger con- Rabbi Dr. Ariel Burger, Ph.D. er…and tried to capture his voice. Now I am ‘a corpse.’ Yet he emerged with great joy. Later, cluded. Hadassah Names Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu 2019 Westchester County Public Health Director of Member and Unit Services Awards To Recognize Adult and Youth Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu has been named Hadassah’s history. From member engagement Director of Member and Unit Services (M&US) and leadership development to exploring the Volunteers for Hadassah The Women’s Zionist Organization potential of our professional councils, Rabbi Sir- The Westchester County work of public health,” said The J.R. Tesone Youth of America, Inc. (HWZOA), according to Execu- bu brings energy and vitality and a strong sense Board of Health is now seeking Robert Baker, MD, president Public Health Service Award tive Director / CEO Janice Weinman. Rabbi Sir- of purpose to HWZOA’s mission of empowering nominations for the 2019 Pub- of the Westchester County is an annual award to a student bu’s duties and responsibilities for Hadassah’s women and support for the State of Israel.” lic Health Service Awards. The Board of Health. “Nominate up to age 21 for his or her cre- M&US will include increasing membership, tar- Rabbi SIrbu adds, “Hadassah’s mission Board plans to recognize adults local heroes who have volun- ative contribution to public geting younger women in particular, overseeing speaks to everything I care most passionate- and/or non-profit programs as teered their time and talents health in Westchester. The leadership development and training, and deliv- ly about, women’s empowerment, access to well as young people who have to promote and improve public award was created in 2014 in ering increased services to Hadassah chapters healthcare, and building connections to Juda- demonstrated creativity and health in Westchester.” memory of J.R. Tesone, a Board across the country. ism and Israel. Using my skills in creating in- commitment in their efforts to The Dr Harold Keltz of Health member with a life- HWZOA Executive novative programing, lead- improve public health in West- Distinguished Public Health long commitment to West- Director / CEO Janice ership development, and chester. The Board encourages Service Award is presented chester children. Weinman states, “HW- meaningful engagement, community leaders, health- annually to a person or com- The Board also will high- ZOA’s centennial celebra- I am excited to connect a care professionals, educators, munity-based organization, light the compassion, creativ- tion this year has brought new generation of women and residents to submit nomi- whose efforts have made an ity and commitment demon- a renewed sense of pur- to Hadassah. Given the rise nations by Feb. 11 on behalf of extraordinary contribution to strated by a select group of pose to the organization of the new women’s move- the unsung volunteer heroes the public health of Westches- nominees, who will be named and strengthens our ment in the US, the time is in their communities. ter residents but who is not Public Health Honorees. commitment to women’s right for Hadassah to grow “Help inspire others to professionally engaged in pub- These awards will be an- empowerment and sup- its network and empower a join us in tackling the diverse lic health work. continued on page 13 port for the State of Is- new generation of women rael. Rabbi Sirbu will lead who do!” our efforts and marshal Rabbi Sirbu is pub- our resources to target, lished in several books, (914) Cares and Kids’ Kloset engage and welcome the including “I am Here: The next generation of Hadas- Untold Stories of Every- sah members.” day People” (Story Shelter; Fashion Show Gala Rabbi Sirbu comes 2015); “Faithfully Feminist: Kids' Kloset will hold its annual Fashion Show Gala on Sunday, March 10 from 4 - 6:30 PM at to Hadassah directly from Jewish, Christian and Mus- Willow Ridge Country Club, 123 North St, Harrison. her position as founder lim Women on Why They Kids' Kloset, a division of (914) Cares, founded by Executive Director, Stephanie Roth, is a vol- and director of Rabbis Stay” (White Cloud Press; unteer-driven program that provides Westchester County children and families in need with donat- Without Borders at CLAL 2015) and “The Sacred Call- ed clothing and related items free of charge. Since Kids' Kloset was opened in 2011, it has provided - The National Jewish Cen- ing: Forty Years of Women approximately 17,000 local children with clothing, diapers and other items. Adopted by non-profit ter for Learning and Lead- in the Rabbinate” (CCAR (914) Cares in 2018 with a move to a larger location, Kids' Kloset can now help even more families Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu ership, where she was Press; 2016). across Westchester County. responsible for growing Rabbi Sirbu received The Kids' Kloset Fashion show is an exciting event where 60 kids from across Westchester a network of 240 pluralist rabbis and reaching her Rabbinical Ordination and Master of Arts County, including several recipients of the charity, have the opportunity to walk the catwalk to raise over 2 million people. Sirbu is also the founder from the Jewish Theological Seminary of Amer- money for Kids' Kloset. Kids from across Westchester