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VOL. XLVII NO.7 PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY APRIL 9, 2021/27 NISAN 5781 NEXT DEADLINE APR. 16, 2021 16 PAGES

HOW TO REACH US - PHONE 860-442-8062 • FAX 860-540-1475 • EMAIL [email protected] • BY MAIL: 28 CHANNING STREET, NEW LONDON, CT 06320 Jewish FilmFest still Opposites who succeeded – opposites! That’s what they accepting sponsors were. It’s not unusual for emissaries to be paired together who are completely different. I know you’ve heard this from me in previous articles, but that is always the plan. The more different they are the more they complement each other. The Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut (JFEC) is proud to They are each other’s strengths present eastern Connecticut’s 27th Jewish FilmFest (JFF), which will and weaknesses. However, that run from Thursday, May 6 - Sunday, June 27, 2021. Please visit jfec. doesn’t mean it doesn’t take com for a full line-up of this year’s movies, FilmFest information and speakers, as they are announced. This year’s features include movies niche together. It takes time and from Israel, Italy, Germany, and the U.S.A. patience.some work Sometimes till they findit theireven If you are interested in becoming a JFF sponsor, information about takes a blow-up or two. I have to say, though, Sagi and Amit rallied. They persevered. They website or contact 860-442-8062 and a sponsor packet will be emailed l-r 2015-16 Young Emissary Amit Horovitz, JFEC Ass’t Director sponsorship levels and benefits can also be found on the Federation endured and they succeeded. to you. Don’t wait too long, as we will begin publicizing sponsors in the Marcia Reinhard, and Young Emissary Sagi Zazon. April 23 Leader as well as on the JFEC website. Ultimately, they had a great year The well-being and safety of our community continues to be our By Marcia Reinhard, JFEC Ass’t Director full of unique experiences, new top priority during this pandemic. This year, our 2021 FilmFest will Sagi and Amit! Two of the most opposite people you could friends, wonderful host families ever imagine. She was quiet and reserved. He was boisterous and and memories to last a lifetime. comfort and safety of your home. Our highly anticipated Q+A sessions energetic. She was a planner and a thinker. He was a “Fly by the Seat of His Pants” kind of guy. Night and Day, Oil and Water, Hot and Cold withbe virtual, guest speakerswhich offers will alsothe opportunitybe accessible to through screen the all Zoomfilms platform.from the OPPOSITES CONT. ON PG 10 The beauty of screening this year’s festival virtually is the viewer’s I remember when I first ability to watch the movie at whatever time suits their schedule. Viewers will have a 72-hour window during which they will be able ANALYSIS: Israel is far from a civil war to watch the feature. As we get closer to the opening weekend of By Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post see the right; let us strive on to Thursday-Sunday, May 6-9, when LOVE IN SUSPENDERS opens the Israel, thankfully, is not in the FilmFest, registration and login information will be made available. grips of a civil war, and President up the nation’s wounds...”) Reuven Rivlin – while popular – finish the work we are in; to bind Talks on Iran deal is no Abraham Lincoln. to what ordinarily is a banal Yet Rivlin decided to end his announcement:It was a dramatic whom flourish the short speech April 6 tasking president is mandating with begin in Vienna forming a government. Generally, By Times of Israel Staff & Agencies Netanyahu with the job of this is a rather straightforward formingPrime a government Minister by Benjamin quoting decision: It goes to the head of to bring the United States back into the foundering 2015 nuclear from Lincoln’s brief Second the party that garnered the most dealOfficials they signed from withfive world Iran, apowers delicate began diplomatic a new danceeffort Aprilthat needs 6 to try to Inaugural Address delivered on votes in the last election. balance the concerns and interests of both Washington and Tehran. March 4, 1865 – just a month Russia said talks got off to a “successful” start, with the US expected before he was assassinated – as the US Civil War was winding partBut of thisthe time,country as Rivlinwas hoping, hinted in the White House. down. otherin recent considerations days and as acould significant come to join indirectly for the first time since President Joe Biden’s arrival “With malice toward none; into play, such as the moral his predecessor Donald Trump to withdraw from the landmark President Reuven Rivlin speaks stature of the candidate leading agreement,Biden has which said was he supposed is ready to to ensure reverse that the Iran 2018 never decision developed of in the right; let us strive on to at the Plenary Hall. during the party that garnered the most a military nuclear program. with charity for all; with firmness the swearing-in ceremony of Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Vienna-based envoy to international up the nation’s wounds,” Rivlin the 24th Knesset, at the Israeli the Likud. organizations, said Tuesday’s meeting between those parties still in said,finish notingthe work that we arethese in; towords bind parliament in Jerusalem, April votesLike – a Benjamin host on a Netanyahu reality game of the deal was “successful” though it would take time to restore the appeared in the 1977 victory 6, 2021. (photo credit: ALEX agreement. speech of his “teacher and guide” KOLOMOISKY / POOL) will expire in just a few months, show, Rivlin, whose term in office “How long? Nobody knows. The most important thing after today’s ANALYSIS CONT. ON PG 11 meeting of the Joint Commission is that practical work towards (Lincoln’s original achieving this goal has started,” he tweeted. addedMenachem God intoBegin. the mix: Since the US withdrawal from the 2015 deal with Iran and the “With malice toward -- CELEBRATE -- reimposition of sanctions on Tehran, remaining parties China, the none; with charity for Yom Ha’atzmaut / Israel Independence Day UK, France, Germany and Russia have been struggling to save the right, as God gives us to April 15 -- See page 3 for details TALKS CONT. ON PG 11 all; with firmness in the 2 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 Helen Mirren to play Golda Meir in upcoming film ‘Golda’

By Gabe Friedman, JTA only female prime minister,” according to a report in Deadline, “Golda” to ever lead Israel,” Nattiv said in It’s a Meir moment. will focus on the turbulent Yom Kippur War period. a statement. “Nicholas Martin’s Academy Award winner Helen Mirren will portray Golda Meir, Along with the rest of Israel, Meir and her all-male cabinet were brilliant script dives into Golda’s Israel’s only female prime taken by surprise by the attack on the eve of the holiday in 1973 by minister, in an upcoming faces a deadly surprise attack biopic set during the Yom chronicled in the recent acclaimed Israeli production “Valley of Tears” duringfinal chapter the holiest as day the of the country year, Kippur War. Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian forces. The ensuing bloody conflict — a core of delusional generals Production on “Golda” the time in an embattled region. undermining Golda’s judgment. will begin later this on HBO Max — shattered the nation’s growing sense of confidence at He added: “I could not be year, according to The more excited to work with the Hollywood Reporter. neo-Nazis“Golda” that will hebe later directed made by into Israeli a feature. filmmaker Guy Nattiv, who won legendary Miss Mirren to bring The news follows the“As 2018 someone Academy who Award was forborn best during short the for Yom “Skin,” Kippur a film War, involving I am this epic, emotional and complex the announcement last story to life.” month of another star- powered production honored to tell this fascinating story about the first and only woman on Meir, a series titled “Lioness” led by Israeli actress Shira Haas of Beth El New London Fundraiser “Unorthodox” fame. While “Lioness” will Zoom Shabbat Dinner Friday April 16 follow Meir from “her birth in Kiev to her Order now, before April 11th by Noon for delivery April 15th American upbringing in Milwaukee, her role in Helen Mirren arrives at the Berlinale the formation of Israel International Film Festival in Berlin, and her rise to become Feb. 27, 2020. (Thomas Niedermueller/ WireImage/Getty Images) the new nation’s first and Candle Lighting for Eastern CT area Friday, Apr 9 • 7:04 pm 20% of the sales are donated to Beth El New London Friday, Apr 16 • 7:12 pm Use Promo Code: NLShab20 Friday, Apr 23 • 7:19 pm Friday, Apr 30 • 7:27 pm Yosi Kitchen 860.688.6677 598 Hayden Station Rd, [email protected] Windsor Connecticut 06095 National Award Winner of the Council of Jewish of Jewish Federations as the Outstanding Small Cities Jewish newspaper. Published every other Friday for the dissemination of Jewish news and views by the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, 28 Channing ***For easier ordering, please create an account Street, New London, CT 06320, 860-442-8062. with Nala's Kitchen, including your credit card, Managing Editor...... Mimi Perl Layout Editor...... Jen Gault before you start your order. Social Editor...... Freida Katz President ...... Romana Strochlitz Primus Executive Director...... Carin Savel Mailing Volunteers...... Mimi & Milt Seed, Marlene Siegel ...... Gerald & Marilyn Rubin Energy Saving Windows & Doors! Advertising: Call Mimi Perl 860-442-8062 or [email protected]. ORDER FACTORY DIRECT! Advertising Deadline: Friday, April 16 for April 23, 2021 issue. Vinyl Replacement & New Construction Windows Editorial Content: Preferred receipt of editorial material is via email to [email protected]. 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Printing: The Republican, Springfield, MA Postmaster: Send address changes to Jewish Leader, 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320 Since 1946 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 3 Meet the cast of FAUDA – April 13 at 5:30 pm on Zoom Since its 2015 premiere, millions across the terroristsglobe have threateningclosely followed the thesecurity fictional of storythe Jewish of the Israeli unit commander Doron Kavillio as he fights Fauda. StateFauda, in thewhich award-winning is an Arab word Israeli meaning Netflix serieschaos and Hebrew slang for a mission gone wrong, aims to depict the two-sided story of the Israeli-Palestinian seriesconflict. portrays its characters as both human and Filmed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, this the political spectrum. deeplyZoom flawed, in with thus us and garnering meet the an cast, audience actor Yaakov across Zada Daniel, who plays one of the members of the

Konforty who plays Avihai, a member of the counter- terroristelite IDF unit anti-terror who is unitalways in theready show, to jump and Boazinto action. The stars will share their experiences on the show and answer questions from the host, Jewish

Cohen. FederationUse this of Newlink Bedford to register: Executive Director https:// Amir jewishfederationofgreaternewha.regfox.com/ fauda Community Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrations on Zoom April 15, 18, & 22, 2021 Celebrate Israel @ 73  Brought to you

Questions - contact Marcia at [email protected] or 860-442-8062 Thursday, April 15 at 7 pm Ͳ  A Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration with the Jewish Federations of North America & Partners in Israel We hope you will join us for this year’s virtual Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration, which will take place on Thurs., April 15 at 7 PM ET. This event will include a special farewell to Israeli President Reuben Rivlin and many other important moments in Israel's History. Here is the link: https://www.jewishtogether.org/yomͲhaatzmautͲ2021 Sunday, April 18 at 2:30 pm Fly With Us Over Israel! A Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration A virtual aerial tour of Israel with an ex-IDF Pilot who will share his family's story from their time in Eastern Europe during the Holocaust through their lives in Israel with many beautiful views. The link is: https://zoom.us/j/2821905841 Thursday, April 22 at 7 pm ͲͲ Getting Real on Israel An intimate conversation with Israeli actress and author, Noa Tishby. Register Now. To purchase Noa’s book Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunder- stood Country on Earth you can do so by getting online at - Barnes & No- ble, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, Target, Walmart, Indiebound, Powell’s or Amazon.

