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CHANUKAH 2015/5776

Happy Chanukah ™ SPONSORED BY SAVE LET’S BREAK “corn” BREAD THE DATE!!!! TOGETHER! THE 2ND ORIGINAL RED BEANS &RICE COOK-OFF! MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

Labor Day, 12:00 pm — 4:00 pm

Macky Bean with 2015 judge, IRMA THOMAS!

DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED ON OUR WEBSITE – www.crescentcityjewishnews.com AFTER THE CARNIVAL SEASON! TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3

Chanukah greetings 4-5

Best of May 6-8

9-11 The winning Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off team from Hadassah is seen with celebrity judges Irma Best of June Thomas (far left) and Victory Belle Cristina Perez and Valerie Sassyfras at (far right). CCJN mascot Macky Bean (second from left) is holding Hadassah’s fi rst place trophy. 12 “WE LIVE, WORK Hirschfeld Age (Exclusive) AND PLAY HERE!” Best of July 13-16 t was fi ve years ago, with the encour- We additionally started our own Jewish En- agement of our Jewish friends and dowment Fund administered fund – Zachor family, that we began our business and (“Remember”) New Orleans – to raise funds marketing plan to develop a website that would aid in the digitization of prior 17-18 for the benefi t of the Greater New community news publications like The Jewish Best of August IOrleans Jewish community. Encouraged by Ledger and The Jewish Civic Press. We de- Federation offi cials, we met with a bevy of veloped our 1st Original Red Beans and Rice local individuals from multi-generational Cook-off because we wanted to raise more New Orleans Jewish families and Federation funds for our Zachor fund. We were ap- 19-21 representatives. We even reached out to one preciative for the support, the teams and the Best of September of our sister media to promote each other’s large number of individuals who attended the new coverage proactively. We were always event. Next Labor Day, September 5, our transparent and open about our intentions. goal is to feed more than 300 locals and have We hoped that everyone could work together the best “Kosher” Beans in town! Make Best of October 22-25 cooperatively. Unfortunately, that dream has plans to attend, because nothing is better or never been realized. We have found ourselves more New Orleans than a Monday with red wrongly criticized as being competitive to beans and rice! other media or the Federation’s own website. Again, it’s important we emphasize that 26-29 We believe such characterizations are wrong. the Crescent City Jewish News is a website Best of November We are a news portal website that has never (www.crescentcityjewishnews.com). We pro- attempted to compete with Federation or vide continuous Jewish news coverage (except to replace other media. Meanwhile, we will for Shabbat and holidays) with relevance to continue to be a strong independent voice the local New Orleans Jewish community. 30-31 for the benefi t of the local Jewish community And one thing more: we live, work and play Allen Toussaint Tribute wheresoever dispersed. here. The Crescent City Jewish News was Yes, we do have three print publications started with a mission statement and goals. that complement our site per year. However, They are clearly stated and can be found we need to emphasize that should not take 32-38 prominently displayed on our website. Our away any focus on us as a news website. Obituaries/Death Notice major focus was and still is to document our Want to help us? Here’s how you can show signifi cant community news and above all your support: Please sign up for our FREE else, our local Jewish history that spans more weekly newsletter via the “Subscribe” button than two centuries. The Jewish community of on our website. We promise we will not share CRESCENT CITY JEWISH NEWS New Orleans has always been small in popu- your information with anyone else and will lation; however, our local contributions to the not fl ood you with special offers or alerts. Editorial & Advertising Offi ces arts, healthcare, community and providing We also ask that you also go immediately leadership during critical times in our history to your smartphone, tablet or laptop and 3810 Nashville Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125 have all been noteworthy. We are very proud “Like” us on FACEBOOK. You can look us of all these contributions and feel that docu- up as Crescent City Jewish News as part of Editorial Contact: [email protected] mentation of our ancestors’ accomplishments Media/News/Publishing. This is an important is crucial for our next generations to know tool that will enable us to do more reporting Advertising Contact: [email protected] and kvell. To paraphrase Hillel, “If we are through our social networking and keep up not for ourselves, then who will be?” our analytics for our advertisers. You can also crescentcityjewishnews.com The Crescent City Jewish News was follow us on Twitter. We are @JewishNOLA . birthed because of our love of community. Our sincerest thanks. The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 3 Happy Chanukah! Joy & Happiness through the Holiday Greetings from The staff and residents of holiday season! Lakeview Brew Coffee Café WOLDENBERG VILLAGE Bryan Subaru Open daily at 7:00AM (3701 Behrman Place* 504-367-3640) 5606 Canal Blvd. 8305 Airline Highway Our warmest wishes for you 629-2768 during this holiday season. LAKE LAWN METAIRIE 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Great gifts for the holidays. Visit us for all your Kosher shopping! 504-486-6331 Tickets to a performance at A very happy & joyous complete funeral services LePetit! Hanukkah! Happy Hanukkah! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! KOSHER CAJUN Celebrating Lives with Dignity www.lepetittheatre.com NEW YORK DELI & GROCERY 3519 Severn Ave. Warm wishes to you and yours at TABLEAU Hanukkah! Wishes Chanukah Greetings to All! The Mandina family Perfect for any occasion! Hanukkah Greetings from lunch/pre-theatre dinner/desserts/ SHAYNA T. BLUM MANDINA’S RESTAURANT Cocktails/and more Consultation & Design Services 3800 Canal 504.934.3463 advertising/marketing/branding/design www.tableaufrenchquarter.com www.shaynatovablum.com JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE 616 St. Peter St., French Quarter OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS Our Best wishes for a joyous MARDI GRAS ZONE Chanukahand Happy New Year! Happy Hanukkah

Wishes the community From Beverly Katz Roselle M. Ungar, CFRE a great Hannukah. Executive Director Landscape Designer 3300 W. Esplanade Ave. #603 Check out our homemade and Owner of Metairie (504)831-8475 hummus and fresh Friday challahs. EXTERIOR DESIGNS www.jfsneworleans.org www.mardigraszone.com www.exteriordesignsbev.com Happy Hanukkah from your friends at CHATEAU DRUGS & GIFTS 3544 W. Esplanade Ave.

4 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com Happy Chanukah! THARP-SONTHEIMER-THARP Hanukkah Greetings from NAGHI’S Funeral Home BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH 637 Canal – 633 Royal St. – SCHOOL 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. 800 Royal St. May all the joys of Chanukah the best and the brightest since 1957 Estate Jewelry & Judaica fi ll your heart throughout www.bfhsla.org Gifts for the holidays the New Year. Happy Chanukah from our family to yours. Stephen L. Sontheimer We believe in Elementary Jewish Education. Billy Henry Visit us online www.jcdsnola.org Happy Chanukah! May Your Chanukah Shine Bright With Happiness JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL and Peace! HAMPTON INN GARDEN OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS DISTRICT ANNA GIL Sharon Pollin, Head of School 3626 St. Charles Ave. Fine Artist Wishing all our friends a very Studio Opened by appointment only happy holiday season. Hanukkah wishes from Haase’s www.annagil.com Shoes and Children’s Clothing. Come and visit us for your Happy Chanukah! holiday gifts. MIGNON FAGET Come see our beautiful assortment of 8119 Oak St. (Uptown) Chanukiot! Best wishes for all who celebrate May each candle you light make the beautiful festival of lights! OOH LA LA GALLERIE your Hanukkah bright! MignonFaget.com (alongside Jackson Square) TOURO Come visit and see our unique stores 524 St. Peter in 1401 Foucher St. 504.522.7554 New Orleans, Lafayette & Baton Rouge! New Orleans “May this season of light be filled with happiness!” Crescent City Jewish News Owners Staff & crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 5 MAY 2015 WE PROUDLY APPLAUD NEW ORLEANS CHEF ALON SHAYA!!!! Chef Alon Shaya Wins James Beard Award BY ALAN SMASON CCJN in an exclusive interview. “It’s re- best chefs from Chicago put on such a EXCLUSIVE TO THE CCJN ally amazing,” he gasped. Now in its 26th great show for everybody and it was year, the James Beard Awards are named such a great change of atmosphere.” hef Alon Shaya, who is the princi- for a legendary food writer. They are Shaya ascended to the dais to accept pal chef at Domenica Restaurant considered the “Oscars” of the restaurant his award, a medal in the image of in the Roosevelt Hotel, Pizza Do- and food writing world. James Beard. He immediately thanked menica and the recently-opened For the past 25 years the awards his wife, fellow co-workers and ad- Israeli and Middle Eastern ceremony had been held at Lincoln Center ditionally he got a chance to express Cthemed restaurant Shaya, won the top honor in New York. This year, however, through his gratitude to the citizens of New as the James Beard Award recipient as Best the efforts of Jewish Chicago Mayor Orleans. He expressed appreciation for Chef of the South Region Rahm Emanuel the venue moved to the being warmly embraced in the commu- Shaya beat out a slate of other nomi- Chicago Lyric Opera House. It will be nity for the last 12 years. nees including fellow New Orleanian Chef held in Chicago for the next two years. As a recipient of a James Beard Justin Devillier from Le Petite Grocery to Shaya traveled to the Windy City with Award, Shaya will become a voting take home only the second James Beard his wife and one of his partners, Octavio member of the awards committee and Award presented to an Israeli. In 2011 Mantilla. Shaya operates all of his restau- participate in the nomination process Shaya’s friend, Chef Michael Solomonov rants through the auspices of Chef John for future awards. of Zahav Restaraurant in Pittsburgh was Besh and the John Besh Group. “Now I’m able to vote for next the first Israeli to win the highly coveted Discussing the move to Chicago this year’s winner,” he said, taking it all in. award Best Chef of the Mid-Atlantic year Shaya reflected, “It’s different. It’s “You become part of the voting com- Region. just a completely different vibe than New mittee. It’s really a great honor.” Chef Alon Shaya, the recipient of the Best Chef of the South “It’s a pretty big deal,” Shaya told the York is. It was great to see a lot of the region as determined by the James A. Beard Awards committee. (Photo courtesy of the John Besh Group)

Shaya Brings Hummus and Shakshuka to the City of Gumbo and Crawﬁsh

BY SHANNON SARNA and said you have a passion for this, stick with it! She set me on this professional path. In fact, she was here last week and ew Orleans is an unlikely lo- ate at both my new restaurants (Shaya cale for an Israeli restaurant. and Domenica). We have remained very After all, The Big Easy is fa- close over the years and are taking a trip Nmous for its decadent shellfish- to Israel together in June! and-pork-heavy cuisine, whereas the Jewish state is known for its use of fresh vegetables JTA: What kind of trip? and mostly kosher or kosher-style fare. I am going with three other chefs — But Israeli-American chef Alon Michael Solomonov, John Currence and Shaya’s newly opened Shaya, which offers Ashley Christenson — for a culinary tour Shaya’s Curried Fried Cauliflower Hummus with carmel- an Israeli-inspired menu using local New with 16 other people. We will be travel- ized onion, cilantro and mint. (Photo by Alan Smason) Orleans ingredients, has been drawing ing, eating, cooking, visiting the best of crowds every night. (For those wonder- Chef Alon Shaya recently opened Shaya, an Israeli-style the best in Israel: wineries, restaurants, restaurant in New Orleans. (Besh Restaurant Group) ing, it is not kosher.) farms and this biodynamic resort where like [Yotam] Ottolenghi who produce A recent James Beard Award winner they make their own bread, cheese, beautiful cookbooks. who has been named by Esquire maga- JTA: Why did you decide to become a chef? honey, soap — everything. This is not trendy food; it’s food zine as a “chef to watch” and been fea- Shaya: I always loved to cook. Even that people are discovering for the first tured in Food and Wine magazine, Shaya, when I was 7 years old I was preheat- JTA: It seems like Israeli food is having a mo- time but that has been cooked the same 37, has become an established part of the ing the oven and making hamantaschen. ment in America right now. Do you agree? way for generations. But it’s also new New Orleans food scene. Domenica, a We moved from Israel to Philadelphia If you would have told me five years as the population in Israel grows and restaurant he opened in 2009 with John when I was 4, and food was just always a ago I was going to open an Israeli restau- Greeks start cooking for Yemenites, and Besh, has garnered rave reviews and part of our household. My grandparents rant in New Orleans, I would have told Europeans cook for Moroccans, and so awards. would come from Israel every year, and you that you were crazy. the food takes on a life of its own. The Shaya recently spoke with JTA by each time they would come, food was But Israeli food is finally coming food in Israel makes up a diverse mosaic: phone. The interview has been condensed everywhere. Then when I was in high across as something that people are Bulgarian, Turkish, Moroccan, Greek. and edited. school, my home economics teacher, excited about. I think social media has You can’t boil it down to just one thing. Donna Barnett, grabbed me by the ear played a big role in this, along with chefs It is diverse, and it has evolved.

6 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com MAY 2015

JTA: How did you end up in New Orleans? I attended the JFS Event Honors Bissinger Family Members Culinary Institute of America in New York BY ALAN SMASON and then moved to Las Vegas, working ewish Family Service (JFS) took the wraps off its primarily in Italian Rhythm and Soul event on Sunday, May 31, at the restaurants. I then Audubon Park Tea Room giving recognition to Mar- lived in St. Louis for jorie Bissinger and her daughter Nancy Bissinger a few years, where I J Timm, as well as raising needed funds for its many met Octavio Man- social service programs. tilla, who is now Before Bissinger and Timm accepted their honors, my business partner. attendees were treated to an evening of music and He convinced me to scrumptious food at the affair attended by the Tea Room’s come check out New wait and catering staff. Orleans with him. I Julie Wise Oreck, outgoing president of JFS, welcomed met John Besh and attendees to the swank room, thanking them all for their the stars were aligned partnerships and support of the many programs run — we discussed me under the aegis of JFS. coming to work for Alon Shaya’s cast-iron seared lamb Executive director Roselle Ungar thanked Oreck for him, and two weeks shakshuka. (Photo by Graham Blackall) her opening remarks and noted how pleased her involve- Nancy Timm, left, and mother Marjorie Bissinger at the JFS Rhythm and Soul gala at Audubon Tea Room. (Photo by Alan Smason) later I had my bags ment as a professional with JFS has been. Both Biss- packed and I moved. inger and Timm were acknowledged for their longtime participation as board members and ambassadors for JFS. JTA: It’s been 10 years since Katrina, and New Orleans “Thank you all for showing your appreciation to Margie has experienced quite a revival. How has its food scene and Nancy,” Ungar said before addressing the honorees changed? Have you seen a change Jewishly in the city? directly: “Thank you for allowing us to honor you.” I only lived in New Orleans for two years before Ka- Ungar acknowledged her recent selection as executive trina, but it has completely changed, I think for the better. director and a recent move to new offices in Metairie. “It More young chefs are opening their own businesses, is so heartwarming to stand in this room to know we all pushing the envelope. I think Katrina really impacted the share the fundamental values of tikkun olam, ‘repairing Jewish community here. A lot of young Jewish families the world,’” Ungar boasted. She called out two previous never came back — they found jobs in other places and executive directors – Julian Issacson and Deena Gerber – stayed. But now I see more younger Jewish families put- for their legacy of service to JFS. ting down roots, and the city is so vibrant right now: The Ungar revealed naming opportunities for mezuzot and film industry has grown, as well as the medical industry rooms at the new office space.”I firmly believe that when and even start-ups. The economy has diversified. we reach out to someone in need as we do every day at JFS, it allows us to touch someone’s life,” she continued. JTA: How has Shaya been received? “It is challenging work that must and will continue, We have been booked pretty much since we opened, thanks to your generosity. I thank you for giving them an Nancy Timm, left, and mother Marjorie Bissinger at the JFS Rhythm and Soul gala at Audubon Tea Room. (Photo by Alan Smason) and you always have to make a reservation at least a opportunity to survive and strive. ”Following the Ham- month in advance if you want to come on the weekend. otzee blessing by Touro Synagogue Rabbi Alexis Berk No one else is interpreting Israeli food in New Orleans. and the catered meal, Bissinger family members – grand- therapy and gladly worked with JFS and other family and Another reason we have been popular is because our children and cousins – called out their family members to children’s agencies. food is vegetarian-friendly and healthy, which is not so thank them for their inspirational leadership. Timm recalled the memory of her grandmother, Irma easy to find in New Orleans. As the former JFS executive director who had worked Issacson, in addition to her mother as having been most the most with the two honorees, Gerber was called to inspirational. “My father (Roger Bissinger of blessed JTA: What’s your secret for making great hummus? the podium to speak about each one of them. Gerber memory), who I wish so much could have been with us It’s about getting the skins off of the chickpeas. We acknowledged Bissinger’s ability to connect to all kinds tonight, gave me the drive to make the world a better soak them first in water and baking soda, and as they of people, her 18 years of teaching at the JCC and her place, and who taught me one big job is just a lot of little cook we are constantly stirring to remove the skins. We longtime association with Touro Synagogue’s Religious jobs,” Timm reflected. spend one or two hours every morning just stirring and School. “She’s has a strong influence on at least three In addition she thanked her husband Steven Timm for skimming chickpeas in order to create a smooth hummus. generations,” she noted. his support in raising their family and making it easier for Gerber also added Bissinger’s work as a tap dance her to work professionally. “It doesn’t get much better as JTA: What’s your favorite Israeli food? What’s your instructor and her more serious side working with the a mother,” she confided. “JFS is a part of who I am and I favorite American food? JFS-administered Teen Life Counts program that aims to can’t imagine my professional or personal life without it.” My favorite American food is fried chicken. I mean, prevent and educate teens about suicide. Gerber gave both Bissinger and Timm beautifully I live in the South. It’s addictively good. My favorite “I remember being amazed at the breadth of Margie’s commissioned commemorative ceramic plates bearing Israeli food is this Bulgarian spread called Lutenitsa that involvement,” Gerber exclaimed, recalling that at the their names as tokens of JFS’s esteem. “I am touched by my grandmother made. It’s on the menu at Shaya, and first tennis tournament hosted on behalf of JFS, Bissinger how many family, friends, colleagues, tennis buddies and I would say it is the dish that inspired me to become a baked all of the desserts. supporters of JFS have showed up on such a busy time of chef. When my mom came to the restaurant and tasted In speaking about Timm, Gerber stated “there is no year,” she called out. “I plan to continue to support the it she said, “Savta [grandma] would be so proud.” question she is her mother’s daughter and equally her agency and definitely hope that each and every one of you (Shannon Sarna is editor of The Nosher blog on own woman.” Timm, who received a master’s degree will too. Thank you so much.” MyJewishLearning.) in psychology has specialized in child and adolescent crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 7 MAY 2015 Could New Orleans Become Another Baltimore?