County who walk the runway, purchase their of www.RabbiCareers.com, an employment ica (JTS) and completed a certificate in Spiritual outfits for the day and donate it to Kids' Kloset following the gala fashion show, for families in need. search website for rabbis and their employers. Entrepreneurship at Columbia University. She It’s a great opportunity for moms, dads and grandparents to watch their fashionistas strut their Previously, Sirbu was the director at the Cen- is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Vassar College stuff! This year's fashion show will be hosted by Lindsay Brooke Weiss of the style blog, Coco in ter for Jewish Life and the Metro West Jewish where she received her Bachelor of Arts in His- Cashmere and will be honoring Diane Katz, for all of the support she has given Kids' Kloset through- Health and Healing Center at the JCC in West tory and Religion from Vassar College. She is out the year. Orange, NJ. Sirbu also held the position of chap- also the recipient of the JTS Lillian M. Lowen- Reservations are required in advance. The price of tickets is $ 150, which includes one adult lain at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center feld Prize in Practical Theology and the Abra- and a child. Price of a VIP ticket, which guarantees a front row table to the fashion show, is $350 and in New York. ham Berliner Prize in Jewish History. She was covers one adult. There will be cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction and a fabulous kids' fashion Hadassah M&US Coordinator Kacy Spiv- named as one of America’s “Most Inspiring Rab- show, all in support of Kids' Kloset. ack states, “Rabbi Sirbu brings a fresh perspec- bis” by The Forward newspaper in 2013. To purchase tickets, sponsor or to make a donation to the Kids' Kloset Fashion Show Gala visit, tive and exciting new vision to HWZOA’s M&US For more information, visit www.hadas- https://www.914cares.org/2019-fashion-show/ Division at an extraordinarily exciting time in sah.org. To learn more about (914) Cares and Kids' Kloset, visit https://www.914cares.org/kids-kloset/ www.shorelinepub.com Westchester Jewish Life • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • 11 Rabbi Baldachin Visits Guatemala to Support Human Rights Advocates Special Meal Deal for Kids at Ben’s Deli continued from page 2 From February 1 to 28, 2019, all seven Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers loca- Guatemala and how American tions are offering a $3.99 Ben’s Kids Meal Deal with the purchase of a regular-priced adult sandwich Jews and others can support or entrée available at Ben’s Scarsdale, Woodbury, Carle Place, Greenvale, Bayside, and Manhattan this work. locations. For years, Ben’s has set aside the month of February as a time to provide customers with The rabbis, who were delicious, freshly prepared, quality meals for children ages 10 and under that don’t break the bank. joined on the trip by AJWS The great price is only the beginning. What sets the Ben’s Kids Menu apart from other restau- Global Ambassador Ruth rants is the parent-approved choices like hand-breaded chicken tenders; real, unprocessed turkey; Messinger, also met with top lean-sliced brisket; fresh ground steak burgers; and other wholesome menu items. Other menu op- leadership at the U.S. Embassy. tions include lean slices of roast beef or brisket, homemade mini-meatballs with pasta, omelets with “There is a positive as- their choice of deli meat, and scrumptious hot dogs. pect of anger—it compels you Ben’s is well-known for its homemade cooking and quality ingredients, but did you know that to act,” said Rabbi Baldachin. their children’s meals are made from scratch, too? The fries, mashed potatoes and even the pasta “You decide that there’s a sense sauce are all made in-house. All kids’ meals come with pickles and fresh-cut coleslaw, plus a bottom- of conviction and confidence less fountain drink and a yummy dessert guaranteed to keep your child smiling and keep your bank that you didn’t have before.” account satisfied as well. The fellowship program “We know that families are feeling the financial effects of the holiday season, so we wanted to empowers leading American give them an option that is wallet-friendly and made with the best ingredients,” says Ronnie Dra- rabbis to advocate in support goon, Founder/Owner, Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers. of international policies that Years after its civil war of AJWS. “Our fellows bring For more information regarding the $3.99 Kids Meal Deal and other great Ben’s promotions, advance the human rights concluded, Guatemala contin- back what they learn to their visit www.bensdeli.net. and well-being of some of the ues to grapple with tensions communities and to the halls world’s poorest and most op- over land, ethnicity and eco- of Congress. Together, these pressed communities. nomic inequality. Indigenous rabbis will issue a moral call Creating Community for Young Adults with In addition to traveling communities make up a major- to action to their communities to Guatemala, each rabbi in ity of the country, yet they have and persuade decision-makers AJWS’ Global Justice Fellow- little power in government or in the United States to support Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities ship engages