Once registered, you will get an email with a "Click Here" link to join the call on April 22. Just tag the email so it is easy to find it on April 22. 4 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021

The PJ Library Passover Kit keeps Jack, Kay, and Clare Reiter busy with activities. They’ve made the Passover Question Catcher, flowers to decorate their seder table and created the most beautiful matzah cover.

Israeli Foods Let's Get Cooking! Jackson from Lisbon enjoys the PJ Library Contact Barbara Wolfe at [email protected] Passover Kits as he proudly displays his Painting Jewish Federation of Eastern CT for Zoom Link, Ingredients, & Recipes Matzah and his Matzah Cover.

Hummus in a Bag Join Virtually Sunday, April 11th 10:00 a.m.

Yom Ha'atzmaut Israel Independence Day Begins at sunset, April 14th

Yom Ha'atzmaut, or Israel Independence Day commemorates the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948.

You can celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut by trying Israeli foods.

In Israel, Jewish people celebrate the day with fireworks, barbecues, and public concerts. Outside Israel, Jewish communities host parties and gatherings to celebrate. Often, the focus of these events is on Israeli culture, everything from classic Israeli foods -- hummus, falafel, schnitzel, and shawarma -- to Israeli dance, Israeli music, and all things Hebrew. People wear blue and white and wave Israeli flags.

No Bake Chocolate Truffles After a long COVID separation from Grandma, she finally gets On Your Own Recipe to visit and read the PJ Library books with her grandchildren, Jack and Clare.

joy. THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 5 hands a fully loaded syringe to “You don’t look too bad yourself,” she says, and hands the Seder By Sherrill meant for his own arm. plate to her father who is just beginning to read the Haggadah. Sherrill She motions to the old man, and Michael follow the service in their respective homes, taking their who takes the seat his wife has turn at reading. Artie vacated. emotion. In the past he’d been apt to lose focus, yet, on this night, he says to Michael as Sherrill the“And story the of Almightythe exodus afflicted seems them more with relevant plagues,” than Michael ever. “We’re reads living with Dean completes“Bless you the forlast your shot kindness,”of the day. through a modern day plague, aren’t we? When will we ever get our The head nurse looks on saying lives back?” he says to Sherrill when there’s a pause in the service. nothing, but when Sherrill and Sherrill nods. She takes a deep breath. She glances at the empty The Vaccination, Part 2 Michael passes her on their way chair at the far end of the table where her grandfather used to sit every From last week . . . to the exit the nurse pats her on year to conduct the service. How strange it seems to have lost him to At the other end of the clinic a similar scenario is playing out. “Hey, the shoulder. “I know it’s hard, the virus. And to think Grandpa never left the house without a mask. Sherrill,” the director of nursing says. “We’ve got a couple of extra but you did the right thing. You’ll The Seder continues well into the night. After three cups of wine, vaccinations left over. “In two minutes, one of them is yours if no one get your shot soon enough. Have else shows up and you want it.” a Good Passover.” out Elijah’s cup. “Redemption, it’s all about redemption,” he says. Sherrill blinks back tears, takes a deep breath. “Oh, my God! Of SherrillSherrill’s can barelyeyes are keep closed her eyesnow. open.Her head By now nods her in fatherrhythm is with pouring her course I’ll take it.” averting moist eyes. She blows breathing. “The whole world need’s redemption,” she mumbles as she She glances over at the other end of the clinic, searches out her herSherrill nose, readjusts nods, smiles her mask. briefly, We falls into a deep sleep. beloved Michael, sitting with his sleeve rolled up, a huge smile on can’t even hold a Seder together She dreams she’s a Jew in Egypt in Moses’ time. She’s supposed to his lips. Her heart is doing the Mexican Hat Dance in her chest as she except on Zoom. smear lamb’s blood on her door to avert the angel of death, but her contemplates the possibility of sharing a piece of wedding cake with Michael, wearing a fashionable elderly neighbor asks for her pail. She wants to say no, but a deep the love of her life. The head of nursing guides Sherrill to a chair. She black N95 takes Sherrill’s hand. sense of shame turns her mute. The neighbor returns her pail empty, rolls up her sleeve and waits, watching the clinic clock tick towards the He imagines a day when they’ll laughs and turns away. “Nooooo!” Sherrill yells. “I need it too!” She magical 5 pm in an all but deserted clinic: 4:58, 4:59….she closes her be able to burn their masks and wants to hide from the angel of death, but her legs no longer move. eyes and imagines luxuriating on the deck of an Alaskan cruise ship on be together without fear. So close. her honeymoon as icebergs bob in the sea. *** like thunder is saying with increasing power. She opens her eyes But then someone is shaking her. “Sherrill, Sherrill. . .Sherrill,” a voice That night Sherrill and expecting to see the Grim Reaper himself, but instead it’s her father. door explodes her reverie, shocking her back to the moment. Michael go home to their As she composes herself, the Zoom session winds down. Michael leads The“Bam! door Bam! swings Bam! open. The Asound middle of aged someone man appearspounding in theon thedoorway, clinic respective families and prepare a passable Chad Gad Yah off key, while everyone joins in the chorus. sweat on his brow, his hair disheveled, his features contorted. “Am I for the Passover Seder. Their Finally, the Seder is over. Sherrill climbs the stairs to her bedroom too late to get my parents the shots they signed up for? We went to the Seder tables look very much and tries to sleep, but the events of the last few days have shaken her wrong building.” He holds the door open and the heads of an elderly alike: Matzahs, wine, charoset, to the core. She can’t stop thinking of Michael and her hopes for the couple appear. “Are we in the right place?” a white haired woman says a lamb shank, and of course the future. She wants to live a normal life. She wants to be married, but in a trembling voice. Passover Seder’s essential laptop how can they without gainful employment? Somewhere around two “We’ve waited a month for this chance,” says her husband. “Can computer. At 8 pm precisely am she drifts off. Her dream of ancient Egypt begins immediately. She someone help us?” Sherrill logs on. stands on the banks of a river running red with blood. A robed man is Sherrill glances to the other end of the clinic where Michael sits with Michael is waiting. “You look speaking of the Plagues to come. While he looks like Charlton Heston his eyes closed and his shoulder exposed, waiting for the approaching very beautiful on a computer in the Ten Commandments, when he speaks he sounds instead like Dr. nurse who wields an uncapped needle like a magic sword. 5:03 reads screen,” he says, pouring a glass Anthony Fauci. the clock on the wall. of wine. Sherrill’s eyes bulge. Her mind reels, the icebergs in her daydream To be continued. . . sinking beneath a tempestuous sea. She lifts a trembling hand and opens her mouth to speak… Contact Barbara Wolfe at And now Part 2… [email protected] for Zoom Link Her mind reels as the images of an imagined honeymoon cruise dissolve. She glances towards Michael at the other end of the clinic, Jewish Federation of Eastern CT still waiting for his shot. Even though he can’t hear her voice he can tell by the look on her face that their dreams of a carefree wedding On Your Own may be premature. For a moment she thinks of escorting the elderly couple out of the Backyard Scavenger Hunt clinic, making them another appointment. After all their appointment was for 5:00, not 5:01, not 5:02, not 5:03. Besides the director of nursing Lag B'Omer already promised me a shot. Begins at sunset, April 29th In Jewish tradition, we count the 49 days between SheBut clearsthe stress her throat.on their “Step faces right gives this her way, pause, sir. theYour son’s parents eyes are cowed just the second night of Passover and the beginning of inwith time. fear—afraid I’ve got one to beshot turned right away here forready such to a go.” small She mistake. rolls down her Shavuot. This is called S’firat Ha’Omer (“The Counting of the Omer”). sleeve and rises from her the chair. On the 33rd day of counting, we celebrate the holiday of Lag B’Omer. The old lady stares as Sherrill fastens the button at the wrist. “Thank you,” the old lady whispers as the two exchange places. Hiking is a popular activity on Lag B'Omer. Even if the parks are closed, families can She nestles in the chair and shuts her eyes, her lips mumbling a silent enjoy nature in their own backyards. This scavenger hunt adds a Jewish twist by prayer. Then Sherrill rolls up the old lady’s sleeve and alcohols her connecting to the story of creation in the Torah. shoulder. “May God be with you always,” the old lady says. Sherrill smiles and wipes her eyes with a tissue. She delivers the “Lag” is an abbreviated combination of two Hebrew letters that, according to shot she thought would be her ticket to normalcy. In a few moments Hebrew numerology, add up to the number 33.Lag B’Omer is traditionally Michael is by her side.” Sherrill glances at him with apologetic eyes. “Michael, I couldn’t… celebrated with great joy. Jewish sources offer a range of opinions as to the I’m so, so, sorry. You’ll have to…” origins of this joy.

