A Community of Hearts

Double Jewish Hamilton take memories Photos of Israel Haimish exhibit and Macau P14 celebrates the past P17 Hamilton Jewish News the jewish voice of hamilton DECEMBER 2012 vol 27:2/ KISLEV - CHESVAN 5773

Agreement #40007180 Meet Barb Babij A community Federation’s new CEO Her first official appearance at of hearts the UJA Cabaret campaign kickoff uja opening a reminder of everything communicated much more than words. Standing at the podium that’s good about this community before the large audience gathered at Beth Jacob Synagogue for UJA Cabaret, Barb Babij promised that her remarks would be brief as she simultaneously unravelled a scroll Barb Babij that cascaded towards the floor. Keeping a straight face, Federation’s new CEO proceeded to read a poem she’d written for the occasion, that both charmed and amused her audience. That self-deprecating sense of humour will no doubt serve Babij well as she takes on the challenge of facilitating Federa- tion’s new strategic direction. To read about Babij’s impressions of our community and the role she hopes to play in our future, see page 11.

Amy Back surrounded by the cast of UJA Cabaret Photo by Wendy Schneider

For anyone who was in doubt about the Barb Babij. A year of celebrations vibrancy and singular qualities that distinguish “This would never have been possible in Hamilton’s Jewish community, UJA Cabaret, Toronto,” he said, “having people from differ- the UJA Campaign opening, that was held on ent affiliations working together for a common October 18, was an affirma- cause.” tion of what our commun- Babij, too, was ity can achieve when we all When all is said deeply moved by the work towards a common performance. goal. and done we are “I saw tremendous The event, which attracted energy and ability to more than 400 people of all a community of work together to create ages and affiliation, show- something ... People cased the considerable talent hearts. were buzzed. There was of a cast of enthusiastic indi- excitement.” Jack and Barbara Katz with their son Teddy at his Bar Mitzvah, 1978 viduals for whom the night was a culmination In short, UJA Cabaret served as a reminder of months of hard, collaborative work. As the to those of us in attendance, that, when all is Oh, what a year this is. The Adas Israel Congregation, cast sang and danced their hearts out, it was said and done, we are a community of hearts. Beth Jacob Synagogue and Temple Anshe Sholom are impossible not to be caught up in the spirit of And that when our hearts are united towards all celebrating big anniversaries in the Hebrew calendar the evening, articulated so beautifully by Amy making sure no one in our community is Back’s stirring lyrics. denied a hot meal, a sympathetic ear, a support- year 5773. To mark the occasion, the HJN will devote a Together, we do do extraordinary things. ive environment or a Jewish education, there page in each of the next three issues, to each of the shuls. And if we’re too close to see it, just ask Perry is nothing we can’t achieve. When your UJA Our tribute to Adas Israel in honour of its centennial year Romberg, who was acting Federation execu- canvasser calls you over the next few weeks, tive director until the recent hiring of new CEO, please dig deep and give generously. can be found on page 12. For more about UJA Cabaret, see page 10 Cycling in Israel Mixing fun with a good cause

P15 2 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 Page Two

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Table ofContents 10 celebrating memories ofabygone era 17 13 hjn december2012 l purposes.lega orany contribution for brevity right to edit, condenseorreject issue. Thisnew by thedead line indicated ineach submissions must befor cles orguest editorials. Written to contributeletters,arti munity The HJN invitesmembersofthecom Edi Circulation 2,000 and Wendy Schneider by Hamilton J is published four times ayear Ham Agreement #40007180 Ancaster ONL9G4X1 1030 LowerLionsClubRoad P.O Box81203 eas Pl Hamilton JewishNews 11 [email protected] Adas Israel @ noon Sponsored by Na’amat Hamilton Celebrity Author Lunch with Vincent Lamm Monday, April 22 www.bethjacobsynagogue.ca Beth Jacob Israeli Film Festival Saturday & Sunday, March 9 & 10 Adas Israel @7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Ernie Mason Sponsored by the Holocaust Education Committee Marking the 100th birthday of Raoul Wallenberg Tribute to Raoul Wallenberg Wednesday, Jan.16 bbsportsdinner.com Reception 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Hamilton Convention Centre Dinner B’nai Brith Sports Monday, Jan. 28 toalri Pol COMMUNITY i lto

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3 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 Community Community

