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Celebrating Our 1st Anniversary! Feb. 8, 2018 Bi-Weekly 23 Shvat 5778 ISSUE #22

CONNECTING THE DC, MD, & NOVA JEWISH COMMUNITIES Choosing a Camp for Your Child By Janna Zuckerman To put it simply, Jewish summer camp is a blast! Campers have an in- Recognizing that Jewish summer credible time participating in high-qual- camp is one of the formative experi- ity activities and discovering new skills ences through which our youth build and interests. They celebrate Jewish a strong Jewish identity, The Associat- values, traditions, and Israeli culture ed: Jewish Community Federation of through song, food, art, and dance. Baltimore created the Center for Jew- Campers grow their independence ish Camping (CJC) in 2013. The CJC pro- while they connect with their Jewish vides community outreach, education, peers and make lifelong friendships. and public awareness about the ben- How do I choose which Jewish camp is From left: Rabbi Nissan Antine, Rabbi Benny Lau, Maharat Ruth Friedman, Maharat Dasi efits of attending a Jewish camp and right for my child? Fruchter, Rabbi Haim Ovadia, Rabbi Uri Topolosky, and Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld at an showcases the many options available, Choosing a Jewish camp for your International Rabbinic Fellowship event. (SOURCE: MAHARAT DASI FRUCHTER/FACEBOOK) locally and nationally. child is an exciting time, but it can also In my role overseeing the CJC, I work be overwhelming. With so many Jew- Synagogues with closely with Jewish camps throughout ish camps to choose from, it may be the country, providing families with difficult to figure out which one is the Maharats Are Still in guidance on everything from overnight right fit for your child. CJC provides and specialty camps to programs for in- free, personalized guidance to fami- the Fold, At Least for Now dividuals with special needs. lies who are considering Jewish day or Here are some frequently-asked overnight camp. I am happy to meet By Malka Goldberg ic Responses,” the statement said. “The questions I get from parents when with you in person or speak to you Board will evaluate the results of these they begin the camp selection process, over the phone to learn more about Disappointment tempered with op- efforts in three years.” In the meantime, along with my answers: timism were the prevailing feelings no other synagogue will be able to hire What is so special about Jewish camp?  CONTINUED ON P. 26 among clergy members at two local Or- female clergy without losing their OU thodox synagogues directly impacted by membership. the Orthodox Union (OU) Board’s recent “I’m disappointed that it is limiting ‘The Notorious RBG’ Talks statement reaffirming the organization’s for other communities who would want ban on female clergy. to hire a maharat,” said Maharat Ruth Outsider Politics and Equal Beth Sholom Congregation in Po- Friedman of Ohev Sholom, in response tomac, Maryland, and Ohev Sholom – to the OU Board’s decision. “The state- Rights at Adas Israel Event The National Synagogue in Washing- ment is disappointing but also empower- ton, D.C., both employ maharats — a ing, because even if [female congregants] By Seth Jacobson title derived from the Hebrew acronym see other people disagreeing with what of “manhiga hilkhatit, rukhanit, Toranit” we’re doing, they see that what we’re do- In a wide-ranging conversation in (female leader of law, spirituality, and To- ing is right and will continue to embrace front of a sold-out crowd on Feb. 1, rah). In its Jan. 31, 2018 statement, the OU that for themselves.” Forward editor-in-chief Jane Eisner Board announced that it will continue to “I believe we should do everything and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bad- “urge” these and the two other OU-affili- we can to try to make it work with the er Ginsburg talked about Justice Gins- ated synagogues in the U.S. with maha- OU,” said Rabbi Nissan Antine of Beth burg’s family, her professional trajec- rats on their staff to “modify their prac- Sholom. “There is a lot [the OU] does per- tory, and her future. One theme was tices,” but the OU will not be taking any mit — almost everything that is done by clear: America has improved over the punitive action against the synagogues our maharat.” He stressed that “the whole course of its history in how it deals at present since they have already em- movement toward female spiritual lead- with institutional racism, sexism, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader ployed female clergy for some time. ers in Orthodoxy has been done with anti-Semitism, but there is still room Ginsburg at Adas Israel Congregation “The OU Board determined to con- great halachic care.” (Maharat Dasi Fruch- for improvement. in Washington, D.C. tinue its dialogue with these synagogues ter of Beth Sholom did not respond to re- To introduce Eisner and Justice (SOURCE: ADAS ISRAEL CONGREGATION/FACEBOOK) in the hopes that such continued dia- quests for comment for this article.) Ginsburg, Kathleen Peratis, a Forward logue can bring these synagogues ful- board member, recited “A Prayer for  CONTINUED ON P. 7 ly within the parameters of the Rabbin-  CONTINUED ON P. 13

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2 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 2 3

"From Founding to Future" In Tribute to Kol HaBirah Shonny

SHONNY KUGLER Agent - Top 1% Nationwide

I am writing to describe the very positive experience I had with Shonny Kugler who was the agent who handled the sale of my Mom’s house. Shonny was recommended by a family friend and introduced herself at a very difficult time just after my Mom’s death. She was sympathetic and used her experience to gently guide us through the entire real estate process. She carefully went through the property and made recommendations as to how to prepare the house for sale. Because we were out of town, she supervised the preparation, the building inspection, explained the intricacies of the paper work, set the asking price, developed the marketing strategy and, most importantly, quickly found a buyer who offered the listed price. Kugler We couldn’t have been more satisfied with the entire process.

YOUR COMMUNITY REALTOR David Samols Cell: 301-452-1801 Home Office: 301-649-3649 Office: 301-907-7600 [email protected]

Contact mе for all your Real Estate needs!

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WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 3 3 4

ABOUT US

Kol HaBirah: Mission and Goals

The mission of Kol HaBirah is to serve, connect, and strengthen the Great- er Jewish community. We encourage diverse perspectives but will er Washington Jewish community. To achieve this, we will provide: strive to avoid including content and views that may appear offen- sive or hurtful to specific people or groups of people. 1. Community Enrichment and Support Kol HaBirah will increase the 4. Traditional Torah Values – Kol HaBirah proudly upholds traditional visibility and utilization of our Jewish community’s businesses, or- Torah values (e.g. not employing staff on Shabbat; promoting Kosher ganizations, programs, initiatives, and services. This will be achieved restaurants, events, and news) and will strive to maintain these values through our news and feature reporting, our robust community re- while respecting the values of the entire Jewish community. sources section, and advertising opportunities. 5. Support for the United States and Israel Kol HaBirah is committed to 2. A Community Newspaper for All Jews Kol HaBirah will foster con- the safety and support of the government and citizens of the United nection through the sharing of news, ideas and resources, traversing States and Israel. various geographic and ideological boundaries and strengthening the bond of community. We believe Kol HaBirah will further establish the Greater Washington 3. Credible Reporting and Respectful, Open Dialogue Kol HaBirah is Jewish community’s presence on the map as a leading and vibrant Jewish committed to fact-based news reporting and providing a space for community in America and beyond. Thank you for your continued sup- the respectful exchange of ideas on issues that matter to the broad- port, and keep reading!

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Alan Fisher Phil Jacobs Steven Lieberman Ahuva Orlofsky Fred Shapiro An affiliate of the Jewish Link of New Jersey, Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut , and the Queens Jewish Link. ADVERTISERS' INDEX

Events Home Improvement Services Mosaic Catering...... 41

Shomrai Neshama of Greater DoubleTree by Hilton, Washington, Elon Gold at Suburban Orthodox. . .9 Marlo Furniture...... 48 Federation's Network Event. . . . . 11 Washington, P.A...... 7 DC - Crystal City...... 44 Kol HaBirah Idan Raichel Piano Songs Joey Franco Mortgage Broker. . . . 18 Goldberg's New York Bagels (Silver

at Strathmore...... 12 Home delivery...... 2 Garden of Remembrance...... 20 Spring, Rockville, Potomac). . . . . 47 Lippman, Semsker, & Salb Transac- Bender JCC Multifaith Film Fest. . .14 Job opening: Business/Salesperson . 12 Real Estate tional and Litigation Lawyers. . . . 30 Purim at HTAA...... 16 Shonny Kugler...... 3 Organizations Get Bliss...... 34 Charm City Kosher Cooking Barbara Ciment Team, Sulam...... 5 Torchinsky Hebrew Competition...... 19 Funeral Home...... 39 Realtors...... 24 - 25 Lucky Strike...... 22 Federation celebrates JDAIM . . . . 13

Ma Rabu lecture at YGW...... 23 Food, Simcha, Travel Camps and Catering Wrapunzel...... 32 Pesach in the Northeast...... 8 Camp Barrie...... 26 Siena's...... 5 Beth Sholom Guys Nite Out. . . . .35 Leisure Time Tours...... 10 Seasons ...... 17 Capital Camps...... 27 YISE Sushi and Speed Dating. . . . 38 Get Peyd...... 43 RC Video...... 21 Uru Adventure...... 27 Health and Wellness Knish Shop...... 31 Classified Bender JCC...... 27 Nurture Care...... 36 Catoctin Creek...... 37 Mountt Lebanon Cemetery Plots

Kindness Animal Hospital...... 40 Shoresh...... 28 Hoffman and Co...... 38 Available...... 47

4 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 4 5

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WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 5 5 6

MEET THE STAFF

Hillel Goldschein, Publisher Rachel Kohn, Editor in Chief Kami Troy, Senior Editor Bari Perlmutter, Producer Malka Goldberg, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Community News Editor [email protected]

Karen Paikin Barall, Business Development Consultant | Sarah B. Cohen, Editing Staff | Gabe Aaronson, Special Correspondent

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

A Year and Counting… There are so many more people to First and foremost, this means the thank, many who would likely prefer community needs to support Kol HaBi- Last week, an in- Somehow we reached year one and to stay behind the scenes. For exam- rah in the form of advertising. If you are dividual representing are still intact. ple, the individual who provides legal a local business or organization, you a Baltimore-based or- I must thank our hardworking team: advice at the drop of a hat despite be- likely have a marketing budget. Consid- ganization called me our editor in chief, Rachel Kohn, who ing busy running his own law firm, the er placing an ad with us either once in a to discuss Kol HaBi- works tirelessly to manage our writ- person who volunteers to do deliver- while or on a regular basis. If you know rah. “Your paper is ers and content; Bari Perlmutter, who ies, and the countless business men and of or are part of a local business or or- very interesting,” he was instrumental in getting us off the women who have offered guidance; ganization who doesn’t advertise with said. “It doesn’t appear to lean to one ground and put in really hard work to those who offered marketing expertise, us, suggest to them that they do. Not a side or the other. It appears broader than make sure the process on almost all sales advice, article and content sugges- part of a local organization or business the other options … it includes content aspects of the paper is done proper- tions, the list goes on and on. Thank you but wish to support Kol HaBirah? You that relates to a diverse readership. I ap- ly; Kami Troy, who has an other-world- all for your continued support; we em- can follow the example of a few indi- preciate that and I’m an avid reader.” ly eye for detail and catching errors and brace it and would not be where we are viduals who allocate marketing dollars “It’s great to hear that,” I told him. “In keeps the rest of us in check; Malka without you. on behalf of organizations they wish to fact, that was our intention for Kol HaBi- Goldberg, who shoulders the produc- support so they can advertise various rah: to relate to a diverse readership as tion and many editing responsibilities How it All Started programs in Kol HaBirah. That’s a “win- part of our mission to connect the broad- and has helped us transition from a hap- Kol HaBirah’s launch was due to win” and it is due to people like these er Jewish community.” hazard group to a better-oiled machine; the encouragement of a few pioneer- that we are in existence. This kind of feedback has been con- and Karen Barall, who adds much-need- ing individuals who felt it was needed Lastly, I can’t stress enough that mak- sistently provided to us by observant, ed big-picture and hands-on insight, per- and were willing to put up long-term ing a concerted effort to notice, thank, secular, and traditional Jews of varying spective, and contacts in all aspects of financial support in the form of ads. and support those who advertise with us ages living across the Greater Baltimore the community. Special mention to El- These include Julie Black of Nurture will go a long way to helping us as well. and Greater Washington communities. lie Kramer who was also instrumental Care, Shonny Kugler, the Barbara Ci- Our community impact has resulted in in helping us get off the ground and es- ment Team, Dan Kugler, and Joey Fran- Home Delivery us being invited to speak at Berman He- tablished in Baltimore, as well as to Sa- co. Thankfully, the support has grown In addition, each reader of Kol HaBi- brew Academy and Ner Tamid (Ortho- rah Bracha Cohen, who handles the beyond these individuals which ena- rah should sign up for home delivery. dox), Beth El and Congregation B’nai proofreading process. bled us to reach year one with a small This will help us make the case to the Tzedek (Conservative), and we are cur- profit. community, ourselves, and our adver- rently in discussions to arrange lectures tisers that there is a large enough de- at a few pluralistic organizations as well I can’t stress enough Where Are We Headed? mand for Kol HaBirah and that it is a as at a Reform temple. that making a According to the roughly half a doz- strong community service. I can as- We have also begun our foray into en experienced business people I spoke sure you this won’t significantly boost the business networking world by con- concerted effort to with since January 2018, it is impressive our revenue as our profit margins on $1 ducting a female leadership roundtable notice, thank, and that we turned a profit after our first per issue are minimal. Instead, signif- last month, which you can read about in year in business. Our second half of 2017 icant orders (well into the thousands) this issue. support those who experienced significant growth, and the will demonstrate a proof of concept To top it all off, we ended 2017 with advertise with us general consensus was that our reve- for Kol HaBirah, that we are a necessary a net profit. This, all within a year of Kol nue needed to continue even further community staple. (You can order your HaBirah’s existence. will go a long way to on that trajectory in 2018 to move clos- subscription at www.kolhabirah.com I am so thankful to so many for help- helping us as well. er to becoming a sustainable, healthy or send a check; your card will not be ing us reach this milestone. I will start off business. They collectively helped me charged, nor will your check be cashed with thanking G-d for putting me in the set realistic revenue benchmarks that, until we receive minimum 300 orders position to start Kol HaBirah and for re- I would also like to thank our regu- if reached, would indicate healthy busi- from your area which will allow us to moving normal reasoning and inhibi- lar contributors, including Gabe Aaron- ness growth. begin delivery). tions, which allowed me to jump into this son, Suzanne Pollak, Dovid Nachson Al- Our team will do everything in our Regardless of where we end up, we tremendous responsibility without con- bright, and Jackie Feldman; as well as our power to reach those revenue bench- can hang our hat knowing that we had sidering how crazy an idea it really was. regular columnists, including Larry Shor, marks while keeping costs within rea- a successful year. Let’s make the next an Print media? In 2017? Outside of the tri- Rachel Burnham, Rabbi Stephen Baars, son. However, we will need the com- even better one with your help! state area? On a shoestring budget with Joshua Z. Rokach, Justin Walls, Paul J. munity’s proactive support and sense of no financial backing? With other existing Blank, Dear Rivkie, The Shadchan Next ownership of Kol HaBirah to reach sus- Best, publications in the market for decades? Door, Batya H. Carl, and Fred Shapiro. tainability. Hillel Goldschein, Publisher 6 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 6 7 COMMUNITY NEWS ‘The Notorious RBG’ Talks student. Justice Ginsburg said she feels Outsider Politics and Equal that sexism still exists and gender dis- Rights at Adas Israel Event crimination is still a problem, though it is  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 more subtle today. For instance, she said she received public criticism for inter- RBG’s Long Life – And Our Pursuit of Jus- rupting fellow Justice Sandra Day O’Con- tice,” a poem by local writer Abigail Po- nor. When she went to apologize, Justice grebin published in the Lilith Blog last O’Connor told her not to worry about it month. Emphasizing the principle of because “the men do it all the time.” tzedek (justice), the poem evokes the dig- Furthermore, Justice Ginsburg said, nified pursuit of fairness that has come there has long been a belief that gen- to define Justice Ginsburg’s career. der-based discrimination is actually favor- Justice Ginsburg recounted her sense itism toward women or meant to protect of being an outsider as she grew up “in women. “It says something about wom- the shadow of World War II” and how en’s citizenship,” however, if women are “Guardians of the Soul” it shaped her outlook. “The Holocaust not called upon to serve on a jury, for ex- was the beginning of the end of apart- ample. She lamented the fact that the Your strictly Orthodox funeral home heid in America,” she said. African Amer- Equal Right Amendment, which failed in icans fighting “odious racism” in Europe 1978 and again in 1982, was never adopt- in the Washington Metropolitan Area and returning home to face racism here ed, having fallen three states short of the eventually led to the Brown v. Board of three-quarters required by the Constitu- Education decision, she said. tion, and she expressed hope that one day TOTAL ADHERENCE TO HALACHA

There are only about 5 funeral homes in the United States that are considered a truly Orthodox funeral home based on the criteria below:

"Notorious RBG," a Tumblr account created by a former student, set off a Ruth Bader Ginsburg merchandise craze.

Discussing how the Court’s treatment her granddaughters will “see in the Con- 100% CLOSED ON of and accommodations for Jews have stitution a statement that men and wom- changed over the course of her career, Jus- en are persons of equal citizenship stat- TAHARA SHABBAT & tice Ginsburg recounted a story about Or- ure” as a “basic tenet of our system.” (ritual washing) YOM TOV thodox Jewish lawyers complaining that Near the end of the evening, Eisner they can’t frame their Supreme Court Bar asked Justice Ginsburg how she feels certificates. “It says, ‘in the year of our about her recent ascent to pop culture ce- Lord so-and-so,’ and he’s not our lord,” lebrity and if it is strange to suddenly find she recalled them pointing out. One of her likeness on mugs and tote bags. She her colleagues remarked, “In the year of said she is amazed by the phenomenon. our Lord was good enough for Brandeis, “In March I will be 85, and everyone it was good enough for Cardozo, it was wants to take my picture!” she said. NO FOCUS ON good enough for Frankfurter, it was good To all her fans, young and old, Justice EMBALMING SIMPLE enough even for Goldberg.” Ginsburg gave her assurance that she Her retort: “It’s not good enough for will remain on the Court “as long as I can OFFERED CASKETS Ginsburg.” do the job full-steam.” Justice Ginsburg recently made head- lines for her participation in the #MeToo Seth Jacobson is a special contributor to Kol Habi- conversation, sharing her experience rah and writes on issues of U.S. government and na- when a professor propositioned her as a tional security.