“Give up my shot, I know, I figured when I saw you getting up.” He 6 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 Discovering elemental flavors of Russian cuisine By Carol Goodman Kaufman easier travel. Farmer’s Cheese Pancakes Darra Goldstein’s latest book, One more reason: Goldstein’s grandparents came Recipe makes 12 • Repeat with the remaining Beyond the North Wind: Russia Ingredients: batter.lightly on all sides with flour. in Recipes and Lore (Ten Speed grandparents, they never talked about their life 2 egg yolks • Carefully transfer the patties Press), is a beautiful volume therefrom Beylorussiaother than that and it Ukraine. was very As hard. with She many regretted of our • 2 cups (1 pound) tvorog or farmer’s cheese*, to the pan and cook them with lyrical writing, stunning that lack of knowledge. Consequently, she became homemade or store-bought slowly until the undersides photographs, and tempting fascinated by the country, its history, its culture, and • are browned, about 3 recipes. It opens with the author • minutes. place, not only the tragic • Scant 1⁄2 cup sugar • Turn with a spatula and its food. But she wanted partsto explore of its the history. nuance of the • Pinch3⁄4 cup of floursalt cook until the other sides So, this professor of • A1⁄2 tablespoon teaspoon or baking two of powder heavy cream (optional) are browned, 3 to 4 minutes Russian and culinary • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter more. history and founding editor • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • Serve immediately, with sour of Gastronomica went • Sour cream, for garnish** cream. north to the remote village *For all those lactose- Teriberka and east to the Preparation: intolerant Members of the Tribe, Arkhangelsk region for an • In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks into the farmer’s cheese is 99% lactose “authentic” Russia. farmer’s cheese, then stir in the sugar. free! Now, to the food that • **We didn’t feel this addition she found there. Not all powder, and the salt and add to the cheese was necessary. The pancakes are the recipes in the book are mixture.Mix together If the 1⁄2 mixture cup ofseems the flour, dry, addthe bakinga little just perfect the way they are. completely authentic, as heavy cream. the author has added some • Place the butter and oil over medium-low heat twists to suit her taste, but in a large nonstick skillet and melt the butter. all speak “Russian.” And • SEND YOUR some of the ingredients SUBSCRIPTION called for may be hard to • WithSprinkle your the hands remaining or a spoon, 1⁄4 scoop cup flour out about onto 2 a WITHOUT IT, THERE tablespoonsplate and dust of yourthe batter hands and with set some the moundflour, too. on CAN BE NO been widely available for JEWISH LEADER yearscome now, by. While raw milk kefir may has • Use your hands to gently shape it into a round require a visit to a local pattythe floured about plate. 2 inches in diameter and coat it setting the scene at 200 miles says are used to keep pickles crisp, are there for the dairy farm. Black currant leaves, which Goldstein innorth winter. of the She Arctic writes Circle that — she “at in your yard. (You can also use oak leaves whose wasthe literal“deliberately ends of thechasing earth” the — hightaking tannin — if you content happen works to have in a blacksimilar currant way.) bushAnd Stories that Survived past” to go beyond the Russian precisely 350 dandelion blossoms for the dandelion dining with which most of us syrup? You may want to enlist some children to Join us for the first in an are familiar: the Russian Tea engaging community Room imperial cuisine and sprays. Make a contest out of the hunt! education series showing the stereotypical proletarian Soviet gather this particular item in a field free ofPear chemical and strength and resilience of fare. She was in pursuit of “the Carrot Relish. Russians use it both as a colorful Holocaust survivors. accentI tested to a fourroast recipes. and for Up afternoon first was tea.the While the traditional Russian cuisine.” elemental flavors underlying ingredients, I found it cloying. Perhaps cutting Marlene W. Yahalom, PhD. relish was certainly easy to prepare with only five the coldest places on the globe? the amount of honey in half would make it more Director of Education, But why winter, in one of palatable, unless you, as Russians obviously do, like American Society for she had spent a “very good” things really, really sweet. Yad Vashem summerSeveral reasons. month Thein Russiafirst is thatbut The Twenty-Minute Pickles, on the other hand, realized that what came to mind were so good that I’ve made them three times and child and grandchild of when thinking about “Russia” already. Made with Persian (mini) cucumbers and a Holocaust Survivors shares her was winter. (Perhaps it was those tablespoon of vodka (this is Russia, after all!), they family’s personal story. icicles growing on Omar Sharif’s are both easy to prepare and quite addictive. And no moustache in Dr. Zhivago.) So, “in black currant leaves required. order to write a balanced book,” Joel gobbled up an entire batch of twelve of the she says, “I needed to go back in Vatrushki winter, to get a sense of place, with a sweetened farmer’s cheese. Russians enjoy May 3, 2021 with the white nights and the these pastries (less with one breakfast, for me), tea, a sweet and snack bun filledtime expansiveness. To see all the food caveat 7:30 PM │ via Zoom │Register at www.JFEC.com/Calender they had put up in the summer. with this recipe is that you don’t need a full pound To see what the markets were of— whichfarmer’s is exactlycheese. what One Joelseven-and-a-half-ounce did. The only Please Note New Date │ This Event is Free of Charge like in the winter. package is more than enough. The second reason is that the When I asked the author to recommend just one Rose & Sigmund Strochlitz Holocaust Resource Center of the places she wanted to visit are recipe among the dozens included in the book’s more easily accessible in winter. 300-plus pages, Goldstein didn’t hesitate. Her top Unlike summer, with its rutted choice: the Farmer’s Cheese Pancakes. So, it was and potholed roads, or spring back to the dairy case. And absolutely worth the with its unrelenting mud, winter trip. These round, little delights were both easy to roads are covered with a smooth prepare and scrumptious, golden and crispy on the surface of ice and snow. Hence, outside, sweet and creamy inside. 28 Channing Street • New London, CT 06320 • 860.442-8062 • jfec.com THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 7 Hadassah News Dialogue on the Diaspora President’s Message A Hadassah Project exploring our Jewish roots around the world.

by Karen Bloustine Each edition will feature stories about Jewish history and culture in countries of the world. This edition features Australia and this introduction on the history and population of the Jewish Diaspora. “Taking on Hatred in America” - The Charlottesville Case Jewish population in Israel and the Diaspora On March 11, I watched Hadassah’s program in its series called By Sheila Horvitz Romans decimated the Jewish “Taking on Hatred in America”. It featured Amy Spitalnick, the Executive Throughout most of our history, Jews have lived scattered outside community and renamed Judea of Israel in the Diaspora, as a stateless people, but they have still had as Palestina to obliterate Jewish which she founded, and which is now spearheading the only lawsuit to a continuous presence in the land of Israel for the past 3,3000 years. takeDirector on the of a violent small non-profit white nationalist agency, movementIntegrity First that for perpetrated America (IFA) the Jews the world over have the same language of prayer and culture Israel. attacks in Charlottesville shaped by the heritage and religion passed through generations identificationAround the with1st century the Land CE, an of in 2017 - Sines v. Kessler. estimated 5,000,000 Jews lived outside Palestine, but they still starting with Abraham - around 1800 BCE. Amy Spitalnick after their exodus from Egypt and the conquests of Joshua around looked to Palestine as the center Amy described The descendants of Abraham founded a nation in about 1300 BCE of their religious and cultural life. her background as a The Jews migrated to Europe and grandchild of Holocaust 1250 BCE. The rule of Israelites in the land of Israel starts with Joshua’s North Africa. In the Diaspora, Survivors. IFA is conquests and then the “Period of the Kings” from 1000-587 BCE. King they established rich cultural and dedicated to holding those DavidThey (1010-970 were driven BCE) out made of the Jerusalem Kingdom theof Israel Capital by ofthe Israel Assyrians and his in economic lives and contributed accountable who threaten son Solomon (970-931 BCE) built the first Temple in Jerusalem. to the societies where they lived. our democracy and our Yet, they continued their national commitment to civil rights 722 B.C.E. In 586 BCE, Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar’s army captured culture and prayed to return and equal justice. We are Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled the Jews to Babylon to Israel through the centuries. still a nation of laws that -modern-day Iraq. From 586 BCE forward, the region was ruled The chief centers of Judaism or controlled by a succession of superpower empires: Babylonian, shifted from country to country the white supremacists and neo-Nazis. Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and Christian crusaders, canIn fight August and 2017, win against hundreds of white supremacists and neo-Nazis conqueredOttoman Empire, Israel andin 63British C.E. Empire.In 70 A.D. they destroyed the Second invaded Charlottesville, Virginia. This was not a peaceful protest Temple.The MaccabeesThe Jews were conquered exiled Israeland dispersed in 166 BCE to -the and Diaspora. the Romans The - DIASPORA Babylonia, CONT. Persia, ON PG Spain, 13 but, rather, a meticulously planned conspiracy to bring violence to Charlottesville -- the result of months of online organizing, fueled by racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and The Jews of Australia and My Australia other forms of hate. By Leslie Spees Australia and World War II As a child growing up in a Chicago Australia played an important “Jews will not replace us” suburb, I was greatly impressed and On August 11, they marched with torches and surrounded a group of students and community members on the University of Virginia outbreakrole in Worldof the War war, Ii fighting9,000 influenced by the Rabbi of my reform campus. White supremacists pushed, punched, and threw lighted Germany, he was a Holocaust survivor who Jewishagainst refugees Nazism. found Before asylum the in synagogue, Frank Rosenthal. Born in torches. They chanted “Jews will not replace us,” “blood and soil,” and lost his entire family. He made it to the Australia. Australia was one of 32 “this is our town now.” US, married, and had two daughters. One countries at the Evian Conference On August 12, these white supremacists, and neo-Nazis marched became a Rabbi. called by President Roosevelt in military-style to Emancipation Park, shouting racist, homophobic, I did not lose any family members to July 1938 to resolve the sudden and anti-Semitic slurs and carrying swastikas and other Nazi symbols. They charged through a line of interfaith clergy. They attacked and families immigrated to America before the after Kristallnacht and the the Holocaust. Both sides of my parents’ assaulted countless citizens. After police dispersed them, James Alex Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1906. Germanflood of refugeesAnnexation which of Austria occurred in Fields Jr. drove his car into a crowd of peaceful protesters, killing In conjunction with Hadassah’s Henny 1938. 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injuring 19 others. Simon Remembrance program on April 11 - Seeking Refuge: Shanghai At the Conference, no resolution was reached. President Roberta (Robbie) Kaplan who sought refuge in other countries around the world. I chose to Roosevelt declined to take a stand & Beyond, we are writing about the history of Jews in the Diaspora write about Australia because it has become a second home to me. My and let restrictionist opposition of their services that are worth millions of dollars to bring this case to son Adam met his Australian wife Ann here in Noank, CT. They now carry the day. Australia’s chief trial.Prominent The court lawyers has rejected from fivethe majordefendants’ law firms efforts have to donated block the hours suit live in Australia with my two grandchildren Hugo and Scarlett. First, and trial is scheduled for October 2021. One of the lead lawyers in I will tell you about the history of AUSTRALIA CONT. ON PG 12 the case is Roberta (Robbie) Kaplan. Robbie is the founding partner the Jews in Australia and then my of Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP. She has been selected as one of “The experiences visiting Australia. Hadassah Eastern CT Year,” as “Lawyer of the Year,” and as the “Most Innovative Lawyer of We’d love to hear from you. The100 MostYear.” InfluentialIn 2013, her Lawyers” landmark in the victory United in States,United as States “Litigator v. Windsor of the in theThe 18th first century. Jews After to arrive England in Please feel free to call or write. lostAustralia America were in 1776, British they prisoners needed legal victory in the battle for marriage equality. a new place to house prisoners ● President: Karen Bloustine [email protected] brought down the Defense of Marriage Act, landing the first major 860-326-6377 ● Membership: Moira Ross [email protected] Never Again in America 1841 there were enough Jews in ● Donations: Treas. Vicki Seroussi 2 Mitchell Ct With this lawsuit IFA is taking on the leadership of the violent and chose Australia in 1788. By Norwich, CT 06360 white nationalist movement and sending a clear message that violent and it was completed by 1878. ● Cards/Certificates: Kim Fischburg [email protected] 860-608-9223 hate has no place in our country - that Americans will not give in to OtherSydney than to build Israel, the Australiafirst synagogue is the violence and hate - and we will ensure this never happens again. only country in the world whose Follow us on Facebook founding members included Jews. 8 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 Little things create the biggest memories 1. After a while in the community my host family went out of town and as a result I wanted to have another Where are experience and stay with another family in the community. That’s when they now?

