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FULL DETAILS RELEASED THE BEGINNING OF JUNE! TEAM COMPETITION ~ 2 DIVISIONS GREAT FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT! December 2014 Broza highlights community Chanukah event at JCC

December 19, 2014 By ARLENE WIEDER

The annual community Chanukah event, held at the Uptown Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Dec. 15, featured Israeli-born musician David Broza, an inter- (photo by Barbara Kaplinsky) nationally-renowned talent who has been hailed as the “Israeli Bruce Springsteen.” JCDS students perform Broza fascinated and amazed the 200-plus audience gathered inside the JCC’s Mintz Auditorium. The entire multi-generational audience enjoyed this incredibly gifted at Pelicans game artist as he masterfully played his guitar, while singing December 19, 2014 many of the songs he has popularized for nearly four by Barbara Kaplinsky of JCDS decades. Broza’s first comments to the crowd expressed his Members of the Jewish Community Day School (JCDS) excitement on being able to return and perform in New performed “The Star Spangled Banner” on the center court David Broza performs at the JCC on Sun., Dec. 14 at the JCC’s Community Orleans. As he began singing his first set of Israeli songs, Wide Chanukah celebration. (Photo by Arlene Wieder) of the Smoothie King Arena on the first night of Chanukah, the audience sat mesmerized by his unique style of rhyth- Tues., Dec. 16, just prior to the match between the New mically placing his entire body and soul into the melodies, Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz. which he sang flamenco-style while forcefully stroking his Led by JCDS music director Lauren Gisclair, the students guitar. were smartly attired alike in white shirts and dark bottoms. “I am stopped by strangers who want to know what Many of the boys wore kippahs. The images of the students Latin country I come from?” Broza confided. He contin- singng the National Anthem were broadcast over the arena ued on, “I enjoy letting them know that I was born in screens inside the arena. Haifa.” During his teen years, Broza did live in Spain, but The event was part of “Jewish Education Night,” an event treturned to Israel at 18 to serve in the military. sponsored by the Pelicans organization. The Pelicans won the His professional career began in November of 1977 match, 119-111. when the Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat made his his- Earlier in the evening the students posed with Pelican point toric trip and stepped foot on Israeli soil. Broza explained guard Gal Mekel, the second Israeli signed to a professional that the entire country of Israelis believed that this trip NBA contract. Mekel, a 6-foot, 3-inch player weighing 191 would represent the start of a peaceful co-existence in the pounds, appeared in 31 games last season with the Dallas Middle East. He was so touched by the event that along Mavericks. Prior to joining the Mavericks, Mekel spent five with Yonatan Geffen he wrote his first best-selling song, years playing professionally in Israel, winning two Israeli Su- “Yihie Tov” or “It Will Be Good.” per League championships, as well as being named the 2009 He has performed this song at every concert since Latkes are handed out to attendees at the JCC’s Community Wide Chanu- Israeli Super League Rising Star award. He won the league’s its creation and he concluded this performance with the kah event. (Photo by Arlene Wieder) Most Valuable Player award twice in 2011 and 2013. same piece. At the end of his hour and a half-long concert Mekel was waived by the New Orleans Pelicans on Fri., Broza received a standing ovation from the audience. Dec. 19, a move that seemed to be born out of financial neces- This was the last event culminating the first Cathy (JCRS) and free books from its constituent program, PJ sity. Team manager Monty Williams indicated the team had and Morris Bart Jewish Cultural Arts Series, which ran Library. Young children enjoyed playing together and liked Mekel and what he brought to its game, leaving open the throughout November and December. taking part in activities that included face painting. possibility that he may be re-signed by the Pelicans at a later Chanukah activities included free dreydels for play, Following the concert latkes and condiments of apple date. Mekel, however, is free to make his own deal wherever games donated by the Jewish Children’s Regional Service sauce and sour cream were served to all in attendance. he can in the interim.

10 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com Introduction for Best of Spring/Summer 5775/2015:

hile researching back issues of the 1914-15 Jewish whopping 40%. Ledger for the Best of the Crescent City Jewish It seems illogical that 70 WNews, a theme repeated regularly and predict- years after the defeat of Nazism ably. The Jewish community of New Orleans was not at all and the dark forces aimed at concerned with the centennial celebration of the Battle of exterminating all Jewry that New Orleans. Instead, each weekly issue had an update on we would again face such an the appeal process involving the case against Leo Frank. external threat. The voices of our Holocaust survivors have not What was the obsession about In August of 1915, a gang grown silent, but their ranks have this man? Why did the local New of local anti-Semites kidnapped grown significantly thinner. Orleans Jewish population con- and lynched Frank from a tree in In addition, Islamic activists cern themselves about a distant Phagan’s home town of Mari- interested in delegitimizing the trial and conviction in Atlanta, etta. The Frank case, which had State of Israel have sought to Georgia? been instrumental in establish- find redress for Palestinian issues As evinced with the rest of the ing the Anti-Defamation League through the Boycott, Divestment United States, the greatest growth (ADL) just two years previous, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. of Jewish population emigrating had also ironically led to the The Presbyterian Church of the from Eastern Europe occurred rebirth of the hate group, the U.S.A. narrowly passed a divest- after the 1880s and ended with Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. ment vote last year and more the United States immigration In this issue of the Best of the economic and political pressure is quotas that were imposed in Crescent City Jewish News we being applied to both the general 1924. Many of these newly can’t help but notice the spike U.S. Jewish population and to arrived Jews left Europe because in current news articles related Medinat Yisrael on campuses of increased persecution and to the incidence of hate crimes nationwide. lack of economic opportunities. internationally. Attacks against We can’t help but feel that we The Leo Frank case made these Jewish institutions have grown are experiencing the same kind immigrants openly question their alarmingly in Europe. Just last of uncertainty and apprehension decision to relocate to the United month, The Atlantic published our forbearers felt, when they States and to ponder their rela- an intriguing article about the formed the New Orleans Jewish tive safety and security. new resurgence of anti-Semitism Federation and when the ADL Leo Frank, a Cornell graduate interwoven with radical Islamism was founded in the years between and local Atlanta B’nai Brith in Europe entitled, “Is It Time for 1913-1915. president was sentenced to death the Jews to Leave Europe?” This was the period when for the rape and first degree mur- Additionally, the ADL’s the “War to End Wars” began in der of Mary Phagan, a worker annual audit of anti-Semitic Europe. Most scholars acknowl- in the pencil factory Frank man- incidents determined there was edge this led directly to World aged. The conviction was based an increase of 21% in 2014 from War II and the Holocaust. Only on what many have called flimsy the previous year, and the Kantor time will tell if we shall be judged circumstantial evidence and Center for the Study of Contem- as unnecessarily alarmist or if we inflamed biases caused by sensa- porary European Jewry at Tel shall be proven to be cognizant tionalized reporting and flagrant Aviv University found violent and attuned to another global anti-Semitism. acts in Europe had increased by a disaster in the making.

Kenneth Snelson’s Virlane Tower, located in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden (Credit and front cover: Alan Smason) crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 3 November 2014 Fringe Fest with a Jewish twist

November 21, 2014 By ALAN SMASON

The seventh annual New Or- leans Fringe Festival held in three main areas of the city – Faubourg Marigny, Bywater and Central City – concluded on Sunday. Within its 82 different shows were four presentations that ei- ther focused on Jewish content or had Jewish performers. In many cases both were true. One of the more interesting was performance artist Windy Wynazz (real name Wendi Gross.) She performed her one- woman show titled “Uncouth” at Windy Wynazz, Fringe performer in “Uncouth.” (Photo by Lynne Fried) Claudia Baumgarten as the acerbic Dorothy Parker. (Photo by Alan Smason) the Shadowbox Theatre at 2400 St. Claude Avenue. “I would say it’s a clown show,” when she was asked to describe her act. “It combines acrobatics, slapstick and dance,” she explained. Wynazz, who recently studied at the San Fran- cisco Clown Conservancy, based this particular character as part of a concept she developed there. Another show with Jew- ish content was a one-woman cabaret work by Joanna Caplan called, “Total Verrückt!” The show’s title can be translated as “totally crazy.” It was performed at the Dancing Grounds on St. Claude in Bywater. Caplan, a Canadian who now Joanna Caplan in “Total Verrükte!” (Photo ©2014 Maria Baranova) The cast and playwright of “A Roller Rink Temptation.” (Photo by Alan Smason) hails from the Boston area, in- cluded poetic readings, puppetry and original music and sounds to repeated the travel to the death The cast of characters Claudia Baumgarten, played and widely read columns in Van- generate the experience of those camps like Auschwitz. included three pairings. The the role of Dorothy Parker in ity Fair and The New Yorker. interred in Westerbork, a transit Perhaps the most liberal use first was a popular cheerleader “Wit and Wrath,” an immersive Held in Central City on camp during the Holocaust. of a Jewish theme was the pro- (with an unseen boyfriend) and play in which she portrayed Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard She effectively worked with vocative “A Roller Rink Tempta- a shy recluse. The second was the acerbic Jewish-born female (the former heavily Jewish area a set of two rails. The rails tion,” penned by playwright and an ill-advised match of a clueless writer, who held residence at the of Dryades Street), the show was represented the track these that actress Catherine Weingarten. “hottie” in a neck brace with her Algonquin Round Table in New directed by local actress Diana real life personages were forced It was performed at Beaubourg hopeful friend, who wanted to York with the likes of Edna Fer- Shortez. It was a brilliant tour- to travel. Her performance con- located on Gravier in the Central ramp up their relationship. The ber, George S. Kaufman, Alexan- de-force for Baumgarten, who jured images to reveal individu- Business District. The story was last was an avowed and confident der Woollcott, Robert Benchley wore a hat and gloves in addition als living a comfortable life in one of teen angst on roller skates lesbian roller rink worker with and Harpo Marx among many to her vintage 1940s attire to European cities like Amsterdam. and performed by a company of her more-than-curious Jewish others. In character, she treated emulate the acid-tongued writer Then she displayed the trauma of seven. The setting was a roller teen. For comic relief there was attendees to a number of pithy and poetess. being uprooted and led to trains rink, where the teenage girls pro- a male character, who alternately Parker quotes and read sev- that eventually delivered them to fessed their love for one another acted as narrator and commenta- eral passages of Parker’s poetry temporary internment camps and in a variety of ways. tor at various times. gleaned from her popular books

4 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com November 2014 JCDS and Temple Sinai kids enthralled at ‘Horn for Louis’ event

NOVEMBER 23, 2014 A crowd of approximately 70 Jewish religious school children, parents and teachers met at Temple Sinai on Sun., November 23 to hear the author Eric Kimmel brilliantly read his latest book, “A Horn For Louis.” This book was based on the true story of the young and impres- sionable future jazz great Louis Armstrong. The Karnofsky family, an immigrant Russian-Lithuanian family of New Orleans Jews befriended the young and impres- sionable future jazz great Louis Armstrong. One of them helped Second lining through Temple Sinai. (Photo by Alan Smason) Judge Jacob Karno, left, speaks about his family’s in uence on Louis Armstrong as his Claudia Baumgarten as the acerbic Dorothy Parker. (Photo by Alan Smason) advance Armstrong the money wife Vicki, author Eric Kimmel and JCDS principal Sharon Pollin look on. (Photo by Alan for his fi rst cornet after the metal Smason) kazoo he often played broke apart. this event was sponsored jointly the boy who would become an latest Chanukah book, “Simon before a Louis Armstrong tribute Event sponsors included a by the Jewish Community Day international ambassador for jazz and the Bear,” a story based in band came into the room and Karnofsky descendant, retired School and the Jewish Children’s music. part on a young man whose body performed, eventually leading a judge Jacob Karno and his wife Regional Service’s P.J. Library He related to the gathering was recovered on a fl oe in the second line procession trough the Vicki. Karno, whose father short- program. how his own father told him the North Atlantic Ocean following building. ened the family name, never actu- Nevertheless, with several story and recalled with some ex- the sinking of the S.S. Titanic. In addition to the Karnos, ally met the cousins, great uncle biographies including historic citement how his father brought The Jewish Community Day this event was sponsored jointly and great aunt spoken about photos of Armstrong and a copy him to meet Armstrong in Febru- School principal Sharon Pollin by the Jewish Community Day in the Kimmel story and also of the SOURCE story, containing ary of 1949, when the jazzman served as emcee for the event School and the Jewish Children’s recounted in the recent CCJN’s never before published photos of reigned as King of Zulu. and emphasized the Kimmel Regional Service’s P.J. Library SOURCE 5775 story “Satchmo his family members, Karno spoke Kimmel also read from his story by distributing colorful program. and the Star.” passionately about his family best-selling book “Herschel and kazoos for the children. Beignets In addition to the Karnos, members and their impact on the Hannukah Goblins” and his were passed around the room