BY DEAN M. SHAPIRO ould the events that transpired in Baltimore several weeks ago be repeated here in New Orleans? New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Har- Crison addressed that question and others in a talk during Shabbat service at Temple Sinai on May 8. Chief Harrison was appearing at the invitation of Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn, a native of Baltimore. In his introductory remarks, Cohn decried the situation in that beleaguered city, where racial unrest exploded into violence recently in response to the death of Freddie Gray at the hands of Baltimore Police. The rabbi began the evening’s presenta- tion by citing his experiences and observa- tions of Baltimore from a native’s perspec- Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn (Photo by Alan Smason) NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison speaks at Temple Sinai on May 8, 2015. (Photo by Dean Shapiro) tive. He spoke of “a huge Jewish flight of temples, Jewish schools and Jewish businesses in the 1980s from downtown relationships that were broken.” vacant lots as just a few ways “our officers want there to be no distinction between Baltimore into the outlying counties.” Mayor Landrieu, the superintendent can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the the police and the community.” The city was no longer the forefront focus explained, tasked him with “putting community. Only by putting in the same Harrison also stressed the intensified for the Jewish suburbanites. together a vision of what I thought we work ethic and sweat equity will citizens training that all police officers, detectives, “The images out of Baltimore two should do to prevent New Orleans from be able to view us differently. We want supervisors and others have to go through. weeks ago have been very hard to erase becoming Baltimore.” From this City Hall (the public) to see us as a partner. That’s The number of hours they have to put in from my mind and I’m sure you can see directive came the five goals on which the cultural change we’re working to teach in classrooms and training facilities has it in yours as well,” Cohn said. “The Harrison expounded at length. to our police department.” been increased, in accordance with federal ravished neighborhoods are heartbreaking “First, we need to build a police The superintendent also discussed the guidelines. in many ways. department that’s really engaged with the federal consent decree under which his de- Harrison additionally praised the “In our efforts to compare New community,” Harrison said. “I’m of the partment is operating, the goals of which NOPD’s use of body cameras as a means Orleans to Baltimore we must examine philosophy that there is no difference be- are “making sweeping reforms” in such of visually documenting what happens the backdrop in which it (the violence) oc- tween the police department and the com- sensitive area in racial profiling, the use of with officers in the line of duty. He cited curred,” Cohn continued. “Freddie Gray munity. I live here. I was born and raised force and improvements in training and two specific instances of extreme actions and the officers who arrested him were fol- here. I went to school here. I got married ethics. “The decree is allowing us to study taken by NOPD officers in which the lowing a script written decades and even here and now I’m raising my children and implement the best practices from all camera-recorded evidence left little room centuries ago. In order to change what who went to school here. When my son around the country,” including the “Best for questions by the media as to whether needs to be changed, the intentions of graduates college next week he’s coming Practices Model” program” developed by or not those actions were appropriate. the actors need to be modified. The script back to live here. So I am the community, the San Jose (California) Police Depart- “All of our police officers who are re- itself needs to be seriously revised and that and that’s what we’re teaching our police ment. sponding to calls are now recording every will require far more than a handful of officers. We are the community. And that’s The police chief also addressed the incident. We are proud to say we are one convictions in Baltimore.” what we want to make sure we convey to image problem faced by NOPD, which of the leaders in the nation in the use of Chief Harrison, superintendent since our citizens.” mirrors the image problem other police body cameras,” Chief Harrison said. October 2014 began his talk by acknowl- Harrison also stated his belief that departments around the country also face. “So, building trust is the way to edging, “There is some rebuilding that “community policing is the way to go “When you see the problems we’ve had in preventing New Orleans from becoming needs to be done in the New Orleans toward building trust. As police officers, the media, it’s all been because of account- Baltimore,” Chief Harrison said, at the Police Department. My philosophy is to we have to put in the same sweat equity ability,” he said. “We want to build a conclusion of his remarks. “It’s not just build relationships (in the community) that everyone else puts in.” He cited department you can be proud of, one that me: it’s every member of our police depart- that were never built, improve the good playground cleanups, community food you actually pay for, and one in which ment.” relationships that we have and repair the bank giveaways and picking up trash in we’re partnering with the community. We

8 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com JUNE 2015 With Belmont Victory, Colt Owned by Orthodox Jew Claims Triple Crown (JTA) Kentucky Derby three out of 3-year-old colt owned the last four years. In 2012, by an Orthodox Jew horses owned by Zayat finished from Egypt claimed second in each of the three Triple Athe first Triple Crown Crown races. Zayat, who breeds in 37 years. American Pharoah and sells horses, currently owns raced to victory on Saturday 144 horses. in the Belmont Stakes, the first Zayat and his family slept in horse to win the Belmont, the RVs on Friday night and walked Kentucky Derby and the Preak- to the track on Saturday, in ness since Affirmed in 1978. order to observe Shabbat, ac- Owner Ahmed Zayat, 52, a cording to AP. Suzanne Stone resident of Teaneck, New Jersey Jockey Victor Espinoza, who was born and grew up in who is not Jewish, visited the Cairo, said after the race “We all Lubavitcher rebbe’s grave on GOP Selects wanted it--we wanted it for the Thursday in Cambria Heights, sport,” according to the Associ- New York, in the borough of New Temple ated Press. Queens, where he prayed and Administrator Zayat had watched horses presumably asked for good luck. he owned finish second in the Belmont Stakes and 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, ridden by Gates of Prayer president jockey Victor Espinoza (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons) Michele Gelman announced early June the appointment of a new temple administrator, NCJW, Hadassah Welcome Jewish Women’s Archive Panel Suzanne Stone. Stone, who has been living and working in her BY ALAN SMASON the radar” of chroniclers of the native Washington, D.C., has atrina’s Jewish Voices, storm. served in a variety of positions an oral and video his- A panel consisting of several there as CFO, vice president or tory catalogued and women community leaders, each executive director of a number maintained by the Jew- important in their own right of non-profit organizations for K was convened to answer ques- ish Women’s Archive (JWA), has the past two decades. recently been relaunched. In com- tions put to them by moderator Stone has also been an ac- memoration of the JWA’s ongoing Rosalind Hinton. Panelists were tive member in her synagogue, mission of promoting the roles former Jewish Family Service (JFS) Congregation Beth El, and of women during the recovery executive director Deena Gerber; has been an active member of period following the landfall present JFS executive director and Hadassah. She has also volun- of Hurricane Katrina and the former interim Federation execu- teered for Livnot U’Lehibanot subsequent failure of the levees in tive director Roselle Ungar; Tulane in Israel and has been involved the area, both the Greater New Chabad Student Center co-direc- in work with the Smithsonian Orleans section of the National tor Sarah Rivkin; attorney Leann Institute. She is well estab- Council of Jewish Women and Opotowsky Moses and Michelle lished in area Jewish activities the Greater New Orleans Chap- Erenberg, a Gulf Restoration JWA interviewer and moderator Rosalind Hinton, right, interviews panelists for joint Program Policy analyst. and has garnered respect in the ter of Hadassah welcomed key NCJW-Hadassah event. (Photo by Alan Smason) secular community as well. members of JWA to New Orleans Each recounted their own ex- “In addition to her great to promote the site. periences of having survived the excitement about our position, Judith Rosenbaum, JWA Dennis Hastert: “New Orleans is “‘The world would split open.’” difficult days, weeks and months she looks forward to enjoying executive director, and Paula Sin- a waste. It looks like a place that Rosenbaum said she wanted that followed the storm’s landfall being near her son, daughter- clair, JWA director of programs should be bulldozed.” to turn the phrasing around for and the ways in which com- in-law and grandson, who and partnerships, were two of Glaser noted that Hastert is the event. “What happens when munication between community live in New Orleans,” wrote the key members of the staff today the subject of a federal the world splits open? Women members was re-established. Gelman. “In fact, she has al- who met with the two women’s investigation for alleged sexual tell the truth about their lives.” Hinton was responsible for ready become a member of the groups at Touro Synagogue in improprieties with young men. Rosenbaum said it was gathering many of the video in- Krewe du Mishegas!” the Social Hall on Wednesday, “We’re here today better and important to hold such a special terviews with community leaders Gelman’s appointment was June 17 at 5:30 p.m. stronger than ever,” she boasted. gathering to honor the lives of from 2006 to 2007 that are now announced by search com- Cathy Glaser, former Anti- Glaser introduced Rosen- those women who had helped housed on the JWA site. Several mittee chaired by congregants Defamation League South Cen- baum to the audience, who the Jewish community survive clips of these interviews with Rick Levin and David Dulitz. tral Region director, welcomed recounted a poem by Muriel the devastation of the passing Ungar, former Federation presi- She will begin her position July attendees to the panel and Rukeyser. “”What would happen storm and flooding. Many of dent Julie Wise Oreck and others 1st. reminded them of the words of if a woman told the truth about these unheralded women accom- were shown to the audience. the then-Speaker of the House her life?’” she quoted the poet. plished deeds and “flew under crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 9 JUNE 2015 Wainers Accept Tzedakah Award From JEF BY ALAN SMASON he vibrant colors of philanthropy both past and present were Trevealed in the opulent setting of the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Hotel on Sunday, June 14, as part of the Jewish Endow- ment Foundation of Louisiana’s (JEF) Annual Event. Fittingly, the organization’s highest honor was passed to an artist and sculptress of renown, Beverly Wainer, who along with her husband Dr. Lester Wainer, were presented the Tzeda- kah Award for their many years of sustained giving to charity Cantorial soloist Victoria Cohen May and Cantor Joel Colman sing “Tradition” to lead off through JEF donor advised funds their tribute to “Fiddler on the Roof.” (Photo by Alan Smason) Speaking before a crowd of more than 200 Jewish commu- Dr. Lester and Beverly Wainer accept the Tzedakah Award from JEF executive director nity members and supporters, Sandy Levy, right. (Photo by Alan Smason) Beverly Wainer accepted the award with humility and grace, of Prayer. He extolled the virtues Home I Love.” The performance noting that the philanthropy they of all the honorees, noting that concluded with “Sunrise, Sunset,” have offered through JEF and the they had each in their own way during which the two encouraged volunteer work they performed established a partnership with audience members to sing along. while visiting Israel and Cuba for God by using their talents and The Helen A. Mervis Jewish many years were an extension of practicing their vocations. Community Professional Award their commitment to Jewish val- President Richard Kahn was presented to Jewish Com- ues. ” Whatever I can do is a ful- noted JEF’s pride in working munity Day School’s (JCDS) head fillment for me,” she explained. with donors in over 500 funds of school Sharon Pollin. “The In specifically referring to the established through them for family of New Orleans could Cuba outreach, she demurred, charitable funding. “Thank you not ask for better partners than “It seemed like such a mitzvah to to all of you who have funds at those they have in the Jewish be able to do this.” the Jewish Endowment Founda- Endowment Foundation and the Honorees David Kushner, left, Mark Stein – Young Family Award recipients- and JCDS Wainer went on to add that tion,” he said. “You’re doing Federation,” Pollin stated. head of school Sharon Pollin, recipient of Halen A. Mervis Jewish Community Professional she and her husband were hum- Award. (Photo by Alan Smason) a wonderful job for the whole “My work as head of the Jew- bled to be so recognized by the community.” ish Community Day School has what he termed “a turnaround” “Charlie wanted everything JEF, but that “it’s difficult to ac- Kahn extolled the virtues been a truly joyful adventure,” at the school when he accepted for his friends,” Kushner related. cept when it had given us so much of several members of the local she continued, pointing to her his (Jewish Federations of North He described how he and Stein pleasure” to support their many community who had passed staff members “Deb and Deb- America) JFNA Endowment as co-executors, along with help causes like the State of Israel. away recently, but who had bie,” administrator Deb Marsh Achievement Award. Wasserman, from estate planner Carole Neff, Just before the crowd dis- established funds with JEF to and librarian and IT leader Deb- a former president of Jewish eventually designed a program persed, Lester Wainer amplified continue their charitable giving bie Schlackman. Federation of Greater New for Zucker to bequest money for what his wife had said, thanking . Among those he mentioned “I’ve been supported every Orleans during the turbulent and his friends and to give to Jewish the 20 members of their family were Norman Lee Brown, Albert step of the way by our hard trying years following Hurricane institutions at the same time. that had come to support them. Daube, Libby Marcus, Julius working board of directors, led Katrina from 2007-2009, was Stein compared the event as “We feel very committed to Issacson, Babs Issacson, Irvin first by Dashka (Roth) and now singled out by JEF for his ongo- not unlike the Academy Awards taking care of our Jewish com- Smith and Charles Zucker. “May Lis Kahn,” she continued. ing commitment to the Jewish in which JEF and its staff act as munity wherever they are,” he their memories be for a blessing,” Pollin also acknowledged the ex- community and the personal en- producers, directors and grips said before thanking JEF and its Kahn concluded. traordinary work of public relations dowments he and his wife Lynne and that the stars are the people executive director Sandy Levy. In honor of the 50th anniver- director Barbara Kaplinsky and her have established in the “Create a like Zucker, who donate funds Earlier, Levy had opened the sary of the musical “Fiddler on four decades of previous work in the Legacy” campaign. for the benefit of everyone else. affair with a short explanation the Roof,” Cantor Joel Colman non-profit sector in Chicago. Two JEF board members, “There a saying Mother that the organization’s Annual of Temple Sinai and cantorial “JCDS enriches the entire David “Chick” Kushner and Theresa once said,” Stein recalled. Event had permanently moved to soloist Victoria Cohen May per- community,” Pollin beamed. The Mark Stein received the Young “‘Don’t love how much you do, the spring to avoid the pitfalls of formed a selection of duets and students connect to the Jewish Family Award for Professional but love what you’re doing. Don’t scheduling against football sea- solo numbers from the popular year cycle and to tikun olam, Excellence. Kushner, a certified love how much you give, but love son and other fundraising events Broadway work. These included making the world better, she public accountant with four de- giving.’ In many ways that de- in the fall. a portion of the opening number said. She also thanked members cades of experience, and Stein, an scribed Charlie. If this were truly Called upon to deliver a D’var “Tradition” and the haunting of her family, who had traveled attorney with similar experience an Academy Award ceremony and Torah, Rabbi Robert Loewy duet “Do You Love Me?” Then, significant distances to be with and a specialty in tax and estate had this been an Oscar, I would beamed with pride that the Colman did a solo version of “If her and share in her honor. law, were both lauded for the have turned around and given it overwhelming majority of the I Were a Rich Man” followed by JCDS vice president Dr. Mi- planning of the estate of the late to Charlie.” honorees were members of his May’s rendition of “Far from the chael Wasserman also spoke of Charles Zucker. synagogue, Congregation Gates 10 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com JUNE 2015 Houston: ‘We still have a problem’ BY ALAN SMASON ust a little over one month ago and days before the start of the official hurricane season, a massive cell of thunderstorms hit the Houston area, dumping 11 Jinches of rainwater into the city, overtopping bayous and sending flash floods roiling into homes and businesses. Many of those affected lived in the heavily Jewish area of America’s fourth largest city, not far from the campus on which the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Jewish Community Center buildings reside. The flooding was indiscriminate. It affected retirees on fixed incomes, many of whom had never suffered flooding before. It sent young fami- The hard hit sanctuary at United Orthodox Synagogues of lies with kids in elementary school packing and searching for Houston on May 26, the day after the storm hit. (Photo by Chumashim bloated from flood waters on May 26, 2015. (Photo by Jacob Kamaras) relief in the form of temporary housing and supplies. Jacob Kamaras.) The response from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) was swift. An initial $25,000 grant in late May was supplemented last week with an additional Houston for more than two decades, and claims this “There are a lot of displaced families in different $250,000. However, as New Orleans residents who dealt to be a significant challenge for his community. “Every situations. Some are living with other families. Some have with the Federal Emergency Management Administra- synagogue has families affected by the flood,” he pointed moved into apartments and are waiting to move back, but tion (FEMA) following Hurricane Katrina can attest, that out. He expressed thanks to New Orleans residents who are not sure how long their home refurbishing efforts will amount will fall far short of what the community will need have responded to their plight, recalling the assistance take,” Kamaras reported. He acknowledged the early assis- to rebound from this cruel and unexpected act of nature. they received a decade ago following the evacuation from tance of Federation, Jewish Family Service and the JCC as “The price tag for this is very significant,” said Lee Hurricane Katrina. “We really appreciate the support from all helping organize volunteers for cleaning out residences Wunsch, the longtime executive director of the Houston New Orleans,” he said. and affected institutions. “Early in the process there were a Federation. “We’ve estimated the cost – and this is a mov- One of those who lives in the most affected area is JNS. lot of volunteers who came to help out including a number ing target in terms of philanthropic dollars – at three and a org editor Jacob Kamaras. His moving first person article of Christian organizations,” he continued. “There’s been a half million dollars.” told of his own flood experience. The CCJN reached out groundswell of local volunteers. It’s been very inspiring.” Wunsch, who grew up in Dallas, has been living in to Kamaras for an update.

Jewish Groups Celebrate Supreme Court’s Legalization of Gay Marriage Nationwide in its own tweet, left out its age of God’ (Genesis 1:27), and also (102) but also got in the hashtag, shows us that marriage is a sacred WASHINGTON (JTA) #LoveWins, and that funny little responsibility, not only between ow often do you get the heart. the partners, but also between the opportunity to pack Thirteen Jewish groups, among couple and the larger community,” “109 years,” #Love- them organizations representing the Conservative movement’s Wins and the colors of H the Reform, Reconstructionist and Rabbinical Assembly said in a the rainbow into 140 characters? Conservative streams, were among statement. That’s how the American the 25 joining the amicus brief the Groups also were looking to Jewish Committee celebrated ADL filed in Obergefell v. Hodges. next steps in advancing LGBT the Supreme Court ruling Friday The preeminence of Jewish rights, including in the workplace. extending marriage rights to gays groups among those backing the “You can now legally marry in throughout the United States. litigants was not a surprise. In all 50 states and put your wedding WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 26: Same-sex marriage supporters rejoice after the U.S “For 109 years AJC has recent decades, much of the Jew- on your desk and be fired and Supreme Court hands down a ruling regarding same-sex marriage June 26, 2015 outside stood for liberty and human the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. The high court ruled that same-sex couples have ish establishment has embraced have no recourse in the federal rights,” its tweet said. “Today is a the right to marry in all 50 states. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) gay marriage as a right equivalent courts,” Rabbi Jonah Pesner, who happy day for that proud tradition to the others it has advocated, directs the Reform movement’s the Orthodox Union, which in a systems. #LoveWins.” It was punctuated including racial equality, religious Religious Action Center, told JTA. carefully worded statement noted “Will the laws implementing with a heart emoticon splashed freedoms and rights for women. “We hope this will energize that it adhered to the traditional today’s ruling and other expan- rainbow colors. Multiple groups, in their state- and inspire a bipartisan effort to definition of marriage as between sions of civil rights for LGBT The contrast between an or- ments, cited the passage in Genesis end discrimination in the work a man and a woman, but also Americans contain appropriate ganization founded at the launch that states humans were created place,” he said, specifying the “T” recognized “that no religion has accommodations and exemptions of the last century celebrating the “in the image of God,” which has in LGBT — for transgendered the right to dictate its beliefs to the for institutions and individuals rights embraced by Americans for decades been used by Jewish people. “People should not be entire body politic.” who abide by religious teachings only at the launch of this one was civil rights groups to explain their discriminated in the workplace The OU, like other more that limit their ability to support emblematic of the glee with which activism. because of expression of gender.” conservative religious groups, same-sex relationships?” the much of the Jewish establishment “Jewish tradition reminds us The notion that the decision was wary of new liberties that group said in its statement. reacted to the ruling. that we were all created equally, would propel a broader debate could infringe on its ability to hire The Anti-Defamation League, b’tzelem Elohim, in the ‘image about LGBT rights concerned officials who hew to their belief crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 11 JUNE 2015 Hirschfeld Age revealed in New-York Museum’s new book BY ALAN SMASON, Charlie Chaplin. But he gave up regular EXCLUSIVE TO THE CCJN reporting claiming that with writing, there s a celebrated artist and carica- were 150 ways to write a line, but with art, turist, Al Hirschfeld is still with- only one. out peer. His ability to capture Hirschfeld may have concentrated on the essence of a performer or per- art, but he did continue his writing with A successful best sellers like Westward Ha!, sonality with but the most diminutive of dots, the boldest of dashes or the cleverest of ciphers co-written with humorist S. J. Perelman, still captivates art lovers the world over. and Show Business Is No Business, an But “The Line King” was much more insider’s primer to theatre. than that. He attended more Broadway and The bulk of his contributions to Hol- off-Broadway openings than anyone else. lywood continued even as the studio system Anyone. He had a profound influence on began to unravel. During the heyday of the intelligentsia of the Thirties and Forties, MGM Studios’ demands on the artist, he working with the likes of S. J. Perlman, turned out promotional posters at a stag- Moss Hart, William Saroyan and Brooks gering pace. The Astor Theater in New Atkinson. Hirschfeld personally introduced York was the repository for many of his George Gershwin to the man who would Al Hirschfeld in a self portrait (1985) of ink on board images, some stretching as high as three (Collection of Harvard University © The Al Hirschfeld stories tall. But as MGM’s hold over artists become his greatest interpreter and friend, Foundation). www.AlHirschfeldFoundation.org) Oscar Levant. His work with the nascent began to loosen, so, too, did the posters at the Astor diminish. Hirschfeld’s last con- movie industry began as a teenager, when Although most people are familiar nection to a major Hollywood studio was the Selznicks, Hal Roach and Harry War- with Hirschfeld’s pen and ink renderings ner were newcomers to the industry and a This ink, watercolor, collage wallpaper sample with United Artists, a firm which kept him and lithographs, the exhibit showcased his and photogrpah of Laurel and Hardy from 1928 fellow illustrator named Disney had yet to on its payroll through the 1970s. capacity to work in mixed media. His Hol- showcases his use of multi-media. (Collection of The Hirschfeld still holds the record for the make his presence known. lywood poster art for Goldwyn, Pathé and Al Hirschfeld Foundation © The Al Hirschfeld Founda- number of TV Guide magazine covers he But it is through his documentation of MGM Studios include gouache, watercolor tion. www.AlHirschfeldFoundation.org) the theatre scene in New York, his promo- penned. His work with Collier’s magazine and ink designs. His innovative use of a him his first marriage as the couple sepa- tion of Hollywood film and iconic TV also yielded still legendary designs on the wallpaper sample to create the quilt in an rated upon their return to New York later stars, his sharply pointed political com- history of television and film. He frequent- ink, watercolor and photograph collage of that same year. mentaries and his culmination as America’s ly was invited on the sets of Hollywood comedy greats Laurel and Hardy for MGM Hirschfeld, returned to work on Man- foremost caricaturist that Hirschfeld made productions and was often asked to sketch is an example of his early experimentation hattan Oases, a book that documented his reputation and by which the world still early rehearsals of Broadway shows in the and his openness of expression. New York speakeasies in the waning days worships his art. (Hirschfeld described making. But even for those who consider them- of Prohibition. He was eagerly welcomed himself as a “characterist.”) There is no doubt, though, that theatre selves true aficionados of the artist’s work, back to provide illustrations for the movie It is little wonder then that the New- became his raison d’être. According to there is substantial documentation of what publicity departments, especially for films York Historical Society Museum, the oldest Leopold, on the rare instances where became the most important influence on distributed by MGM Studios. museum in the Empire State, endorsed Hirschfeld ran late, curtains were held for Hirschfeld’s career – the time he spent on The bankruptcy of The Selznick Hirschfeld’s important contributions to him. It is no wonder that the Martin Beck the island paradise of Bali in 1932. Company in 1924 had created mistrust for art and literature by declaring the span of “The Balinese sun seemed to bleach out Hirschfeld. He had personally hired a staff the 99-year-old artist as “The Hirschfeld all color, leaving everything in pure line,” of illustrators, expecting to be reimbursed Century.” An exhibit in his honor subtitled Hirschfeld wrote. “The people became line by the company and when it failed, he was “The Art of Al Hirschfeld” ran this sum- drawings walking around.” on the hook for everyone’s back pay. It mer and fall and documented his remark- Hirschfeld further acknowledged that took him months to work off the debt and able achievements through the courtesy of this love affair with the ever-present sun he vowed never again to have anyone work the Al Hirschfeld Foundation headed by his in Bali led him to a deeper appreciation of for him. widow and society board member Louise Japanese woodcuts and masters of line art. Hirschfeld’s work ethic was legendary, Kerz Hirschfeld. “I am much more influenced by the draw- but he detested binding legal contracts. He An exclusive companion guide, The ings of Harunobu, Utamaro, and Hokusai began his work for the New York Times Hirschfeld Century: Portrait of an Artist than I am by the painters of the West,” with a simple handshake and it wasn’t and His Age, was prepared for the exhibit. he wrote. His watercolors of natives and until 62 years later that he complied their This magnificent 324-page hardcover landscapes from that time are reminiscent request for a signed contract to continue his volume is full, but it is a mere handful of of Paul Gauguin’s pieces from Tahiti many services. the thousands of the artist’s lifetime render- decades earlier. His penchant for satire got him banned ings. Edited by renowned archivist David Hirschfeld’s attachment to simple from The New Yorker magazine when Leopold, it is available through the New- shadow puppets may have been another he chanced to make fun of the publisher. York Historical Society Museum and major indication that he was refining the scope of Eventually, he was reinstated more than five booksellers. For more information contact his art. Several shadow puppets adorned decades later, but it was his playful nature Ines Aslan, vice-president of communica- the interior of his New York studio for and his constant pushing the envelope of tions, 170 Central Park West, New York, more than a half century. Leopold takes authority and his art that helped shape the NY 10024. care to note in the exhibit and in the notes public’s opinion of him. New Orleanians will recall Leopold as of the book, “[a]fter Bali, he never painted Although he illustrated many literary the archivist who worked with The Historic or drew a landscape again.” volumes, it may surprise some to learn New Orleans Collection’s curator Mark Whether the world knew it or not, a that Hirschfeld was a correspondent for Cave in creating the exhibit Drawn to Life: Nina’s Revenge transformed Hirschfeld was ready to make The New York Times Magazine for several Al Hirschfeld and the Theater of Tennessee changes in his art and his personal life. The years, covering the Hollywood beat with Williams for the playwright’s centennial South Pacific stay in Bali ultimately cost exclusive interviews of luminaries like year in 2011. See HIRSCHFELD on page 14 12 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com JULY 2015 Torah Academy Announces New Hires for School Year BY ALAN SMASON from the board two weeks ago tion director, has taught for 15 harped on Rafferty’s outstand- years in both Baton Rouge and he Torah Academy ing credentials and said Rafferty Jefferson Parish, and has consid- board of directors has “will continue to ensure that erable experience in early child- announced two new each of our graduates will have hood development. According to hires for its upcom- T mastered both academic and life the board’s statement, Smith will ing school year – an academic skills.” incorporate educational philoso- director and an early childhood Also starting out as the phies from both Montessori and director. Rory Rafferty, a teacher school’s early childhood director Reggio Emilio teaching meth- and principal with more than will be Naomi Smith, a special ods. “She will create a learning two decades of experience will education master’s degree holder, environment that is conducive to take over in the new position of who will be implementing a new meeting all students’ academic academic director. Rafferty, who pre-school and kindergarten pro- needs as well as focusing on the holds a master’s degree in Educa- gram for children ages 1 and up. development of the whole child,” tion, has previously worked on Smith, who replaces Rae Horton the statement read. both the elementary and high as the school’s first early educa- Big academic changes have been announced at Torah Academy. (Photo by Alan Smason) school levels. A statement issued

Urban League President Speaks at JCC BY KAREN LOZINSKI ties seeking equality to pursue household income is striking: a that more black women now economic self-reliance, parity, less than $2000 jump per year attain bachelor’s degrees, the ith the 10-year and civil rights. for the former versus one of Urban League president stated. anniversary of McConduit-Diggs explained over $10,000 for the latter. That The imperative, she averred, is to Hurricane Katrina that the ULGNO is one of 95 amounts to an 18% gap increase. even out those percentages. approaching, Urban W afﬁliates of the National Urban The percentage of African- Other topics covered in League of Greater New Or- League, all of which have the American children living in McConduit-Diggs talk were leans (ULGNO) president Erika same mission. The National poverty in New Orleans since incarceration rates (Louisiana McConduit-Diggs reﬂected on Urban League is headed by for- 2013 has grown to 50.5%, up ranks number one in the entire the slow progress the African- mer New Orleans Mayor Marc from 44% before the storm. That world for prison population), American community has made Morial in New York City. number is particularly disturbing, quality of life and housing costs, in recovery. McConduit-Diggs addressed she said, when one considers that and employment. McConduit-Diggs was the critical topics such as demo- the black population in the city Lack of participation at the speaker at the monthly Morris graphic shifts in New Orleans, has decreased by 8%. polls by black residents was ad- Bart, Sr. Memorial Lecture on and although the city still Though high school gradu- dressed also, though McConduit- Monday, July 13 at the Jewish maintains an African-American ation rates are up among black Diggs pointed out that there is a Community Center. Follow- Erika McConduit-Diggs speaks at the Mor- majority of 59%, almost 100,000 students—56% in 2005 versus great deal of political participa- ing a catered kosher lunch by ris Bart, Sr. Memorial Lecture on July 13 at black residents have not returned 72.7% in 2014, the number tion on the part of black citizens, local chef Andy Adelman, she the Uptown JCC. (Photo by Karen Lozinski) in the ten years since Katrina. of African-American men with and that strides must be made to delineated the organization’s mis- Median household income America households, but the four-year college degrees has extend that dedication to election sion statement—to assist African has increased slightly for African- disparity in the increase of white plummeted. The good news is days too. Americans and other communi-

CCJN Gains 2 Writing Nods at Press Club Awards

he Press Club of New nix Emerges.” That August third place honor in the feature a third place award in public Orleans honored the 2014 article was published writing field for his article also affairs broadcasting were mem- Crescent City Jewish in SOURCE 5775. The Press published in SOURCE 5775 on bers of the National Council TNews for the second Club Awards were judged the local influence of the Jew- of Jewish Women and Fox 8 year in a row with a first nationally by members of nine ish community in the develop- reporter Shelley Brown for place award for journalistic different press clubs across the ment of jazz music titled “Jews their Fox Defenders consumer excellence. CCJN editor Alan nation. and Jazz.” advocacy program. Smason won the first place The Press Club Awards cov- Another Jewish recipient of award in the category of Enter- ered the calendar year of 2014 2015 Press Club Awards was tainment Writing for his piece and the ceremonies were held Lee Zurik of WVUE-TV Fox 8, Lee Zurik of Fox8 News with his on performer and composer on Saturday night, July 18, at who picked up two first place First Place Press Club Awards for Valerie Sassyfras titled “Valerie Harrah’s Casino. awards for his broadcast TV Investigative News Reporting and TV Sassyfras: A Musical Phoe- Smason also received a reports. Also recognized with Continuing Coverage.

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 13 JULY 2015

HIRSCHFELD from page 12

Theater was renamed for the artist on the date that would have been Hirschfeld’s 100th birthday in 2003. Also, for the uninitiated, there is the story of the artist’s “NINAs” that also established Hirschfeld as a bit of a character and rapscallion. Finding the hidden name of his only daughter tucked inside the crease of a gown or in a man’s boutonniere was a favorite parlor game for weekly readers of the New York Times. Hirschfeld was surprised to learn that his sneaky little practice begun in 1948 had been the worst kept secret in Manhattan since Boss Tweed was charged with corruption. When he tried to desist from the practice, readers revolted and eventually he began affixing a number to his signature, so as to avoid dealing with the volumes of mail demanding he secret his daughter’s name in his future designs. One of the most unusual of Hirschfeld’s original pen and ink drawings on display is one he called Nina’s Revenge. In the image of his 18-year-old daughter from 1966 the artist hid both his first name and that of his wife Dolly, each twice, a fact confirmed by the designation of “2+2 next to his name.

Symbols of Jewish Scouting including religious emblems. (National Jewish Committee on Scouting) National Jewish Committee on Scouting Announces Initiative

he National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCOS) hailed the historic decision made by the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that Teliminated all national barriers for gay adult leadership. At the same time a new effort was announced to reconnect Scout- ing with Jewish institutions that had previously abandoned or shut down units in protest of what was seen as discriminatory policies towards gay youth and adults. NJCOS_chairman_ National Jewish Committee on “Today we have an historic opportu- Scouting chairman Bruce Chudacoff announces a A Boy Scout marches in an LGBT Pride parade in New York City, June 28, 2015. (A. Katz/Shutterstock) nity to bring Scouting back to Judaism,” new initiative to bring back Scouting to Jewish insti- proclaimed NJCOS chairman Bruce tutions. (National Jewish Committee on Scouting) Chudacoff. “With over 1,000 Reform and Reform Movement Reconstructionist temples and synagogues Pack 26 and its charter partner Isidore in America there is a vast pool of young Newman School, formerly severed ties in Jewish kids and adults who can take 2001 over the issue. The school claimed Recommends Renewing Ties advantage of the time-tested methods of that its own non-discriminatory policy Scouting to help instill values, leadership towards gay faculty and administration with Boy Scouts of America skills and more in the leaders of tomor- was at odds, specifically with the Scouting row,” announced NJCOS chair Bruce policy that barred avowed homosexuals. (JTA) ica that stated it was canceling its policy of Chudacoff after the decision. After four years of charter partnership fter a 14-year break, Reform banning gay adults from being scout leaders With its religious emblems program for between the local Jewish Committee on Jewish leaders have recommended and other employees. Jewish youth and adults and its embrace Scouting and St. Charles Avenue Presbyte- that Jewish institutions re-estab- “After considering the BSA [Boy Scouts of of the Scouting values inculcated in the rian Church, plans had been put into place lish ties with the Boy Scouts of America] policy change, the response from A Scouting Oath and Law, Chudacoff stated to relocate Pack 26 at Congregation Beth America. The Boy Scouts of America, which advocates within the scouting community in a video that “Scouting’s values are truly Israel in the Lakeview area. The Hurricane was founded in 1910, did not allow openly generally and in particular, Scouts for Jewish values.” Katrina related flooding that decimated the gay youths to be Scouts until 2013. That Equality as a leading voice within the gay Jewish chartering organizations such as Orthodox synagogue and eventually led policy went into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, but scouting community, the Commission on synagogues and Jewish centers account for to its relocation in Metairie also effectively the Reform Action Committee continued to Social Action has concluded that if a URJ( just 146 units nationwide and 3,268 youth, killed the pack, which had no organization oppose the Boy Scouts. Union for Reform Judaism) congregation according to the latest statistics from the willing or able to house it. “We took very seriously the notion that gay wishes to re-establish ties with the BSA and BSA. These numbers reflect a precipitous Locally the members of the Jewish com- youths in the scouting movement should be host a fully inclusive and welcoming unit, it slide of as much as 70% over the course of mittee include attorney Peter Title, Tulane able to look at gay adults in the scouting should do so,” the memo reads. the past 13 years as the issue of gay adult University Biomedical Professor Cedric movement and see themselves reflected in However, the memo contained strong leadership in the BSA became more pro- Walker and CCJN editor Alan Smason. that person,” said Barbara Weinstein, direc- concerns due to the fact that the Boy Scouts nounced within the Jewish community. All three represent one specific branch of tor of the Reform committee. policy will continue to allow individual In New Orleans there are no units char- Judaism. The change of heart came in response to an religious institutions that sponsor troops to tered to Jewish institutions. After 42 years, announcement by the Boy Scouts of Amer- refuse to hire LGBT employees. 14 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com JULY 2015 TU Theater Chair Lights Up About Shakespeare Festival

BY KAREN LOZINSKI, can Shakespeare companies lighting where he has shown his EXCLUSIVE TO THE CCJN “continuing the work of the forte. He’s designed lighting in Bard,” according to Sachs. The various theaters across the city arty Sachs’ office trust now lists the New Orleans and country, and is the recipient in McWilliams Shakespeare Festival on the of four Big Easy Theatre Awards Hall on Tulane trust’s Shakespeare on the Road for Lighting Design. University’s site as part of its partnership Sachs states the script is verdant campus with the University of Warwick. the roadmap when it comes to Mis like those of so many creative The festival is in its 22nd lighting design, and the overall academics: a small box crowded year, and Sachs is proud to note concept of any production is de- into a suite with the other tight that internationally known veloped in concert with the direc- boxes of his colleagues ringed Shakespeare specialist Rob Clare tor and other designers, creating around a central reception area. directed its headlining produc- a visual text for the audience It’s a situation familiar to many tion, Cymbeline. Without casting that includes scenery, costumes, students, teachers, and profes- aspersions on the festival’s other props, oral text, and sound. All sional academics—doing your two productions, Sachs envisions that must then be lit. work in a space that might be a future with two Shakespeare “As I tell my students, there is allocated to a walk-in closet in plays presented to fest-goers. a term for theater without light- a suburban home—but Sachs’ When asked about the selec- ing. It’s called radio,” said Sachs, Martin Sachs, chairman of Tulane University’s Department of Theatre, and Dance and office is altogether homey, wel- tion process of works for the renowned lighting designer in his own right. (Photo by Karen Lozinski) with a laugh. coming, and comfortable. In fact, festival, Sachs notes that the win- Lighting integrates the work most people call him Marty. ter remounting of the festival’s of the set and costume design- Sachs himself, though chair of main play always influences their the history plays either, though opportunities for aspiring theatre ers, and the task of the lighting the Department of Theater and choice. Some 5400 students from Sachs hopes to change that in the artists.” designer is not only that integra- Dance and professor of Lighting 74 schools attended the seven coming years. As a biochemistry major tion, but to deploy his or her Design, Sound, and Theatrical performances this past January, Tulane’s Shakespeare Festival during his undergraduate years, aesthetic that makes everything Photography at Tulane, is affable from schools as far away as Pen- is also in talks with The NOLA Sachs auditioned for campus work as a visual package. That’s and down-to-earth. He’s also sacola. The needs of those stu- Project (http://nolaproject.com) plays. He was cast, but in the fun and the challenge of the the artistic director of the New dents and their education, along about future collaborations. Ac- peripheral roles, which he claims profession, because each job Orleans Shakespeare Festival at with what plays haven’t yet been cording to the NOLA Project’s sent a particular message about potentially comes with a different Tulane, which mounted three mounted, are always consider- website, it “is an ensemble-driven what his potential future might director, theater, production, set, plays this summer: Cymbeline, ations when selection time rolls theatre company that strives to have been on the stage itself. and costumes. The Importance of Being Earnest, around. Shakespeare’s “problem challenge, entertain, and engage He decided to study stagecraft, “You create magic for liv- and Incarnate. plays” are not out of the ques- diverse New Orleans audiences which he so vastly enjoyed that ing…we create illusion, and they Last summer the short pro- tion for the festival either, though through high-quality and innova- he became extremely proficient. pay us to do it. I can’t imagine gram of mostly Shakespearean to date, the only work that fits tive performances of relevant This led to his life-long passion doing anything else,” Sachs works held at Tulane was noted that designation that’s been great works, the development for theatrical lighting. He’s also reveals. by the Shakespeare Birthplace featured is Measure for Measure. and production of new plays, done sound and scenic construc- Trust as one of several Ameri- The festival hasn’t touched on and comprehensive educational tion during his career, but it’s

Hadassah Elects New National President Ellen Hershkin of Dix Hills, New York was elected as the 26th president of Hadassah: The Women’s Zionist Organization of America at its annual meeting in Phila- delphia. Hershkin has been a member for 42 years. Over the years, she has served numerous national positions on the executive board and has chaired several national departments. Besides her Hadassah volunteerism, she has served on the boards of Jewish National Fund and United Israel Ellen Hershkin of Dix Hills, New Appeal. York was elected as the 26th A graduate of Long Island’s Hofstra University, Hersh- president of Hadassah, the kin majored in speech education. Additionally she par- Women’s Zionist Organization of ticipated in a Jewish studies program through the Melton America, at its annual meeting in Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy School of Jewish Education through Hebrew University. of Hadassah) Hershkin will officially take the reins December 31st replacing outgoing national president, Marcie Natan. crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 15 JULY 2015 Rabbi Silverman and Pinsky Arrive to Fill New Positions at Touro and Gates of Prayer he Greater New Orleans Jewish things I want to do are leading worship and community welcomed two new everything in lifecycle events.” Reform Rabbis to the area. Tou- And the ability to work side by side with ro Synagogue’s new hire, Rabbi Rabbi Robert Loewy was another plus to Todd Silverman will become the the job. “I think one of the best (aspects) is Trabbinic director of lifelong learning, and to work with Rabbi Loewy, to have him as a serve as Rabbi Alexis Berk’s assistant Rabbi. mentor,” she beamed. Fresh from his ordination from the He- Aside from her regular duties as a pulpit brew Union College-Jewish Institute of Re- rabbi facilitating lifecycle events, Pinsky will ligion (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles, Silverman also be charged with offering alternative holds two masters degrees – one in Hebrew sites for worship to tap into the younger letters and the other in Jewish education. generation and to make Reform Judaism Silverman explained that he was searching relevant to them. for both a rabbinic position and an educa- She insists that this kind of out-of-the- tion position. The job offer from Touro was box thinking is fully in accordance with exactly what he was seeking. her mission at Gates of Prayer. “One thing Throughout his six years of study, Silver- Rabbinic director of lifelong learning Todd Silverman Rabbi Alexis Pinsky holds both volumes of the about the Reform movement is integrat- is enjoying his new assistant rabbi position at Touro Mishkan Hanefesh machzor for Rosh Hashanah man taught and worked as an administrator Synagogue. (Photo by Alan Smason) and Yom Kippur. (Photo by Alan Smason) ing our faith with modernity – what I call at several Los Angeles area religious schools. informed decision making,” she continued. He is a native of Clifton Park in upstate Orleans. It might be said that New Orleans in the back of my mind: wouldn’t it be great “What I really believe and hold onto and New York. is where she began to prepare herself ear- if I could end up back in New Orleans?,” connect in the Reform movement is there is Since arriving to start the position on nestly for a role as a spiritual leader. Pinsky confided. “I honestly didn’t think it a responsibility to learn how to apply Jewish July 1, Silverman has plunged into admin- As a fledgling freshman at Tulane would ever be possible. It was beyond excit- traditions to your own life that’s going to be istering the religious school. One of his University, Pinsky discovered there were no ing to me.” meaningful and resonate.” long term goals is to increase the number of separate Reform services being held. She “What drew me to this job description (Editor’s note: To read both complete students who undertake post Bnai Mitzvah led separate Reform worship services for the was that I found it to be a well-founded pul- articles on Rabbis Silverman and Pinsky go instruction. next three years at Hillel. “From the time I pit rabbi position,” she stated. “Here there’s to www.crescentcityjewishnews.com and The other new rabbinic arrival is an At- finished Tulane, I knew I wanted to be a rab- an amazing (opportunity) to do everything type key words silverman or pinksy using lanta native, but she is no stranger to New bi and really from the time I left here it was that a congregational rabbi can do. The the search tool) MIGNON FAGET

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16 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com AUGUST 2016 10 Years Forward Beth Israel Celebrates! In a jubilant weekend Shabbaton celebration, the members of Congregation Beth Israel gathered to reﬂ ect, appreciate and value that they were able to rebound and overcome all the obstacles that befell them in the last decade. No Jewish Congregation in New Orleans felt the wrath of Katrina and the mighty ﬂ ood waters that followed in her wake as much as Lakeview’s Congregation Beth Israel. The synagogue was reconstituted in Metairie, particularly with the leadership of female presidents Jack- ie Gothard and Roselle Ungar, who managed a capital fund raising campaign that netted $2 milllion, allowing the Orthodox synagogue to rebuild and relocate into their current synagogue and community center, adjacent to Reform Congregation Gates of Prayer. Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg welcomes members and friends, who gathered Rabbi Robert Loewy of Congregation Gates of Prayer takes part in a panel for the Tenth Anniversary of Recovery Shabbaton weekend. discussion with former Beth Israel Rabbi Uri Topolosky. (Photo by Alan Smason) (Photo by Alan Smason)

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crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 17 AUGUST 2016

The New Orleans rabbinate and cantors reﬂect on the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina at the JCC. (Photo by Dean Shapiro)

Federation Marks Katrina Anniversary with JCC Program ricane Katrina and begin our rebuilding By DEAN M. SHAPIRO phase,” Bissinger said. “All Jewish institutions that were here ith a showing of both so- before Katrina are here today, plus new lemnity and celebration, ones,” Bissinger said. He cited the collabo- a crowd of nearly 300 ration between Shir Chadash Conservative members of the Greater Synagogue in Metairie, Orthodox Con- New Orleans Jewish gregation Beth Israel and its neighboring Wcommunity turned out for a “Katrina 10 Reform Congregation Gates of Prayer as observance at the close of the anniversary an example of the cooperative spirit that weekend.current new home in Metairie. prevailed within the Jewish community, The observance, at the Jewish Com- despite differences in observance. munity Center on Sunday evening, August Bissinger also noted that New Orleans 30, included the rabbis from all of the has surpassed its pre-Katrina Jewish popu- area’s major congregations, along with lation of 9,500 and now stands at around high-ranking officials from the Jewish Cantor Joel Colman at Katrina 10 event. (Photo by Former Federation president Allan Bissinger with Etz 10,300 and growing every year. Federation of Greater New Orleans and Dean Shapiro) Chaim award. (Photo by Dean Shapiro) “One thing I learned early was, no other dignitaries. Former New Orleans matter how bad you had it, the person City Councilman-at-Large Arnie Fielkow Later: Jewish New Orleans After Katrina.” ing tonight with good food, good music sitting next to you or in front of you or and his wife Susan were among those in A collection of “reflections from Jewish and good friends, we need to look back behind you had worse,” Bissinger said. attendance. leaders,” the booklet published by Federa- and remember where we came from, Following the program, attendees The evening featured speeches by the tion contains over 50 short vignettes from what we went through and why we had were treated to beef jambalaya, brisket two Federation presidents whose terms prominent individuals in the local Jewish the opportunity to celebrate tonight,” on a bun, corn, potatoes and soft drinks ran during and immediately after Ka- Community, including most of its clergy Bissinger began his speech. He invited donated by the Kosher Cajun Deli and trina. There were also brief remarks from members. those gathered to think back to what they served free of charge. Dessert was birthday each of the rabbis, as well as singing and Cantor Colman led the gathering in were doing and where they were going cake from centenarian Sarah Stone. Dur- dining on complimentary food from the the singing of the Shehecheyanu prayer of during the evacuation of ten years earlier. ing and after the meal, attendees socialized Kosher Cajun Deli. Music that followed blessing and later, at the conclusion of the He recounted some of the horrors the city swapped Katrina memories and danced the speakers was provided by renowned evening’s formal program, he invited those endured when the floodwaters rose and to the joyful music coming from Sunpie Zydeco accordionist and vocalist Bruce present to sing along with him on “God engulfed about 80 percent of the city. Barnes and his band. “Sunpie” Barnes and his band, the Louisi- Bless America.” Altogether, over $19 million was allo- (To read the complete article go to ana Sunspots. Allan Bissinger, Federation President cated through the New Orleans Federa- www.crescentcityjewishnews.com and type All 19 local Jewish organizations co- during the years immediately following tion’s 19 synagogues and support agencies, keywords Katrina or JCC using the search sponsored the standing-room-only event. Katrina, was presented with a “Tree of Bissinger pointed out. “This allowed us to tool.) Guests were given complimentary copies Life” award. “Before we get into celebrat- survive for the three years following Hur- of a commemorative booklet, “Ten Years

18 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com SEPTEMBER 2015 OP-ED: Building community Hadassah ladies form with red beans and rice fi rst Red Beans & Rice team n case you hadn’t heard, the 1st have erected. Also, they were happy to The ladies of Hadassah have put on Original Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off help ensure that the highest standards of their cooking gloves and are taking up is being held on Labor Day, Monday, kashrut are observed. Torah Academy has the challenge of becoming the fi rst team September 7, and jointly sponsored also offered to store the cooking equip- to participate in the 1st Original Red by the Crescent City Jewish News ment for next year’s event. As this year’s Beans & Rice Cook-Off being sponsored Iand Torah Academy. We wanted to clarify host, Torah Academy will receive all by the Crescent City Jewish News and why we are holding this fundraising event registration fees and will share proceeds Torah Academy on Labor Day, Monday, and why we hope all segments of the with the Jewish Endowment Foundation’s September 7. Greater New Orleans Jewish community Zachor “Remember” New Orleans Fund. President Ilana Reisin said she was will participate. We have already had preliminary talks pleased that her organization was the fi rst Ten years ago on a similar Labor Day with another institution about sponsoring one committed to take part in the cook- weekend in Cleveland, CCJN Editor Alan next year’s Original Red Beans & Rice ing event at which everyone will cook Smason was reeling from the effects of the Cook-Off, which we anticipate will be their own pots of red beans and rice to fl ooding that followed Hurricane Katrina. rotated on a regular basis to deserving be judged in advance of the event being With his home fi lled with water and community institutions each year. opened to the public. disconnected from his own beloved Jew- The event, which is being held at To- ish community, he somewhat reluctantly, rah Academy benefi ts the school and the attended the Community Rib Burn-Off Zachor “Remember” New Orleans fund held for the Solomon Schechter School set up at Jewish Endowment Foundation in Pepper Pike. It was there he beheld a of Louisiana , is being looked at as both a groups and organizations. All synagogues wonderful and heartrending spectacle. fundraiser and competitive team event to and temples as well as community institu- This was clearly marked as a competi- build community and encourage friendly tions are invited to take part. tion and benefi t for a Conservative Jewish competition between disparate Jewish day school. Yet, there were members of The Crescent City Jewish News is the local Chabad institutions, several looking at this event as an opportunity to Reform temples, numerous Conservative build community through some fun and synagogues and various Orthodox houses friendly competition. We have listened of worship all rallying around the cause of to those non-profi ts who have found the building community in a spirit of cheerful entry fee to be a barrier for entry and are competition for the entire Jewish com- now offering an affordable non-profi t munity of Cleveland. team rate with some restrictions. The point is to register and to plan to attend this event in a positive manner. We believe the Original Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off will become a very anticipated and well-attended event each year. It will benefi t all sectors of the Greater New Orleans Jewish community, not just one This year’s cook-off is being housed at or two. But we need you and your team Torah Academy for the fi rst year of what there. Please make it happen for all of us. we hope will be an annual event. Torah Besides, what could be more New Orleans Academy is excited to invite the entire than sharing a plate of red beans and rice Jewish community onto their grounds to on a Monday? IN BUSINESS SINCE 1932 see the magnifi cent new structure they FAMILY OWNED DINE IN, GROCERY & CATERING NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT Specializing in Hot Pastrami & Corned Beef • Jambalaya • Chopped Liver • Matzoh Ball Soup ITALIAN CREOLE HOME STYLE COOKING. PIZZA EVERY WEDNESDAY | SUSHI THURSDAY | FRIED CHICKEN FRIDAY Buy 1 Sandwich & Get 1 FREE of equal or lesser value Dine in only. Up to $6.95 Value. Expires 12/31/14 3800 Canal Street, New Orleans 3519 Severn Ave., Metairie 504-482-9179 Mon-Thur 10am-7pm mandinasrestaurant.com Fri. & Sun. 10am-3pm www.koshercajun.com | 888-2010

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 19 SEPTEMBER 2015

Hadassah ladies take ‘Golden Bean’ trophy he ladies of Hadassah cooked their way into history on Labor Day, taking top honors in the 1st Original Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off sponsored by Tthe Crescent City Jewish News. Judged by a celebrity trio of noted New Orleans female singers and performers, the team’s recipe for red beans included chorizo, a spicy meat that caught the attention of judges Irma Thomas, Valerie Sassyfras and Cristina Perez. Macky Bean, the colorful “red bean” character made a first-ever appearance at the event, posing with the “Golden Bean,” the Grand Prize winner’s trophy, presented to the Hadassah team as well as with the judges. The mascot kept many of the children busy, entertaining them throughout the four-hour event held from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. at Torah Academy, 5210 West Mascot Macky Bean shares the spotlight with the “Soul Esplanade Avenue in Metairie. Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas. (Photo by Alan The event, part fundraiser and part Smason) competition, included five other teams from Kosher Cajun New York Delica- and cutting boards in order to finalize their Members of the winning Hadassah team are flanked by celebrity judges Irma Thomas, left, and Cristina Perez and tessen and Grocery, the Friends of the food preparation. The last of the six crock Valerie Sassyfras at right. Mascot Macky Bean holds the “Golden Bean” trophy. (Photo by Alan Smason) National Council of Jewish Women, pots was finished by 7:30 a.m. Blind taste Congregation Anshe Sfard, the Torah testing by the judges began at 12:30 p.m. Academy Alumni and the CCJN. As the lone vegetarian entrant, Kosher recipe sold for $10.00 each with salad and Hadassah team’s recipe will be featured The strictly kosher affair had teams Cajun received special citation in the form cornbread. Family packs of three meals at next year’s 2nd Original Red Beans & competing to prepare their ingredients at of a colorful ribbon. Owner Joel Brown sold for $20.00. Samples of each team’s Rice Cook-Off on Labor Day, September the crack of dawn, placing them into new accepted the ribbon from Macky Bean. red entries sold for $3.00 each. 5, 2016. crock pots that had been toiveled (ritually A massive pot of red beans was pre- Proceeds from the cook-off will go to Before and after judging the contest, cleansed) under supervision in Lake Pon- pared at the Gerson Katz Chabad Center support Torah Academy and the Zachor performer Valerie Sassyfras, the subject of tchartrain more than a week prior. by Adam Stross, based on his late grand- “Remember” New Orleans Fund ad- the award-winning entertainment article Crock pots were employed to give all mother Mildred Covert’s recipe published ministered by the Jewish Foundation of published in SOURCE 5775, performed teams an opportunity to cook on a level in the Kosher Creole Cookbook she co-au- Louisiana. using a variety of instruments such as competition. All ingredients were paid for thored with Sylvia Gerson, also of blessed In addition to receiving the “Golden keyboards, accordion and mandolin. by the CCJN and teams were given knives memory. Platefuls of the featured beans Bean” Grand Prize winner trophy, the

20 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com SEPTEMBER 2015 Soll takes over as president at 102nd Federation meeting

BY GARY MICHAEL SMITH

fter two years at the helm as president of the Jewish Federa- tion of Greater New Orleans, retired attorney Morton Katz, elected to call in a doctor to Acontinue caring for the organization in the coming two years. Dr. Edward Soll succeeded Katz in a celebratory evening trumpeting its success under Katz’s leadership. Following a reception at which a kosher array of wines and hor d’oeuvres were served, the 102nd Annual Meeting was opened in the Mintz Auditorium of the Morton Katz, left, accepts a rose crafted from a missile that fell on Israel from Julie Schwartz is congratulated on her acceptance of the Ann Hanaw and Jerome Hanaw Uptown Jewish Community Center on new Federation president Dr. Edward Soll. (Photo by Gary Michael Smith) Tikkun Olam Award by incoming Federation president Dr. Edward Soll. (Photo by Gary Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. Michael Smith) The Nominating Committee Report was read by former Federation president Five distinct breakout sessions included ous other gifts during the annual campaign. which he estimated the population of Jew- Alan Franco, which advanced slates of Funding, Community Partners and Alloca- He then presented a tzedakah streetcar ish New Orleans in a non-scientiﬁc study at candidates to take over executive and tions, Analysis of Connecting with Israel designed by noted artist Gary Rosenthal to 10,300. Weil claimed a 62 percent penetra- regular board positions for the coming and Israel Advocacy, Next Generation Force. Katz also trumpeted the success of tion of his annual campaign, making it one year. Katz acknowledged his pleasure in Development, and Community Outreach Give NOLA for raising $89,000. of the highest in country, according to him. having worked with all of the members of and Social Action. Josh Force then presented the Ann Weil outlined a theme for next year his boards and thanked them all for their According to Soll, participants ex- Hanaw and Jerome Hanaw Tikkum Olam titled, “Engaging and Communicating” service. pressed great enthusiasm at the outset. Soll Award to Julie Schwartz and Julius Levy featuring ﬁve areas where he intends to President-elect Soll recognized Morton said his job is to guide the dedicated staff for their serious and compassionate com- bolster the Federation’s reach, including Katz and others for past service. Katz was and great leadership through prioritizing mitment in soliciting donations for this widening the net of those engaged with honored with a rose sculpture made from the agenda and implementing what he year’s campaign. the Federation and focusing more on a rocket that landed is Israel as part of a and other executive board members feel is Richard Cahn tendered the Jewish young families; creating new opportunities thank you for his service as president. important to current and future needs. Endowment Foundation of Louisiana’s through professional networking and lead- Soll stated that 42 board members and Soll said he will solicit advice from the report. Total assets under management are ership mentoring; increasing interagency committee chairpersons met on August 22 community. From this retreat, he said we now reported at $50 million. Donors gave cooperation; reaching outside the Jewish at the Metairie Country Club for a Federa- now have a blueprint for a stronger Federa- $3.3 million to the Federation. The Gen- community; and expanding communi- tion Retreat. The retreat lasted 40 hours tion and an enduring resource to facilitate eral Fund had $4.8 million and awarded cations efforts through emails and the and without interruption as attendees en- our quest for “tikkun olam” or “healing $68,000 and $51,000. The general fund is Federation’s website. gaged in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, our world,” he said. now close to $5 million. Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of Katz recognized Josh Force and Cathy Federation executive director Mi- numerous Jewish activities. Glaser for raising $2.617 million and vari- chael Weil presented his own report in

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Aviva Kempner’s inspiration to make the film began on Martha’s Vineyard, when she heard the late civil rights leader Julian Bond speak about the Julius Rosenwald with students from a Rosenwald school. (Courtesy Fisk University, John Hope and Aurelia F. Franklin Special Collections) influence of Jews who worked to better the plight of black Americans. ‘Rosenwald’ Documentary Showcases His Gifts to the African American Community The name and influence of Julius Rosenwald through- known” figure. out the “Jim Crow South” was chronicled by filmmaker “I’m on this earth to make films about under-known Aviva Kempner in her most recent documentary entitled, Jewish heroes,” she claimed. Rosenwald. The entire project took 12 years for Kempner “I thought I was coming to a talk about the Civil Rights to complete. era,” Kempner said. Instead, she heard for the first time how Rosenwald, the son of German Jewish immigrants was Rosenwald had provided funding for dozens of YMCAs born at a time when the United States was fighting in the across the country and over 5,000 school structures. Civil War. He actively demonstrated the Jewish concept In addition to providing funding for schools, Rosen- of tikkun olam, with his numerous philanthropic causes wald made a practice of giving out direct grants to worthy throughout his life. applicants. Author and playwright Langston Hughes and This film focused on one of Rosenthal’s most passion- other notables like Dr. Charles Drew, a medical researcher ate causes involving his commitment to improve the op- who specialized in blood transfusions, and establishing pressed African-American communities, especially in the blood banks prior to World War II, are also recognized rural South. In 1910, he teamed up with renowned head as Rosenwald grant recipients. “Julian Bond’s father and of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Booker T. Washing- uncle had both gotten Rosenwald grants,” Kempner said. ton and helped build 5,300 schools for with his challenge Bond, who died around the time that the film was be- grants. Many of the schoolhouses built with materials ing finished, is credited by Kempner as being much more Rosenwald had provided through his Sears and Roebuck than the impetus to the project. “He was a total inspira- catalog were designed by Tuskegee architects. tion and one of the main consultants,” she acknowledged. Of course in Jewish New Orleans circles, he is credited “He had everything to do with making the film.” for being the primary outside influence responsible for Locally, historic black college Dillard University was the the formation of what is now the Jewish Federation of recipient of funds from Rosenwald and the Stern family. A New Orleans. Additionally, he was the father of one of performance hall on campus is still named after him. the city’s greatest community leaders and philanthropist, The late poet Maya Angelou and U.S Representative Edith Stern. John Lewis (D-GA.) both recount in the film the school- Kempner, whose previous documentaries included ing they received in a Rosenwald schoolhouse. baseball great Hank Greenberg and TV pioneer Molly Following the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling Goldberg, was impressed by this affluent titan of industry, of Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka under which the president of Sears and Roebuck. He gave away mil- separate but equal school systems were declare unconsti- lions of dollars in the form of direct grants. Kempner tutional, Rosenwald schoolhouses became obsolete and Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington at Tuskegee Institute, 1915 (Courtesy, Special Collections Research Center, University of describes Rosenwald, who died in 1932, as an “under- fell into disrepair. Most of them were destroyed. Chicago Library) See ROSENWALD on page 23 22 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com OCTOBER 2015 JCRS held Chanukah Wrap-a-thon on Oct. 11 he Jewish Children’s Regional sponse to the yellow fever epidemics that Service (JCRS) held its an- orphaned large numbers of Jewish chil- nual Chanukah Wrap-a-thon on dren and formerly provided a residence in Sunday, October 11 from 9:00 New Orleans for Jewish orphans. The last a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Goldring- site it occupied is on the grounds of the TWoldenberg Campus building at 3737 West present Uptown JCC. Esplanade Avenue in Metairie. “Many of the kids we serve have physi- All members of the public were in- cal, educational, or emotional challenges, vited to attend the event, which provides while others have families that have holiday gifts to the needy and oftentimes suffered through signifi cant turmoil. The overlooked Jewish children residing in the job of our staff is not only to help youth seven-state area over which JCRS serves. by providing guidance and scholarship This year much of the underwriting opportunities, but it is also to provide the for the project was paid for by a generous message to the parents and children that grant from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable they are not forgotten by the Jewish com- Trust. munity,” said JCRS executive director Ned This program, hosted by the oldest Goldberg. Jewish children’s agency in the country, JCRS serves over 1500 youth across its marked its 18th year. It provides Chanu- region, which includes Alabama, Arkan- kah gifts to 200 Jewish minors, some of sas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, whom reside in a number of different state Tennessee and Texas. Part of its out- institutions. Volunteers prepare Chanukah gifts for last year’s JCRS Wrap-a-thon. (Photo courtesy JCRS) reach included overseeing the PJ Library The aim of the program is to provide Program, a national program designed eight small gifts for each night of Chanu- to bring Jewish-centric reading to Jewish kah for recipients. ing the costs of valuable programs such as given to JCRS by the Tolmas Trust. Others youth. The wrapped Chanukah gifts will this,” explained Trustees Vince Giardina will benefi t their Special Needs Program, JCRS also funds camperships to Jewish be shipped by JCRS to family dwellings and Lisa Romano. “Oscar Tolmas wanted which helps to provide care and treatment camps for more than 300 Jewish campers and state institutions so that they will his legacy to serve those with the great- to developmentally challenged Jewish at more than 35 different Jewish non- be received by the children in time for est of needs, and these individuals, like youth across the region, and their Educa- profi t camps nationwide. These funds are Chanukah. our veterans, need to be remembered and tion Program that provides college tuition distributed on a need basis determined by “We are quite pleased to be able to served.” assistance based on fi nancial need to Jew- JCRS staffers. honor the memory and charitable interests The grant to the Chanukah Gift ish undergraduate students. of the late Oscar J. Tolmas by underwrit- Program is one of three separate grants JCRS, was founded in 1855 in re-

ROSENWALD from page 22 One of the few existing schoolhouses declared Rosenwald schools as among ties. She does not pay herself for her time premiered at the Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplin- in Louisiana was saved and is now part of the 11 most endangered buildings in the and investment. ary Arts Center, 1618 Oretha Castle Haley the River Road African American Museum United States,” Hambrick Jackson noted. Kempner was born in Berlin and is a Boulevard, on October 9, and ran daily located in Donaldsonville, according to Kempner said that the hardest part of descendant of Holocaust survivors. As through October 15. A special screening its founder and director, Kathe Hambrick making a documentary is the fundraising, a child she lived in Detroit, but now she was sponsored by the local Federation on Jackson. which requires applying for grants and calls Washington, D.C. home. Saturday, October 10. “The National Trust a few years ago asking for donations from interested par- In New Orleans the documentary ﬁ lm

8305 Airline Drive, Metairie 504-466-6000 www.bryansubaru.com crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 23 OCTOBER 2015 Mad Hatters Tea Party a stylish affair his year hats were the fashion statement that Hadassah members wore to their annual major fundraiser Tgala. The past two previous events, both titled Bra-Veaux, brought attention to breast cancer awareness and served as a means for the Greater New Orleans Chapter of Hadassah to auction off colorfully decorated brassieres of all shapes and sizes as fundraising items. Two men Mad Hatters show off their colorful cha- This year’s affair – the Mad Hatters peaus. (Photo by Gary Michael Smith) Tea Party – was an opportunity for women and men to don colorfully decorated hats in Hadassah prides itself on its ongoing a similar fundraising effort. mission to provide emergency care around The Hadassah members, associates, the world, particularly in the face of medi- spouses and friends celebrated in lavish cal disasters. style at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in In materials and lectures held through- City Park on Sunday, October 18 from out the year, Hadassah members learn 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. about the cutting edge medical research Some of the decorated hats were being conducted at Hadassah hospitals that intended to be offered as the height of Hadassah members model their colorful millinery. (Photo by Gary Michael Smith) attempt to seek cures for such devastating fashion, while others were offered as items diseases as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, of whimsy. Many hats were decorated with Party also honored the former Hadassah Feldman ALS, Multiple Sclerosis and melanoma. ribbons and flowers, while others included leader and benefactor Libbye Katz Gordon Nominated for a Nobel Prize as a bridge In addition, the Greater New Orleans humorous depictions of blackbirds in flight. of blessed memory. of peace in the Middle East, the Hadassah Chapter has provided its members with In addition to raising much needed A series of silent auctions were held hospitals treat patients regardless of ethnic- seminars and lectures to advocate for funds for the Hadassah Medical Organi- throughout the day followed by an exciting ity, race and religion. Similarly, their staffs women’s issues and inform them about zation, which oversees and manages two live auction, conducted by retired president reflect a cross-section of ethnical and racial issues dealing with children and women’s hospitals in Israel, the Mad Hatters Tea and general manager of WYES, Randall backgrounds. health.

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24NO_CrescentCityJewishNews2016.indd | The Best of the Crescent 2 City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com11/11/15 11:02 AM OCTOBER 2015 Horvitz’s Jessica Hawk Garden Fund expanded he future of a memorial following her death, Horvitz set up the garden instituted to honor the garden in the neutral ground of St. Claude memory of a victim of a fatal Avenue between Press and Montegut stabbing may be ensured by the Streets on the one-year anniversary of establishment of an Internet Hawk’s death. He and friends had been Tfunding site for that purpose. The Jessica tending to it until the time of his death. Hawk Garden was a passion of her former Horvitz’s brother Bill has announced fi ancé, scriptwriter and writing coach Lee that he has worked with a number of lo- Horvitz, who died suddenly this summer. cal residents, who had expressed a desire Hawk, a former resident of Cincinnati, to continue Lee’s efforts to maintain the had moved to New Orleans in anticipa- garden. Aside from the labor required for tion of marrying Horvitz. However, the upkeep, expenses for new plants, water couple broke up in 2007 and Hawk was and the cost of some equipment will be the victim of a fatal Bywater robbery and incurred. stabbing in 2008. The investigation into Recently, a stone plaque bearing Lee her murder went cold until 2014. That’s Horvitz’s name was added to the garden when the New Orleans Police Depart- (see photo). ment named a suspect in the case, who Working with the Internet funding site was already serving a sentence in a Texas Give Forward, Bill Horvitz established prison on burglary charges. According to the Jessica Hawk Garden Fund. A goal of the NOPD report, the suspect confessed to $5,000 had been set, of which $975 – or killing Hawk. 20% – of the total has been achieved. After working with city offi cials Plaque in Jessica Hawk Garden honors her former fi ancé. (Photo courtesy Bill Horvitz)

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(JTA) Cain then pulled a gun on Gold and demanded Jewish Tulane Medical School student his money. When Gold said he had no cash, was shot in the stomach while trying Cain shot him in the stomach. to stop the attempted abduction of a The video also showed that after Gold Awoman on a New Orleans street. dropped to the sidewalk, writhing in pain from Peter Gold, 25, a fourth-year medical stu- his wound, Cain attempted to shoot him twice dent from Longwood, FL., was hospitalized in more in the head. The gun apparently jammed guarded condition at University Medical Center on both occasions. following the incident on Friday, November 20 The Gold family told ABC News in a state- at 4:00 a.m. The unidentifi ed woman, whose ment, “While we deeply appreciate everyone’s purse was also stolen, suffered minor injuries concern, support and prayers as our family faces and was released, according to the Times-Pica- this crisis, our sole focus at this time is on Peter’s yune and New Orleans Advocate newspapers. recovery. We ask that everyone respect our need Gold saw the woman being carried to a for privacy while we join Peter as he begins to nearby car against her will on Magazine Street recover from the injuries he has sustained.” near the intersection of St. Mary. A private The Advocate reported that Gold also was security camera captured the incident and the an undergraduate at Tulane majoring in sociol- shooting. ogy and was active in the university’s Hillel. The video shows Gold driving his vehicle, “That is so Peter,” Michele Adams, an as- Peter Gold, a fourth-year medical student writhes in pain from a shot to the abdomen as alleged attacker Euric witnessing the abduction, reversing his car and sociate professor and chairwoman of Tulane’s Cain attempts to shoot him twice more in the head. (Photo from YouTube) then driving up against one-way traffi c before department of sociology, told The Advocate. stopping his car. Gold is then seen getting out “He was always engaged, involved with his It was announced on Dec. 2 that Gold had (CCJN editor Alan Smason contributed of his vehicle and attempting to offer assistance peers and just an amazing person, so it doesn’t been released from the hospital. He is expected to this story. Go to www.crescentcityjew- to the woman. According to an account in the surprise me to hear he was trying to help some- to make a full recovery. ishnews to read up-to-date details and see Tulane student newspaper, The Hullabaloo, one. ‘Selfl ess’ is what comes to mind.” a link to the video surveillance feed.)

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26 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com NOVEMBER 2015 JCDS celebrates 20 years at Homecoming Gala record breaking 200 friends of Jew- Fried is a teacher in the school’s innovative ish Community Day School (JCDS) pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 1st grade celebrated 20 years of academic Early Childhood program and a member of Aexcellence and the values of Jewish the school’s ﬁ rst faculty. David Fried served heritage at its recent Homecoming gala. Entitled as the school’s treasurer for nearly 20 years. “Looking Back, Moving Forward,” the event The Master of Ceremonies was was held Sunday evening, November 15, at Michele Allen-Hart, co-president of the Temple Sinai. JCDS Parent Association. Rabbi Edward Head of school Sharon Pollin thanked Cohn, Hugo Kahn and Heidi Vizelberg attendees for participating in the gala, for paid tribute to Judy and David Fried. their strong belief in JCDS and for giving Pearl Lerner Kane, the President of New generously. Pollin spoke of the achieve- York City’s PLK Consulting Group, LLC, ments of the JCDS academic year. Consultant for PEJE and Coach to JCDS These included welcoming 17 new recognized the outstanding contributions students to the school, re-opening full pre- of Bill Norman. kindergarten and kindergarten classes and Homecoming 20! Gala Honorary instituting the monthly Jewish Babies Club Chair was Joan Berenson. Co-Chairs for young families. She also pointed to the were Lis and Hugo Kahn and Dashka upcoming January 2016 launch of the new Roth Lehmann and Larry Lehmann. The Young Baby Program, a full-time educa- featured entertainer was Atlanta singer tional child care program for infants aged and songwriter Rabbi Micah Lapidus. 3–15 months designed to support working Honorees (from left): David and Judy Fried, JCDS head of school Sharon Pollin and Bill Norman. (Photo courtesy JCDS) Lapidus, along with JCDS music teacher Jewish parents. Lauren Gisclair, led a choir of JCDS Finally, Pollin proudly announced that a prestigious program of the Partnership for honored. Norman is a passionate Jewish students in arrangements of his original JCDS was recently selected as one of only 12 Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE). Day School advocate, current board member compositions as well as some well-known schools in North America to become part of Long-standing supporters Bill Nor- and founder of the predecessor to JCDS, favorites. The event was catered by the Governance and Fundraising Academy, man and Judy and David Fried were the New Orleans Jewish Day School. Judy Casablanca.

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BY DEAN M. SHAPIRO

epresentatives of the Arch- diocese of New Orleans and the New Orleans RJewish rabbinate gathered before an audience on the campus of Loyola University on November 23 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vatican II declaration that led to formalized relations between the Roman Catholic Church and other religions, including the world Jewish community. New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond and several local and visiting rabbis were on hand to mark the occasion when, in 1965, the bishops assembled in the Vatican ratified the Nostra Aetate Declaration on the Rela- tion of the Church with Non- Christian Religions. New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond greets Rabbi Michael Cook at the 50th anniver- Rabbi Robert Loewy of Congregation Gates of Prayer delivers the priestly blessing in Hebrew Latin for “In our time,” Nos- sary of the Nostra Aetate document that eased tensions between the Catholic Church and as Archbishop Gregory Aymond prepares to read its translation in English. (Photo by Alan tra Aetate was a significant step Jews. (Photo by Alan Smason) Smason) forward in ending centuries of alienation between the Catholic Hebrew Union College-Jewish In- had written saying that “hatred a shared faith in many ways,” and Jewish faiths. Among the stitute of Religion in Cincinnati. of Jews was rooted in Catholic Aymond said. most far-reaching provisions of The archbishop related the doctrine and teachings,” Aymond Following a question and the document was a formal dec- series of events that led up to explained. answer period, the evening’s laration by the Church absolving the enactment of Nostra Aetate, Pope John then brought on program concluded with the the Jews of guilt for the death of starting with a meeting between board a Polish-born American traditional priestly blessing in Jesus. Pope John XXIII and Jewish his- rabbi, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Hebrew by Rabbi Robert Loewy Members of both the Catholic torian Jules Isaac shortly before to assist him and Isaac in draft- of Metairie’s Congregation Gates and Jewish faiths attended the the opening of Vatican II. The ing wording for the document up of Prayer and in English by the gathering, which was emceed pope who, as Archbishop Angelo for consideration by the bishops, archbishop. by WDSU-TV6 anchor Scott Roncalli, saved tens of thousands Aymond continued. To read this full article that Walker in Nunemaker Hall. In of Jews in Eastern Europe during “The background of Nostra includes childhood reflections addition to Archbishop Aymond, Interfaith authority Rabbi Michael Cook of the Nazi-perpetrated Holocaust, Aetate shows the providence of by Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn the honored guest was Rabbi Mi- the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Insti- “listened not only with his ears, God and the working of the spirit go to the CCJN website (www. chael Cook, a leading authority tute of Religion. (Photo by Alan Smason) but also with his heart” as he of God, calling us to honesty, crescentcityjewishnews.com) and on interfaith relations from the and Isaac discussed a book Isaac respect for one another, and to search under November features.

General Assembly mixes with AJPA conference BY ALAN SMASON , the previous day with President Barack Max, will be Bar Mitzvahed this Saturday, Members of the AJPA interacted with EXCLUSIVE TO THE CCJN Obama and American Ambassador to so I am here with a heavy heart.” rank and file Federation members and Israel Dan Simon. Members of the AJPA .Also on the program was TV star directors. A panel on the future of Jewish or the second year in a row, the were treated to an on the record briefing (“The Mysteries of Laura” and “Will and journalism hosted by Marshall Weiss, American Jewish Press Association from the ambassador and several en cam- Grace”) Debra Messing, who spoke on outgoing AJPA president featured JTA (AJPA) held its conference in con- era briefings from White House and State her connection to Judaism through social editor-in-chief Ami Eden, j-Weekly editor Fjunction with the annual General Department officials at the Eisenhower action.“Today I am a proud Jewish wom- Sue Fishkoff from San Francisco and Assembly (GA) of the Jewish Federations Office Building. an, ” she said. “In advocating for others, Washington Jewish Press and Baltimore of North America (JFNA). Also for the Other plenary speakers included for- I have learned to accept myself,” Messing Jewish Times publisher Craig Burke. second year in a row, Washington, D.C. mer “Meet the Press” host David Gregory, concluded. “Today I feel beautiful.” AJPA members wrapped up their own was chosen as the site to hold the largest who spoke on his new book How’s Your The delegation from the Jewish Federa- conference at a nearby hotel on Veterans gathering of Jewish Federations nation- Faith?: An Unlikely Spiritual Jorney. Greg- tion of Greater New Orleans included Day, the day following the final GA ses- wide. ory revealed he was in the most seminal executive director Michael Weil, assistant sions. The JFNA has announced plans to Members attending plenary sessions of L’Dor v’Dor (generation to generation) executive director Sherri Tarr, former meet in Washington, D.C. again next year got to hear live from Israel Prime Minister times. “My father, Don Gregory died two president Julie Wise Oreck and her daugh- at the same time in November. Benjamin Netanyahu, who had met days ago,” Gregory began, “and my son, ter Zoe in addition to Brian Katz.

28 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com NOVEMBER 2015 Anshe Sfard celebrates Joseph Sher’s 100th birthday Congregation Anshe Sfard celebrated Polsky delighted in retelling the story sor. The couple had two sons, Martin and its oldest congregant, Joseph Sher, as he of how as a teenager Sher was pulled out Leopold. reached the milestone of his 100th birth- of school and taught the trade of a tailor. Following the Shacharit and Mussaf day with special worship during Shabbat It was his skill as a tailor that ultimately services, the congregation, family and morning services that included family spared Sher his life during the Holocaust, friends gathered in the social hall down- members and friends. Polsky said. stairs for a special Kiddush luncheon, Sher, who is also the area’s oldest living He witnessed ﬁ rst-hand the death of catered by Casablanca Restaurant. Holocaust survivor, received the honor of his 92-year-old grandmother at the hands Leopold Sher thanked the rabbi and the third aliyah during the Torah service. of a Nazi henchman and suffered other everyone for attending and gave credit to He recited the Torah blessing from his unspeakable horrors during the Holocaust, his wife Karen for all that she had done to wheelchair, which had been lifted onto the Polsky said. make his father feel welcome, especially af- bimah. According to an account in the Times- ter Hurricane Katrina’s devastation forced Rabbi David Polsky took delight in Picayune, both Sher and his young wife his family to relocate to Baton Rouge and making his drosh all about “Mr. Sher.” happened to be interred in the same con- his father to stay with his older brother Beaming in a way that gave away his centration camp and, miraculously, both Martin’s family in Dallas until 2006. excitement at being able to celebrate such lived through the experience. Following the He also thanked Cary Pope, who a rare lifecycle, Polsky called Sher “our war’s end, they spent several years living lives across from the synagogue, for his treasure.” He selected several phrases in in a Displaced Persons camp and arrived assistance each Sabbath in moving his Yiddish that Sher favors frequently that in New Orleans as one of its ﬁ rst survivor father and his wheelchair up and down the were echoed back by Sher as he said them. families in 1949. Later, Sher’s skill as a imposing stairs that lead to the sanctuary. Joseph Sher celebrates his 100th birthday Another of Sher’s phrases in English tailor enabled him to secure work at Harry the day prior to a special Shabbat service and was bandied about as well: “Stay young!” Hyman Tailors, where he was a supervi- kiddush luncheon that honored him. (Photo by Samantha Sher)

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crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 29 The Crescent City Jewish News Family and Our Proud Connection to the Legendary Allen Toussaint By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN

hen Allen Toussaint died of an apparent heart attack in Spain in mid- November, the outpouring of grief from every imaginable sector of the city Allen Toussaint, had many connections to the Jewish community of New was palpable. This included many members of the local Jewish community. Orleans. (Photo by Alan Smason) While many recalled his gentlemanly manner, his authority in the recording studio, his gift for arranging and his ability to bring the best out of others, a Wfew like me, who had been privileged to know the producer-composer-arranger on a more personal basis, felt the loss even more.

Toussaint was a friend to publishing rights for any song was another piece for a differ- Jews throughout New Orleans, he wrote under his name. This ent trumpet player in 1965. although he had reason not was the reason that many of his Herb Alpert’s “Whipped Cream to trust several who had their early 1960s hits bear the name and Other Delights” went on hands and fi ngers in the record- Naomi Neville, which was his to become the number one ing industry, especially in New mother’s name. record that year propelled to York, where he fi rst tried to Toussaint’s earliest hits the top by Toussaint’s favorite ignite his career. were “Whirlaway” and “Java,” of “Whipped Cream.” Following his service in an instrumental hit for New But that connection would the U.S. Army, Toussaint was Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt not have been made had it not signed to a record deal in New that hit as high as #4 on the been for lifelong New Orlea- York for RCA Victor Records. Billboard Top 100 in 1963. Co- nian Irvin Smith, one of the “The Wild Sounds of New written with saxophonist Alvin owners of the recording com- Orleans” was his fi rst record “Red” Tyler, Toussaint was pany Instant Records and the in 1958 and a foolish attempt surprised to see Freddy Friday, purveyor of records at Smith’s Paul Shaff er congratulates Allen Toussaint at the 2009 Jazz by record executives to get a third name on the label, who Records. Toussaint and Mac Fest Shabbat at Touro Synagogue. (Photo by Alan Smason) album purchasers to correctly got an equal one-third cut for Rebennack (a. k. a. “Dr. John) pronounce the performer’s royalties. It turned out to be would be utilized as the session the business partner of Herb friends. Toussaint’s fi rst major surname by listing his name as a record company executive leaders for many recording Alpert of A&M Records. He concert before a New Orleans “Tousan.” who placed his name on the sessions Smith and his partner insisted that Alpert record audience at the Municipal A little later he was signed records just prior to its publish- Joe Banacek would hold. More Toussaint’s songs and Moss Auditorium in 1968 was to a personal services contract ing. Toussaint and Tyler were to the point, though, Smith was made certain his partner made sponsored by my family’s S by an unscrupulous record both powerless to prevent the my mother’s only brother. He this reality. & S Productions. He opened company executive. Toussaint rip-off. was my “Uncle Irvin.” For decades later Tous- for O.C. Smith on his “Little had to fork over one-half of his His biggest hit after “Java” My uncle met Jerry Moss, saint and Smith remained good Green Apples” tour. Toussaint

30 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com Professor Longhair, Archibald, connection to Toussaint was became more pronounced as Tuts Washington and James established through my afﬁ liation demand never seemed to dimin- Booker, Toussaint assumed with my family’s record store and ish. He received many honors the title of elder statesman of through my uncle and mother. throughout his life which New Orleans piano music. His After the closure of our record include an induction into the early work with The Meters, stores in the early 1990s, Tous- Songwriters Hall of Fame and Irma Thomas or his work saint contracted me to repair a 2013 National Medal of Arts years later with the Pointer his personal computers. That is award presented by President Sisters and Dr. John helped him where I came to know him much Obama. achieve legendary status. Tous- more intimately. I was privileged Recently, he performed on saint became one of the most to repair software or hard- “Steppin’ Out,” the weekly arts beloved of performers at the ware on his systems for many and entertainment show on New Orleans Jazz and Heritage years. Whenever we would see WYES-TV on which I serve as Festival. First playing on the each other, there was a mutual the theatre critic. It was the last Riverboat President, Toussaint admiration society, although the time I saw him perform. eventually performed on major amount of talent he possessed It was just like Allen Tous- stages that drew thousands. was far in excess of anything I saint in recent days; he was Local rock photographer brought to the table. a man who yearned to slow Playing at the piano, Allen Toussaint was home and in love with New Orleans, Sidney Smith, a cousin was Following Hurricane down, but whose audience (Photo by Alan Smason) another family member that Katrina and “The River in Re- wouldn’t allow it. Now in New developed a good relationship verse” album he recorded with Orleans and those fans across appeared before the audience Jazz Fest Shabbats was the 2009 with the performer. Smith has Elvis Costello, Toussaint took the world will have to share wearing a set of white tails and event when Toussaint played at several unique photos of Tous- to the road more often and this tremendous talent with the played a white Steinway grand Touro Synagogue along with spe- saint taken during his middle found audiences worldwide stars in the heavens. piano. cial guest performer Paul Shaffer. and late periods of performing. salivating for his performances. One of the most popular of the Following the passing of Of course, my personal His time spent on the road Award Winning Crescent City Jewish News Publications