the picture and, very kindly, offered meBarry a place and Cecile to stay. Feldman No doubt came it intowas a great experience because, as I’ve learned, it’s the little things that create a big difference, whether it was watching a Lakers game together or playing basketball in the backyard. Those little things are the ones that stay with you. 2. In the second part of the year an offer came to me to go to a shooting range with a member

After clearing it with Marcia (who clearedof the it community, with JAFI and Barry my parents) Weiner. Amit and Sagi at the New London Rotary in April 2016. of course I said yes, because every By Sagi Zazon, 2015-16 Young Emissary great adventure starts with saying that simple word. That day started a tradition during When I look back a few years there is no doubt that Passover at The Novicks with The Kaye Family too. L-R one of the things I will remember always is the decision the year and a wonderful connection that lasts until today! Emmerson Kaye, Ryan and Ethan Novick, Regan Kaye to apply for the Young Emissary program of the Jewish and Sagi. Agency. The decision was a great one and then the I cannot go on without talking about my two host entire process started with tests and interviews and a families and I will use this platform to give a huge organize and play basketball with the guys at shoutout to them: First the Sackett’s: was a rare opportunity for me to meet and connect with Ella, Kelly, Daniel, Yarden and Yalley more people, some of whom I would have neverBeth met El. Itif and next, the Novick’s: Caryn, Steve, not for this activity. Ethan, and Ryan! There is no doubt Working outside of our little community also that through today they are both my gave me the chance to meet new people through families and always will be. As far as presentations at the public schools and other venues I’m concerned, I have gained in my life like Rotary Clubs. These presentations made it possible two mothers, two fathers and 5 more for me to extend my reach to people to this day. brothers. After this wonderful year I returned to Israel to I stayed with The Sacketts from start a program of a degree before my military service the beginning of the year until almost April and the time with them was just priceless. Whether it was hanging out in which I have earned a BS degree in Mechanical at home, cooking dinner, or playing Engineering at Ort Braude College in Karmiel. During basketball with the boys, the simple that time, in my final 18 months, I also worked as a act of doing even the smallest thing chocolatestudent in factory. a chocolate and pretzel factory in my field Amit, Sagi and West Hartford YE Edo Shiloh at the Middletown Rotary. with my family was just a moment andRecently fulfilled I everyhave started little kid’s my dreammilitary of service working in inthe a meeting in June 2016. to remember, simply because they Technology and Maintenance branch of the IDF as an were in the picture. One of the things lot of pressure; thinking about whether I’ll get in or am I remember the most was a moment where I asked Daniel I just having a lot of hopes and dreams. And then step to teach me a little bit of piano; and because I don’t have andEngineer. will have By earned the time the you rank will of Lieutenant read this and I will started have the ability to do these things, I got roasted for the next myfinished way inmy the process IDF. of becoming an officer in the IDF “You are in!” three hours which was pretty funny and something I will I hope all of you are well, especially in these by Istep cannot I moved even forwarddescribe until the screamsI finally gotand the thrill memo, that always remember. It may sound silly but It’s one of my confusing times and I hope that COVID-19 will soon be went on that day because I knew I was going to be a part fondest memories. of something lifechanging, in an amazing community. With the Novick’s, I think one of the things that I life. Not long after that I also learned that my partner for the am most remembered by is the fact that the sofa in the gone, and we will all finally wake up again to a normal ride would be none other than the one, the only, Amit basement was literally my crash zone. Every time my head want to hear from you! So, please feel free to use any Horovitz. platformMoreover, you Ican miss think you ofguys to reacha lot and out. most You definitelyare more After a long time of more training and learning moreover, one more thing that was very memorable to than welcome to contact me through Facebook – SAGI metouched was thethat fact sofa that I just on Father’sfell asleep; Day, it I iswasn’t that leftsimple. out andBut we arrived in the community! Not a long time passed ZAZON or through my email at [email protected]. before we started making memories together, starting was treated by Grandma and Grandpa in the same way Stay safe and well! Miss you guys and hopefully we with the simplest things like schmoozing and talking, all will be able to see each other again soon. the way to creating a lifetime of memories. I’ll elaborate was concerned, that told me that I was truly a part of this Love, family.Ethan and Ryan were. That was the final proof, as far as I on two of them: Sagi Zazon One of my favorite things to do in the community was Young Emissary 2015-2016 ECT THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 9

Personal connections create lasting memories By Amit Horovitz, 2015-16 Young Emissary and the fabulous people I met there who became my family: I boarded the plane in New York on my way home to The Goldsteins (Lori, Israel,It’s heading been less back than for fivea few years months from of therest momentbefore I was assigned to start my military service. To be honest, beBruce, part Andrea,of their Thanksgiving and Hillary) I should be writing 500 words about; I did my two years were my first family. I got to ofnot service, much happened extended since for an then, extra definitely eight months, not something moved joined them on a trip to to Tel Aviv, came back home because of Covid-19 and Floridadinner over (my the first winter ever) break. and I am so thankful for them to I’m studying Psychology and Computer Science with have welcomed me in as a part began my first year at the University of Tel Aviv where of their family and shared with back to Tel Aviv, as the campus is about to open after me so many unforgettable an emphasis on Brain Science. Right now, I’m moving moments. I had a lot of fun times with Hillary, who was home and later on, back in