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6 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com December 2014 Boy Scout 10 Commandments Hike features 3 Jewish highlights

December 05, 2014 group at 9:45 a.m. and the hike officially began shortly after the A contingent of 160 Boy 10:00 a.m. scheduled start. Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, The hike traditionally begins adult leaders on what has with the sounding of a special sho- become an annual tradition for far that in Scouting circles is known many families, the Ten Com- as a kudu horn. It is a likeness of mandments Hike. Sponsored by the very same horn blown to gather the National Jewish Committee the first adult Scouting leaders on Scouting, the concept of the who were trained under Sir Robert Ten Commandments Hike is Smythe Stevenson Baden-Powell in simple. It’s a G-d-centric, faith- 1919 at the fabled Brownsea Island based trek between three and six Scout Camp. miles in length at ten different Rabbi Mendel Rivkin called houses of worship or assembly out the traditional blast of the halls, where a member of the Torah – tekiah, shevarim, teruah clergy or a lay leader speaks and tekiah gedolah – and the In full Boy Scout attire, CCJN Editor Alan Smason blows the shofar that begins the hike. Rabbi Gabe Greenberg at the JCC. (Photo about each one of the Ten Com- shofar donated for the event by Alan Smason) mandments and concordantly from Congregation Beth Israel promotes hiking and physical was blown. Rivkin then spoke understand. fitness. Along the way, Scouts on the first two Commandents After a filling Subway meal, and other participants are taught (“I am the Lord thy God who participants continued to four the great lessons of tolerance and brought thee out of the land of other houses of worship at acceptance of different religions, bondage. Thou shalt have no Watston Memorial Teaching Min- but to emphasize the similarities other gods before me.”) istries, Rayne Memorial United they all share. Following his remarks and Methodist Church, Unity Temple This year’s hike featured three an opportunity for questions, and ended at the Church of Jesus Jewish highlights. First of all, participants later moved up Christ of Latter-Day Saints. through the courtesy of depart- Freret Street and onto Carrollton Sanctioned and sponsored by ment chair Brian Horowitz, regis- Avenue to St. Andrew’s Episcopal the National Jewish Committee tration and check-in occurred Church, St. Matthew’s Church, on Scouting, Ten Command- at the Tulane University Jewish Mater Dolorosa Church and ments Hikes place the Jewish reli- Studies Department building at Holy Name of Jesus Church gion on the same level as much 7031 Freret Street. Pre-registered before arriving at the Jewish larger faith groups and empha- participants checked in and Community Center. size four points of the Scouting received their wristbands, event At that location Congrega- Law of being friendly, courteous, Chabad Lubavitch Rabbi Mendel Rivkin at the Btesh Family Chabad House. (Photo by Alan Smason) patches, water bottles, brochures tion Beth Israel Rabbi Gabe kind and reverent. The com- and streetcar tokens for the re- Greenberg took care to address mandments are not mentioned by understanding and tolerance for and the Boy Scouts of America turn ride on an RTA St. Charles the crowd with a very loose specific numbers since the Jewish, all faiths and to share Scouting participate jointly. Many adults streetcar. explanation of the Command- Protestant and Catholic number- as the bridge of values which have confided to that it is their The doors to the nearby ment “Thou shalt not commit ing systems differ in order. unites them all. It is the only favorite Scouting “family” activ- Btesh Family Chabad Center at adultery” at an appropriate level Although a small event, activity throughout the year on ity throughout the year. 7037 Freret were opened to the that children and youth could this hike is intended to breed which Girl Scouts of the USA Issacson speaks on ‘Innovators’ at JCC

December 05, 2014 a Group of Hackers, Geniuses war effort by his breaking the Wozniak, Bill Gates and others By ALAN SMASON and Geeks Created the Digital Germans’ Enigma Code. and helped bring about the Revolution,” Issacson points to The theme of this book and modern technological giants like Walter Issacson returned misunderstood figures like British every theme of entrepreneurship Apple and Microsoft as well as home again with a new book. computer scientist and crypt- that we do,” said Issacson, ” is to create the Internet. This time his tome was not on analyst Alan Turing and Lord it’s always been this ability to Following his talk before a just one individual as he had Byron’s daughter, Ada Lovelace. bring the humanities and tech- packed audience of 300 and a done previously for the likes Turing was a brilliant man, nology together.” brief period for questions, Is- of Benjamin Franklin, Henry whose algorithms and theorems All of these innovators, Issac- sacson adjourned to the hallway Kissinger, Albert Einstein and have established him in the son said, stood at the crossroads and proceeded to sign copies of Steven Jobs. This time he focused minds of many as the father of of the arts and the humanities his work. on similarities between several modern computer technology. with technology. He believes The event was sponsored by pivotal figures responsible for He was cited by Prime Minister their understanding of how to the Jewish Community Center ushering in the digital age. Winston Churchill as having apply the two made success for through a gift from Cathy and Biographer Walter Issacson talking about In “The Innovators: How contributed significantly to the the likes of Steve Jobs, Steve Morris Bart and Octavia Books. his book “The Innovators” on December 1 at the JCC. (Photo by Alan Smason) crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 7 December 2014 Berensons and Bensons receive ADL’s top award

December 07, 2014 By ALAN SMASON

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) apparently considers having a last name starting with the letter “b” as a good thing. The organization’s founder and longtime director, A.I. “B” Botnick, is the first example of this. Since 1995, he has been memorialized with the A.I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award, presented to members of the local community who have followed the organization’s tenets designed to lessen prejudice and fight racism throughout America. This year the South Central Chapter of the ADL bestowed the award upon two couples whose last names also begin with “b” – Dr. Gerald and Joan Berenson and Tom and Gayle Benson. The opulent Empire Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Hotel was the site for the annual ADL award dinner on Thursday, Joan and Dr. Gerald Berenson hold their A.I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Gayle Benson, second from left accepts ADL Torch of Liberty Award with Dec. 4, the first under the helm of recently installed South Award, left, with presenters Margot Garon and Dr. Keith Ferdinand at Dennis Lauscha framed by Joyce Pulitzer, left, and ADL South Central Central Region director Allison Padilla-Goodman. right. (Photo by Alan Smason) director Allison Padilla-Goodman. (Photo by Alan Smason) Tom Benson, the owner of two professional sports franchises, the New Orleans Saints of the National Football “Thank you for being here. Thank you for being involved League and the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basket- and what would the world be like without each and every one ball Association, was unable to attend the dinner, due to an in- of you?” she said in concluding her speech. flamed knee that recently went through a surgical procedure. As Dr. Berenson took his turn at the podium, he realized Dennis Lauscha, who serves as president of both teams, he had an unenviable task. “Man that’s tough trying to follow spoke about his boss, who grew up in the Ninth Ward under my wife,” he said with his typical drawl. meagre means and rose through businesses in New Orleans On behalf of his wife, Berenson thanked the ADL for their and San Antonio to become one of America’s richest men. honor, but took time to also recognize his outstanding fellow Lauscha accepted the award on Benson’s behalf. co-recipients, the Bensons. “You’ve heard about all their ac- Following personal remarks by Margot Garon on her complishments that they’ve done in New Orleans and for the friend Joan Berenson and her commitment to supporting state and in the United States,” he noted. “We have to thank the State of Israel, Berenson went to the dais to deliver her you.” acceptance speech. “Anti-Semitism is not a Jewish issue,” she Berenson applauded the ADL for their efforts in not only stated. “It’s an American issue. It’s not a new problem. It’s an combatting anti-Semitism, the reason behind its founding enduring one.” over 100 years ago, but also as a vehicle that addresses social She cited the ADL’s ongoing message in schools with its injustice and social inequity. “No Place for Hate” programming and its commitment to Berenson also decried the effects of poverty, poor nutrition, Barney Mintz Leadership Award recipients irving Warshauer, left, and fighting against bias for immigrant groups that have sought lack of family structure and a 40% dropout rate from high Caroline Good, right, flank Nancy Timm. (Photo by Alan Smason) refuge in the United States as of great significance to the local school as continuing factors that contribute to poor health, as community. evinced by the famous Bogalusa heart study he conducted and “ADL has done a wonderful job,” he concluded. “It has “New Orleans is extremely fortunate that we have had an is quoted still today by heart disease researchers worldwide. the highest esteem. It needs to be extended to a greater num- extraordinary ADL and the turnout tonight and the names of Berenson vilified the fanaticism associated with the Islamic ber of children, particularly at a young age.” those on the board attest to that,” she pointed out. State (ISIS or ISIL) and for its indoctrination of ninth graders Earlier in the evening, Irving Warshauer, a successful At first, she spoke on the need for leadership and the to “kill the infidels.” He said he looks to the words of the attorney, and Caroline Good, an adjunct professor at Tulane importance of successful fund-raising drives. “The success of Kaddish prayer that read in part “”Let there be grace and University, were both presented with the Barney Mintz Lead- fundraising to me is not in the numbers,” she mused, “but it’s kindness, compassion and love for them and for us all.’ To me ership Award by ADL Regional Board chair Nancy Timm. the number of people whose lives we touch.” that is the tent of Judaism,” he said.

8 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com December 2014 Chabad returns with Chanukah at Riverwalk

December 19, 2014 By ALAN SMASON

The Honorable Mayor Mitch Landrieu was chief among a number of high profile personalities who welcomed Chanukah at the Riverwalk back to New Orleans after a two-year absence on Tuesday evening, Dec. 16, the first night of the eight-day festival. Chef Alon Shaya prepares latkes at JCRS event. (All photos by Alan Smason) The annual event sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Louisiana was held for the past two Chanukah holidays at different locations within the JCRS ‘Latkes’ event at Lakeside Shopping Mall in Metairie due to ongoing construction at the Riverwalk site. The rebuilding efforts had been undertaken by the new owners Hotel Modern a success of the Riverwalk complex, the Howard Hughes Corporation, who have since renamed it the Outlet New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu at the Chanukah at the River- December 14, 2014 Collection at the Riverwalk. walk event on Dec. 16, 2014. (Photo by Alan Smason) Landrieu extended his greetings to the crowd The Jewish Regional Chil- and personally thanked Chabad for bringing the dren’s Service (JCRS) held a event back to New Orleans after the two-year hia- Chanukah-themed mixer and tus. “May the blessings of Chanukah extend to all fund-raiser for young profes- people and let them be blessings of peace extended sionals on Thursday night, Dec. to all people,” he said before leaving the stage. 11, at Bellocq, the upscale bar A crowd of 200 jammed the area surrounding located in the Hotel Modern. the fountain at Spanish Plaza enjoying free latkes The event titled “Latkes with Domenica Restaurant offers latkes. passed out by Chabad volunteers. Other food and a Twist” began at 8:00 p.m. and Chanukah necessities like menorahs and candles featured musician Mark Rubin, were sold by Kosher Cajun New York Delicates- who entertained the crowd of sen and Grocery. A Dreidel House filled with fun 100 inside the bar for three activities for the younger set kept kids busy through hours. Meanwhile, Chef Alon the night, while some children enjoyed having their Shaya and his staff from Domeni- faces painted colorfully. ca Restaurant prepared latkes The highlight of the night was the lighting of an by the dozens with an amazing 11-foot tall Chanukiah, constructed out of wood by array of condiments to adorn the New Orleans Holocaust survivor Isak Borenstein Rabbi Zelig Rivkin of Chabad Lubavitch of Louisiana addresses the traditional Chanukah staple. of blessed memory, reported to be the largest in the crowd at the Chanukah at the Riverwalk event for 2014. (Photo by Inside the bar an assortment state. Alan Smason) of drinks and catered kosher This year David Halpern was selected to light food items were also available the shamash and first candle position to com- for party guests. memorate the first night of the eight-night holiday. Funds raised through $25.00 Musician Mark Rubin with clarinetist Ben Prayers for the lighting were accompanied by entry fee went to support the PJ Schenck, right, entertains at JCRS event. prayers recited by two young boys, both students at Library program, which provides with children with special needs. Torah Academy. free monthly books to Jewish According to its own re- Yoel Sharabi, an Israeli musician and singer, children. Proceeds from the event search, JCRS campaigns reach played guitar and sang a number of Chanukah also benefited JCRS aid programs 35% of all Jewish youth in the melodies for the enjoyment of the crowd both to large numbers of at-risk Jew- Greater New Orleans area and before and after the lighting ceremony. ish youth and families. Many of extend to more than 1500 youth Following the ceremony, Sharabi continued his the programs include funds for across seven states located in the performance, encouraging the crowd to dance in college assistance, Jewish summer Mid-South. separate groups of men and women. Ooh La La camp grants, and aid to families Entertainment provided the sound system and back- ground music when Sharabi was not performing.