in six months in shaping decisions that affect human rights and end poverty BY BARBARA GREENE more-all led by professionals. uine community, the vocational of human rights education their lives. They face intense in Guatemala and the rest of Their support also enabled us rate of POINT young adults is and action, including training discrimination and poverty – the developing world.” For typical 20 and 30 year to enjoy group trips to a variety more than 50% in paid employ- with AJWS staff in the United especially indigenous women, American Jewish World olds, making friends, building of destinations, including Nash- ment vs. a national rate of 85% States. who are doubly disadvantaged, Service (AJWS) is the leading relationships, finding a job, and ville, TN, Williamsburg, VA, unemployment among persons The fellows will travel to and who suffer from a lack of Jewish organization working participating in social and cul- Philadelphia, Washington, DC, with developmental disabilities. Washington, D.C. in March to health care services. to pursue justice and fight pov- tural activities is what they do. and Niagara Falls. The sense of community educate members of Congress Guatemalan human rights erty in the developing world. Yes, it takes effort to plan a post- The opportunities to so- between POINT participants and other government officials activists and journalists who By supporting hundreds of college life but the opportuni- cialize and celebrate holidays was on full display recently, dur- about pressing international expose or speak out about these social change organizations ties are all around. and milestones together is vital ing an early season snowstorm human rights issues. With the injustices face harassment, in- in 19 countries, they respond The POINT (Pursuing Our to the spirit and connection that when our scheduled social activ- new Congress challenging the timidation and violence. to the most pressing issues Independence Together) pro- POINT participants feel. They ity was cancelled at the last min- Trump administration on is- “At a time when human of our time—from disasters, gram creates such a community enjoy celebrations for Memo- ute. Rather than return to their sues of American foreign aid, rights in Guatemala are under genocide and hunger to the for young adults, ages 21 and up, rial Day, Halloween, Chanukah, apartments, POINT participants support for human rights and attack and hard-working resi- persecution of women and mi- with developmental and intel- Thanksgiving--and any other bundled themselves up, and funding for a border wall, these dents are fleeing the country norities worldwide. With Jew- lectual disabilities, including reason we can come up with! traipsed through the snow, wind fellows will play a key role in ed- and seeking a new life in the ish values and a global reach, people on the autism spectrum. There is a full social calendar and cold to find a restaurant so ucating the public and elected United States, it is crucial that AJWS is making a difference in Members of the community live available to participants each they could enjoy dinner together. officials about the importance these influential Jewish lead- millions of lives and bringing a in many apartment buildings in month that reflect their inter- What could have been a disaster of U.S. leadership on the global ers learn first-hand from cou- more just and equitable world downtown White Plains within ests and needs. Recreational turned into a terrific opportuni- stage in standing up for human rageous advocates,” said Rob- closer for all. Learn more at walking distance of each other activities include going bowling, ty for an impromptu outing with rights and ending poverty. ert Bank, President and CEO www.ajws.org. and POINT’s community cen- seeing movies, going out to res- friends and an adventure in the ter. Members participate in life taurants, and gardening. snow just like any other group of skills training and social and The services provided young adults would do in those Shames JCC Offers Two Exceptional Programs Related pre-vocational activities led by ensure that our members re- circumstances. staff. With guidance from the ceive the support and services to the Holocaust by Prize Winning Translator POINT staff, our participants they need to achieve overall Sandra Smith, the prize winning literary translator of Irène Némirovsky, Camus and Guy de are helped to make good deci- health and well-being. Each Maupassant will be at the Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson on several occasions sions, able to date, explore who POINT participant works with beginning in February. they are, and, most importantly, a Program Specialist (either a The noted translator studied at NYU and the Sorbonne. She taught French Literature at Cam- reach their potential in inde- social worker or mental health bridge University for many years before moving back to New York, where she has lectured at Bar- pendent living and working. counselor) who provides over- nard, Columbia, Harvard and Sarah Lawrence. POINT, which just cel- sight and guidance in order to The Shames JCC is proud to have Smith give a 4-part lecture series on Irène Némirovsky, the ebrated its 10th anniversary, promote independence and ac- famed French author who died in Auschwitz in 1942. Born in Kiev in 