trip as a soldier. Then I was ableIsrael, to joinedshare my her life Birthright with her Amit and Sagi with all the SSA students. as she shared hers with me. Upon returning to the as a Jew. community after my two and a half weeks in Israel in memoriesOne of andthe definitelyreasons addedI wanted more to layers join tothe my Emissary identity February, I arrived at the doorstep of Sue and Tabitha program was my previous time abroad. When I was in high (Tabby) Hainline. Sue couldn’t have been kinder and school my family relocated to San Diego for two years. My warmer helping me to make the transition from the Amit and host mom Sue Hainline at Block Island. schoolmates came from all around the world, and I was Goldsteins’ to Israel to my new home. I was introduced the only Israeli. During my time there I was asked if there have my classes on campus for on the ferry and got to experience many new adventures withto their them. family The Easter second traditions, half of traveledmy year to with Block Sue Island and Passover and I’ll finally andare booksIsrael in general.Hebrew that aren’t the Bible and heard a lot aboutthe first my time. life in the present, I thought maybe I should of misinformationAs an Israeli aboutEmissary the IsraeliI was – ablePalestinian to share conflict my was so happy to have been accepted as a member of the Because I have nothing too interesting to share experiences on different occasions inside the community family.Tabby was a great continuation of the first half, and I on my life, my identity, my thoughts, and my beliefs. during Café Dilemma (as one example) and outside I was lucky enough to have almost a third host family writeService about year, my yearthe Israeli in the termcommunity for our and optional its influence year of volunteering before heading to the army, was something and Andrea) While they were not I always wanted to do. Most service years take place - the Weiners (Cindy, Barry, Erica in Israel, and the volunteer work focuses on youth at many hours and days in their risk, agriculture, people with disabilities and more. home.my host From family a Passover officially, seder I spent to I always thought this is what I was going to be doing traveling around Newport and as well, volunteering in a youth center or at a boarding Cape Cod, the Weiners were so school in Israel, but when I was introduced to the Young loving and welcoming, it really Emissary program I decided to apply. When I learned I felt like home. got into the program, to my amazement and excitement, Marcia, the most amazing the road to becoming an emissary had begun. I met the wonderful group of emissaries in the SNEC region and helper I could have asked for, later on was partnered with Sagi Zazon, an emissary theCoordinator, wonderful mother coworkers figure and with a big personality, lots of energy and enthusiasm. site mentors who helped and We couldn’t be more different, but we quickly learned supported me throughout the how to combine forces and work together. The seminars year, the friends I made and we had before leaving Israel opened my eyes to topics the whole community – you I never thought about and as we were getting closer to made each memory, experience, adventure, and event become learn more and to meet the community. so much more. I had so many our flight date, I was getting more and more excited to wonderful experiences with so of different religious streams in Judaism. In Israel, Thanksgiving Day with The Goldstein Family - outside playing in the leaves. many fabulous people in our theThis only year form was of thereligious first time practice I experienced I was familiar the variety with community. You all know who was Orthodox. Experiencing Conservative and Reform you are. Thank you for the many services, religious schools and other celebrations and the Jewish community, during our talks with a variety kindnesses you showed me and experiences you shared events including visiting a Reconstructionist Synagogue of audiences. This experience challenged me and my with me. during a community trip to New York City led by Rav opinions as a person and as an Israeli. Most of all it helped Writing this article has brought up so many Julius, made me realize that there are many shades to memories and emotions. I miss you all and would love what I thought of as black and white. I feel now that complexity of lives in Israel from afar - talking about wars, to hear from you via email amit.horovitz16@gmail. Judaism is so much more than what it was for me militaryme become service, more terror aware alarms of the asdifficulty well as of coexistence explaining andthe com or WhatsApp (Marcia has my permission to give before – it’s complex, personal but also communal. I am status quo. you my number) still secular but spending so much time in synagogue Of course, what has stayed with me the most from my during my year in Connecticut left me with wonderful time in Connecticut is the personal connections I made Amit Horovitz Young Emissary 2015-16 10 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 OPPOSITES CONT. FROM PG 1 MORE PHOTOS OF EMISSARIES met Amit and Sagi with their families. I was traveling in Israel in the her son, David. Jerry and I were invited for an amazing dinner at the homesummer of ofRon 2015 Peleg’s with familyJerry Fischer, along withNancy Amit Butler, and Renee Sagi’s Kohanski families. andWe talked about many things – not the least of which was the upcoming year for Amit and Sagi. Jerry and I answered all their questions, offering helpful strategies for the year ahead. Meeting them at the home of Michal and Yuval Peleg was brilliant as their daughter had been an emissary in 2011-12 in Worchester and their son, Ron, (whose article was just in the last paper) was traveling in the states after just completing his year with us. Who better to host a dinner for the families of two new Young Emissaries? A couple of days later, Sagi met us in Tsfat where he took on the role of “tour guide” since Tsfat is his “hometown.” He made our visit to Tsfat even more meaningful. Meeting Amit and Sagi in Israel got us off to a great start and we couldn’t wait to be together again when they arrived in Connecticut. They were ready to put their many months of seminars and training to work. Outside a restaurant around Clinton on Fast forward to the fall of 2015 and Amit and Sagi were off and Mother's Day. Sagi with Ryan (front) Ethan running. In September I took them to The Taste of Mystic where they and Caryn Novick. got to experience a New England street fair complete with pirates in costume. At the end of the month, we had The Young Emissary Welcome combined with The Harvest Supper for Sukkot – a tradition Sagi with SSA students 2015-16 that had started a few years earlier. They went to the many religious schools around the community, met the students at Solomon Schechter Academy in New London where they worked a variety of hours four days a week, planned programs for Jewish Community High School every Monday night and attended High Holiday services at both Temple Emanu-El and