Chanukah at the Riverwalk featured the biggest Chanukiah in the state built by Isak Borenstein of blessed memory. (Photo by Alan Smason)

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 9 December 2014 Etzkin family gathers for Mama’s 90th Israel’s population December 21, 2014 Members of the Etzkin family gathered from across at 8.3 million the country, assembling for four days of fun and sight- seeing while honoring the matriarch of the clan, Aline “Mamaline” Etzkin Abrams, who celebrated her 90th at close of 2014 birthday. December 30, 2014 With entertainment by a local traditional jazz band, JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s population on the and a video slide show, the event was planned and orga- eve of 2015 stands at 8.3 million. nized by Jeffrey Etzkin, one of Abrams’ sons, who is a Some 6.2 million of that population are Jewish and professional event planner. 1.7 million are Arabs as 2014 comes to a close, Israel’s The party was held Saturday, Dec. 20 in the Versailles Central Bureau of Statistics reported Monday. Room at the New Orleans Riverside Hilton Hotel. The population’s percentage breakdown is 74.9 per- The eight original sibling members of the Etzkin fam- cent Jewish, 20.7 percent Arab and 4.3 percent others, ily – four girls followed by four boys are in order – Yael, including Christians and people who do not identify Sylvia, Lynn, Sandra, Aaron, Ian, Jeff and Michael. Today with any religion or nationality. they range in age from 69 to 53. Abrams was toasted by With “Mamaline” in the center, the members of the Etzkin family gather to Israel’s population grew by 2 percent in 2014, family members with a “Betty Boop,” theme, the image celebrate. (Photo by Alan Smason) according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. Some with which she identified years ago. 176,600 babies were born during the year and some 23,000 new immigrants arrived. At the end of December 2013, Israel’s population was estimated at some 8,132,000.

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637 Canal St. | 633 Royal St. | 800 Royal St. | 504-586-8373 crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 11 December 2014 It’s the most confusing time of the year!

December 25, 2014 and red trim ribbons to help dressed as an elf or helper would By ARLENE WIEDER, First create holiday cheer. Besides lead me to the main man! I was person exclusive to the noticing the physical changes in immediately guided to the area CCJN all the neighborhoods, my first where Santa was located and I indication as a youngster that the would sit on his lap. Then I had I was very lucky to have been Christmas season was approach- to pose and smile for a picture raised in a very protective and ing was the addition of the that I knew would never be insulated bubble in the Uptown seasonal advertising campaign purchased. When I was finished section of New Orleans during skits inserted in the after-school someone would guide me away the early 1960’s. It was a time television programming to target and present me with a free gift! when “Jim Crow” laws were still children. Then, without missing a beat, followed because that was the In New Orleans we had I would leave the store and walk expected behavior of the era. I (“Jingle, jangle, jingle here another block to D.H. Holmes instinctively conformed and ac- comes…”) Mr. Bingle, who was Department store’s fourth floor. cepted these rules. I never openly a flying snowman puppet with a There I would experience and questioned why certain guide- very high pitched voice. The daily recreate the same scenario with lines were placed on individuals skits were proudly sponsored by yet another Santa Claus. Ad- The St. Charles Avenue streetcar decorated in holiday trim during the December 11, 2008 of color. the Maison Blanche department ditionally, I also received a free snowstorm. (Photo by Alan Smason) The truth was the restrictions store, the largest in the South at gift from that store, too. For me, did not apply to me, so I simply that time. Mr. Bingle would act the toy was a well-earned reward acted in accordance. However, in these daily vignettes both on and the primary purpose for the because I was Jewish, I, too, felt television and in live shows per- excursion. limitations placed upon me for formed inside the large display At my elementary school one month each year. Starting windows. These shows were silly there was a different experience. right after Thanksgiving Day, the and fun to watch for all ages. The PTA would purchase live Christmas metamorphosis would Apart from being Santa trees for each classroom. It was take place in New Orleans. Claus’s helper, I honestly can’t the responsibility of the class- Overnight the city shifted its recall what this funny and quite room teacher to coordinate the focus from turkeys to reindeer. animated little character had to decorating in each classroom. I dreaded this time of the year, do with the holiday of Christ- Many times I was expected because it caused in me tremen- mas, but he was an annual treat to make an ornament for my dous uneasiness and anxiety. to watch on TV. He always wore non-existent tree at home. Other Throughout every neighborhood his ice cream cone hat, carried a times, my teacher would single decorations would appear on the peppermint stick candy cane and me out and announce to my houses and in front yards. Some had wings fashioned from holly classmates that I was Jewish. of the houses had long strands leaves that enabled him to fly. My teacher would explain that of colored lights that resembled Mr. Bingle became one of New being Jewish meant that I wasn’t long Mardi Gras beads hanging Orleans’ biggest icons. allowed to have a tree at home Gravestone of “Oscar” Isentrout. (Photo by Sean Patrick Doles) from their overhangs and roofs. As an adult, I found out for Christmas. I don’t know what Many people would add white that the voice of Mr. Bingle was felt worse—being singled out for lights to their large live oak trees. actually that of a local Jewish being different or being told that The effect of the flickering lights Puppeteer named Edwin Harmon my religion was lacking because on these trees was truly breath- “Oscar” Isentrout. His grave in it didn’t include a Christmas taking. Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3 celebration! Even the simplest house bears an engraving of the beloved Some teachers made it their decorations that only had a holiday figure. job to see that I was placed first traditional wreath hung on the Of course, my first destination in line to place the ornaments on front door looked inviting. The was to go to Maison Blanche’s the tree. After all, the trimming most stately homes that generally fifth floor. After all, this was the of a Christmas tree was an im- had drawn curtains through- home of Mr. Bingle, a marketing portant lifecycle event of which out the year exhibited the most tool created for that originally I was deprived in my “Jewish” beautifully decorated trees for Jewish-owned department store. home. I remember once a class- all bystanders to view. The less Locals commonly referred to the mate stood next to me and cried affluent areas of the city also had Canal Street location as “M.B.” because she knew my life was so lavishly decorated houses with On the fifth floor one could find incomplete. I never understood exterior colored lights that flick- all manner and sizes of Mr. Bin- why the teachers each year felt ered throughout the night. gle plush dolls and other popular it was their obligation to share The final decorative touch in toys available for purchase. my personal information. I was the metropolitan area was the At Maison Blanche, I would Jewish, however I didn’t feel my seasonal decorated St. Charles stand in a long line and impa- life was lacking anything until I Avenue streetcars. They were tiently wait for my turn with San- was told by my teacher that I was garnished with holiday greenery ta. Once it was my turn, someone confusing on page 13

12 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com December 2014

A detail from a holiday poster by the Coca-Cola Company. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

Red and yellow jello mold for the holidays. (Photo by Douglas Wieder) though, that I secretly envied my on the image conjured through Christmas-celebrating Jewish Clement Moore’s 1822 poem “A confusing from page 12 cousins. Visit from St. Nicholas.” Rudolph a disadvantaged and horribly the rest of the choir, but in protest The most baffling behavior was a reindeer story that came out deprived child. I felt so embar- I just smiled during the entire was from my shomer Shabbat of a Montgomery Ward market- rassed and certainly not one of the rendition of that song. I purposely grandmother who worshipped ing campaign. A holiday place setting replete with snow- men, a reindeer and a jello mold. (Photo “chosen people.” would not utter a word. It was a at an Orthodox Synagogue and A few years back someone by Douglas Wieder) The other annual tradition private war played out annually maintained a kosher home. She developed the tradition dur- at my school included weeks of between the music teacher and would consistently present me ing the Christmas season of the way to celebrate Christmas in my preparation to present the annual me. From my perspective, the sea- with a Christmas – not a Chanu- Elf on the Shelf. This year for home, I would be a fraud to say Christmas program to our fami- son of Christmas was just a very kah gift – sometime around the Chanukah two Jewish versions, that I didn’t enjoy the music and lies. The band would play some awkward time to be Jewish. December 25th date. Of course, The Maccabee on the Mantel and the beautiful decorations of the musical numbers and the school I remember the teachers at she made it into a secret ritual. If the Mensch on the Bench, were season. It’s a great time to watch choir (of which I was a member) Sunday school telling me about asked, I was not allowed to tell marketed. the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was required to sing numerous the miracle of the Maccabees’ my parents that she gave me the My family traditions have or chuckle to one of Tim Allen’s seasonal songs. I always recall oil that sustained the ner ta- additional Christmas toy. Years developed over the years. We “Santa Clause” movies. the difficulty I had with the song, mid’s (eternal light’s) illumination later I did confront my grand- have Chinese food every Christ- As most of us appreciate it, “Away in a Manger.” I cringed for eight days. It was a fascinating mother and she explained that she mas Eve and I usually serve a Chanukah only became a popular because it was an extremely tale, but it just didn’t compare didn’t want me to feel deprived or “Christmas” dinner the next day holiday in the 1920’s as a re- uncomfortable song for me to to all the stories associated with denied the perks of Christmas! at my home. It’s not a celebration sponse to the Jewish populations’ sing the lyrics about loving the Christmas and the beautiful music I also recall that one year at of the holiday, but it’s a family feeling of guilt that our indulged lord Jesus. I remember in fourth of the season. It didn’t matter Christmas time while I was not day that brings everyone together. children were lacking something grade I actually cried to the what rationalized explanations yet a teen, I made a pact with No one has work on Christmas in our American way of life. As music teacher and requested that I would be told, Chanukah was myself. I decided when I had a Day and because our extended Jews we should be tolerant of she eliminate this song from the not magical like Christmas! It was family, “Christmas would not en- family and friends are usually too others’ beliefs and we need to revue. I expressed my discomfort lame to compare the two. I felt ter into my house.” My children busy to make time for each other be more respectful of our own and frankly I didn’t think it was it was like comparing our local would not feel uncomfortable during December (which is our holidays. Chanukah is a time for an unreasonable request. Well, I amusement park of Ponchatrain with their own religion. Christmas sad reality), our traditional gift candles, dreidels, chocolate coins, was naïve. Not only did the music Beach and claiming it even came would be a moot issue. exchange occurs at our December sofganyot (jelly donuts) and be- teacher ignore my request, but close to the magic of Disneyland. As an adult I relocated to 25th dinner. lieving that miracles can happen. she made it her mission to keep Later I realized I wasn’t the the Midwest and found myself Everyone brings either dessert It is wrong to make Chanukah this song in the concert each year. only Jewish person who felt that living in a much larger Jewish or a side dish. My sister-in-law into some holiday it was never She also would purposely single something was lacking and a little community than New Orleans. I always arrives with her seasonal intended to be. For the Christians me out and demand that I sing envious of the Christian holiday. remembered the pact I had made multi-colored and layered gelatin they, too, have a mission at this the line for the class to hear my Irving Berlin and Mel Tormé to myself years earlier. Unfortu- mold, oftentimes red and green time of year. They need to remem- beautiful voice. I felt this was her created two of the most popular nately, in the United States it is in color. This causes me to think ber the reason for their season way of trying to convert me to her Christmas season songs and they unrealistic to believe that one can back to my frustrated days as a and be more in tune to their faith. philosophy. were both Jewish. Within my make it through December and child. Now, as a seasoned adult, I In short, we all need to just All I know is from that day extended Jewish family in New ignore Christmas. realize that unless a Jewish family listen to the message of peace and on I knew there were mean Orleans, some of my cousins Through research over the lives an extremely observant and love at this time of year. Appreci- people that existed in the world. I were raised with Christmas trees years I discovered that Christ was isolated existence, it’s hard to ate the good things in life and be concluded this because although and exchanged holiday gifts in not born anytime close to Decem- ignore the Christmas holiday. respectful of others. Here in New she praised my singing skills, I Christmas wrap. My immediate ber 25th. Our present day Santa Additionally, now with so Orleans we can also celebrate the sang as an alto, not as a soprano. family, however, did not. I must Claus was a creation by the Amer- much intermarriage in many Jew- fact that king cakes and Carni- Even I knew my voice was not admit these actions only helped to ican artist named Haddon Sundb- ish American families, we don’t val activities are just around the exceptional. cement my confusion and anxiety. lom. He was commissioned by the want to be unreasonable and corner! My only recourse and satisfac- During that generation, my family Coca Cola Company to develop make any of our family mem- tion came on the actual day of the still had very little interfaith mar- a drawing for a 1931 advertising bers unwelcome in our homes. concert. I would stand up with riages, unlike today. I must admit, campaign. He based his drawing Although I don’t go out of my crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 13 January 2015 Historic battle has meaning for Jewish New Orleans

