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March 2019 March Adar/Adar II 5779 II Adar/Adar 2 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice FEDERATION Some thoughts…. When I arrived here, I found the our two Chabad Houses as well, it’s so as it states in the Book of Esther that outreach from our houses of worship so interesting to think what I had taken for we read on Purim, we overcame our welcoming. I find the quality and selection granted for so many years having only enemies and defeated them “Layehudim of programs so inviting and varied. lived in major cities. hayetah orah vesimkhah vesason vicar.” Our clergy are sincere and personable. The Jews had light, and happiness and Services are meaningful and uplifting. Celebrate Purim … Now More joy and love. We are truly blessed in Las Cruces and Than Ever May we use this and every El Paso to have them. Reading and listening to the news is opportunity to celebrate Jewish life, our enough to make one despair in so many holidays, fill our places of worship and Two checked bags ways. At the time of writing, after falling our schools, attend Jewish programs, I feel I finally became a fully-fledged for two successive years, the number of and to let those who seek to undermine, El Pasoan “Member of the Tribe.” On anti-Semitic acts in France surged by 74 deflate, and even destroy us know that my return from a short getaway over percent in 2018. On February 19, 80 we stand more determined than ever as the New Year to LA, I did something I graves in a Jewish cemetery in eastern proud Jews. Robert French promised myself I would never do… Yes, France were sprayed with swastikas. In the spirit of the Purim holiday, Be Happy… I brought back two packed freezer bags In the USA, in 2017, anti-Semitic we have hidden five hamantaschen I read with great interest recently that with ice packs and filled them with kosher incidents surged nearly 60 percent, throughout this issue of The Jewish Pew Charitable Trust researchers found lamb chops and other kosher delectable according to the 2017 Anti-Defamation Voice. Find them all and email me at that those active in religious congregations goodies unavailable here. League Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents. [email protected] the location and tend to be happier and are more likely When the battered and broken And the tragedy of Pittsburgh is just five page number of each of them. The first to vote in elections and join community box appeared on the conveyor belt (I months behind us. And that’s just the tip three people to do so will each receive a groups or volunteer organizations than had forgotten to ask them to mark it of the iceberg on what’s happening in gift card. those who are unaffiliated or inactive “FRAGILE”), I smiled. (I also recently , , and the rest of the world. Robert French in religious groups. (Those considered schlepped back a few boxes of a pareve Modern-day “Hamans” continue to Executive Director “active” religiously were those who pastry from .) While I do use the rear their ugly heads in too many places Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso attended services at least once a month.) Kosher Co-op and the kosher closets of with evil machinations and intent. But Jewish Community Foundation of El Paso

A publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso

The Jewish Voice of El Paso, published ten times a year, is dedicated to informing, educating, and uniting the Jewish community by providing news items of local, national, Israeli and international concern. The Jewish Voice will consider for publication any materials submitted that support the mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and have relevance and appeal to the El Paso Jewish community. Articles are subject to editing at the editor’s discretion and are subject to space limitations. Letters cannot be longer than 150 words and articles must be kept to a maximum of 300 words. Please email to [email protected] Opinions are those of individual writers and not necessarily those of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso. The Jewish Voice is not responsible for the kashrut of any product or eating establishment advertised herein. Robert French Executive Director: Cindy Graff Cohen Sue Bendalin Editor: Campaign Director: Said Buhaya Janet Kent Wechter Advertising Representative: President: Beatriz Garcia 915-842-9554 Layout and Design: Due Date for the April issue of the Voice: March 11 Office: PDX Printing 7110 North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79912 Printing: Due Date for the May issue of the Voice: April 15

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible The Jewish Voice March 2019 | 3 FEDERATION Hatikvah: Hope Reborn El Paso’s Jewish community and all The Unbelievable Story of a Jewish is sponsored by the Canadian Israeli who have a deep love of Israel, great Prayer.” Project. music, and a fascinating story have Based on a nearly 150-year-old In El Paso, the program is sponsored a treat in store when one of Israel’s poem by a Jewish Ukrainian poet by Stanlee and Jerry Rubin along with most popular entertainers brings to named Naftali Herz Imber, the song Dana and Adam Frank and their life on stage Israel’s national anthem, tells of the Jews’ hope of returning to families. It will be a mesmerizing multi- “Hatikvah” (“Hope” in English). Israel and reclaiming it as a free nation. media show with Jewish and Israeli folk, On Sunday, March 31, starting The emotional words bring tears to pop, and rock tunes along with music at 5:00 p.m., you can learn the other the eyes of Jews the world over. For by classical composers. Film clips and side of the Israeli anthem when award- instance, when Hatikvah was sung at archival footage help Baltsan tell the winning Tel Aviv pianist Astrith Baltsan Café Europa’s Sun City Shabbat dinner, story behind the national anthem. presents “Hatikvah: Hope Reborn - more than one guest shed a tear or two. Praised as “an incomparable Baltsan’s “Hatikvah: Hope phenomenon on the musical scene in “Hatikvah” Reborn” program has been widely Israel” when she received the Tel Aviv An English translation praised. Israeli President Shimon Peres Municipality Rosenblum Prize for the calls Baltsan a “national treasure.” New Stage Arts, Baltsan has developed an As long as in the heart, within, officers in the Israel Army are required engaging lecture-concert format that A Jewish soul still yearns, to watch the program. has also been popular with her classical Astrith Baltsan And onward, toward the In the diaspora, Baltsan maintains music programs on Mozart, Beethoven, ends of the east, a busy tour schedule. She has presented Stravinsky, Brahms, and other the university level for many years. an eye still gazes toward Zion. “Hatikvah: Hope Reborn” more composers. She earned her Masters Don’t miss this special and moving than 350 times, both with symphony in music from Tel Aviv University’s concert in UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Hall. Our hope is not yet lost, orchestras and as one-woman shows. Rubin Academy of Music and her Ticket prices have been reduced to $5 The hope two thousand years old, The El Paso stop is part of her seventh doctorate from the Manhattan School per person, regardless of age. For the To be a free nation in our land, North America tour. She comes here of Music. She has won numerous piano vast majority of us, this is a once-in-a- The land of Zion and . from Toronto, where her performance competitions and has taught music at lifetime opportunity. Chag Purim Sameach!