Sukkot at Temple Emanu-El Religious School and an interactive PJ Congregation Beth El. I recall their very fun Israeli Dance activity for El. It was fascinating to me how the difference in their personalities madeLibrary the Tu programs Bi Sh’vat programthey created, a few unique months and later diverse. at Congregation Beth- They gave a plethora of presentations at multiple schools and Rotary Clubs throughout the year. At the end of the year, they went to the Middletown Rotary Club with the emissary from West Hartford, Edo Shiloh. All three of them made quite an impression on everyone in the room. The Goldsteins, The Sacketts, The Hainlines and The Novicks were wonderful host families for Amit and Sagi. They welcomed them warmly and made them feel part of the family, including relationships with grandparents and other extended family. Amit and Sagi often looked for new ways they could bring Israel to our community – including just by being themselves and meeting new Amit with SSA students 2015-16. people. Sagi brought back something that had fallen by the wayside: never-give-up attitude, and with the help of Ian Frommer,The Beth-El they Men’s got enough Basketball guys Game.together Through to play Sagi’son diligence and, a semi-regular basis. Amit and Sagi continued the newly formed tradition for Yom Ha’Atzmaut; bringing our community together to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. They did a stupendous job and, once again, it was a “standing-room only” event. I remember as we were preparing the room for the big event, Gaby Schlesinger (of blessed memory) was right there, holding the ladder, offering suggestions, and assisting in any way she could. That was the beauty of Gaby - always with a giving spirit. To sum it all up, when our emissaries come, they are 18 years old. We know this. They are Before a Boston Red Sox Game - Sagi’s first young, impressionable, energetic, and eager time seeing a pro baseball game in person. to take on the world; certainly, to take on our l-r Sagi with Ryan, Ethan, and Steve Novick community and become a part of us. However, the styles in which they do this are never the same. Sukkot program at Temple Emanu-El Religious School. We must always remember to give them the room to be who they are, and we will watch them grow and blossom throughout the year. Amit and Sagi certainly did! THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 11 of a witch hunt against him and also in his failure to invite Netanyahu to his residence to receive the ANALYSIS CONT. FROM PG 1 nothing less than an attempted presidential nod, as is customary. built up the drama in his 11-minute speech, saying at one point that coup by the State Prosecutor’s It is also unlikely that Rivlin’s words, or decision, will do anything he did not think anyone would be able to form a government, leading to – as Lincoln put it – “bind up the nation’s wounds.” Rivlin stepped in and said The nation is split over whether Netanyahu is a saint who should then, in the third paragraph before the end, he dispelled the drama enoughOffice). is enough, that while continue serving as prime minister or a scoundrel who must be driven andsome essentially to believe said that he he had might no notother give choice. the mandate to Netanyahu. But there were many who did not What stood out in Rivlin’s speech was his insistence on sticking want him to give the mandate to will do nothing to resolve that issue or “bind the nation’s wounds” Netanyahu, based on moral and overfrom thatthat matter.office, and Rivlin’s tasking him with forming the government And in Israel of 2021, when the lines between the different branches ethical considerations, that was That’s the bad news. The good news is that in stark contrast to the ofwithin government the confines are ofoften his role,blurred, not appropriating there was something powers not downright his own. not his call to make – that it is situation when Lincoln delivered his Second Inaugural address, the up to the law, and the law says a issue dividing Israel – Netanyahu – is a long, long way from leading to “I know the position held by many, that the president should prime minister under indictment a civil war. notrefreshing give the in roleRivlin to staying a candidate clearly who within is facing the boundaries criminal charges,of his office. but can serve as prime minister. according to the law and the decision of the courts, a prime minister Rivlin said he was not a substitute can continue in his role even when he is facing charges,” he said. for the Knesset, which can change TALKS CONT. FROM PG 1 “The President of the State of Israel is not a substitute for the the law, or the judiciary, which legislature or for the judiciary,” he continued. “It is the role of the had an opportunity recently to agreement in the face of Iran stepping up its nuclear activities. overturn it but did not. Iran is demanding an end to the crippling sanctions imposed by of a candidate facing criminal charges to serve as prime minister.” Rivlin rose to the moment Trump. It has refused to meet US negotiators at the latest talks, KnessetThis wasto decide Rivlin on not the coloring substantive outside and the ethical lines, question as so many of thehave fitness done and set an example for staying meaning European players will act as intermediaries. recently. Delegates from the current members of the pact met Tuesday at a A legal pundit on one of the television news shows on Monday, also rise to the ideals laid out in luxury hotel in Vienna. Their discussions will continue on Wednesday, commenting on that day’s split-screen moment where Netanyahu was thatwithin Lincoln defined speech borders. he quoted? Did he according to a diplomat familiar with the talks. in court at the exact moment when the various parties were telling Yes and no. Rivlin whom they wanted to see as prime minister, said this was a case He did live up to Lincoln’s ‘Back on track’ where everything was having an impact on everything else: the public protests on the judiciary, the judiciary on the president, the president saying that he must do what was on the legislature. dictatedcharge to by be lawfirm, and as evident not anything by his WashingtonTwo expert-level and Tehran” groups to restore— on sanctions the deal, Ulyanovlifting and added. nuclear issues Rivlin sent a message in his speech and through his decision that in that would call into question the — The have US been delegation tasked is “to due identify to meet concrete in a different measures luxury to hotel, be taken also byin this drama, each branch of government has its role to play, and that the downtown Vienna, with EU negotiators acting as go-betweens. actors step beyond their boundaries at the peril of the state. even though many wanted him to “We need to make the best of this diplomatic space to bring the “This is not an easy decision on a moral and ethical basis, in my dointegrity otherwise. of the president’s office, JCPOA back on track,” said a tweet from EU diplomat Enrique Mora, mind,” he said. “As I said at the beginning of my remarks, the State of the chair of Tuesday’s meeting, referring to the pact by its initialism. show malice toward none was “Our clear goal is to return to full and effective implementation of am doing what is required of me as president of the State of Israel, notBut evident Lincoln’s throughout directive the to the agreement by all sides,” Mora said. accordingIsrael is not to tothe be law taken and for to granted.the ruling And of theI fear court, for myand country. realizing But the I speech. Rivlin obviously harbors Ahead of the talks, US special envoy Rob Malley suggested that will of the sovereign – the Israeli people.” no great affection for Netanyahu, the United States could be open to lifting sanctions and returning to For months and even years we have seen boundaries blurred: and what he thinks of the prime the deal, comments Iran government spokesman Ali Rabiei called the public and the media trying to get the judiciary to press charges minister serving another term “promising.” against Netanyahu, the legislature contemplating laws to overrule was apparent not only in the the judiciary, the judiciary stepping on the toes of the legislature, the words of his speech – “This is not of correcting the bad process that had taken diplomacy to a dead end,” executive – in this case, Netanyahu – undermining the authority of an easy decision on a moral and he told“We reportersfind this position in Tehran realistic on Tuesday. and promising. It could be the start the judiciary (see, for example, his speech Monday night complaining ethical basis, in my mind” – but purity, well beyond the threshold set by the deal. RabieiIran confirmed reiterated in Iran January was itready was enrichingto reverse uranium the steps to it 20 had percent taken OUR PROGRAMS FOR April: as soon as all sanctions imposed during the Trump administration are lifted. Jewish Education Theology and “We do not accept a step by step approach,” he said. Information (JETI talks) –Wednesday Eves: -4/21: David Fryburg; The Science of Chesed ‘Complex process’ -4/28: Dr. Simeon Kimmel; Infectious EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali warned of a “complex process” ahead. Diseases “We are at the beginnings of a complex process and it is premature Shir Shabbats with Musicians in Residence: to anticipate an outcome to this process… We do what is necessary to -4/9 @ 7:30 w/ Marcia Reinhard -4/16 @ 7:30 w/ Cantor S. Cohn Massrali said “joint efforts must be made” to see “what sanctions move forward,” she told reporters at a press briefing in Brussels. -4/23 @ 6:00 w/ Roz Etra & Faye Ringel can be lifted and how to settle the nuclear issue.” elsey Davenport, director for Non-proliferation Policy at the Arms -4/30 @ 6:00 w/ Cantor Rubenstein Control Association think-tank, said the lack of direct Iran-US talks was not ideal but added that the EU was well situated to break the Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Kideckel stalemate. --(1st & 3rd Thursdays) would inject “much-needed momentum” into the process. Washington,She called for for a “boldexample, first could step byunfreeze both sides” Iranian which funds she held hoped in All are welcome! Call to participate in foreign banks and facilitate humanitarian trade, and Tehran could stop any of our programs! enriching uranium beyond the levels agreed to in the 2015 accord, said Davenport. “The problem is all the irreversible things, like the research activities Tehran has undertaken,” the diplomat pointed out. 12 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 that would have required Israel system. congregation-based, Melbourne has many Jewish day AUSTRALIA CONT. FROM PG 7 to relinquish territory captured schools, colleges, and education centers. after the 1967 War. In 1911,Besides new immigrants from Eastern Europe helped form the Jewish Cultural Center and National Library “Kadima,” which became a Jewish Life center of Yiddish culture. In addition to its collection of Yiddish books, Australia’s Jewish population they also have many educational programs and activities. is now the ninth largest Jewish community in the world at about My Visits to Australia 113,200. About 90 percent of the Jews in Australia live in the cities in 2001. After living in North Stonington, they moved to Goolwa in theMy Statefirst tripof South to Australia Australia was in for 2010, my sonnear Adam’s Ann’s family.wedding It wasto Ann an and Perth. Melbourne has over 46 adjustment, but they now have a beautiful home on the water and a percentof Sydney, of the Melbourne, Jewish population Brisbane, in the country and Sydney has 39 biking. My grandchildren, Hugo 15, and Scarlett, 13 are thriving. I percent. havegood visitedlife. The there family every enjoys year outdoor and have sports learned - sailing, a lot surfing, about Australia.kayaking, There are 81 synagogues in Australia. Melbourne and the least fertile soils. It has a landmass of 3 million square miles and its suburbs have over sixty Australia is the oldest, flattest, and driest inhabited continent with congregations. Australian Jews are still attached to their European roots. The Conservative The Great Synagogue in Sydney - and Reconstructionist interior and exterior and Synagogue movements have yet to take root in Melbourne pictured lower right. there. The Jewish community in Melbourne is generally more delegate Colonel T.W. White declared “as we have no real racial orthodox. The East Melbourne problem, we are not desirous of importing one by encouraging a scheme orthodox Hebrew Congregation of large-scale foreign migration.” In contrast, Aboriginal leader, William is the oldest synagogue in the city Cooper, a few weeks after Kristallnacht in 1938 condemned the cruel and was built in 1877, at the same persecution of the Jewish people by the government of Germany. time the oldest congregation in the country in Sydney was completing construction of its As part of the British Empire, Australia was among the first nations synagogue. I have visited the withto declare the Allies. war on They Nazi foughtGermany. in campaignsBetween 1939 against and the1945 Axis nearly powers one orthodox Great Synagogue in acrossmillion Europe, Australian the men Mediterranean, and women servedand North in the Africa. armed As forces a proportion fighting Sydney. It is heritage--listed of its population, the Australian Army was ultimately one of the largest and located on Elizabeth Street Allied armies during World War ll. 61,000 Australians lost their lives in Sydney’s Central business in battle. district opposite Hyde Park. It was designed by Thomas Rowe Leslie's family - her grandson Hugo surfing - her daughter-in-law and built from 1874 to 1878.. Australia Support for Israel Ann and her son Jeff and granddaughter Scarlette. In December 2014, Australia and the United States sided with One of the most notable Israel’s security when they were the only two countries on the UN features of Jewish life in a population of 36 million. Immigrants now account for 30% of the Security Council to vote against a Palestinian statehood resolution Melbourne is its Jewish Education population, the highest proportion in any country with a population over a million. Most of the people live in urban areas. A large portion of the population lives along the temperate southeastern coastline. Australia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. I have traveled to various parts of Australia including Sydney, SERVICES TECHNOLOGY. • Daily Minyan • Shabbat Services trainAdelaide, ride theup a Great mountain Barrier to Reef,an outdoor Gold Coast, Aborigines Brisbane, Museum. and Melbourne. In Sydney, I have visited Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef, a Rain Forest, a TRADITION. • Holidays I stayed right near the Opera House and visited the Zoo, Aquarium, TORAH. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS famous bridge. I have visited the orthodox Great Synagogue in Sydney. BotanicalIt is heritage- Gardens,-listed and and located took a on beautiful Elizabeth ferry Street ride in Sydney’s right under Central the Congregation Beth El is • Educational Presentations • JETI (Jewish, Education, Theology and welcoming new members. Information) talks by local speakers AUSTRALIA CONT. ON PG 13 During this time of Covid • Lunch & Learn with the Rabbi our congregation is more SOCIAL EVENTS active than ever through the • Distanced Holiday Gatherings safety of Zoom and offers a • Musical Events Since 1919 Southeastern Connecticut’s Oldest and Most Respected Jewelers wide variety of options for • Curbside Meal Offerings Diamonds ❖ Watches ❖ Crystal everyone. • Schmooze Before & After Zoom Events Fine Contemporary & Antique Jewelry Custom Jewelry Design ❖ Expert Jewelry & Watch Repair Estate Jewelry Bought & Sold