January 08, 2015 force of local Creoles, freemen tury figure, Judah Touro, might By ARLENE WIEDER, Exclusive of color, Choctaw Indians and never have emerged as the great to the CCJN volunteer riflemen from Tennes- community leader and philanthro- see and Kentucky. And, yes, there pist we remember him as had he Two hundred years ago – were pirates, too! not been critically injured during January 8, 1815 – the final of four Many historians go on at the opening volleys of the first of skirmishes between a ragtag army length to point out that the Treaty the battles. of American defenders and an of Ghent that officially ended the In his article “When Bad invading force of seasoned British war had been signed on December Things Happen” on the Aish soldiers took place on a field in 24 and that the decisive battle HaTorah site, David Baum is present-day Chalmette. We know fought during the early days of quoted as saying: “We can under- this decisive victory as the Battle 1815 was not necessary. It is stand the rules, but we cannot be- of New Orleans, but the effect of doubtful, however, that the British gin to fathom all the calculations an earlier battle on January 1 may would have returned the land had that go into God’s interactions have had far bigger consequences they secured a victory. with us, balancing our eternal for the Jewish community than More to the point, New needs, the needs of our society most realize. Orleans and the still young United and the needs of mankind.” The Red Coats, the aggressive States of America might have In Touro’s case, few locals interlopers who had first landed emerged as different entities. First, know he was one of the first The Battle of New Orleans. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia) at Lake Borgne on December 12, Andrew Jackson would not have casualties of the battle against the were a well-trained and disci- become a celebrated national British forces. plined fighting force, having had hero, eventually propelled into Jerry Klinger of the Jewish an aide to Commodore Patterson, experience fighting the Napole- office as our nation’s seventh American Society for Historic assisting him with the charge of onic Wars. They outnumbered president. Jean Lafitte would most Preservation reported his research defending the city by erecting a their opponents by a factor of likely be known more for thievery on the bravery of Touro, who had battery on the right bank of the two-to-one. and privateering and not for sup- volunteered to stem the British Mississippi River. Despite having home field plying the necessary ammunition invasion. “While engaged in this task, advantage, the American under- and manpower he offered to the “Mr. Touro was attached Shepherd crossed the river to dogs were composed of a diverse home defenders from his foothold to the regiment of Louisiana procure two masons to do some group of players from varied of Barataria Bay. militia… After performing severe work on the Commodore’s bat- backgrounds, experiences and But probably, most important labors as a common soldier in the tery,” Klinger continued. “The communities. This eclectic group to the local Jewish community ranks, Mr. Touro on the first of first person Shepherd saw on was formed from a combined was that our greatest 19th Cen- January volunteered his services reaching the other side of the to aid in carrying shot and shell river told him of the condition of from the magazine to Humphrey’s Touro. He was shocked. Shepherd Alan Gerson show opens battery,” Klinger wrote. rushed to the place where Touro “In this humble but perilous was lying.” at LeMieux Galleries duty he was seen actively engaged Near a wall of an old building Judah Touro (Courtesy of The Historic New during the terrible cannonade at the rear of Jackson’s headquar- Orleans Collection) January 03, 2015 with which the British opened ters, Shepherd confronted the the day, regardless of the cloud of doctor. death experience, it is possible Alan Gerson, an artist who iron missiles which flew around “Kerr, who was dressing that much of what we have come has found mastery in a number of him and which made many of Touro’s wounds, shook his head, to know and love about our Jew- different disciplines, will be open- the stoutest hearted cling closely indicating that there was no hope ish community in New Orleans ing a new show at the LeMieux to the embankment or seek some for Touro,” Klinger recounted. might be drastically different. Galleries tonight from 6:00 – 8:00 shelter. But in the discharge of But Shepherd refused to accept The confidence his friend p.m. duty this good man knew no fear that prognosis for his friend. placed in him not being left for The new exhibition is titled and perceived no danger.” “He commandeered a cart and dead, insured that Touro would “Monuments and Excavations: Touro was struck in the leg by brought Judah back to his home,” respect life and appreciate what Works in Plaster” and features a twelve-pound shot fired from Klinger continued. “Rezin refused a positive outlook could over- works cast in plaster. one of the British cannon. It was a to stand by and let his friend come. His desire to be healthy no Gerson, who is a highly ghastly wound and he was carried simply die. For a full year Touro doubt contributed to his drive in regarded painter, has also had off the field to the nearby field lay in a bed of agony and pain. business. several hospital. A physician there, Dr. Shepherd hired nurses, attendants We should not forget that other exhibitions at LeMieux Kerr, examined the soldier, but and personally assisted his injured without his philanthropy, Touro’s Galleries, such as “Children’s pronounced his wound beyond friend,” Klinger stated. immense wealth might never Garden,” “Child’s Play” and “As- his medical capabilities to cure. In the end Touro survived have been used to help establish terioids and Other Heavenly Bod- Touro was essentially left alone, and went on to amass one of the sections of the Jewish community ies.” Gerson has rendered prints, made comfortable and given up greatest fortunes in the nation. that survive into present-day time. illustrated books and sculpted for dead. “He never forgot the selfless act of And for that we should all be hundreds of rubber erasers into Luckily, for Touro, his friend his friend,” Klinger said. grateful. displays of grotesquely large faces. Rezin Davis Shepherd, attached So, had the British not invaded to a horse troop, was working as and Touro not suffered a near-

14 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com January 2015 Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival Roselle Ungar

January 16, 2015 The tenth annual Baton announced as new JFS Rouge Jewish Film Festival got off to a great start on Wednesday night with it’s opening film, “The executive director Sturgeon Queens.” This docu- mentary centered on a New York January 23, 2015 Jewish family that specialized in By ALAN SMASON sales of pickled herring for three generations. Special tastings of Roselle Ungar, the most the firm’s pickled herring and recent president of the Jew- Stolichnaya Vodka were enjoyed ish Family Service of Greater by attendees following the film. New Orleans (JFS), was hired The festival continued Thurs- Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival attendees enjoy Stolichnaya Vodka and pickled her- on Wednesday as the agency’s day evening with two documen- ring. (Photo by Ara Rubyan) executive director, effective taries: “The Lady in Number January 28. Ungar, a fundraiser Six” and “Hitler’s Children,” and former registered nurse a disturbing exploration of the The event continued with minated with a feature matinee (R.N.), takes over the position children and grandchildren of Saturday night’s “The Wonders,” of “Quality Balls: The David from Michael Steiner, who is on Nazi leaders who must deal with a film dealing with would-be Steinberg Story” and “Under the long-term medical leave. their ancestors’ legacies of hate. superheroes. The festival cul- Same Sun.” Ungar, a New Orleans na- tive and a certified fundraising executive with credentials from CFRE International, brings with her more than 30 years of Dansker’s program looks for Kern’s experience to JFS, whose over- arching mission is “dedicated to preserving, strengthening and New JFS executive director Roselle Ungar takes ‘Silver Lining’ enhancing the well-being and over on January 28. (Photo courtesy of JFS) self-sufficiency of individuals January 21, 2015 and families.” By KAREN LOZINSKI, Exclusive to the CCJN Contacted by the CCJN, Un- profit organizations in helping gar said she was pleased to be develop management skills, The first installment of 2015’s Jewish Composer able to take over such a major leadership training, donor rela- Lecture Series presented by librarian, writer, music community agency, whose many tions and community outreach. critic, and scholar George Dansker took place in programs include individual She has recently served as the the Garden Pavilion at Touro Synagogue this past and group counseling, the owner-consultant of Strategic Friday. Titled “Look for the Silver Lining: The Ex- suicide awareness and preven- Nonprofit Consulting, a firm quisite Music of Jerome Kern,” it focused on Kern’s tion program Teen Life Counts, she founded in 2013. substantial influence on the growth of distinctly the Lifeline emergency response JFS was founded in 1948, American musical theater, as well as the personal system and many others. following the closure of the The Jerome Kern “Silver Linings” program included (from left) life of the composer. Naturally, it included a selec- keyboardist Jesse Reeks, historian George Dansker, Cantor David “I’m thrilled,” she said. “It’s Jewish Children’s Home. JFS tion of his songs. and Deborah Mintz and Cantor Joel Colman. (Photo by Karen exciting and (I’m) happy to has offices in Metairie, Uptown Dansker helmed the evening for the seventh time Lozinski) be working within the Jewish New Orleans and the North- in the run of the series as guest lecturer, and or- world again, especially with an shore and serves people of all chestrated an ambitious, yet user-friendly program agency that makes such a tre- faiths. punctuated with snippets of Kern’s compositions. mendous difference in people’s A constituent agency of the Jesse Meeks adroitly provided much of the music lives every day.” Jewish Federation, it is also a for the evening, on piano and accordion, though Besides her volunteer post at partner agency of the United Cantor Mintz took over keyboard duties when his JFS, Ungar has enjoyed a highly Way of Southeast Louisiana. wife, Deborah, sang “The Way You Look Tonight.” visible career in New Orleans Every performance was lively and beautiful, working closely with non- infused with joy or pathos and expertly deliv- ered. Colman filled the Garden Pavilion with his sonorous bass-baritone voice, especially with his rendition of “Old Man River” gleaned from Kern’s most important musical “Showboat.” Dansker was sure to bring up the very salient Music enthusiast and scholar George Dansker. (Photo by Karen point that though Kern, as a composer, is remem- Lozinski) bered more for his individual songs rather than his stage works, the major exception is “Showboat,” based on the story first published by Edna Ferber. crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 15 January 2015 Trixie Minx reigns as ‘empress’ of Krewe Delusion January 30, 2015 Originally from Kendall, FL., just south like she used to, but was still strong as a folk By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN of Miami Beach, Minx was raised with a dancer in samba or dancing with a partner. It younger brother and sister in a Jewish home. was then a friend suggested she would love Burlesque performer and producer Trixie She took up ballet when she attended the burlesque. Minx remembers the day well when she New World School of Arts in Miami Beach. Burlesque, she pointed out comes from received her royal invitation to become the Her parents were originally New Yorkers, the Latin word meaning “to joke,” so it reigning monarch of Krewe Delusion. It was having hailed from Buffalo and Rochester, should be done tongue-in-cheek. “Some in the form of a mysterious text message so they pushed for her to find her passion in aspect of the burlesque show should be a from a friend – a member of the krewe – who dancing. “Growing up, my parents were both comedy or have some aspects of comedy in insisted they meet in person. involved (with Judaism),” she said. “When it.” “He had something really important to we were little, we would go to temple, but After getting over her initial reluctance tell me,” Minx recounted. “I asked what was my dancing was conflicting with services. My around 2004, Minx poured herself into going on, but he was very elusive as to the mom gave me the choice: ‘You can have a Bat her performances and along the way made subject matter.” While they were trying to Mitzvah or you can do ballet.’” Minx chose friends with other seasoned burlesque per- decide an appropriate time that didn’t conflict ballet, but they would still celebrate the High formers like Kitty Twist. Twist also performed with each other’s schedules, another member Holidays. “But, we didn’t do much more as a stripper, which was a line Minx was not of the krewe asked her if she had accepted the beyond that.” willing to cross, but she appreciated the ease offer to be Queen of Krewe Delusion. She admired her parents for allowing her with which Twist performed and the flex- Initially confused, it finally dawned on her to find her own way and being loving of re- ibility she maintained in working the different what was going on. “We all ended up laugh- spectful of the decisions she has made. Minx, forms of her art. “She was so talented,” Minx ing about it, but basically, after a lot of who has raised more than eyebrows when she stated. “She could jump from one world to runaround, they asked me to be queen has used Star of David pasties within her act, the other and she was so knowledgable.” and I accepted,” she continued. is nevertheless proud of her past. She admits, Taking the lead from others, Minx began Trixie Minx rules as the reigning monarch of Krewe Minx took to the streets as Empress of the though, she would have found it hard to to book other would-be burlesque performers Delusion tomorrow night. (Photo by Roy Guste) Insane and Captain of New Orleans Saturday imagine her life today. and began to promote her shows at One- night with the Krewe Delusion parade that “I didn’t want to be a burlesque dancer,” Eyed Jacks and other local venues. As time “I love traveling whenever I can to moved along the traditional route in the By- she confided.”I thought it was trashy. I went on she found she was taking more of a perform as a guest with other shows,” she water and Faubourg Marigny neighborhoods thought it was stripping and I didn’t think management position and was not perform- confessed. “But what I find myself doing and then into the French Quarter. there was an art form to it.” ing as often. It is what she laughingly refers to more and more recently is creating custom As a person working in burlesque, Minx Dancing to classical music and ballet was as a graceful transition. designed shows for private parties, corporate is quite familiar with the term “queen,” her proving grounds and she worked hard to “I work with women who are not just events and festivals.” which is used in official performance com- excel in it, even when her shapely frame grew burlesque performers; they are burlesque Last year she produced “Fantasy, the petitions within the entertainment field. The into a statuesque shape beyond the normal icons,” Minx went on. “They will perform Naughtiest Show at Sea” for Couples Cruises. producer of Fleur de Tease at One-Eyed Jacks range for a ballet star. until they die.” “It was an amazing experience and we liter- on Toulouse Street for nine years, Minx has But then came an injury that cut her ca- For the past two summers she has per- ally did a full-scale Vegas style show on a made a name for herself as a performer, but reer in ballet short. “When I injured my foot, formed weekly in Atlantic City as a soloist ship!” her emphasis these days is producing revues I thought I would never dance again and that with the Burlesque Show at the Borgata Ca- When asked prior to the parade, what she such as Burlesque Ballroom, Creole Sweet was the end of my story,” she said. sino and Hotel there. The stress of traveling would have under her sleeve, she replied with Tease, Jewel Box Burlesque and Voodoo Minx had to give up ballet, but continued each week, performing, flying back to New a smile: “I don’t know. Like Gypsy Rose Lee Burlesque, all of which have deep connections to do some ethnic dancing to keep herself Orleans and doing it all again the next week said ‘Always leave them wanting for more.’” to New Orleans. active. She could not longer get up on point doesn’t seem to dampen Minx’s spirits.