Happy Purim! This is not your worked quickly to fill a whole tray of jelly crazy!” he said. However, due to a typical Jewish holiday, right? It’s a time filled cookies, folding the three corners number of insurance concerns, they of jokes that make you groan: “What together. When my tray came out, I would be paying cash for the delivery so was Queen Esther’s royal gown made of ? was moritfied to see a couple dozen flat they were looking for options. Dana is 43, Polyester.” It’s a time for fun and joy that triangles leaking red jelly all over the pan. and the Israeli medical insurance they brings out the kids in all of us with all the “You didn’t pinch the corners!” they were able to use does not cover births for funny Purim spiels, theme parties, and said in a chorus, and indeed I hadn’t. The mothers over 40. costumes. Let go of your good manners next batch took more time but at least Their research led them to El Paso and sanctuary etiquette and shout along those cookies would be presentable at the and specifically to the new Providence with the rest of us when Haman’s name dinner. The good news is that we got to Hospital on the far Eastside. Not only Cindy Graff Cohen (loud noise!) is mentioned. Have a drink – eat my mistakes. was the experience a relative bargain for walked through the Biblical garden or two. It’s Purim! them, but they were thoroughly impressed outside. Leslie Beckoff happened to be Check with your place of worship Israel couple chooses El Paso with the friendliness and kindness of the in the office when the couple walked in on the timing of Purim services between No, this isn’t a Purim tale, but staff and the new facilities. “The hospital and looked around the sanctuary. She sunset on Wednesday, March 20, and a personal interest story that is certainly got good reviews online and our first went out to meet them – and ending nightfall on Thursday, March 21. It’s a joyful. If you saw a beautiful and very impressions were very positive,” Dana up “adopting” them, buying them mitzvah to hear the whole Megillah of pregnant woman at Congregation B’nai added. “Everyone smiles all the time.” baby gifts and watching out for them. Esther as it’s read each day. Zion’s recent Casino Night and didn’t They landed in El Paso about a Synagogue director recognize her, here’s the story. Debbie Pazos and Purim treats She was Dana Titi from Tel Aviv, programs coordinator What’s not to like about the food who was with her partner of 17 years, Denise Tolentino that we get to enjoy at Purim? I have a Eran Shomer. Within a week of Casino joined in supporting particular weakness for hamentaschen. Night, they had a healthy baby girl and the couple as they The ones made with apricot or peach left soon after for San Antonio where they waited for the birth. jam are my kryptonite. They leave me have relatives. On Valentine’s swooning – and reaching for more. Some The friendly couple was not there Day they sent Leslie a of us might be lucky enough to receive by chance. He owns a large hair product photo of Emma, the some hamentaschen in a mishloach company and chain of salons and the new baby girl with dual manot care package of treats. couple has travelled fairly extensively in citizenship and a story I remember the first time I made the , particularly in New Leslie Beckoff, Dana Titi, Eran Shomer and Denise Tolentino she can tell for the rest of hamentaschen in the kitchen at Temple York and California. But when it came her life that she was born Mount Sinai with some other women. time to pick a location for their baby’s month prior to the delivery. One of in El Paso. Mother and baby are fine. We were making them for the temple’s delivery, they began extensive research on the first things they did was seek out a Cindy Graff Cohen Purim party that night. The women were U.S. hospitals and costs. synagogue and they found Congregation Editor, The Jewish Voice so fast and they made it look so easy. I “Our families thought we were B’nai Zion online. They drove over and

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915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 4 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice SUN CITY SHABBAT El Paso and Las Cruces celebrated the Jewish The first group enjoyed soft drinks, kosher hotdogs, Federation’s first “Sun City Shabbat” on the last weekend potato chips, and cookies while the couples and singles in February. Participants from a variety of congregations who came in at 7:30 sipped wine and snacked on and backgrounds thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie appetizers. The next day, everyone baked their loaves at of this community-wide experience. The Thursday home in time for Shabbat dinner. Challah Making parties at the Galatzan Community On Friday, dozens of members of the Jewish Center started at 5:30 for families with children of all ages community hosted and attended group Shabbat dinners. and people who preferred an earlier evening schedule. The dinners were coordinated by the busy Sun City While watching Kristin Kimmelman’s bread making Shabbat committee, chaired by Caren Szanton. Friday demonstrations, everyone learned how to make their evening gave people the opportunity to make new challah dough from scratch and shape it into braided and enrich old friendships with the warmth and meaning loaves. that only a Shabbat dinner can provide.