temple anshe sholom na’amat hamilton hamilton hebrew academy paula baruch jewish Hamilton Hebrew Academy community Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the newly and Hamilton Jewish Middle installed President of the Union School students participated in for Reform Judaism, delivered an centre the Terry Fox National School inspiring sermon at Temple Anshe Run Day in September, alongside jewish Sholom on Nov. 3 about the future film festival of Reform Judaism. Rabbi Jacobs’ teaching and administrative staff. $15 per film or talk was part of his first visit to The goal of 100-percent $35 for whole festival Canada as URJ president to meet participation was announced in with leadership and learn about an opening assembly when the the distinctiveness of the Canadian Dec. 1 @8 p.m. school’s student council repre- Reform movement. Jacobs made a RADIO DAYS sentatives, Zev Weisenthal and point of coming to Anshe Sholom Beth Jacob Synagogue not only to visit Canada’s oldest Na’amat Hamilton members pose with new Na’amat Israel president, Galia Wolloch Ronnie Vaknin, shared a brief Rabbi Rick Jacobs Reform congregation but also (centre, back row) at a recent gathering. Photo by Wendy Schneider overview of Terry Fox’s achieve- Dec. 4 @8 p.m. Union for Reform Judaism because of his relationship with ments and the legacy of the Mara- FOLLOW ME Na’amat Hamilton recently hosted a visit by Na’amat Canada president, HJMS students Sari Horwood, Abby Shore and Idaliah Snajdman share Anshe Sholom’s Rabbi Jordan Cohen, who served as Jacobs’ rabbinic thon of Hope. THE YONATAN Orit Tobe (who succeeded the late Rivka Shaffir in the position) and the a moment during the Terry Fox National School Run Day. intern and educator in Brooklyn in the late 1980s. newly-elected president of Na’amat Israel, Galia Wolloch. In a meet- At the closing assembly in Photo courtesy of Hamilton Hebrew Academy Kehila students get a taste of pioneer life at the Jordan School House. Photo by Rina Rodak NETANYAHU STORY Jacobs described Judaism as being at a crossroads and emphasized ing with the Na’amat Hamilton membership, Wolloch highlighted the November, students were praised Adas Israel Congregation the need to be an open tent that welcomes all who wish to join us. He following points: for raising $540 for the Terry Fox Foundation. They were also treated to seeing their teachers kehila jCDS highlighted Reform Judaism’s inclusiveness of all members of interfaith peter greenberg Na’amat is the largest women’s organization in Israel. There are 18,000 Dec. 6 @8 p.m. families, the new focus on youth engagement and the importance of and school leaders performing outlandish feats, such as singing karaoke, doing push-ups children that attend 233 day care centres throughout the country. My former role as a public school principal participate in an immersion-type French DOC POMUS reaching out to young adults who are increasingly on the fringes of and seeing their Head of School ‘sporting a new look’ with assistance from student council Every centre is filled to capacity and has a waiting list. 18,000 children has enabled me to develop a sense of how program in physical education, music and synagogue and Jewish life. Jacobs praised Anshe Sholom’s leadership in Temple Anshe Sholom in Na’amat day care means that 18,000 mothers can be part of the representatives. Kehila differs positively from many other visual arts classes. Our grade 3-4 teachers outreach efforts to potential converts and Jews by choice and success in workforce, a necessity for many families in Israel. There are 23 day Special thanks to the event organizing committee, and to the Kindergarten students for schools. To begin with, we have an enriched are involved in the development of a chalutzim post Bar/Bat Mitzvah retention. Community care centres that cater to 2,000 at-risk children, who arrive at 7 a.m. treating the runners and walkers to well-deserved refreshments at the finish line. physical education program involving elite (pioneer) project, which will integrate many Rabbi Jacobs’ visit to Anshe Sholom attracted many communal leaders, Chanukah and leave at 7 p.m. If not for these facilities these children run the risk McMaster athletes, coaches and graduate subjects as well as providing a comparison of including president of the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism, board Celebration of being removed from their family homes. Na’amat also operates 14 students. This provides our students with a the experiences of early Israeli chalutzim with members from the Reform Zionist Association of Canada, Camp George Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. technological and two agricultural high schools for at risk teenagers. Its wide range of both athletic and fitness skills. our Canadian pioneers. Monthly visits from and the URJ, as well as full representation from the Temple board, the temple religious school award-winning Glickman Centre for Family Violence Prevention houses With smaller class sizes and dedicated local rabbis and cantors reinforce our Judaic JNF and the Jewish Federation of Hamilton. Key leadership was hosted laura wolfson winter camp up to 50 women annually with an average stay of four to six months. teachers comes the ability to identify and programs and values. for a Shabbat luncheon with Rabbi Jacobs following the service at the provide integrated interventions for individual Please drop in at our Chanukah open house Dec. 24, 27, 28, 31 Na’amat Hamilton welcomes new members to our group. Please Our school’s open house is on Dec. 12 sanctuary, draped with the sock monkeys. home of Lorraine and Marvin Cohen. learning challenges at an earlier stage than on Dec. 13 to say hello and to check out what Jan. 2, 3, 4 contact Dena and Gilda at [email protected]. and our students have been hard at work Young children can take a book and a other schools. we have to offer. For more information email For campers JK and up preparing a spectacular set, background monkey to cuddle and read to at their seats. Our kindergarten - grade 2 students [email protected]. Call 905-648-0605 to register! beth jacob synagogue and props for a Chanukah-themed variety Artist Tracey Kornblum hosted a Youth jewish genealogical society show featuring songs, dances, stand-up Art Day, when students created beautiful music series The Jewish Genealogical Society a research roundtable that has comedy and even some magic tricks that works of art that will be entered into an Jan. 12 & Feb. 9 of Hamilton and Area (JGSH) has proven to be a big hit with our will wow parents art contest Beth Jacob’s Kesher School had a strong start to its season. We members. If you’ve started to and guests! to benefit milena romalis mah jongg continue our list of great speakers research your family history this Our B’Yachad the new Join us Tuesdays from on Wednesday, Jan. 23 with Beth will be a chance to ask questions. (high school) children’s Beth Jacob’s family programming has been blustery, rainy day imaginable. We all paid our 10 a.m. to noon Jacob’s Rabbi Dan Selsberg. If not, perhaps listening to the students will be respira- bustling with action and renewed energy these respects and learned LOTS. On Wednesday, Feb. 13 Ralph experiences of others will inspire on hand to help tory wing at past months. In In November, we Bloch will share his memories you to start or to continue. this event run the Herzog response to all of enjoyed Havdalah, an and impressions of the 2012 JGSH meets at 7:30 p.m. at smoothly and to Hospital in the little faces in our Italian dinner and a jewish International Association of Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline serve delicious Jerusalem. community, we have sundae bar, along with Jewish Genealogical Societies Ave. N, Hamilton. Non-members social snacks after- Many of introduced three the musical stylings of conference at which he presented are welcome, but $5 is requested wards. Please our grade new programs: an Mark Weinstock. On twice. Bloch, very well respected to help cover costs; your first meet- services contact the 3, 4, and after-school Gan Dec. 11, your family in the genealogical community, ing is on the house! Please check program, Torah for won’t want to miss is a frequent presenter at JGSH out www.jgsh.org or contact Hazel Temple office to Making sock monkeys for Family Shabbat 5 students Tots on Shabbat Dreidels and Drums – and we are proud to have him Boon at [email protected] get your tickets. Photo by Laura Wolfson participated mornings (ages a drum circle led by Ora as a member. We will also host or 905-524-3345. This fall our in a shab- Photo by Jason Leizer A watershed moment: Beth Jacob teens, with Rabbi Eugene Weiner (third from left, students have been busy with many baton at Camp George. They came home 2-6); and a Wednes- Schwartz at the congre- front row) and David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel. community-building projects. B’yachad tired and happy, and excited about spend- day morning baby group. gational Chanukah dinner. Teasers for winter students sewed cute sock monkeys for our ing a weekend in a wonderful Jewish In September, David Gershon’s Rosh Hasha- include a Shtetl wedding celebration with food, “Whatever became of ...” is a phrase that’s going around Beth Jacob Hamilton Canadian Family Shabbat services. The students have setting with their friends. nah service was a huge hit, and we look forward live klezmer, as well as a chocolate seder. All these days as we prepare for a series of events marking our 125th Hebrew High to welcoming him back next year. In October, are welcome to attend family programs at Beth anniversary. Our goal is to bring together anyone and everyone who Magen David Adom started a new way of engaging even the For information about Temple Anshe Hamilton Jewish Social Services our families gathered for a scavenger hunt in the Jacob. For more information, or to be included has ever had a connection to our shul throughout the decades. Water- youngest children during the service by Sholom Religious School, please visit Beth Jacob Cemetery. Both the turnout and the on our family program email list call 905-522- Chai Choir is successfully starting its shed moments, like two consecutive teenager trips to Israel that were placing a book rack with a wonderful selec- www.anshesholom.ca and click on attitude were tremendous, in spite of the most 1351 or email [email protected] 18th year. The choir meets at 30 King led by Rabbi Eugene Weiner in the early 1960s, will be highlighted. tion of PJ Library books at the back of the “Learning”. St. E. in Dundas, every Tuesday from Hold the dates Sunday, Jan. 20 for a Writing Your Memories workshop 10 a.m. until noon. and Sunday, April 28 for a broad based event designed to capture the hilda rosen Under the leadership of Leon memories of our members and former members on video. Also in As ambassador of Canadian Karan, they are enjoying learning the works: Our Chanukah dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 11; our lottery Magen David Adom for Israel in tricks of expressive singing, healthy on Jan. 17, our Israeli Film Festival on March 9 and 10; a Scholar-in- Midrasha, otherwise known as, Hamilton, I would like to announce breathing and simply enjoying the Residence weekend with Rabbi Shawn Hamilton Hebrew High (H3), recently Fields-Meyer on Feb. 1-3, who will speak our new fundraising goal of $25,000 company of good friends. They sing chartered a bus to take 40 students on topics such as “Texting, Technology for the purchase of a third emergency English, Yiddish, Hebrew and popular to a Toronto Raptors game at the Air and Torah: Spirituality and the Digital scooter ambulance for Magen David songs. No musical training or great Canada Centre. Adom in Israel. To donate by credit Age.” Details about all of these and other H3 is also planning a Chanukah voice is required to join the JSS choir, card call Susan at 1-800-731-2848 programs can be found on our website at Niagara Falls extravaganza for so please consider coming out for an or mail your cheque to Canadian bethjacobsynagogue.ca. students in grades 9-12 on Dec. enriching experience of live music Magen Adom for Israel, c/o Hilda Beth Jacob has a-wide-open-door 15. Classes have already started making. For more information call Rosen, 27 Haddon Ave. S. Hamilton, policy. Drop in anytime for a Shabbat Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer with four amazing courses taught Carol Krames 905-627-9922 ex 21 service, a Talmud class or one of our stimu- by our dynamic educators Rabbi ON L8S 1X5. or email carolkramesjss@hotmail. lating Sunday morning Soul, Body and Mind programs. For more David Teller and Yaakov Morel My sincerest and heartfelt appre- com or email leon_karan@hotmail. information call the shul office at 905-522-1351 or email office@ (pictured above) For more info on ciation to all our friends and donors HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 and may your loved ones be blessed com. bethjacobsynagogue.ca. our programs or classes contact 4 [email protected]. with a Happy Chanukah. 5 Community Holocaust Educaiton

LEADING THE WAY Israel’s Successes in Water Management Bob Hemberger Featuring Dr. Avri Kadmon fine catering Corporate & Special Events kosher catering

Join us for a lively discussion Bar & Bat Mitzvahs with Israel’s chief water expert, Weddings Dr. Avri Kadmon. He will be Anniversaries talking about the impact of chronic water shortages and JNF Israel’s solutions. 905-643-1244 905-664-1933 Tuesday, January 22nd - 7:15 pm Council Chambers at Dundas Town Hall, 60 Main Street, Dundas, ON Israel continues to have dire water Dr. Kadmon is in charge of GIS (Geographic May the comforts of faith, family and problems due to the lack of water sources Information Systems) Mapping and River and drought. The Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Rehabilitation and all KKL-JNF involvement in ABOVE: From l to r, Cindy Kam, Danna and home continue to renew – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) is involved river rehabilitation. Dr. Kadmon has received David Horwood, Ollie and Laura Laengerer your spirits. in activity regarding river rehabilitation, numerous awards in recognition of his and Christina and Peter Smith. reservoirs and other water-related projects. significant contributions to solving Israel’s water problem. The lecture is free RIGHT: Deborah Kerbel and Danna Horwood but we encourage with ‘Mentalist’ Haim Goldenberg people to make Temple Anshe Sholom volunteers participate in docent training for the Anne Frank exhibit a donation to JNF as a gesture holocaust exhibits come to hamilton of support. Story and photos by Elaine Levine Connect with us online at ontario.jnf.ca / Follow us on Facebook @ JNFHamilton a “taste of Israel” in Hamilton Please RSVP to JNF at 905-527-5516 or email us at [email protected] Connect with us online at ontario.jnf.ca. Follow us on Facebook @ JNFHamilton Stories and photos by Frank Simkevitz Two Holocaust related travel- is an essential component of The King George Ballroom at Liuna Station was the fitting venue for a fantastic soiree of gourmet Israeli hors ling exhibits were on display the success of AFC traveling d’ouevres and fine Israeli wine on Sunday, Nov. 4. More than 120 people were entertained by Israeli ‘mentalist’ during the month of November exhibits and I was so excited Haim Goldenberg of Goldmine fame. The reception also featured a silent auction. Good things don’t happen by at two local high schools and at to see what well-prepared and themselves. Danna Horwood and Deborah Kerbel, the event’s co-chairs worked really hard along with their commit- Temple Anshe Sholom. Anne engaged students participated in tee, including Augustina Gershkovitch. The results were nothing short of outstanding. Frank: A History for Today and the docent training workshops,” Art and Propaganda in Nazi said Eddy Stipelman. Occupied Holland were curated Eddy Stipelman singled out Tu Bi’Shevat - the JNF holiday by the Anne Frank Centre teachers Rob Flosman from Tu Bi’Shevat is just around the understanding of the impor- and warming themselves around USA, (AFC) a not-for-profit Waterdown District and Grace Beyond corner. Just like last year, this tance of being respectful of our a bonfire. organization that promotes the Centritto from St. Jean de Happy Bean Counting. . . year’s focus will be on a family environment.” Co-chairs for this year’s family universal message of tolerance Brebeuf Secondary School for activity. Since Tu Bi’Shevat Tu Bi’Shevat program will be by developing and disseminat- Assistant head of history, Rob Flosman their dedication to Holocaust Accounting, audit, tax, business valuations, insolvency and is all about nature and the Rebecca Shapiro and Zavi ing a variety of educational organized the exhibit at Waterdown District education. High School. Chanukah business advisory services. importance of the environ- Wolman. Both are very keen to programs, exhibitions, work- “Rob Flosman’s wonder- ment, the Jewish National create a “nature” event in the shops and special events. ful installation at Waterdown Hamilton office Burlington office Fund will host another major middle of the winter, especially Decent training workshops District High School and the Effort Square The Taylor Leibow Building family event on Sunday, Jan. focused on the “holiday of took place at the Waterdown initiative he took in prepar- 105 Main Street East, 7th Flr 3410 South Service Road, 1st Flr DAVID SWEET M.P. 905-523-0000 905-637-9959 27, 2013. trees.” District High School and at ing his students will certainly 905 627 9169 Ancaster - Dundas - Flamborough - Westdale It’s a great opportunity for The program will take place St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic be an inspiration for us in DAVIDSWEET.CA #3-59 Kirby Ave., Greensville, ON L9H 6P3 families to spend the after- on Sunday afternoon to accom- Secondary School. Waterdown encouraging other schools to District had the additional consider hosting this exhibit,” www.taylorleibow.com noon together in a natural modate the children who attend setting, learning and having Hebrew school on Sunday honour of being both the loca- she said. “Both Rob and Grace fun at the same time. morning. tion for the exhibit’s Canadian did an outstanding job prepar- According to Suzy Polgar, Last year’s Tu Bi’Shevat commu- It will be a fun-filled afternoon premiere and the first high ing their students and engaging Regional coordinator of program- nity event was at the Royal Botani- with NATURE activities as well as school to host the art and propa- their schools and communities ming and education, “This is cal Gardens Arbouretum. Families arts and crafts, and, of course ganda exhibit. The workshops Anne Frank Centre’s Hilary Eddy Stipelman in helping to share the story (left) with Paula Baruch (centre) and St. Jean the JNF holiday! We want young celebrated by playing games, FOOD. were facilitated by AFC director de Brebeuf head of religious studies, Grace of Anne Frank. The legacy of people to associate JNF with Tu making bookmarks, planting Watch for details in the next few of outreach and exhibitions, Centritto. Anne’s diary is an empowering Bi’Shevat and to develop a healthy avocado pits, listening to stories weeks. Hilary Eddy Stipelman. story for students of “We were honored all ages, but to see her to be working with the words impacting high The Hamilton chapter wishes Hamilton Jewish Federa- school students, who tion Holocaust Education will in turn share their all our Donors, Families and Committee and with commitment to ending Madeleine Levy to bring Friends a Warm and Festive racism and discrimina- our travelling exhibits to tion with their fellows, the Hamilton commun- is vital to the Anne SUPPORTING JEWISH COUPLES ity,” said Eddy Stipel- Chag Ha’Chanukah Holocaust Education Committee executive members, Ira Rosen (left) Frank Centre’s mission. EXPERIENCING INFERTILITY man. “Peer education and Madeleine Levy (far right) with Hilary Eddy Stipelman.