Goods earn L’Chayim Award at Touro

January 30, 2015 to those in attendance and expressed By ALAN SMASON thanks for their selection. Lou Good stated he has received a Touro Synagogue turned out in force number of awards throughout his work on Sunday night, January 25 to honor with the Jewish community, but that two of its own, Lou Good, a former “none can mean more than this one.” president of the Reform temple and Susan pointed out she will be cel- wife Susan, who will soon ascend to the ebrating another milestone soon. “In presidency. August, I will have completed my 40th The Goods were honored at a year as a member of Touro Synagogue kosher-style meal catered by Chef Rom- and a member of the Good family.” A mel with the presentation of the seventh small-town girl from Arkansas, she said L’Chayim Award presented to them by she was especially glad to link her own Rabbi Alexis Berk. history to that of Touro and to the long Following the presentation of the history the Good family has enjoyed cup by Berk, both of the Goods spoke there. Rabbi Alexis Berk presents L’Chayim Award to Susan and Lou Good. (Photo by Alan Smason)

16 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com January 2015 Hadassah chapter installs offi cer slate

JANUARY 31, 2015 Schwartz leading the group in the singing BY ARLENE WIEDER, EXCLUSIVE TO THE of Hatikvah followed by the National an- CCJN them. The appetizing kosher-style buffet was prepared by chef Andy Adelman. Ilana Reisin enthusiastically accepted a Following the installation ceremony, second year term of offi ce as the president Reisin addressed the approximate 40 at- of the Greater New Orleans Chapter of tendees that made up the audience. Hadassah, capping off the installation of a The upcoming year has a varied assort- slate of offi cers on Sunday, January 25 at ment of programing from an Israeli book Congregation Gates of Prayer. The install- discussion to a fall fundraiser that will be ing offi cer was past president, Patty Ungar. chaired by younger generation members The evening began with Helen Stone Carrie Pailet, Rachel Kansas and Talora and immediate past president Julie Gross.

Ilana Reisin, left, is installed by Patty Ungar. (Photo by Arlene Wieder)

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FEBRUARY 06, 2015 BY ALAN SMASON

After serving in city govern- ment for two city administrations over the course of 16 years and representing a continuing advo- cacy for women and women’s rights, Julie Schwam Harris received the 2015 Hannah G. Solomon Award from the New Orleans Section of the Na- tional Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) on Monday, February 2. The award, a bust in the im- age of and named for the founder of the NCJW, is a symbol of the organization’s recognition of her NCJW event chair Madalyn Schenk presents Hannah G. Solomon Award to Julie Schwam First lady of New Orleans Cheryl Landrieu with husband Mayor Mitch Landrieu and friend achievements. It places her name Harris. (Photo by Alan Smason) Ruth Kullman at NCJW luncheon. (Photo by Alan Smason) at the upper echelon of commu- nity leaders who have similarly her on her upbringing and in mother of Marc Morial was been acknowledged for leader- particular cited her father, Stan- also called upon to speak about work we did, and that he did, in my role in this work today and ship since 1966. ley Schwam, and mother, Ruth Schwam Harris. Morial read a dark, ugly clouds.” in our community from the past The luncheon of over 200 Freedman Schwam of blessed letter written by her son Marc, “I know we worked hard makes me worthy of this award,” people was held in the Crescent memory, as instilling in her a who was the fi rst of two mayors and effectively in many efforts she concluded. “I just hope that Ballroom of the Westin Hotel commitment to fi nd justice and who employed Schwam Harris as before and during in the trying whatever attention this gets me atop Canal Place and drew fi ght for human rights. an integral part of his adminis- early post-Katrina days and I am will help me continue to inspire dignitaries like Mayor of the City Before he presented Schwam tration as the director of Public proud of our work,” she said. people (as well as myself) to of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu, Harris with the key to the city, Advocacy. She called her association continue this work.” his wife Cheryl as well as his big the mayor acknowledged that After the commendations with the Gumbo Coaltion, the sister, former U.S. Senator Mary “she always fi nds a way to do were over, Schwam Harris took group that helped elect Marc Landrieu. good for other people.” He also time to thank the assembly and Morial to two terms in offi ce, Mayor Landrieu, who fol- recognized her commitment to addressed the issue of the sullied as her “political” family. She lowed his sister on the podium, the cause saying “she put her administration of Mayor C. thanked Sybil Morial for her did speak on Schwam’s behalf, money where her mouth is.” Ray Nagin. “I appreciate my kind words and said that she had but was forced to depart early Former First Lady and First allies and friendships working hoped that the matriarch of the due to another commitment on Mother of the City of New for Mayor Nagin as well,” she Morial family would have run his schedule. Orleans, Sybil Morial, the widow stated, “though his political for political offi ce herself. The mayor complimented of Ernest “Dutch” Morial, and career’s ending has shrouded the “I am honored that you think

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18 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com February 2015 King Cake Challah

February 06, 2015 1 tsp fresh lemon zest By SHANNON SARNA Gold, green and purple sprinkles for decorating Directions: (The Nosher via JTA) — I have always had a love of affair In a small bowl, place yeast, 1 tsp sugar and lukewarm water. with the city of New Orleans. I have traveled there nearly Allow to sit around 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on 10 times since my early 20s: for work a few times, but more top. often to visit our growing number of dear friends who live In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk there. I love the warmth of the city, the vibrant culture and attachment, mix together 1 ½ cups flour, salt, cinnamon, history, the music, and of course, the food. nutmeg, lemon zest and sugar. After the water-yeast mixture While I enjoyed many delicious eats over my travels to has become foamy, add to flour mixture along with oil. Mix the city, the first time I tasted a King Cake was three years thoroughly. ago, just a few months before our daughter was born. I Add another 1 cup of flour and 2 eggs and mix until was seven-and-a-half months pregnant, waddling around smooth. Switch to the dough hook attachment if you are Mardi Gras with an enormous protruding stomach, enjoying using a stand mixer. every moment, especially all the food. To welcome us to the Add another 1½- 2 cups of flour, mixing thoroughly, Mardi Gras festivities, our dear friend Melanie arrived with King Cake Challah, recalling a New Orleans delicacy, is perfect with after- and then remove from bowl and place on a floured surface. a beautiful, colorful King Cake from Cake Cafe. This was noon coffee or even for breakfast. (Shannon Sarna) Knead remaining ½ cup flour into dough, continuing to no ordinary King Cake – it was stuffed with goat cheese and knead for around 5 minutes. apples, and it was one of the best treats I have ever enjoyed. a round cheese danish and a King Cake for Mardi Gras. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp So much so that each year since, my husband longs to have I didn’t bake a baby Jesus in the challah, of course, but it towel. Allow to rise at least around 3 hours, punching down another one, but there is just nothing comparable in the New would be perfect with a cup of coffee in the late afternoon. at least once if possible. York area. Or for breakfast: Who am I to judge how you start your Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Split dough into 3 even For those not familiar with a King Cake, it is a Chris- day? pieces and form into 3 long snake shapes. Braid challah and tian tradition that marks Kings Day (when the three kings And while it won’t ever be the same as the amazing ver- form into a circle, pinching the end tight. Place on a parch- brought gifts to the baby Jesus) and so a small baby Jesus sion from our time in New Orleans, at least it brought back ment or silpat lined baking sheet. is traditionally baked inside a King Cake. It also marks the some fond memories of New Orleans and our dear friends Allow challah to rise another 45-60 minutes, or until you coming of Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, when it’s who welcome us back time and time again. can see the size has grown and challah seems light. This step common to encounter many varieties of King Cake through- KING CAKE CHALLAH is very important to ensure a light and fluffy challah. out the city between early January and Mardi Gras itself. Ingredients: In a small bowl beat 1 egg lightly for the egg wash. A King Cake should also not be confused with The King’s 1½ Tbsp dry active yeast Brush egg wash liberally over challah. Cake, or a galette des rois, a beautiful French pastry that to 1 tsp sugar If making one large challah, bake around 27-28 minutes. me tastes like an enormous buttery almond croissant. You 1¼ cup lukewarm water While challah is baking, whisk together milk, powdered may see it in your local bakery topped literally with a crown. 4.5-5 cups of all-purpose, unbleached flour (preferably King sugar, vanilla and lemon zest for the glaze. It is absolutely delicious as well, but different from a King Arthur flour) After the challah has cooled out of the oven for around Cake. A King Cake in its modern form tastes most closely to ½ Tbsp salt 20-30 minutes, glaze challah covering as much surface as you a cheese danish or Entenmann’s coffee cake. 2 tsp cinnamon can. Immediately cover with sprinkles in a decorative pattern. So what is a challah queen like me supposed to do with a 1/4 tsp nutmeg Allow to dry before serving. love of King Cake but no quality one available? Make a King 1 tsp fresh lemon zest The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and Cake challah of course. ¼ cup vegetable oil classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, I flavored the dough with some traditional King Cake ¾ cup sugar from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www. flavors, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon zest. But the 2 eggs + 1 egg for egg wash TheNosher.com. most fun parts of this challah creation are the icing and the 1 cup powdered sugar colorful sprinkles. Gold, purple and green are the colors of 3 Tbsp milk or almond milk (more if needed) Mardi Gras, and are the distinguishing factor between merely 1/2 tsp vanilla Locals attend WRJ conference in Austin February 06, 2015 how to lead effective meetings. Shabbat services were led Local members of Congregation Gates of Prayer were by district leaders from across the country with singer the lone representatives from New Orleans who attended Julie Silver the prominent leader of the worship. the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Fried Leadership In total some 250 attendees were represented at the Council in Austin, TX this past Fri., Jan. 30 through conference. “We left feeling pumped up and empowered,” Sun., Feb. 1 quoted attendee Amy Thomas. Jennifer Daley, Claudia Shabetai, Joanne Fried and Amy Thomas represented the Gates of Prayer Sisterhood. WRJ conference attendees from Gates of Prayer in Austin. (Photo by Amy Thomas) Among the topics covered were control conflict and

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 19 February 2015

B’nai B’rith Mardi Gras Mitzva Makers parade held Feb. 1

February 11, 2015 who are having rehabilitation or Members of the remnants of long-term care, and to bring a the local chapter of B’nai B’rith positive Mardi Gras experience staged their 36th annual Mardi to them. In addition to Touro, Gras Mitzva Makers Parade this the parade toured Kindred past Sun., Feb. 1 at three indoor Hospital and Home Life in The hospital or nursing institutions Gardens on nearby Aline Street. Uptown. Parade members appeared in Beginning at 9:30 a.m. at colorful costumes or put one on Touro Infirmary, participants upstairs and moved in a second gathered, bringing with them line to the beat of the musi- bags of beads, plush toys and cians. In addition clowns from musical instruments to accom- the Jerusalem Temple Shriner’s pany their visit. Clown Unit appeared with the The parade, which is designed parade. to meet the needs of patients Members of the Mardi Gras Mitzva Makers pose before their parade on Feb. 1. (Photo by Hunter Thomas)

Shaya Restaurant opens on Magazine

February 13, 2015 By ALAN SMASON

With an almost reverential nod to the Israeli home of his birth, award-winning Chef Alon Shaya – in partnership with John Besh – has opened his shiny new Shaya Restaurant, the first-ever Israeli restaurant located in New Orleans. Nestled in comfortable and bright quarters at 4213 Magazine Street, Shaya has brought about a brilliant concept of a menu with emphasis on the Israeli cuisine he once cooked with his grandmother while growing up in Philadelphia. Shaya emigrated to the United States when he was just a four-year- old, having been born and lived in the small Israeli town of Batyam, located south of Jaffa. The influence of other countries from North Africa, the Middle Chef Alon Shaya with several of his offerings at his new Shaya Restaurant on Magazine A medley of items include clockwise from top left: pita, ikra, roasted beets, heirloom car- East, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Street. (Photo by Alan Smason) rots, tabouleh, stuffed grape leaves and pickles. (Photo by Alan Smason) Greece is also evident in the menu items, which Shaya selected in the hope of marrying to fresh New dreaming of a long time,” says the me to create this restaurant.” With and started planning for the open- “They’re not only my partners, but Orleans and other locally raised friendly chef. “Through the success the encouragement and support of ing of the restaurant that now bears my friends and mentors – people food items. of Domenica (Roosevelt Hotel) and Besh and his other partner Octavio his name, only 10 months since I’ve been working with for the last “Shaya is something I’ve been Pizza Domenica, it’s really allowed Mantilla, Shaya seized the moment the opening of Pizza Domenica. 11 years.”

20 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com February 2015 Mardi Gras a busy week for most

FEBRUARY 20, 2015 either coast. considered “family affairs.” Make The last week has been some- The locals that choose to no mistake about it. There are still thing of a blur to most of us. An- remain have developed their own outright bans for our “members other Mardi Gras has come and unique family traditions, too. of the tribe,” however with the gone. Although locals view the These include membership in vari- commitment and determination of Mardi Gras or Carnival season ous krewes as Carnival revelers, many millennials that belong to as an accepted annual event, how participating as spectators in the these clubs, there is hope that the each family in the city celebrates crowds, or attending magnifi cent exclusions may one day fade. the season can be what Tevye and extravaganzas of the superkrewes Regardless, New Orleanians the villagers of Anatevka called – Bacchus and Orpheus at the generally don’t dwell on negatives “tradition.” There is a small Convention Center or Endymion when it comes to bragging about population that takes fl ight — at the Mercedes-Benz SuperDome. their city’s “Greatest Free Show literally. They enjoy Mardi Gras Membership into the old line on Earth.” For local politicians, because it allows them a break. “society” krewes for most Jews it’s a time to show their faces at These families follow their pas- is still problematic. There are numerous events, especially to sions and use this getaway time some, a smattering of members recognize royalty with a toast at The Queen of Okeanos receives the key to the City of New Orleans from the Honorable to travel to either the ski slopes, of the Jewish community, that are Gallier Hall. Even that tradition Mitch Landrieu. (Photo by Alan Smason) the beaches in the Caribbean, or broaching on becoming accepted, has been altered as the city has while awaiting repairs to its crum- Gras, it’s the time of year when treks to amusement parks bearing but as Mardi Gras historian Errol had to move the toasting across bling façade. football is not the only king in names like Disney or Universal on Laborde has explained, these are the street to Lafayette Square, However one celebrates Mardi our city. Technion medical headhlunter speaks at Tulane

MARCH 02, 2015 American medical schools and for those that freshman, which is amazing,” Dr. Alexander BY ALAN SMASON are observant, there are no courses or work noted. Unless they specialize in radiology required on Shabbat. most students don’t get exposed to these Dr. Paul Alexander is on a cross-country Technion differs from other medical kinds of scans until later in their careers. medical headhunt, seeking the brightest of schools in other ways, he continued. “From “They’ll know more about reading x-rays minds headed for medical school to consider the fi rst week, they start seeing patients than students who have graduated from applying to the Technion American Medical with a doctor,” said Alexander, who calls medical school,” he said. School program in Israel. Providence, R.I. his home, but who has made Alexander considers it a better way of As part of his mission to fi nd applicants, more than 15 trips to Israel and spent a year teaching. “We’re the only medical school that Alexander was in New Orleans last week to at Technion as a visiting professor while a requires every student to do research. They speak to interested students at Tulane Univer- member of the faculty of the Brown School of have a one-0n-one relationship with someone sity on the possibility of becoming medical Medicine. on the faculty,” he explained. Students can doctors through the Technion program. Alexander also enjoys telling potential report on fi ndings as easy as analyzing data The opportunity has many perks for those students about the difference in the human from patients or conduct stem cell research, that are accepted. anatomy course as taught at Technion School which he said they can and do. First of all, there are only 32 students of Medicine. Instead of just dissecting a Despite the requirement for Hebrew, the admitted to the school each year. That cadaver, as is the case for all fi rst year medical doctor emphasized that students don’t have guarantees an almost unheard-of personal students, there is a clinical radiologist as- to be Jewish. Additionally acceptance into attention few medical schools can deliver. signed to work with Technion students. They their school is determined by the student’s The courses follow the traditional American take MRIs, CATscans and regular x-rays of undergraduate grades, MCAT scores and the Dr. Paul Alexander visited Tulane University while searching for medical students at Technion School of system of medical training, but have required the body. candidate’s letters of recommendation. Medicine. (Photo by Alan Smason) conversational Hebrew, not typical for other “They’re learning how to read x-rays as a VISIT OUR SITE TO SEE OUR The Crescent City Jewish EXCITING 2015-2016 SEASON! News proudly publishes

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For information to purchase one of his books go to-- TO LEARN MORE GO TO rrrjewishtrivia.com www.lepetittheatre.com crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 21 Swastikas painted on Babi Yar memorial in Kiev Terror attack in Har Nof synagogue; 4 people massacred during morning prayers Jewish veterans testify against sectarian prayer in military Study: More than half of U.S. Jewish college students encountered anti-Semitism Shipment of weapons bound for eastern Jerusalem intercepted

Israeli forces prevent Hamas attack on Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman ADL: Anti-Semitic incidents in U.S. up by 21 percent Paris regional council supports French recognition of Palestine Antwerp Jewish parents demand teacher’s ouster over anti-Semitic Facebook post Palestinian woman stabs Israeli at Gush Etzion junction Tufts University vandalized again with swastikas Police: Terrorism behind deadly fall of Israeli construction worker Shin Bet thwarts planned terror attack in Tel Aviv

Israel’s Jewish teens have seen more online anti-Semitism in ’14, ADL reports British soccer star apologizes for racist, anti-Semitic post Terrorist stabs two Israelis in market Belgian government to support recognizing Palestine NEVERStabbing outside West AGAIN! Bank supermarket injures 2 Knife attack at Chabad headquarters in Five arrested for threats to New York raises security questions attack French synagogue Shots fi red at Israel embassy in Athens Univ. of California union approves BDS motion Several Injured in terror FBI investigating threat to Hasidic lawmaker in N.Y. attack in Jerusalem Portugal’s legislature is latest to recognize Palestinian state Bullet fi red through Paris synagogue window 11-year-old clings to life after West Bank terror attack Jewish cemetery vandalized in Greece Two teens arrested in firebombing Vandalism strikes Jewish deli in Copenhagen that severely injured Israeli girl 22 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com The case of Leo Frank and his lynching a century later