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IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible The Jewish Voice March 2019 | 5 SUN CITY SHABBAT

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915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 6 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice FEDERATION Synagogue Security: Experts’ tips Last month, the Jewish Federation tragedy, made even more traumatic to of Greater El Paso brought in an expert him as he had hired a 28-year veteran on security and safety, Secure Connect of the FBI in 2016 to work with Network CEO Michael Masters, for Pittsburgh’s synagogue on security and two informative town hall meetings emergency preparedness. The man had met with members of the Tree of Life regularly. Gun violence is reaching all- time highs in the United States, he emphasized, with mass shootings occurring an average of every 18 days in 2018. While living in one of the world’s most dangerous non-wartime countries, what can people do when facing killers intent on maximum deaths with automatic weapons? These questions have become more frequent for Masters after Nazis Attendees had the chance to ask questions after the presentation terrorized Charlottesville in 2017 and they will instantly shoot to kill anyone Partner with local police. the Pittsburgh massacre in 2018 and holding a gun, no questions asked. “Strengthen your relationships with law incidents of anti-Semitism and growth If a shooter is on the scene, do not enforcement,” he recommended. Invite of anti-Semitic groups have increased hit the floor. Instead, run, run, run! them to do a walk-through of your Michael Masters, Secure Connect Network CEO, since 2016. “Evidence shows that hiding under a building. shares tips on synagogue security with the Yet the answer is not building chair or maintaining a static position Masters ended his talk with his Jewish communities in El Paso and Las Cruces barbed wire fences around Jewish makes you an easy target,” Masters said. primary message: Do whatever you facilities or arming congregations, “A shooter will choose the path of least can to stay alive if faced with the Masters says. Instead Masters called resistance and a moving target is harder unthinkable and reframe your despair and strategy meetings with and for logic and reason. “It’s dangerous to to hit.” for a more pro-active approach. “Shift administrators of our congregations. over-act and dangerous to under-act,” Always be aware of your from sadness, anger, and depression,” His community-wide presentations, he emphasized. Here are some take- surroundings. When you are in your he said, “to a position of power and “After Pittsburgh: What We Need to away from his talk in El Paso: sanctuary or meeting room, always strength.” Know,” were well-attended at both The whole purpose of our houses of instantly know where the exit door is Cindy Graff Cohen Congregation B’nai Zion in El Paso and worship it that “you want 99 percent of and which doors lead outside. Editor, The Jewish Voice Temple Beth El in Las Cruces. the people to come in,” he said, unlike Within minutes of hearing the military installations, airports, and news about the Tree of Life synagogue embassies where you want 99 percent of last October, Masters was out the the people to stay out. Work on staying door. After serving in the Israeli Army accessible, but add safety measures. Legacy Gift for many years and through his long He did not encourage concealed career in security, he was still not weapons on non-professionals. “I know Thank you to Mrs. Sylvia Wechter for making a legacy prepared for the sight of bodies ripped of too many cases where untrained gun gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso. in half by automatic machine gun fire. carriers ended up shooting people other To make a legacy gift to the Jewish Federation or “Victims were still sitting in pews,” he than the killer,” he said. Shooters who recalled, commenting on seeing blood practice at a target range once a week The Jewish Community Foundation of El Paso or to include everywhere and a yarmulke with parts do not have the skills to isolate and shoot these nonprofit organizations in your estate planning, of a man’s brain. a moving target, he emphasized, and contact Robert French or Sue Bendalin at 915-842-9554. The horror was an unspeakable when other people arrive on the scene,

These We Honor With Tributes Are You A Member Of The Pride? Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso The Lion of Judah pin is a symbol for today’s To: Shirleen Askenazi in Memory of To: Cindy Graff Cohen with Best Jewish woman, a symbol of her strength and her Beloved Husband Albert Wishes on Her Special Birthday her caring about the organized Jewish world. From: Janet and Randy Wechter From: Leslie and Robert Beckoff The proud wearer of this pin knows that she is doing all she can currently for her people and her To: Jewish Federation with Thanks community. for the Lovely Shabbat Dinner for Each woman making an individual Borderland Café Europa Participants From: Rochelle Saks commitment of $5,000 or more to the Federation Annual Campaign in a given year is eligible to wear a Lion of Judah pin with a diamond inset in the eye. First introduced in 1972 in the Miami Women’s campaign, the Lion of Bea Weisz Judah pin has firmly established itself with over 17,000 women around Memorial Scholarship Fund the globe now proudly call themselves Lions of Judah. As a symbol of strength and majesty in the Jewish world, the Lion of Judah is a Applications are now being accepted for the Bea Weisz Memorial dramatic reminder that each woman can make a significant contribution Scholarship Fund. Applications must be received on or before at home, in Israel and anywhere in the world where Jews are in distress. May 15, 2019, for distribution by August 1, 2019. The Lion of Judah is also a symbol of unity – each woman who The Beatrice L. Weisz Memorial Scholarship Fund was established wears her pin is uniquely connected to all other Lions of Judah, all of In July 2001. It was the wish of Ms. Weisz that proceeds from the whom embody the true meaning of tzedakah. These women have the fund would be given to a needy and worthy Jewish college student determination, capability, and power to take the dream of Tikkun Olam (or students) in El Paso to enable him or her to pursue his or her and turn it into a reality. – studies. Applications are available online at www.jewishelpaso.org For more information and to make your commitment to become a Lion of Judah, please contact Sue Bendalin at 915-842-9554