1903, Némirovsky, gained fame is administered through a col- tive participation in daily living in Paris at 16 when she wrote “David Golder.” She is best known for her acclaimed novel “Suite Fran- laboration of Westchester Jew- within the home and communi- POINT is a unique commu- çaise”, the story of the war as it was unfolding under German Occupation. ish Community Services (WJCS) ty. Program Specialists also pro- nity of people with developmen- Smith, who translated Némirovsky’s 12 novels, will discuss the author’s life as well as “Suite and JCCA, and is supported by vide crisis management and 24 tal and intellectual disabilities Francaise” in detail, including a showing of the movie of the novel, in a 4 part series, on Thursdays POINT Family and Friends PFF), hour/7 day emergency coverage. who want to live the same life as beginning February 7, 2019. a parent advocacy group that POINT’s pre-vocational their siblings and friends. If you On February 11th, Smith will give another lecture at the Shames JCC entitled, “Jacques Schif- is a vital ally in providing fund- services include group and in- know of someone in the metro- frin: A Jewish Publisher in Exile in New York“. Schiffrin was the founder of Pléiade Editions in Paris, raising dollars to enhance our dividual internships as well as politan area who might benefit but was fired during the Nazi Occupation, because he was Jewish. With the help of others, he made ability to offer exceptional op- a Job Support Group with a 15- from POINT, please contact me his way to New York after a very “Casablanca-ish” journey and ultimately co-founded the Pantheon portunities to the community. week JOBSS curriculum that at [email protected] or call Press Publishing House. Smith’s translation of Schiffrin’s biography will be published next year by Through the generosity of PFF teaches the soft skills necessary (914) 761-0600 ext. 175. Barbara Columbia University Press. we are able to offer special les- for successful employment. In Greene is Director of the WJCS Both these programs are being offered to JCC members and the general community. Visit www. sons in cooking, technology, art, addition to having created a gen- POINT program. shamesjcc.org for more information, the cost, and to register. health and wellness classes, and 12 • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 www.westchesterjewishlife.com Global Awareness Initiative for International Holocaust WJC welcomes US government’s passing Remembrance Day continued from page 7 of Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities ing the global event screening in over 200 venues around the globe. “With levels of antisemitism, xenophobia and Holocaust-denial rampant and rising across the Prevention Act world, it is imperative that the memory of the Holocaust be shared more widely than ever, to ensure that the atrocities we witnessed just seven decades ago never repeat themselves,” said World Jew- World Jewish Congress our society,” said Lauder. cal issue must be addressed ish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder. “A concerning report by the European Union Agency for President Ronald S. Lauder “There is no more ap- head on by all.” Fundamental Rights (FRA) last month found that nine out of 10 European Jews said they believed has welcomed the US govern- propriate person to name this “Ahead of International antisemitism was getting worse, and a shocking CNN poll released shortly before that found that ment’s approval of the Elie Wi- law after than Elie Wiesel, who Holocaust Remembrance Day more than one-third of Europeans know little to nothing about the Holocaust. With fewer survivors esel Genocide and Atrocities throughout his life served as a on January 27, the World Jew- among us, it is the responsibility of the next generation to keep their stories and memories alive. Prevention Act, which calls on moral compass for humanity. ish Congress, together with Together, we must remember the past to protect our future for generations to come.” the State Department to estab- Elie taught the world that the hundreds of thousands of Lauder added, “Education is the key to combatting the spread of antisemitism and hatred, and lish a mass atrocities task force opposite of love is not hate, but people worldwide, will hold given today’s digital sphere of influence, social media is the best tool to reach the masses. Since the to help prevent and respond indifference. It is imperative signs that read We Remem- #WeRemember initiative began, it has become a grassroots movement of wide impact.” to such crimes. US President that this message continues to ber, to post social media using Previous campaign participants include: Pope Francis, United Nations Secretary General An- Donald Trump signed the bill live on,” Lauder said. the hashtag #WeRemember,” tónio Guterres, First Lady Melania Trump, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime into law on Monday, January “We cannot sit by in si- Lauder said. Minister of Belgium Charles Michel, Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, 14, following overwhelming lence amid the growing threats “On the face of it, this may Senator of New York Charles Schumer, actress Gal Gadot, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov, bipartisan support in both the of