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JOIN US – WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU! 262 Boston Post Road • Utopia Centre 860.442.0418 • [email protected] • bethel-nl.org Waterford, CT • (860) 442-4391 Monday - Thursday 10:00-6:00 ❖ Friday 10:00-7:00 ❖ Saturday 10:00-4:00 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 13 and, they mean business during DIASPORA CONT. FROM PG 7 AUSTRALIA CONT. FROM PG 12 a pandemic, and even during normal times. The borders to the France, Germany, Poland, Russia, and the United States Diasporas. business district opposite Hyde Park. It was designed by Thomas Rowe 6 areas in Australia were closed. Jewish communities gradually adopted distinctive languages, rituals, and built from 1874 to 1878.. South Australia where Goolway is and cultures. Some assimilated themselves into their non-Jewish located did very well. Sydney and environments more completely than others. While some lived in Abrigines Melbourne had problems due to peace, others became victims of periodic expulsions and violent anti- At the National Museum, I learned about the history of the Aborigines cruise ships, travelers, a higher Semitism. who arrived in Australia 65,000 years ago. They now make up 3% of the Australian population and their history has some similarities to density of population, and city activities. There were very large groups: the Ashkenazi Jews who immigrated to Central and Eastern our Native Americans and how they have been treated. Laws that Europe,By the the Middle Sephardi Ages, Jews the who Jews settled had in divided Iberia intoand North distinct Africa, regional and have since been repealed controlled the population and culture of the aborigines and created a legacy that was called “Stolen Generations”. Other examples of their health fines if youpolicies did are not the cooperate. very high First Temple. price of cigarettes and the Mizrahi Jews who remained in Babylon after the destruction of the the many checkpoints immigration to the US and back to Israel from Arab countries and where all drivers Europe.In the During first halfWorld of War the 20thII, the century, Nazi regime there in were Germany major decimated waves of undergo breathalyzer about 6 million Jews. In 1948, the Declaration of independence of the tests. Consequences for drinking and driving are forces left Israel -May 14, 1948. Further migrations from Arab states, expensive and serious. Europe,modern Stateand theof Israel Soviet was Union announced altered on the the distributionsday that the last of BritishJewish Everyone has health populations around the world. insurance. When you go While world Jewry reached a population of 16.6 million right to the doctor you swipe before the start of World War II in 1939, the current worldwide your insurance card population of Jews stands at 14.7 million. According to a report by and your credit card for a small payment. This to the population of world Jewry in 1925. eliminates all the time Israel’sIsrael’s Central 6.7 millionBureau Jewsof Statistics make upin April45 percent 2020, this of thefigure world is similar total. and paperwork spent on Some 5.2 million Jews were born in the country, while about 1 million insurance forms. While are natives of either Europe or the Americas, as well as about 293,000 our minimum wage in of Africa and 164,000 of Asia. America is under $8 The United States has the second-largest Jewish population with per hour and politicians 5.7 million, followed by France at about 450,000 and Canada at some 392,000. Next is the United Kingdom (292,000), Argentina (180,000), Waterfront of Goolwa from the deck of Spees home. it to $15 per hour, in Russia (165,000), Germany (118,000) and Australia (116,000). Australiaare the fighting minimum over wage raising is In 1948, on the eve of the establishment of the State of Israel, the In 1975, the Racial Discrimination Act was passed which makes it $17.00. At a restaurant, there are number of Jews in the world was 11.5 million, including 650,000 unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his or her race, no taxes and no tip. The price in pre-state Palestine. As of April 2020, there were about 89,500 color, descent, national origin or ethnic origin, or immigrant status. you pay for the meal includes Holocaust survivors living in Israel, with some 31,000 over the age of It makes racial hatred unlawful. In 2008, the government of Australia everything and the waiters make 90 and more than 800 over 100 years old. Some 15,170 survivors died made a national apology to the aborigines’ Stolen Generations. $17.00 an hour. in 2019. In contrast, the story in See the chart comparing world Jewish population between 1980 Goolwa the US has been completely and 2018. I have visited Goolwa, South Australia 10 times for 6 weeks each time. My last visit starting February 8, 2020 turned into a 5-month different with politics and personalities interfering with science and affecting our health spendstay due time to with Covid. my There family. were Goolwa no flightsis 1 1/2 coming hours south into Australia of the city and of consequences. Now - with new Adelaideno flights My going son’s out. home Looking in Goolwa back, located it was aon wonderful the ocean opportunity has access to to a leadership and the rollout of the bike path that goes through town and along the ocean past their house. vaccines, I am becoming more There is a constant stream of bikers, walkers, strollers, and so many hopeful. Thank goodness for dog walkers. I even became a dog walker on two occasions with Moka, Zoom, Facetime, and email so I can a long hair Jack Russell. keep in touch with family, friends, Nature the world, and particularly, my Every time I visit Australia, I am in awe of Nature. It is so different family in Australia. there and so beautiful. In the winter, the rolling green hills are covered

ofwith Paradise, sheep, cows,bushes and of kangaroos.Rosemary, Theall kinds bushes of andgum flowers trees. I are love different to visit  than ours due to the climate. Roses are abundant. You can find Birds

Lifethe wineries with Covid to see fields of vineyards and pink almond trees in bloom. I felt so safe in Australia compared to what I found when I returned to the US on July 2, 2020. We wore masks there, used hand sanitizer, and could go about our 136 Sachem Street lives. The schools were online Norwich CT 06360 for just a couple of months. The Memorial The Jewish Leader needs your help... Australian Prime Minister spoke 860-889-2374 Subscriptions have gone out... without your response we cannot to the public every day on the Fax 860-886-2396 meet our financial obligations... PLEASE SEND your subscription news. Australia has universal in as soon as possible... THANKS for your help. health care for every citizen 14 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 Richard “Rich” Mallove Flory Jagoda, flame-keeper of New London - “The measure of a man is in the lives he touched.” It is with very heavy hearts that we share the traditional Sephardic music, dies at 97 news that Richard Mallove passed away March 25, 2021, too soon for the many family By Ryan Di Corpo, Washington Post Post. “I played it from Zagreb to and friends who loved Split. That little accordion, which him and were loved by brought the traditional ballads of her Sephardic ancestors and the I still have, saved my life.” (The melodiesFlory Jagoda,of the Ladino a Bosnian-born language guitarist,to American and audiences accordionist through who conductor was so charmed, she Rich was truly a proud performances and recordings, died Jan. 29 at a memory-care center in recalled, that he neglected to ask sonhim. of Born New Sept. London. 29, 1957, After Alexandria, Va. She was 97. for her papers.) graduating from New The cause was complications She was soon reunited with of dementia, said her daughter her parents in Split, and later Obituaries London High School, that same year they were sent Class of 1977, he was a Lori Lowell. In an early life marked by the Italians with hundreds of other Jews to an internment for 20 years, and recently by war, persecution and camp on the Adriatic island of retiredpipefitter from at theElectric Mohegan Boat dislocation, Mrs. Jagoda said she Korcula. They spent two years on Sun Hotel. He was a familiar and found comfort in her heritage the island, until being released in friendly face, well-known all and the teachings passed down 1943, and from there she made over New London, as a volunteer by her maternal grandmother Of more than 82,000 Yugoslav grandfather Morris’ footsteps), in the kitchen at Elks Club dinners, village of Vlasenica. Jews,her way anto Bari,estimated Italy. 15,000 servingfireman onat thethe F.L. board Allen of Hook the Harborand Ladder House Company condominium, (following strolling in his — herIn nonaaddition — in tothe Sephardicmountain Jewish culture, her nona taught survived the war, according to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Peace and greeting everyone with a big smile and always enough time her the centuries-old Ladino Museum. More than 40 members forthe aboardwalk chat. at Ocean Beach, officiating weddings as a Justice of the language, now a rarely spoken of her family perished. Rich was a lifelong New London Whalers fan, serving as a team Castilian Spanish dialect. She Flory Jagoda in 2002. (Tom Pich After the war, she found manager when he was at NLHS, and never missing the New London- also passed on the legend of Photography/NYC) work as a translator helping the Fitch Thanksgiving game; and he cheered for the UConn Huskies. A “La Yave,” the metaphorical key Americans at a salvage depot huge football fan, he volunteered as a high school referee and loved guarded by Sephardim that would one day allow them to return to watching pro games with his brothers Dan (rooting for the Seattle their ancestral homes after being expelled from the Iberian Peninsula in 1492 by order of Spain’s Catholic monarchs. sergeant, Harry Jagoda, whom After surviving an internment camp during the Holocaust, Mrs. shein Bari. married There in she1945, met fashioning an Army grinders from Supreme, Hughie’s Love Salad, lobster rolls at Captain a wedding dress from the silk of Scott’s,Seahawks) a long and dog Jim from(rooting Fred’s, for the Michael’s Green Bay Dairy Packers). on a hot Rich summer loved tuna day Jagoda married an American soldier and settled in Northern Virginia in the 1940s. Calling upon her memories of her nona, as well as her a parachute. and drinks and dinners with Jim all over town. Most of all, he loved He left for the United States spending time with his family, here in New London/Waterford as well the Ladino language. that December, and she followed as in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Toronto. considerableStarting in musical the 1960s, skill, sheshe andbecame a circle a preeminent of musical flame-keeper friends began of a few months later on a Red Cross Rich was a beloved son, grandson, brother, cousin, uncle and hosting lamb roasts and other gatherings where they sang traditional ship ferrying hundreds of Italian friend. Predeceased by his parents Harvey and Rosalind Mallove, Ladino music. Over the years, she became a regular at local folk war brides. Her parents joined he is survived by his siblings, Dan (Althea), Elise, Cathy (Martin), festivals, eventually touring the United States and Europe. She them two years later. Jim (Robin); nieces and nephews: Zach, Nate, Jake, Natalie, Rebecca, Mrs. Jagoda’s husband, who Hanukkah song, “Ocho Kandelikas” (“Eight Little Candles”), that was became a commercial and recorded five albums, released her own songbook and composed a residential builder and served Josh, Max and Kate; aunt Janice Balkan; former brother-in-law Jim recorded by singers including Idina Menzel. In recognition of her contributions to Sephardic music, the National as a bank director, died in 2014. MuralloBlechman; for many helping cousins; Rich live and so countless fully through friends. his illness, the amazing Endowment for the Arts named her a National Heritage Fellow in Their son Elliot Jagoda also died teamHis at heartbroken the Yale New family Haven is Smilow deeply Cancer grateful Center to Bob for Bliven their and compassion Heather 2002. She was the subject of the documentaries “The Key from Spain” that year. In addition to her (2002) and “Flory’s Flame” (2014). daughter Lori, of Woodbridge, having his back and Dr. Jon Gaudio and Dr. Constantine Manthous for Gerard Edery, a Moroccan-born guitarist and expert in Sephardic Va., survivors include two theirand care, big hearts. Leah Tanenbaum for her friendship, Kenny Baker for always music, noted the “simplicity and honesty” of Mrs. Jagoda’s music. “She A private family service was held Friday March 26. In lieu of was looking to pass on the tradition, as it were, almost more from an N.J., and Andy Jagoda of New York ethnomusicological place, even though she herself was just singing the City;children, six grandchildren;Betty Murphy of and Verona, four songs of her childhood,” he said. great-grandchildren. Newflowers, London, contributions assisted with can bethe made arrangements. in Rich’s memoryPlease visit to yourwww.byles. charity In her later years, Mrs. Jagoda of choice. The Byles Memorial Funeral Home, 99 Huntington Street, com to sign the guestbook or share a memory. how my nona sang,” Mrs. Jagoda told the NEA in 2002. “A lot of trills, convened Vijitas de Alhad, or lots“I of perform embellishments.” with a mostly very oriental Bosnian style because that’s “Sundays visits,” as weekly Flora Papo was born Dec. 21, 1923, in Sarajevo, where her father celebrations of Sephardic stories, was a nightclub musician. After her parents divorced, Flora lived with songs and cuisine. Participants, AUTO | HOME | COMMERCIAL | MARINE her mother and mother’s family in Vlasenica, and she later took the who included immigrants from surname of her stepfather (Kabilio). at homes and sang in Ladino. She moved with her mother and stepfather to Croatia and had L E V I N E several years of musical and dance training in Zagreb. Her stepfather Bulgaria,“I write Greece, Sephardic and Turkey, songs met to

bought her a harmoniku, or accordion, that she played with such continue my family tradition,”