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible The Jewish Voice March 2019 | 7 COMMUNITY Casino Night at B’nai Zion Congregation B’nai Zion held its Thank you to all of our volunteers fifth Annual Casino Night on February 9 and supporters who contributed to the with this year’s theme being Wild West. event, making it a night to remember. With over 100 attendees dressed in blues A huge shout-out to the event co-chairs and boots, Casino Night was a big hit. Leslie Beckoff, Debra Pazos, Denise Guest danced all night to live western Tolentino, and their team of volunteers music by the Villa band and were thrilled including Patty Hutman, Robin Kobren, to be playing all the casino games. While Barry Kobren, and Robert Beckoff. laughing and learning how to double Thank you also to the sponsors and down, amateur – and more experienced auction item donors. – card players kept all the gaming tables Photos by Edward Dubowitz and others packed all night!

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 8 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice 2019 Campaign Thank You to Our Donors List current on February 26, 2019

Patron Sustainer Bob Shiloff Robin Furman Sylvia Wechter Randy Wechter Leader Leslie Beckoff Cindy Metrikin Sara Shiloff Cliff Eisenberg David Metrikin Janet Wechter Dori Fenenbock David Schecter Bob and Elaine Krasne Rose Schecter Sponsor Dan and Michelle Blumenfeld Mike and Susan Jaffee Adam and Lauren Eisenberg Bill and Marcia Dahlberg Steve and Wendy Lanski Rosenfield Martha Eisenberg Lyndon Mansfield Stuart Schwartz Tony Furman Bob and Susie May Jon and Arlene Sonnen Bruce and Jackie Gulbas Arvin Robinson Supporter Robert Beckoff Hal and Linda Ettinger Dick and Jean Scherotter Sue Bendalin Debra Kanof Bill and Anne Spier Ron Blumenfeld Eitan and Audrey Lavi Beverly Robinson Bonnie Colton Randee Mansfield Charles Zaltz Sam Ellowitz Robert Novick Sue Zaltz Partner David Kern Neal and Lisa Rosendorf Shari Schwartz Fellow William and Cynthia Bass Richard and Rosalie Kaufman Alejandra (Alex) Sosa Stephanie Calvo Robert and Monika Kimball Bill Stein and Susan Michaelson Cindy Graff Cohen John Moye Scott and Bonny Stevens Loree Furman Mort Naiman Peter Svarzbein Julian Gonzalez - Herrell Noel Rosenbaum Dan and Ophra Leyser Whalen Norman and Cheryl Gordon Lee Schwartz Rabbi Larry and Rhonda Karol Daniel and Vanessa Sonnen Friend David and Brenda Goldman Elizabeth Hicks Rochelle Saks Allen Green Daniel and Linsey Kaplan Bob and Carol Teplitz Paulette Newberger

To make a difference in your Jewish Community and be in- cluded in this list, please contact [email protected]

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible The Jewish Voice March 2019 | 9 COMMUNITY From Stargazers to Superheroes Intergalactic Havdalah The clouds drifted in and out, but of service, and more gathered at the BRC attendance were rapt with attention (which On a blustery, cold night in early we were patient and rewarded with some after the “Shop’n’Stock” portion of the is rare with young children, as we know!). January, over a dozen families huddled excellent views of these heavenly objects, event to read stories of love and tolerance After reading, participants had a chance together in the Franklin Mountains State thanks to Blayne Primozich, a volunteer presented by Barbie, a drag queen from to design and wear their own superhero Park to sing the blessings of Havdalah from Sun City Astronomers. The hot the BRC community. The books chosen capes and to get their face painted to and to keep warm! After the last notes of chocolate wasn’t quite enough to keep our for this event were “Purim Superhero” and reflect their new superpowers! This event “Shavua Tov, may you have a good week” kiddos warm, though, and we wrapped up “Heather Has Two Mommies”, and all in was a tremendous success and the two a little earlier than planned. Next time, organizations look forward to working we’ll go at a warmer time of year, and see together again in the future. the differences in the night sky! PJ Library is a program of the Jewish “Plant for the Future:” Event Federation of Greater El Paso. For more with PJ Library and the Borderland information on this national program that Rainbow Center promotes learning and provides free Jewish The work of Dr. Martin Luther King, books for children and grandchildren of Jr., is celebrated on the third Monday of Jewish parents, visit www.pjlibrary.org (the January every year, and schoolchildren national site). To learn how to sign up and often have the day off since it is a federal keep up to date on our events, visit www. holiday. What better way to celebrate jewishelpaso.org/pjlibrary (our local site) Jeanne Lipson and twins Marshall and Ross Dr King’s legacy (and the holiday of Tu and www.facebook.com/pjlibraryelpaso. pose for a photo during the “Intergalactic Havdalah” program B’Shvat) than by inviting our PJ Library As your PJ Library Program Professional, families to gather up donations and bring I can be reached by phone (842-9554) or faded away, we turned our attention upward them to stock the shelves of the food pantry Two girls hold up their donations after email ([email protected]). to the sky for glimpses of the moon, Mars, at the Borderland Rainbow Center (BRC). completing their scavenger hunt at Food King Alison Westermann as part of “Plant for the Future” program the constellation Orion and more. Nearly 30 people attended this morning PJ Library Program Professional Temple Beth El - Las Cruces

