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NEWSLETTER OF THE WORLDWIDE CONGREGATION CHARLAP/YAHYA

Vol. 18, No. 1 Av 5767; July 2007

ISRAEL LEAGUE

On June 24 the Baseball League held its inaugural game at the Y arkon Sports Complex in Petach Tikvah. Plans call for a 45 game schedule, a mid-season all-star game, and a season-ending championship game. The first league in Israel has attracted the attention of such famed Jewish personalities as: - Hall of Fame with the Brooklyn and ; drafted by Modi'in Miracle. - star of the , the "miracle" team that won the in 1969. Art manages the Modi'in Miracle. - great pitcher with and . He pitched 2 no-hit games and manages the Petach Tikvah Pioneers. - star with the and Chicago White Sox; now manages the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox. Daniel Kurtzer - former U.S. Ambassador to Israel; now Commissioner of IBL. · - General of and Red Sox; now IBL Director of Baseball Operations. - former Commissioner; Advisory Committee IBL. Randy Levine - President, New York Yankees; Advisory Committee IBL. Marshall Glickman - former President, NBA Portland Trail Blazers; Advisory Committee IBL. ·Perhaps, more importantly for readers of B'rayshit, Ken Holtzman has selected-our own George Chityat (12576,Pl.192) to be on the pitching staff of the Petach Tikvah Pioneers. George, son of Ezra (12573) and Trudy Donchin (12571) Chityat, was born in 1973 in New York Raised mainly in New Jersey, he made aliyah in 1997. In 2004 he married Adi Kisos (18586), who was born in Eilat in 1981. They live in Ramat Gan. George is a right handed pitcher but is a switch hitter. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 190 pounds. To this date, the Pioneers have not done that well. Petach Tikvah is in last place with a record of 3 wins and 14 losses. Oh well, it took Sandy Koufax a while before he found his great form. George's mom, Trudy, is descended directly from the Don Y ahya line. Donchin is a Russified version of the name. Trudy's great-great-great grandfather was Rabbi David ben Baruch Don Yechiya (9800,Pl.172), a Talmudic scholar ofDisna, White Russia. Her grandfather Bernard (Baruch Chaim) (12473) was born in Ludza, Latvia. In 1903 he settled in Lund, Sweden. After eight years, he left for America, becoming a jeweler in Jersey City, New Jersey. Bernard had five children, four of them born in Pikeli, Lithuania. The youngest of the children was Trudy's father, Herman (12516), born in Sweden. Herman was a tough young man who became a police officer and professional boxer. His athletic prowess was apparently inherited by his grandson George, possibly the Sandy Koufax of the IBL. 2

NEXT TIME AROUND WANDERER

Desiree Gezentsvey's (1690,Pl.115) bilingual poetry I am the wanderer book Next Tzme Around/La Proxima Vez made its debut on the tom traveler March 7 together with the premiere of the song cycle "An Ocean Between Us" by New Zealand composer Dorothy the one destined for freedom Buchanan. Ms. Buchanan used Desiree's poems as lyrics. yet bound by mortal love To make the event even more special for our family, the music was performed by the New Zealand Piano Quartet, of how delicate the chains which Desi's husband Yury (7447) is the violinist. Yury is that hold me ever so tightly also one of the acclaimed musicians of the New Zealand Symphony. & on this autumn day The new book, written in English and Spanish, I learn I have no choice explores relationships and feelings and how we are affected by life changes such as migration and separation from loved take me, poet, where you will ones. Ms. Buchanan summed it up in saying, "Desiree's lay my path in two horizons poetry inspires the musician in me. It has a special cadence and musicality, and the content spans all life's experiences, breathe your words & weave your message like longing, family, sensuality, joy and sorrow, which swear that nothing else compares resonate within us all." Desi's parents were Wolf Sterentall (1644) and not the first smile of a child Harriet Serr (1640). Harriet's grandparents were Chaim nor the kiss of her eyelashes Hersch Ser (1633), a blacksmith ofNur, Poland and his wife Dvora Beyla Bochko (1634). Desiree was born in Venezuela let me go & let me stay where Harriet was viewed as the country's greatest pianist. set me free, let me exhale Yury, an emigre from the USSR, arrived in Venezuela in 1980. For the next five years he played with Harriet, his new Next TzmeAround/La Proxima Vez is a 103 pp paperback, mother-in-law, in a chamber music ensemble. Then Yury was ISBN 978-1-877448-05-8. It is printed by Publishing Press offered the position of Principal Violin with the New Zealand Ltd for: Symphony and jumped at the opportunity. Yury and Desi Steele Roberts Publishers have three daughters: Michelle (7450), Lara (7451) and Yael Box 9321 (7452). Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand Desiree describes herself as an "artist, violinist's [email protected] wife, mother, Jewish, Venezuelan, American, Kiwi, cultivator www.SteeleRoberts.co.nz of friends and memories, and a believer in providence and synchronicity." After gaining a B.A. in Modem Languages We must also announce the release of a new CD by Yury she studied Creative writing at Whitireia and received an Gezentsvey, as leader of the Dominion String Quartet. M.A. in the subject from Victoria University of Wellington. Recorded with NAXOS, it is Vol. One of six volumes that She has had plays and short films produced in New Zealand. will cover the 17 string quartets of Alfred Hill. Hill, a New Her poetry has been published widely. An excerpt from Next Zealand/Australian composer, created these works about a Time Around follows: century ago in a lavish, romantic style. Volume One contains *************************************************** String Quartets Nos. 1, 2, and 3. The CD can be ordered B'RAYSHIT: THE NEWSLETTER OF either online or from any music store internationally. As has CONGREGATION CHARLAPNAHYA is published been mentioned, Yury is Principal First Violinist of the New intermittently during each year. We encourage submittal of England Symphony Orchestra and Violinist of the New news items, essays, poems, and historical articles. Zealand Piano Quartet. He also teaches at the New Zealand Correspondence should be directed to: School of Music. Arthur F. Menton, Editor *********************************************** P.O. Box 108 The privilege of belonging to an honorable people puts Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. 11724 serious responsibilities on your shoulders. You must Tel. and Fax: (631)754-1742 demonstrate that you are worthy ofyour heroic past. e-mail: [email protected] - S. M Dubnow, 1893 Copyright @ 2007 3

BIRTHS either Czyzewo or Andrzejewo, Poland and later, with his brothers, operated the Mankuta Rubber Stamp Company in Levi Carpenter Bankirer (20017,Pl.75) was boin on April the USA Fred followed his father into the business. Brian is 27 in Morrisville, North Carolina. Levi is the 2nd child of a music teacher and Stacey is in special education. Matthew (7703) and Leslie (16126) and the 3rd grandchild of Harold (7692) and Carol (7686) Bankirer. Carol's mother, Idan Navon (19989,Pl.40) was born in Israel on May 2. He the late Ruth Averbuch (7 679) of Southfield, Michigan was is the 2nd child of Eran (18653) and Tamar (11215) and the an enthusiastic supporter of the family research. Ruth was 2nd grandchild for Tamar's mother Nurit Grechter (9901). the daughter of Minnie Charlip Lipchinsky (7598) who was Tamar's grandfather was the late Amnon Charlap (3314) of born in the Lechowicze/Baranowicze region of White Russia. Rehovoth.

Sadie Dahlia Budd (19915,Pl.92) was born in Edinburgh, Ohad Paltter (19918,Pl.40) was born in Israel on April 7. Scotland on Sept. 23, 2006. She is the 2nd child of Adam He is the 3rd child for Nimrod (14044) and Lihi (11210) and (10221) and Nadine (17785) and the 3rd grandchild of Leslie the 7th grandchild for Uri Charlap (9902). Uri is the Budd (10193) of North York, Ontario. Adam is a Professor youngest of Amnon Charlap's children. of English Literature at the University of Edinburgh and Nadine is a psychiatrist with the Edinburgh Royal Hospital. · Jacob.Aaron (Yaacov Aharon) Sahr (20019,Pl.101) was born on June 2 in New York City. He is the 2nd child of Ava Darcy (Avigail) Feldman (20020,Pl.49) was born on Jonathan (28) and Anna (16225) and the 4th grandchild for June 26 in New York City, the 3rd child of Joseph (9787) Donald (24) and Naomi (23) Sahr. Jonathan is in banking and Lorraine (4429). Ava is the 5th grandchild of the late and Anna, who was born in Russia, is an educator. Donald's Albert Jablowsky (4408) whose mother was the noted grandfather was "Yankelflazer" (Yaacov Eliezer) Sahr (3) Yiddish poet Esther Charloff (4392). The expanding family who came to America from Nur/Ciechanowiec, Poland ca is moving into their new home in Scarsdale, NY. 1890. He eventually settled in Schenectady, New York, a stronghold of the Sahr (Ser) family. Raquel Davida Landau (19904,Pl.273) was born on Feb. 11, the 1st child for Keith (8411) and Raquel (13338) and Parker Alexandra Tyre (20015,Pl. 75) was born on Oct. 5, the 1st grandchild for Bernard (8407) and Barbara (8403) 2006 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is the 1st child for Landau. Barbara's grandmother was Sarah Pakciarz Yablok David (20013) and Sarah (7702) and is one of 3 (8370) who was born in Jablonka, Poland. Keith is an grandchildren of Harold and Carol Bankirer (see birth of occupational therapist and Raquel is a teacher and guidance Levi Bankirer)._ counselor. They live in Flushing, New York. *********************************************** MARRIAGES Rachel Madison Landau (19905,Pl.273) was born 4 days after her cousin (see previous entry) on Feb. 15. She is the Michelle Averbuch (7700,Pl.75) and Marc Allen (20014) 1st child for Todd (8412) and Jamie (18533) and the 2nd were wed on July 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michelle is the grandchild for Bernie and Barbara. Todd is in marketing and daughter of Henry Averbuch (7685) whose grandmother was Jamie is an audiologist. They live in Sherman Oaks, Minnie Charlip Lipchinsky (7598). California. Joshua Charlip (7636,Pl.73) was married to Jill Sherman Itamar Levy (20021,Pl.187, the 2nd child oflshai (18798) Marx (20012) on June 23. Joshua is the son of Eliot (7 615) and Amanda (12245) was born on July 26, 2006 in and Sheila Charlip (7627) of West Bloomfield, Michigan. , Israel. Itamar is the 4th grandchild of Amanda's Eliot is from the branch of our family that settled in parents, Frederick (12243) and Eleanor Platt (12241) Lind. Lechowicze, Minsk Guberniya which is now in Belarus. His Eleanor's grandmother was Esther Doniach (Don Yechiya) father Meyer (7594) emigrated from that region and arrived Stein (12147) who was born in the Drissa region of White in the USA ca 1912. Joshua has a bagel factory and is Russia. :finishing his Ph.D. studies in psychology. The new couple is also living in West Bloomfield. Maxwell Joseph Mankuta (20018,Pl.214) was born on Nov. 29, 2006 in Port Jefferson, New York. He is the 1st Sarah Leah Charlip (7635,Pl.73) was married to Steven child for Brian (2034) and Stacey (18492) and the 2nd Marshank (20011) on May 23. The bride's parents are as grandchild of Fred (2014) and Toby (2023) Mankuta. Fred's listed for her brother Joshua (see previous marriage father was the late Joseph Mankuta (2004) who was born in (cont. on page 4) 4

MARRIAGES (cont.) stopped smoking in 1979. He never screamed or cried how .unfair it was that despite regular medical visits, his cancer announcement). Steven and Sarah Leah live in Ashland, was left undetected until it was too late to be operable. He Oregon. accepted what he could not control - something most ofus cannot do even in our mi1:11dane daily struggles. Evan Cone (4099:Pl.15) was married to Tonyia Sullivan . For sure, this was not part of his life plan. He (19881) on June 23, 2006 in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, started a new life. ;With .Lynn five years ago and [my not in Jerusalem, Israel as previously reported. Evan and brother] Brian (18472) just iurned three ili."dctober. I am Tonyia live in Austin, Texas and they flew their Rabbi from pregnant with his fifth grandchild and am due in July. [ed.: Austin for the ceremony. A beautiful ceremony was ·held see Births] There is much that he had to look forward to. under the chuppa which was erected on the beach. . J know why Dad accepted his outcome. Because *************************************************** despite his short 62 years, he loved Life :and the life he had. OBITUARIES More than looking young, he lived young. He is one ofthe only people I know that when asked what you would change Shulamit Levin Charlap (9884,Pl.39) died on April 12 less about your life ifyou won the Lotto, he would respond that than one month after celebrating her 105th birthday. She was he would change nothing. He was fully satisfied with the the widow of Shlomo Charlap (3310) who ran a building love of his family, his friends and his life's work. He was supply company in Rehovoth, Israel. Shlomo was the son of also at peace with life because ofhis kavana - his strong noted Zionist and founder of Rehovoth, Ephraim Zvi Charlap belief in G-d - which allowed him to find comfort in (3228). Shulamit is survived by her daughters Talia knowing the world and its unascertainable outcomes are Goldenberg (9893) of Sydney, Australia and Roni Zaretsky · part ofG-d 'swill. It is fitting tbat his last breaths were in (9894) of Haifa, Israel, four grandchildren, and 10 great­ his Rabbi's presence; that he felt he could leave this world grandchildren. as the Rabbi prayed with him. This is part ofmy father's legacy passed on to his Eleanor Schwartz Gold (17143,Pl.360) died on Jan. 9 in children: Erica (4430), Brian and me and to his four New Brunswick, New Jersey at age 94. Born in the Bronx, grandchildren. she was a talented pianist and graduated high school at age So much of who I am I attribute to my father. He 16. Unable to attend college, she worked as a secretary and was always kind and gentle, yet strong and fiercely bookkeeper. She was the daughter of Joseph Schwartz determined. He believed in humility, hard work and (17140) and Sarah Chasan (17142). Joseph was the son of planning for the future. He showed love for his mother by Esther Lewin (11286), daughter of Yisrael Lew (Lewin) caring for her zealously as she grew weaker in the years (8143) and Faiga Jarmusz (8147) of Ciechanowiec, Poland. before she passed away. He found beauty and strength in Eleanor is survived by her daughters Ina Wolfson (17147) ritual and wore tefillin every day, even in the hospital this and Laura Cherniak (17148) and their families. past weekend. Jn learning, after sending my sister and I to private Albert (Avraham Yitzhak) Jablowsky (4408,Pl.49) died school and college, he pushed us to go to graduate school. on Feb. 20 in Westchester County, New York. His funeral In words, he published a book of my grandmother's poetry was attended by a large audience of relatives, friends, and posthumously. I11 numbers, he created his own math professional colleagues, many of whom spoke from the curriculum for me beginning in 1st grade and I never could podium. Among those presenting eulogies were Al's wife master his problem solving exercises. In design, he loved Lynn (16700), cousin Arthur Menton (58,Pl.102) and Al's engineering and how structures are formed and erected. In daughter Lorraine Feldman (4429). Lorraine's testament to people, he loved being a manager and felt protective ofthe her father follows: people who reported to him. In family, he always They say that you can judge a man by his actions. celebrated holidays with family and for his 60th birthday In the case of my father, that certainly was true. The past took his family on a weekend cruise. In honesty, he made three months exemplified who he was, how he viewed his me admit that I hit him on the head with a rock life and all those whom he loved. When he learned that he (accidentally) that I had thrown in our back yard while still had metastasized lung cancer in early November he was a child. In physical fitness, he achieved a black belt in resolved to fight the disease with all that he had. Over the karate and jogged daily for decades. And finally, in living three months that he struggled against the disease 's life to its fullest. spread, he never once was angry or bitter with the card he I know I am and always will be ve1y much had been dealt. He never said, "Why me?", "Why now?" connected to my father in a way I cannot explain. My He never questioned why he got lung cancer after having (cont. on page 5) 5

OBITUARIES (cont.) Rubber Stamp Co. He is interred at New Montefiore Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. Survivors are his wife Dorothy children were born four-and-a-half years ago on October (2009), daughter Linda Hesekiel (2017), son Marc (2016) 6 way before my due date, the same day as my father's and four grandchildren. birthday in 1944. Within a week of finding out I was pregnant with my third child, my father learned he had Samuel (Shepsel) Pasternak (4852,Pl.258) died on Jan. 21 cancer. This week I learned I am having a girl who will be after _a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Son of named after her grandfather she will not have met, as I was Ben ( 4840) and Ida ( 4846) Pasternak both of whom were named after my grandfather whom I never met. born in Nur, Poland, Sam was born in Kansas City, I know my father did not want to leave this world onJune 19, 1922. Sam's grandfather Pinchas (4826,Pl.137) but I also know that he was proud ofhis 62 years and loved was a brother of Baruch Pasternak (504) who married his the time he had here. He knew how much he was loved and cousin Kayla Kur (503). Sam and his sister Jean (4853) grew found comfort and strength from others. In truth though, up on the east side of Kansas City and as a young man he we all drew more comfort and strength from him and the worked in his father'~s delicatessen. After high school, Sam lasting example of how to face life's greatest challenge enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Returning from World War with dignity, grace, and quiet bravery that can only be II, he and his father became partners in the Cake Box bakery likened to greatness. which they operated near 63rd St. and Brookside Plaza. The Al Jablowsky was a graduate of Cornell University business expanded to several other locations and in the and had a distinguished career as a civil engineer. He was 1950s, Sam was an early innovator with frozen cake elected a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. marketing. The Cake Box became an institution in Kansas He was an active supporter of our family research and was City and the company baked Margaret Truman's wedding deeply attached to the religion, peoplehood, and traditions of cake and a birthday cake for baseball great Casey Stengel. Israel. This was exemplified in his publication of an Sam became President of the Missouri Bakers Association anthology of his mother's poetry entitled THE HOLY and was also a founding partner of Napoleon Bakery. He was TREASURE OF MY SOURCE. Esther Charloff (4392), an entrepreneur at heart and after selling the bakery business composer as well as poet, was born in Tykocin, Poland, lie became an insurance agent in the 1980s. He was known daughter of Rabbi Yitzhak Yaacov Charlap (4383) and for his honesty, integrity, fairness and numerous acts of Chaya Belouze (4384). Rabbi Yitzhak Yaacov was also a kindness. "People who dealt with him knew that he would noted cantor and composer. His wife was from the same keep his word and that he would treat them fairly," said his family as novelist Saul Bellow. The writing talent was son Gary (4869). He had many other entrepreneurial ideas inherited by Albert's sister, Dr. Judith Rothberg (4407) of including developing a system, Insur-File, to help senior Glen Cove, NY, who has published several books, has her citizens keep track of their medical records and insurance. own television program, and is a psychologist and educator. Another project was a children's book Minding Your Al is interred at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Glendale, Money: Advice For Tots and Teens. When his daughter NY. He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughters Lorraine Gail Lozoff (4868) founded Bagel & Bagel, Sam advised her Feldman, an attorney of Scarsdale, NY, Erica Epstein, a not to go into the business, but his help and contacts were teacher of Oceanside, NY, son Brian, and five grandchildren. instrumental during the early days. Once her venture had grown into a multi-store chain, Sam enjoyed going from Spencer (Shlomo) Kurtz (1046,Pl.164) died on Nov. 20, location to location, helping out and chatting with customers. 2006. He is survived by his wife Carolyn (1057), daughters Sam was very community minded and was a major supporter KarenNassof(l068) andLaurie Toback (1069, son Howard of local musical talent, promoting many Kansas City area (1070) and four grandchildren. Spencer was a graduate performers and composers. Sam was a sweet, gentle, loving attorney and was in the aluminum manufacturing business. person who enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, He was a resident of Philadelphia and Durham, North playing with kids, driving convertibles, savoring a kosher Carolina. His grandparents were Morris Kristal (683) and salami sandwich, and writing poems of love and Chaya Gittel Kur (677) who was born in Ciechanowiec, encouragement, much to the delight of his grandchildren. His Poland. Morris owned "The Old Curiosity Shop" in ability to find humor in the small things of life, worry about Wilmington, Delaware. absolutely everything and laugh at his own foibles was extraordinary. He had more than enough love to go around Morris (Manes) Mankuta (2005,Pl.214) of Ft. Lauderdale, for all in his extended family and he was adored in return. Florida died on Feb. 27. He was born in Czyzewo, Poland in Sam was a strong supporter of our research in to the history 1919 to Velvel Mankuta ( 1977) and Brucha Monkarz of the family and worked hard to insure the success of the (1981). Morris was owner, with his brothers, of the Mankuta (cont. on page 6) 6