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WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 7 7 8

COMMUNITY NEWS $500K Grant Will Give Seniors and Adults with Disabilities ‘The Gift of a Lift’ By Suzanne Pollak OHFL is one of 13 “villages” supported by the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) Irving and Toby of Greater Washington’s VillageRides are a couple, both in program. Volunteer-led, grassroots or- their 90s, happily liv- ganizations that support community ing in their own home in Olney, Mary- members who want to “age in place,” land. They credit their ability to stay ac- villages throughout Montgomery and tive and social without abandoning the Prince George’s Counties — and soon home and community they love to Ol- Northern Virginia as well— all provide ney Home for Life (OHFL), an all-volun- free rides for seniors and adults with dis- teer service that provides seniors with abilities who do not drive. JCA’s Village­ free transportation. Rides program, in turn, provides opera- “I am 93 and Toby is 90, and we tional support, access to ride scheduling couldn’t do without this service at our software and marketing support to its age,” Irving said. The drivers have been participating villages. “so friendly and helpful and have treated “These grassroots services allow sen- us as family,” he added. iors who no longer drive to remain in Another senior, Joan, has been re- their homes yet retain their independ- ceiving free rides from OHFL to for ence by receiving rides to medical ap- more than two years. “I have been ac- pointments, shopping, social events, and companied to appointments, both med- more,” said Sara Fought, JCA’s Village­ ical and personal, by many nice people Rides coordinator. And in exchange for on their staff,” she said. “On one shop- “the gift of a lift” (VillageRides’ slogan), ping trip, I felt like I had my own per- volunteers receive not only the knowl- sonal ‘Lost and Found Department’ edge they are helping others but also A vehicle serving the elderly and disabled population. (SOURCE: JCA/FACEBOOK) with me. I kept leaving my walker in the opportunity to meet neighbors and ‘parts unknown,’ and Madeline, the very build relationships in their community, (COG) grant of $515,540, JCA expects to fa- help older adults and disabled adults of patient volunteer who was with me, al- Fought said. cilitate an additional 1,000 free rides dur- all faiths and from all walks of life get ways seemed to know where to find it Now, thanks to a newly-awarded ing the next two years with the establish- where they need and want to go. And it and retrieve it.” Metropolitan Council of Governments ment of a Network for Volunteer Driving will demonstrate to everyone that older of Greater Washington. adults and disabled adults matter, that The Network will build upon JCA’s they could and should be a vibrant part success in designing and running the of the communities they cherish.” AT THE LUXURIOUS BRUCE BACKMAN’S Connect-A-Ride Transportation Re- The National Capital Region Trans- source Center, the VillageRides pro- portation Planning Board (TPB) at COG gram, and other local mobility manage- approved the award and Montgomery PESACH MARRIOTT WESTFIELDS ment programs, several of which were County Department of Transportation NORTHEASTin the RESORT also supported by COG to enhance will support the program. Chantilly, VA transportation for seniors and adults A separate COG award of $165,619 will with disabilities. enable JCA to procure two replacement WE ACCEPT AIR MILES CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION The Network will train at least 435 buses to continue serving vulnerable new volunteer drivers. All told, JCA esti- seniors who have cognitive disabilities, mates that new and continuing volun- physical disabilities, or both, and who teer drivers will deliver 33,440 rides dur- have no other safe, reliable, and afforda- ing the course of the grant while serving ble means of transport to the JCA Mis- ZIKA FREE 40 local community organizations that ler Adult Day Center and the JCA Kens- provide volunteer driving programs. Ad- ington Club in Rockville, Maryland. Both HIGHEST RATED AND MOST TRUSTED PESACH PROGRAM IN THE NATION’S CAPITOL ditionally, the Network will also provide centers provide safe, friendly, creative en- organizations that join access to a com- vironments where older adults enjoy rec- FEATURING puterized ride-scheduling system, pur- reation, socialization, and group meals SENATOR JOSEPH LIEBERMAN chased at high volume and low cost; while receiving personalized, compas- MRS. HADASSAH LIEBERMAN give them practical help in develop- sionate care. RABBI SIMON JACOBSON ing new volunteer driver programs and “ElderBus service and an informa- RABBI EPHRAIM BUCHWALD learning best practices in driver train- tion and referral program called the Sen- BENNY FRIEDMAN ing and recruitment; provide technical ior HelpLine were the very first two pro- 8TH DAY’S BENTZI MARCUS assistance for software, general trouble- grams that JCA created at its founding in WORLD FAMOUS POPOVICH shooting, and administrative training, 1973,” said Gamse. “They are just as im- COMEDY PET THEATER and much more. portant now as they were nearly 45 years FEATURED AMENITIES: “The new Network will do things ago. We sincerely thank our donors and Indoor & Outdoor Horseback Riding Pools Excursions that are close to my heart and close to community partners for supporting us Tennis Spa Services the Jewish Council for the Aging’s heart,” and supporting seniors’ independence Basketball Golf said JCA CEO David Gamse. “It will sup- year after year after year.”

HOME TO THE “BEST FOOD IN THE BUSINESS” Professional Children’s Programming port volunteerism. It will build upon JCA’s expertise in transportation servic- Suzanne Pollak is the senior writer/editor at Jew- CHOLOV YISROEL RESERVE NOW GLATT KOSHER es and in working with neighborhood ish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington. SHMURAH MATZOH 774.353.0170 villages and other grassroots organiza- She was a reporter at The Courier Post in New Jer- NON GEBROCHTS PESACHINTHENORTHEAST.COM tions. It will utilize technology to help sey and The Washington Jewish Week, and she now community groups work smarter. It will writes for The Montgomery Sentinel. 8 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 8 9

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WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 9 9 10

COMMUNITY NEWS Governor Hogan Includes $2 Million in “This is a big deal,” his Budget for Private School Security Halber told Kol By Gabe Aaronson The impetus for the “Security Up- curity funding for private schools in HaBirah, “because grades for Facilities at Risk of Hate New York, Florida, and California. Sam it’s the first time On Jan. 17, Mary- Crimes or Attacks” law came last year. At Melamed, co-chair of the Teach Advoca- land Gov. Larry Hogan the beginning of 2017, Jewish institutions cy Network’s Maryland division (Teach Jewish institutions released his budget across the country — including several MD), didn’t want Maryland schools to be in Maryland have a for the coming year, schools and preschools in the DC area — left behind. place to apply for which includes $2 mil- were targeted by several waves of bomb So, in early 2017, Teach MD be- lion in security grant funding for private threats. Authorities ultimately learned gan working with state legislators to operating dollars.” schools and daycares. Schools deemed “at that a potentially mentally ill teenag- craft a security law, fully expecting it risk of hate crimes or attacks because of er in Israel was responsible for most of to be a multi-year project. On March 13, we can thank State Sen. Roger Manno for their ideology, beliefs, or mission” could the threats. However, the bomb threats 2017, Maryland State Delegate Joseline getting the bill passed just one month af- apply for grants to pay for building secu- awakened state legislatures across the Peña-Melnyk introduced legislation to ter it was introduced. Manno — who is rity guards, building upgrades, and staff country to the security needs of religious create a security grant program for at-risk running for Congress in 2018 — champi- training. If funding is approved by the schools and their students. private schools and daycares. oned the security grant program and urged legislature, then this would be the first The Teach Advocacy Network (a pro- According to Jewish Community Re- his colleagues to support it. His hard work Maryland state program to provide oper- ject of the Orthodox Union) seized this lations Council of Greater Washington paid off: On March 31, the State Senate vot- ating funds for private schools. opportunity and secured additional se- (JCRC) Executive Director Ronald Halber, ed 44-1 to pass the bill, and on April 10, the House of Delegates voted 141-0 to pass. But creating the grant program was OUR 60th YEAR just the first step. It still needed to be funded, and in Maryland, only the gover- nor may propose new spending. Halber told Kol HaBirah that after the legislative ESACH 2018 session ended, the JCRC asked the gover- P nor to allocate at least $2 million for the 6 Spectacular Pesach Destinations security grant program. PHOENIX, ARIZONA BOCA RATON, FLORIDA PALM BEACH, FLORIDA Jewish groups were pleased when the Arizona Boca Raton PGA National governor released his budget last month Biltmore Resort & Club Resort and it contained the requested funding. A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT “This is a big deal,” Halber told Kol HaBi- rah, “because it’s the first time Jewish in- stitutions in Maryland have a place to apply for operating dollars.” Halber said that four Maryland Jewish schools he surveyed spend a combined $800,000 per year on security guards. So, what’s next? First the legisla- • Condé Nast Traveler, 2016 Gold List Top • Gorgeous half-mile stretch of Private • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach ture must approve Hogan’s funding re- Arizona Resort • 8 heated swimming pools Beach • 2 Championship Golf Courses • AAA 4-Diamond Resort • All Rooms Have • 30 Clay Tennis Courts • 40,000 sq. ft. World Private Balconies • 5 Tournament-Ready quest. Since the legislature voted over- •7 Tennis Courts • Two 18 hole championship Class Spa • Haute Gourmet Cuisine by the Golf Courses • 19 Har Tru Tennis Courts whelmingly to create the security grant golf courses • Professional Day Camp Waldorf Astoria Resort Chefs • Scholar- • Fantastic Scholars-in-Residence program last year, it seems likely they • Haute gourmet cuisine by VIP Ram Caterers in-Residence: Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis - Chief • Exceptional Cuisine by Foremost Ram • Fantastic Scholar- in-Residence • International Rabbi of England • International Kosher Caterers • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision will approve the full $2 million. How- Kosher Mehadrin (IK) Glatt Kosher Supervision Mehadrin (IK) Glatt Kosher Supervision ever, Melamed said not to take this for granted. Teachers’ unions and other op- FLORENCE, ITALY FIUGGI (ROME), ITALY RYE BROOK, NEW YORK ponents of public funding for private schools may mobilize against the securi- Four Seasons Grand Hotel Hilton ty grant program. Florence Palazzo Della Fonte Westchester If the $2 million is approved, then the Maryland Center for School Safety — an independent unit of the state govern- ment — must write regulations detail- ing exactly how the grant program will work: application instructions, dead- lines, scoring, and award amounts. Hal- ber said he wants the grants be at least Entire La Villa building Kosher for Pesach • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • Entire hotel Kosher for Pesach • Only 30 $50,000 each — nearly enough to hire a • Luxury 5-star resort • Hotel set amidst a • Member of the Leading Hotels Of The minutes from New York City • Hotel full-time security guard. 350,000 sq.ft. botanical garden World • Haute Italian Cuisine • Beautiful spa, beautifully renovated • Spectacular lineup • Gourmet cuisine by Michelen rated Four indoor & outdoor pools • Free daily shuttle of Scholars-in- Residence • Fantastic Melamed also said that Teach MD will Seasons chefs • Professional Day Camp to Rome • Professional Day Camp entertainment & daily activities continue lobbying to increase funding for • Scholar- in-Residence: Rabbi Lord • Scholar-In-Residence: Rabbi Yisrael Lau - • Professional day camp • Exceptional the program in future years. “But we are Jonathan Sacks • Glatt Kosher Supervision Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv • Glatt Kosher cuisine by Prestige Caterers • ORB Glatt very grateful for the governor including by Rabbi G.M. Garelik Supervision by Rabbi G.M. Garelik of Milan Kosher Supervision $2 million in his budget,” he added.

Gabe Aaronson does IT Project Management for the LEISURE TIME TOURS Defense Health Agency and public policy consult- www.leisuretimetours.com 718-528-0700 ing for various clients. He lives in Kemp Mill, Mary- [email protected] land, with his wife and two daughters. Email gab- [email protected]. 10 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 10 11

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON PRESENTS THE

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Greater COMMUNITY NEWS Washington Terrorism Expert Sheds Light on US-Israel Collaboration By Frank Solomon International cooperation with tra- “The Israelis like to clean up the site ditional allies, and particularly with Isra- of a terrorist attack as quickly as possi- Did you know the U.S. government’s el, intensified as the United States and ble to bring them back an appearance of first official counterterrorism office Israel both faced threats from the Pal- normalcy. The American approach is to was created in response to an attack estinian Liberation Organization (PLO) seal off the crime scene, and search care- on Israelis? In fact, many of the com- and other Palestinian groups such as the fully for evidence," said Kraft. ponents of the U.S. responses to terror- Abu Nidal Organization. In May 1973, the “The Israelis rely heavily on round- ism were prompted by developments Black September offshoot of the PLO ing up and questioning suspects or per- affecting Israel. killed U.S. Ambassador Cleo Noel and sons who may know something about During his Shabbat morning guest Deputy Chief of Mission George Curtis them. I have heard FBI officials tell- lecture on Jan. 27, Michael Kraft, a 19-year Moore in the Saudi Embassy in Khar- ing Congress that such interrogations veteran of the U.S. State Department’s toum, Sudan. are unlikely to stand up in American counterterrorism office, shared these “In Israel and elsewhere, both Israe- courts,” he added. and many other insights about about lis and Americans were hit in these cas- Notwithstanding such differences American cooperation with Israel and es,” Kraft said. “In one case, a young Sen- in approach, U.S. and Israeli authorities other allies in combating terrorism. Kraft ate staffer, Hal Rosenthal, was killed maintain close cooperation on counter- spoke at Congregation Har Tzeon-Agudat Michael Kraft (COURTESY PHOTO) along with two other persons near the terrorism. Achim in Silver Spring, Maryland. El Al terminals when he got off a plane “While [the U.S. does] not provide In 1972, Palestinian terrorists kid- lished the first U.S. government intera- in Istanbul in 1976.” antiterrorism training to Israel as we do napped and killed 11 Israeli athletes dur- gency counterterrorism organization,” Kraft recently co-authored that cov- with less-developed countries, there is an ing the Munich Olympics. This attack Kraft said. That effort led to the crea- ers these developments: “U.S. Counter- exchange of information, and sometimes prompted the U.S. to establish a formal- tion of the Office for Combating Terror- terrorism: From Nixon to Trump – Key Israeli instructors come here to train us. ized counterterrorism effort. “In reaction ism, which is now known as the Bureau Challenges, Issues, and Responses.” Be- Some have even carved out a niche in ad- to the killings and the botched German of Counterterrorism and Countering Vio- fore retiring from government, Kraft vising the U.S. private sector,” he said. rescue operation, President Nixon estab- lent Extremism, in the State Department. served as staff director of the Senate For- In the bigger picture, the U.S. is a ma- eign Relations Middle East Subcommit- jor supplier of military equipment to Is- tee; he also worked as a chief congres- rael and works with Israel to develop the sional correspondent for Reuters, and as Iron Dome and other anti-missile sys- a foreign correspondent based in Lon- tems. In doing so, the U.S. has benefited don and Central Africa. from Israeli innovations and modifica- IDAN RAICHEL FBI overseas offices, known as legal tions on counterterrorism. PIANO SONGS attaches or “legats,” have “proven useful “One of the little-publicized cooper- in helping to investigate terrorist crimes, ative efforts between the United States Thu, Feb 22 helping host governments investigate at- and Israel is the research and develop- tacks, and even helping draft counter- ment of equipment to deter, counter or terrorism legislation,” said Kraft. Legats minimize terrorist attacks,” Kraft said. and U.S. embassy officials in Israel work closely with the Israeli government, al- Frank Solomon is a member of Har Tzeon-Agudath though Israeli and FBI agents have differ- Achim and lives in the Kemp Mill neighborhood of ent work styles, he said. Silver Spring, Maryland.

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COMMUNITY NEWS GREATER WASHINGTON

Synagogues with Maharats Are clergy position.” As for the second ques- Still in the Fold, At Least for Now tion, the panel found it “appropriate for Over the next three years, Beth Sholom hopes to  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 women to assume the following non-ex- haustive list of professional roles within build upon the rabbinic panel’s recommendations Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of Ohev Sho- the synagogue setting in a non-clergy ca- of what women can do to strengthen female lom said that his congregation is “100 pacity” as teachers, scholars-in-residence, leadership roles in Orthodox Judaism. percent in accordance with halacha executive-level synagogue staff, counse- [Jewish law]. We are so proud of the fact lors, and mentors. that we’re part of a community that rec- While the OU did meet with leader- ingful work in prominent shuls, day ognizes that women can be amazing ship from all four synagogues over the schools, and Jewish organizations long spiritual leaders for the Orthodox Jew- past year, the rabbinic panel did not con- into the future.” ish community.” Rabbi Herzfeld felt the tact Beth Sholom nor Ohev Sholom as Over the next three years, Beth Sho- OU’s statement overstepped the organ- part of their decision-making process. lom hopes to build upon the rabbin- ization’s purview. “They don’t get to de- “One of the critiques is that a lot of the ic panel’s recommendations of what fine what is Orthodox. That’s just not the rabbis on the panel weren’t necessarily women can do to strengthen female way our tradition through the centuries engaged in the community so it wasn’t leadership roles in Orthodox Judaism. has worked,” he said. a good representation of Orthodoxy. It “It is our shul’s intention to try our best existed in a bubble,” said Maharat Fried- to implement the rabbinic panel’s psak The Rabbinic Panel’s Ruling man, referring the fact that six of the sev- (ruling) within our shul,” Rabbi Antine The Board’s decision was based on the en rabbis on the panel are affiliated with Maharats Ruth Friedman and Dasi said. “The rabbinic response says wom- recommendations of the rabbinic panel Yeshiva University and based in New Fruchter (left and center) with fellow en can do a lot of things … if you put the OU convened last year to answer two York or New Jersey. Yeshivat Maharat graduate Chava Evans of all of those things together in a job de- questions: Is it halachically acceptable Baltimore. (SOURCE: CHAVA MEGAN EVANS/FACEBOOK) scription, it is basically the job descrip- for a synagogue to employ a woman in The Path Forward tion of any maharat. We all have the a clergy function, and what is the broad- All four women currently employed president and co-founder of Yeshivat same orthodoxy and need to make this est spectrum of professional roles with- as clergy at OU-member synagogues Maharat. She does not see the OU’s state- work together.” in a synagogue that women can perform graduated from Yeshivat Maharat, an ment as a barrier to success for future Maharat Friedman agreed that a fo- within the bounds of halacha? Orthodox seminary for female clergy graduates. “We continue to receive in- cus on unity is key. “I just hope that In response to the first question, the founded by Rabbi Avi Weiss. “The ordi- quiries from community leaders and or- we’re all able to remain part of one panel’s view was clear in its February nation of women has unquestionably ganizations that have expressed interest broader community. That would be 2017 statement: “We believe that a wom- been a positive development for Ortho- in employing our graduates and antici- nice. It would be a shame if the relation- an should not be appointed to serve in a dox Judaism,” said Rabba Sara Hurwitz, pate that our graduates will find mean- ship ended.”

THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON proudly celebrates Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month February 2018 February is officially known as Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). The Jewish Federation is proud to join together with Jewish organizations and communities around the world in this unified effort to raise awareness and champion the rights of people with disabilities. Together, we can foster a more inclusive Jewish community that emphasizes the value, dignity and capabilities of each and every individual.

shalomdc.org/jdaim

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 13 13 14

COMMUNITY NEWS GREATER WASHINGTON

the destruction of the Temple. The rising Potomac Families Enjoy Learning challah was then shaped, and some par- and Baking at Kids Mega Challah Bake ticipants decorated their challahs with colored sprinkles or chocolate chips. By Emily Cohen The mixture of Jewish unity, Jewish pride, and the hands-on experience of Take a room full of beautiful Jew- making and bringing home a piece of Ju- ish kids, add some baking ingredients, daism was the perfect recipe for a fun mixing utensils, and a hefty dose of fun, and meaningful morning. and what do you get? A Kids Mega Chal- “The Kids Mega Challah Bake was lah Bake! a wonderful, creative, and meaning- On Sunday, Jan. 28, over 150 parents ful experience for my family,” said Tra- and children gathered together in the cy Tabachow, a Chabad of Potomac He- Bender Jewish Community Center (JCC) brew School mom. “I always thought for Potomac’s first-ever Kids Mega Chal- that baking challah was intended for lah Bake. The Kids Mega Challah Bake people to eat and enjoy, but through this was co-sponsored by Chabad of Po- program, I learned that challah baking tomac Hebrew School, the Bender JCC, is also a spiritual experience, complete and by Lisa and Gary Rosen in loving with self-reflection and prayer.” memory of their moms, Arline Rosen “One of the greatest parts of the morn- and Nola Alpert Golden. Molly Kimball proudly displaying her Challah Chef Jake Rubinstein hard at work ing was hearing my children discuss who The event began with each child dec- beautiful challot. kneading his challah dough. they should give their second challah to,” orating a gift bag with a personal note. (PHOTO CREDIT: CHAIKY BACKMAN) (PHOTO CREDIT: CHAIKY BACKMAN) she added. “It was even better when we The gift bags were for the “Loaf of Love,” delivered it and made that person smile.” the challah that each child set aside to it was ready to rise. While they waited, which all the children and parents had Kids and parents are already looking give away after baking all their challahs. children made their way to the “Build a the opportunity to say a silent prayer forward to next year’s Kids Mega Challah Participants then made their way Challah Workshop,” a Jewish twist (no over their own challah dough for any Bake. “We had such a great time at the into the main room, arranged with long pun intended) on the popular Build-a- blessings they might need. The mitz- Challah Bake,” said Alli Kimball, anoth- rows of tables set to perfection for the Bear concept. Children chose from one vah of “taking challah” refers to taking er Chabad of Potomac Hebrew School mini challah chef: from the challah in- of three adorable challah pillows to a small amount of challah dough from a mom. “My daughter and niece had the gredients, all premeasured and packaged stuff, name, customize with blessings large batch and burning it as a substitu- best time and keep asking when we can in small individual containers, to the and mitzvot, and take home in a box de- tion for the priestly offering and to recall do it again!” chef hats and challah aprons. signed with love especially by them. Families got busy pouring, mixing, Challah was taken from a large batch and kneading their challah dough until and the blessing was recited, during Students and Holocaust Survivors Connect at George Mason University Promote your Business/Organization By Kol HaBirah Staff Federation, offered perspectives on the film about children of the Nazis, “Nazi to our 24,000+ readers On International Holocaust Re- Legacy: The Troubled Descendants.” membrance Day (Jan. 27), George Ma- Then, JCRC Education Outreach Direc- throughout DC, MD and VA! son University’s Hillel hosted “Expres- tor Steve Adleberg introduced five Hol- sions of the Holocaust,” sponsored by ocaust survivors —Marcel and Ania the Jewish Federation of Greater Wash- Drimer, Maria Dworzecka, Janos Ger- ington and the Jewish Community Re- tler, and Ruth Kohn — who spoke to Contact us TODAY lations Council (JCRC). More than 100 the assembled students and communi- to get started. people attended the event. ty members in small break-out sessions Avi West, senior educator at the that followed. We have Ad plans and packages for all budgets!

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14 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 14 15

Greater COMMUNITY NEWS Baltimore Assitant State’s Attorney: Why Rabbi Krawatsky Wasn’t Brought to Trial By Rachel Kohn gation. Based upon those reports, there can prompt them to change their story was insufficient credible information to in an effort to please. He described the In the 48 hours charge anyone with sexual child abuse.” Kol HaBirah does not presently have following the pub- “My recollection was that the paren- access to the forensic interview tran- possibility that some lication of “Did Bal- tal influence was quite clear, and while I scripts with alleged victims in the Rabbi of the children were timore’s Orthodox certainly would not accuse the children Krawatsky case, and “that first interview not only sexually Community Turn A of lying, there was ample evidence that is all important,” Dr. Maggie Bruck, a pro- Blind Eye To Child Sexual Abuse?” by the statements were likely a product of that fessor of child and adololescent psychi- abused but also New York Jewish Week on Jan. 17, 2018, influence,” she continued. “Moreover, atry at Johns Hopkins, said via email “demeaned by Baltimore resident Rabbi Shmuel Kra- the ‘new’ information began to emerge Feb. 1, 2018. Dr. Bruck’s research on in- the witch-hunt watsky was terminated from his teach- after the parents had been told that the terviewer bias and suggestive interview ing position at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Com- evidence was insufficient. What fol- techniques helped pave the way for best narrative’s assertion munity Day School and resigned from lowed was a barrage of additional alle- practices used today. “Police notes of that the entire case his role as director of a teen inclusion gations which, when investigated, were what the child said is no replacement, was a ‘hoax’” as a minyan for disabled youth at Suburban more consistent with parental interfer- because these are only notes of what the Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim. ence and coaching than with the natural police remembered but do not contain “double injustice.” One of the individuals the New York and unaffected piecemeal disclosures of information of how the child was ques- Jewish Week’s reporter spoke to was As- abused children.” tioned to get that information out. You and a little ashamed that I was being dis- sistant State’s Attorney Lindy Angel, chief The police reports from the three need to look for signs of panic, contam- honest. But at the same time, being the of the sex crimes and child abuse unit in cases, a summary of which were shared ination — parents calling parents, chil- type of person I was, whatever my par- Frederick County. Angel was named in online by Kol HaBirah Jan. 29, 2018, in- dren talking to children — at least.” ents wanted me to do, I would do.” the police reports, obtained by Kol HaBi- clude mention by the children of being The McMartin Preschool case in the Ross E. Cheit, a political science pro- rah on Jan. 25, 2018, as the person who prepared by their parents for conversa- 1980s received national media atten- fessor at Brown University, spent more reviewed the information provided by tions or being reminded by them about tion for its graphic allegations of sexual than a decade researching the McMartin the police and declined to pursue crim- specific details to share. One of the par- abuse of children and offers an example case. In 2014, the New York Times report- inal charges against Rabbi Krawatsky ents is also described as putting “firm of what the perception of coaching or ed that while Cheit acknowledged that — this despite the statements by Child and strong verbal pressure” on an al- unintentional suggestion in interviews some defendants were falsely accused of Protective Services investigators that ev- leged victim (not her own child but one with children can do to a sexual abuse sexual abuse, the evidence suggested to idence indicated two of the three boys of the others). lawsuit. him that one of the individuals was actu- in question had been abused, and that When asked by the investigators ally guilty but went unconvicted because in one instance “the sexual molestation about a child’s reference to “practic[ing] poor choices by the interviewers under- or exploitation was more likely than not with his parents twice in the hotel what mined the credibility of the tapes. He de- caused by Rabbi Krawatsky.” to say and talk about today,” his mother scribed the possibility that some of the said they were going over what was go- children were not only sexually abused ing to be discussed to better prepare and but also “demeaned by the witch-hunt “What followed was a comfort their child. There is no record narrative’s assertion that the entire case in the police reports that any of the par- was a ‘hoax’” as a “double injustice.” barrage of additional ents or children gave or received instruc- Rabbi Krawatsky and his wife Shi- allegations which, tions to lie to investigators. ra are suing parents Joel and Rachel when investigated, As for the “new” information refer- Frederick County District Courthouse. Avrunin (who agreed to identify them- enced by Angel, three experts consult- (SOURCE: GOOGLE IMAGES) selves by name in the New York Jewish were more consistent ed by Kol HaBirah — a medical doctor, Week article and are therefore named with parental psychologist, and social worker, each According to a 2006 study pub- here), a second set of parents (who with decades of experience evaluating lished in Psychology Press, the prosecu- went unnamed in the aforementioned interference and cases of reported sexual abuse of chil- tors in the McMartin case relied heavi- article to protect their son’s privacy), coaching than with dren — said it is common for children ly on videotaped interviews of children and the accusers’ public ally, Chaim to withold details about their assault that the jury criticized as “highly lead- Levin, on charges of defamation and the natural and out of shame, a desire to please, fear of ing.” In 2005, Debbie Nathan of the LA conspiracy. They filed their complaint unaffected piecemeal reprisal from the perpetrator, or lack of Times co-authored an article with for- in Maryland district court Jan. 30, 2018, disclosures of understanding or vocabulary for what mer McMartin preschool student, Kyle and are seeking $75 million in damag- happened to them. They also said it is Zirpolo. In the article, titled “I’m Sorry,” es — $15 million per defendant. The abused children.” normal for children to share more infor- Zirpolo talked about why he fabricated families of the alleged victims intend mation as they become more comforta- allegations against the adults who ran to take Rabbi Krawatsky to court in the ble talking about their trauma. the preschool. “I remember them ask- coming months; Levin said the plain- Kol HaBirah asked Angel: Why didn’t The social worker said that if a child ing extremely uncomfortable questions tiffs will include additional parties be- the state take the case to trial? was coached or led by a parent or the about whether Ray touched me and yond the three families from the Jew- “Without having re-reviewed any interviewer, the “tainted” interview about all the teachers and what they did ish Week article. and all of the reports at issue, this is my couldn’t be used to determine the valid- — and I remember telling them nothing Kol HaBirah will continue to follow present recollection,” Angel responded ity of allegations, but a subsequent in- happened to me,” he said. “. . . Anytime this developing story, which is having a via email Jan. 30, 2018. “Generally, the terview by a trained expert could pro- I would give them an answer that they major impact on the Baltimore/Wash- original report contained allegations duce valid information. The medical didn’t like, they would ask again and en- ington Jewish community. that could not be corroborated and, in doctor, on the other hand, said that re- courage me to give them the answer they fact, were discredited during the investi- peated questioning of a child over time were looking for . . . I felt uncomfortable Rachel Kohn is editor in chief of Kol HaBirah. WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 15 15 16

COMMUNITY NEWS GREATER BALTIMORE Kosher Cooking Competition Will Bring Jews Together for Good Food and a Good Cause By Jackie Feldman presentation being taken into porates dishes from a different country account by the judges. The catch each week. Bier feels passionately both The Charm City is that the contestants will re- about food and supporting a wonderful Kosher Cooking Com- ceive a mystery basket contain- institution like Cheder Chabad, so com- petition, a fundrais- ing four ingredients that must peting was a “no-brainer” for him. er event for Cheder be incorporated into the dish Dan Neuman, chef at Baltimore’s Chabad of Baltimore they’re creating. Contestants Serengeti restaurant, will be providing coming up Feb. 25, was originally in- will have a fully stocked pantry a catered spread for the event with lots spired by cooking competition television to use to supplement their dish. of exotic and gourmet appetizers like shows like “Chopped” and the burgeon- Luckily for the contestants, fried chicken sliders, smoked chicken ing interest in gourmet kosher cooking the competition’s judges — an egg rolls, and even a kosher BLT salad. within the Baltimore community. The assortment of Jews involved His goal is to show that kosher food can idea of the competition answered the in the food industry (both ko- be just as good as non-kosher food, said school board’s desire to find a fundrais- sher and non-kosher) — have Slatkin, and he’s thrilled to be a part of ing project that would also bring Jews to- promised to be kind and avoid this competition. gether and serve the community at large. the typical snarky commentary Think you have what it takes to com- Cheder Chabad board member and found in most of the televised pete? Spots for contestants are still avail- parent Rivka Slatkin brought the idea to cooking competitions. able. Email charmcitykosher2018@gmail. life, working hard to secure a fantastic ar- Slatkin said contestants com to sign up. ray of judges and contestants who will are so passionate and excited be preparing some amazing food. “Food A photo submission from Nick Elgamil for the to participate that they’re con- Jackie Feldman is a young professional living and is a common denominator amongst Jew- Mystery Basket Challenge using the stated stantly sending her pictures of working in Washington, D.C. She runs the group ish people,” said Slatkin. “It brings peo- ingredients: salmon, blue tortilla chips, and the delicious food they’ve been “Sephardic Jews in DC,” which hosts events in the ple together around the table, and every- Gatorade. (SOURCE: CHARM CITY COOKING COMPETITION/FACEBOOK) cooking. Two contestants she’s metro DC area that celebrate Sephardic culture, re- one relates to the excitement of the heard from are Yaakov Kossoy ligious tradition, and customs. She also has her own competition, whether it be cooking, eat- The competition will pit contestants and Shua Bier. Kossov loves to make in- food blog that features a healthier spin on many ing, or just watching people cook and against each other to create the best dish ternational food, she said, and when he traditional Jewish and Sephardic recipes: https:// prepare food.” in 30-minute rounds, with both taste and makes Shabbat dinner at home he incor- healthysephardiccooking.wordpress.com/.

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COMMUNITY NEWS GREATER BALTIMORE

Visiting Exhibit Reveals How Daring Soviet Union, which is where Sugihara came in to the picture. He issued transit Diplomats Saved Jews During WWII visas for the Jews to travel to Curacao via Japan, which then enabled them to ob- By Malka Goldberg tural affairs at the Embassy of Israel in is known for helping over 2,000 Jews es- tain permission to travel across the So- Washington, D.C. “Many of them suffered cape from Lithuania, but as the exhibit viet Union. Of the more than the consequences of their courageous explains, his actions would not have been Acting without their countries’ sup- 26,000 people Yad acts, but it was for them a matter of hu- possible without the initial steps taken port — even against direct orders — the Vashem – The World man morals and beliefs in the values of by Acting Dutch Consul Jan Zwartendijk. thousands of documents issued by Zwar- Holocaust Remem- humanity,” she said. The exhibit inter- After Germany invaded Poland, thou- tendijk and Sugihara before the Soviets brance Center has rec- sperses their stories chronologically into sands of Polish Jews fled to Lithuania, shut down the consulates and embassies ognized as Righteous Among the Na- the historical narrative of World War II. where they were caught between Nazi in Kaunas gave their bearers their best tions for their efforts to save Jews from Japanese Consul General Chiune Sug- Germany and Soviet Russia. Since escap- chance to survive the war. While none of Nazi extermination during the Holo- ihara is one of the profiled diplomats. He ing to the West was no longer an option, the Jews who received these documents caust, 36 were diplomats. "Beyond Duty," they sought transit visas that would ena- ultimately arrived in Curacao, they did a traveling exhibit sharing the personal ble them to escape via the Soviet Union. successfully escape Europe. Meanwhile, stories of nine such diplomats, opened The problem: The Soviet Union required over 30,000 Jews were not so fortunate, Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Jewish Museum of anyone traveling through the country and died in the course of the subsequent Maryland (JMM) in Baltimore. to provide proof of a valid entry visa for Nazi occupation of Lithuania. Developed by Yad Vashem in con- their final destination. “It’s important that we learn from junction with the Israeli Ministry of For- Zwartendijk, who was a business- those whose integrity guided them to do eign Affairs, the exhibit honors diplo- man temporarily serving as a diplomat, what is right for humanity,” said Marvin mats from countries around the world issued statements that no entry visa was Pinkert, executive director of the JMM. and will be at the JMM until March 25, necessary to enter the Dutch Caribbe- " 'Beyond Duty' is a lesson of courage when it will then journey to DC. an island of Curacao, tactfully omitting and resilience," Gamburg said, "and it is These diplomats operated a range of that entry was ultimately up to the dis- an opportunity for the Israeli ministry to rescue operations during the Holocaust. cretion of the governor. When Jews in pay tribute to those diplomats who de- Acting against their governments’ poli- Kaunas, Lithuania, learned of this, they cided, despite all odds, to show extraor- cies, they issued visas and unauthorized flocked to Zwartendijk to obtain state- dinary courage in those dark times." national passports, and took “other ex- ments of confirmation for their travel traordinary measures” to save Jews, said Japanese Consul General Chiune Sugihara. papers. But that was not enough to ob- Malka Goldberg is the Community News editor for Delphine Gamburg, the director of cul- (PHOTO COURTESY OF BEYOND DUTY AND YAD VASHEM) tain permission to travel through the Kol HaBirah.

18 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 18 19

*Grand prize can be won by all, however free installation and granite are limited to Baltimore residents. Out of area shipping costs may be incurred

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 19 19 20

COMMUNITY NEWS TEENS IN ACTION

Reuniting the Mishpacha: My Experience The final weekend of the Summit took place in the U.K., but the week preced- at the Olami Summit ing this, we travelled through Spain and learned about the Jewish communities By Edward Nusinovich ing out creative ways of getting them ex- that previously existed there. Part of the cited about Jewish programming helped programming of the entire week was Jew- The Olami Sum- me to grow in my Judaism. ish Torah learning in honor of Israel’s fall- mit in Europe, which A friend attended last year’s Olami en soldiers. I found this really powerful took place from Dec. Summit, which took place in Brazil, so because of the presence of a former IDF 24 to Dec. 31, 2017, when I heard about this year’s, I was al- soldier, Josh, on my bus. Josh shared his was the world’s larg- ready keen. Additionally, my parents are story about losing one of his comrades in est global gathering of young Jews. As a from Ukraine, so I always jump at the op- battle, and it really hit home how we still junior studying statistics at University of portunity to meet Jews from abroad. have to fight for what we believe in today. Maryland, College Park, classes are fas- When I reflect on my experience at Through learning about the various cinating and campus life is a blast, but the Summit, it’s challenging to put into struggles that faced Europe’s Jews, par- meeting with over 1,300 delegates from words. Dancing, singing, and praying ticularly during the Spanish Inquisition 19 countries across the globe was a wel- along with so many other young Jews of 1478, coupled with Josh’s personal sto- come break — and one of the greatest was an incredible experience and I was The author (left) and a friend at the Olami ry of loss, I realized how hard Jews have experiences of my life. really happy that my multilingualism in Summit. (PHOTO COURTESY OF EDWARD NUSINOVICH) been forced to fight for their identity and Last semester, I had the privilege of French, Russian, and English allowed me their belief system throughout the gen- working as a campus ambassador for the to get to know many people from dif- former Chief Rabbi of Israel, was really erations. This made me even more com- Jewish outreach organization MEOR, one ferent backgrounds. The largest contin- cool and their enthusiasm and wisdom mitted to my Jewish purpose and I feel of the 320 member organizations under gents from outside of the U.S. came from provided a unique energy. Part of the lucky to have participated in the Sum- the umbrella of Olami, the global com- France and Russia, so being able to speak goal of Olami is to inspire delegates to mit, coming home a stronger Jew and a munity of Jewish organizations commit- to them in their native languages ena- take ownership of their Judaism by tak- more enthusiastic Jewish campus leader. ted to inspiring young Jews about their bled us to connect over our shared back- ing advantage of the leadership oppor- Judaism. MEOR’s College Park chapter grounds and forge a stronger connection tunities provided. Ultimately, they want Edward Nusinovich is a junior at the University of has provided me with ample opportuni- through our Judaism. the delegates to return to their com- Maryland, College Park. He is president of Pi Mu ties to meet with like-minded peers, to Learning Torah in the company of so munities with a greater sense of Jewish Epsilon, the math honors society, and is currently experience Shabbat meals, and to learn many knowledgeable Rabbis, including identity and purpose and an ability to learning Hebrew to deepen his connection to Ju- with talented and inspiring Judaic edu- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Dr. Aki- spread that energy and passion for Jew- daism. Edward loves to travel, try new food, and cators. Relating to new people and figur- va Tatz, and Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, the ish learning. play with dogs.