Temple Beth El’s new fundraiser, “A Night at the Auction,” brought together 80 congregants on January 26 for an evening of food, socializing, and bidding on “goods and services” items donated by members of the congregation. The event was a great success!

Temple Beth El Religious School students and faculty and guests at the Tu Bish’vat Seder on January 27 joined in planting a tree on the Temple grounds

Temple Beth El’s Social Action/Adult Education committee presented a two-part series on immigration. On February 6, Nan Rubin presented an engaging program about Emma Lazarus’ life and the significance of her poem, “The New Colossus.” On February 13, NMSU professor Dr. Neal Rosendorf traced the history of immigration to the United States, and presenters on a panel discussed their roles in the current immigration system. The panel included Mark Saltman, an assistant United States attorney; Judge Robert Brack, United States Federal District Court Senior Judge for the Southern District of New Mexico; and Barbara Mandel, an assistant federal public defender. Over 60 people attended each of the programs.

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 10 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice COMMUNITY Holocaust Museum: 2019 brings fresh start Last fall was not an easy time for our Holocaust Museum board. On all fronts bike ride in August. The Henry Kellen Founders Holocaust Museum and Study Center, – outreach, programming, and exhibits The program ended with two Award went to Al Varela, a dedicated one of only 13 free-standing Holocaust – 2019 promises to meet founder Henry award presentations. The first-ever supporter of the museum and former museums in the United States and the Kellen’s goals to educate the community Youth Award went to Mayra Alejandra board member who has been especially only bi-lingual English and Spanish and to never forget. Martinez, a UTEP English major who supportive in event planning for museum in the world. Last Kellen, a member of Congregation had been active in the Jewish Studies museum’s fundraisers. He recalled board August, the hard-working long-time B’nai Zion, launched the museum program. She credited Professor Sandra meetings with Henry Kellen which would executive director, Lori Shepherd, in 1984 in a corner of the Jewish Deutsch and Professor Mimi Gladstein end with Henry telling a memorable moved out of town unexpectedly; last Community Center. Today, 35 years with inspiring her interest in fighting story from his own Holocaust experience. September, a city sewer pipe broke and later, the museum brings in thousands bigotry and learning more about the Cindy Graff Cohen flooded the museum; and last October, of visitors, including 4,000 local students Holocaust. Editor, The Jewish Voice 11 worshippers were killed at the Tree and partners with many organizations to of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, capping promote tolerance and teach history. Holocaust Museum Board of Directors 2019 a time of increasing anti-Semitism and At the annual meeting, Jamie and Mika Cohen Jones, President Cynthia Henry, Secretary Justin Pretiger, Past-President incidents against Jews. Mika updated attendees about programs Jennifer Giese, Vice President Robert Beckoff, Treasurer

Yet the Holocaust Museum now – including the new Youth Advisory Eileen Armour Tommy Goldfarb Gregory Martin Honorary Board Members has another outstanding director, Jamie Council developed to address prejudice Weylin Burlingame Sarah Heller Pena Cindy Metrikin Walter Chayes Flores, who served as the museum’s and discrimination and the Educator Dr. Marc Ellman Sammy Holaschutz Marilyn Silverstein Rose Schecter, Art Fierro Ira Horowitz, MD Jane Snow education director for many years, Conference which brings teachers in Allison Gaddy Audrey Lavi Rabbi Ben Zeidman and is solidly on track for a busy and for in-service training in teaching about productive year, as we learned in January the Holocaust. They gave us a preview at the museum’s annual meeting. “The of upcoming events, which include year 2019 brings more education, the Henry Kellen Memorial Golf more partnerships, more community Tournament on Sunday, April 14; the conversations,” says Mika Cohen Jones, 11th annual summer camp for kids in July in her second year as chair of the and the 14th Annual Tour de Tolerance