Peter Greenberg Let us pray for peace in our beloved Israel - Am Y'Israel Chai Necha & Meir Kaidar wish the entire Jewish community With YOUR help – MDA continues to provide ASK ABOUT OUR uninterrupted emergency services to the people of Israel Gifting Tree Program ISRAEL CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT MAGEN DAVID ADOM Happy Chanukah MAGEN DAVID ADOM CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT YOU For traditional Chanukah donuts and latkes Hilda Rosen, Ambassador call the Westdale Deli at 905-529-2605 We are here to help. 27 Haddon Ave. S., Hamilton ON L8S 1X5 We carry a big selection of menorahs, Chanukah candles and other Judaica Emotionally, Educationally, Financially. Tel: 905-529-4824 • E-mail: [email protected] HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 2012 Donate at www.cmdai.org Also... try our homemade soups and salads 416.742.0090 • www.smallwonders.ca 6 7 Guest Voices

Guest Voices Celebrate your commitment Helping the most vulnerable to the land of Israel with The in our community JNF annual Tu Bi’Shevat telethon! I’ve been working in Hamilton since 1997 and I thought I knew On the occasion of Tu Bi'Shevat, JNF holds its all about our community. All annual Tu Bi'Shevat Telethon from mid-January to mid-February to raise money for our special that changed when I became a projects in Israel for the "New Year of the Trees" volunteer with the Beth Tikvah and we need volunteers to help us! Foundation. I’ve learned much about people whom I didn’t know were in our community. Adults and Students of all Ages! By the time you finish reading this Celebrate Tu Bi'Shevat by volunteering for article I hope YOU will become our annual telethon! more enlightened and recognize If you can’t make calls for us, please be generous when you are contacted by one the challenges that some of our Franklin Simkevitz families face. Chair, Beth Tikvah Foundation of our local volunteers or our offices in Israel. In the early 1990s, Stan Tick, a respected Hamiltonian, was faced with a dilemma. His two older THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WILL FOCUS ON REHABILITATING brothers were developmentally delayed and there was no suitable THE FORESTS OF KISUFIM IN place for them to reside. Stan wanted them to reach their potential THE NORTHERN NEGEV. and to enjoy their life within a Jewish environment. This was the catalyst for the creation of the Beth Tikvah Foundation — a house Call our office at 905-527-5516 or toll-free at 866-527-5516 on Arkell Street where Bernie and Ted lived with other residents for or email Roberta at [email protected] many years, in a caring Jewish atmosphere, able to celebrate all the holidays and so much more. Beth Tikvah’s mission is to help people with a developmental disability maximize their potential within a Jewish environment. We are the only organization in Ontario west of Toronto to offer this resource. In addition to our residential setting, Beth Tikvah provides I CAN CUT... Support for Independent Living (SIL) resources to several Jewish individuals who require a little extra help with their everyday needs. We have recently become aware that there are a significant number of Jewish families in our catchment area with a developmentally challenged young adult at home, and these parents are shouldering the responsibility by themselves. As a result, we’re beginning a new initiative, focusing on assisting these families with a “socializing” program for young adults who live with them. The program, which will start up soon, will at first be centered around Jewish events and holidays. This new program is designed to give families with a developmentally delayed young adult some support and to let them know that there is a local Jewish organization to meet their needs. Beth Tikvah will also help family members negotiate their way through the social service system, thus ensuring their child will receive the support they require and deserve. To learn more about our organization or to avail yourself of our resources, please call Debra Waring at our residence at 905 523-0411. YOUR COMPANY'S PHONE BILL BY 50% If you prefer, you can send a confidential email to: info@bethtik- vahhamilton.org. One of our professional resource people will be happy to assist you. VoIP - funny word, serious technology your business cannot be without. Call us today and find out how your company can get a FREE hosted PBX telephone system with the latest features and technology that Letter to the Editor increase productivity and lower costs of doing business like: Unlimited Kudos for focusing the last edition of the newspaper on the stories of long distance in Canada and USA for no extra charge. individuals who strengthen our lives through their support of activities of the Jewish community. The Hamilton Hebrew Academy and the Hamilton Jewish Middle School are proud constituent agencies with graduates who are involved in a wide variety of civic activities. Inforce Security Corp. The suggestion has been made that we serve only a segment of the Voice Over IP Services community, namely those who seek an Orthodox Jewish education, www.INFORCEVOIP.com and that we are parochial in nature. Nothing can be further from the 660 Main Street East, Unit 2 truth! For more than 50 years, our schools have been catering to all Hamilton ON, L8M 1J8 denominations of our community by focusing on issues that unite but 905-667-6115 don’t divide. We teach Torah. We share ideas. We create independent people. We are a community day school serving the greater Hamilton Jewish community. The Pekar's, Morty, Arie and Joshua are here to help you and thank you for your support. Rabbi Eliot Feldman Head of School Hamilton Hebrew Academy/Hamilton Jewish Middle School HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012

8 9 UJA Federation UJA Federation

New Federation CEO outlines her vision for the future Barb Babij’s priorities include making Federation a meaningful part of people’s lives