OBITUARIES (cont.) Tillie was seven years old. Tillie's paternal grandparents were HerschelZvi Sier (Ser) (468) and Chana Beyla Kur family reunion held in Overland Park in the early 1990s. Sam (469). Both were descended from the Charlaps. Funeral was a longtime resident of Prairie Village, Kansas. He is services for Tillie were held in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. interred at Rose Hill Cemetery. Survivors include his wife She was eulogized by several family members including her Beverly (4858), his former spouse Irene (4859), son Gary, nephews Herbert Sier (521), Rabbi Isaac Wietschner daughter Gail Lowff, two stepdaughters and a stepson, nine (4 77,Pl.135) and niece Sara Sier Rosenberg (522). Sara's grandchildren and all the relatives, friends and acquaintances testament to her aunt, slightly edited, follows: who loved him. Life is filled with stages: a beginning, a middle and (This obituary relies heavily on the Kansas City Star) end No one knows what our journeys may entail. Will they be filled with happiness or sadness, sickness or health, love Richard Shapero (5414,Pl.18) of Louisville, Kentucky died or loneliness, war or peace? Maybe our journeys are on Dec. 31, 2006. Richard was born on June 11, 1943 in predetermined, or can they be controlled, or perhaps they Louisville to Alan (5395) and Frieda (5399) Shapero. Alan are a combination of both. But the way we handle and was a grandson of Deborah Charlap Goldberg (4022). travel through them is the ultimate measure of our Richard, a well-known activist attorney, became famous as character. And it is the character ofAunt Tillie that I wish a result of a United States Supreme Court case, Shapero vs. to honor and remember today. Kentucky Bar Association, that established laws regarding Aunt Tillie lived a truly remarkable life. She lawyer advertising. The Associated Press reports that he started offin a small rural town -Nur, Poland- and then challenged Kentucky's prohibition against targeted direct . immigrated to the United States as a young child with her mailings in 1985, when the State's Supreme Court refused to mother, brother Morris (474) and sister Anna (472). Here, let him send letters to homeowners facing foreclosures. Jn its she was reunited with her father and the family multiplied 1988 ruling in the case, the U.S. Supreme Court said that when two more children were born: Sydney (502) and states like Kentucky violated the right of free speech when Irving (473). They settled on the Lower East Side of they banned lawyers from soliciting business through truthful Manhattan , living in a cold water flat that had a letters to people with particular legal needs. "He had a communal bathroom down the hall. Life was tough because profound effect on the law and on attorneys across the U.S.," ofthe hard times and their poverty. Modernization had not attorney CraigAllenbach said. Attorney Jodie Riebel, quoted advanced where everyone had beautiful refrigerators with by the Louisville Couner-Journal said "Shapero was a neat ice makers. My grandmother had to lug large chunks ofice guy with a great sense of humor, who was one of the most upstairs to keep the food cold and fresh. ethical attorneys she had ever met. I've never met an attorney Life was also tough because the family had five who would not disclose a client's name or would not tell you children and Irving, the youngest, had Downs Syndrome. facts about some juicy person that they were representing, Special programs did not exist back then to help families except Richard. Not a word, not a word. Many people who with retarded children, The only options were to did not know him would bash him for having been an 'injury' institutionalize the child or keep him at home. Fortunately attorney. However, I can honestly say that having dealt with for all of us, our family decided to keep Uncle Irving at him personally and professionally, the man was a class act. home and raise him. Although this deCision made life more He was one of the most professional civil attorneys I have difficult and challenging, the greatest enrichment was the dealt with and he always represented his clients diligently. He example of love and commitment that was made by each really was a rare breed in his profession." Richard, whose family member. Back then no one knew that Aunt Tillie in brother Kenneth (Akiva) (5416) has been a strong advocate her adult years would become the primary care giver for of the family research, was also much interested in the Uncle Irving. She cared for him as ifhe were her own child Charlap history. He is survived by his third wife Wanda and cherished all the days she had with him. Perhaps she (5418) and two children by a previous marriage, Annie never married because of the responsibility that she took (5423) and Robin (5424). on. I don't know ifany ofus have an answer. But I do know that by her doing so, every brother and sister was able to Tillie (Yonina Tyla) Sier (475,Pl.134) died on Feb. 13. She move forward and raise their families without worrying was born in Nur, Poland to Tuvia "Tivke" (470) and Sarah about Uncle Irving's care. (471) Sier on Oct. 18, 1919. Jn the early 1920s Tivke left Aunt Tillie Aunt Tillie had a special place in her Nur for America and became partners with his brother Sam heart for her siblings Annie, Sydney, and Morris, whom she (552) in the Sier Bakery at 242 Delancey St. on New York's loved equally. Aunt Tillie became fascinated with our Lower East Side. Within a few years he had saved enough to family's genealogy and was so proud to relate tales of our send for his family. They arrived at Ellis Island in 1926. (cont. on page 7) 7

OBITUARIES (cont.) privilege to know. She was spiritually calming and a confidant of mine. After my mother died, she was the accomplishments and add to the family lore. Graduating closest maternal person in my life. No matter how educated from college and becoming a professional was a testament or sophisticated my friends were, they all fell in love with to success and hard work, and Aunt Tillie marveled at these Aunt Tillie. She just had that power and magic to make accomplishments given her family's humble beginnings. people love her. But Aunt Tillie was not a snob. This is the piece ofher that Well Aunt Tillie's journey is completed now and we makes her stand out in my heart. Although she took pride are all blessed to have had her in our lives. Each of us in accomplishments, her true barometer for measuring a were touched by her kindness and goodness. Aunt Tillie's person was their character - were they a good h71man story may not be glamorous but it's the kind of tale that being? Did they treat people with respect and kindness will live forever. We are all her legacy and we will always regardless oftheir background? love you Aunt Tillie. Aunt Tillie had friends from all backgrounds. One We must add that Tillie had a magnificent ability to recall ofher closest friends was a Puerto Rican woman who was family lore. Clues that she provided led to the discovery of her neighbor many years ago. I don 't know how the many interconnections between the lines of our extended friendship originated but I do recall that throughout the family. Her information led us to relatives in Israel, years and the distance that separated them they kept in Australia, Argentina, Tennessee, and other states. The touch through letters. Aunt Tillie was a wonderful letter research that engendered our massive family tree would have writer. She wrote letters to keep in touch with distant been inconceivable without her. Tillie is interred at Mt. relatives who she longed to have relationships with. She Lebanon Cemetery, Glendale, New York. wrote letters to me when I went away to camp and college. I still have them. And she wrote letters to whomever, Bettye Rose (Rachel Basha) Steinhaus (5041,Pl.248) died whenever she felt an injustice was occurring. In many ways in Sarasota, Florida on Nov. 27, 2006. She was born in she was one of the first feminists. She was fiercely Kansas City, Missouri on Sept. 15, 1922. Her father was independent and would speak out ifshe believed she was Jacob Levine (5022) who settled in Kansas City after leaving being treated unfairly. In her simple way she was poignant Ciechanowiec, Poland. A longtime resident of Leawood, and some of her letters were published in newspapers, Kansas, Bettye Rose was an active member of Beth Shalom magazines, and even in law books. Synagogue, past-President of its Sisterhood, chairwoman of Aunt Tillie had a thirst for knowledge and to grow. the Sisterhood's gift shop, past President of the Jewish In later tears, after retiring from her job at the post office, Federation, past President of the Midwest Branch National she enrolled in .courses and spent hertime attending Woman's League, and a former Vice President of the lectures. She cultivated a close loving relationship with her National Woman's League. She moved to Florida in 1981 Hebrew teacher, Esther. She always commented on how and was a member of Temple Shalom in Sarasota. She is Beautiful Esther was both outwardly and inwardly. She survived by her husband of 65 years Henry Steinhaus (5047), never realized that Esther viewed her in the same way. At daughter Linda Levine (5053) of Overland Park, Kansas, this stage in het life she also cultivated a close relationship daughter Susan Swift (5054) of Leawood, son David (5055) with a distant [ed. note: not so distant] cousin, Arthur of Minneapolis, Minnesota and many grandchildren and Menton, who entered our lives. He, too, fell so in love with great-grandchildren. Bettye Rose is interred in Mt. Cannel Aunt Tillie that he dedicated a chapter in his book to her Cemetery, Kansas City. and titled it "A Treasure Named Tillie Sier." Again, ************************************************* because of her humility, I don't think she realized how MUSIC TEACHERS HONOR MEMORY OF much Arthur also found her beautiful. HADASSAH SAHR In her later years, Maia became her closest Much ofthis article appeared in the Winter 2006 issue of companion and the person to whom she confided most. the NYSMTA Newsletter. Although dementia devastated Aunt Tillie's mind in these last years, Maia recalls all the beautiful stories Aunt Tillie As previously reported in B'rayshit, Hadassah G. shared with her. The defining trait Aunt Tillie kept till the Sahr (20,Pl.101) passed away in August 2006. Exhibiting end was that ofbeing a lady. Even when she got upset there the fabled Charlap musical gene, she became an acclaimed was a lady-like quality about her. concert pianist and taught music as a faculty member of To me, there will never be another Aunt Tillie. She Columbia University in New York for over 50 years. was an odd blend of someone backward coming off the Hadassah earned four fellowships from the graduate division boat and yet also brilliant and progressive in many ways. of the Julliard School of Music beginning at age 18 and later She was one of the wisest people I have ever had the (cont. on page 8) 8