INSURANCE GROUP, LLC fervor that she considered the instrument a friend, she recalled to the Mrs. Jagoda told The Post in Jewish Women’s Archive. 2002. “During the war, 42 people in my family were all thrown into ANDREW J. LEVINE Her life became one of harrowing uncertainty after the Nazi invasion of Yugoslavia in April 1941. Using fabricated documents a mass grave. In their memory, I Owner, Producer, 40+ Years Experience write songs about them, about Zagreb by train bound for the Adriatic seaport city of Split, which was holidays, about the legend of the 221 Boston Post Rd. 860-739-4444 Office thenprovided occupied by her by Italy. stepfather — and a non-Jewish name — she left key, the key they carried from P.O. Box 339 860-739-6861 Fax Carrying a single suitcase and her harmoniku, she entertained Spain.” East Lyme, CT 06333 [email protected] fellow passengers by playing Serbo-Croatian melodies. “My father said, ‘Don’t talk. Just play the accordion,’ ” she later told The Washington THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021 15 Suffering and God’s presence in history TEDDY WEINBERGER © 2021, Teddy Weinberger Why did God not act to prevent or to at least lessen the horrors was working for God” and that of the Holocaust? The most acceptable “answer” here is silence: We “Haman brings salvation to the and persecution. How comforting it would do not know the ways of God. This approach, however, presents a people of Israel.” have been for these Jews to think that their huge challenge to Jewish life after the Holocaust. How can we put a It is important to understand suffering is actually a sign that their salvation theological question mark over the period of the Shoah but then go is near, that all they have to do is use the gift back to the old traditions, rituals, teachings, and covenant? The answer Manovich’s talk is deeply rooted of their suffering to cry out to God, and that a inhere a traditionalthat the theology Jewish reflected approach in reversal of their fortunes must occur--just as to suffering, which can be traced it did in the Purim story. oughtis: Because to be wehumble have into, their because remarks life goes having on. to Of do course, with suffering this is not and a What are we to make of the use of this kind God’sterrifically presence satisfying in history--at answer, leastand itwhile seems there to me are that Holocaust Jewish survivors teachers of theology at a time when the Holocaust is still living amongst us. audience,to the Bible just and as would to the have Talmud. been still a living memory? Are we willing to say As an example of how Orthodox rabbis frequently preach about theBecause case with of the this, two Manovich’s respected that Hitler was working for God? Are we to be encouraged to think suffering as if the Holocaust never occurred, take a recent talk by rabbis that he quotes, would feel that the very existence of the Shoah signals that ultimate salvation is Rabbi Yoel Manovich, head of the Hesder Yeshivah in the Golan town free to think beyond the Purim drawing near? Who is prepared to accept such a trade-off? It’s true of Hispin. Rabbi Manovich was one of six rabbis to speak via YouTube story to their own time and place. that the Jewish people has faced catastrophic times in its history, and on a pre-Purim study session. He drew upon the work of two great The problem is that Rabbis Alter we have returned time and again to the type of theology expressed rabbis: Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter (Poland, 1847-1905), and and Rabinowitz worked in a by Rabbis Manovich, Alter, and Rabinowitz. Perhaps indeed we will Rabbi Zadok ha-Kohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (Poland, 1823-1900). completely different historical return to such theology in a century or so, when not only will there The basic message of Manovich’s talk was that when the people of setting than Rabbi Manovich. be no survivors among us but when there will be no one alive to Israel are in deep existential trouble, then that “trouble” is actually a Writing in 19th century Poland, have witnessed the brokenness of some of those survivors. For now, gift because once Israel truly cries out to God, they must be answered these rabbis were faced with whether on Purim or when faced with a crisis such as Covid-19, let’s and the situation will be reversed. It follows, therefore, that times a downtrodden, impoverished be very very careful in speaking about the redemptive quality of of trouble for Israel are actually times that signal that good fortune people who were subject to suffering. is just around the corner. Given this, Manovich says that “Haman frequent antisemitic violence Luxury hotel opening in Israeli desert By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c have private pools); gym and The Thailand-headquartered Six Senses hospitality chain chooses yoga studio with desert views; exotic out-of-the-way settings for its luxury hotels, resorts and spas

guestsNail Bar can for concoct mani-pedis; herb-based wine fromWhere Brazil is toShaharut? Vietnam. The Six tiny, Senses remote Shaharut, community opening – population on August less 5, scrubscellar; and and facial Alchemy masks. Bar where marks the brand’s first foray into Israel. A desert activity center 45 minutes north of Eilat near the scenic Edom Mountains. incorporates the Earth Lab, thanIt’s 200 a three-and-a-half-hour— sits on a ridge above drive the Arava from ValleyTel Aviv in theor Jerusalem,far southeast, or where guests can learn about the hotel’s sustainability initiatives Airport (which also directly serves several European markets) to reduce consumption, produce a 50-minute domestic flight from Tel Aviv to Ramon International followed by a 45-minute transfer. The cost of a one-night stay begins locally and support communities View from a poolside villa at Six Senses Shaharut.Photo by Assaf at just under $1,000, and some blocks of time require a two- or three- and ecosystems. Pinchuk, Photo Gallery by Six Senses night minimum. Guests will be able to groom For those who can swing it, Six Senses Shaharut promises a vacation and ride camels kept onsite, walk immersed in natural beauty, locally sourced food, pottery and textiles, through a date palm orchard and and a big emphasis on wellness and local experiences. enjoy “Cinema Paradiso” nights madeFrom from the natural moment fibers, an andelectric the food buggy is healthful, picks guests seasonal up fromand local the in an open-air amphitheater. The bottom— homegrown of the hill as muchto take as thempossible,” to reception, she adds. they’ll hear a specially “Grow with Six Senses” hangout composed desert soundtrack that is available in each room as well. ground;The 46-acre two of the resort’s units 60are suites wheelchair-accessible. and villas — plus a three-bedroom is available for younger guests The hotel will have limited capacity until the High Holiday season privateEverything reserve was — arebuilt separate from onsite structures materials, partly including submerged rough-hewn into the who may not want to join their parents’ adventures. delayed the opening of the hotel, which turned out to have some Nabatean Incense Route. Notwithstanding its multiple advantagesbeginning the in terms night of of getting September all the 6. extras Ben-Dror ready. explains that corona limestone“Equally and important flint, to be wasin harmony the involvement with this locale of alongthe neighboring the ancient swimming pools, Six Senses “We were supposed to open a year ago, when we had just planted community, Kibbutz Neot Semadar, the supplier of glass reinforced Shaharut aims to be a zero-waste seeds in our organic garden. Now it’s fully ready,” she says. concrete used for the project, and local carpenters, welders, masons hotel and has an onsite water- “Six Senses is an international brand with 19 resorts all over the and ceramic artists,” said architect Daniela Plesner. (The same kibbutz use adviser and sustainability world and another 25 in the pipeline, as well as standalone spas supplied building materials for the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem opened manager, says spokeswoman in 2014.) will have trainers from abroad to train the staff to deliver that level of A poolside villa at Six Senses Shaharut.Photo by Assaf Pinchuk “We provide vendors with service.”mostly in Asia,” Ben-Dror says. “We adhere to Six Senses standards and Photo Gallery by Six Senses reusableNaama Ben-Dror. packages for our food. “All interior walls are made from Tadelakt, a waterproof plaster We have our own composter. We Custom Tub & Shower surface used in Moroccan architecture,” Plesner continued. have our own water treatment Ruby Glass Enclosures plant and water bottling plant; no CO., INC • Design & Installation sourced to complement the unique weathered rock formations, plastic comes into the hotel,” she • All-Glass Enclosures “The furniture and fittings have all been carefully curated and SERVING SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT utilizing natural stone, wood and copper, inspired by the Edom tells ISRAEL21c. FOR OVER 60 YEARS mountains. The entrance and interior doors are custom made from “The core idea is reconnecting Expert Mirror Design & reclaimed teak rescued from disused boats, houses and footbridges.” with nature, wellness and FULLSERVICE GLASS SPECIALISTS Installation As for amenities, Six Senses Shaharut will have a main restaurant, sustainability. Wellness • Visit Our Showroom surrounds how you sleep and eat Senses Spa with hamam; 262-foot (18-meter) indoor pool, 80-foot as well as our crafted activities. 151 Jefferson Avenue • New London, CT 06320 (25-meter)cocktail lounge outdoor and poolsidelap pool bar(six andof the grill suites (not andcertified all the kosher); villas also Six We have Natural mat mattresses Phone (860) 442-0373 • Fax (860) 442-1356 16 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 9, 2021

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