UJA by wendy schneider, the Hamilton Jewish News cabaret Can you say a little about your challenging. I tend to go with my of the community, it’s not going to to develop a shared understanding thank you sign up today professional background? intuition and it felt right. One grow and it’s not going to do what of what it means to be a vibrant we couldn’t Only 30 spots left! I have a background in organiza- of the things that really attracted it needs to do. The campaign is the and sustainable community. The have done it tional development and finance. me when I saw the strategic plan means to the end. It’s not the end answers will come from the folks I am a CPA in the State of New was the vision to create a vibrant in itself. who are here and understand the without you! York, a former CA in the prov- community. As mundane as it may community. I’m coming in as an Producer, director ince of Ontario. I have an MBA “The campaign sound, that’s amazing. What is the end? outsider and I can take those ideas Amy Back and a Masters in creativity and The end is being able to help the and help shape them within the Dessert reception coordinator innovation. Why did that excite you? people in need in this community. context of Hamilton. I’m a lot about Cynthia Mintz is a means to Because community-wide change That’s what the Federation is all communication and dialogue and Dessert reception volunteers What appealed to you about is the sense that I got people about, not only in Hamilton but keeping those lines of communica- Marlene Gains, Flora Rosenblatt, this position and why do you an end ... it’s wanted. Being able to implement in Israel, and to some extent, the tion open. My approach is to listen Fern Szpirglas, Allyson Brown, think you’re a good match for that kind of change is an exciting larger Jewish world. But it starts and understand first, and then try Geraldine Katz-Rose Photo by Elaine Levine this community? process. Change can be messy but here in Hamilton. Without that you to fit the pieces together in a collab- Michelle Collier and her daughter, not the end in Make-up volunteers Levine at the UJA Cabaret While I have lived in Fort Erie for it can also be exciting and vibrant. might as well just pack up and go orative way. New Federation CEO Barb Babij (centre) with Amy Back (left) and Elaine Ginny Levine, Lori Lofchick, Photo by Wendy Schneider Julia, received a special gift package the last several years, I’ve been The evidence that this was possible home. Clareta Schoenberg, Darlene Shapiro at last summer’s JCC barbeque to interested in coming back to a itself. The end was at the UJA Cabaret event. It was What do you think we have Delicious desserts donated mark the family’s becoming the 100th larger Jewish community, where an extraordinary event, filled with What are the greatest challen- going for us? by our fabulous caterers an extraordinary evening! enrollee in our community’s PJ Library Gwen Gordon, Andrea Levy Program. PJ Library is a Jewish literary I could have easy access to adult is being able to enthusiasm and energy and the ges we face and what role will First and foremost the people. You Tzvia Lipton, Susan Walman By any definition, it was an extraordinary evening. UJA Cabaret, held at Beth Jacob program that delivers books and music education and give something good will of the community. We you play in helping us meet are an extraordinarily dedicated with Jewish content to your doorstep. back. When three different friends have a great foundation and a great those challenges? group. I found enormous good Special thanks to Synagogue on Oct. 18 was a showcase of our community’s talent that demonstrated the It’s a wonderful way to transmit Jewish of mine sent me the job descrip- help the people platform from which to catapult First and foremost are the finan- will in the community going Maison Fritz Jordan Abraham, truth of this year’s UJA Campaign tagline: Together WE do extraordinary things. Brent Wice, Paula Baruch, culture, values and tradition through tion advertising the position, I sat forward. cial constraints. You can only do through the interview process and Wendy Schneider, Vadim Gershkovich, The cast of 37 ranging in age from 4 years old to almost 80 years young sang and danced the closeness of parents and children on it for awhile to really think it in need in this as much as your resources will I think that flows over into other Deb Avetissian, Sue Ellen Gervais, reading together. PJ Library in Hamilton through. After I made the decision How does Federation need to allow. All the good will in the areas. People have good intentions to a standing ovation. Special thanks to Amy Back, who produced and directed the show Yael Reznick DeMarco, was made possible through the Harold Marvin Caplan, Fortino’s Main St. W. to apply, I did a lot of preparation. I change? We need to be transpar- world won’t take you where you and it’s a question of taking those Grinspoon Foundation and the gener- Home Depot – Ancaster, and whose clever lyric adaptations brought smiles and laughter. looked at the three congregations community.” ent. If we’re expecting beneficiary want to go if you’re constrained good intentions and creating that osity of the Shirley and Morris Waxman Ashley Rodriguez, To Cynthia Mintz, special events coordinator extraordinaire, our sincere thanks for her online, and the more I prepared, agencies to be transparent it’s got by finances. We need to examine shared direction. Beth Jacob Synagogue, family and the UJA Hamilton Lion of the more I wanted to do this. It felt to start with us. We need to do a all we do against the yardstick of Hanna Schayer, Cantor Eyal Bitton, attention to detail, her exquisite taste and her generosity making the dessert reception Judah division. To register your child, like a good fit. better job on educating people sustainability. Many of the people Erin Bree Pierce, Frank Pierce, aged 6 months through five years, visit Beth Bruck, Peter Urbanek, look absolutely beautiful. Thanks to Paula Baruch for her help as youth vocal coach. about what our organization is all I’ve spoken with speak in terms of You’ve been on the job just jewishhamilton.org, pjlibrary.org or call Theatre Aquarius Props Department Thank you to the cast, the parents, the program book sponsors and the behind-the-scene Elaine Levine at 905-627-9922, ext. 24 In what way? about by making connections. We the need to build a sense of unity over a week. How’s it going so It was complex. It was commun- have to be part of people’s lives. in the community as the basis on far? I’m pretty convinced that I volunteers. A very special thank you to Federation’s Elaine Levine, for the many hours she or email [email protected]. Pictured above are Julia, with mom, ity building, intellectually Unless the Federation is seen as part which to go forward. I really want have the best job in the world. devoted towards making this one of the best UJA Campaign openings in recent memory. Michelle Collier and grandparents Brian And finally, thanks to our dedicated UJA Cabinet and canvassers. and Laurie Katz. UJA NEWS

A lesson in community partnerships WHAT HE DID • FOR LOVE Local political activist and blogger, Jim Davis, An exceptional program approached Temple Anshe Sholom’s Rabbi • for those completing Jordan Cohen last summer with an idea. He grade 10 SAVE 25% Special -‐ get pricing 7 th weeks before the for wanted to create an event that would generate WHY SHOULD YOU Call us for information or a price DECEMBER of 4! SPACE LIMITED 15 : a discussion in the community on a topic about home visit: which he feels passionately: political correct- ! INCREASE YOUR GIFT ness in the media. 416-‐787-‐4461 Lorne and Rita Richter hosted a cocktail With the enthusiastic support of Rabbi Cohen Visit our Website: reception for major donors at their home • and the Jewish Federation’s public relations    THIS YEAR? last fall, featuring special guest, David Yashar Koach to Rabbi Stephen Wise committee, Davis organized a panel of speak- Engel, chair, UJA Federation of Toronto. of Oakville’s Shaarei Beth-El, who was    • Enhanced staffing for Waterskiing Sailing Canoe & Kayak The purpose of the evening was to brief ers that included Michael Coren, Raheed Raza, Jim Davis (second from right) and Rabbi Jordan Cohen (far so eager to promote his new book,   younger campers attendees on issues of concern to Cana- right) present a cheque to UJA Campaign chair, Jay State Swimming  Arts & Crafts Tennis   Andy Bannister, Paul Berton and Paul Michaels Israel: Repairing the World, that he • Discounted rates for dian Jewry and to help strategize ways to while Federation president, Larry Szpirglas, looks on. Landsports  Challenge  Ropes More than jumped out of an airplane. campers 7-‐10 one in five make this year’s UJA Campaign the most each of whom weighed in on the topic at an Photo by Wendy Schneider Gymnastics Dance & Fitness Drama “I felt I wanted to send a message   successful ever. event held at the Temple last August. Canoe Tripping Cooking Mountain Weekend and short-‐stay about all the wonderful things that  people in our community live Biking Pontoon Boat Water Park & options “Jim gets full credit not only for the idea but chair, Jay State, both of whom were extremely Israel is doing in the world and doing Radio Video KOL HAKAVOD for the execution of the program,” said Rabbi appreciative. it in a way that is easy and accessible New for 2012 – at, or below the Cohen, who said that Davis initially wanted “It was an extremely well prepared and for kids,” said Rabbi Wise. The Hamilton Jewish Federation The book highlights the many in- proceeds from the event to be directed towards thought provoking event,” said State, “and ONE WEEK SPECIALTY CAMPS poverty line. congratulates Madeleine Levy and novations that Israel has brought to F or Dance & Sports • former Hamiltonian, Stephen Adler, the Temple. But Rabbi Cohen believed that Jim’s contribution to the UJA will assist us in the world. While Wise wrote it with Our ability to help is for being recently awarded with Queen such a broad reaching program should have a meeting the needs of our community. ” elementary school-aged children in • Build your discounts with Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals. wider reach. “We discussed it and decided that, “It was a great event from the perspective mind, the book has been snapped up Camp New Moon multiple families severely limited The medal serves to honour signifi- by people of all ages who appreciate given the content of the program, the proceeds of creating community partnerships,” said Sibling discounts cant contributions and achievements the fact that it has so much informa- has provided the by Canadians in their communities. should benefit the community at large.” Szpirglas, “and the fact that Jim and the rabbi tion at their fingertips. best overnight camp experience for Adler is the associate director of The event, held just days before the onset made sure the proceeds were directed towards “The response has been fantastic,” nearly 60 years! A mate warm, inti • Ontario Government Relations at The said Wise, who reports that MP’s, of the High Holiday season, attracted a crowd the United Jewish Appeal is a very significant and family-‐like atmosphere. Lasting Please give generously to the UJA Campaign Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs John Baird, Jason Kenney and Tom • of 100. A few weeks later, Rabbi Cohen and message to everyone in our community about friendships and memories. and Levy’s efforts on behalf of Holo- Mulcair have purchased copies. The • August -‐ 18 20, 2012 because together we can do extraordinary things. caust Education has received national Davis presented a cheque of $800 to Federation how necessary it is to support our capability to book has also been distributed to For the whole family! Call 905-648-0605 or donate online at HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 acclaim. president Larry Szpirglas and UJA Campaign fund our organizations.” Israeli Consulates around the world. Perfect for young children www.jewishhamilton.org 10 before they start 11 overnight camp! Feature In The News