By ARLENE S. WIEDER the Atlanta Lodge of B’nai B’rith. Frank was convicted of the April 26, It will be 100 years next month that 1913 murder of Phagan, a 13-year-old in his final days as governor of the State factory worker. Frank’s conviction stemmed of Georgia, John Slaton commuted Leo from a confession by a black custodian Frank’s sentence from death to life impris- in the building, Jim Conley. Conley, who onment for the killing of Mary Phagan. was also arrested in connection with the This one act set into motion events that murder, claimed he assisted Frank in mov- would eventually result in Frank’s lynch- ing the dead body and removing any trace ing two months later. It is today the only evidence. known lynching of a Jew in America. In New Orleans, evidence suggests this Ironically, the hate associated with case was very much of a concern to the this case may have not only have helped Jewish community. Although Jews had to strengthen the newly formed Anti- existed peacefully in the South for a few Defamation League (ADL) of B’nai B’rith, generations without any notable anti- but may well have fueled the 20th century Semitism, many of the newly arrived East resurgence of the racist Knights of the Ku European Jews, possessing thick accents Klux Klan. These two organizations still and wearing foreign, strange appearing exist today, but are, obviously, at odds with garb, experienced rampant prejudice. Hav- each other. There are numerous sites online ing left countries with active pogroms being – especially that of the U.S. Library of waged against them, many of these immi- Congress – which contain digitized primary grants questioned their decision to move to newspaper accounts or other sources for the United States—particularly the South. Leo Frank seen at his 1914 trial and as a lynching victim in August of 1915. Courtesy of The Jacob Rader Marcus anyone to access. Here are the facts about The prejudice and bigotry was exaggerated Center of the American Jewish Archives, Cincinnati, Ohio. americanjewisharchives.org this infamous case. because of three key conflicts—rich versus Frank was born in Texas, but raised poor, Jew versus Christian and “outsider” publications like The New York Times also indicated their reluctance to find Frank for the majority of his life in Brooklyn. He (Yankee) versus Southerner. Within the provided daily, mostly pro-Frank national guilty. graduated from Cornell University as an Jewish community of Atlanta, the estab- coverage. Additionally no one would ever testify engineer, but after a few jobs as a drafts- lished, mostly German Jews, viewed these Questioned after the decision, many nor was anyone indicted for the lynching. man, his wealthy Uncle Moses, sent Frank non-assimilated immigrants with uneasiness of the jury’s members stated they felt It would take an additional 85 years before to Germany as an apprentice to learn the and misgiving. that anything short of a conviction of they would be named. It turns out the pencil business. After some nine months Conversely, Phagan was from a lower first-degree murder might put their own group that called themselves “the Knights abroad, he was sent to Atlanta, where he class white family, a child laborer forced lives at risk. This is especially compelling of Mary Phagan” was not composed of was given the position of superintendent in to work in a factory to help support her when it was learned that three jurors were hoodlums or thugs, but some of Geor- the National Pencil Company. family. She was portrayed in the press as a themselves Jewish. When the judge was gia’s finest members, including a former Once he had moved to Atlanta, Frank “good” Christian child, who was a tragic asked to review the testimony on appeal, he governor, two former mayors of Marietta, was encouraged to settle down. find a wife victim of a heinous crime. stated honestly that, after reviewing all the several elected state officials, lawyers, bank- and start a family. Frank accepted an in- Frank’s character was taken to task, testimony, he could not say for certain if ers and many members of the Cobb County vitation to meet Lucille Selig, who was the much to the disgust of his young wife. Dur- Frank was innocent or guilty. However, as Sheriff’s Department. The list discovered youngest of three girls born to an extremely ing the course of the trial it was revealed he explained wrongly, it wasn’t the defense in 1957 was eventually posted online by prominent and wealthy Jewish family in that he had apparently had carnal relations team’s place to convince the judge, but the Phagan’s great-niece in the interest of Atanta. Several ancestors of the Selig family with young female factory workers in a jury’s. transparency. had helped found the first synagogue two back room on a regular basis. Four women After the defense team exhausted all Also, due to the perseverance of mem- generations earlier. In many ways this was came forward to testify against him. avenues for appeal, the lawyers approached bers of the ADL, Frank was pardoned on an arranged marriage for both individuals. The people of Atlanta railed for justice. outgoing Governor Slaton to review the March 11, 1986 only because Georgia Frank was attracted to the Selig family’s Whipped into a dither by the sensational- case. Slaton’s law partner was involved failed to protect him and failed to bring his elevated status in Atlanta’s Jewish com- ized aspects of the trial, thousands of citi- with Franks’ defense team, which may have killers to trial. The state will never again munity. She was his ticket for immediate zens rallied outside the courthouse during also inflamed protestors. Nevertheless, address the question of Frank’s guilt or acceptance into the upper echelon of Jewish the course of the trial. The attorneys that one day before Frank was sentenced to die innocence. society, which was important to him. For appealed Leo Frank’s conviction claimed by hanging and four days before his term Were the case to be tried today, it is Selig, she desired a Jewish marriage and the case was biased by the sensationalized of office was set to expire, the governor likely that evidence – not rampant specula- Frank fit the bill of being both well-educat- and “yellow journalism” that helped rally, commuted Frank’s sentence to that of life tion and conjured testimony – would be ed and extremely presentable. provoke and prejudice the local population. imprisonment. presented in an impartial, non-biased Married in November 1910, the Franks The most sensational of these papers was Slaton reasoned that the Frank verdict manner. However, with the current rise in immediately took up residence in the Selig’s Tom Watson’s inflammatory paper, The fell in the territory of “beyond a reasonable anti-Semitism around the world and a spike stately manor. Most accounts suggest the Jeffersonian, as well as his own Watson’s doubt and absolute certainty,” for which in reports of such occurrences in our own young couple was satisfied with the ar- Magazine. But even the Hearst-owned the law allows commuting an execution country, there is a lingering question about rangement, although no children ever came Atlanta newspaper, The Georgian, also ran to life imprisonment. This case has been whether Frank could receive a fair and non- out of the union. At the time of his arrest, many unsubstantiated stories with boldface marked by doubt at all levels of review. sensationalized trial today. Leo Frank was 28 and seemed rather com- headlines on one day, which would be Aside from the trial judge doubting Frank’s fortable in his new position and lifestyle. recanted in smaller print the next day. The guilt, two justices of the Georgia Supreme He also was the newly elected president of case became a cause célèbre when national Court and two U.S. Supreme Court Justices crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 23 March 2015 Adloyadah termed a success

March 02, 2015 auditorium, while inflatable rides stood like massive sentinels rising up from the gymnasium floor. Photos by Arlene Wieder Hundreds of parents and kids made this past Food purveyors stayed busy the entire after- Sunday’s community wide Adloyadah celebration a noon. Kosher Cajun New York Delicatessen and success, according to organizers at the Jewish Com- Grocery offered hot dogs and sandwiches, while munity Center. Casablanca Restaurant offered Middle Eastern The indoor event, originally scheduled for the treats like falafel and pita. New this year was athletic field at the rear of the facility, was held Waffles on Maple, the kosher waffles and pizza both in the gymnasium and the Mintz Auditorium location. They offered fanciful desserts. from 11:30 – 3:30 p.m. Games were held inside the

Study: Global anti-Semitism Rio 2016 Olympic Village to commemorate reaches seven-year high Munich massacre, other deaths March 02, 2015 March 02, 2015 of countries. However, the study noted a “marked increase in the number of countries (JTA) — The International Olympic Committee will erect a place to mourn family (JTA) — Global anti-Semitic incidents where Jews were harassed.” and friends at the 2016 Games in Rio, including the 11 Israeli athletes killed by ter- reached a seven-year high, a new study found, In the 77 countries in which Jews were rorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics. while social hostilities involving religion de- harassed, Jews were “much more likely to be The closing ceremony also will feature a moment of reflection to remember those clined somewhat in 2013 following a six-year harassed by individuals or groups in society who have died at the Olympic Games, such as the Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritash- peak. than by governments.” vili, who was killed in a training accident at the start of the Vancouver Olympics in The Pew Research Center’s annual study The study reported that in Europe, harass- 2010 of global restrictions on religion, released Feb. ment of Jews and Muslims was “particularly The moves are seen as an attempt to appease critics of the IOC who have said that 26, reported that approximately one-quarter widespread,” with Jews experiencing harass- it has not gone far enough in memorializing the Jewish athletes in Munich who were of the world’s countries are “grappling with ment in 34 European countries and Muslims taken hostage and then killed by the Palestinian group Black September. The games high levels of religious hostilities within their in 32 countries. were suspended for a day before resuming. borders.” As in the previous years of the study, social IOC President Thomas Bach said Sunday that the IOC will “remember all those Christians and Muslims, together making hostilities involving religion were highest who have lost their lives at the Olympic Games.” up more than half of the world’s popula- across the Middle East and North Africa. tion, faced harassment in the largest number

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24 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com March 2015 JCRS hits high note at Hyatt fundraiser

March 08, 2015 programs or served on the orga- The Goldring Family Founda- the award from Rittenberg. Joel Colman and Touro Syna- By ALAN SMASON nization’s board. Jimmy Cahn tion and the Woldenberg Foun- The final recipient of the gogue David Mintz were joined Photos by Arlene Wieder spoke on behalf of his family and dation were both acknowledged night was the Harold Grinspoon by Gates of Prayer cantorial Celebrating Jewish contribu- received a special award designed for the impressive philanthropic Foundation, which created the soloist Victoria Cohen May. tions to popular music, nearly 500 by famous Judaica artist Gary work they have achieved in the popular PJ Library administered Additionally May remained to community members turned out Rosenthal from outgoing JCRS Greater New Orleans area and by JCRS. Although Grinspoon welcome music director and to celebrate the Jewish Children’s president Leon Rittenberg, III. for their vision in creating a could not attend the dinner, pianist Harry Mayronne to the Regional Service’s (JCRS) 160th Elias Klein, who along with legacy through their commit- Tamar Remz, a spokesperson Imperial Ballroom stage. May- anniversary on Saturday night, brother Ike escaped the Holo- ment to Jewish causes. Magnolia for his foundation, accepted the ronne accompanied singers Chris March 7 at the Imperial Ballroom caust and received care through Liquor Distributor and Sazerac award on his behalf. Wecklein, Mary Viguiera and of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. JCRS, spoke on the important Company founders Stephen and Remz stated that PJ Library May as they performed a number WVUE meteorologist Bruce work JCRS has done and con- Mathilde Goldring and Malcolm donates 400,000 books each of popular tunes connected to Katz served as master of ceremo- tinues to do. They established and Dorothy Woldenberg were month in four languages and to Jewish composers or performers. nies through the night. Honored the Klein/Broniatowski College cited for their past donations five countries in order “to bring The evening ended with for their dedication to JCRS were Assistance Fund named for their that today are carried forward by families together.” “Water in the Well” written and the five generations of the Cahn original family surname and also Billy Goldring and his children, The remainder of the evening most often connected to Debbie family and the Klein family, both their Americanized “adopted” Diane Franco along with her hus- turned ever more musical as the Freedman, the late Jewish song of whose family members received name. Additional outgoing presi- band Alan and Jeffrey Goldring areas two cantors and cantorial composer, whose influenced in assistance from the JCRS and have dent Leon Rittenberg, III also with his wife Walton. Both Fran- soloist performed two selections the modern world of contempo- in more recent years established presented Klein with an award. cos and Jeffrey Goldring accepted together. Temple Sinai Cantor rary Jewish song is legendary. Federation changes by-laws to include non-Jews

March 17, 2015 become Federation members, even So, to accommodate the widow’s By DEAN SHAPIRO, Special to if they are non-practicing Jews, request, Hillel officials asked if the CCJN provided that they meet the other the Federation could change its membership requirements of sup- by-laws. With no comments from the porting the Federation’s mission Katz went on to explain that floor and only one “nay” vote, and making regular financial the issues regarding the proposed the Jewish Federation of Greater contributions. bylaws changes that were raised New Orleans, at a special meeting At the start of the March 16 at the September annual meeting on Monday, March 16, amended meeting, Rabbi Edward Paul had been “thoroughly vetted” its charter’s by-laws to open up Cohn of Temple Sinai delivered a by the board with “substantial membership to former spouses or dvar Torah from Vayikra (Leviti- input” from those who objected former domestic partners of Jews cus 1) on “the spirit of inclusion” to the original phrasing. who may not actually be practic- and the importance of “opening “It was with great thought ing Jews themselves. the tent so that all may enter.” that this was done and this is The vote came exactly six Cohn cited numerous examples not a great deal of change,” Katz months after the issue first came throughout the history of Jewish noted as he read the proposed to the floor during a contentious tradition of helping others in wording revisions. The full Annual Meeting in September need, including many services pro- revised text of Article III, Section 2014. Concerns were voiced vided by the New Orleans Jewish 2 of the Federation’s Articles of at that time that opening up community since its earliest roots. Incorporation that was approved Jewish Federation president Morton Katz, left, and executive director Michael Weil, membership in this manner could Following up on Cohn’s by the board reads as follows: center, listen to a dvar Torah by Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn on inclusivity. Following the talk, the changes to Federation’s by-laws to include non-Jews as members of boards passed. possibly weaken and undermine message, Federation president “All persons of the Jewish (Photo by Dean Shapiro) the structure and intent of the Morton Katz told the gathering faith, their spouses, domestic Foundation itself. No action at Metairie’s Goldring-Wolden- partners (as defined in the By- the contribution is made.” ment of which was greeted by was taken at that meeting and, berg Community Center that the Laws), former spouses or former The measure passed with applause. instead, it was deferred initially origin of the issue of non-Jewish domestic partners and who are only one dissenting vote at the “That means that the by-laws to a meeting in December, where spouse participation stemmed over the age of majority, support January board meeting, Katz changes that we made on January discussion was postponed to a from a recent controversy the Mission and Purposes of the said, then he opened the floor for 22 are also approved and that later date in 2015. involving one of the Federation’s Corporation, and contribute discussion. With no one coming means that those of you who are On January 22, following constituent agencies. The surviv- to the Corporation’s Annual forward to speak, he called for a presidents and executives of con- substantial input from concerned ing spouse of a major donor to Campaign shall be Members of motion for approval which was stituent agencies who might de- Federation members, the Federa- Tulane University Hillel was the Corporation from the date on made, seconded and voted on by sire to have their own non-Jewish tion’s Board of Trustees voted to informed that she could not serve which the contribution is made voice vote. Only one “nay” vote board members or members, you approve the wording changes that on its board of directors because through the end of the fiscal year was vocalized and there were no are eligible to do that now,” Katz defined “domestic partnerships.” she was a non-Jewish widow. succeeding the fiscal year during abstentions. With more than a explained. Then they approved wording that The by-laws at that time said which the contribution is made. two-thirds approval and a quo- would allow former domestic all board members of the con- Members shall be entitled to vote rum present, Katz declared the partners and former spouses to stituent agencies must be Jewish. beginning July 1 of the year after measure passed, the pronounce-