Ann and Tibor Schaechner Jennifer Myers Giese and Marilyn Silverstein

Jamie Flores and Al Varela Sandra Heller Pena and Marcos Pena

Ira Horowitz and Robert Beckoff Audrey Lavi and Mikah Cohen Jones

Debbie Pazos with Rick and Eileen Armour Tony Mullen and Tommy Goldfarb

Jamie Flores, Mayra Martinez and Mika Cohen Jones Rabbi Scott Rosenberg and Stuart Shiloff

Walter Chayes, Cezy Collins and Justin Pretiger

Three Martinez sisters, all UTEP students: Haydee, Mayra, Carla IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible The Jewish Voice March 2019 | 11 COMMUNITY EPJA’s “Dynamic Duo” Teresa Thompson and Donald Mr. and Mrs. T often integrate Thompson are what we commonly their science and math lessons for our refer to here at the El Paso Jewish students. They want the students to Academy as the “Dynamic Duo.” Mrs. understand the real-life applications Thompson is our math specialist and of both. Their STEM (Science, Mr. Thompson is our science specialist. Technology, Engineering, and Math) Between them they share 39 years of activities combine a scientific issue classroom experience and 24 years of with a mathematical component. Both education administration experience. teachers believe the more connections We are lucky to have them on our the students can make through their campus and they thoroughly enjoy practice of the processes, the more the teaching at the EPJA. students will realize how both subjects relate to the real world. Their goal is to create these connections for each student every day. One example of the many fantastic STEM lessons that are taught on our campus was their presentation Some STEM activities take students outdoors of the Bernoulli Principle. This lesson to work physically, hand-crafting their spots for planning in math. Our students incorporated the math skills needed to toys. They had to pay close attention to also have the unique opportunity to create and stick to a budget for a toy the pressure and speed of the moving dissect many animals and organs. By that students would create using the liquid or gas in relation to how their the time this year is over, a chicken; a scientific teachings of the Bernoulli toy would function. Upon completing mink; and a sheep’s brain, eye, kidney, principle. this project, they gave a final proposal and heart will have been dissected. The kids were given a list of to their audience using a Shark Tank- All of these practices bring a deeper materials with the costs listed next to like approach. understanding and appreciation for the them. They had to choose carefully, Oftentimes, you will find our world around us. sticking within their given budget students experiencing their math No wonder EPJA students love and making sure they “bought” the and science lessons outside. You may science and math! materials they would need to both find them breaking rocks open to Kara Jones create and improve their toys. Once identify their classifications or taking Interim Head of School they picked their materials, they got measurements of vehicles and parking El Paso Jewish Academy Donald and Teresa Thompson, the Dynamic Duo JCEL welcomes Meg Birk chapters, also served on the district’s gifted and talented program task force. “For the last 10 years, Meg has been a district literacy liaison at the Happy Purim! University of Texas at Austin providing campuses, and the district, with support for the alignment, implementation, and evaluation of the district curriculum with state standards and pre-k guidelines,” wrote Sarah Heller Pena, JCEL board president and J Center parent, in a letter In a time of transition, the J Center to parents last month. “She also created for Early Learning (JCEL) marches on the professional development program with inspired leadership and community for teachers and staff and assisted in support. Enrollment is up, students analyzing program results to guide are engaged, and lead teacher and instructional plans designed to increase Pedagogista Ceci Valencia and her team student achievement. It gives us great of top-notch educators continue to blend peace of mind knowing our preschool learning and exploration throughout the will be in such capable and caring hands school. as we begin the search for our new Now, Meg Birk, a kindergarten director.” teacher with over 20 years of experience Spitz Shiloff shared that the formal within the El Paso Independent School search committee will be comprised District, has stepped into the role of of two members from the board, two Interim Director through the summer parents, two teachers, and a selection of term. “Meg Birk is an amazing and community members. The committee, experienced educator,” says Nancy now being formed, will take into account Spitz Shiloff, leader and founding the desires of the teachers, parents, board member. “We’re thrilled to have and broader community; there will be her at the helm of our preschool while a chance for all to share their personal we conduct a thorough search for our wish lists during the process. Leaders permanent person.” at the school have made it clear that Birk brings an impressive resume to parents, students, and staff will all have her role at the JCEL. She’s spent time a voice in deciding who we think is the in the classroom, written curriculum, best fit. crafted literacy and dual language Meanwhile, programming at the programs, and piloted the EPISD’s J Center for Early Learning continues writing-to-read program. Birk, a - with Purim festivities taking place member of the National Association throughout the month of March. for the Education of Young Children Jordyn Rozensky (NAEYC) and the local and state

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 12 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice COMMUNITY ’s stepsister coming to Las Cruces