terror, racism, xenophobia, seem like a small and insig- Former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Sigmar Gabriel, Holocaust survivors, and support- House and Senate. and antisemitism,” Lauder. nificant act. But it is actually ers from all walks of life fighting rampant antisemitism. “The US government “We must actively pursue the an act of great importance, of For more information, visit weremember.wjc.org. has taken an important lead- tolerance and security that we global solidarity and resolve ing step today in speaking out wish to see, to make this world to raise awareness about the against genocides and atroci- a better place for our children horrors of the Holocaust, and ties and affirming its critical re- and their children. I thank the to fight hatred everywhere NY Congressional Delegation sponsibility in working to erad- US government for making it and anywhere it may raise its icate these cancers from within absolutely clear that this criti- head,” he said. Meets with Gov. Cuomo Nothing is Simple When it Comes to Wills BY BERNARD A. KROOKS, CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY your estate planning. There need to be changed too often; may even be some additional however, sometimes life gets When you think about options for you to consider, in the way and we need to do wills, what person would actu- depending on how much you a minor tweak here and there ally want a complicated will or want to spend on your estate or, perhaps even a major re- estate plan? Probably not very planning. Of course, we would boot. In fact, good practice many or perhaps no one at all. not even suggest those options dictates that you go for regular, Upon reflection, however, we to you if there was not any periodic dental check-ups to think what clients are actually potential benefit to you. Ul- prevent future problems. The saying is that they want an in- timately, the final call on how same thing is true for estate expensive will. In reality, who to proceed and what to do and planning. You shouldn’ just really cares if a will is simple or not to do rests with you, the cli- put your will in a drawer and not; what we really care about ent. We give you the options, never re-visit your estate plan- is how much it costs. tell you how they may help you ning again. Remember, it’s not So, how do we know what and then you decide what you so simple. type of estate plan you really want to do. Ask as many ques- need? Well, the best way to tions as you want, we are here do that is to sit down and talk to help. to you. We call this an initial Keep in mind, even if you consultation and it generally really do need a simple will, takes about 60-90 minutes. you will also need advance It’s amazing what we can learn health care and financial di- during this time. It’s impor- rectives so that your loved ones tant that you be totally honest can make decisions for you if so that we may help you ac- you become incapacitated be- complish your estate planning fore you die. To many, this is at objectives. We can’t possibly least, if not more, important as Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., is help you accomplish these ob- deciding who gets your assets a founding partner of Littman Governor Cuomo meeting with Congressman Engel jectives if we don’t know what when you pass away. Krooks LLP and has been hon- they are. In any event, there is ored as one of the “Best Law- On January 8, New York House Delegation met with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in The problem will likely nothing “simple” about estate yers” in America for each of Washington DC. As the Dean of the New York City House delegation, and co-Dean of the State del- get worse if not addressed now. planning. It is a process and the last seven years. He is past egation, Congressman Engel welcomed the Governor to discuss New York’s priorities at the Federal Estate planning often costs one that is ongoing. Even af- President of the National Acad- level. less to address situations that ter you have completed your emy of Elder Law Attorneys Rep. Engel offered the following statement after the meeting: "As Dean of the New York City we know about, than it does estate planning, it still makes (NAELA) and past President of Congressional delegation and Co-Dean of the State delegation, I want to thank Governor Cuomo for to solve problems once they sense to review it every few the New York Chapter of NAE- joining us today in Washington to discuss New York state priorities at the federal level. We are all in happen. Your lawyer needs years or upon the happening LA. Mr. Krooks has also served agreement that the best way to help New York is to reject the radical Trump agenda that has already to know about all your assets, of a major life event such as the as chair of the Elder Law Sec- hurt us significantly with the passage of last year's GOP tax scam, and is now threatening the SNAP how they are titled, who your birth of a grandchild, divorce tion of the New York State Bar benefits of 2.7 million New Yorkers thanks to the Trump shutdown. family members are and much, of a child or some other signifi- Association. He has been select- “We send a clear message today with the Governor that New York will not stand idly by while much more in order for the cant family event. ed as a “New York Super