HADASSAH SAHR (cont.) composers like Mozart. Sometimess we were at the same grand piano and sometimes she was at one and I at the joined the Julliard faculty. She was one of the founding other. She had the ability to teach how to make the members of NYSMTA (New York State Music Teachers instrument an extension ofyour personality. She had a soft Association) and served as President from 1979 to 1983. A elegant style that was always seeking the moment ofjoy in renowned authority and performer of 20th century piano the music." Jim, in introducing the concert, said, music,herrecordingofCharleslves' Piano Sonata No. 2, the "Hadassah is the one who showed me how to follow my "Concord" Sonata is listed in David Dubai's book, The Art heart's dream. So I'm here to play for her and her friends. " of the Pi,ano, under "Exceptional Recordings." Then he put his hands to the lame rec-room piano and it, Hadassah spent most of her life in Manhattan where seeming astonished, limbered and stretched like Sleeping she maintained a teaching studio and tutored hundreds of Beauty coming to life. Moving along waves from crescendo students. Her excellence as a master teacher was widely to pianissimo, it took on the throat ofan orchestra. It gave known, along with her ability to appeal to students of all more than it had to give. As Matthews approached difficult ages. She performed widely in concerts throughout the USA passages, Hadassah drew her fingers worriedly to her and in South America and the Far East. Hadassah co­ mouth. There was a teacher's pride, perhaps a little relief, authored 1JieArt of Teaching the Pi,ano, a classic reference at each success. This was a smashing recital. for the profession. Many of her pupils were professional '1 love you," said Jim, turning to Hadassah as he musicians and others came from notable families, such as the finished it. '1 enjoyed every bit ofthat, " beamed Hadassah. Steinways. Her concert performances, along with her career "There are a couple of words," she groped, her fingers in music education represent her lasting legacy. clutching at the air as if trying to pinch dust. "I can't say Near the end of her life, Hadassah was visited by what I mean. " former student James Matthews who wanted to play for her "I know what they mean, " he answered. again. The story of this concert was the subject of a *************************************************** newspaper article called "The Concert For Hadassah, " LETTERS which appeared in a Virginia newspaper printed not far from the senior residence where Hadassah spent the last two years Upon returning from a three week trip to France, I of her life. She was afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease and finally got around to reading the latest Family Newsletter. could not recall much information connected with her past, When I came to the obituary of Nathan Zusman but this article touchingly communicated the essence of who (3256,Pl.24), it reminded me of my meeting with him the she was. Here are some of the more poignant details of that latter part of the 1950s in Israel. story: My wife and I were in Israel about 1958 when the Maybe it started out to be just another student country was very young. From , we went out to recital, but the mystical power of music appeared for a Rehovoth to meet the Charlap relatives who were prominent teacher who inspired it at the concert for Hadassah Sahr in that city. We mentioned that after our visit with them, we at Mountainside Senior Living. 'Tm 40 said 80-something were to go north to the region of the Golan Heights. We were Hadassah, with her optimistic eyes and benevolent smile informed that our relative, Nathan Zusman from Australia, all aglow. I'm primarily a pianist but I've played with a lot was in Israel and he, too, was touring that area. of singers. " She was waiting for a visitor, her former The next day, our six passenger sherut picked us up student Jim Matthews, who had become a composer in his at our Tel Aviv rooming house. We were about to begin our own right. Jim was coming to play for Hadassah one more previously booked three day tour of the Golan Heights. time. Already in the car was a_ Mid-Eastern couple. Next, we '1 was one ofher students in the 70s, "he said. "I picked up a man from Switzerland and then stopped for the went to her apartment once a week early in the morning. last "touree." The driver introduced him as being from My dream as a child was to be a concert pianist." At the Australia. I asked if his name was Zusman, which shocked time Jim was in his 20s and a recent graduate of him. He wanted to know how I knew his name, so I told him Washington &Lee University. "Hadassah was a renowned he was my cousin and that the Charlaps had told me to look teacher and classical performer. She had such a deep base for him in the Golan Heights. We spent the next three days of knowledge and was very intuitive about showing her together traveling through the frontier area of northern Israel. students how to reach their highest potential. She traveled Nathan Zusman was a warm and interesting person. to China and South America to promote piano causes. It - Stan Lappen (3635,Pl.285) was a real passion for her. She was also a passionate Los Angeles, California sailor. I went out with her several times on 25 foot daysailers. She loved Ives and Ravel but also loved older 9