Library exhibit arouses ire, anguish “It’s no way to live” Federation representatives share their concerns with library staff In weeks leading up to Iatest IDF operation by wendy schneider, the Hamilton Jewish News life in southern Negev had become intolerable The Hamilton Public Library’s display,” said Finkelstein. The “It was obvious to us that the wendy schneider hosting of an anti-Israel exhibit Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs library staff had no previous know- over a two-week period last fall, (CIJA), the advocacy agency of ledge of CJPME, and they seemed Imagine going about your daily shopping and I’m going to do this aroused the anger and anguish of Jewish Federations across Canada, genuinely surprised when we household tasks when, without or that and then the sirens come the local Jewish community. was in complete agreement with presented them with a document warning, a siren goes off. You and your day is upside down and “A Child’s view from Gaza”, the committee’s strategy, said prepared by CIJA, that outlined have 15 seconds to grab your totally changed.” sponsored by a group called Finkelstein. CJPME’s persistent focus on Israel children and get to the safe room The situation is taking its toll Canadians for Justice and Peace in After sending out an ebroadcast and pointed disregard of atrocities before a Grad Missile descends on people of all ages, said Good- the Middle East (CJPME) consisted that explained PRC stance, Federa- committed in Libya, Syria and else- on its target somewhere in your man, but the effect on the region’s of 26 drawings, purportedly tion received an outpouring of where in the region.” neighbourhood. Imagine the children is of particular concern. y Bar Mitzvah portion was Adas Israel Congregation hen I walk through these doors drawn by children in Gaza. Hamil- support, said Finkelstein. While committee members Bereshit, and I chanted it during I feel connected, I feel some- ton Jewish Federation first learned expressed their surprise that library same scenario occuring three Goodman’s seven grandchildren MSimchat Torah. It’s a very excit- 100 years 1912-2012 Wthing unique and special. I don’t about the drawings, that depicted staff had not done due diligence or four times a day for several “are afraid to go outside,” she said ing time and there was a lot going on. When exactly know why I have these feelings. I Israel and the IDF as brutal occupi- “I want to assure before accepting the exhibit, said days in a row. Miriam Goodman and, even when school is not I got to the final paragraph of my parsha, suspect it has a lot to do with the special ers, days before the onset of the Finkelstein, “we do not believe you that your doesn’t need to imagine any of cancelled, “they’re not allowed I suddenly got hoisted up on top of Rabbi character of those who join us each Shab- High Holy Days by a distraught that there was any intentional anti- the above, because she lives it. to go outside for recess.” Shmuel Bloom’s shoulders and I just kept bat. But, more importantly, I think it has to do member of the community. concerns have Israeli motivation on the library’s Memories to last a lifetime The former pre-school teacher at going and finished my parsha from there. with those people that aren’t here. Those who Immediately upon learning of part, and they told us that steps Furthermore, school cancel- came long before me and started the special been heard” the exhibit, Federation Public Rela- have been taken to ensure that this the Hamilton Hebrew Academy, lations mean that mothers are Jonah Leibtag energy 100 years ago.” tions Committee (PRC) chair, Dr. Paul Takala will not happen again”. who made aliyah with her family not able to go to their places of aving recently moved to “The Chief Librarian or me the Adas is all about THE SEAT. Hammer” from London, Ontario, Lorne Finkelstein, lodged a formal Hamilton Public Library The PRC concluded the meet- 18 years ago, lives in Ma’agalim, employment. Rivky Zians, The first seat at what has been the complaint with Chief librarian ing by requesting that Takala write a small religious community nine our family was understandably “I can’t even tell you how many was 11 years old when Rabbi Green Katz row since I was a child. That loca- H Third generation Adas member Paul Takala. While unwilling to a letter of apology to the Jewish apprehensive at the notion of joining a signifi- kilometres from the Gaza border. first came to Hamilton, and I remember F people have lost jobs because tion to me is like a holy place where my family cantly larger community than we were part break its contract with CJPME out “We received 26 emails from community; that the library staff that every Shabbat, he would sing a and its close ties come to life. Even today, In a telephone conversation with I of back home. However, from Rabbi Danny of concern for possible negative business people, professionals, should contact Federation’s CEO they’ve missed so many days. It’s new niggun or melody for different parts of the seat isn’t often used — as if in reverence the HJN on Nov. 13, Goodman Green’s heartwarming welcome announce- repurcussions, Takala said that the academics and leaders of two major to obtain background informa- no way to live,” said Goodman. the service. That was a big difference from to all the greats who have sat there before. I described the conditions under ment in Shul our first Shabbat morning, to the exhibit would be moved from the Jewish organizations, congratulat- tion about the applicants of simi- A day after the interview with what we were used to at the Cannon Street still walk in today and picture my zaide Sam constant warmth, friendliness and support library’s main entrance to the less- ing and thanking our committee lar future exhibits; and that the which she and a million residents Shul. I remember that I loved it, because I Katz (ah) leading the way. I’ll never forget him Goodman the Israel Defense that permeates the walls of the Adas, we can t is hard to come up with just one travelled fourth floor. throughout the southern Negev love singing. Even today, listening to so many with his smelling salts during the Yom Kippur for taking a diplomatic approach. library honour its previous prom- Forces (IDF) abruptly ended its say with total conviction and belief that we moment that is memorable for me at voices singing in beautiful harmony makes service to keep him alert or pre-service lath- Following his conversation with Two negative emails that- ise to give equal time and space to have been subjected to over the have not only joined a Shul, but a community the Adas. I have spent my whole life long period of restraint by launch- my heart feel full. It’s a very strong feeling ering our hair with Brylcream at his house so Takala, Finkelstein convened a strongly condemned the PR a pro-Israeli exhibit portraying the last 12 years, but that intensified in the true sense of the word. ... The beauty there. I have had my Bar Mitzvah, my ing the largest military operation of community. we looked stylish before we even got to Shul. meeting with the PRC to decide committee and its actions were humanitarian aspect of Israel. exponentially in the weeks lead- and palpable spirituality with which Shab- Iwedding, my children’s Bar Mitzvahs all there. against Hamas since Operation Later, Uncle Nate sat in THE seat acting as what further action should be also received, said Finkelstein. In Takala subsequently sent an bat is brought in and escorted out weekly But the best time, that still brings a tear to my ing up to Israel’s launching of Joanne Raphael (née Hoffman) his father’s proxy. More recently, his son taken. addition, a regular columnist for email confirming that “a letter Cast Lead four years ago. As terri- with the help of the Chazan Yakov Morel, is eye is when we brought my twin boys to shul Operation Pillar of Defense on Howard and my father Jack have sat there “After much discussion, our the Canadian Jewish News wrote reaching out to the Hamilton something that everyone, regardless of their on Rosh Hashana for the first time. They fying as was the prospect of an and carried on the tradition. I can still almost Nov. 14. geographical or ideological background, were only a few weeks old and you could still six committee members reached a particularly scathing criticism of Jewish community” would be all-out war, for Israel’s battered ne of my favourite memories is hear Zaide singing along! a consensus that we would deal Federation. forthcoming. “I want to assure “You never know when or should add to their bucket list. We eagerly really hold both of them in one arm. My father southern residents, the IDF move when the Hamilton Supporters of look forward to being part of its surely prom- sat there beaming as he held on to his two directly with the library rather than In early November, following a you that your concerns have been where a rocket is going to fall,” Israel purchased an ambulance brought a level of comfort, that at O Teddy Katz ising future. new grandsons and took in all the naches engage in a letter writing campaign meeting between members of the heard,” he wrote. “However I will she said. “You get up in the through Magen David Adom to be shipped last something was being done to from the congregation. He was the proudest to The Spectator, which could have PRC and library staff, another email need to give careful consideration morning and you plan ... I have to Israel. The ambulance was brought to the Avi and Baila Vaturi man ever born, for that evening. the unintended impact of attracting broadcast was sent to the commun- to what I can commit to on behalf try and stop the terror. Adas for a gala event that they were holding. to go to work and I’m going to go more attention to the abhorrent ity in which Finkelstein wrote, of the Library”. It was an amazing event because they had Joel Yellin the ambulance parked right in front of the hen my father, Berish Gold, ould it be convenient for Rabbi synagogue. was getting ready to leave the Green to visit you today?” This small town of Ozarow in Poland was Eileen phoning from the W W for Hamilton, in October 1930, my maternal Adas office a few days after the death of my grandfather gave his future son-in-law the n many ways the Adas has been a husband, Henry. And so I met the head and family Torah to take to Canada. He told him second home to my family since we spiritual leader of the Adas Israel Synagogue that if money was needed for my parents’ y Bubba was old beyond her extracted ourselves from the clutches and found out that his early years were on I wedding, the Torah could be sold. Fortunately years, even when she was young. of Winnipeg winters 12 years ago. The fact St. Urbain Street in Montreal, on the same the Torah was never sold and continues to At the Cannon Street Shul, the is that we spend a significant part of weekly block as my grandparents’ home where my M be used every Monday and Thursday. The women sat upstairs in the balcony. Her life there, not just on Shabbat but also during mother spent her early years. From being wedding, the first at the new Adas Israel hearing wasn’t the greatest, and when she the week. Our fellow congregants are our unaware that a synagogue was situated on Cannon Street took place on December couldn’t hear, she thought nothing of yelling family here in Hamilton and have been with on Cline Street South, I spent some Satur- 25, 1930. When my father passed away, I down at the Cantor at the top of her voice, us through the many life events that we have day mornings at services, often arriving to continued in the family tradition of carrying ‘Ich ken nisht hern, macht hecher.’ — ‘I can’t encountered since moving here. Recently we locked doors, but kindly ushered in through the Torah at Kol Nidre. When my grandson, hear, speak up.’ Everyone knew what she celebrated my son Zev’s Bar Mitzvah at the the social hall, a back door and the men’s Joel Meyerson, was old enough to carry the was like and they just took it on the chin. As Adas. As with any life-cycle event my wife, side of the sanctuary. I became a fortun- Torah he started to follow in the family trad- years went on she couldn’t make the stairs Moleigh, and I found ourselves facing the ate recipient of Rabbi Green’s kindness and ition. At the recent 100th anniversary cele- anymore and so she was allowed to sit on the dilemma of who to invite and who to exclude. astute understanding of people and of a bration I passed the Torah to Joel who carried back bench down with the men. Everyone in We realized that we really had to invite every- similar warmth from Adas congregants at LARRY SZPIRGLAS it up onto the Bimah. the synagogue knew her. Broker/Manager body as really everybody has touched our their Shabbat dinner tables, something I still lives in some way and really were our family marvel at. Life around the Adas has become Jack Katz here in Hamilton. an ongoing pleasure for me. Moishe Gold Wishing our clients JON KATZ jordan zalter Sales Representative Sales Representative Alain Wiesenthal Sandra Witelson & the community Happy Chanukah