Law- the President holds our country hostage over a ridiculous wall. It's time for the GOP to end the un- lawyer to do the job properly. As lawyers, we do our yer” since 2006. Mr. Krooks may certainty for New York families, end the uncertainty for the 16,000 federal employees in New York, By the end of the conver- best to make sure your estate be reached at (914-684-2100) or and end this shutdown. My thanks to Governor Cuomo for his continued partnership and strong sation, we will likely be able to plan is fluid and as flexible by visiting the firm’s website at leadership on these critical issues." give you a flat fee cost for doing as possible so that it doesn’t www.elderlawnewyork.com. www.shorelinepub.com Westchester Jewish Life • February 2019 • Shevat-Adar 1 5779 • 13 Real Estate Matters by John E. Baer, SRES, SRS If Your Thinking of Selling Your Home, Do So in 2019 New home buyers are to buy a home within the interest, and high state and net from the sale, which can next year or so, keep in mind still entering the market. next 12 months. The bottom local property taxes. All of easily go toward the down when unemployment rises Few people are predicting line: Buyers remain active these factors negatively af- payment on your next home. and real incomes fall, more that 2019 will be a record- and it’s still possible to prof- fect seniors and may just be The larger your down pay- homeowners experienc- breaking year for home it from your home sale. what seniors need to elect ment, the better you look to ing financial difficulty are prices. Interest rates are still 2019 as the year to sell, par- lenders and the lower your forced to sell their homes. But relatively speaking, low-ish. On January 25, 2019 ticularly before a likely re- interest rate will be. Depending on the sever- 2019 might be the best time mortgage rates averaged cession in the next year or Selling in 2019 vs. 2020. ity of the recession, this can for you to put your home 4.375% for a 30-year, fixed- so. If not selling your home in add a substantial amount of John E. Baer, SRES, SRS on the market. Especially rate mortgage, per data from You have high equity. 2019 means putting your homes to the existing inven- is a NYS licensed real estate if you’re on the fence about Freddie Mac. While rates Homeowners who bought house on the market in tory of homes for sale. And, salesperson associated with selling this year or next, are at their highest level during the recession or 2020, the sooner option is when supply increases rela- Berkshire Hathaway HomeSer- says Nick Ron, CEO of House since February 2011, they shortly after benefitted from the best one. In a survey of tive to demand, this causes vices Westchester Properties of Buyers of America. remain much lower than the historically low interest 100 U.S. real estate experts housing prices to decline. Scarsdale and Larchmont. He With available housing historic high of more than rates and, up until around and economists by real es- The bottom line: If you are can be reached for questions inventory remaining low, 18 percent in 1981. But let’s 2015, lower home prices that tate information company seriously planning to sell at 914/844-2059. His website is even with rising interest take a look at what is hap- were still in recovery mode. Zillow, released in May, 2018 your home, do so in 2019. www.WestchesterHomes.info. rates, in 2019 the biggest pening here in Westchester. If you fall into that category, almost half expect the next wave of new homebuyers As mortgage rates increase, your home equity has risen recession to occur in 2020. will be millennials, who are owning a home becomes with nearly every mortgage Another 14 percent believe 2019 Westchester County Public Health mostly first-time buyers. In more expensive and sales payment, each renovation the recession will hold out Awards To Recognize Adult and Youth a Harris Poll survey of 2,000 of homes typically decline. you made to your home and until 2021, while 24 percent U.S. adults commissioned by Further, the housing market all the other homes on your of panelists expect the re- Volunteers real estate information com- in Westchester is increas- block that sold for a higher cession earlier – sometime continued from page 10 pany Trulia, more than one- ingly being impacted by the price. in 2019. nounced and presented April 4th to spotlight National Public fifth of Americans between recent tax bill, its cap on the The higher your equity If you believe we are Health Week, and the honorees and their achievements will be ages 18 and 34 said they plan deductibility of mortgage in your home, the more you headed for a recession in the featured on the health department’s web pages. Recent youthful winners have promoted awareness of the opioid crisis on cam- pus or increased sustainability and Earth Day programming, advocated for children affected by cancer or created an app to Westchester Library System Launches foster communication between teens with Type 1 diabetes. Adult volunteers were recognized recently for promoting the construction and preservation of affordable housing and ad- Tutor.com’s Learning Suite vocating for comprehensive mental health care for low-income residents. Non-profit programs also have been selected for their Libraries in Westchester work to reduce health disparities, improve health literacy, and County launched a new pro- improve access to care. gram that offers students of Nomination forms are available at www.westchestergov. all ages live, one-to-one help com/health. from professional tutors on- line. 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The rising tide of football team, Robert Kraft, as the 2019 Genesis anti-Semitism is a threat not only to Jews, but to Prize Laureate. the very fabric of any democratic society where The annual $1 million Genesis Prize, it is allowed to take place. We cannot be blind to Tracey Bilski Elizabeth Lampert Harry Mamaysky dubbed the “Jewish Nobel” by Time Magazine, history’s lessons. The time to act is now.” The Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) The family returned to their home in Edge- honors extraordinary individuals for their out- Larry Summers, a member of the Genesis will celebrate its 43rd Anniversary Gala, on Sat- mont in July 2010. With her security knowl- standing professional achievement, contribu- Prize Committee, President Emeritus of Har- urday, February 9, 2019 at 7:15pm at Congrega- edge, Elizabeth joined the security committee tion to humanity, and commitment to Jewish vard University, and the United States Treasury tion Kol Ami, 252 Soundview Avenue, White at Shaarei Tikvah and wrote a Department of values and Israel. The Prime Minister of Israel Secretary in the Clinton Administration, said, Plains. The celebration will honor Tracey Bilski Homeland Security grant in 2011. The Com- will present the award to Robert Kraft at a gala “Robert Kraft’s extraordinary vision and leader- of Chappaqua, Elizabeth Lampert of Edgemont munity Security Service (CSS) presented at a ceremony in Jerusalem in June. ship brought enthusiasm and pride to the world and Harry Mamaysky of Scarsdale, for their Westchester Jewish Council Security Round- In keeping with the Genesis Prize tradi- of sports. His compassionate philanthropy and dedication and service to the Westchester Jew- table, and she began training again. She is also tion, Kraft has chosen to forgo the $1 million the charitable programs funded by the New ish community. The evening will feature a cock- a member of the security committee at the Solo- monetary award so that funds can be granted, England Patriots touch many lives in the United tail dinner and dessert by Foremost Caterers mon Schechter School of Westchester. She and in his honor, to initiatives combatting anti-Sem- States and Israel. He is an American patriot and with entertainment by comedian Lenny Mar- David celebrated their 25th wedding anniver- itism and other forms of prejudice as well as at- a great global citizen firmly connected to his cus. Kosher dietary laws will be observed. sary in 2018. Their daughter Sarah, a senior at tempts to de-legitimize the State of Israel. Jewish heritage and devoted to the State of Isra- Tracey Bilski is a philanthropic entrepre- Tulane, will make aliyah next year. Emma is a The award comes during an alarming re- el. He is truly a worthy Genesis Prize Laureate.” neur with more than 25 years of leadership freshman at UCLA, and Daniel is a junior at Solo- surgence of anti-Semitism and other forms of “I am honored to receive the Genesis Prize experience. Her work for the past decade has mon Schechter. They also have two dogs. ethnic- and racially-motivated hate crimes. Ac- and thank the Genesis Prize Foundation for its been defined by the Jewish teenage experience. Harry Mamaysky was born in Odessa, cording to the FBI, anti-Semitic incidents in the recognition and willingness to direct my prize She co-founded and chaired J-Teen Leadership Ukraine and came to the US with his family in US increased by 37 percent monies to such worthy (2006 to 2013), an award-winning community 1979. He grew up in Rhode Island, where he was between 2016 and 2017, causes,” said Kraft. “This service and Jewish leadership program engag- educated at the Providence Hebrew Day School while in Europe violent award amplifies my abil- ing more than 500 high school students annual- and Brown University. While at Brown, Harry attacks against Jews dur- ity to raise both aware- ly. J-Teen Leadership, a program of WJC (2009 – met his wife Kelly, who was then a student in ing the past several years ness and additional funds 2018), was recognized by Slingshot as one of the New York. After graduating from Brown, he claimed victims in Brus- to fight anti-Semitism, most innovative organizations in North Ameri- moved to New York and worked as a program- sels, Paris, Toulouse, Mar- attempts to de-legitimize ca (2013). During her tenure, Tracey organized mer at Citicorp. After two years in the business seille, and elsewhere. Israel and other forms of fourteen-led service trips to New Orleans and world, Harry went back to school to earn a PhD As of 2018, anti-Se- prejudices. It is important Baton Rouge, LA after Hurricane Katrina, and in financial economics from MIT, after which he mitic incidents (including that we continue to sup- five teen-led humanitarian missions to Cuba to worked for two years as a professor at the Yale those not involving physi- port organizations that bring needed supplies to the Jewish community School of Management. Harry left Yale for what cal violence) were being focus on combatting preju- there. he thought would be a