G-D'S CREATION ISRAEL'S TOP JURIST by Lany Levy.(1339,Pl.120) Raquel Vinick (134,Pl.l l l) sent i1'l this article that Larry Levy has been a frequent contributor ofpoetry to appeared in the Jewish World newspaper. these pages. Born in Zareby Koscielne, Poland in 1914, he wrote this piece in 1999 at age 85. , Considerable interest has be.en manifested in Schenectady, NY with the accession· of Dorit Beinisch I was awake before dawn (260,Pl.101) as President ofthb 'Supreme Court of Israel. By that time all my dreams were gone After 10 years on the court, she replaced Aharon Barak, who I glanced at the stars and moon hadretii:ed·at'age 70. Dorit,·64,'i's tlie first ..wbman to hold the Not much later would appear the sun top judicial post in Israel. She was born in Tel Aviv and .. gainecLthe rank of 1st lieutenant in the IDF before earning a The universe is so colossal bachelor's degree and then a master's degree in law at When the sun is up it's day . ·.. Hebrew University in 1968. Her career has b~en in public You better find refuge service, starting at the Jerusalem disttj.r:;t attorney's office and And get out of the way. then with the attorney general. Raquel, m_arried to Ted Vinick (135), and Dorit are By day all the flowers are awake .. 2nd cousins.· Raquers paternal grandmother, Liebe Ser They open with a blossom's breath (124), and Dorit's maternal grandfather Itche Ser (130) were But most of the flowers siblings. Go to sleep by sunset The SupremeCoµrtPresident's father, Aaron Werba (25 8), immigrated to Israel as a pioneer and worked in the And G-d said - the heavens belong to me, Histadrut labor program. Her mother,. Chava Ser Werba · They are mine, (257), was an educator and her husband Yehezkiel (262), a The earth belongs to you and mankind. former string soloist with the. Israel Philharmonic, is a well­ known attorney and Chairman of°th~ Board of the Jerusalem I pray to the Almighty to give us lots of sunshine Symphony. · . every day RaqueFs father, Yehoshua Ser (128,Pl. l 07), became So I can do some good today. Jose Scher after settling in Argentina: at the beginning of the *************************************************** 20th century. He had learned · to be a schochet in KING DAVID REUNION Ciechanowiec and was well versed in Hebrew ritual. Hired to teach the newly arrived Bercovich children, Jose fell in love The organizers of the King David Reunion have with one of them. He and Taibel (133)wer~ married in 1907. issued the following terse statement: Jose later went in to the furniture business. He and his wife, "Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our now known as Teresa, raised nine children, Raquel being one control, the Davidic Dynasty Reunion to unite Jewish of them. Raquel taught English in Argentina and came to the descendants of King David, originally scheduled to take United States to study for a master's degree at Tulane place in Jerusalem in August 2008, has been temporarily University in New Orleans. On a visit to her cousins in postponed." Schenectady, Abe (200,Pl.105) and Judy (206) Family, she A large convention of the Davidic family is met Ted Vinick, alumnus of Union College and owner of a testimony to Jewish claim to a united Jerusalem under Israeli children's clothing store. Raquel and Ted were married in suzerainty. The center of Jerusalem and the holiest site in 1957. Raquel explains that when her father and his brother Judaism is the Temple Mount. After the reunification of Louis (126) left Poland, they were on separate boats - one to Jerusalem in the Six Day War of June 1967, the Israeli North.America and one to South America. One became Scher government inexplicably gave control of the Temple Mount in Argentina, the other Sahr in Schenectady. Louis Sahr Jo the Arabs. There is much emotion concerning this issue. became the owner of the successful Sahr Poultry Farm in It is believed that an influential segment of the Israeli power which generations of the family worked before it was sold. structure, bowing to Arab sensitivities, does not look Schenectady became a center of the Sahr (Ser) family and a favorably at the prospect of a gatheririg of thousands of King number of relatives still live there, including Lambert David's descendants proclaiming their attachment to the Ginsberg (208), a prominent Troy attorney. Holy City. Is this what is behind the Reunion's So the Ser branch of the Charlap/Y ahya family postponement? pursues justice from the New York Capital District to the We will keep you apprised of further developments. Supreme Court oflsrael. 10

ANCILLA TO TOLEDOT CHARLAP .continues the story that is told in THE BOOK OF DESTINY. However, this second volume about the Charlap/Yahya family is completely sold out. At present, there are no plans for the book to be reproduced. There are still a limited number available of THE BOOK OF DESTINY: TOLEDOT CHARLAP, the narrative history of the Charlap/Yahya family. If you do not have a copy, or want to order additional copies frn; yqur, children and/or grandchildren, it is strongly advised that you order now. ·

"Arthur Menton is doing on a family level what I attempt~d in my book A History of the Jews. He is personalizing our story and, in so doing, is giving a very human perspective to our people's historY: " - Abram Leoti ·Sachar

'1 have been ordering copies as gifts for friends and as Bar Mitzvah presents. I can think ofno present more appropriate than a gift ofone's heritage. And everyone tells me how much they appreciate this beautiful book. " - Tillie Sier

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