Locke Street Westdale Ancaster HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 905.529.3300 905.522.3300 905.648.6800 12 www.judymarsales.com 13 Arts Israel

The end of the year will be Mina Ao For the love here before you know it!

of cycling Make your year-end donation to the UJA Campaign before Dec. 31 Israeli charity rides challenge and inspire

Story and photos by wendy schneider, The Hamilton Jewish News

ome call it the new golf. Given the ubiquity of spandex-clad middle- Mina Ao Photo by Wendy Schneider aged cyclists on Hamil- “Macau is the city I was born tonS area roads, there’s no question and grew up, and Israel is the that the global phenomenon that is Your Best land that my journey through road-biking has taken off in South- Judaism has brought me to. ern Ontario. Canadian charities Mina Ao’s photography exhibit Here or There examines similarities between Macau and Israel. Photography by Mina Ao When I started photographing have been quick to capitalize on these two places, I was living in Move Yet. a third country, I was a visitor to the sport’s popularity, none more these two places that are so so than the wildly successful Ride close to my heart. I am always to Conquer Cancer, a two-day, interested in culture, and my 200 km ride from Niagara Falls to Double take first trip to Israel was the Toronto that attracts thousands of tanishall beginning of an adventure that sales representative exhibit reflects similarities between israel and artist’s birthplace riders and raises millions of dollars leads to these photographs. I for cancer research. By wendy schneider, the Hamilton Jewish News started to be more interested in 1122 Wilson St. West Steve Cohen, 53, has been an my home city Macau and Ancaster, ON L9G 3K9 What does a former Portuguese built up an impressive archive of them on her trips to Israel, her fact that their prices were adver- became very curious in people eager participant in the Cancer ride colony that is now a part of the photographs through her many camera focusing on the mundane tised in different languages, the and things that I was so used to. since 2008, when, reeling from the 905.648.4451 People’s Republic of China have excursions through the streets and scenes of everyday life that say so photographs were remarkably Over the years I traveled news that seven among his close between these two places, in common with Israel? That neighbourhoods of a country she much about a place and a culture. similar. So, too, were many other friends, relatives or colleagues had question is at the centre of Here has grown to love. Ao said that the fact that many bouncing off questions and images that, when paired, high- answers about the cultures, and been diagnosed with cancer, he or There, a photography exhibit An unexpected side effect of of her photographs ended up light the similarities between two about who I am.” heard about Toronto’s Princess created by local photographer Ao’s discovery of a foreign place depicting similar scenes in Israel Ken Rochwerg and Steven Cohen rode 500 km for Beit HaLochem. very different cultures. From israelmacau.com Margaret Hospital’s plans to launch Mina Ao, that opened in Macau was a renewed interest in her own and Macau was unintentional. In Here or There opened in Macau an epic bicyling event. Asked to last month. place of birth. fact, the idea for the show arose on Nov. 22. Ao hopes that the Need to know recruit five riders, Cohen prom- Ao, a native of Macau and her “Somehow in the process of spontaneously one day when she show will provoke viewers to ask ised 10 and delivered 20. He has “You’re riding Israeli husband moved to Hamil- learning about Israel … I got more was looking through her archives. A portion of Mina Ao’s Here the same questions she asks herself since built up his team, Steve’s ton in September, 2011 when he interested in my own culture … Flipping back and forth between or There will be featured at for a cause .. was hired by McMaster University something that I never thought pictures of both places, she started regarding identity, difference and Cyclepaths, to 225 riders, who Beth Jacob Synagogue’s Israeli www.tanishall.com as an assistant professor of phys- was very important at all,” she said. to become aware of a pattern. A similarity. Film Festival on the weekend have collectively raised millions and sharing ics and astronomy. A self-taught Ao started to spend her days man selling eggs in a market in “I want to show that things that of March 9,10, 2013. For more of dollars for the cause. photographer who has visited during her visits to Macau, in much Macau. A man selling eggs in Tel you think are far away are actually information visit Cohen’s passion has rubbed an adventure Israel on several occasions, Ao has the same way she was spending Aviv’s Carmel market. But for the not that far away.” www.bethjacobsynagogue.ca. off on many of his colleagues, ISRAEL 2012-2013 none more so than on Hamilton with people Community Mission businessman, Ken Rochwerg, you want to FAMILY TOURS The Best Community Mission who is both member and Hamil- comparecompare in North America ton recruiter for the Cyclepaths. applesapples to applesapples May 8 - 20, 2013 be with.” Evelyn DiFrancesco rode for the Alyn with Eilat extension It’s all about • Phoenix Fitness: West Hamilton and Rochwerg was also instrumental Hospital. new itineraries and lower prices May 8 - 23, 2013 Ancaster, are located where you live in recruiting Hamilton riders for Ken Rochwerg Inc. 5 star Hotels Call Kathy, ext. 345 Cohen’s next big idea — a five-day ride in support of the Alyn Pediat- do something both physically chal- SUMMER 2012 and they both have plenty of parking Eilat and Petra options being fit 500 km charity bike ride in Israel lenging and spiritually meaningful. Jewish Heritage tour ric Hospital. This was the occupa- Call us for recent references in which a group of 10 participated tional therapist’s third trip to Israel, For Cohen, it’s all about inspiring Bar/Bat Mitzvah to China • no long-term contracts last month. Among the 10 were fulfilling a promise she made to others “to get off the couch and do Ceremony included led by enough All-inclusive deluxe hotels friends and colleagues of Cohen’s, herself seven years ago while on an something meaningful.” • More days of sightseeing Rabbi Elyse Goldstein Hamilton brothers Allen and Ira Israel advocacy mission for non- For Ken Rochwerg it comes • More meals Jun 9 - 23, 2013 • A true family itinerary Call Michelle at • membership as low as $15 bi-weekly Greenspoon and former Hamilton- Jewish campus leaders. down to the basic human desire to to do what 416-485-9455, ext 26 for details ian Rob Miller. 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Call Kathy Ext 345 reveals at least five charity rides to Heights and Wheels of Love was Need to Know No one is more experienced choose from. Cohen chose Beit Culinary Tour to Israel PRIVATEthan GUIDEwe are! & CAR • for a free Introductory one-month mostly based in the Negev, both Charity Bike Rides HaLochem’s Courage in Motion, Feb. 26 - Mar. 7, 2013 don’t try fromto d o$499/DAY it on your own membership, quote Promo Code rides offer the same multi-route in Israel: book with us and save! Co-led by Bonnie Stern & Rabbi Elyse Goldstein based on its size (50 riders), its DONT’ TRY TO DO IT ON YOUR OWN. HA103 five-day experience with the final Almost sold out! Call Ehud ext.322 Beit HaLochem: BOOK WITH US AND SAVE mostly Canadian make-up and its day featuring a dramatic ascent Call Michelle 416-485-9455, ext 26 for details courageinmotion.ca mandate to raise funds towards into Jerusalem. BEST BUSINESS CLASS AIRFARE TO ISRAEL the support and rehabilitation of What motivates a person to take Alyn Pediatric Hospital $ alynride.org DIRECT FLIGHT FROM $2695 + tax disabled Israeli veterans. off time from work, spend the Don’t book with anyone else before talking to us first! Phoenix Fitness Hamilton Phoenix Fitness Ancaster Just weeks after the Courage in money to fly overseas, fundraise The Arava Institute for 1685 Main Street West 1015 Golf Links Road Motion ride, another Hamiltonian for the cause and spend months Environmental Studies hazon.org/programs/ 905.886.5610 Hamilton Ancaster was in Israel riding on behalf of a preparing his or her body and israel-ride 800.294.1663 different Israeli charity. In Novem- (905) 577-0626 (905) 648-0226 mind for a challenge like no other? [email protected] ber, Evelyn DiFrancesco, 28, took Camp Ramah:

The answer depends on who you HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 www.phoenixfitness.ca www.phoenixfitnessclubs.ca part in Wheels of Love, a 500 km ask. For DiFranceso, it’s a chance to ramahbikeride.org 7117 Bathurst St., Just N. of Steeles. Thornhill, ON L4J 2J6 14 15 Feature Shalom Village shalomvillage.ca Bubbi Bessie’s is halfway home! Bucovestky Bronfman Award for

Thanks to your support, more than half the funds Aaron Shiffman needed to move Bubbi Bessie’s Café to its beautiful new home have been raised. Shalom Village Mashgiach and Since first opening its doors seven years ago, Bubbi community leader Aaron Shiffman Bessie’s Café has become the go-to place for food, fun was recently presented with the and friendship at Shalom Village. More than just a place Bucovestky Bronfman Award by the for a quick lunch or cup of coffee, it is where our residents Adas Israel Congregation. meet to share a laugh or catch up with friends. Aaron is highly regarded at Shalom New Quarters Village, where an award named in his Bubbi Bessie’s has become so popular that it is running honour is presented each year to the out of space. A move to larger quarters nearby will help team member who best exemplifies us provide our residents and their guests with a better the qualities of a mensch. experience. But first, extensive renovations are required and we have looked to our community for help. You have Congratulation to Aaron for this well- not let us down! deserved acknowledgement of his contributions to the community. We’re on our way - you can help bring us home Your help is needed to bring Bubbi Bessie’s Café the rest of the way to its new home. You can help by making your donation today!

Donations over $500 will appear on a special recognition Max Mintz with his Chicken Roost memorabilia. Photo by Steve Arnold Richard and Doris Popper share farming stories with Henry Muller. Photo by Wendy Schneider board. Why not consider making a multi-year commitment Chanukah Cards to spread the payments over time? Call Kathleen at 905- You can send Hannukah greetings to your family Just send 529-1613 ext. 264 for details. and friends and help support Shalom Village us your list resident possibilities at the same time! and we’ll Just send us your list and we will take care of the take care of West and Liberace and political stars including Pierre Trudeau. At home rest for only $10 per card. the rest! Tax year winding down The way Many of the Jewish-owned All proceeds from card donations support the at the Haimish The end of the tax year is fast approaching. Donations Resident Possibilities Fund at Shalom Village. firms vanished during the urban received by December 31st are eligibile for a 2012 renewal wave of the 1960s and charitable tax receipt. 1970s. That added to a loss of interest in a family business as we were old barriers to employment and education fell. Pennies for Possibilities The golden years of jewish hamilton “When Jackson Square came There’s still time; penny drive extended until February in (Frank Dorsen) said it was by Steve Arnold, Special to the Hamilton Jewish News going to kill downtown,” Larry Did you know… hether it was good was one of the few employment place a few bets on the horses or a Bromstein recalled. “In 1980 I ...it takes 16 people 45 minutes to count corned beef, a new options open to them. football game.” went into real estate because I and roll 298 rolls of pennies? pair of shoes, tires for “It was what they knew, and Those bets weren’t the only finally saw the writing on the wall for an independent retailer.” Lyn Center, Melinda Richter and Kathryn That’s 14,900 pennies! the family car, a mink there weren’t a lot of jobs for Jews action going on – Muller remem- Petersen Photo by Wendy Schneider A few firms found a new life out Our friends from Columbia International stoleW or printed invitations for that in those days,” recalled Gerry bers the back rooms of most of the College volunteered their time to help special family event, everything a Bromstein while furrier Alan city’s delis had a card table or two of the core — the Richter family, for “Meet Me At The Haimish, ” a us with our “Pennies for Possibilities” family could want was once avail- Livingston remembered his father that were seldom out of use. The example, moved its car businesses community arts exhibit that was project. able from a Jewish merchant in stayed in the fur business because deli owner, course, got a piece of out of downtown to a new life in on display at James Street North’s Wedding Bells Keep bringing in those pennies! downtown Hamilton. Jewish quotas kept him out of the action. the farm east end of the city. You Me Gallery during the month You can help! Why not donate that stash “My father ran Ricks Auto of October, was designed to make Team members and residents recently And the shopping trip to get all medical school. “They did very nicely in the back of pennies that is just taking up space? presented a Bridal Fashion Show at Service from 1947 until 1953 and visitors feel like they had just crossed Our friends from Columbia International those necessaries could always Bromstein’s father, Frank too. If you were looking for some- Shalom Village. Some of the beautiful Drop your pennies (or any other change!) then moved to Hess and Main to a threshold into someone’s home. Thank you Hustlers! College counted and rolled more than be topped off with dinner at the Dorsen, operated a shoe store on body’s husband you could usually Thank you to everyone who supported gowns were provided by the participants, in any of our Penny Jars to support our start Hamilton Motor Car,” Lorne The couch, the comfortable chair, the Resident Possibilities Fund. 14,000 pennies Chicken Roost. King Street for many years, taking find them in the back of one of the the 11th Annual Hannukah Hustle on while a number of vintage wedding Richter recalled. “His father was a old-fashioned television, the framed th dresses were on loan from the collection That world has been gone for son-in-law Larry into the business delis,” she recalled. November 18 . You help make active blacksmith at McNab and Cannon photos, the artwork, were just some living a reality for our residents and of the Hamilton Players Guild, thanks to almost half a century now, but the as well. Of the entire cast of downtown and my great-grandfather was a of the elements that invited a closer community members over the age of 70 volunteer Enid Aron. memory of those days lives on “In that era people came from characters, however, few were who rely on The Club fitness centre at In the photo above, Kathy Lawrence with the children and grandchil- all over the region to shop down- more colourful than Max Mintz, carriage maker on Cathcart in look, or questions about who was assists Shirley Levine with her veil. Shalom Village every day. dren of the Hamilton Jews who same area. in the photograph and where it had Shalom Village wins Spectator started those stores and brought “We’re sitting with my great- been taken. Readers’ Choice Award life both to the city core and the grandfather, grandfather’s father, “It’s meant to represent the Reminder to Card Donors Jewish community. “Downtown was fabulous myself and my children being collective living room of the Jewish Readers of The Hamilton Donation levels for Shalom Village cards start at $18.00, and are available A collection of those descend- the fifth generation in the wheels community of Hamilton,” said Rich- Spectator have recognized in a variety of denominations including Chai, Double Chai, Silver, Gold ants gathered recently to record then. You could go for a walk business.” ter, the project coordinator of Work- and Platinum. Postage is included and payment can be made by cash, Shalom Village with a Diamond Jordan Livingston Furs is another ing Family Stories and Treasures, an Award in the Nursing Home/Long some of their memories as part of cheque, Visa, or MasterCard. Due to rising costs, $10 tribute cards are no the Working Families Project. example. The firm was acquired by initiative undertaken to capture the longer available. Term Care Centre Category of the there for hours. The shops Bella Muller (née Zucker), for the Livingston family in 1940 and work-related stories of the Hamilton 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards. Sending Shalom Village tribute cards is a wonderful way to acknowledge example, remembered the days were individual and beautiful, when its downtown home was Jewish Community. Initially conceived life’s milestones, and all proceeds support the Resident Possibilities Fund Thanks to everyone who voted for when her mother and aunt oper- expropriated for Jackson Square its by Lyn Center and Kathryn Petersen, at Shalom Village. Shalom Village! ated competing delicatessens on it was someplace special.” store moved to Burlington and its it evolved into a broad-based part- opposite sides of York Street and factory and storage vaults moved nership with Shalom Village, the the tantalizing aroma of corned east. community’s Jewish schools, local The loss of Hamilton’s class of artists, and a core group of volun- What they’re saying about Shalom Village beef wafted up and down the roadway. town,” he remembered. “The king of the Chicken Roost. independent Jewish merchants teers. The collection of artwork, Thank you “I wanted to let you know personally how impressed I am with your very caring “York Street smelled like corned repeat business we had was Mintz came to Hamilton in 1948 has come at a cost for the commun- stories, photographs and interviews Grateful thanks to the families of Kenneth staff. beef because there were so many phenomenal and on Boxing Days with his brother Benny. They’d ity as a whole. from a bygone era’s scrap families, Beatty, Gerald Quitt, Leon Price, Helen In particular, Thea Em has been consistently responsive, efficient, and highly Jewish delis,” Muller recalled. sales we’d have women lined up learned the restaurant trade work- “One of the big issues with the downtown merchants and farming Yellin, Reva Gelber, Catherine Powell, supportive of my mother, and of me, especially over the past several months while “Downtown was fabulous then. around the block looking for a ing for their father in his eatery The Jewish community today is the community, drew hundreds of visitors Harry Korman, and Edythe Feldman for my Mother has been recovering from an acute health episode. Shalom Village lack of Jewish business. There isn’t during its three week run. requesting donations to Shalom Village in shalomvillage.ca You could go for a walk there for bargain.” Chicken Palace, but thought they Your staff is obviously happy in their environment and that creates a general sense a lot of Jewish business out there,” For those who missed the exhibit, lieu of flowers. 70 Macklin Street North hours. The shops were individual Downtown Hamilton offered had some better ideas. of caring and well-being that inspires confidence. Living in Toronto and making Lorne Richter said. “Jewish busi- a website is in the works with a tenta- Memorial donations support the Resident Hamilton, Ontario L8S 3S1 and beautiful, it was someplace more than just its core of hard The Chicken Roost quickly trips to see my mom once or twice a week, I have every confidence knowing that P: 905-529-1613 F: 905-529-7542 nesses are the ones that financed tive launch date of January, 2013. Possibilities Fund at Shalom Village, my mother is in exactly the right place…that she is in an excellent living situation, special.” working Jewish families living became the place to eat in Hamil- E: [email protected] and supported all the Jewish infra- “The website will have a section making many special programs and surrounded by caring individuals who make a positive difference.” In the days before a faceless above their stores. There was also a ton, especially for the Jewish services possible for our residents. structure and all of our infrastruc- where people can submit stories and ~Resident’s daughter brick mall and a steel tower erased cadre of colourful characters living merchants. much of downtown Hamilton on the fringes of the law and the “All the Jewish boys came in at ture today is suffering because photos,” said Richter. “There will be in the name of “urban renewal,” community. noon hour to discuss the world,” largely we have professionals and a how-to section, lesson plans and Making possibilities possible Jewish businesses were scattered People like the Pickle Brothers Mintz recalled, adding he also they don’t have the disposable workshop plans so if other people throughout the city’s core. For -- Max and Barney Bloom – who attracted his share of celebrities income to be able to give to our want to do this they can. community. We struggle because For more information email work- HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 many of the merchants, operating Lorne Richter remembers “running over his 38 years in business – a small family-owned business around the street helping people including entertainers such as Mae of that today.” [email protected]. 16 17 Profile Special Mentschen

Family Jewels: Meet the Thorogood family from Simcoe Lives Remembered HELEN YELLIN Story and photo by wendy schneider, the Hamilton Jewish News Born August 7, 1922 in Hamilton. Died September 15, 2012 in Hamilton. Our cause is the The cast: Bill (44), Dana (40), Nigel (9), some food in the crockpot and is back on Natalia (8) and Evan (6), Layla, the dog, a the road at 2:30 p.m. to be back in time for It’s September 1926. black lab and two cats, Sheldon and JJ. dismissal. By the time they get home, it’s an The streets of many major cities in North America are swelling early dinner, followed by dance or swim- with immigrants, mostly from Europe. Those who have come to Jewish people The Home: a sprawling ranch house in ming classes. Then home, bath and bed for Canada have two things in common: they want a better life for Simcoe, Ontario. the children by 8 or 9 p.m. Dana is awake their families – and most don’t speak English. reading most nights until 2 a.m. “I can read My mother, born Helen Annie Zucker, has just turned four the Occupations: Bill is a physician with a three or four books a week.” month before. Her five-year-old friends are already in kinder- family practice in Delhi and an anesthesi- Bill wakes up at 6 a.m., feeds the animals, garten and for whatever reason, she wants to go too. ologist at the Norfolk General Hospital in wakes and feeds the children and gets them So she marches down to the school and tells them she wants Simcoe. Dana, a teacher by profession, is a ready for school. “I try to have them ready to to enrol. They ask: What’s your name? (Easy) Where do you live? stay-at-home mom. go by the time I leave to go to work.” Some (Also easy). What are your parents’ names? (Not a problem).

days he arrives home by 4 p.m. Others, at 6 Then the big one: How old are you? Without missing a beat, she Dana’s bio: Dana was raised in Simcoe p.m. Seven nights out of the month he’s on looks them straight in the eye and says: I’m five. And where are to a non-practicing father and a Catholic call. your parents? They don’t speak English. That’s enough for the mother. At the age of 15 she began read- school. She’s enrolled. ing about Judaism and Jewish history. At Community: The Thorogoods make the So began what I believe is a lifelong love of learning. She university, where she majored in history, “I hour-long journey to Hamilton monthly on enjoyed reading so much that by 11 she had read every single ended up reading a lot about Europe and the Friday nights for the Temple’s Family Shab- book in the children’s section of the Hamilton Public Library. Join Jewish National Fund Jews.” Over the years, Dana continued her bat with the Jam Band, as well as every Satur- But nothing came close to the movies, sneaking out of school on for our independent study, that included taking an The Thorogood Family (from l to r): Bill, Natalia, Dana, Evan and Nigel. day morning, when their three children Thursday afternoons in favour of the latest flick — preferably a Annual online Hebrew course. Two years ago she myself and my family was something I could had their Beit Din last May followed by a attend religious school.Bill: “Getting the kids love story. contacted Temple Anshe Sholom’s Rabbi learn and continue learning through my mikvah for the entire family. up on Saturday morning and dressed and Maybe it was because of her love of reading or the movies or a Jordan Cohen, and asked if it were possible life.” ready so that I can drive them for an hour to combination of the two that my mother became a fabulous story- Tu Bi’Shevat for her to attend a Shabbat service. “I ended Family reaction: Every week through- do Saturday morning school is a challenge teller. She could talk about anything – a story she heard on her up going to a Saturday morning children’s The Meeting: They were set up on a blind out the year-long conversion process, the ... but when we get them there they enjoy it. beloved CBC, a recipe she had used for the first time or a book she service and it was amazing. I saw all the kids date in 2000, by Dana’s aunt, who worked Thoroughgoods would stop in Brantford At the same time, Bill attends a Torah study had just read. FAMILY FESTIVAL asking questions in the middle of the service in the lab where Bill was a physician. Dana on their way to Hamilton to drop off their class. “It’s a real commitment,” said Dana. She used to tell stories of my grandparents growing up in Sunday, January 27, 2013 Tu Bi’Shevat – The “B’Earth Day” of the trees! and they were answered truthfully and with said the minute she saw him, she knew he three children at Bill’s father’s home. Several “We can’t just pick up and go to Hamilton. Poland – having never set foot there – but describing them and from 1:00 - 4:00pm respect and I just thought, ‘OK, I’m here. I was the one. As they were shaking hands, hours later they would pick up their sleeping We have to make a plan.” their surroundings as if she had lived there all her life. Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum - Cost: $30 per family, $10 per individuals. Each member of our family has his or her own favourite story at the Nature Interpretive Centre (NIC), Parking is $1 per hour and must be paid finally found where I’m supposed to be.’” she said to herself, “Yep, that’s him.” children and carry them into the car. “My 20A Old Guelph Road, Dundas, ON at the gate. that she used to tell – many of which revolved around growing up father was very supportive,” said Bill. Dreams: Bill: “to travel to Israel early next Join us for a fun-filled family festival of activities, hot chocolate, games, on York Street or my grandmother’s delicatessen. Bill’s bio: Bill was raised in Brantford, to The Children: Nigel was born 10 months “My mother had warning,” said Dana. “Since year.” Dana: “for my kids to be happy.” food and hiking. Have fun with your children, enjoy nature, celebrate She told me she learned how to tell these stories at the home non-practicing Protestant parents. “My after their wedding. In 2004 they travelled to I was 12 I didn’t feel I was Catholic.” That and learn together all about the original Earth Day! parents believed religion was something China to adopt Natalia, then 12 months old. her mother has come around to accept her God: Bill: “Intuitively yes, but my relation- of her uncle Srlka – the other Zuckers. It was there, she said, that my brother and I should come to on our In 2007 they returned to China and came daughter’s decision was made quite clear ship with God is evolving.” Dana: “Yes. It’s each child was told to stand up and talk before eating dinner. This own as adults ... They introduced us to the home with Evan, then 15 months of age. when she presented her daughter with a always been there.” storytelling ability may have been the reason why she was chosen Christian denomination ... but they didn’t Chanukah menorah for Christmas last year. to host the Yiddish Hour on CHML when she was 15 and many push anything.” After meeting Dana, and The conversion: In September 2011, Happiness quotient: On a scale of one to years later was featured in the Jewish Hamilton Project. curious about her passion for the subject, he the Thorogoods enrolled in a program, Daily routine: Dana leaves the house 10, Bill says he’s at a nine. Dana said she’s at a She told us that when she was growing up, it was in a home started to read about Judaism as well. co-sponsored by Temple Anshe Sholom, every morning at 8 a.m. to make the 40 six. What would it take to push that number that was freilach and warm and full of love – where they had “We were learning in parallel ... it appealed Temple Sha’arei Beth El in Oakville and minute drive to Brantford, where her chil- up? “To move out of Simcoe and to be more many discussions on history and current events, listened to to me that in Judaism, there’s a requirement Misissauga’s Solel Congregation, for people dren attend a small, independent school. involved in the Jewish community because music and talked about the movies. It was this kind of renaissance upbringing that she brought to the Yellin household. to keep learning. What I really wanted for considering conversion to Judaism. They Then she turns around, drives home, puts I can physically be there.” Please RSVP in advance ■ By phone to 905-527-5516, or toll free to 866-527-5516 ■ By email to [email protected] My mother lived life to the fullest – but she also had extreme heartbreak. The death of my sister Louise at age six had a profound effect on my mother. No matter what kind of unhappy event took place in my life, she told me nothing was worse than losing a child. But it did get worse The Best U Can Be! when my brother Paul died 12 years ago. At that time, she stood up and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem gave a eulogy about her two children and a heartfelt analogy about their loss as jewels – without a note in her hand or a tear in her eye. People sat in awe listening to her story and feeling her strength. Helen and Reuben Yellin at their engagement party Growing up, my mother always told us she had the best kids – or at least most of the time. She loved her daughters- in-law and her new son-in-law. She was crazy about her grand- Music, Dance, Art, Law, Politics, Business and More! children and their spouses and adored her great-grandson Aaron. Her sisters, Esther Alexander and Bella Muller, were her closest friends. When I think of my mother’s passing I think of that last beauti- FINANCIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE ful scene in the Ghost and Mrs. Muir. It’s at the end when an aging Mrs. Muir dies and is greeted by the hand of the captain that she English One Year, Semester, Summer and Graduate Programs in Israel reverts to her young self. When I think of this scene, I think of my mother being greeted by the hand of my father and turning into CONTACT: Moshik Galanty • [email protected] that beautiful couple in their wedding picture. And I think: it’s just the kind of love story my mother would have liked. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Susan Yellin is a writer living in Toronto. 18 Tel: 416-485-8000 • www.cfhu.org/students 19 20 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DECEMBER 2012 PROOF save save save .50 $ All references to any savings claims (ie. “Save”, “was”, “1/2 price”, etc.) Is in comparison to our regular retail. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Some franchise and and franchise Some quantities. limit to right the We reserve retail. regular our to comparison in Is etc.) price”, “1/2 “was”, “Save”, (ie. claims savings any to references All

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