When Eva Geiringer Schloss takes until both their families went into hiding bring her here.” periodically to lead services or conduct life the stage in the Mark Medoff Theater from the Nazis. Bringing the well-known author here cycle events – very friendly and open. The in Las Cruces March 17, she will be The Geiringers and their two was not easy. Mrs. Schloss, who lives in region represents a major change from continuing her life mission: to tell as many daughters were captured in May 1944 London, has a limited travel schedule and the rabbi’s hometown of Los Angeles people as possible about the Holocaust and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. The is usually booked three years out. At her and Chenchie’s City. Rabbi and her childhood friend Anne Frank. Franks were captured three months later. age, she prefers to travel on nonstop flights, Bery’s rabbinical training took him to Only a month apart in age, the two girls Anne’s mother, , died in so Rabbi Schmukler worked with rabbis Manchester, England; Vincennes, France; lived in the same apartment Auschwitz; Anne and her sister Margot in two other cities to fulfill that need. She and back to LA and New York, but he is block from the ages of 11 to 13. died in Bergen-Belsen. Only Eva and her flies nonstop from England to Phoenix very happy to be here and proud of the mother, Elfriede, for her first speaking engagement; then Alevy Chabad Jewish Center (chabadlc. and nonstop to El Paso for three days in org at 2907 East Idaho Street, which survived. Las Cruces; and finally nonstop to San they purchased in 2013 and continue to After the Antonio. remodel. war, the three “She has never been to much From the sun-filled sanctuary/multi- headed to larger Jewish communities,” adds Rabbi purpose room to the book-filled library, Amsterdam. The Schmukler. “Yet she will be here. We have the building is warm and welcoming, former neighbors people coming in from Albuquerque, befitting the Rabbi’s own goal of and Auschwitz Santa Fe, all over the region.” Many of welcoming people whether they are on survivors, Otto those who are making a weekend of it their Jewish journey. “People come for the and Elfriede, have purchased VIP tickets for the event, Jewish community – being part of a place married in 1953, which include two preferred seats, one of where people know you,” he adds. “It’s making Anne’s her books, and the chance to speak with like it’s both a Jewish community center father Eva’s her at the 2:00 p.m. private reception and a house of worship.” stepfather. The preceding her 3:30 presentation. Cindy Graff Cohen three worked Tenth anniversary Editor, The Jewish Voice together to To bring in establish the Eva Schloss and Anne Frank book a 500-seat Foundation in venue has been a 1957 and the signicant project Anne Frank for the Chabad of House museum Las Cruces, a small Eva Schloss, right, with her mother, Elfriede Geiringer Frank, who in 1960. congregation which married former neighbor Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father, after they Important typically draws 50 both lost their spouses in Nazi concentration camps. Eva is holding one opportunity people for Friday of her books, “Eva’s Story: A Survivor’s Tale by the Stepsister of Anne “We will night services, 20- Frank.” Her other books include “The Promise:The Moving Story of a have a once- 25 for Saturday Family in the Holocaust,”and “After Auschwitz.” in-a-lifetime lunch, and 200 over Eva’s family settled in the Netherlands opportunity to hear this amazing speaker the two nights of after fleeing their home in when and her incredible story here in Las Passover. However, the Nazis annexed Austria in 1938; Cruces,” says Rabbi Bery Schmukler of the program is also a special event marking the Chabad’s ten- year anniversary. In March 2009, Rabbi Bery and Chenchie Schmukler moved from to Las Cruces with their six-month-old baby. Now he’s ten Rabbi Bery Schmukler with his wife Chenchie and their children and a half and has A Historic Event with two brothers and three sisters. The Schmuklers chose Las Cruces to Eva Schloss establish a Chabad community because Sunday, March 17 they had enjoyed the Southwest so much $25 adult/$15 student when visiting Rabbi Bery’s brother and his $180 VIP Co-Sponsor family in Albuquerque. Rabbi Chaim and Jewishlc.com/annefrank Devorah Schmukler direct the Chabad of 575-524-1330 New Mexico, which was established in Rabbi Bery Schmukler in the Las Cruces Chabad library 1992. At press time, Ann’s family made it to Amsterdam the Las Cruces Chabad House. “I have Rabbi Bery and Chenchie find only a few tickets remain after escaping their native Germany. In known Mrs. Schloss’s agent since our Las Cruces – and the other towns from for the one-day-only Amsterdam, the girls played together – days and it has been our dream to Deming to Portales that the rabbi visits presentation.