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20 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 20 21

COMMUNITY NEWS TEENS IN ACTION Seniors Learn and Clothing Drive at KMS for Students Teach at Leisure Victims of Domestic Violence World’s Tech Day By Miriam Friedman and Mattie Watson nah, and NCSY. Children, teens, and adults came out for this chesed op- By Fred Shapiro At the latest event, Leisure World res- On Jan. 28, community members portunity, sorting and loading several ident Barbara Cohen needed help with in Silver Spring, Maryland, spent six hundred bags of clothing, linens, purs- On Sunday, Jan. her iPhone and iPod. CESJDS student hours at Kemp Mill Synagogue (KMS) es, coats, shoes, and stuffed animals. 28, students from five Daniel Cohen (no relation) sat with Bar- sorting, loading, and transporting do- A fully-packed mid-size U-Haul and schools gathered to bara and helped her work through her is- nations at a clothing drive to bene- a minivan were needed to transport help seniors get more sues. She said she was especially pleased fit CHANA, a Baltimore-based charity the clothing to Baltimore. Students comfortable using with what he taught her about taking that provides clothing as well as a va- came from Berman Hebrew Academy, modern communication and informa- and sending photographs. riety of services to victims of domes- Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School tion technology. Dorothy Adelman’s problems stem- tic abuse. The drive was co-sponsored (CESJDS), Yeshiva of Greater Washing- Fifty-one seniors attended the latest med from her smartphone. She attend- by KMS, Young Israel Shomrai Emu- ton, and local public schools. Tech Day at Leisure World in Rockville, ed a Tech Day at the end of 2017, but was Maryland, where they were guided by still uncertain about the phone’s fea- 31 students on the use of smartphones, tures. Fourteen-year-old Ellen Teichberg tablets, laptop and desktop comput- came to Dorothy’s aid, and now Doro- ers, and software and digital photogra- thy recommends Ellen for her ability phy using phones and tablets. Stu- to explain the technology and respond dents from Charles E. Smith Jewish Day to questions and concerns. Barbie Sei- School (CESJDS), Berman Hebrew Acade- del’s high opinion of eighth-grader Zach my, Wootton High School, Montgomery Shpilman’s tutorial on using the camera Blair High School, and Cabin John Mid- feature and shortcuts on her new smart- dle School participated. phone is especially impressive when

(PHOTO CREDIT: MIRIAM FRIEDMAN)

(PHOTO CREDIT: FRED SHAPIRO)

Organized by CESJDS parent Stac- you find out that her own children and ey Relkin, the Tech Days have become a grandchildren are employed in technol- welcome fixture for the Leisure World ogy fields. community. The seniors in Leisure World have And just how do seniors relate to benefited greatly from the Tech Day les- the students? A couple of years ago, sons of their young teachers, and give one woman, a former teacher, was as- credit to the parents who help organize signed a sixth-grader. “What can I learn and staff the events as well. Everyone is from him?” she asked, initially skeptical; looking forward to the next Tech Day, but by the end of the hour she was so coming up in April as part of the Jew- pleased, she invited him to visit at a later ish Federation of Greater Washington’s date to continue the lesson. Good Deeds Day.

Daniel Cohen and Barbara Cohen (no relation). (PHOTO CREDIT: FRED SHAPIRO) WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 21 21 22 SCHOOLS

WASHINGTON, D.C. Pre-Kindergartners Explore Feelings Through Art By Ronit Greenstein and Revital Finkel “Brave Portraits,” inspired by pop art- ist Roy Lichtenstein. They transformed MILTON’s pre-K class engaged in a themselves into superheroes by striking multi-faceted exploration of identity heroic poses for the camera, then ma- through the lens of feelings — because nipulating the images using a web ap- while feelings don’t define us, they are plication that alters photographs to look an integral part of us. like comics, adding backgrounds, speech Every day, teachers introduced chil- bubbles, and affirmations of bravery. dren to new vocabulary — both linguis- This project tied in to all areas of tic and social-emotional — by defining the curriculum, including early litera- and discussing a different mood, such as cy skills, math, science, research, rep- quixotic, contemplative, listless, misun- derstood, mischievous, and inspired. The pre-K study focused on four feelings — happy, sad, silly, and brave — and chil- dren considered the ways they express themselves, what evokes these feelings, and how to process them. The children then represented these feelings by creat- ing a series of self-portraits inspired by different artists using a variety of media. (PHOTO CREDIT: HANNAH SEIDEL)

(PHOTO CREDIT: HANNAH SEIDEL)

For their “Happy Portraits,” the chil- resentation, and art. While constructing dren created large-scale, brightly-colored portraits, they experimented with STEM portraits in the style of children’s author concepts including symmetry and asym- and illustrator Todd Parr, whose illustra- metry, geometric shapes, spatial aware- tions use simple lines, shapes, and bright ness and drawing to scale, different units colors, and whose stories include en- of measurement, and contrast and trans- couraging messages. For their “Sad Por- parency. Students developed their vocab- traits,” students used pencil and water- ulary and expression skills with the daily color markers to evoke the more serious mood words and through literature, see- style of Norman Rockwell’s portraits, ex- ing how different characters identified, perimenting with shadow and light as communicated, and dealt with each feel- they practiced skills in tracing and draw- ing. Their research into portraiture in- ing to scale. Their “Silly Portraits” took cluded learning about the use of color, inspiration from Pablo Picasso, with stu- space, media, tableau, and technique. dents using mixed media to create art- work displaying fantastical colors and Ronit Greenstein is director of communication and asymmetrical shapes. Finally, students Revital Finkel is a pre-K general studies teacher at incorporated technology into their MILTON in Washington, D.C. 22 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 22 23

SCHOOLS FAIRFAX

our interconnected future,” will be held ‘Gesher With a TWIST’: School Kicks on Thursday evening, March 15, and will Off Third Annual Speaker Series feature Sheryl Schwartz, chief opera- tions officer of CareTek, LLC. On Sunday evening, Jan. 21, Gesher The featured speaker was Miriam in the room to share their own inherit- Jewish Day School (JDS) in Fairfax, Vir- Mörsel Nathan, a visual artist and poet. ed memories. To learn more about the TWIST2018 ginia, kicked off their third annual “Ge- Born in the Dominican Republic, she The next TWIST event, “Virginia is series and to RSVP, visit www.gesher-jds. sher with a TWIST” event series. was raised in Richmond, Virginia, and for Israeli Tech Lovers: Innovations and org/TWIST2018 or call 703-962-9209. currently resides in Washington, D.C. Her ROCKVILLE lecture, “I First Saw the World Through a Mosquito Net,” fo- CESJDS Fourth Graders cused on the post- World War II Jew- Mark Annual Milestone ish experience in the Dominican Repub- Every year, the fourth graders at the noflim (supporting the needy). CES- lic and explored the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School JDS partnered with two organizations topic of inherited (CESJDS) celebrate the Sara and Sam- this year to support the students’ ful- memory and how it uel J. Lessans Fourth Grade Havdalah fillment of their mitzvot choices: Ring shapes our identity. Service as a milestone event. This year’s House and Manna Food Center. The meaningful pres- service recently took place at B’nai Isra- The fourth grade ran a school-wide entation sparked an el Congregation, with each student’s ac- healthy food drive in the days leading open conversation tive participation. up to the Havdalah event, and collect- Roberto Cavazos, event co-chair, with Miriam Mörsel Nathan, with the audience In conjunction with Havdalah, the ed over 500 pounds of food — both featured speaker. (PHOTO CREDIT: JENNIFER SCHER) and inspired others students selected tikkun olam projects canned and boxed. The students also to support as a grade community. After visited the Ring House independent liv- BALTIMORE learning about a variety of ethical pos- ing facility where they presented song itive mitzvot from the Jewish tradition, and dance to the residents, as well as our fourth graders chose kibbud z’kein- their reflections on the meaning of the KSDS Students Pack im (honoring the elderly) and someikh mitzvot that they chose. Snow-Day Care Packages ­— ­COMMUNITY­LECTURE­SERIES­—­ for Baltimore City Kids Celebrating­the­Wonder­of­Hashem’s­Creations ‘v lhagn ucr vn How manifest are your works Hashem, in wisdom you made them all, the earth is full of your possesions. – Tehillim 104:24

On Jan. 24, Krieger Schechter Day School (KSDS) and Goldsmith Early Childhood Center partnered with the Weekend Backpacks for Homeless Kids program to pack 50 bags of food to distribute to students in need at two Baltimore City schools. The bags will help feed families of students who receive free meals at school during the week, but who often go hungry on weekends and snow days. (PHOTO COURTESY OF KSDS) NOT THAT KIND OF DOCTOR: Viruses, DNA, and the PhD Process DR.­AVIGAYIL­DRUCK­SHUDOFSKY­ Yeshiva­of­Greater­Washington With­Torah­Insights­from­­ MRS.­RACHELLE­REINGOLD­­ Yeshiva­of­Greater­Washington

SUNDAY,­FEBRUARY­18­•­­12:30­pm­­ MINCHA­FOLLOWING

Next Lecture: March 11 • 12:30 pm “The Human Immune System and Cancer Therapy” Dr. Yehuda Strauss (NIH) Entire community is welcome • YGW Boys Campus, 1216 Arcola Avenue

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT RABBI SCOTT HILLMAN 301-962-5111 EXT.1553 OR [email protected] WWW.YESHIVA.EDU

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 23 23 24

Aspen Hill Eruv

www.EruvHomesMD.com Are You, or a Friend, Looking for Homes Inside a Montgomery County (MoCo) Eruv?

Search (Active or Sold) Listings Inside a MoCo Eruv: Link: www.EruvHomesMD.com/Eruv-Map-Searches

Silver Spring: Eruv

Kemp Mill / White Oak

Quick Browse (Active or Sold) Listings Inside a MoCo Eruv: Link: www.EruvHomesMD.com/area area = aspenhill, kempmill, whiteoak, olney, potomac, rockville and woodside (which now connects with Shepherd Park Eruv in DC) Always double-check whether a property is within or outside a particular Eruv with the proper Eruv authority.

Olney Eruv Rockville/N.Bethesda Eruv Woodside/Shepherd Park Eruv Potomac Eruv

Several years ago, a local institution asked me to help recruit families to their neighborhood, by highlighting homes for sale inside their Eruv. I thought it could be helpful to other Eruv Communities in Montgomery County, MD. So, I created www.EruvHomesMD.com as a community service. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Barbara Ciment, Associate Broker, Realtor®, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

24 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 24 25

Our Numbers Say It All! The Barbara Ciment Team Serves All of Montgomery County $500 Million in Career Sales Over 1,000 Closed Sales Transactions Helped Over 500 Buyers/Renters Find Homes #1 Office Producer 25 Years in a Row and Counting The Barbara Ciment Team “Your Home Team” Barbara & Mel Ciment and My Team’s Buyer Specialists: Emily Lurie and Judi Shields Barbara Ciment Associate Broker, Realtor

6000 Executive Blvd, Suite 100 North Bethesda, MD 20852 Office: 301-468-0606 Emily Lurie Judi Shields [email protected] 301-346-9126 www.ciment.com

Selected from Our Recent Sales and Current Listings

Arcola Arcola Woods/Kemp Mill Burnt Mills/NW Branch Creekside LW Greens At Leisure World

2008 Arcola Ave 11525 Daffodil Ln 10608 Woodsdale Dr 2901 Leisure World Blvd #219 15100 Interlachen Dr #624 For Sale: $429,000 Represented Buyer in this Sale Sold: $485,500 For Sale: $385,000 For Sale: $174,000 Sold Price: $490,000

Kemp Mill Kemp Mill Kemp Mill Kemp Mill Kemp Mill

134 Claybrook Dr 907 Lamberton Dr 905 Brentwood Ln 516 Cosgrave Way 1 Cosgrave Ct Under Contract Under Contract Under Contract We Listed & Sold Represented Buyer in this Sale Asking Price: $445,000 Asking Price: $659,000 Asking Price: $535,000 Sold Price: $530,000 Sold Price: $532,500

Kemp Mill Kemp Mill Kemp Mill King Farm Olney

11717 Stonington Pl 11743 Lovejoy St 1211 N. Belgrade Rd 1107 Reserve Champion Dr 18312 Queen Elizabeth Dr For Sale: $465,000 For Sale: $539,000 For Sale: $749,000 Representing Buyer-In Contract Represented Buyer in this Sale Asking Price: $675,000 Sold Price: $560,000

Rock Creek Manor University Towers University Towers Villa Cortese LW Woodmoor

13516 Crispin Way 1121 University Blvd #716 1111 University Blvd #1111 14809 Pennfield Cir #212 10210 Ridgemoor Dr Sold: $500,000 Represented Buyer in this Sale For Sale: $120,000 Under Contract Sold: $487,500 Sold Price: $175,000 Asking Price: $218,000

All data from Bright MLS subject to revision. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Copyright 2018

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 25 25 26

FEATURES

Choosing a Camp for Your Child ready. Most children will be successful  CONTINUED FROM P. 1 at an overnight camp if they have experi- enced being away from home for a short your child and discuss camping options period of time (sleepovers at friends’ and that meet their needs and interests. relatives’ houses, for example, or over- How do I know if I should choose a Jew- night trips with a day camp). ish day or overnight camp for my child? Many overnight camps have “rookie Choosing a Jewish day or overnight camps” or “short-stay” camps, providing camp for your child is a personal deci- a one- or two-week trial run at summer sion, but both experiences will provide camp. Some institutions even have fam- your child with a summer of exciting ily camps, which provide opportunities new opportunities! Your child will have for kids and parents to explore the won- the chance to gain skills and independ- derful aspects of summer camp as a fam- ence, meet new friends, and celebrate Ju- ily and introduce children to camp in a daism in a fun and safe environment. comfortable and informal atmosphere. Many families send their child to a How long is a typical camp session? day camp to start, and then transition them to overnight camp when they are  CONTINUED ON P. 27

Kids getting into color war at Camp Gevaldig in Silver Spring, Maryland. CESJDS student Ezra Gershman at Ohev Sholom - The National Synagogue's (PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP GEVALDIG) Camp Kibbutz. (PHOTO COURTESY OF EZRA GERSHMAN)

Friendship Ages 4-14 Camp OPEN Community HOUSE Sunday, Feb. 25 1-3 pm Early bird registration FUN! ends March 1 13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 301-576-2815 • [email protected]

Convenient to the ICC & Glenmont Metro Camp logo Transportation Available barrie.org/campFriendship. Community. Fun. p Open House Sunday Feb 25 26 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 1-3pm WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM Early Bird Discount ends March 1 barrie.org/camp Ages 4-14 Convenient to the ICC and 26 Glenmont Metro. Transporta- 27

FEATURES

Choosing a Camp for Your Child Questions to Ask When your campers come from? education over the summer?  CONTINUED FROM P. 26 Choosing a Camp • What skills and values do you be- • Is your camp affiliated with any par- Overview lieve campers gain from spending ticular movement? If so, how does it Sessions vary at each camp, but many • Can you provide us with the back- the summer at your camp? affect daily programming? camps offer traditional seven- or eight- ground/history of the camp? Food • Does your camp celebrate Shabbat? week sessions or two three- or four-week • What makes your camp different or • Is the food kosher-style or does the Paying for Camp sessions. Additionally, with so many new unique? camp have a kosher kitchen? • What kind of scholarships are avail- specialty camps arising, camps are offer- Staff • Does the camp cater to individual able? ing two-, four-, or six- week options to ac- • What is the camper-to-staff ratio? food needs, like allergies, dietary re- • What kind of financial assistance is commodate more campers. • How many counselors are in a bunk? strictions, etc.? available? When talking to a camp director or visit- • What kind of training does the staff Jewish programming To learn about the Center for Jew- ing a camp, what questions should I ask? receive? • How do you infuse Jewish values, ish Camping, go to livecamp.org. To talk You can use the list below as a start- • Do your general counselors teach culture and/or tradition into a typical to Janna Zuckerman or schedule an ap- ing guide for what you may want to ask specialty activities (arts & crafts, ath- day at camp? pointment, email her at jzuckerman@as- camp directors and staff to get a better letics, theater, etc.) or do you have • Is there a curriculum that guides the sociated.org. idea of whether their camp is the best fit specific staff for these activities? for your child. Campers Happy Camping! • What geographic area do most of 䄀氀氀 䘀甀渀Ⰰ 䄀氀氀 匀甀洀洀攀爀

䄀氀氀 䘀甀渀Ⰰ 䨀漀椀渀 甀猀 昀漀爀 愀渀 甀瀀挀漀洀椀渀最 琀漀甀爀㨀 ㌀⼀㐀Ⰰ ㌀⼀㈀㔀Ⰰ 㐀⼀㄀㄀Ⰰ 㐀⼀㈀㔀 挀愀瀀椀琀愀氀挀愀洀瀀猀⸀漀爀最 A smiling camper at Camp JCC in Rockville, Maryland. (SOURCE: @BENDERJCC/TWITTER)

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WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 27 27 28

28 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 28 29

FEATURES Six Female Business Leaders Share Lessons Learned for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs By Suzanne Pollak the first few years while the business members of her funeral home staff. After Advice for Potential takes time to succeed. She advised some- years of working there, they know what Business Owners Despite the arduous one raising a family and starting a busi- the Hebrew markers at the cemetery say All the panelists said they are com- work, long hours, and ness to hire help at home. and are even comfortable with the Yid- fortable advising the next generation to numerous headaches, Torchinsky started her funeral home dish they often hear from clients. start their own businesses, as long as they six area female business owners all agree with her personal savings. “I always saved Wexler said 30 percent of trainees understand it’s not going to go exactly as they have the best of so many worlds. all of my money from every job I ever and participants are at Sunflower Bakery planned. They also noted that it helps to They can take days off during Jewish hol- had, and I worked since I was 14,” she said. are Jewish. Since they are a kosher estab- know accounting and finance, no matter idays and for family events because they “I had no idea how I was going to lishment that has special menu items for what business plan you pursue. control their own schedules. They are make it,” she said. “I knew Hashem was Jewish holidays, the non-profit teaches Black said the best advice she offers able to give back to the Jewish communi- taking care of me.” all its participants about kosher laws and is to write your plans down. “If you can ty they love by financially supporting lo- Dworsky Srour was able to make a Jewish holidays. write it down, and it still makes sense to cal institutions and sponsoring commu- go of it at first because she kept her job, Being female comes with its own you,” it’s easier to succeed, she said. nity events. And through it all, they have working a midnight shift to have the share of challenges, panelists agreed, Being passionate about what you do supported and raised their families. time and money needed to grow a busi- though many of the women on the is only the first step, said Dworsky Srour. On Jan. 18, Kol HaBirah convened ness. “Who needs to sleep when you are panel saw themselves as working in fe- Business owners not only need to know six Jewish female business owners who young?” she quipped. male-friendly industries. everything possible about their field but advertise with the paper at the Jew- ish Federation of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland, to network and share their insights about starting and running their own businesses. The pan- el included, in alphabetical order: Julie Black, Barbara Ciment, Joyce Dworsky Srour, Shonny Kugler, Joyce Torchinsky, and Laurie Wexler. Julie Black is the president of Nur- tureCare in Northern Virginia, a home care company that matches elderly cli- ents with caregivers. She started the company 20 years ago and now has Kol HaBirah Publisher Hillel Goldschein (left) with the panelists. (PHOTO CREDIT: SUZANNE POLLAK) 350 caregivers. Barbara Ciment, a Silver Spring realtor with 40 years of experi- Ciment was a part-time elementary also the terminology related to financial ence, heads a team with four members school teacher in Silver Spring when she People considering acumen, management, contracts, and and is the number-one producer in the decided to become a real estate agent. At all areas of business operations. Millen- North Bethesda/Rockville office over the the time, her husband was working for starting a business nials are very concerned with having a past five years. Joyce Dworsky Srour is the U.S. Navy in White Oak while attend- should also remember balanced life, she said, and they need to the owner and CEO of Vital Signs LLC; ing law school at night, and they had two that “a hobby can know that, at least in the beginning, “life started in 1987, the Silver Spring-based young children. will be out of balance.” company provides sign language inter- Sunflower was started with co-found- become a business, People considering starting a busi- preters, speech-to-text transcribers, and ers and friends pitching in $2,000 total, but a business cannot ness should also remember that “a hob- readers for the blind. Wexler said. During Sunflower’s pilot, by can become a business, but a business Shonny Kugler has more than 40 residents of the Jewish Foundation for be a hobby,” said cannot be a hobby,” said Dworsky Srour. years of experience as a realtor with Group Homes participated along with Dworsky Srour. Added Wexler, “You feel very respon- Long and Foster. She operates out of her volunteers in donated kitchen space at sible for the business, for the employees, fully-equipped home office and deals Beth Sholom Congregation in Potomac. Even though she started her busi- and the trainees. It’s constant.” Ciment mostly in the referral business. Joyce Starting off with help from the Jewish ness, Torchinsky said she is regularly stressed the need for a strong support Torchinsky is the founder, owner and and wider communities helped pave the asked if she inherited the funeral home system to help with family life, as real es- managing funeral director at Torchinsky way for what is now a non-profit with a from her parents or where the head of tate sales are very “disruptive” of normal Hebrew Funeral Home in Takoma Park, $1 million budget, she said. the company is, as if she couldn’t be the routines; her husband now works for her Washington, D.C. She started the funer- “The community support and en- person in charge. after taking early retirement from a sen- al home 17 years ago. Finally, Laurie Wex- thusiasm were what really drove us,” Being a woman also can be seen as ior executive position at the National Sci- ler is a cofounder of the nonprofit Sun- Wexler said, adding that Sunflower Bak- an asset. “I think that women have a lot ence Foundation. flower Bakery, which was started up in ery is currently looking to move out of of empathy,” which often helps in clos- But all agreed the rewards outweigh 2009 to train young adults with learning its Gaithersburg facility and into a big- ing a deal, Kugler said. the challenges. For Ciment, it’s seeing differences in the skills of pastry arts and ger space. Black said that in the past 10 years, happy families moving into their own baking with the goal of helping them the home health care business has grown home in the neighborhoods they desire. find jobs. In 2015, Sunflower opened the Operating a Business as tremendously, and while that empathet- For Black, it’s the flexibility of being your Café Sunflower in the Jewish Federation a Jew and a Woman ic element is still important, the need own boss. For Torchinsky, it’s knowing building to offer barista and customer One thing the women stressed was to be concerned with competition has she doesn’t have to turn to a committee service training. that to be successful, you must have a grown. “I have found I have to become to make a decision. dependable staff. Not only are they the more focused on the bottom line,” Black “Do your best,” she said. Starting an Enterprise ones who take over during Shabbat and said. “I am talking more about money Black recommended having a two- Jewish holidays, but they are often the than I used to. It wasn’t like that when Suzanne Pollak is the senior writer/editor at Jew- and-a-half-year financial cushion when ones who answer the phone and make I started up.” Now Black spends more ish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington. starting a new business. “Don’t expect the initial contact with customers. of her day dealing with marketing, her She was a reporter at The Courier Post in New Jer- to do great immediately,” she said. “You “You’d never know they are not Jew- focus shifting to accounting and away sey and The Washington Jewish Week, and she now have to have a strong stomach” during ish,” Torchinsky said of some of the from meeting clients. writes for The Montgomery Sentinel. WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 29 29 30

FEATURES

Remembering Rabbi Leonard Cahan ish people as a whole. His attitude was that we should always increase our mitz- By Alan Fisher vot, and he was confident that his con- gregants would always respect our Con- Rashi and Ram- servative background and all Jews. His ban teach that a per- approach to life was that the most ba- son’s rebbe is like his sic and important teaching of Judaism father (Exodus 3:2-3; is concern for others, especially those Sanhedrin 19b). Many in less advantaged positions. To follow of us who grew up at Congregation Har G-d’s mitzvot properly, we should be the Shalom in Potomac, Maryland, feel that best human beings we can. we have lost our father with the passing Rabbi Cahan practiced what he of Rabbi Leonard Cahan on Rosh Cho- taught. When he was president of the desh Shevat (Jan. 17). Washington Board of Rabbis (1984-86), he Rabbi Leonard Cahan, rabbi of Con- led a sit-in at the Russian Embassy to pro- gregation Har Shalom in Potomac, Mar- test treatment of Soviet Jews, and went yland, from 1974 until his retirement in to jail for two weeks rather than pay a 2001, was president of the Washington $50 fine (the rabbis were released two Board of Rabbis from 1990 to 1992 and days early for good behavior). One long- chaired the Rabbinical Assembly (RA) time congregant, in her tribute to him, committee that revised “Siddur Sim Sha- thanked Rabbi Cahan for showing her lom” for Shabbat and Yom Tov in 1998. Rabbi Leonard Cahan and his wife Elizabeth. (COURTESY PHOTO) family “the prayer in civil disobedience, Since his 1961 ordination, Rabbi Cahan the justice in Talmud ...” served as a chaplain for the Navy and care and love to make the final results ac- tion, Rabbi Cahan always encouraged Rabbi Cahan’s kiruv (outreach) ex- rabbi for congregations in Detroit, Mich- curate, understandable, and singable. his congregants to study their heritage, tended to closer relationships with non- igan, Oakland, California, and Potomac. Some of his carefully crafted translations learn more Torah and halacha (Jewish Jews. For nearly 20 years, Rabbi Cahan In these positions, he touched the lives fit the same melodies in both Hebrew and law), and appreciate what Judaism offers taught a Torah study class with Pastor of thousands of people. English. His extensive revision of “Siddur to modern Jews. Instead of a sermon on Jan Lookingbill of Emmanuel Lutheran Rabbi Cahan carefully researched Sim Shalom” has profoundly influenced Shabbat morning, Rabbi Cahan would Church. The ground rules for the class in- texts of siddurim (prayer books) dating the Conservative movement. introduce a topic before the Torah read- cluded two very important basic princi- back many centuries to find the earliest As a rabbi during the early decades ing, present some questions, and then ples: No one could attempt to convert and most accurate texts. He spent count- following the Holocaust, when many lead a discussion after the fourth aliyah. anyone to a different religion, and all less hours finding the most accurate Eng- adult Jews ran from traditional Juda- The result was always a greater apprecia- statements were to include only what lish translations and then fine-tuned with ism and did not pursue a Jewish educa- tion of the parsha and increased appreci- each religion taught without any disa- ation for mitzvot, presented in a way that greement with the views of the other re- would appeal to his audience of scien- ligion. Rabbi Cahan and Pastor Looking- tists, physicians, attorneys, and scholars. bill were enormously successful with Anyone interested in delving deeper this class and with jointly-sponsored could come to his office, where (before the trips to Israel and Spain (with both Jew- Internet) he ran the best Judaica shop in ish and Christian tour members). Pas- the community — including the books he tor Lookingbill became one of Rabbi Ca- selected from top bookstores in New York han’s closest friends and spoke both at and Israel on his many buying trips. For his second bar mitzvah (Nov. 25, 2017) bar and bat mitzvah students, he inven- and his funeral. toried a wide range of books appropriate As successful as Rabbi Cahan was as to all levels, from introductory, to the To- a rabbi, he was a world-class rabbi emer- rah anthology, to Gemara (Talmud) for the itus. Once he retired, Rabbi Cahan sat most advanced students at day schools. with the congregation as just another With his wife and eishet chayil (wom- member, gave complete support to the an of valor), Elizabeth, Rabbi Cahan in- new rabbi, refused to perform any rab- vited many single Jews and families binic function except at the request and to his home for Shabbat and Yom Tov with the endorsement of the senior rab- meals to demonstrate the beauty and bi, and only expressed his personal opin- appeal of Jewish observance first-hand. ion on rabbinic issues privately and con- The loving demonstration of Judaism in fidentially to the new senior rabbi. As the home attracted many members of a Rabbi Adam Raskin said in his eulogy, “I younger generation to accept Judaism as never for a moment of my tenure here [at a way of life. When he was rabbi at Har Har Shalom] felt anything less than Rab- Shalom, his shul typically had the most bi Cahan’s genuine affection, kindness, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School stu- and support for me, for my ideas, and for dents of any congregation. At least six of my leadership.” his congregants went on to become Con- In the Torah, when Yaakov fled for servative rabbis. Many more have tak- safety with his mother’s family, it says, en leadership positions in other venues, “Yaakov departed from Beer-Sheva and as synagogue presidents, leaders of Jew- went toward Haran” (Genesis 28:10). Rashi ish organizations dedicated to making a asks why it was necessary to say both that better world, and active members of syn- he left Beer-Sheva and went to Haran. He agogues throughout the community (in- responds that a righteous person’s depar- cluding numerous Orthodox synagogues). ture from a place diminishes its glory. Although deeply devoted to the Con- The loss of Rabbi Leonard Cahan servative movement, Rabbi Cahan’s pri- leaves a gap in Montgomery County and mary focus was Klal Yisrael, the Jew- in the entire Jewish world. 30 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 30 31

OP-ED

Advancing Disability Inclusion and not the special needs department. For JDAIM, there are pre-festival materi- Though Creativity and Innovation als so congregations can access quality films “dedicated to promoting awareness By Lisa Handelman justice issue requires year-long action. In- really an issue of human rights. It’s not and appreciation of the lives, stories, and dividuals with disabilities and their fami- an issue of charity,” he said. artistic expressions of people with differ- This February marks lies need to feel welcomed and included In May 2017, Imagine Israel Change- ent abilities.” The pre-festival material also the 10th anniversary at all times. Jewish children have a right maker Oren Helman shared his experi- includes a discussion guide to frame the of Jewish Disability to a quality Jewish education, our agen- ence as a key creator of the Equal Rights films through a Jewish lens. The closing Awareness and Inclu- cies and organizations should provide for Persons With Disabilities Bill, passed program this year will be the showing of sion Month (JDAIM). volunteer and employment opportuni- by the Israeli Knesset in August 2016. “Ain’t No Mountain,” an Israeli film about Since its inception, JDAIM has grown ties to individuals with disabilities, and While it is important to highlight dis- an expedition of climbers with disabilities into an international movement where all of our congregations should be acces- ability inclusion issues through our pro- who have chosen to attempt to reach the organizations, communities, and congre- sible. As much as JDAIM is a time for spe- gramming topics, it is perhaps even more peak of Kilimanjaro, the highest moun- gations find creative ways to take steps cial programming, it is also a reminder important to create programs with disabil- tain in Africa. Emissaries from Federation’s toward becoming more inclusive. Many that we need to make programs acces- ity inclusion embedded throughout. Feder- Congregational Shlichim Program will be of our local Greater Washington con- sible to all of our community members. ation’s “Imagine Israel” podcasts all include leading a panel discussion after the film. gregations plan special Shabbat services Achieving this seemingly lofty goal be- transcripts, and all of our videos include Individuals with disabilities, through that include individuals with disabilities gins with an intentional shift in how pro- closed captions. Registration forms clear- their inherently different life experienc- as guest speakers. From a strong local in- grams are planned. A reflective look at ly state that all are welcome at our events es, enrich the texture and vibrancy of volvement at the annual Jewish Disabil- Federation’s Imagine Israel program can il- and can inquire about any necessary guest our community. We know that an inclu- ity Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, to MC lustrate some of the ways a community can accommodations. Information about Im- sive community is a stronger community. LIVE, a night of comedy benefitting or- start to implement this shift. Programming agine Israel is hosted on the Federation’s The 10th anniversary of JDAIM encourag- ganizations in our local Jewish com- should be intentionally planned to expand website, which strives to be fully accessi- es us to pause and reevaluate what more munity that directly support individu- our perspective and challenge stigma. ble for those who use accessibility-enhanc- we can do flourish together, as we work als with disabilities, JDAIM programing For instance, Federation’s Feb. 9, ing technology like screen readers. to ensure all are welcome in Jewish Great- has become part of February’s landscape. 2017 “Imagine Israel” podcast featured JDAIM can be a springboard for ad- er Washington. The Jewish Federation of Greater Wash- Avner Stepak, former CEO of Israel’s sec- vancing disability inclusion. Our local ington proudly joins the celebration ond-largest investment house, who is ReelAbilities festival provides an exam- Lisa Handelman is the community disabilities inclu- each year, hosting a dedicated JDAIM revolutionizing Israel’s corporate world ple of this. This festival is presented by sion specialist for the Jewish Federation of Great- page that lists programing ideas along by helping change people’s views of hir- the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of er Washington and Atzma'im coordinator for Capi- with a running list of events planned. ing people with disabilities. On the pod- Northern Virginia’s cultural arts depart- tal Camps and Retreat Center. She lives in Bethesda, While the initial goal of JDAIM was cast, Stepak talked about the right to be ment. It is significant that this festival re- Maryland, with her husband, and is the proud mom to raise communal awareness, this social employed as “something very basic.” “It’s sides with the cultural arts department, of four wonderful children who all grew up at camp.

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WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 31 31 32

OP-ED Mighty Waters Cannot Extinguish Love: Reflections From Our Mission to Houston By Jonathan Krisch had moved from New Orleans to escape Hurricane Katrina. Here they were again, When Rabbi Uri flooded out of their homes. The particu- Topolosky visited Hou- lar homeowner was a single mom with ston days after Hurri- three kids, who had struggled to save cane Harvey, one par- money and buy a house for her family. ticular young person’s The flood forced her to move in with ex- act of chesed (kindness) inspired him. Af- tended family, already hosting over two ter the hurricane had caused a bat mitz- dozen relatives seeking cramped refuge. vah at Houston’s United Orthodox Syn- Without a car, she had to walk miles to agogues (UOS) to be postponed, the bat get food and other necessities. When we mitzvah girl, Gali, announced that she met this homeowner, she broke down in was donating all her bat mitzvah pre- tears and thanked G-d for our work. We sents to recovery and rebuilding efforts. were not the first Jewish volunteers that Rabbi Uri was so moved by this worked on her house, and it was clear young person’s act of chesed that he that every Jewish group that goes down urged his congregation, Kehilat Pardes - there is making a kiddush Hashem (sanc- The Rock Creek Synagogue in Rockville, tification of G-d’s name). Maryland, to follow it up with its own As to the connections, Rabbi Barry act of chesed. And that’s how a handful of Gelman of UOS shared his story with us Rockville residents ended up attending over Shabbat. His family lost their home Gali’s rescheduled bat mitzvah — and re- in a 2015 flood. They moved into anoth- building homes — in Houston over Mar- er house on slightly higher ground and tin Luther King Day weekend. promised their children that it would Kehilat Pardes is the new name for The Kehilat Pardes contingent in Houston. (PHOTO CREDIT: JACKIE BURMAN) not happen again. That promise was bro- Beth Joshua Congregation, and with that ken because of Harvey, though, damag- new name comes a renewed congrega- gregants to not just donate to Houston, hard, learned a lot, and formed meaning- ing the new house, $11,000 worth of se- tional commitment to chesed — and but buy a plane ticket to Houston and ful connections. farim (holy books), and countless family not only for the local Jewish commu- form a connection with those affected. We worked on two homes in East mementos. With dozens of other Jewish nity. That’s why Rabbi Uri urged con- Although it was a short visit, we worked Houston. They looked decent enough families, they are living in a nearby apart- from the outside, but were completely ment building, paying both rent and gutted on the inside. In the first home, mortgage payments, wondering wheth- only the top of the walls remained — cal- er and how to rebuild. It is heartbreaking endars were pinned to the kitchen wall that they cannot trust their own environ- and cleaning supplies were out from ment to keep them safe. You are invited to an inspiring evening with Wrapunzel's the last time there was a floor to scrub. As for UOS itself, the sanctuary is un- Andrea Grinberg It was an eerie reminder that this house inhabitable and its classrooms and of- took on water above all our heads just fices lack walls and subfloor. The daven- Learn about the meaning, art and skills of tichel tying! months ago. We poured tons of sand be- ing is in the social hall and Tot Shabbat We will start off the evening with a talk about the depth of hair low the house and finished work on a is in a double-wide trailer. It made me covering and finding one's unique voice through what we wear. French drain, with the hope that it will think of all the times in Jewish histo- Then, get all your mitpachat questions answered! Andrea will soak up and divert water the next time ry that we have invested in a physical there is a flood. Everyone agreed there space, and then — because of a pogrom, guide you through the art of wrapping, step by step. Each will be a next time. new edict, or natural disaster — that woman will get personalized attention and you will leave The second home was in a neighbor- space got torn down. Yet, it’s in our na- feeling uniquely beautiful! Headwraps, accessories, and hood that housed over 60 families that ture to rebuild anew: UOS is beginning its campaign for a new sanctuary on an everything you need will be available. adjacent plot of land. Wrapunzel - Celebrate the Art of Head Wrapping I was impacted by many things on the trip, but one particular comment will stay with me. Rabbi Gelman was telling us that his family was rescued from their flooding home by teenagers in a kayak. The rabbi’s 13-year-old son chimed in, saying next time he wants to go around in a kayak and rescue people. Though the Houston recovery is no- where near complete, it was a beautiful FEBRUARY 14TH, 7PM OSTT OLNEY bat mitzvah and the UOS community is vibrant and full of love. As it is written in 18320 GEORGIA AVENUE Shir HaShirim (8:7): “Mighty waters can- not extinguish love.” OLNEY, MARYLAND 20832 Suggested donation: $5 Jonathan Krisch is a board member of Kehilat Email [email protected] to RSVP Pardes – The Rock Creek Synagogue, which oper- ates out of Berman Hebrew Academy in the Aspen

All that remained of the first house’s Hill neighborhood of Rockville, Maryland, and was Mention Kol HaBirah for a 5% discount on your purchase! kitchen. (PHOTO CREDIT: TOBY SRAGG) formerly known as Beth Joshua Congregation. 32 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 32 33

OP-ED Turkey is Coming for the Kurds By Diliman Abdulkader new IDPs since the advance began on birth to new Islamic State-like groups, ex- Erdogan’s aim is to destabilize a pros- the Jan. 20. tending the almost seven-year-long civil perous and stable Kurdish region. De- “Operation Olive Erdogan has had his sights set on Af- war and ending any possible peace solu- spite the beating war drums surround- Branch” is an iron- rin for quite some time, due to it being tion available to the war-torn country. ing Afrin, the Kurds have been able ic name for the ag- an isolated region separate from the rest Instead of calling for an end to the to put forth an inclusive and pluralis- gressive military cam- of the Kurdish-held territories, and due ongoing Turkish aggression into Afrin, tic safe haven in which both men and paign carried out by to the lack of an American presence. Af- the international community has turned women are represented, ethnic and re- Turkey against the Kurds in Afrin, Syria. rin is surrounded not only by Turkey, but a blind eye. Seeing and capitalizing on ligious minorities are given a voice, and Situated in northwest Syria, Afrin also by the so-called Free Syrian Army, Al this display of weakness, Erdogan has two successful rounds of elections have has survived both the Syrian civil war Qaeda affiliate terrorist groups, and the bolstered his position by threatening been implemented. and attacks from the Islamic State (IS); Syrian regime. Erdogan wishes to eth- anyone who gets in his way, including The Kurds are not asking their part- but when Turkish President Recep Tayy- nically cleanse the safe enclave and ei- American and European powers. ners, including the U.S., to put soldiers’ ip Erdogan vows to remove the “terror- ther replace them with Turks or flood The Kurds have vowed to resist Er- lives on the line, nor are they asking for ists” from the region, he is referring to the territory with Arab Syrian refugees dogan’s destructive campaign, but are at money or weaponry. The Kurds of Afrin the Kurds — the same Kurds who have from inside Turkey. Furthermore, Erdo- a disadvantage due to Turkey’s air pow- are simply asking for an end to the un- heroically fought IS and who have been gan has vowed to advance beyond Af- er. The Kurdish forces fighting under provoked Turkish offensive into a histor- allies with the U.S. in Syria; the same rin into Kurdish-held regions east of the the People’s Protection Units (YPG) also ically Kurdish territory. Responding too Kurds who have protected ethnic and Euphrates River where there are Amer- have limited resources and light ammu- late will give the world yet another hu- religious minorities inside the war-torn ican forces positioned. If Erdogan fol- nition, while the Turks have unlimit- manitarian crisis it cannot afford. country. lows through on his promise, this could ed means and heavy weaponry includ- Afrin is home to nearly 400,000 inter- harm U.S. soldiers and jeopardize his ties ing German-made Leopard tanks. Kurds Diliman Abdulkader is the Kurdistan Project di- nally displaced peoples (IDPs) who have with the U.S., and also be an act of war are known to be great fighters, but it is rector at the Endowment for Middle East Truth fled the nearby provinces of Idlib and against a North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- hard to determine how much longer (EMET). Abdulkader is an MA candidate at the Aleppo to escape from both the Assad re- tion (NATO) partner. they can hold off Turkish aggression, American University in Washington, D.C., where he gime and from IS. The air and ground in- To make matters worse, the outcome which has failed to penetrate deep into studies peace and conflict resolution. Follow him vasion by Turkey has also created 5,000 of Turkey’s aggression into Syria will give Afrin so far. on twitter @D_abdulkader. Our Consumer Protections Are Under Siege By Ariel Levinson- making; after the CFPB had begun a na- And at the Department of Homeland Second, the private non-profit sec- Waldman tional survey that would have helped de- Security, arrests at courthouses by immi- tor must continue to respond to repre- termine how to make notices of debt gration enforcement agents have spiked sent individuals and ensure preventive Now, more than collection effective, he ordered a with- dramatically. According to the Immi- education efforts are developed, espe- ever, strong consum- drawal of the survey. As for enforcement, grant Defense Project, the number has cially for immigrant communities. Our er protections are crit- the CFPB recently dropped a suit against increased by 900 percent in New York nonprofit organization, Tzedek DC, is ically needed. Amer- payday lenders that allegedly tricked State in 2017. These problems are evident the first local group to focus principal- icans have taken on more debt than at low-income people into taking on loans in the DC area as well, as documented by ly on safeguarding the rights of low-in- any time since the beginning of the re- with 950 percent interest rates, and an- CASA of Baltimore, and as seen in ICE ar- come families facing debt-related cri- cession in 2008. Predatory lending and nounced that it will no longer be “push- rests at courthouses in Northern Virgin- ses. We are, for example, in partnership debt-collection lawsuits are dispropor- ing the envelope” to protect American ia. In this climate of fear, immigrant fam- with the Hispanic Bar Association of tionately directed at our communities consumers. Indeed. ilies are understandably anxious about DC, working to get “know your rights” of color, raising civil rights issues that materials to immigrant families facing are exacerbated by the dramatic wealth debt-related lawsuits so that they know gaps across racial lines. Lawsuits and Mulvaney has trashed the CFPB’s existence they may be able to send a lawyer repre- other predatory tactics by debt collectors senting them to the courthouse in civ- often lead to disastrous consequences as a “sad, sick joke,” stripped enforcement il cases to safeguard their rights, with- for low-income families, including wag- powers from a CFPB unit responsible for out having to experience the anxiety es being garnished, bank accounts fro- of being at the courthouse and worry- zen and drained, credit reports (and thus pursuing discrimination cases, and recently ing about immigration agents. Impor- future employment and housing pros- announced that he is seeking a second- tant consumer work is also being done pects) impaired, and driver’s licenses sus- by our sister nonprofit organizations in pended. But one year into the Trump ad- quarter 2018 CFPB budget of zero dollars. the DMV area. ministration, protections for vulnerable Finally, we should continue to fight Americans are under siege. at the federal level. Until the federal do- President Trump named Mick Mul- Meanwhile, the Department of Edu- appearing in court, and many suffer de- mestic policy climate improves, howev- vaney acting head of the U.S. Consum- cation, under Secretary Betsy DeVos, has fault judgments in civil debt cases where er, it remains incumbent on state and er Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), withdrawn policies previously issued by they have been sued because they are private efforts to continue to step up. We which, through its work policing abus- the Department to strengthen consum- too anxious to appear in court to defend must ensure protection of our most vul- es by the financial services industry, er protections for student loan borrow- their interests in the case. nerable neighbors. has returned nearly $12 billion to Amer- ers. These protections matter. Over 44 Amidst this siege, what can be done? As the Book of Deuteronomy teach- ican families since 2010. Mulvaney has million Americans have student debt, First, we should continue state-lev- es us: “Justice, justice, shall you pursue.” trashed the CFPB’s existence as a “sad, with a staggering aggregate total of over el efforts to step into the breach. DC At- sick joke,” stripped enforcement pow- $1.4 trillion. This, too, raises serious civ- torney General Karl Racine, as well as his Ariel Levinson-Waldman is the founding president ers from a CFPB unit responsible for il rights and equity issues; a recent study counterparts Brian Frosh in Maryland and director-counsel of Tzedek DC, a nonprofit or- pursuing discrimination cases, and re- concluded that four years after earning and Mark Herring in Virginia, have im- ganization that provides free legal help to low-in- cently announced that he is seeking a a bachelor’s degree, our country’s Afri- plemented robust consumer protection come families of all faiths and backgrounds facing second-quarter 2018 CFPB budget of zero can-American college graduates have programs, and it is critical they receive debt-related crises. Tzedek DC is a strategic part- dollars. He has also sought to roll back nearly $25,000 more student loan debt continued resources and authority for ner of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the CFPB’s focus on data-based decision than their white peers. this work. Greater Washington. WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 33 33 34 TORAH PERSPECTIVES The Enemy Within Put the By Rabbi Stephen Baars or an insane enemy?” The answer is, a so miraculous and we won so sane enemy. Why? Because they will quickly, we got an internal in- love back in This week’s par- only do what hurts you, but an insane sane enemy, arrogance. To sha tells us that when enemy will do things that hurt him, and help us overcome that arro- the Jewish people you. Crazy! gance, G-d sends us an exter- your marriage will enter the Land of Israel, G-d will Why do we get insane enemies? nal insane enemy to subdue getbliss.com drive out our enemies by sending ahead When you can conquer your sane enemy the arrogance. deadly wasps (Exodus 23:28). too quickly. When that happens, you get Hezbollah, Hamas, sui- Cool, right? the biggest insane enemy there is: you. cide bombers, and ISIS are so Not so fast. That is, G-d won’t drive Let me explain. insane they could have their out our enemies so fast. Why? Because Just like waging war against the Ca- own mental disorder named the cities would become desolate and naanites, so too is the battle to earn a after each of them. They did wild animals would move in. To avoid living. Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch not exist in 1948. We have this dilemma, G-d will drive out our ene- (19th century Germany) explains that them so that we will attain hu- mies slowly, according to the pace of the the word for war (milchamah) and bread mility. Because even the best demographic growth of the Jewish peo- (lechem) share the same root in Hebrew. among agree (in humility), ple (Exodus 23: 29-30). He explains that earning a living (sym- “We don’t know what to do.” Every Thursday Evening at the JCC This raises an interesting question, if bolized by bread) is a battle. The healthy Insane enemies teach us G-d can control wasps, why couldn’t He way is to slowly make it to the top; the that we are not G-d. The more control the wild animals and keep them unhealthy way is to get there fast. you appreciate how little you can do Originally from London, Rabbi Stephen Baars re- out of the cities? Show me someone who got rich very without the help of G-d, the more you sides in Rockville, Maryland, and serves as execu- Of course G-d can control them all, young and through little effort, and I will will achieve. The more you think you tive director of Aish Seminars. He did nine years of and He does, He is simply making a show you someone with a lot of arro- can win without the help of G-d, the post-graduate studies at the Aish HaTorah Rabbini- point: of the two, you would rather have gance (and probably a ruined life). more significant problems you will cal College in Jerusalem, and has been an educator the Canaanites as enemies than the wild In 1948, the enemies of Israel were have to convince you otherwise. and marriage counselor for the past 25 years. Rab- animals. Why? pretty sane (relative to today). Most of How fast can a person succeed in bi Baars and his wife, Ruth, are blessed with sev- Rav Noah Weinberg zt”l would ask, those enemies have since melted away life? There is no limit if you know it’s all en children. Learn more about Rabbi Baars at www. “Which would you rather have: a sane or disappeared, but because that war was a gift from G-d. getbliss.com and www.core9.live. Principles From the Parsha: ‘I Will Surely Hear His Cry’ Joshua Z. Rokach anyone and that G-d will punish ourselves of food and water and the miscreant. Therefore, we may three other pleasures. Here, the To- This week’s par- not take advantage of anyone’s ig- rah forbids us to deprive those suf- sha, Mishpatim, re- norance, not just that of a foreign- fering physically and emotionally lays G-d’s instructions er. Rashi explains, however, that of what they need to function in on how we should be- verse 20 here comes to tell us that society. have toward one an- we must not abuse the stranger by The Torah commands us not to other. In consecutive verses, chapter 22 throwing his background in his harm the stranger with our actions. requires Jews to acknowledge the digni- face. For if we inveigh against him, More than that, the Torah com- ty of strangers (verse 20) and of widows the stranger will shame us with our mands us not to harm “widows and and orphans (verses 21-23). In the case of own slave ancestors. The stranger’s orphans” — a pairing emblematic the former, the Torah succinctly and in particular exposure stems from his of the vulnerable members of so- straightforward terms admonishes not to foreign background, not anything ciety, which could be extended to “wrong or exploit” them, for “you” lived inherent in the person. We show include the disability community as “strangers in Egypt.” In the case of the respect by keeping his forebears — through inaction or neglect. In- latter, the Torah goes into greater detail. out of our dealings. deed, Ibn Ezra explains why the To- The text regarding widows and or- In practice, even prominent for- rah changes from plural to singular phans uses different language in setting eigners face harassment. Two of the “you” in verse 22. Verse 21 discusses forth the requirement for proper treat- great sages of the Second Temple those actively hurting widows and ment. In verse 21, G-d commands, “you era, Shmaya and Avtalyon, convert- orphans; verse 22 reveals that G-d shall not afflict ...” In addition, unlike ed to Judaism before rising to the pin- Nachmanides comments that “every” in- will punish an individual who witness- the generic “strangers” in verse 20, verse nacle of society (Yoma 71b). The Talmud cludes even the rich, whom we might es abuse but does nothing about it — 21 specifies “any widow and orphan.” there records that one Yom Kippur, the think can take care of themselves. Rath- the passive accomplice. G-d shows such Next, in contrast to the case of strangers, two greeted the High Priest on his way er, Nachmanides states, widows and or- consideration for the vulnerable that the Torah details the harsh punishment out of the Temple after services. He then phans, bereft and lonely, suffer from psy- He hears their cry of the suffering, even for abusers of widows and orphans. G-d mocked them about their ancestry. In re- chological vulnerability. Nachmanides without an accompanying word (Nach- promises that, “if you afflict him, if he turn, they compared him unfavorably concludes we must take care not to hurt manides, verse 22). will cry out, I will surely hear his cry. I with Aaron, the first High Priest. those whose suffering results from emo- During Jewish Disability Awareness will kill you with the sword” so that However, verses 21-23 cover the more tional vulnerability, as well as poverty. and Inclusion Month, and beyond, we as “your wives will become widows and vulnerable — those who, emotionally or The language “every widow and or- a community should take heed. your children orphans” (verses 22-23). economically, are in need of special pro- phan” explains why the Torah forbids These differences teach us important tection. Rashi explains that the word “afflicting” them, as opposed to “wrong- Joshua Zev Rokach is gabbai of the Nusach Sefard lessons in how we should show respect “every” in verse 21 means to include all ing or exploiting” the stranger. The To- minyan at Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (YISE) in to those at the margins of society. In the the defenseless. Widows and orphans rah uses the word “afflict” when dis- Kemp Mill, Maryland. It meets for all minyanim on Book of Leviticus (Parshat Kedoshim), it happen to constitute the predominant cussing the prohibitions of Yom Kippur. Shabbat and Yom Tov in the upstairs small beit mid- states that we may not wrong or exploit group whom society tends to exploit. Those “afflictions” involve depriving rash in the new wing at YISE. 34 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 34 35

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 35 35 36 HEALTH & WELLNESS Therapeutic Horse Riding in the Desert By Eric Narrow a mechanism for overcoming psycholog- slower gait, and whose cadence creates a ical or emotional trauma or helping chil- complex physical reaction for the rider, Traveling on Israel’s Route 90 along dren develop stronger communication to allow them to strengthen core muscle the Jordanian border on the way to Eilat and interpersonal skills. Shortly after groups. Conversely, someone with hy- for rest and relaxation can be either beau- making aliyah at the age of 29, she took pertonia, or rigid and spastic muscle con- tiful or mundane, depending on one’s her love of play therapy to a new lev- trol, will be paired with a horse with a state of mind. Most of the trip includes el and opened the Red Mountain Ther- much faster gait, helping to relax their views of a lot of sand, mountain terrain, apeutic Riding Center, a premier horse muscles and allowing for more flexibil- and expansive vistas. However, for res- therapy center deep in the Arava. ity and control throughout their therapy. idents who call the Arava Valley home, With just three horses and 15 partic- Similarly, Oron has been successful Route 90 is their “Main Street” for social, ipants at its inception, the center now in helping at-risk youth through horse commercial, and communal activities. boasts 21 horses and over 230 riders each therapy. “We teach them to build con- Turning onto a small road, toward week; many of the horses were born fidence,” Oron boasts. “This is their lit- the picturesque hills of Jordan, is a desert right there at Kibbutz Grofit. “We learned tle corner of the world where they feel oasis filled with the smiles and laughter a lot by trial and error,” said Oron, speak- they can succeed.” However, unlike those of hundreds of children and adults with ing on the success of their therapeutic with physical disabilities, these riders are (PHOTO CREDIT: JNF) special needs, who come from all over services. “We have grown organically in matched based on the horse’s personality. the region to the Red Mountain Thera- terms of our services, and continue to When the teenagers arrive at the ranch, of them are recipients of some kind of peutic Riding Center (RMTRC) at Kibbutz grow in size due to the growing popula- Oron first makes sure they are calm be- scholarship, allowing inclusion for all Grofit. According to the center’s founder, tion of the area.” Indeed, individuals with fore they even enter the barn. “We teach riders, and lessening the burden on their Jill Oron, “Horse therapy transcends the special needs and their families find that them to approach a situation with the families to provide their children with spectrum of all types of special needs.” they require high levels of specialized so- right state of mind.” By learning to con- these life-changing opportunities. Indeed, not only do the participants cial services, and the center’s work has trol an aggressive horse, and calmly deal While those living in Israel’s bustling come from all ethnic and religious back- helped attract many to the area. with their own situational awareness, and congested central metropolis may grounds, the services are used to help The program finds its greatest suc- it allows them more introspection into only pass through this region on vaca- those with social, cognitive, physical, cess in matching each rider with the how they, in turn, deal with other people. tion, for those who have chosen to make and emotional disabilities as well. most appropriate horse. For example, “None of this would even be possible this amazing region their home, the Ar- Oron was trained as a play therapist a rider with cerebral palsy, who lacks without the support of Jewish National ava’s Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding in the United Kingdom. Play therapy is a strong muscular and mobility control, Fund (JNF),” Oron explained. “Eighty per- Center is a beautiful respite from every- form of psychotherapy that uses play as will be matched with a horse that has a cent of our funding for scholarships and day life, and for every rider who receives building projects has come from JNF do- therapy, it is surely a major highlight nors.” Out of the 230 weekly riders, 190 each week. Creating Inclusive Fitness Environments By Justin Walls gram. The psychotherapy addresses coping with the cues and triggers, and I have worked with children, teens, understanding what to do with the emo- and young adults with developmental dis- tions the client feels. A psychotherapist abilities for many years, and I am thank- can also collaborate with psychiatrists to ful that this issue of Kol HaBirah focuses find the best medications for a client. Fit- on some of the struggles facing these in- ness helps to moderate stress and ener- dividuals in their efforts to be included in gy levels, manage metabolic levels, and everyday activities, such as fitness. I want increase neurotransmitter activity asso- to specifically focus on the new program ciated with tolerating pain and other re- I created with the help of my colleague, ceptors. One of our goals for the future is David Shrank, LCSW, to address the needs to create inclusive group exercise classes of populations with developmental disa- to reduce triggers while offering activity bilities by combining the disciplines of in a social environment, which can also psychotherapy and fitness. The Centers mitigate feelings of isolation. for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The goal is to always be there for the defines developmental disabilities as “a client and his/her family. It is our hope group of conditions due to an impair- that we can be a part of the safety net ment in physical, learning, language, or for the most vulnerable in our commu- behavior areas.” This can create difficulty nity and consistently create ways to in- in places like most gyms, where the struc- crease overall health and stability while ture is not designed to address the chal- empowering and guiding people to expe- lenges of those with special needs. rience success. The top priorities in creating a safe environment are to understand the Justin Walls is the owner of Rockville Personal need for structure, support, and a good Training LLC in Rockville, Maryland. He specializes helping of patience. Combining the dis- in post-rehab and medical exercise, general fitness 703.525.5900 ciplines of psychotherapy and fitness for all age groups, and using the latest technology www.NurtureCare.com means a connection between the mind in the industry. He can be reached at 240-630-0298 and body for an overall wellness pro- or [email protected]. 36 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 36 37 FOOD & DINING

Successful Virginia Microdistillery ing. Now we have a great relationship with the Star K — with our mashgiach Catoctin Creek is Also Certified Kosher [kosher supervisor], Brian, who comes four times a year, as well as Rabbi Rosen By Hillel Goldschein who comes once in a while as well. Affirmation about being kosher came Husband and wife pretty quickly. We’ve had people take a team Scott and Becky look at our bottle at festivals and when Harris started Catoc- they see the certification on it they are tin Creek, a certified very appreciative. We love hearing that organic and kosher feedback. People come in and buy a num- microdistillery in Purcellville, Virgin- ber of cases for a bar mitzvah; and we’ve ia, in 2009. I spoke with Scott about the done events at local synagogues and or- choice to get kosher certification, the ganizations, including Beth Sholom’s company’s expansion to the national Guys Nite Out before Passover every year. market, and product recommendations Total Wine [based in Bethesda, Mary- for the holiday just around the corner. land] recently asked you to distribute in What prompted you to start Catoctin Catoctin Creek co-founders Becky and Scott Harris in the tasting room of the distillery. all of their locations, which includes 10 Creek? (PHOTO CREDIT: KRISTEN DILL) new states for Catoctin Creek. How were I like to joke that 20 years of govern- you able to secure that and how are you ment contracting taught me a great love Fast forward 11 months, and we were We were the first and only company handling that expansion? of drinking. I didn’t want to sit in front the first legal producers of whiskey in to use only organic ingredients. We’ve We approached Total Wine when we of a computer for the rest of my life; add Loudoun County since Prohibition. I found that there is a big ambiguity in the first started and they were looking for a a dose of mid-life crisis to that and I was must stress that it really helped to have Jewish community about kosher whis- producer of craft rye whisky so we start- ready to do something else. the town on our side, including the may- key, as very few bottles have certifica- ed making Braddock Oak exclusively for At 15, I worked at a winery, and I really or, the fire marshall, and the zone admin- tions on them and some people won’t them. Recently, they asked Becky to be enjoyed the handcrafting process. There istrator. They helped facilitate the pro- drink it if it was stored in a cherry cask. In a part of a Total Wine livestream, which are 45 wineries Loudoun County, Virgin- cess once they saw we were doing things addition, there is a large Jewish commu- will be highlighting a few owners of al- ia, but I liked whisky and there was no the right way and thought we’d help nity around Washington, in Baltimore, cohol makers including Catoctin Creek, one making whiskey. I approached my boost tourism in the county. and in New York, our top three markets. Guinness, Hendrick’s Gin, and Brenne wife Becky, a chemical engineer, and she What made you opt to go the kosher route? The organic products that we use are Whiskey. They then approved the en- said, ‘I can make whiskey but you need to When we started the company, we kosher, and the process for kosher was make the money.” were looking to differentiate ourselves. similar enough to what were already do-  CONTINUED ON P. 38