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Annual Guide to Jewish Living in New Orleans and North Shore crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 31 OBITUARIES

Obituaries are published at the discretion of in 2014 at the Vista Shore Assisted Living facility. at the end of World War II, serving his time while Thilim for many years. Rottersman continued as a the CCJN and are free of charge. Obituaries are Covert was predeceased by her husband of 60 stationed in Japan. Later he enrolled and graduated member of Shir Chadash following the merger with a product of the editorial department and are years, David Covert, in October of 2009. Previ- from the New York University School of Law. Tikvat Shalom. a story of a person’s life. Editorial policy may de- ously, they had shared an Uptown dwelling, where As an attorney, Sarett began his career working Following the death of her husband in 1996 termine the length and content of an obituary. they raised their family. Later, the couple moved to with the New York City District Attorney’s office. after 46 years of marriage, Rottersman continued to the Whitney Apartments in Metairie before her final He also worked as a counsel with Allied Van Lines. live in the Metairie area, displaced only for a short Cookbook author Mildred Covert dead at 88 move to Vista Shores. He was married to in 1958 to Edith (née Feiner) time by the flooding and uncertainty associated MILDRED LUBRITZ She is survived by daughters Susan Seiden (Jan) Sarett and the two became the parents of fraternal with Hurricane Katrina before her return. However, COVERT, the silver-haired of Miami and Golda Spiers (Wayne) of Slidell, son twins in 1962. following a very serious shoulder injury, she moved cookbook author, who in Martin Covert (Cecile), sister Celia Katz, brother In 1971 Sarett was appointed by President Rich- to West Bloomfield to be near her oldest daughter more recent years had a sec- Abe Lubritz, four grandchildren and two great- ard M. Nixon as an Administrative Law Judge with Linda in the winter of 2006 for ongoing care. ond career as a commercial grandchildren. the Department of Health Education and Welfare, Rottersman is survived by her three daughters model and television actress, Graveside services were held May 12, at 3:00 which facilitated the family’s move to New Orleans. Linda (Paul) Blumberg of Ann Arbor, MI; Anna died at night on Mother’s p.m. at the New Beth Israel Cemetery, 4400 Elysian The Saretts were active volunteers in the Jewish Rottersman (Ted Lehmann) of Queens, New York Day, May 10, at Vista Shores Fields Avenue. Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg officiated. community raising money for Israel Bonds and and Tina (Jay) Brackmann; seven grandchildren and Mildred Covert Assisted Living Facility. She In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to active in their support of Hadassah. They were all five great-grandchildren. was 88. Congregation Beth Israel, 4404 W. Esplanade Ave., members of Touro Synagogue. Graveside services were held on Thursday, Beginning in 1982, Covert penned several Metairie, LA 70002 or The Newcomb College An avid tennis player, Sarett was a lover of clas- May 28, at Chevra Thilim Cemetery, 5000 Iberville Jewish-themed cookbooks – “Kosher Cajun Cook- Institute at Tulane University, 7025 Freret St., New sical music and devoted himself to reading the New Street, at 11:00 a.m. Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg of book,” “Kosher Creole Cookbook,” and “Kosher Orleans, LA 70118. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp of York Times. Congregation Beth Israel conducted the service. Southern-Style Cookbook – along with her partner Metairie was in charge of funeral arrangements. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to distant Memorial donations are suggested to the charity Sylvia Gerson of blessed memory. The two also shores, frequently making extended trips to destina- of your choice. Funeral arrangements were made wrote a children’s cookbook titled “A Kid’s Kosher Sophie Welsch Teks passes away in FL. tions in Europe to Toronto and to Alaska. They by the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield, MI and Cooking Cruise,” in which recipes and stories SOPHIE WELSCH TEKS, a longtime resident loved their stays in Israel. When both twins lived handled locally by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral geared to youngsters were printed. Gerson’s son, of New Orleans who had moved to Naples, FL. at various times in Israel, they would make time to Home. noted artist Alan Gerson, illustrated all four books, following the flooding associated with Hurricane visit there annually. all of which are still published by Pelican Books. Katrina, passed away May 8, 2015. She was 98, Judge Sarett retired in 2007 and was prede- Carol Shear is buried in GA; memorial held here Pelican’s publisher, Kathleen Nettleton, recalled just a little shy of six weeks of reaching what would ceased by his wife Edith at the beginning of 2008. CAROL ROSENTHAL SHEAR, a business- the impression Covert made on her. “I remember her have been her next birthday. He later moved to Oak Park, MI, outside of Detroit, woman, realtor, artist and teacher died June 5, 2015, as a kind woman who was passionate about preserv- Teks was a graduate of H. Sophie Newcomb to be near his daughter. after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. ing the tastes of Creole, Cajun, and Southern food College, receiving honors from the School of Music. He is survived by his son Rick Sarrett (Tanja), his Shear’s ever-present smile and dedication to her in a way that honored their traditions, yet kept the She lived for many years in her beloved residence daughter Lisa Berger (Mike) and 12 grandchildren. family and friends are among her most memorable foods Kosher,” Nettleton responded to the CCJN. on Octavia Street. Teks lived there until Hurri- A graveside service was conducted on May 15 charms. “She began her cookbook career with her friend cane Katrina literally moved in and displaced her, at 4:00 p.m at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3. Rabbi Born in Savannah, she graduated from Savannah Sylvia, when many of their acquaintances requested prompting her move to Florida. Yossie Nemes officiated. High School and attended the University of Georgia, the recipes for the flavors the ladies converted in A unique, sweet Southern lady with a forgiving where she was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon soror- their own households,” the publisher continued. and humble personality, Teks possessed a charm Holocaust survivor Mirel Rottersman laid to rest ity. Following her college graduation, she became an “Their collaboration was truly a synergistic partner- and a special twinkle in her eye that endeared MIREL ROTTERSMAN, a Holocaust survivor art teacher in the public school sector before joining ship comprised of equal parts love of the flavors one and all to her. She had an appetite for New who moved to New Orleans in 1951 before relocat- her husband, Alan Shear, in the family business, of Louisiana, a desire to share the history of food Orleans fare, especially anything from her beloved ing to Michigan nine years ago, died May 25 in Continental Equipment. culture in Louisiana and meld them with the Jewish Galatoire’s Restaurant. Bloomfield, MI. She was 93. In addition to her husband, she is survived by tradition, and careful and conscientious research A long-serving member of the Sisterhood, Teks Rottersman, who was born in Poland, was her daughter Stacey Shear Samler, her son Jay Shear, and attention to detail. Her joyous heart and gener- was dedicated to Temple Sinai, oftentimes serving as incarcerated at the Auschwitz concentration camp her sister Lois Rosenstein, her brother Dr. Sanford ous spirit will be missed.” a hostess on Friday night for worship services. She and following her liberation was sent via the World Rosenthal and a granddaughter. Because of her work, the Newcomb College received the highest honors available to the “oldest Jewish Congress to Sweden, from where she moved A graveside funeral was held in Savannah Center for Research on Women honored her in member of the Temple Sinai Sisterhood.” to England in 1948. It was there that she met her Georgia on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Bonaventure 2004 for her defining how modern, observant Jews She was an accomplished pianist, music teacher, future husband, Nathan Rottersman, at night class Cemetery. Rabbi Avigdor Slatus of Congregation adapted their cooking methods to enjoy traditional and lover of the fine arts. Music was an especially in London. Previously released from a Stalinist labor Bnai Brith Jacob officiated. southeast Louisiana cooking. Besides cooking for important component of her life. She was very close camp, Mr. Rottersman had fought with the Allies A memorial service was held Sunday, June 28, family and friends, Covert was also an avid needle- to her late brother, Lou Welsch, who was a very im- in the Polish Brigade of the British Army and was 2015 at 12:00 noon at Congregation Beth Israel, point artist in her spare time. portant person in her life and noted as the songwriter living in London at that time. The two were married 4004 W. Esplanade Ave., in Metairie. Rabbi Gabriel Covert had been featured in several local of the popular “Mardi Gras Mambo.” Many people in 1949. Greenberg presided. television commercials in the past decade. She was considered them as twins and the two were constant They began to raise their family in England, Donations may be sent to the Pancreatic Cancer featured in a credited non-speaking role in the TV companions until the time of his passing. but decided to move to the United States in 1951, Action Network through a link to her memorial page pilot of “Memphis Beat,” a TNT series that was Teks is survived by her family in Naples, con- bringing with them two daughters, a two-year-old or to Congregation Beth Israel. shot in New Orleans. sisting of several nieces and grandnieces. Her family toddler and a six-month-old infant. A homemaker and mother, Covert was a former requests any donations made, be sent to her much Once relocated to New Orleans, the Rot- Retired T-P exec Joseph Ross is dead; funeral religious school teacher at Congregation Beth Israel, loved Sisterhood of Temple Sinai, tersmans became members of the New Americans Sunday where she was an active and longtime member of its A graveside funeral ceremony took place on Fri- Social Club, which encouraged social activities and JOSEPH I. ROSS, 86, a retired executive and Sisterhood, serving as its president as well as serving day, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Hebrew Rest Cemetery events among newly-arrived Holocaust survivors. associate publisher of the Times-Picayune newspaper on many other committees such as programming. No. 3, 2400 Pelopidas at Frenchmen Street. Rabbi She enjoyed playing cards with other club members, for 40 years, died Wednesday, June 24 at the Villas at She recalled that her grandparents, who had fled Edward Cohn officiated. especially poker. Woldenberg Village. Poland because of pogroms, saw the last three of Rottersman was known for her kindness and Ross came to New Orleans after graduating from their eight children born in New Orleans. Retired federal Judge Carl W. Sarett is buried here grace and she excelled in helping her husband high school in his native New York to attend Tulane Until a few years ago, when her health began to CARL WAGNER SARETT, a retired federal with his plumbing business as well as overseeing University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree fail, Covert was an active member of the citywide Administrative Law Judge, died in Oak Park, MI on the many real estate properties they purchased, and worked for a short time as a geologist before Chevra Kadisha Committee, whose job it is to prop- Thursday, May 14. He was 87. rehabbed and kept. joining the staff of the Times-Picayune as a salesman, erly prepare members of the Jewish community for Born in Brooklyn, Sarett graduated from She was a member of Hadassah and her family first in the classified advertising department and, later, burial. She was selected as the Queen of Mardi Gras Columbia University and was in the U.S. Army maintained membership at Congregation Chevra in the display advertising department.

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

Ross was elevated to manager of the advertising ported by ambulance from the airport to a hospital, and Burke from 1951 to 1955. He worked for nearly department in the 1960s and later achieved success Housewife, volunteer Edel Gainsburgh where he expired. He was 61. 35 years at the firm of Jones Walker from 1955 to as a vice president and business manager of the com- passes away at 89 As an artist, he specialized in three-dimensional 1990 before leaving to become a counselor at Sul- pany during the later portion of his career. EDEL ZEVE GAINSBURGH, a housewife, forms of sculpture. Several of his pieces are found in livan, Stollier and Resor until 2005, when he retired. Among his outside pursuits, he served as the mother and community volunteer, died peacefully the Russian Federation. A member of the Louisiana, New Orleans, and president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Ella in her sleep on Friday morning, July 3, 2015. She As an architect, Bienn was noted for retro-fitting American Bar Association, Rosen was also elected to Dolhonde Elementary School in Metairie. was 89. several historic buildings with functional designs. He the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and the He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ross; sons, Gainsburgh, a longtime member of Temple Sinai, designed the Res Nova Gallery on the site of a former Anglo American Real Property Institute. Richard and Bob Ross; his daughter Betsy Ross of is remembered as a dedicated mother and committed tobacco warehouse in the Warehouse District some He served in the U.S. Army and received an hon- Salt Lake City; and five grandchildren. volunteer. Among her pet projects, she spent time 20 years ago. That contemporary art gallery has since orable discharge prior to earning a bachelor’s degree Visitation was held on Sunday, June 28, at supporting both the Temple Sinai Sisterhood and the moved to New York City. He also worked for several from Tulane University in 1948. Rosen went on to Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 West Esplanade National Council of Jewish Women. years in New York with internationally acclaimed earn a juris doctor degree from the Tulane School of Ave. in Metairie. A private burial service followed. A New Year’s Day baby, Gainsburgh was born sculptor Keith Sonnier. Law and was a participant in Moot Court Competi- Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home was in in Nacogdoches, TX. in 1926. She began her college A native of New Orleans, Bienn graduated from tion while there. charge of arrangements. years at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches and Alcee Fortier Sr. High School before enrolling at the An active Jewish community member, Rosen was graduated with a sociology degree from the Univer- School of Architecture at Tulane University. Follow- a member of the board of Touro Synagogue and also Bette Sherman Mopsik is buried June 26 sity of Texas. ing the fall of the former Soviet Union, Bienn, who served on the Touro Infirmary board. In recent years, BETTE SHERMAN MOPSIK, a retired Jefferson Before moving to New Orleans, she also worked was fluent in Russian, lived and worked for nearly Rosen was a member of Temple Sinai. Parish school teacher and reporter, died on Wednes- in the admissions office at Stephen F. Austin. After a decade in St. Petersburg. It was there he met and He was a chairman of the Jewish Welfare Fund day, June 24, 2015. She was 78. her move to the Crescent City, Gainsburgh also married his first wife, Natalia Salop. The couple later and also served as the local United Way Fund chair- A graduate of Louisiana State University, she was worked with children and families at the Children’s had a son. man. an accomplished actress and director of several plays Bureau and helped to manage Dr. Joseph Cohen’s Bienn was a proponent of green housing and was An avid and skilled golfer, Rosen was a member throughout her life. Mopsik was the journalism and office. credited for many of his innovative and contempo- of the Maccabiah Golf Teams in 1961 and 1965. He speech teacher at West Jefferson High School, a posi- She was predeceased by her husband, Samuel rary modular designs. Following the breakup of his was a three-time New Orleans City golf champion tion from which she retired. C. Gainsburgh, to whom she was married for 48 marriage, he returned from Russia in 2005 after the and served on the boards of the New Orleans Golf She was a member of Temple Sinai. years. She is survived by her two daughters, Judith A. flooding associated with Hurricane Katrina. He dedi- Association, the Southern Golf Association and Lake- A loving wife and mother, he is survived by her Gainsburgh and Amy Gainsburgh-Haspel (John); a cated himself to helping to rebuild the city, but still wood Country Club. He was also chairman of Fore husband of 54 years, Norman Mopsik; her son, Law- son, Alan I. Gainsburgh (Cindy) and two grandchil- made frequent trips to Russia to see his son and ex- Kids’ Foundation and was a member of the Tulane rence Mopsik and her step-daughter, Laura Mopsik dren,. wife. Bienn met his second wife, Angelica Verkeenko, Green Wave Club. Rosen was at one time one of the of Palm Springs, CA. Burial was private. Memorial services were held in 2005 in St. Petersburg. She moved to the United original owners of the New Orleans Saints. Private graveside services were conducted on in the sanctuary at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles States in 2009 and the two were married in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Emily Hart Rosen; Friday morning, June 26, 2015 at Hebrew Rest Avenue, on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. A Bienn is survived by his wife and his son, Elijah his children Charles Rosen, III, Virginia “Ginger” Cemetery by Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn. In lieu of flowers, reception was held in the Goldring Social Hall. Bienn of St. Petersburg, Russia, by his brother, Brian Graf Ringer (Bill), Jane Rosen, James Louis “Jimmy” memorials were suggested to any charity. Tharp- In lieu of flowers memorial donations were Bienn, and two sisters Mary Jumonville and Jane Rosen (Tillie) and four grandchildren. Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie was in suggested to Temple Sinai, the Samuel C. Gainsburgh Vadem. A funeral service was held at Lake Lawn Funeral charge of arrangements. Scholarship Fund at Tulane Law School, 6329 Freret A funeral service was conducted on Wednesday Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., on Thursday, July St., New Orleans, LA 70118-6231, Second Harvest morning, July 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Tharp-Sontheimer- 23, at 1:00 p.m. Temple Sinai Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn Fannie Teles Regenbogen succumbs at 98 Food Bank or the charity of your choice. Tharp Funeral Home by Rabbi Robert Loewy of officiated. Burial, which followed immediately, was FANNIE TELES REGENBOGEN, a housewife Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Congregation Gates of Prayer. private. and mother, died peacefully at Passages Hospice on Metairie is in charge of arrangements. Thursday, June 25. She was 98. Housewife Roberta Ratner Carr laid to rest A native of New Orleans, Regenbogen was Attorney Ruth Force funeral set ROBERTA RATNER CARR, a housewife and known to hundreds of children she taught over the RUTH MORRIS FORCE, a retired attorney for Retired medical records librarian Miriam mother, passed away on Sunday, July 19, follow- course of more than three decades as a religious the U. S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Loui- Greenwald dies ing a protracted battle with Alzheimer’s disease. school teacher. siana, died on Monday, July 13, at Touro Infirmary MIRIAM RAIE JAUDEL GREENWALD, a She was 81. She was predeceased by her husband of many after an extended illness. She was 80. retired medical records librarian, died early Tuesday At the time of her death, Carr was a member years, Issac Regenbogen, who passed away in 1979. Force was a native of Camden, N.J. and was a morning, July 21, at Passages Hospice. She was 95. of Touro Synagogue, but had not been active for She is survived her three children Myra retired U.S. Attorney. Greenwald was the widow of the late Joseph some time. Regenbogen Krassenstein (Steve Redstone), Susan She is survived by her husband Robert Force, Gorman and the late Joseph Gilston Greenwald, Sr. A service was held on Wednesday, July 22 at Regenbogen Scudder (Marty Scudder), and Jerry sons Josh Force (Mara) and Dr. Seth Force (Sara The Greenwalds were longtime Touro Synagogue Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Regenbogen (Amy) of Charleston, SC.; her sister Marder, M.D.) of Atlanta, brothers Alvan and David members. Boulevard in Metairie. Gloria Teles Pushker Saltz of California; seven Morris and two grandchildren. She is survived by her children Elise Jaudel Ru- She is survived by her husband, Gerald grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and three The funeral took place on Wednesday, July 15, in benstein (Edward), Barbara Jo Greenwald Firestone Stanley Carr; her children Heidi L. Carr and great-great-grandchildren. the chapel of Shir Chadash Conservative Congrega- (Alan), Joseph Gilston Greenwald, Jr. (Barbara), Joél Randy Carr (Lisa); four grandchildren and three Memorial services were held on Sunday, June 28, tion, 3700 West Esplanade Avenue in Metairie, at Raie Greenwald Maxie (Bill); seven grandchildren great-grandchildren. 2015 at Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 West 10:00 a.m. Rabbi Ethan Linden officiated. and four great-grandchildren. Donations were suggested to Cure Alzheimer’s Esplanade Ave. in Metairie. Rabbi Robert Loewy Memorials were suggested to Shir Chadash. Rabbi Alexis Berk officiated at a graveside service Fund at 34 Washington, St., Suite 2000, Wellseley officiated. Burial followed immediately at Gates of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home was in at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, at Hebrew Hills, MA 02481. Prayer Cemetery on Joseph Street. charge of arrangements. Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2400 Pelopidas Street at Memorial contributions are requested to be Frenchmen. Scriptwriting coach, playwright Lee Horvitz made to Congregation Gates of Prayer or the Architect, artist David Bienn dies in Germany Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home was in dies at 66 American Cancer Society ‘s Hope Lodge of New DAVID IRWIN BIENN, charge of arrangements. LEE HORVITZ, a Orleans. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of a noted artist and architect, screenwriter and produced Metairie is in charge of the arrangements. suffered a fatal heart attack Attorney Charles Rosen, II rites held playwright who made New while traveling back from CHARLES ROSEN, II, whose 54-year career Orleans his home since 2003, St. Petersburg, Russia on with three law firms established him as a highly- died suddenly and unexpect- Tuesday, July 15. Bienn suf- regarded real estate attorney, died Monday, July 20. edly on Thursday, July 23, fered his attack shortly after A New Orleans native, Rosen was a prominent while enjoying the sights and deplaning from his jet airliner local attorney and began his long career as a member Lee Horvitz sounds of his beloved Vieux David Bienn in Germany. He was trans- of the law firm of Rosen, Kammer, Wolff, Hopkins Carré after dark. He was 66 crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 33 OBITUARIES at the time he suffered what authorities believe was a an article that ran in the CCJN last year. day, August 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the New Beth Israel professional papers on a series of researched themes. massive heart attack. Horvitz was engaged to be married in 2006 to Cemetery, 4400 Elysian Fields Blvd. Rabbi Gabriel Dr. Lassen enjoyed a good game of golf and play- An actor who originally hailed from Los Altos Jessica Lou Hawk, a girlfriend from Cincinnati who Greenberg officiated. ing tennis with friends. on the San Francisco peninsula, Horvitz attended the had made the journey with him to New Orleans. Memorial contributions are suggested to Congre- Graveside services were held on Friday, August Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in However, the couple broke up in 2007 and Hawk gation Beth Israel or to Children’s Hospital. Tharp- 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3. New York, studying under legendary acting coach took up a separate residence in the Bywater neighbor- Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral provided arrangements. Cantor Joel Colman officiated. Donations were sug- Sanford Meisner and his protegé William Esper. Hor- hood. Tragically, she was found dead in August of gested to Jewish Regional Children’s Services, 3500 vitz toured the country playing Shakespeare and was 2008 in her apartment, the victim of a violent knife N. Causeway Blvd. No. 1120, Metairie Louisiana an important figure in the founding of the Oakland attack. That attack remained unsolved for nearly Dr. Alvin Lassen, Lakeside Hospital founder, 70002 (504-828-6334) or Temple Sinai (Rabbi Mur- Ensemble Theatre, the only African-American Actors’ six years. Horvitz, family and friends led a tireless expired ray Blackman Lecture Fund). Equity theatrical company in the San Francisco area. “Justice for Jessica” campaign and dedicated a ALVIN H. LASSEN, M.D., founder of Lakeside Arrangements were by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp A brilliant student, Horvitz went on to study garden on the neutral ground at St. Claude and Press Hospital in Metairie died at his Mississippi residence Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway, Metairie. philosophy and earned a Ph.D. from Northwestern Streets to her memory along with plaques, markers, on August 11, 2015. He was 87. University. He became steeped in the local commu- benches and flowerbeds. Horvitz lovingly tended to Dr. Lassen is survived by his wife Lillie Hull Las- Civic leader, attorney Albert Mintz dies nity activism of Evanston and the politics of nearby that garden every week since its dedication on the sen; his children Marcey Lassen, Eve Beth L. Howard ALBERT MINTZ, an Chicago. One of his proudest moments was when one-year anniversary of her death. (William), Janet L. Gloven and Tobin Lassen (Cath- attorney and civic leader, died he was part of the team that helped elect Harold Horvitz is survived by his two brothers, Bill of erine), a brother Sidney W. Lassen (Marilyn) and Wednesday, August 12, at Washington as the first African-American mayor of Sonoma County in CA. and Wayne of Seattle. eight grandchildren. Touro Infirmary at age 85. Chicago. A memorial to honor him was held in the Jessica A native New Orleanian and resident of the city Mintz was a native New Horvitz was hired to teach philosophy as a mem- Hawk Garden and at Vaughn’s Pub of the New before moving to Mississippi, Lassen founded the Orleanian, who worked for ber of the faculty at Miami University in Ohio for Orleans Athletic Club on the afternoon of September Lakeside Hospital in 1964. Lassen began his colle- his family’s Royal Street fur- more than a decade as an assistant professor. He was 12. giate studies at Tulane University, earning a Bachelor Albert Mintz niture store, Hurwitz-Mintz, a noted book reviewer and also took time to help edit of Science degree in 1947. Then he enrolled in the as a young boy. He graduated professional manuscripts. While teaching he reviewed Community urged to attend Francine Perlman Tulane University School of Medicine from where he from Isidore Newman High professional manuscripts and wrote book reviews, funeral graduated in 1949. He began his residency in Obstet- School at the remarkable age of 15, before entering encouraging his students to write creatively. FRANCINE PERLMAN, an elderly resident rics and Gynecology in 1950, but it was interrupted Tulane University. Mintz graduated from Tulane at Horvitz grew restless with the academic lifestyle of New Orleans, died and received a proper Jewish by his military service as a captain with the United age 18, and matriculated to the School of Law, from and left his teaching career in order to dedicate him- burial today due to the efforts of Metairie Chabad States Air Force. He was honorable discharge in which he graduated at 21. self to his own writing opportunities. He began to Center Rabbi Yossie Nemes, Jewish Family Service 1952. Lassen completed his residency and obtained Before he committed to a career as an attorney, write book reviews, travel articles, business spotlights (JFS), Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home in a fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1954, Mintz did take an additional year of pre-med studies. and public relations materials in 2001, sharpening his Metairie and others. working at Touro Infirmary, Charity Hospital and He joined the Montgomery Barnett Law Firm in critical eye on the arts, most specifically on theatre. It Perlman, who had been a client of JFS, left the LSU School of Medicine. 1956 and continued his law practice from his home was then he began writing more exclusively for the behind no family and had made no prior funeral Dr. Lassen established a successful private until he fell ill in February of this year. stage and screen. arrangements before her death. practice from 1954 until 1980. He was a research Besides being noted as a studious academic, Following his move to New Orleans, he contin- Through the generous contributions of commu- fellow and became a full-time assistant professor at Mintz also excelled in sports. He was a gifted athlete, ued to write copy for magazines as well as humanities nity friends who contributed sufficient funds in a last the Department of OB/GYN at LSU School of Medi- who especially loved playing tennis. He was crowned textbooks. He was a sought-after writer and editor minute drive initiated by Nemes, Perlman was buried cine in New Orleans. He later served as a clinical the ping-pong champion of New Orleans when he for several publications, but channeled much of his in Ahavas Shalom Cemetery, 4400 Elysian Fields assistant professor and eventually was an associate was 21. Mintz is also recalled as a fine dancer, who energies as the managing editor of Travelhost of New Avenue, on Wednesday, August 5, at 2:30 p.m. professor and residency program director of the Chief possessed a remarkably quick wit. Orleans. He was a featured writer for Arthur Hardy’s “To attend this funeral would be a mitzvah,” Benign Gynecology Service Department of Obstetrics Mintz eventually became a partner of Montgom- Mardi Gras Guide and also wrote for Louisiana Film Nemes said, when contacted by the CCJN. Nemes and Gynecology at the LSU School of Medicine at ery, Barnett, Brown, Read, Hammond & Mintz and and Video. specifically mentioned the contributions of Kenny Shreveport. specialized in business law. His practice included tax- Horvitz wrote the book for a “Popera” titled Pailet, Marshall Gerson, Adam Stross, funeral direc- Dr. Lassen was the chief of the OB/GYN Depart- ation, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, finance, blueS alleY caT that began taking shape in 2000 tor Billy Henry and the staff of JFS. ment at the Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center insurance defense and estate planning. He was one of and enjoyed a successful one-month run in 2003 at (Member of Charity Hospital System of Louisiana the first accredited Tax Specialist and Estate Planning the School for the Performing Arts in the historic Gloria S. Fisher rites held Aug. 10 and Teaching Hospital of the Alton Ochsner Medical and Administration Specialists in the city. Over-the-Rhine arts district in Cincinnati in which GLORIA SALOMON Institutions). He also was the medical director of He served as a member of the New Orleans, it was set. FISHER, a housewife and the Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center and South Louisiana and national Bar Associations and was on Two events had profound effects on Horvitz in mother, died peacefully at Louisiana Medical Associates, an educational affiliate the New Orleans Bar Association Executive Com- 2005. His younger brother Philip, a performance Woldenberg Village hospice of The Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation that mittee and Ethics Committee; Mintz was a charter artist and choreographer, died suddenly on a care on Saturday, August 8. employed 60 physicians and 20 physician extenders, member of the Louisiana State Bar Association. cross-country commercial flight from New York to She was 91. who were responsible for 30 residents in all major Mintz was admitted to practice before the United Oakland, where he was slated to perform a series of Fisher, who was prede- specialty graduate education. States Supreme Court and also was involved with shows in San Francisco. Then, less than four months Gloria S. Fisher ceased by her pediatrician Dr. Lassen completed all three Physician in Man- the American Law Institute. Mintz was the chairman later, Hurricane Katrina struck the city. husband of many years, agement Course offerings given by the American Col- of the Civic Affairs Committee and State Legislature As the recovery period began, Horvitz turned Dr. Leo Fisher, was a New lege of Physician Executives, Diplomate of American Committees of the New Orleans Chamber of Com- more to scriptwriting. He worked as a script analyst Orleans native, a graduate of Sophie B. Wright Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and maintained merce. and completed three feature-length screenplays. High School and a longtime resident of Gretna. She them. He was a member of the American College of In the Jewish community, he was heavily He also produced the short film “Blood Line,” attended Congregation Beth Israel, where she was Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State Medical involved in numerous civic, religious, and educational co-written with Alex Asefa, and was credited as a co- most active as a sisterhood member, once serving as Society, Terrebonne Parish Medical Society, New organizations such as the Jewish Endowment Fund, writer on another short film with Asefa, “On Time.” treasurer. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah. Orleans Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, the released in 2009. He had a small role in the short film Fisher was a dedicated community service the American College of Physician Executives. Jewish Community Center, the Touro Infirmary he co-wrote, “Checkmate,” and also worked on it as volunteer and spent many hours rendering service He was the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Board of Trustees and the Touro Infirmary Founda- a sound recordist. He was also listed as a co-writer in at Willow Wood. She also participated in Jefferson Lakeside Hospital, Metairie, Louisiana from 1964- tion. the 2014 release “Rebels without Causes.” Parish Medical Women’s Auxiliary. 1973, was the secretary and program chairman of the While serving with the Touro Infirmary board, Horvitz led the New Orleans Independent She is survived by her daughter Elaine, son Dr. New Orleans Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Mintz acted as a liaison between its medical staff Screenwriters and offered classes at the JCC and Marc Fisher (Debbie), her sister Vera S. Solodky of from 1979-1980. Dr. Lassen also was the vice-presi- and the Tulane University School of Medicine. He the New Orleans Spiritual and Healing Center is Lancaster, PA. and two grandchildren. dent of the New Orleans Obstetrical and Gyneco- also helped to facilitate the largest bequest Touro screenwriting for film and video. He was featured in A graveside funeral service took place on Mon- logical Society. He also was the author of numerous Infirmary has ever received. That gift, given by his

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

client Charles Buckman, eventually became Touro’s watchers and traveled all over Central and South of Trustees. She and her husband funded the Marion Genevieve Glenn rites held in Laurel, MS. Buckman Building. America on birding trips, making many new friends L. and Amy S. Lake Temple Library and the Temple GENEVIEVE NEE GLENN passed away on Mintz was a member of the Board of Directors of along the way. Educator’s Office at Gates of Prayer. Saturday, August 29, in Metairie. She was 77. Temple Sinai and an annual supporter of the Institute Adatto was a competitive swimmer as a young- Lake was a past president of Congregation Gates A native of Laurel, MS., she was a longtime of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, MS. ster and continued to practice her sport as an adult, of Prayer Sisterhood and served as an officer of the resident of Pass Christian and Metairie. He was a co-chairman of the Summer Lyric eventually becoming certified as a scuba diver. She District Sisterhood Board for 15 years. She also She is survived by her daughter, Jenny “Bridget” Theatre at Tulane University Board and also served and her husband also enjoyed playing many rounds served on the board of the board of directors of the Glenn Berins (Lenny), her son, Peter Glenn and a on numerous Tulane Law School boards. Mintz was of competitive golf with other couples, sometimes National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods. Lake was step-son, Peter Feirman; two grandchildren and four a charter member of the Louisiana Historical Society. bringing grandchildren with them on the Audubon the first recipient of the Golden Merit Award for her step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and Among his many accolades were his recognition Park course to feed the ducks along the bayou there. long term commitment to religious causes. She also seven step-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her as a citizen “Role Model” in 2003 by the Young She is survived by her son Dr. Kenneth N. Adat- received the KEVA Award as a scholar in Jewish stud- son, Patrick Milton Glenn (Louanne). Leadership Council. He was a recipient of the Judah to, M.D. (Be-Be), Carol Adatto Nelson (Eric) and ies from the Union of American Hebrew Congrega- Graveside services took place on Sunday, August Touro Society Award in 1999 and was honored by Phyllis Smith (Tim) of Houston, TX. Other survivors tions (now the Union for Reform Judaism). 30, 2015 at Lake Park Cemetery in Laurel, MS. at the New Orleans and Louisiana Bar Associations for include 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and Lake was a past president of the League of Jew- 1:00 p.m. Rabbi Robert Loewy officiated. his 50th year of practice in 2001, the same year Tu- one great-great grandchild. ish Women’s Organizations. She was a life member Memorials are requested to Congregation Gates lane University named him its Outstanding Alumnus A private graveside service was held on August of the National Council of Jewish Women, where she of Prayer, 4000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, LA of 1951. The Law School also honored him as its 16. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the served as chairman of “Heart of Town” and as the 70003. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home was Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. charity of choice, or New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 first chairman of “Lifeline”, a personal emergency re- in charge of local arrangements. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Bar- Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124. sponse support system offering security to the elderly nett Mintz, his son John Mintz, his daughter Marga- and disabled in the New Orleans area. Lake was a Natalie Gerber dies at 87 ret Mintz-Easthope (Thomas), brother-in-law Sydney Retired manufacturer’s rep David Fried, Jr. Life Member of the Jewish Chatauqua Society and NATALIE GERBER, a lifelong time resident of Besthoff, sisters-in-law Walda Barnett Besthoff and dead at 88 was recognized as the Jewish Federation “Volunteer New Orleans and Metairie passed away on August Jean Mintz of Houston and two grandchildren. DAVID B. FRIED, JR., a manufacturer’s repre- of the Year” in 2002. 1. She was 87. She is survived by her sister Elaine In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations sentative for mechanical equipment, died on Sunday, She served as the Interfaith Chairman repre- Gartenberg of Hot Springs, AR. Donations in her to Tulane Law School, Summer Lyric Theatre at August 16 at the age of 88. senting the New Orleans Reform, Orthodox and memory can be made to Jewish Family Service, 3300 Tulane University, the Touro Infirmary Foundation or Born in Vicksburg, MS., Fried was a graduate Conservative Jewish Sisterhoods on the Interfaith W Esplanade, Suite 603, Metairie, LA 70002. The Jewish Endowment Fund. from the Tulane University School of Engineering. Committee of Greater New Orleans. Lake was also A memorial service was conducted by Rabbi Although he was qualified to work as an electrical an active member of Hadassah, as well as a Life Bettylee Spizer funeral held Sept. 22 Edward Paul Cohn on Friday, August 21, 2015 at engineer, he never did. Following service in the United Member of Touro Infirmary Auxiliary and Brandeis. BETTYLEE SPIZER, affectionately known as 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. States Army and Navy, he chose a career path in She volunteered as a docent for the New Orleans “Miss Betty,” passed away peacefully on September Charles Avenue. A reception followed in the social sales. Museum of Art and other community exhibits. She 20, 2015. She was 85. hall. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Fried is survived by his wife of many years, Ly- was a longtime supporter of New Orleans Jewish Spizer, a loving mother, grandmother and Metairie was in charge of arrangements. For more nette London Fried, his son David B. Fried, III (Judy), Family Service, American Heart Association, Cancer great-grandmother, was noted for her many acts of information, please call 504-835-2341. his daughter Evelyn Fried Lazear (Richard), and five Society and United Way. kindness such as driving carpool for Isidore Newman grandchildren. Lake was a past president and treasurer of the and running the Judaica shop at her beloved Temple Graveside, memorial service for Adele Adatto A memorial service took place on Friday, August New Orleans Unit of the National Association of Sinai for a quarter of a century. A savvy computer ADELE LEVY ADATTO, a former nurse and a 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Lambeth House, 150 Broadway. Parliamentarians. She had a life-long interest in Girl user, she enjoyed chatting with her grandchildren and community volunteer, peacefully passed away in her Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn officiated. Interment in Scouting and was First Vice President and a past great-grandsons via Skype. home on August 14. She was 94. Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3 was private. member of the executive committee of the Southeast She was predeceased by her husband of 32 years, Adatto was a graduate of the first class of the In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be Louisiana Girl Scout Council for which she received Julius Spizer, who died 29 years ago. She is survived Louisiana State University combined bachelors of sent to Temple Sinai, 6221 St. Charles Ave, New the Thanks Award for outstanding service. by her children Barry Spizer (Eilene) and Lynn Rich- science- registered nurse (B.S.-R.N.) program. Fol- Orleans, LA 70118 or Lambeth House Foundation, Lake was past president of the Andrew H. Wil- ard (Billy); five grandchildren, three great grandsons, lowing graduation, she continued her training at Co- 150 Broadway, New Orleans, LA 70118.Tharp- son Co-op School Club and chaired the Education and several sisters-in-law and an aunt. lumbia University in New York, where she received a Sontheimer-Tharp of Metairie was in charge of Institute for Orleans Parish Public Schools as a board A memorial service was held in the Feibleman master’s degree. arrangements. member of the Presidents’ Co-Operative School Club. Chapel at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Ave., An active volunteer for many community She was a charter member of the 4111 Mardi Gras New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 organizations, she was president of the Touro Sister- Philanthropist, activist Amy Schwartz Lake Ladder Club. at 10:00 a.m. Interment followed in Hebrew Rest hood, and was involved in several positions with the expires In addition, she funded the Adult Reading Room Cemetery III, Frenchmen at Pelopidas Streets. National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods. Adatto AMY SCHWARTZ LAKE, a philanthropist and in her hometown’s Schulenburg Public Library. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to served on the board of the New Orleans Museum of community activist, died Thursday, August 20, 2015 Survivors include her son, Jonathan M. Lake Temple Sinai or the charity of your choice. Tharp- Art (NOMA) and was trained to be a docent there. at her New Orleans home. She was 98 years old. (Francine), two daughters, Marilyn L. Neumann and Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie was in She loved sharing her love of art history with visitors Although she was born in Schulenburg, TX,. Lorraine L. Williams; five grandchildren, two step- charge of arrangements. she would meet there. Lake lived most of her life in New Orleans for the grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was As co-chair and editor to NOMA’s Artist’s Palette past 75 years with the exception of a period during predeceased by her her husband of 60 years, Marion Miriam Offner Becker dies; graveside service Cookbook, Adatto published her most treasured World War II when she returned to Austin to serve as L. Lake, her son-in-law Peter G. Williams and a held family recipes. Her famous ‘Bayou Brownies’ and manager of the University of Texas Commons. grandson, Joshua B. Williams. MIRIAM OFFNER BECKER, a mother and ‘Heavenly Hash’ cakes were always well stocked in During the war she served as a PBX operator, Funeral services were conducted at Congregation grandmother, passed away peacefully on September her freezer and readily available. Encouraged by fam- Red Cross volunteer and USO hostess. Lake served Gates of Prayer, 4000 W. Esplanade Ave. on Sunday, 29, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 89. ily members, she authored Del’s Delicious Dinners, a as Director of Dietetics for the Isabella Hume Com- August 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Rabbi Robert Loewy A woman who doted on her family, she was af- cookbook full of her staple dishes and named by her munity Center. She graduated from the University officiated. fectionately called “Mimi” by close friends. great-grandchild. of Texas at Austin, where she received a Bachelor of Interment followed immediately in Gates of Becker was preceded in death by her husband She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Carl P. Science degree in Home Economics. While a student Prayer Joseph Street Cemetery on Joseph Street. In of 66 years, Jake, her son Marc, her granddaughter Adatto, M.D. The couple traveled the world, finding at the University, she often performed as a soloist lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Con- Kobi, and her great-grandson Sean Fox. time to hike to Machu Picchu, tour the Great Wall with the University of Texas Glee Club. gregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 W. Esplanade Ave., She is survived by her two sons Cary M. Becker of China, and ride elephants in the jungles of the Lake supported many religious and civic causes Metairie, LA 70002 or the charity of your choice. (Tricia) and Hal O. Becker (Linda), her daughter Indian sub-continent among their many excursions. through a wide range of volunteer activities and was Condolences may be expressed online at www. Marsha B. Zander (Skip) and her daughter-in-law Many artifacts from these trips adorned their home repeatedly recognized for her untiring efforts. She tharpsontheimerfh.com. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp of Ellen Becker, and eight grandchildren. and they regaled family and friends with tales of was a member of Congregation Gates of Prayer in Metairie was in charge of arrangements. She was noted as a flawless beauty, a devotee of their global adventures. They also became avid bird Metairie, LA and served on the congregation’s Board fashion and a possessor of a sharp wit. Always quick

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 35 OBITUARIES with a joke, she was immaculately attired and even Dr. Cohn was a member of the Board of Gov- during her last days had her nails expertly manicured. Noted professor, Dr. Isidore Cohn, Jr., memorial held ernors of the American College of Surgeons, serving Printer Herbert Gansar funeral held Oct. 30 Graveside services were held Wednesday, Sept. 30, ISIDORE COHN, JR., M.D., emeritus professor its executive committee for four years including HERBERT GANSAR, a printing estimator with 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Jewish Burial Rites Cemetery, and emeritus chairman of the Department of Surgery assuming the roles as vice-chairman in 1989 and Offset Printing Company of Metairie, passed away of 4321 Frenchmen Street. In lieu of flowers, donations at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine, chairman in 1990. He was also an honorary member natural causes at his home on Wednesday, October are suggested to Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 died after a short illness on October 14, 2015 in his of Sociedad Colombiana De Cirujanes Generales, the 28. He was 85. West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, or the charity of Metairie home surrounded by his family. He was 94. Columbian Surgical Society. A native of New Orleans, Gansar was a graduate your choice . Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home Dr. Cohn served as Chairman of LSU Health He held memberships in Alpha Omega Alpha, of Alcee Fortier High School. He served as a yeoman of Metairie was in charge of arrangements. Sciences Center in the Department of Surgery in New the national medical honor society and the Society in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and Orleans from 1962-1989. His professional record as of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society. Dr. Cohn after leaving the service worked as a shipping clerk in Dr. George Gaethe expires in Slidell a doctor and an academic was exemplary. He served was also a member of the American Association for Houston for two years. GEORGE GAETHE, M.D., a retired dermatolo- on several national committees and organizations for Cancer Research, the Society for Clinical Trials, Inc., Following his return to New Orleans in 1956, he gist who had moved to the North Shore community decades and was awarded the title of first vice presi- the American Gastroenterological Association, the founded Offset Printing Company and was consid- of Treasure Isle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, dent of the American College of Surgeons in 1993. American Society of Microbiologists, the Society of ered a leader in the local and regional printing indus- October 6, 2015. He was 96. The Isidore Cohn, Jr.-James D. Rives Surgical Surgical Chairmen, the Society of Surgical Oncology, try. He was elected president of the Printing Industry A larger-than-life personality, Dr. Gaethe’s zest Society, the official alumni organization of the LSU the American Surgical Association and the Societe of New Orleans twice and served on the board of the for life was indicated by his ever-present smile and School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery, was Internationale de Research Chirurgie. Printing Industry of the Mid-South. Gansar eventu- his bellowing laughter. Although he was not a New established in honor of Drs. Cohn and Rives, both of Additionally, Dr. Cohn was a member of the ally turned the company over to his son Greg. Orleans native, he came to the Crescent City as a six- whom are considered academic giants at LSU. The James Ewing Society of the Association for Academic Gansar was a man of many interests. In recent year-old. He maintained a love for most things New society’s conference is held annually in New Orleans. Surgery, the Association for Gnotobiotics, the Society years he enjoyed woodworking and was skillful in Orleans including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans A professorship of surgery at LSU was dedicated in of University Surgeons, the Bockus Society of turning out prized wooden bowls from his shop. Saints NFL franchise. Dr. Cohn’s name in June of 1987. Gastroenterology,the Southeastern Cancer Research He was a longtime member of the board and It was his love of Mardi Gras that prodded him Cohn, the son of a successful Uptown physician, Association, the Collegium Internationale Chirurgie past president of Brotherhood at Congregation Gates to rent a pied-à-terre in the 400 block of Royal Street was raised in New Orleans, and exposed to medicine Digestivae, the Southeastern Surgical Association, the of Prayer. adjacent to world famous Brennan’s Restaurant for at an early age. He attended Tulane University and James D. Rives Surgical Association, the Southern Funeral services were conducted by Rabbi Robert use on weekends and especially during the Carnival graduated with honors in chemistry with a Bachelor Medical Association, the Louisiana State Medical Loewy at Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 West parade season. This was during the time that parades of Sciences degree in 1942 and was a member of the Society, the Southern Surgical Association, the New Esplanade Avenue in Metairie, on Friday, October 30 still rolled through the French Quarter, a practice dis- Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa honor Orleans Surgical Society, the Surgical Association of at 11:00 a.m. Burial followed immediately at Gates continued after New Orleans Fire Department officials societies. Additionally, Cohn was vice-president of Louisiana and the New York Academy of Sciences. of Prayer Cemetery, 1411 Joseph St, where Gansar complained that oversized floats were a fire hazard. the Associated Student Body. Over the course of several decades, Dr. Cohn received full military honors from the U.S. Navy. Gaethe moved with family to New Orleans Following graduation, he matriculated to the Uni- published 358 scholarly, peer-edited articles and Following the burial, friends and family gathered in 1925 and graduated from Warren Easton High versity of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1945 served as an editor of others’ works in The American at the home of Robert and Debra LaCombe in School in 1935. He graduated from Louisiana State from the four-year program at the School of Medicine Surgeon, Current Surgery (formerly The Review of Metairie for a minyan service. University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1939, in three years. He served an internship at Graduate Surgery), the American Journal of Surgery, Digestive Gansar is survived by his wife of many years An- but continued his studies in the School of Medicine Hospital from 1945-1946, was a Philadelphia Fellow Diseases and Sciences, Surgical Gastroenterology, nette Solomon Gansar; his daughter Debra LaCombe located here. Dr. Gaethe received his M.D. from from 1947-1948 and was a resident in surgery from Medical Principles and Practices, Digestive Surgery (Robert); his sons Dr. Gary Gansar (Corinne) and L.S.U. four years later in 1942. By then the nation 1949 to 1952 in Philadelphia. He received additional and Cancer medical journals. He contributed to Greg Gansar; his sister Leah Gansar Schultz (Wil- was embroiled in the conflict of World War II. He master’s and doctorate degrees in sciences at the Uni- several academic books on surgery including contrib- liam); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. enlisted as a member of the U.S. Army Medical versity of Pennsylvania in 1952 and 1955, respectively, uting to one in which he reminisced on his 34 years Memorial donations are suggested to Congrega- Corps and served the nation from 1943-1946, rising and was awarded a doctor of humane letters degree of experience at Charity Hospital in 1998. He also tion Gates of Prayer or Jewish Regional Children’s to the rank of Major. from the University of South Carolina in 1955. was a noted lecturer. Service. It was at L.S.U. that he met the love of his life, Expected to join his father’s established surgical A longtime member of Touro Synagogue, Dr. Joy Rosenberg. The two were married for 62 years, practice at Touro Infirmary, Cohn instead accepted Cohn served on its board for several years and Coffee trader Trevor Dreyfus’ memorial set until the time of her passing in 2005. Most of their a position at LSU in 1952, after being recruited by was also a board member of the Jewish Endow- for Tuesday night married life was spent maintaining a residence in Rives. A decade later, when Dr. Rives retired, Dr. ment Foundation of Louisiana (formerly the Jewish TREVOR JAMES DREYFUS, an international Metairie. Cohn was named as chairman of the Department of Endowment Foundation of New Orleans). He also coffee trader for Louis Dreyfus Commodities who Dr. Gaethe was a much beloved physician who Surgery and held that post for 27 continuous years. was active on the boards of the Greater New Orleans made New Orleans his home for the past three years, treated his patients with the utmost of care. A Fellow With one of the longest tenured positions as an Convention and Visitors Bureau and was a significant passed away on October 27, 2015. A service was in the American College of Physicians (FACP), he academic surgeon, Dr. Cohn trained more than 200 contributor to the Greater New Orleans Foundation. held in his hometown of Kirkwood, MO. on Sat., maintained a thriving private practice until 1999, surgeons as residents under his personal direction. An avid art collector, Cohn was noted as having Oct. 31. He was 32 years old. when he retired. Dr. Cohn was certified by the American Board assembled one of the best collections of Steuben glass Fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, Dreyfus A car enthusiast, Gaethe particularly loved driving of Surgery and a member of the American Medical in the world. He served on the board of the New traveled frequently to both Central and South a vintage Rolls Royce he owned. Oftentimes he would Association, serving on its Current Procedural Orleans Museum of Art and arranged exhibitions for America as part of his business as well as for his own wear a chauffeur’s and played the role to the hilt Terminology (CPT) Advisory Committee as a repre- his crystal and Chinese jade collections in 2004 and personal explorations. while driving his sons and friends to and from events. sentative of the American College of Surgeons from 2013-2014, respectively. For their generosity, Cohn An accomplished athlete, he loved spending time A jokester, he also loved setting up practical jokes. 1992-1995. He was made a member of Who’s Who and his second wife were honored with the coveted sailing, kayaking or just being with nature. He par- He was remembered for having purchased a gorilla in America in 1980. Dr. Cohn was a Councilor for Issac Delgado Award from the museum. ticularly was fond if he could share these endeavors costume, which he would don on several occasions in Louisiana at the Southeastern Surgical Congress from Dr. Cohn is survived by his wife Marianne Cohn. with family and friends. Dreyfus proudly earned an order to surprise family members and patients. 1967-1973, additionally serving as the president in He was predeceased by his first wife, Jacqueline International Pilot’s License for sailing. He is survived by his sons Gary, Gordon, and 1972 following stints as second and first vice-presi- Heymann, and is also survived by his children from Dreyfus attended Mary Institute and St. Louis Glenn Gaethe, six grandchildren and six great- dents in 1965 and 1969, respectively. his first marriage, Ian J. Cohn (Vicki) and Lauren County Day School, where he achieved top honors, grandchildren. Graveside services were held at Chevra He was the president of the Society for Surgery of Fouros, both of New York, NY.; four grandchildren was a national merit finalist and served as senior Thilim Cemetery, 4824 Canal Street at 11:00 a.m. on the Alimentary Tract from 1976-1977 and chairman and two great-grandchildren. class president. He entered the College of William Thursday, October 8. They were conducted by his of the board in 1978, a director of the American A memorial service was held Sunday, October and Mary, where he double majored in International nephew, Gates of Prayer temple educator Phil Gaethe. Board of Surgery from 1969-1975 and the president 18 at 4:00 p.m. at Touro Synagogue, followed by Relations and Economics and minored in Hispanic In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial of the Southeastern Cancer Research Association in a private burial. To honor his memory, the family Studies, graduating magna cum laude. donations to Northshore Jewish Congregation, 1403 1975. Dr. Cohn was a director of the National Pan- requests donations to support and enhance the After graduation, he was awarded a Fulbright North Causeway Mandeville, LA 70471 or to use the creatic Cancer Project from 1975-1984 and served Isidore Cohn, Jr., M.D., Student Learning Center, c/o Scholarship, traveling to Ecuador, where he studied PayPal button on the congregation’s website to select the Southern Surgical Association in several titled the LSU Medical Alumni Association, 2020 Gravier the effects of official currency dollarization on the a direct online donation. capacities including president from 1982-1983. Street, 5th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112. economy of Ecuador. Dreyfus was also hired to work

36 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com OBITUARIES at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as an Carr this past July. He is survived by his children Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie. gation Anshe Sfard, the last Orthodox synagogue honors paralegal in the Bureau of Competition. Heidi L. Carr and Randy Carr (Lisa); four grandchil- located in Orleans Parish. During a six-month leave of absence from the dren and three great-grandchildren. Dr. Hyman Tolmas dies in Dallas; funeral held there After Hurricane Katrina, Tolmas moved to Dallas FTC, Dreyfus worked for the Eye of the World, an Visitation was held at Lakelawn Funeral Home HYMAN TOLMAS, M.D., a retired pediatri- to be closer to his other family members, who were educational non-profit organization in which he and at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 9. A graveside cian who was considered an authority in the subfield living there. He became a member of Congregation 2 other crew members sailed from Virginia to the service followed at 12:00 noon at Metairie Cemetery. of Adolescent Medicine, died after a short illness on Tifereth Israel “almost as soon as the plane landed,” Galapagos Islands. During this sailing trek, he was Donations are suggested to the American Heart As- Wednesday, November 11, in Dallas, TX. according to Rabbi Shawn Zell, the spiritual leader a logistics specialist, providing social studies lessons sociation and to Touro Synagogue. A New Orleans native, Tolmas enrolled in the there. Zell stated that Tolmas had received dozens of via streaming video to middle school classrooms undergraduate program at Tulane University and honors for his generosity and philanthropy there. throughout the U.S. Volunteer Sylvia Wright Stern dies; memorial held graduated from its School of Medicine in 1945. Tolmas was honored as recently as this past Sun- Dreyfus later attended the London School of SYLVIA WRIGHT STERN, a community volun- He was a board certified pediatrician (FAAP) and day in Dallas at the Bnai Zion Foundation reception Economics, graduating with merit with a Master’s of teer with the Hemodialysis Unit at Touro Infirmary a member of the American Board of Pediatrics, the with the Distinguished Humanitarian Award. The Science degree in International Political Economy. and Children’s Hospital, died November 9 at the age American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society for Tolmas family was singled out for recognition by the Although he was not a member, Dreyfus regular- of 94. Adolescent Medicine. He maintained a successful Jewish Children’s Regional Service at its 2014 major ly attended worship services at Congregation Anshe Stern and her late husband, Warren L. Stern, practice for 55 years, largely centered in Metairie. Dr. fundraiser, “The Jewish Roots of Broadway” at the Sfard. A memorial service was held in his honor on were supportive of a number of community causes. Tolmas was associated with Tulane-Lakeside Hospi- National World War II Museum. Tuesday evening, Nov. 3, at the synagogue. The two were married for 54 years before his death tal, East Jefferson General Hospital and Children’s Tolmas is survived by his wife of many years Dreyfus is survived by his parents, Dan and in 2010. Hospital. He was also on the admissions committee Connie, his daughter Jeanie Tolmas, M.D., his son Denise Maue Dreyfus, his brother, Nathan Thomas Born in Eunice, La., she was a longtime resident for Tulane University and taught at both Tulane and Alan Tolmas (Gina) and two granddaughters, all of Maue Dreyfus, and grandparents, all of Kirkwood. of New Orleans. LSU Medical Schools. Dallas. She is survived by her sons Robert W. Stern and Dr. Tolmas was a founder of the Greater New A funeral service conducted by Rabbi Zell was Gerald Carr funeral set Charles W. Stern as well as her sister Beth Bloch Orleans Pediatric Society and received the first Life- held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, at GERALD “GERRY” STANLEY CARR, a Rosenthal. time Achievement Award from the Tulane Medical Congregation Tiferet Israel in Dallas. Burial followed member of Touro Synagogue, died on November 4, A memorial service was held at Longue Vue Alumni Association. He also received a community immediately at Sparkman Hillcrest Cemetery. 2015. He was 82. House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, on November service award from the Section on Adolescent Health In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are A native of New Orleans, he was a resident of 12, at 3:30 p.m. Rabbi Edward P. Cohn officiated. of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was pre- suggested to Tiferet Israel, 10909 Hillcrest Road, Gretna. Carr was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Private interment was in Metairie Cemetery. sented with the 2004 Spirit of Charity Award, given Dallas, TX 75230; the Bnai Zion Foundation, 7920 served as the president of Weight Watchers of Louisi- In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to a physician who had trained at Charity Hospital, Belt Line Rd., Suite 695, Dallas, TX 75254, the ana and Southern Mississippi. He was also a member to the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts Insti- by the Medical Center of Louisiana Foundation. Jewish Childrens’ Regional Service or Jewish War of the Westbank Rotary Club. tute, 2800 Chartres, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70117. He was active in a number of local community Veterans Post 256 c/o Art Kaplan, 1109 Hillsdale, Carr was predeceased by his wife Roberta Ratner Arrangements were by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp organizations and was a past president of Congre- Richardson, TX 75081.

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crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 37 OBITUARIES Attorney Norman Mopsik died on Thanksgiving Congregation Temple Sinai or your favorite charity. DEATH NOTICE: NORMAN MOPSIK, an attorney-at-law who Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie Eugene Nathan Sands, D.O. especially those interested in medicine. had retired from his private practice, died on Thanks- was in charge of arrangements SANDS, EUGENE At age 65, Eugene retrained as an addic- giving Day, November 26 at Passages Hospice. He NATHAN D.O., passed tionologist, becoming a fellow of the American Nurse educator Beverly Nolan Jacobs succumbs was 87. away at the age of 93 on Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and to cancer A native of Newark, NJ, Mopsik became a New October 2, 2015 at the serving as medical director for Brighton Hos- BEVERLY NOLAN JACOBS, a retired nurse Sherman Home Hospice pital in Michigan. He and his wife relocated Orleans resident in 1960. He graduated from South- educator, who served in the United States Air Force in Phoenix, Arizona sur- to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1996, and Eugene ern Methodist University in Dallas with a bachelor of (USAF) at home and abroad, died on November 17 rounded by his family. worked part-time at St. Luke’s Behavioral laws degree. Mopsik received a juris doctorate from after a long recurrent battle with metastatic cancer. Born on March Health Center until 2013. A lifetime member Loyola University and was admitted to the Louisiana She was 89. Eugene Nathan 25, 1922 in Brooklyn, of the Michigan and Arizona osteopathic State Bar to practice law in 1962. New York, Eugene was medical associations and a recipient of ASAM’s A native of Metairie, she earned nursing and Sands As a veteran of World War II in the U.S. Navy, a well-respected doctor, lifetime achievement award, he was a beloved education degrees from Arizona State University Mopsik became interested and specialized in the war veteran, and com- and valued friend, colleague, and mentor. and Louisiana State University before beginning her practice of maritime and admiralty law. He received a munity volunteer. After earning a Bachelor of He took great pride in the educational, service in the USAF. As a nurse and an educator, she 50-year certificate in 2013 for his association with the Science in Microbiology from City College of professional, and personal development and lived abroad and in the U.S., eventually returning to New York, Eugene served as a medic in World successes of his sons, daughter-in-laws, and Louisiana State Bar and was also a dedicated member her childhood home in 1971. She was a member of War II, landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. grandchildren. He was preceded in death by of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association. the Women Veterans of Louisiana and Congregation Following his service, he attended Chicago his parents, Zalman and Rose Sassulsky, as Mopsik was a past commander of the Jewish War Gates of Prayer in Metairie. College of Osteopathic Medicine where he met well as his sister, Sophie Sands. Veterans Jules Lazard Post #580, a past president of She was predeceased by her husband, David Ja- Sylvia, his wife of 64 years. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; sons, the local B’nai B’rith chapter and a longtime member cobs (Major, USAF Retired). Jacobs is survived by her A family physician in Detroit and Dear- Mark (Charisse) and Larry (Edee); and seven of Temple Sinai. born, Michigan for 35 years, he was on the grandchildren. Contributions can be made to daughters Linda Jacobs-Condit (Bruce) of Alexandria, He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Bette staff of Zeiger Osteopathic Hospital (Detroit, Hospice of the Valley-Sherman Home, c/o Hos- VA. and Lynn Jacobs; four grandchildren and three Sherman Mopsik, who died this past June. He is sur- MI) and served as chief of staff at Botsford pice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, great-grandchildren. vived by children Lawrence Steven Mopsik and Laura General Hospital (Farmington Hills, MI). AZ 85016 or Midwestern University-Chicago In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are sug- Active with the Boys Club of Greater Detroit, College of Osteopathic Medicine, online at Lynn Mopsik of Palm Springs, CA., and a brother of gested to any of the following: Jewish Family Service’s he was honored with the Friend of the Boy www.midwestern.edu. Graveside services were Donald Mopsik (Dolores) of Dallas, TX. “Catch a Cab” Program, Jewish Children’s Regional award for his service as a board member as held in Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements by Sinai Graveside services were held on Monday, Novem- Service or Boykin Spaniel Rescue well as his work performing physical exams for Mortuary of Arizona. ber 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, Private funeral services were held in Metairie its members and mentoring many young men, 2100 Pelopidas at Frenchmen Streets. Rabbi Ed Paul Cemetery with arrangements by Tharp-Sontheimer- Cohn and Cantor Joel Colman officiated. Tharp, 1600 N. Causeway in Metairie. In lieu of flowers, memorials were suggested to

Stephen L. Sontheimer Billy Henry

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