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible The Jewish Voice March 2019 | 13 COMMUNITY Metaphysical and divine: Elana Arian and her music In 1859, Karl Franz Brendel, editor was close to Debbie Friedman during her of the “New Magazine for Music” upbringing; at the dinner after Friday (which morphed into today’s oldest night services, Shir Chadash member German music publishers, Schott Ellen Goodman noted that Elana Music), coined the term ‘“the New “reminds me of Debbie Friedman.” German School’” as a designation for Elana’s weekend began on those composers he felt transcended in Thursday with a soulful yet fruitful ways that Beethoven would have wished rehearsal with the members of Temple’s his music to live for generations to come. musical ensembles, Shir Chadash and There is no doubt that Elana Arian, the newly renamed Kosher Cowboys who spent a weekend at Temple Mount (formally known as Kol Sinai). Though Sinai in February, embodies the musical one cannot possibly voice a judgment on language of modern American Jewry behalf of Shir Chadash and the Kosher from Debbie Friedman. Cowboys band, every member whom In an interview with Jonathan Mark, I spoke with uttered their satisfaction Debbie Friedman, who herself would and contentment with Elana. Her during the service when one did not Elana’s Havdalah concert, which decline to discuss matters surrounding dynamism was palpable in the chapel feel the need to sing all the time. Elana’s highlighted her previous works, also her private life, focused on Jews, music, during Friday night services, and that launch-and-learn session after services featured an unpublished, newly God, and spirituality throughout her was only the beginning. focused on Jewish composers and their composed piece that debuted at life. “People are more uptight talking Saturday’s Soul Shabbat experience ways of interpreting or reinterpreting a Temple Mount Sinai, “Ken Y’hi about God,” Debbie remarked, “more not only taught me to pray with my familiar text. In her case, Elana wanted Ratzon.” Elana’s presentation, which inhibited about God language and God brothers and sisters but, most importantly, to explore the three settings of “Oseh earned a standing ovation from the concepts than they are about sex.” Elana to listen. There were occasional times Shalom” by Debbie Friedman, Yoel congregation and visitors attested to Sykes, and herself. The answers from Elana’s superlative powers of conveying those present at the discussion described God language and the concepts of God the intricate nuances of harmony, through her music. major-minor key relationships, rounds, Carlos Gámez text-painting, and aesthetic appeal. The Music Director discourse was undoubtedly worthy of a Temple Mount Sinai musicological seminar. BZUSY at IC-Orlando In December I had the unique For more information about opportunity of going to The United BZUSY-contact Consuelo Madero at Synagogue Youth International [email protected] Convention in Orlando, and it was a life-changing experience. At the convention, we did service projects such as donating snacks to a local police station on Christmas and making dog toys for the local animal rescue center. Of course, we had our fair share of fun, including going to Universal, Disneyworld, Disney Park, and ICON. At the convention, we got the opportunity to learn more about Judaism and discussed problems affecting the Jewish people, such as an increased rise in anti-Semitism, and the BDS movement. All in all, this convention was an incredible experience, and I cannot wait for the next, which will be held in Southern Julian Cohen-President, B’nai Zion California. United Synagogue Youth

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915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 14 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice UPCOMING EVENTS March 3, Sunday March 10, Sunday March 20, Wednesday April 14, Sunday The J Center for Early Learning Temple Mount Sinai invites you to Congregation B’nai Zion hosts The El Paso Holocaust Museum’s presents “Puppet-Palooza!” for the J Center for Learning and Floyd the “Jump Into Spring” Purim Party, Henry Kellen Memorial Golf Open preschoolers and their families from S. Fierman Religious School Purim starting after the Purim service at will be held again at the Butterfield Trail 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on March 3. The Carnival from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. on March 20. The event Golf Club and registration is open. event includes puppet-making, story- March 10 at Temple Mount Sinai, is presented by B’nai Zion, Talmud Early bird registrations for $100 per time and snacks. 4408 N. Stanton Street. Torah, and the El Paso Jewish Academy. player closes March 14 with the price per player at $125 until registration March 6 and 20, Wednesday March 15, Friday closes on April 4. To sign up, visit Borderland Café Europa, a Congregation B’nai Zion invites butterfieldtrailgolf.com/EPHM. For program of the Jewish Federation of the community to the Hadassah details, call the museum at 351-0048. Greater El Paso, welcomes those of Shabbat Zachor on March 15. If you us over 70 for lunch and camaraderie are interested in participating in the every other Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at service, please contact either Debra the Jewish Federation offices at 7110 N. Cohen or Marsha Schwartz. Mesa Street. Most get-togethers feature guest speakers or entertainment. March 17, Sunday March 6: Larry Lesser, songwriter Chabad Las Cruces invites you to and UTEP math professor hear Eva Schloss, childhood friend and March 20: Speaker TBD stepsister of Anne Frank at 3:30 p.m. April 3: Celebrate April birthdays (2:00 VIP reception) on March 17 at April 17: Rabbi Levi Greenberg the Mark Medoff Theatre in the New and Shmura Matzah Mexico State University Center for the Arts at 1000 East University Avenue in March 7, Thursday Las Cruces. To purchase tickets ($25, Temple Mount Sinai presents $15 students, $180 VIP), visit jewishlc. “Amid a Shifting Tide of Tolerance: com/annefrank or call 575-524-1330. A Jew Searches for and Community” with author and award-winning activist Abby Stein at 6:30 p.m. on March 7. 10% OFF Any Dry Clean Order 5151 Fairbanks 3385 N. Yarbrough 255 Shadow Mtn Save the Date: Federation Events! 1810 Trawood 5610 N. Desert April 28, Sunday: May 5, Sunday: May 20, Monday: 12106 Montwood 7000 Westwind Yom Yom Hatzmaut Federation 1745 Lee Trevino 2922 N. Mesa HaShoah Israel Annual Meeting 1580 George Dieter 8001 N. Mesa Holocaust Independence Day 8820 N. Loop 865 Resler Memorial Day 8900 Viscount 6205 Upper Valley Rd. 9109 Dyer 12420 Edgemere Need a ride to Federation events? 12420 Edgemere 6205 Upper Valley Rd. Call the Jewish Federation for Shalom Shuttle! 915-842-9554

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible The Jewish Voice March 2019 | 15 UPCOMING EVENTS

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 16 | March 2019 The Jewish Voice

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible