Sivan / Tammuz June 2020

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June 2020 June Sivan / Tammuz / Sivan 2 | June 2020 The Jewish Voice Up Close: Macy Gluck

Coronado High School graduate Macy Jordan Gluck may be 18, but I told her she sounds older, both in her ideas and her ability to express them. She said she should thank her two older sisters for that. “Leah and Ali were seven and five years older than me,” Macy laughs. “They were my cool sisters who gave me wisdom beyond my years.” As we think about new beginnings this month, our community’s seniors got short shrift their last semester and yet, they are thrilled to launch the next chapter. For Macy, the future brings a scholarship to Texas Tech and the opportunity to explore journalism and creative writing. Her plans also include getting involved in a new Jewish community in Lubbock and joining Hillel. Jewish communal involvement is a big part of Macy’s life, from her nine years of Jewish summer camp to her leadership in her What do you value most in with the earth is so important; especially your friends? in the new age of technology. It’s a good congregation. “I would say that our Jewish community shaped me,” I love making friends and I really reminder to be humble and respect the she adds. consider everyone a friend, but I value land we live on. authenticity over anything else. I think For four years, she served as a teacher’s assistant at Temple being your most authentic self is really What would you say to Mount Sinai’s Religious School and was the president of Mount important and I value that in others. encourage young people to take part in local Jewish activities? Sinai Temple Youth (MSTY) group from 2018 to 2020. At the What might we be surprised You have nothing to lose! I think regional level of the National Federation Temple Youth organization to learn about your interests/ a lot of young people (well, really hobbies? everyone) fear the unknown. They (NFTY), she was the NFTY-SW photographer/historian. “Being My hobbies include writing, reading, fear being unable to fit in or hating part of NFTY has been one of the best things that has happened exercising, painting, knitting, dancing, it or losing something, but really and music – I played in the Coronado participating in new things teaches us to me,” she says. band. People might not know that I like so much, regardless if you hate it or not. comic books, superheroes and graphic How would you know that you hate it if Her willingness to step up and lead earned her a spot at the novels. I was president of ThunderCon, you never give it a chance? I encourage Union of Reform Judaism’s last year of the Kutz Leadership Camp a one-day ComicCon-style celebration young people like me to try and keep of music, dance, and fine arts, at an open mind, because you really have in upstate New York last summer. “Never before had I learned Coronado this year, but it didn’t take nothing to lose from the experience. so much about being a good person as I did that summer,” she place this spring. What is a favorite memory of remembers. “Meeting so many good people in one place was What are your plans for this your time at Temple Mount Sinai? incredible.” year? Where would you like to see I liked being the MSTY yourself five years from now? representative to Temple’s board of Prior to that, she loved spending eight consecutive summers at This is the big year! Graduation, directors. It was part of my job as Camp Young Judea, where she received the camp’s Mensch Award moving away to college, and starting youth group president and I was only a new and independent chapter in my 16, but they treated me like an adult. for Good Citizenship and Best Camper Award. life. There is a lot of uncertainty in There I was among highly educated The Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso also recognized her the world right now. Graduation has and accomplished leaders and it set already been affected and I am not sure me on a track for other good things. commitment, naming her Volunteer of the Year in 2018. if college will be too, but I wouldn’t The experience taught me a lot about Working with kids at Temple from first through eighth grade be surprised. I am just hoping that leadership. Temple has just made me throughout this year I can grow and such a better person and I cherish every stands out among her many good memories. “Teaching the middle learn and become better. Wow, five single memory. years into the future is a lot for me. I schoolers was really fun and I loved all the volunteer work we did. We hope to have gotten a good education What would you say to spent every other week on a volunteer trip to different organizations and I hope to get the opportunity to encourage others to take travel and learn and volunteer. I just leadership roles in our Jewish around town.” hope I am making a difference in the community? “We made sure that Sunday School was not just about learning world for the better. The most important thing to remember is that young people are the the Jewish holidays” she adds. “It was about learning the lifestyle of Who’s your favorite Jewish future. Each individual has power and being Jewish and its emphasis on loving and accepting others and hero? it is so important that you fight for what Abby Stein (author, activist, former you care about and believe in. That is sharing the beauty of being kind.” rabbi, and first openly transgender what life is all about. Cindy Graff Cohen woman raised in a Hasidic community) Editor, The Jewish Voice came to El Paso a few years ago and I What’s the best thing about got to meet her and share a meal with being part of El Paso’s Jewish her, as well as listen to her life story. I community? think because I feel a deep connection I wish I could say everything. If I Parents’ names: Elisa and Tom Given and Brion and Valerie Gluck with her and she is an advocate for had to pick one thing, it’s the people. Siblings’ names: Leah Green, Ali Gluck, Hannah Rich, Hope Rich, women and the LGBTQ+ community, I mean, I really love everyone in this Lindsey Moran, Aly Given she is my favorite Jewish hero. community and everyone I have ever met has made me better. Every Local grandparents’ names: Doris Gluck and Irene Osborn (of What is your favorite Jewish conversation, every “wow you’ve gotten blessed memory) holiday and why? so tall,” every hug, just everything. I Birthplace: El Paso Tu BiShvat would have to be love this community with everything I my favorite Jewish holiday. I think School: Texas Tech University (Fall of 2020) have because I would not be the person celebrating nature and really connecting I am without it.

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice June 2020 | 3 Venitchazek! We will be strong -- together I am proud our Federation engages all generations, connects our board members with resources and training, We sit in the quiet and supports our community members, Jewish schools, synagogues, other We sit in the quiet partner agencies and the greater El Paso Uncertain when it will end community. Our granting process was We hear the birdsong The leaves rustling in the wind improved and our security, programs It is so quiet, we can hear ourselves think and the Jewish Film Festival were At times, it is peaceful, enhanced. I believe our community is At times, it is not. more united. As soon as shelter-in-home began, We miss our gatherings, our families, our friends our decision to have our operations And even our board meetings move cloud-based made for a smooth That have become second nature to our lives transition allowing our staff to work As we serve any way we can. It’s hard to believe that as I write from home. We started a zoom But we also secretly revel in The Shutdown. my last column for The Voice as Jewish community leadership forum to share The pandemic is an excuse not to go, not to do, Federation board president, we are ideas and resources, we connected our Not to be anything but our true selves. living in an unprecedented time of a partner agencies with SBA loans, we global pandemic. Although there were delivered kosher Passover meals, and At first we do not like it, but week after week We begin enjoying time by ourselves, many who foresaw our predicament, we developed a COVID emergency And although we aren’t sure how we will persevere, we do. we were not prepared and most did not fund along with the Jewish Community Foundation. Simultaneously, JFNA We learn to be with our spouses, our partners, our children, believe our world would shut down as Our roommates and our furry friends. it has and would change how we live streamlined and developed strategies and resources for Jewish communal forever. Our future success will depend We enjoy time in nature, time in our homes, institutions to assist us all with our on our collaborative efforts and it is Time to imagine, time to notice, time to read, time to write, time to call response to this crisis. times like these that reveal the relevancy Time to garden, time to clean, time to bake, time to eat and the power of the collective of our The custom in Ashkenazi Time to pray, time to laugh, really laugh, time to cry, community and JFNA, The Jewish communities is that at the conclusion Time to forgive, time to heal, time to change, time to be. Federations of North America. of each of the Five Books of Moses, As I reflect on my time over the past the congregation stands and calls All the time we spent going, doing, wanting becomes available two years, I am grateful for our board, out “Chazak, chazak, venitchazek!” It breathes freedom we could only imagine. our staff and our volunteers who helped (“Be strong, be strong, and we will be It gives us the opportunity to serve others, make our community better. I am strong!”). We need to be strong for our Maybe not in person, not close up, but we can serve from afar, grateful that this experience afforded families, our communities and we need Be together, support one another, me connections with so many dedicated to strengthen one another. Together we are strong, we are better and we will thrive. and committed people. It forced me I look forward to seeing you at Janet Kent Wechter out of my box, gave me strength I our Annual Meeting on June 18 by didn’t know I had, pushed me beyond Zoom, as we celebrate the last year, say my comfort zone, and taught me about farewell to outgoing board members budgeting, programming, fundraising, and elect new ones. Thank you for These WeJewish Honor Federation of Greater ElWith Paso Tributes board development and engaging the opportunity to serve and may you others. I became a better speaker and all stay safe and healthy during these To: Carlos and Sofia Kaplan with thanks To: The Rotwein and Goldman Families in a better writer, two things I did not like difficult times. for your friendship Memory of their Beloved Mother Estelle to do. This role gave me confidence Janet Kent Wechter From: John and Lourdes Eger Goldman To: Rochelle Saks with thanks for your From: Janet and Randy Wechter and helped me believe in myself. That’s President, 2018-20 Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso friendship To: Marc Ellman in Memory of his Beloved what leadership does; it makes you a From: John and Lourdes Eger Father Murray Ellman better person. To: Amit and Pollie Toren with thanks for From: Janet and Randy Wechter your friendship To: Mila and Carlos Martinez in Honor of From: John and Lourdes Eger the Birth of their Son Luca Martinez To: Laura and Merton Goldman and From: Janet and Randy Wechter Susie and Eddie Goldman and Families To: Mindy and Meyer Marcus in Honor of Want to submit an ad? in Memory of Estelle Goldman the Birth of their Grandson Luca Martinez Call (915) 842-9554 From: Cindy Graff Cohen From: Janet and Randy Wechter Todah Rabah to Our Volunteers My Funny Quarantine Robin Furman and Wendy Lanski ,Co-Chairs A publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso On-Call Volunteers Haidi Appel, Michelle Blumenfeld, Steve Haydu , Sammy Holaschutz, Noel Hollowell-Small, Aaron Weislow, Isaac Weislow The Jewish Voice of El Paso, published ten times a year, is dedicated to informing, educating, and uniting the Jewish community by providing news items of local, national, Israeli and international Passover Seder Volunteers concern. Edward “Doobie” Dubowitz, Noel Hollowell-Small, The Jewish Voice will consider for publication any materials submitted that support the mission Brian Kanof, Stuart Kanof, Monika Kimball, Robert Kimball, of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and have relevance and appeal to the El Paso Jewish Wendy Lanski, Brian Small, Amanda Vine community. Articles are subject to editing at the editor’s discretion and are subject to space limitations. Letters cannot be longer than 150 words and articles must be kept to a maximum of Promotional Video 300 words. Please email to [email protected] Opinions are those of individual writers and not necessarily those of the Jewish Federation Jonny and Lory Rogers of Greater El Paso. The Jewish Voice is not responsible for the kashrut of any product or eating Libi and Liam Lanski establishment advertised herein. Fidel French

Campaign Callers Executive Director: Robert French Cindy Graff Cohen Campaign Director: Sue Bendalin Editor: Leslie Beckoff, Michelle Blumenfeld, Robin Furman, Beatriz Garcia President: Janet Kent Wechter Layout and Design: Lori Gaman, Debra Kanof, Monika Kimball, Wendy Lanski, Robert Piñon Office: 915-842-9554 Advertising Rep: Sandy Nadler, Jane Snow, Janet Wechter 7110 North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79912 Printing: PDX Printing

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 4 | June 2020 The Jewish Voice Perpetual Tzedakah: One couple’s gift for giving As second-generation Americans, mitzvah of giving, that he didn’t have Jack and I were fortunate to grow up to go out of his way to find someone to with our “pioneering” grandparents of honor his obligation to give. El Paso. It was a time when our Jewish When our community established community was very small and close the El Paso Jewish Community knit. We all knew each other or were Foundation, it gave us an opportunity related to each other! Our roots grew to create an endowment which is “a gift deep. that keeps giving” long after our ability Why create an endowment for this or opportunity to give in person ends. unique community? When I lived in I am only embarrassed that I Jerusalem, back in the 70s, I had a procrastinated and took so long to take friend who never passed a street beggar the first step to create this perpetual without giving him a few coins of offering of Tzedakah. It helps us fulfill Tzedakah. I asked him once if he ever the mitzvah of giving, “without having got tired of it and his answer is probably to go out of our way to find a way to one of the reasons that I was motivated fulfill that mitzvah.” to honor our obligation of Tzedakah Growing up in El Paso’s Jewish and to establish an endowment in our community reinforced the pride and community. He told me that these importance of embracing our heritage. beggars did him a favor— that they Own it – it is a treasure. gave him an opportunity to fulfill his Benita Neumann Foundation has filed for favorable tax treatment One of the most beneficial tax Public Charity separate from the ment of a Designated Fund in your principal while generating current methods for senior citizens to donate Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso. name. As always, prospective donors income for the Jewish community of to charities is to make their donations As a separate Public Charity, qualified should consult with their tax advisor El Paso and Las Cruces. More than directly out of their Individual donors may establish a Designated concerning their reporting require- $4,000,000 has been given back to Retirement Account (IRA). As long Fund with the Foundation and fund it ments of any planned tax transac- the community since 2004; $533,000 as the senior citizen (now generally with RMDs from their IRAs as soon tions. was distributed to local Jewish at least 72 years of age) is subject to as the Foundation has received official Established in 2002, The Jewish organizations and projects in 2019. As a Required Minimum Distribution designation as a Public Charity. Please Community Foundation of El Paso of December 31, 2019, the Foundation (RMD), donations to a qualified note, donations to a Donor-Advised is committed to protect the fund’s held assets of $11,970,000. charity up to $100,000 made directly Fund do not qualify for this beneficial out of an IRA can receive favorable tax treatment. tax treatment on RMDs from IRAs. Cliff Eisenberg, Foundation presi- Jewish Community Foundation of El Paso Board Effective in 2020, the Jewish dent, and Robert French, Foundation Community Foundation of El Paso executive director, welcome you to President: Cliff Eisenberg filed for status with the IRS as a contact them to discuss the establish- Vice President: Stuart P. Shiloff Vice President: Alan Krasne Treasurer: Rose Schecter Secretary: Robin Furman Executive Director: Robert French

Board Members: Robert Beckoff, Marcia Dahlberg, Brenda Ehrlich, Joyce Jaffee, Robert Krasne, Meyer Marcus, Cindy Metrikin, Jerry Rubin, Shari Schwartz, Robert Shiloff and Randy Wechter JFED Board Representative: Janet Wechter Ex Officio: Allan Goldfarb, Jon Sonnen For more information, visit jcfep.org or call 915-842-9554

Readers Write: Fed’s Seder delivery “Please extend my thanks for the super nice.” Seder in a Box! Yesterday was a tough day and I can’t begin to tell you how “Thank you all for the seder much I appreciate being included. package of plate, food and book.” Good tears.” “Thank you for the food that was “We greatly appreciate being included delivered to my house, I really appreciated it in the Passover meal distribution for seniors. and that it is a beautiful thing JFED and the This community gesture helped to break the Foundation are doing.” loneliness of our prolonged self-quarantine.” “Thank you again for the Passover “We are so appreciative of the Dinner that Federation and the Jewish Passover Seder meals we received from Community Foundation sponsored. the Federation and Jewish Community Such a treat and all so very good. We Foundation of El Paso. It certainly are most appreciative of the Jewish made the holiday special. Thank you community of El Paso.” so much for including us.” “You are all doing such an outstanding “Thank you for including me – it was job. Know it is very much appreciated.” BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice June 2020 | 5 Zoo Zooming with bugs, bunny, and bird Over 60 kids and parents took a virtual led a segment where students learned about walk on the wild side through the El Paso Zoo’s some of the animals in the zoo’s collection Zoom classroom in May. Presented by the PJ and why it’s so important to care for these Library in partnership with the J Center for creatures, even the creepy-crawly ones! We Early Learning the successful event combined got to see three creatures “close up” – a story time and animal encounters to celebrate bunny, some hissing cockroaches, and a bird, the Jewish holiday of Lag B’Omer. which was very talkative. The students were It’s a day that is often celebrated with delighted with it! gatherings, bonfires and barbecues, as well as Students had time to ask very insightful trips. Since we couldn’t gather physically, we questions, followed by a follow-up lesson with gathered virtually to observe the essence of their preschool teachers to reinforce the field the holiday. Students and PJ Library families trip. It was a terrific partnership and PJ Library listened to local PJ Library specialist Alison looks forward to strengthening the connection Westermann read the story “Why Dogs between and among all the partner agencies Have Wet Noses.” From their own kitchens, of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso bedrooms, and living rooms, the children during these times of virtual programming intently followed the pictures on the screen. as well as in the future when we can gather The program then was turned over to the again physically. For more information about El Paso Zoo’s education specialist and “Zoo PJ Library, check out our Facebook page: Adventure” coordinator Sarah Murphy. She facebook.com/pjlibraryelpaso

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 6 | June 2020 The Jewish Voice Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso Board of Directors Executive Committee 2020-22

“I chose to serve the Federation as president out of a sense of duty to and love for my Jewish communities here and in Las Cruces. That may sound like a platitude, but I truly mean it. I can assure you that despite the pandemic and the lack of in-person meetings, YOUR Federation Leadership and its dedicated staff have been working remotely in keeping with its mission and will continued to do so. I will contact many of you in the near future and hope that we Monika R. Kimball can work together to enhance the goals of the Federation, to be vigilant in fighting antisemitism and to always remember that WE President ARE ONE. Retired Professor/Director of ESL Programs If ever there were a time to support the ideals and promises of Born: Berlin, Germany this Federation, it is now. We need your involvement, your volunteer Spouse: Robert Kimball, Ph.D. spirit and, of course, your financial support. Not just for us locally, Children: Angela F. Brockman and Claudene E. Blake I believe in the JFED’s mission and wish to support but also for our Jewish communities here and abroad. its programs on behalf of the El Paso and Las Cruces I look forward to working with you and our Federation. If I can be of communities and abroad help to you in any way, please contact me via the Federation office.”

Leslie Beckoff Debra P. Kanof Bill Stein, Ph.D. Dan Sonnen Janet Wechter First Vice President Second Vice President Secretary Treasurer Immediate Past – Governance – JCRC Chair Retired Research Scientist/Engineering Wealth Advisor Instructor Born: Fort Worth President Volunteer Interior Designer (Jewish Community Born: Louisville, Kentucky Spouse: Vanessa Sonnen Born: Ottawa, Ontario Born: Shreveport, Louisiana Spouse: Susan Michelson Son: David Spouse: Robert Beckoff Relations Council) Spouse: Randy Wechter Children: Sarah, David, Scott and I serve on the JFED board so that Daughter: Jordan Beckoff Attorney Children: Ryan and Jenny Barbara I can have a positive impact on the (David Feiner) Born: New York, N.Y. I choose to serve on the JFED board I have a strong commitment to outcomes of local Jewish philanthropy, Working as a volunteer with the Jewish Children: None, unless you count my because I believe in its mission. I also maintaining and enhancing the quality something I have been passionate Federation is my way of giving back, dog, Harper Lee Kanof serve so that my volunteer work will both with my time and contributions, Why have I chosen to serve on our of life in the greater Jewish community about since my Birthright Israel trip. of El Paso and Las Cruces. I believe benefit the greater El Paso Jewish because building a strong, secure and JFED board? It chose me. community and the Federation’s happy Jewish community in El Paso is that, as a board member of the Jewish Federation, I have the opportunity to partner agencies around the globe and our future. The Jewish Federation also its relationship to Israel. allows me to help combat the increase fulfill this commitment. of anti-Semitism and it supports Jews worldwide and in Israel. As it has been said, “We are Stronger Together.”

• Enjoy a video presentation on the Federation’s Join Us Virtually past year • See who wins the iPad raﬄe for Jewish as We Celebrate Our Community Demographic Survey early respondents • Toast Nathan Stevens, winner of the 2019-20 Jewish Community Florence and Bernard Schoichet Young Leadership Award • Vote for the incoming slate of nominees of Board Oﬃcers and Board of Directors, above Thursday, June 18 Watch your email • Thank Janet Wechter for her service to our community and the Jewish world as Board President 6:00 p.m. for zoom link • Thank outgoing Board members: Shari Ehrlich, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89778591869 Eitan Lavi, Ophra Leyser-Whalen, and Peter Svarzbein

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice June 2020 | 7 Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso Board of Directors Campaign 2020-22

Robin Furman Wendy Lanski Campaign Co-Chair Campaign Co-Chair Community Volunteer and Full-time Wife, Mom and Community Volunteer Mother and Daughter Born: St Louis, Missouri Born: Richmond, Virginia Spouse: Dr. Steven Lanski Spouse: Tony Furman Children: Libi Chaya and Liam Hanan Children: Adam Furman (Wendi); Jordan Furman (Allison) I discovered in my late 20s that my whole maternal family was I am serving because of my strong commitment to the local and world Jewish. It was then I “found myself.” Fast forward, I’m committed to Jewish communities and my love of Israel. With coronavirus making and passionate about making Jewish life, education and community life more challenging at the moment, my commitment of time and a priority for my family. The El Paso Jewish Community is amazing resources to an organization like JFED that impacts so many people and the Jewish Federation is at the heart of it all. in need locally has been very personally rewarding.

First-Year Board Members 2020-22 Tatiana Judith Avila Lea Chayes Marc Ellman, M.D. Communication and Marketing CEO, ORI Investments Ophthalmologist Specializing in Coordinator Born: Jerusalem, Israel Cataract Surgery St. David’s and Las Palmas Del Sol Partner: Steve Newcomb Born: Peekskill, New York Healthcare Children: Jason Chayes (Liz), Marla I have seen some of the wonderful things Born: El Centro, California Sofer (Yaniv), and Adam Chayes that the Federation has been doing and Future Spouse: Engaged to Peter Svarzbein (Roz) I would be honored to be a part of that. Children: None. My lovely niece who I In an unprecedented time like this, I This has become even more special to raised, Venice Michelle – and two dogs think that our strongest bond is our me as my father sadly passed away from I’m actively involved in several local/ community and our religious unity. COVID-19 and he was very happy when national boards, nonprofits, and This is the time to come together as I told him I’m joining the Federation organizations. I enjoy contributing to my “one” to preserve and strengthen our Board. Judaism was very important to him and one of the most important things community in any way possible. When Jewish community and our neighbors in his retired life was his participation approached about this opportunity, I was and friends. with a Jewish police officer organization, delighted. I would love to help grow this the Shomrim Society. My father spent his amazing organization, as well as elevate NYPD career on the streets of the Bronx. our community to help create a better future My mother’s parents were sole survivors for our families, friends, and neighbors. of their families from Auschwitz. Dana Frank Noel Hollowell-Small Carlos Kaplan Community Volunteer Telemarketing at Full Beauty Brands Small business owner at First Born: El Paso Born: Los Angeles Finance Co. Spouse: Adam Frank Spouse: Brian Small Born: Mexico City Children: Drew, Jamie and Lane Children: Derrick and Evelynn Spouse: Sofia I chose to serve on the JFED board My passion is creating a strong Children: Jonathan and Aleeza because I saw firsthand, while co- Jewish community, regardless of I have previously served on the chairing the 2020 Film Festival, the affiliation, and I hope to accomplish JFED board and I found the work amazing reach and impact it has on this by serving on our Jewish interesting and beneficial to the the Jewish community of El Paso. Federation board. Jewish Community. I enjoyed working with the other volunteers and leadership. Many organizations worry about their individual needs. The JFED encouraged and help fund several of these worthwhile groups. The leadership showed direction and helped them focus on what they each did best. Second-Year Board Members 2020-21 Stephanie Calvo Cesar Carrasco Martha Eisenberg Educator Professor, Civil Engineering Play at being “Gaga” to our seven Born: Providence, Rhode Island Born: Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua grandchildren Children: Daniel Calvo (Gaby), Luis Spouse: Blanca M. Carrasco Born: El Paso Calvo (Blandine), Andres Calvo Children: Rebecca and Joel Spouse: Cliff Eisenberg I serve on the Board to promote I would like to contribute to bringing Children: Jenna Eisenberg (Haim an organization that fosters and the El Paso Jewish community Magriso), Dr. Lauren Eisenberg supports a continuously evolving together and I believe the Federation (Adam Rosenfield), Ernest Eisenberg Jewish identity and community and is in a unique position to accomplish (Cheryl) goodwill towards others. this goal. I love El Paso and want to see the Jewish community thrive not only for my grandchildren, but for our entire community.

Not pictured: Ben Kaufman, second-year board member

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 8 | June 2020 The Jewish Voice Mazel Tov to 2020 Graduates!

Julian Cohen Elise Ehrlich Silva Health Magnet High School Coronado High School Plans: Attend Texas Tech University and Plans: Attend Washington University major in Kinesiology in St. Louis to major in history on the Parents: Alan and Debra Cohen school’s premed track Grandparents: Kenneth and Sandra Levine Parents: William and Jennifer Ehrlich and Julius and Shirley Cohen (of blessed Brother: Adin memory) Grandparents: Herb and Brenda Ehrlich It is important to stay active with Judaism Never be afraid to push yourself to do and to never forget your roots. By taking your best. It’s easy to be satisfied with an part in USY, I have done just that: meeting average grade, but pushing yourself in new people, having incredible experiences your studies to learn the material and get and reconnecting with my faith. To me, a higher grade involves more work and everyone should give it a try, you never it’s worth it in the end. Success doesn’t know what you are missing. come easy; it comes with patience and devotion. Conner Fraker Elijah-James Hagins Coronado High School Coronado High School Plans: Attend Texas Tech Plans: Attend Temple University Parents: Liz and Trey Fraker in Philadelphia Siblings: Andrew and Zachery Parents: Sarah Williams and Andre Grandparents: Gloria Dembovicius, Hagins Tony Alvillar, Rusty Fraker Grandparents: Bill and Yolanda I would tell the other graduates that all Radcliffe and Brian Williams your hard work has paid off. Your life is Siblings: Noah and Hannah just beginning and the best days are yet to Don’t be afraid to jump into new things come. The sky is the limit! or to test your comfort zone. Life is all about discovery and you might just find who you are doing something you may have never thought yourself capable of.

Brenda Hamicha Alexandra (Jita) Holderman American University Franklin High School Plans: After graduating in political Plans: Attend Texas Tech, major in science with certificate in Spanish biology and minor in business; translation, return to Washington, Parents: Christopher and Patricia D.C., and continue to work at Holderman the State Department or other Siblings: Twin Madison, Wesley and government position for a year before Lauren pursuing graduate school Grandmother: Jeanne Moye (of Parents: Dina and Dani Hamicha blessed memory); Uncle: John Moye Sisters: Shirly and Denise Work hard in high school – it really counts! Work hard and don’t give up: as cliched as Also get a job or internship without the it may sound, it’s the truth. Anything in life help of your parents; it is a great way to can be achieved with hard work and with get into the real world. Never be afraid to not giving up. No dream is too big! do what makes you happy! Madison Holderman Aaron Hyman Coronado High School Arrowhead Park Early College Plans: Attend Texas Tech, major in High School nutrition Plans: Attend New Mexico State Parents: Christopher and Patricia University Holderman Parents: Michael and Stacey Hyman Siblings: Twin Jita, Wesley and Lauren Brothers: Derek, Evan and James Grandmother: Jeanne Moye (of Grandparents: Aaron and Selma blessed memory); Uncle: John Moye Hyman, Jean and Pauline Lemelin No matter what the movies say, high school isn’t as bad as it seems. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and make sure to love what you do and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Grace Marks Emily Zenner Las Cruces High School Coronado High School Plans: Attend University of New Plans: Attend Yale University with Mexico to study music and business hopes of pursuing a career in Parents: Ross and Debra Marks medicine or law Siblings: Kagan and Mason Marks Mother: Elisa Kahn Grandparents: Mark (of blessed Siblings: Jacob and Julia memory) and Stefanie Medoff Grandparents: Frances and Stuart Always pursue what you want to do in life, Kahn no matter if someone tells you that you I’d encourage students to work as hard cannot succeed that way. It is your life and as possible right now to the best of their you are to write your story. Spend time ability, even in difficult circumstances, with family, although in teenage years they because hard work now is the best way may seem a tad annoying to you, when to guarantee the ability to reap amazing you look back on these years you will rewards in the future. always remember those who helped you though, let them be your family. BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice June 2020 | 9 New school set for inaugural year Enthusiastic parents, a united board, driven curriculum along with proven The school will use Jewish teachings and strong educators have fast-tracked pedagogical practices of Finland, one of to teach universal lessons of respect, The Cherry Hill School to a great start. the world’s top countries in educational kindness, empathy and charity, with the Classrooms are set up and waiting innovation and achievement. Kids and goal to give children the confidence that for students, along with a computer lab, parents had a chance to visit and try out they need to make good choices and in Akron gave the women insights art room, and science lab. Kids and learning activities at one of the school’s make a difference in our world. into classroom setup, daily schedules, staff hope to be at the Congregation open houses in February. Learning on the road learning environments, and even extra- B’nai Zion August 10, pending the same Joining Suzie will be Sandy Garza, Earlier this year, Suzie and Sandy curricular classes. concerns that every school and house of head of curriculum, and language were inspired from their visits to other In Akron, they gained a better worship share with COVID-19 this year. teacher Amanda Martin. Classes will go schools following the Reggio Emilia understanding of how the school’s The inaugural first-grade class is beyond the usual first-grade fare and will philosophy and open enrollment Jewish strand incorporated Judaic ready to go, with potential for a second- introduce foreign languages, art, music, Judiacs. Wendy Lanski, mother of an studies. In St. Louis, they saw the impact grade class and an additional first-grade science, technology, engineering, the enrolled first-grade student and wife of using a model of inquiry learning room if needed, says Susie Gibson, head arts, math, computers, sports and more. of the school’s board chair, pediatric generated from student interest and of school administration. Classes are Students will work on their Hebrew emergency physician, Dr. Steve Lanski, exploration. “We can provide a higher limited to twelve students each. vocabulary following the Moskowitz joined the research trip. level of academics and create a culture For parents whose pre-schoolers “Learning Hebrew Through Move- “This experience gave both Sandy of thinkers,” adds Susie. have come up through the Jewish ment” program. Outdoor adventure and me a baseline of information to “We left the tour feeling very Center for Early Learning at Temple education is another important part of consider and build on at The Cherry enthusiastic for the opportunity to Mount Sinai, the good news is that the the program, promoting teamwork, per- Hill School,” says Suzie. build upon this experience and a vision new elementary school will combine sonal development, and environmental The College School in St. Louis to facilitate the learning process that elements of Reggio Emilio student- stewardship. and The Lippman Jewish Day School addresses the whole child.” New beginnings every day at The J The J Center for Early place. We get to share so many do know, though, is how much Learning is an especially magical new beginnings with the children, they love laughing, playing and and their families, from taking first discovering things together. steps to hearing first words and so Walk into any one of our much in between. classrooms and you’ll see students Often, we are our students’ first working together, helping, and school and their first experience encouraging one another. They being away from Mom and Dad are there to cheer each other on, for a good part of the day. As they every single day, and to cheer get older we get to help them as each other up, whenever that’s they read their first words and, needed, too. This is why you’ll with that, begin to open up an often hear talk of our “J family” entire world of learning. and it’s one of the many reasons However, one of our favorite we can’t wait until we can all be firsts has to be their very first together once again. friendships. Many of our students Meg Birk start with us when they are just Director one or two years old so, often they J Center for Early Learning don’t even remember when they first met their friends. What they

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 10 | June 2020 The Jewish Voice JFED makes Kosher food more available – and more affordable For people who miss having a wide variety of Kosher foods at a local store, we This resource isn’t just about whether or not have an alternative resource. El Paso is one of 22 cities enjoying the benefits of the you keep Kosher – there are plenty of delectable KC Kosher Co-op, a source of bulk Kosher goods that can be ordered by the case or delights on the website that will interest even partial orders when it’s possible to split into smaller quantities. the most discerning palate. Check out what’s KC Kosher’s mission is to “provide maximum available: you’ll find some oldies but goodies product diversity with rock bottom prices and to help you reminisce about your childhood… exceptional customer service.” The diversity “just like Bubbe used to make.” is clear on their website: kckoshercoop.com For information, visit kckoshercoop.com – which features Kosher bakery goods, dairy products, fish, meat, and “goodies” including snacks and sweets from Israel. Their grocery section features cases of necessities from baby food to bread crumbs, drinks to dried fruits and nuts. The Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso has partnered with this online Kosher cooperative to guarantee the delivery of the dates and times below to ensure that the community meets the minimum delivery order. KC Kosher Co-op guarantees delivery to El Paso and is waiving the delivery fee for the Federation, a savings for our community.

News from Our ADL Region: “Antisemitism Uncovered” Antisemitism has been called Antisemitism and the pandemic “the longest hatred,” and it’s While anti-Jewish hatred shares an apt characterization. It has characteristics with other types been around for centuries, and of hate, it often is based on it persists. It is why the Anti- contradictory logic that envisions Defamation League (ADL) Jews both as overly powerful, and was founded in 1913 and as very weak, or even subhuman. antisemitism often signals a rise For example, ADL’s Center on in other types of hatred, it is why Extremism has been monitoring ADL has a two-part mission: “to posts by extremists about Jews and will be investigated and addressed stop the defamation of the Jewish COVID-19. The posts alternately by ADL, if appropriate, and it will people and to secure justice and blame Jews for spreading the virus be entered into our yearly “Audit fair treatment for all.” in order to control the world and of Antisemitic Incidents,” which ADL has just released a profit and offer examples of Jews helps us and law enforcement comprehensive report on the being sick and weak with the virus see trends and respond to them. history of antisemitism entitled or illustrations of Jews as the virus If judged to be a true antisemitic “Antisemitism Uncovered” which itself. incident, it will show up on our can be read at antisemitism.adl. Responding to and reporting “Antisemitism Tracker” and may org. It includes a definition of antisemitism appear on ADL’s “H.E.A.T. Map,” antisemitism, put simply, “hatred ADL has vehicles for reporting which tracks Hate, Extremism, toward Jews,” and information and tracking antisemitism. If you Antisemitism, and Terrorism. on how antisemitic tropes and see an antisemitic incident or Antisemitism is at a stereotypes began and continue to crime, report it to us at www.adl. high right now. We must address be used today. org/reportincident. The incident it immediately, effectively, and comprehensively, before it gets worse. Know that ADL has fought antisemitism for 107 years, and will continue that fight as long as it is needed, and we can be successful, with your help. Dena Marks Senior Associate Director ADL’s Southwest Regional Office - Houston (sister of Ronnie Marks of El Paso, of blessed memory)

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BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice June 2020 | 11 We had a plan… We had a plan for 2020. timelines of my favorite science fiction music as a way to give voice to what we After my retirement from the active series do intrigue me. hold inside our Jewish souls. And they congregational rabbinate at Temple What I do know is this: I was demonstrate how much Rhonda and Beth-El at the end of June, Rhonda and ordained almost 39 years ago. I have I have done together to make Judaism I were going to move to a community notebooks containing articles by me come to life for the communities where in the Midwest that we knew quite and about me from local and national we have lived. well. We had not yet determined what press, Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs, High During our last Religious School we might do in terms of activities and Holy Day sermons, and photos from session, held on Zoom, I asked the service to local organizations, but we believed that our connections would They were demonstrating one of the most organically develop over time. Normally, I might describe a need to central Jewish values that has sustained our alter our course for the coming months called me and asked Rhonda and me by referring to the Yiddish saying, Mann community over the centuries: adaptability. to go outside on our driveway. The Tracht, Un Gott Lacht (Man Plans, and Religious School families had organized God Laughs). significant family and communal events. members of our learning community a thank-you drive-by caravan for our I don’t believe in a God who would I have been reviewing some of those what Jewish values they believe are years serving Temple and the Religious laugh at what is happening now. I do materials in recent weeks. important now, more than ever before. School. believe in a God who would help us These materials describe my They cited principles that could They were demonstrating one of the to be grateful for our lives, guide us to presence at special moments in people’s have been chosen at most any time: most central Jewish values that has sus- find new ways to promote healing for lives. They recount my reflections on being attentive to one’s own health; tained our community over the centu- ourselves and others, and inspire us to the meaning of Jewish holidays and community; practicing Judaism at ries: adaptability. sustain communal hope and to brighten personal and congregational milestones. home; kindness/Chesed; remembrance; I can only think as their cars passed our days enough so that we by our home, that won’t lose our sense of humor. God had blessed their My path in May and June secret plan...and that toward retirement was always God was laughing and going to include organizing smiling at their success. and downsizing files and my And that is how collection of books. I had I will go into the planned to continue leading next chapter of my weekly study groups, conduct rabbinate: ready to worship services, bring the expect the unexpected, Religious School year to a and prepared to serve close (on May 3), officiate in any way I can no at a group Adult Bar/Bat matter where I will be. Mitzvah (on May 2), and hold Rhonda and I a Confirmation service for our thank Temple Beth- oldest students in Religious El, the Las Cruces School. community, and Most of that is still the regional Jewish happening, just not in person. community for the Confirmation will wait until opportunity to be we can be in one another’s partners in enhancing presence again, and there are Jewish life. May we other individual ceremonies always be strong and gain greater that will happen in a virtual space. They chronicle my efforts to advocate family; generosity; peace in the home/ strength for ourselves, so that we can So how is this retirement going to be for people in need, combat bigotry and sh’lom bayit; tzedakah; acceptance; strengthen one another. different than the retirement I expected? prejudice, foster cooperation among patience; connection; compassion; joy/ Rabbi Larry Karol I will never know. I suppose that we do people of different faith groups, and simchah; and gratitude. Temple Beth-El have only one world and one existence, gather people together for study and Soon after the conclusion of our 2011-20 despite the fact that the alternate discussion. They trace my interest in online meeting, one of the parents

Rabbi Larry Karol: Congratulations on Your Retirement With Best Wishes Always

Temple Beth-El and the Jewish community of Las Cruces and El Paso extend our deepest gratitude to Rabbi Larry and his wife Rhonda for their service, their wisdom and especially their friendship. Career of scholarship and leadership • 1981: Ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati • 1981-2011: Three decades serving congregations in Dayton, Ohio; Topeka, Kansas, and Dover, New Hampshire • 2011: Became the fifth full-time spiritual leader of Temple Beth-El, a congregation launched in 1953

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 12 | June 2020 The Jewish Voice

BETTER TOGETHER