A GREAT MANHATTAN BEGINS IN VIRGINIA

Classic cocktails are best made with handcrafted, small-batch spirits. Mix your next Manhattan with Catoctin Creek’s award-winning Roundstone Rye, a specially curated whisky made from locally-sourced organic rye grain. With a dash of bitters, some sweet vermouth and a brandied cherry, you’ll enjoy a long-standing favorite with a taste of time-honored tradition from Virginia.

www.catoctincreek.com PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. CATOCTIN CREEK ROUNDSTONE RYE WHISKY 46% ABV 750ML. COPYRIGHT 2018, CATOCTIN CREEK DISTILLING COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 37 37 38

FOOD & DINING For Singles Aged 22-35 Successful Virginia This is meant for the consumer who Join YISE for sushi making Microdistillery Catoctin Creek wants a lighter touch. with Shushy Turin is Also Certified Kosher The second one is the Roundstone followed by speed dating  CONTINUED FROM P. 37 Distiller's Edition. It’s 92 proof and can be Sunday March 11, 2018 from 6-9pm enjoyed with a cigar. This is a bit more as- tire product line for their national region sertive and is a for a whiskey drinker. shortly after. We are now scrambling to Can you share any great mixed drinks Cost: $25 bottle enough whiskey to fulfill the order. recipes for our readers? The livestream will be seen by cus- The Manhattan includes vermouth RSVP required by March 4, 2018 tomers in every Total Wine store, and — easy to find one that’s kosher — bit- to www.yise.org/sushi Becky will be narrating our products, ters, rye whiskey, and a cherry. It’s a clas- which will be on hand in each store as sic, old school, and stands on its own. well. We will also be relying on our dis- Another is Horse's Neck: Glassful of tributors to push the brand. ice, a few dashes of orange bitters, ginger We are competing with major play- ale and rye. This resembles the New York ers who dominate the market, such as classic of rye and ginger in the 60s. Woodford, Makers Mark, Jim Beam, et- Where can they find Catoctin Creek cetera, but when we are successful it is Products? the greatest joy: seeing our bottle in a In addition to Total Wine locations and store in Brooklyn, at a Four Seasons in Si- Corridor Wine and Spirits, you can find nagpore, in Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Mi- them in every ABC store in the state of Vir- lan. It absolutely shatters me, knowing ginia, any county liquor store in Montgom- that I made that bottle in a local Wood- ery County, Quarry Wine and Spirits and bury kitchen in a town of 8,000 people. State Line in Baltimore, and Potomac Wines It is enormously gratifying. It has been and Spirits and Calvert Woodley in DC. an overnight process of nine years. Any final thoughts for the community? What Catoctin Creek products should We’re looking forward to Purim! For the Jewish community look for this more great cocktail and a ton of recipes, Purim? you can check out the “Enjoy” tab on *Events for other age groups will be organized if there is sufficient interest. Our most popular drink is the Round- our website. To express interest in programming for your age group, please contact [email protected] stone Rye. It’s an 80-proof spirit and is wonderful in cocktails, not too harsh. Hillel Goldschein is publisher of Kol HaBirah.

caterer of distinction

38 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 38 39

• An independent, family and woman-owned Jewish Business • We have always and will continue to adhere to the highest standards of Halacha (Jewish Law) since our inception, 17 years ago • The extended Torchinsky family has been a generous supporter of the Greater Washington Jewish Community for more than five generations • Joyce's childhood home was donated to The Jewish Foundation for Group Homes Joyce E. Torchinsky • Fully licensed in Funeral Service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia • Immediate Past President of KAVOD: The Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels, a national group of elite Jewish funeral chapels • Former Director and Assistant Professor of the Mortuary Science Program at CCBC Catonsville • Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University • Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park Excerpt from the Bulletin of The Vaad Harabanim of Greater Washington: Tishrei 5778 (2017) The RCW remains satis ed with THFH’s adherence to our guidelines and with Ms. Torchinsky’s efforts at furthering proper funeral procedures in the Greater Washington Jewish community. The RCW appreciates the service THFH has provided to members of our congregations over the years, and looks forward to continuing to work together in meeting the community’s needs. 254 Carroll Street, NW • Washington, DC 20012 USA Local: 202-541-1001 • Maryland:301-495-3395 • Toll Free: 1-800-500-5401 email:[email protected]

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 39 39 40 ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Local Descendants of Holocaust-Era Hero and Those He Rescued Host Film Screening in DC By Elizabeth Weber Handwerker from Nazi Germany. These relatives told kota, read about this award and decid- County, Maryland, today, and they have their relatives and friends that a man ed to make a film about Herman Stern worked together to arrange a DC showing Herman Stern was a Jewish retailer in named Stern could help them get visas and his work bringing Jewish refugees to of this new movie about Herman Stern. North Dakota who rescued over 125 Jews to the United States; their relatives and North Dakota to show in state schools. The film will be shown on Sunday, from Germany in the late 1930s. Eighty friends wrote to Stern, and he helped Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. on Capitol Hill, at the years later, his local descendants and lo- more and more people, By the time the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, cal descendants of some of the people he U.S. entered the war, Stern had brought 212 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, rescued are bringing a new documentary more than 120 people out of Nazi Germa- DC 20003. This is the church Stern’s Lu- about his life and work to DC. ny, at a time when few others succeeded theran great-granddaughter Erica Stern One of the only Jews in Valley City, in doing so. attends, and the building is shared with North Dakota, Stern was a civic lead- Although he did not speak much the Hill Havurah Jewish community. A er in every nonreligious organization about this work during his lifetime, per- panel discussion after with Phillips and in his community. He led the local Boy haps because he was not able to persuade film historian Carl Oberholtzer and a re- Scouts council; he founded the Commu- all of his brothers to come to the U.S. be- ception will follow the screening. nity Chest and the North Dakota Winter fore the war, his children and grandchil- Herman and Adeline Stern admiring their The screening is open to the pub- Show; and he was a leader in the Rotary dren told the story. A historian in Minne- garden in Valley City, North Dakota, circa lic; donations will be solicited for HIAS Club and the Masons. sota wrote a book, “You Have Been Kind 1955. (SOURCE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS) (which assisted Herman Stern) and the His local senators were famous isola- Enough to Assist Me,” about his work, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Ser- tionists, but they were also friends and and he was posthumously awarded the One of Stern’s sons left North Dakota, vice (which partners with HIAS today). customers, and they helped him get visa “Rough Rider Award,” the highest civic and his descendants are Jewish; his oth- More information about the film is approvals through the State Department award given by the state of North Dako- er son stayed in North Dakota and kept available at https://www.themissionof- to bring a few relatives to North Dakota ta. Art Phillips, a filmmaker in North Da- the family business operating until 2014 hermanstern.org/. (when it was the oldest family business in that part of the United States); that Elizabeth Weber Handwerker lives in Silver Spring, Get Together with son’s descendants are Christians. Jewish Maryland. Her great-grandfather and Herman and Christian Stern family members, as Stern were cousins, and her great-grandmother Friends at Elli-Chai’s well as some descendants of those Her- and Herman Stern’s wife were also cousins, who New Game Gallery man Stern rescued, live in Montgomery grew up together in North Dakota.

By Kol HaBirah Staff games — including a plethora of chil- dren’s games and adult strategy, mys- Kemp Mill-area residents have a tery, and party games. In addition to new gathering spot, thanks to Chaim the games and festive atmosphere, ko- and Elli Pauli of Elli Chai’s One Stop Ju- sher snacks, 15 flavors of tea and cof- daica Shop in the Kemp Mill Shopping fee, and cold beverages are available Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. for purchase. Food from kosher restau- rants approved by the Vaad of Great- er Washington is welcome. The Game Gallery is also available for a private party or event. As it turns out, the Game Gallery has been popular with kids’ parents, many of whom have mentioned to the Paulis that they’re pleased their kids can go to a safe, indoor space that’s close to home. “Kids, families, and friends seem to really be enjoying the Game Gal- lery,” said Elli Pauli. “And we like hear- ing them have fun; they bring great en- ergy to the store. We’ve tried to make sure there is something for everyone ... so the entire community can benefit.” The Game Gallery is open during the store’s regular business hours: Sun- “We realized that we not only had day from 10 a.m. to 5p.m.; Monday to the space to create a game room in our Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and store, but the community also need- Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Game ed their own space to just chill togeth- Gallery can also be used outside of busi- er,” said co-owner Elli Pauli. So, the cou- ness hours with advance reservations. ple converted part of their store into a To use the Game Gallery outside of board game gallery. regular business hours or for a private For just $5 per person, participants event, call 301-933-1800 or email onestop- can play any or all of over 100 board [email protected].

40 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 40 41 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LARRY SHOR’S GREATER WASHINGTON To My Mother, Roslyn Shor, on Her 17th Yartzeit By Larry Shor going to let that teacher talk bad about Mom loved Shari, my wife, and al- her Larry! ways took her side. Once, Shari and I The following is a She loved her life-long shul — Beth were going to buy a dining room table reprint from the March Sholom Congregation, originally locat- and chairs, and I said I didn’t like them. 2, 2017 issue in honor ed in Washington, D.C., and later in Po- I got a phone call a few minutes later — of the author’s moth- tomac, Maryland — and listening to Mom told me that I loved the table and er’s yartzeit (anniver- its great cantors. The rabbis were her to tell Shari so immediately! sary of her passing). friends. When I was to be bar mitzva- One last story: When I was a teen- She was a unique personality, larg- hed, she called the rabbi of the shul, ager, we always went to Katz’s at Four er than life. She loved people and cared Rabbi Harry Kaufman, and told him to Corners in Silver Spring, Maryland. In about them and made them the center come to the family photo shoot so that front of the store were three or four of her universe. She filled up a room in a he could take a picture with me and I tables with the bubbies selling raffle way that no one else could. would always remember him. I still tickets to Hadassah and other organi- She was Roslyn Shor and she was my have it today! zations, and boy did they used to com- mother. When I was a teenager, my aunt Roslyn and Nathan Shor. pete! I see her now in my memories, fro- and uncle separated. Mom had a wall (PHOTO COURTESY OF LARRY SHOR) One day, Mom gives me a dollar and zen in time: strong and vibrant and of about 40 family pictures in the living I pick out a table. The lady at the other full of life, before cancer took her from room. She took down their picture and She made a least six shidduchim table says, “Mamaleh, see that lady? Her us just two days after her 65th birth- in its place hung a picture of Redskins (matches) that I know of, based on the ticket, no good. Never win.” The other day. Because my mother was also a na- coach George Allen — that way no one reasoning “they go together.” For close to lady overhears her and screams at her tive Washingtonian and this column is in the family was offended. 40 years, she made two seders every year in Yiddish, “Macha-shaifah, vus redst du about stories, I think the best way to pay She had crazy nicknames for peo- for 30 or 40 people to make sure every- di kind!” (Witch, what are you telling tribute to my mother is to share some ple, and they liked them! Only when she one had a place to go. the child!) Seeing the situation, Mom vignettes about her that will give you a called you by your real name did you My younger sister Mindy had spe- gives me more money and has me buy glimpse into who she was. know that you were in trouble. cial needs at a time no such resourc- one from every lady. And guess what? Once when I was a kid, I caused When my Dad had health issues and es existed and the general attitude was None of them win! some trouble in school and she had had to have serious surgery, someone “put her away.” Mom never put anyone But I won, because Roz Shor was my to go in for a conference. She told the suggested to Mom that it was “routine.” in her life away, much less her daugh- mother. May her memory always be for teacher, “Honey, when he misbehaves Mom told her, “Routine, honey, is when ter, and eventually found the right a blessing. at home, I don’t call you!” She wasn’t it ain’t yours laying there.” place for her. NEXT TIME: A Master at a Master’s Art

WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 41 41 42

FUN & GAMES

THEME: U.S. PRESIDENTS

ACROSS DOWN 1. Little rascal 1. Education acronym 6. 6th sense? 2. Musical finale 9. Cell status 3. Extra dry 13. Pentateuch 4. Godfather's family 14. "To Kill a Mockingbird" recluse 5. ____gnomy or ____logy 15. Most famous hobbit 6. Jet black 16. Enlighten 7. Have a bawl 17. ____-Wan 8. Southern chicken stew 18. Willow tree 9. CISC alternative 19. *Smallest President 10. Hodgepodge 21. *"Oh Captain, My Captain" 11. Cain's brother 23. Prepare to shoot 12. Between dawn and noon 24. Tulip's early stage 15. Candy in Paris 25. Geological Society of America 20. Spaniard without "h" 28. Symphony member 22. The Jackson 5's "____ Be There" 30. Hank Williams' "Hey Good ____" 24. Cole Porter's "Begin the ____" 35. *Pre-election commotion 25. *He commanded the Union army 37. Unpleasant road display 26. Enjoy yumminess 39. Actress Watts 27. Raspberry drupelets KenKen® is a registered trademark of Nextoy, LLC. ©2018 KenKen Puzzle LLC. All rights reserved. Dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication www.kenken.com 40. Full of enthusiasm 29. *____ of office 2-26-18 ● Each row and each column produce the target numbers 41. Musician's exercise 31. Stumblebums must contain the numbers 1 in the top-left corners. through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 ● Freebies: Fill in single-box (challenging) without repeating. 43. Seedy source of Omega-3s 32. Caffeine-containing nut tree, pl. cages with the number in ● The numbers within the heavily the top-left corner. outlined boxes, called cages, 44. Nine musicians 33. *Candidate's concern must combine using the given 46. What those on the lam do 34. *First US president to resign operation (in any order) to 47. Kind of palm 36. She played a TV genie 48. Threefold 38. Cocoyam 50. Accepted behavior 42. Chill-inducing 52. *Barack Obama's former title 45. Group of foot bones Answers to crossword Answers to sudoku 53. Toothy tool 49. One from Laos 55. H+, e.g. 51. *Inspiration for Liberia's capital 57. *Lincoln follower 54. Beginning of a joke 61. First book of Old Testament 56. India's first P.M. 65. Bye to Emmanuel Macron 57. Cup of Joe 66. It doesn't mix with water 58. Detected by olfactory 68. French wine region 59. Sword handle 69. Battery units 60. Brooklyn players 70. Spy org. 61. Happy 71. Emulate Demosthenes 62. Fly like an eagle 72. Liberal pursuits 63. A fan of 73. Baby goat 64. Gets the picture 74. Continental money 67. Roman three 42 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 42 43 TRAVEL

Since seeing “Dolphin Boy,” I have Healing With Dolphins? gone scuba diving at the Dolphin Reef By Paul J. Blank north of Israel. He was popular, loved ty and recall his past. Morad remains at three times. During my interactions by his family, an athlete, and a good the Dolphin Reef for many years, becom- with the dolphins, I was astonished In the Jewish tradi- student. One night, he is beaten cruel- ing an excellent diver and an instructor. by their beauty and friendliness. I also tion, dolphins are de- ly by his classmates, who mistakenly ac- Eventually he is able to return to his vil- came away with feelings of warmth, scribed with mythical cuse him of having an affair with their lage and reunite with his family. strength, serenity, and joy, the very same qualities. In the Talmud engaged cousin. The attack leaves him “Dolphin Boy” continues to be my fa- emotions that are elicited through dol- (Bekhorot 1:5), we are mute and unresponsive. He is plagued vorite movie. The story is riveting and phin therapy. While I was at the Dolphin told that dolphins “are fruitful and mul- by nightmares and sudden rages. He re- the filming is exquisite. One of the most Reef, I spoke with some of the instruc- tiply like human beings.” Some manu- jects any human interaction and dissoci- poignant parts of the movie concerns tors and they assured me that Morad is scripts, however, say that dolphins “are ates himself from the past. Morad’s father, who accompanies his doing well, has gotten married, and is fruitful and multiply with human be- When months of conventional treat- son to Eilat and makes great sacrifices in studying marine biology. ings”! Rashi, in discussing these passag- ment yield little improvement, the doctor order to see his son healthy again. The I do believe that there is something es, considers dolphins to be half human suggests dolphin therapy. Morad’s father movie is mostly about the extraordinary to that mythical quality about dolphins. and half fish, using the old French word, takes him to the Red Sea and, through his connection between Morad and the dol- syrene (mermaid). interactions with the dolphins, Morad is phins, but it is also about the inexorable Paul J. Blank is a teacher at the Charles E. Smith My favorite place to visit in Israel is gradually able to reclaim his personali- bond between a father and his son. Jewish Day School. Email [email protected]. the Dolphin Reef in Eilat. Located on a secluded beach on the shores of the Red Sea, and surrounded by endless desert, red mountains, and the deep blue wa- ter, the Dolphin Reef is an ecological site where visitors have the opportunity to either observe the dolphins from float- ing piers or encounter the dolphins di- rectly during guided swims or dives. At the Dolphin Reef, the dolphins live in their natural environment, the sea, with minimal intervention in their life- style. They can choose to approach snor- kelers or divers based upon their sense of curiosity, play, and desire for sponta- neous interaction, or they can choose to continue their daily routine with the other dolphins. Periodically, the gates to the sea are opened and the dolphins are able to leave the site. However, many of the dolphins elect to remain at the Dol- phin Reef or leave for a short while and then eventually return. Dolphin therapy is offered at the Dol- phin Reef for children ages six to 16 with autism, Down syndrome, dyslexia, be- havioral problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, cancer, or a history of abuse. During dolphin therapy, a child interacts with the dolphins, playing with or petting them. Because the dolphin does not desire anything beyond the en- counter with a human, the child feels unconditional love. Interacting with the dolphins gives the child a strong sense of belonging and acceptance and feelings of warmth, strength, serenity, and joy. In addition, assisting the trainers in caring for the dolphins helps the chil- dren by increasing self-esteem and con- Redeem miles for cash • Bill payments • Charitable donations • Many more options! fidence, even attentiveness and ability to focus on tasks, while also improving their ability to deal with frustration. For many children, dolphin therapy is the beginning of a road to recovery. A few years ago, a documentary about the Dolphin Reef was shown at the Washington Jewish Film Festival. It is called “Dolphin Boy” and was pro- duced and directed by Dani Menkin and Yonatan Nir. The movie is about Morad, a teenager from an Arab village in the WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 43 43 44

TRAVEL My Experience in Israel With Jewish National Fund’s Caravan for Democracy By Isabel Josephs tives. For example, we heard from both a or neatly sorted into a binary. In poli- ilies with their own stories, young col- Palestinian journalist and an Israeli jour- tics, especially, we run the risk of creat- lege students with big dreams, and a This winter, I had the privilege of par- nalist, back to back. It was incredible to ing false dichotomies that don’t cover diverse population devoted to all differ- ticipating in Caravan for Democracy, a witness the constructive dialogue and the entire spectrum of views, because ent faiths. Interacting with the unique 10-day mission organized by Jewish Na- formation of individual perspectives on not all views are on radical ends of the populations in Israel served the pur- tional Fund (JNF) designed specifically Israel and the Middle East. spectrum. It is human nature to try and pose of humanizing the region and I rec- for American, non-Jewish student lead- sort a concept into black and white, ognized how skewed our beliefs can be ers from various universities to visit Is- but it is important to embrace the grey when we derive them from fabricated rael for the first time. From the moment area. When we heard from the Palestin- news stories that feed us inaccurate in- we arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel ian and Israeli journalists, many of the formation. It is imperative to recognize Aviv, the itinerary was packed: We would concepts they talked about overlapped; the source that you are deriving infor- meet with high-ranking politicians, jour- both were determined to head in the mation from and how bias factors into nalists, and businessmen and women, as direction of peace, even if their visions what you are being presented. well as visit important religious and po- of what this would look like had subtle During my visit, I felt truly lucky to litical sites around the country. differences. have one-on-one conversations with The goal of the trip is to allow future I also learned invaluable lessons, Bedouins, Druze, Israeli government student leaders to see the Middle East such as recognizing how biased infor- leaders, Palestinian and Israeli journal- firsthand and form our own opinions mation influences perceptions of reali- ists, college students, and many other about the region — opinions that are ty, and that every person has a different citizens of Israel. Without JNF, none of not influenced by inaccurate media rep- Isabel Josephs and friends at the Jerusalem truth, none more important than anoth- this would have been possible. This was, resentations. At the end of each busy day, Overlook. er’s. In fact, subjective perceptions are by far, one of the greatest experiences of all 40 student leaders in my group, from (PHOTO COURTESY OF ISABEL JOSEPH) a lot more important than objective re- my life. dozens of U.S. colleges and universities, alities in determining who we are and There’s one quote from the trip that would come together and debrief about Caravan for Democracy provided what we believe. I hope to become a resonated with me and I will always car- what we had heard, seen, and felt. I was me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportuni- healthcare practitioner one day, and I ry with me, “Never let a problem to be impressed with the positive environ- ty to visit the Holy Land and meet the believe that this revelation will benefit solved become more important than a ment that JNF fostered, particularly in people who reside there in a unique me the most in my chosen field. person to be loved.” that it encouraged acceptance of diverse way, and for that I am truly thankful. On Most importantly, we tend to forget viewpoints and the presentation of in- a personal level, I learned that compli- that behind all the news stories about Is- Isabel Josephs is from Fairfax Station, Virginia, and formation from many different perspec- cated issues are not meant to be simple rael, there are people just like us — fam- is currently a student at Cornell University.

Celebrate your Wedding or Bar/Bat Mitzvah with a D.C. view

44 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 44 45 ADVICE DEAR RIVKIE A Hesitant Hostess Have a question for Rivkie? Email [email protected]

Dear Rivkie, which, if you are able to be a little brave, presence and don’t act as if they wer- You can also ask the child’s parents I bet you and your family can gain some en’t there.” some questions that will help you pre- My neighbors have a child with disa- valuable education and understanding. “Perhaps the child didn’t hear you, pare and enter the visit with more con- bilities; he is wheelchair-bound and I rolled up my sleeves and did some but he might have seen your kind smile fidence, like “Is Chaim able to eat an- non-verbal, although he does smile research on this topic to better respond and loved that you acknowledged him. ything I can make? Is there anything I and sometimes responds in his own to your question, and I found that par- Be kind, be respectful, and acknowl- should know or can do before you come way to people when they speak to him. ents of kids with special needs have a edge everyone around you, even if they to make you feel comfortable?” I know his family wants to feel includ- lot of overlap in what they want peo- aren’t able to respond in a way you un- It’s possible — no, probable — that ed in the community, which of course ple to know about them. You are correct derstand,” she writes. someone at that meal may feel awkward means Shabbos meal invitations. I re- that these parents and their kids general- Let’s recap: It’s very likely that your or say or do something inappropriate. ally want to invite them, but I honestly ly want to be invited over and given op- neighbors want to be invited, may need But, it’s my guess that this family will be don’t know how to act, what to say, and portunities to feel included in the wider some friends, and their child may be able happy to be invited, included, and seen, how to not be weird overall. Complicat- community. to understand you 100 percent even if it and may be more than a little forgiving. ing matters is that I have a couple of “We need friends, too,” writes Ash- doesn’t seem like it. They know that it can be awkward for young children, and I’m afraid they’re ley Owens on themighty.com. “Parent- First, talk to your kids about the situa- people who don’t have much experience going to say all kinds of awkward, of- ing kids with disabilities can be isolat- tion. For example, “You know our neigh- interacting with people who have disabil- fensive things if we do have this fami- ing; it can be a lonely world. We need bor Chaim? I’d like to invite his family ities to step out of their comfort zone. But ly over. I feel so guilty that I haven’t in- friends. Include us. We all want that feel- for a Shabbos meal. What do you think?” if you open the door for them, they will vited them in the year that we’ve been ing of belonging. When you can, include Then let your children talk about how most likely open the door for you, too. neighbors. Any advice? people with disabilities in neighborhood they feel. Here is where you can do some There’s no magic bullet here, but be- play dates, parties, etc.” stellar parenting. You can say things like, ing kind and including people who don’t Signed, One mother gives the following in- “Hashem made us all b’tzelem Elokim, in always get included, even in small ways, Guilty Gittel sights on bellybelly.com: “A child with His image, and loves us all. That includes never hurt anyone. I admire your will- severe physical special needs can very special neshamos (souls), like Chaim.” Or, ingness to work through your concerns Dear Gittel, likely hear or sense when someone is “Let’s practice things to say or do when and do a very important mitzvah. Let me Inviting this family over may well speaking about her. A non-verbal child we have them over.” And then actually know how it goes! feel daunting, and it may also be embar- can very likely understand what you’re practice (“Good Shabbos, Chaim” and rassing if your kids say insensitive things. saying, even if he can’t respond in a way “How are you Chaim?” — the standard All the best, However, it is a huge, giant mitzvah from you’ll understand. Acknowledge their openers you would use with anyone). Rivkie

PARENTING The Need for Sleep By Laura Goldman night could be true on occasion, the about 15 minutes more sleep than those So, how can we help our kids get the problem develops when the exceptions who get Bs, who average 15 minutes sleep they need? First, routines are a par- It’s a familiar re- start to look more like the rule. more than those who get Cs. ent’s best friend. From the youngest ages, frain. “I’m not tired! When an infant cries, we go through Studies also show that sleep loss in- creating a schedule at bedtime on which I’m fine. I don’t want a mental checklist as to what could be terferes with the body’s ability to take the children can rely affords them rest, to go to bed!” wrong. The big three are hunger, dirty di- glucose from the bloodstream, a neces- reduces stress (both theirs and yours), Depending on the aper, and ... tired. Sleep is fundamental. sary process to feed the prefrontal cor- and teaches them how to develop good age, children may want to stay up be- In his book “Nurtureshock,” Po Bron- tex of the brain. The prefrontal cortex habits. Electronic devices, including TV cause they don’t want to miss out on son presents recent studies on the ef- controls higher-order thinking, concen- and video, should be put away at least what the family is doing. There may be a fect of the loss of a single hour of sleep. tration, emotional regulation, judgment, one hour before bedtime, since its “blue special event, or a parent who hasn’t ar- Statistics show that children today get and other executive functions. In other light” interferes with the production of rived home yet. They may want to feel an average of one hour of sleep less words, sleep-impaired kids can manifest melatonin, the hormone necessary for more like adults or their older siblings. per night than they did 30 years ago. A symptoms of ADHD. sleep regulation. Try to keep to your They may want to continue reading, Tel Aviv University study of elementa- Lack of sleep increases the hunger schedule, even over Shabbat, especially watching, playing, or hangin’. Or, in the ry-aged school children split subjects hormone and suppress the “I’m full” when the kids are younger. case of teenagers, their circadian rhythm into two groups: Half of the subjects hormone. It also increases the body’s If there are times that the goal isn’t is changing and they just aren’t tired as got an extra half-hour of sleep, and the production of cortisol, the hormone met, don’t beat yourself up. Remember early anymore. other group got a half-hour of sleep less that stimulates fat production. Taking that perfection isn’t the objective. But, But, by evening time, most parents for three consecutive nights. They were these factors into account, along with a conscientiousness about the value are ready for their children to go to then given cognitive tests similar to the the fact that getting less sleep makes of sleep and our children’s developing sleep. They themselves may be tired. A WISC Intelligence assessment. The re- kids too tired to be active, it has been brains’ need for it can set a standard for battle with their kids is the last thing sults? The children with an hour of suggested as a cause for the increase in healthy brain and body development. they want. So, often, bedtime routines sleep less performed two grade levels childhood obesity. get compromised. You can hear the in- below their actual grade. Similar results Finally, during sleep the brain forms Laura Goldman is a parent educator and coach. ner voices, can’t you? “It’s just for to- were found in Brown University stud- the new neural pathways that solidify A former banking and finance attorney with a night. They will be back on schedule ies, where nursery-aged children who and advance learning, insights, and long- passion for supporting people on their paths of tomorrow.” “I want them to continue stayed up later on the weekends scored term memory storage. Our children’s self-discovery, she is the principal and founder of reading. It’s good for them.” “It’s impor- seven points lower on intelligence tests, brains are in a constant state of develop- Arise, LLC, a leadership and parent coaching prac- tant for the family to spend time togeth- despite sleeping in later. The sleep shift ment and redevelopment. When we de- tice. She encourages questions on topics of inter- er, even if it’s late.” was detrimental. In high school, test re- prive them of this sleep time, their learn- est for this column. She can be reached at laura@ While any of those reasons for a late sults show that kids who get As average ing is impaired. arisenext.com. WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 45 45 46

ADVICE DATING The Heartbreak of Dating with a Disability in the Jewish World By Ariella Barker No. Jewish matchmakers ligion, family planning, or Eventually, the frustration and heart- seem to draw the line of how our personalities, in- break of dating became overwhelming. Eleven years ago, I appeared in front defective at a disability. tellect, and ideologies are So, I decided that I was content being of the Rabbinical Council of America to As a result of this al- formed. single. If the right man came along, then gain their permission to officially con- gorithm, I was never The other 5 percent of it was G-d’s will. vert to Judaism. The Rabbi asked me matched with anyone. blind dates were with ac- As I watch my friends, one by one, one pointed, unforgettable question: Men responded that they tual untouchables: mar- get married and have children, I often “As a goy, you are able to marry most would not date someone ried men, grandfathers think back to that day I visited the RCA. anyone in the world. Why would you with a disability. This al- 40 years my senior, the I wonder, if I had chosen a larger dating convert and limit yourself to less than gorithm prevented them perpetually unemployed, pool over religion, whether I’d be mar- 2 percent of the population?” For me, from seeing my picture, and, once, a convicted pe- ried with children today. I’ll never know. the answer was simple. I only wished or knowing that I am a dophile. These experienc- But I do know that I am G-d’s child, and to marry a Jewish man and to raise highly-educated attorney, es led to my swearing off I don’t need to be married to have pur- my children with Jewish values. If I re- writer, and activist, who is blind dates and internet pose. And I’ve found that one of my pur- mained a goy, I would be unable to mar- worldly, witty and whim- Attorney and disability dating. poses is to educate the community on ry anyone. Alas, over a decade later, I am sical. They had no idea activist Ariella Barker. I decided to only date the importance of treating disabled Jews still unmarried. that they were rejecting (COURTESY PHOTO) men I knew personally. no differently than nondisabled Jews. Before joining the Jewish communi- one of Israel’s top 50 most But these relationships of- Our greatest prophet, Moshe, had a ty, despite my disability, I rarely strug- eligible bachelorettes. ten led to heartbreak. Boyfriends ended disability — a speech impediment. Thank gled to find a partner. But once I was Without fail, strangers and some ac- the relationship for a variety of reasons: G-d, Moshe did not have to use dating Jewish, and I was dating with the pur- quaintances made efforts to set me up Their rabbis advised them to. Their par- websites, matchmakers, or live in today’s pose of marriage, my love life changed with “the perfect man.” Ninety-five per- ents insisted that marrying me would society, which is overly obsessed with dramatically. cent of the time, that man had a disabili- ruin their lives due the burden of caring aesthetic beauty. Otherwise, he may nev- Orthodox Jewish dating and match- ty. The community assumed that my per- for me. They were overwhelmed by the er have met Tzipporah. It was her love making websites asked if I was disabled. fect match was also disabled, taking no difficulties of sharing a life with some- and support that gave him the strength to And they asked whether I was willing to consideration of any of our middot (char- one who endlessly faced inaccessibili- free us from slavery and lead us to Israel. date someone with a disability. This al- acter traits). The simple fact that two ty. They were afraid one day they would gorithm was meant to weed out the un- people have had to modify their lives resent me for my disability. They were Ariella Barker received her BBA and JD from Emory touchables. However, the website didn’t around a disability to navigate in this afraid we’d have children with my dis- University. She currently works as an attorney, writ- ask if I had a criminal record, was a pe- world somehow translated to a perfect ability. And some simply couldn’t han- er, disability activist, and political adviser on disa- dophile, a dead-beat parent, a sociopath, shidduch (match). But disabilities only dle the tzaddik (righteous person) sta- bility rights and Israeli security, and hopes to attend bankrupt, unemployed, a philanderer, guide how we access the world. They do tus many placed on them for having the Harvard Kennedy School of Government this fall to or morbidly obese with severe halitosis. not define how we opine on politics, re- chesed (kindness) enough to love me. prepare to run for office.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Introducing: Jared Fusia ally called in to his show before when I was in high school). His racy radio shtick Interested in connecting with this week’s featured young and antics aside, he is really the defini- professional? Email [email protected]. tion of success. He worked hard and over many years to make his way to the top, Interviewed by Batya H. Carl I practice Transcendental Meditation and changed the face of radio. He also is twice a day. For about 20 minutes I sit an awesome interviewer, and a great de- If you ask Jared Fusia where he’s with my eyes closed and think a two-syl- fender of the Jews and Israel (and one of from, he says he’s from “a little bit of all lable sound mantra in my head. his daughters became observant!). over.” Jared’s dad served as a urologist in I know you probably weren’t anticipat- Describe yourself in three words. the Air Force when he was growing up, so ing this question, but what is your fa- My entire being in three words? their family got around, spending time in vorite wine? That’s a really hard one. Here goes: Ad- Charlottesville, Virginia; the Mississippi This is a hard one, since it depends venturous. Passionate. Traveler. I came gle Book every morning (as I did in fact Gulf Coast; Florida; and New Jersey. on the time of week, the time of the year, into this world at the will of a force be- do way back then). Now in his fourth year in the DC area, and quality/ price ratio or best overall, I yond me, and I have a real love for ex- What is the last picture you took on Jared currently resides in Silver Spring, would have to say my company’s private ploring and taking in all of the world your phone? Maryland. He just turned 30 and works label Novel Carrera, a blend of Cabernet and all that The One Above made to in- The last picture I took on my phone as a sales and account manager at JCom- and the very much underdone but won- habit it. I love meeting and making rela- was of a mullet while walking around merce Group, a local Jewish ecommerce derful Barbera grape, which is of Italian tionships with my fellow travelers as we DC. That’s a whole other fascination of company. Jared graduated from Rutgers origin. I realize that may sound biased, experience this world, and wondering mine, mullet-hunting. The mullet is a University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree but it fits my pallet (fruit-forward, tannic, what lies in store for us in the future and wonderfully ridiculous hairstyle that is in international relations (focused on the and acidic) and pairs well with Mediter- in the World to Come. business in the front and party in the Middle East) and a minor in Italian. ranean cuisine. Where would you like to travel to next? back, and was the king of the 80s. I have What is the last book you read? What do you like to do during your I’d like to travel to Iran, as crazy as a collection of photos of different mul- The last book I read was “On Prayer” spare time? that sounds. I studied Farsi in college let styles; I started collecting when I was by Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski. I read I love to work out at the gym, cook and am fascinated with the history of 14 and hunting them during visits to Dis- all kinds of books, but this happens to Italian food and sing in Italian to it (I Persia, and the food is excellent. ney World and different county fairs in be the last one I actually read, and Rab- swear it actually makes the food taste If you could relive any memory, which central Florida. bi Twerski is my favorite Jewish author. better), shoot my Beretta and other fire- would it be? Nuthouse or Ben Yehuda? His ability to connect his background in arms at the gun range, do yoga, drink I’d love to relive being a two-year- This is a hard one, since both have psychiatry and being an Orthodox rabbi craft beer, and go on hikes. old again with the comprehension of a their strong points and weak points, but is really amazing. It’s nutritious food for If you could meet anyone, who would grown-up person: Not a care or worry in I would have to say Ben Yehuda. The thought, for the intellect and for the soul. it be? the world except for sucking a pacifier, deep sicilian is the closest thing to pizza Tell us something even your friends I hope I don’t get flack for this, but I riding my Batman tricycle, holding my in Italy, and the owner of Ben Yehuda is might not know about you. would love to meet Howard Stern (I actu- little blue blanket, and watching the Jun- a true mensch. 46 February 8, 2018 • 23 Shvat, 5778 WWW.KOLHABIRAH.COM 46 47 Community Calendar: February 2018 11 "Holocaust Voices" with Author Myrna Goldenberg 17 Nat Lewin and Dr. Benny Porat in Conversation Musical dessert reception to follow Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mishpat Ivri: The application of Halachic values into the modern Location: Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation Israeli legal system 1441 Wiehle Avenue, Reston, Virginia 20190 Time: 15 minutes after Kiddush RSVP by March 1 to [email protected] Location: Beth Sholom Congregation 11825 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD 20854 11 Maimonides, Nature & Science 18 Not That Kind of Doctor: Viruses, DNA, With Professor Josef Stern and the Ph.D. Process Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Location: Temple Shalom Ma Rabu lecture from Dr. Avigayil Druck Shudofsky with Torah insights from 8401 Grubb Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Mrs. Rachelle Reingold Free, but pre-registration recommended: www.foundjs.org Time: 12:30 p.m. Location: YGW Boys Campus 11 Sushi and Speed Dating 1216 Arcola Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 22 Idan Raichel: Piano Songs Location: YISE 1132 Arcola Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20902 Time: 8:00 p.m. RSVP by March 4 to yise.org/sushi Location: The Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 18 Training II: The Visitors Project for People with Dementia March 2018 For New Volunteer Visitors 4 Training I: The Visitors Project for People Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. with Dementia Location: Revitz House For New Volunteer Visitors 6111 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. RSVP to VPPD Coordinator Ken Silverstein: Location: Revitz House [email protected] or 301-570-6664 6111 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 25 RSVP to VPPD Coordinator Ken Silverstein: More Than Just Mosaics: The Ancient [email protected] or 301-570-6664 Synagogue at Huqoq in Israel's Galilee With Dr. Jodi Magness 8-11 Multifaith Film Fest 2018 Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: Bender JCC of Greater Washington Location: B'nai Israel Congregation 6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 6301 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 Purchase tickets at benderjccgw.org/KHfilm Free, but pre-registration recommended: www.foundjs.org

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FURNITURE & SLEEP GALLERY MARLOFURNITURE.COM

ROCKVILLE, MD ALEXANDRIA, VA LAUREL, MD FORESTVILLE, MD FREDERICKSBURG, VA 725 Rockville Pike 5650 Gen. Washington Dr. 13450 Baltimore Ave. 3300 Marlo Lane LIQUIDATION CENTER (301) 738-9000 (703) 941-0800 (301) 419-3400 (301) 735-2000 4040 Plank Road 540-785-2635

*Free local delivery with minimum purchase of $1199 or more. Financing offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. New accounts subject to credit approval. See store for details. 48