one year sojourn back reported in France and dices by building bridges A Harvard MBA and a graduate of the in the business world, but he ended up staying Germany at an average rate and uniting people of dif- Wexner Heritage Program, Tracey has a repu- in the “real world” for thirteen years. At some of four per day. And the UK ferent backgrounds.” tation for bringing innovation and metrics point, not ready to give up on his academic am- has experienced record Robert Kraft becomes to non-profit organizations. She previously bitions, Harry returned to academia. Harry now levels of anti-Semitic activ- the seventh Genesis Prize worked with the Center for Entrepreneurial teaches at Columbia Business School, where he ity which have stretched Robert Kraft Honoree. Previous honor- Jewish Philanthropy, and has volunteered with is also the Director of the Program for Financial from street level incidents ees include U.S. Supreme UJA-Federation of New York since 1990. As a Studies. to mainstream politics. Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who re- UJA lay leader, she served as Co-Chair, West- In addition to his professional interests, Most dramatically, 2018 saw the deadliest ceived the Lifetime Achievement Award; former chester Young Leadership (1992-1994), Chair of Harry has a lifelong commitment to Jewish anti-Semitic attack in US history, when eleven New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; actor, the Westchester Women’s Philanthropy (2003 causes. Having come to America as a child and Jewish congregants were killed at Pittsburgh’s producer and peace activist Michael Douglas; - 2005) and presently serves on the Board of having been embraced by the Rhode Island Jew- Tree of Life Synagogue in October. “fiddler to the world” maestro Itzhak Perlman; Directors and chairs, the Westchester Regional ish community, he has always felt an obligation For decades, Kraft has spoken out publicly sculptor and advocate for refugees Anish Ka- Advisory Council (part of the new Community to give back to the community. Harry has been and donated generously to organizations com- poor; and actress Natalie Portman, one of the Lab). Tracey and her husband Mark have lived a member of the Board of the Westchester Jew- bating prejudices, including anti-Semitism and leaders of the women’s empowerment move- in Chappaqua since 1989 and have 3 grown ish Council for four years. At the WJC, Harry the de-legitimization of the State of Israel. ment. daughters; Amanda, Meredith, and Charlotte. co-chairs the WJC Security Committee, which Noting the disturbing trends in the U.S. “We are delighted to welcome Robert Kraft Elizabeth Lampert serves on the Board of works to enhance security preparedness in the and Europe, Kraft recently made a public pledge to the outstanding family of Genesis Prize Lau- the Westchester Jewish Council in which she Westchester Jewish community. Harry also that he would further his efforts to help combat reates,” said Stan Polovets, co-Founder and was invited to serve on the Council’s Security serves on the Board of Trustees of the Solomon anti-Semitism and all hate crimes. As part of Chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation. “I Committee and currently co-chairs this com- Schechter School of Westchester. Harry, Kelly this effort, Kraft’s Major League Soccer team, cannot think of a more worthy laureate to follow mittee. While residing in Australia, Elizabeth and their children have lived in Westchester for the New England Revolution, will host Chelsea U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Gins- volunteered for the Parent Safety Group (PSG) more than ten years. Football Club (UK) in a benefit match at Gillette burg, whom we honored last July. Like Gins- at her childrens’ school, patrolling the outside The Westchester Jewish Council con- Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts in May. burg, Kraft has spent most of his life advocating perimeter of the school at drop off and pick up. nects Westchester’s Jewish communities and All the proceeds from the match – as well as for a more just society, tolerance and inclusive- Then the Communal Security Group (CSG) re- strengthens relationships among over 140 Jew- an additional $1 million personal contribution ness. He is one of the world’s most generous cruited her. The training included self-defense, ish organizations and other ethnic and faith from Kraft, will be granted to initiatives to com- philanthropists whose charitable giving reflects and she thought, “Why not? At least I’ll get in based groups, elected officials, Israel and the bat prejudices, including anti-Semitism. the Jewish value of tikkun olam – repairing the shape.” She was hooked in no time, and soon community at large. Head of the Genesis Prize Selection Com- world.” Polovets added, “Our foundation looks led PSG teams at the school and put in countless This event is open to the entire commu- mittee and Chairman of the Jewish Agency forward to working with Robert and leveraging hours standing outside synagogues on Shabbat nity. For more information contact the Council for Israel Isaac Herzog said, “I applaud Robert the power of sports to combat anti-Semitism and holidays with CSG. at 914-328-7001. Kraft’s decision to focus his energies and the and other forms of hate and prejudice.”