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 25 March 2015 OP-ED: The trade

MARCH 13, 2015 not a successful football team by almost perspective than whatever gain the Saints The hardest part in all this is to main- BY RABBI ETHAN LINDEN any measure, not in absolute terms and will realize in the long term.) tain the essential core of the system, insti- surely not given the high expectations What makes this diffi cult is that change tution or team as the change is happening. It seems to be biggest with which the Saints began the 2014 is also a necessary part of any system and If the delicate balance between meaning- story of the year so far, if campaign. Given the lack of success, does institution. To keep the football example ful change and maintenance of the core I only judge by the letter it not stand to reason that major changes going for one more (rather risky) step: one identity can be achieved then the losses height on the front page should be made? If the team could not of the most successful football teams of experienced within the system can be story above the fold in compete at a high level in 2014, should the last decade, the New England Patriots, absorbed. If the trade of Jimmy Graham yesterday’s newspaper. It not those responsible for putting a win- have managed to remain excellent partly is just some random step in an unfocused seems to be biggest story of ning roster together be willing to think by virtue of the fact that head coach Bill plan then fans have a right to complain. the year, if I judge by the radically about how to change the team Belichick is absolutely unsentimental But if the loss of Graham is a consid- sheer number of people in the JCC, at Shir for the better? I wonder if the sadness and (perhaps even ruthless) when it comes to ered change towards the larger goal of a Chadash and in line at CVS who are talk- befuddlement people seem to feel about letting players go when they no longer fi t successful team then the loss-while still ing about it. It’s the biggest story of the Jimmy Graham going to Seattle is less his scheme. He rarely holds on to veterans painful for some-will be justifi ed. So, year, if I judge by the vitriol of the local about Graham per se than it is about the for too long, a problem that plagues other too, with change in a synagogue: change radio call-in shows. prospect of change in the football team teams and inhibits their ability to win by for the sake of change will hurt and it will The Saints traded Jimmy Graham. they love. Change, after all, is hard, just impeding the progression of younger play- fail. But change for the sake of preserving Now, as many you know, I gave up ask this now famous kid, who mourns the ers and clogging up the roster with ill-used the core values of the place is worth the watching and following the NFL over departure of her favorite baseball player in salaries. loss and the risk. The trick, of course, is two years ago, but a local news story this a trade. Although most of us would not Synagogues are not football teams, but knowing the difference between change momentous cannot simply be ignored. I react quite so strongly to a favorite player the challenge to change and adapt that because change sounds good and change mean, I would seem hopelessly out of leaving our favorite team, those of us who we face is just as real as that facing any that is the result of careful and thought- touch if I did not seek to address the follow sports can identify with the feeling institution attempting to stay relevant or ful planning and analysis. We hope the spiritual crisis which has engulfed Who of loss. team hoping to stay competitive as time Saints’ front offi ce knows the difference Dat Nation. And in the end, change is accompanied, passes. And just as professional sports when it comes to the Saints, and we hope The Saints traded Jimmy Graham. by necessity, by a sense of loss. That is, is littered with franchises that were great we know the difference when it comes to How could this have happened? after all, what change means: something and then refused to change for too long our institutions and communities. We will I do not pretend to be expert on is lost, and hopefully something is gained. and thus lost their momentum (the New not always get it right, but if we’re careful, professional football and still less on the But even if we can see the gain, we are York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers of we will succeed more often then we fail. complexities of building a winning foot- always acutely aware of what has been the NBA are two great examples this year) (Rabbi Ethan Linden is the spiritual ball team in the salary cap era. lost. And in any change the losses tend to so too there are many synagogues around leader of Shir Chadash Conservative Con- But allow me one observation as a be unequally distributed throughout the the country that remained complacent for gregation in Metairie, the only Conserva- football naïf: the Saints went 7-9 last system. (So, for example, Drew Brees’ too many years in the face of too many tive congregation in Louisiana.) season, broke even at 3-3 in their divi- very public negative reaction to the Jimmy shifting trends. Change is hard, and it sion and failed to take the top spot in an Graham trade, is totally understandable, is always accompanied by loss, but the historically bad NFC South. They lost since in his role as quarterback losing a consequences of refusing to change can be twice to the Atlanta Falcons. This was top receiving target is far worse from his devastating. NCJW spring fundraiser is a ‘Gem of a Party’

MARCH 16, 2015 rank and fi le members with back- Schornstein and Sara Stone – Music and food fl owed ground music and song provided were made permanent honorary fast and furious as the Na- by guitarist John Rankin. After vice-presidents as a measure of tional Council of Jewish Women dinner another musical offering thanks by the current administra- (NCJW) held its annual spring was heard and seen as the Big tion for their continued involve- fundraiser “Puttin’ on the Glitz Easy Buddies, a dancing and ment and commitment to the with a Gem of a Party” on singing male quartet backed by New Orleans section for more Sunday, March 15 in the Napo- a seven-piece band performed a than a half century. leon Room of the New Orleans number of popular tunes from Hilton Hotel. the Fifties and Sixties. Following an earlier patron Four past presidents – Joan party, the doors were opened to Berenson, Celia Katz, Flo

Permanent honorary NCJW vice-presidents are, from left, Flo Schornstein, Celia Katz, Joan Berenson and (seated) Sara Stone. (Photo by Michael Maples)

26 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com March 2015 Lee Kansas honored Barri Bronston signs book, sells out at Octavia Books by Hadassah MARCH 22, 2015 beginning in the fall of 2013. She broke the Former Times-Picayune journalist and city into 30 different treks, each designed MARCH 22, 2015 current assistant director of public relations to take advantage of area businesses or rest Lee Kansas, past New Barri Bronston spoke briefl y before a crowd stops to make each trip memorable and Orleans chapter president of more than 100 supporters before selling pleasurable. and current president of the out of the 100 copies being held at Octavia As part of her research, she began to Southern Region of Hadassah Books, 514 Octavia Street. Bronston signed explore areas of the city with which she was was honored with the Woman her book, “Walking New Orleans,” a series unfamiliar. A fi nd for her was the Bywa- Kansas of Valor Award. This tribute of walking tours designed to delight walking ter neighborhood with its newly-opened is only presented to Hadassah enthusiasts living or visiting the Crescent City, Crescent Park. “It’s fantastic,” she said about volunteers who display exceptional leadership, between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m the riverfront botanical area that runs all the outstanding commitment and dedication to Published by Wilderness Press of Birming- way to the Moon Walk across from Jackson the women’s Zionist organization. The event ham, AL., the book is one of a series of simi- Square. was held at Ralph Brennan’s Heritage Grill lar short one- or two-hour walking treks the Bronston also saw fi rst-hand the formerly Restaurant, 111 Veterans Blvd in Metairie. company has printed. Bronston was selected heavily Jewish neighborhood of Oretha different areas in order to route walkers to a In addition to her service to Hadassah, Lee to cover the city of New Orleans in a series of Castle Haley Boulevard, formerly Dryades variety of sights, but also to provide adequate locally has actively served on the boards of emails that stretched back to August, 2013. Street, and its recent transformation follow- and interesting rest stops along a one- to Congregation Beth Israel, Jewish Federation “They felt New Orleans was really a city ing Hurricane Katrina. With restaurants three-mile course. “I wanted it to be easy for of Greater New Orleans, Communal Hebrew that deserves a book like this,” Bronston like Café Reconcile and Purloo, located people to park,” she recalled in setting up the and the Jewish Community Day School (for- told the CCJN in an exclusive interview. The in the new Southern Food Museum there, various treks. merly the New Orleans Jewish Day School), publisher sent her two of its previous releases Bronston noted that “The renaissance in that Bronston also included walking tours of Tulane Hillel and Jewish Family Service. so that the author could get an idea of what neighborhood is amazing.” Metairie with Lafreniere Park and a walk for Professionally she was employed with the the fi nished product would resemble. Some areas, like St. Charles Avenue, are North Shore walking enthusiasts of down- Orleans Parish school district for more than Because of her full-time job, Bronston just one street. Others required more fore- town Covington. 40 years, spending most of her career at Benja- was forced to embark on the project over the thought and planning. min Franklin High School. Currently Kansas course of weekends, holidays and at night, She broke the French Quarter into three works with her family’s realty company.

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WWW.LAKEVIEWBREW.COM crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 27 March 2015 ‘Outrageous Sophie Tucker’ movie shown; book authors in town

MARCH 22, 2015 in upstate New York. Susan Ecker recalls the Their book refutes a number of items BY ALAN SMASON, EXCLUSIVE TO THE CCJN two were sitting on the front row when “Mr. Tucker wrote in her autobiography, “Some of Big Shot” told her he would be right back. He These Days.” The Eckers were able to secure Back a century ago, there was no Lady climbed onto the stage and, to her surprise, the rights to many of Tucker’s scrapbooks Gaga, Madonna or Beyoncé. But in the wan- introduced Bette Midler to the audience with along with much of the correspondence she ing days of vaudeville, there was a no-non- Barry Manilow playing piano and serving had over the course of her long show business sense woman who captivated audiences and as her musical director. He made an obvious career. That’s when they noticed that given spoke and sang so provocatively that she was impression and the two were soon inseparable a choice of writing the truth or inventing a considered something of a scandalous woman. and big Midler fans. legend, Tucker chose the latter. Yet, she was beloved by millions nationwide, But Midler’s love of Tucker piqued the After meticulously scanning the stories in who made her one of the most popular stars in Eckers’ interest. The Eckers became successful her scrapbooks found at Brandeis University America for more than half a century. in business and eventually sold their Internet and the New York Library at Lincoln Center, That star was Sophie Tucker, a woman business, babytobee.com, for an unbelievable the Eckers began to fi nd inconsistencies in her Susan and Lloyd Ecker stand in front of a portrait of who made frequent trips to New Orleans per- sum of cash that left them fi nancially indepen- accounts. “We realized that 85% of that book Sophie Tucker. (Photo courtesy of Susan and Lloyd forming at the fabled Blue Room in the Roos- dent, but also left them with a lot of time on was false. It never happened the way she said Ecker) evelt Hotel. Tucker’s infl uence is still felt today hands. “What do you want to do now?” he it did or it never happened,” Lloyd continued. by performers like Bette Midler, who continue remembers asking his wife. Instead of writing a typical biography, brances by musical enthusiasts like Michael her brassy and risqué manner on stage. They read Tucker’s autobiography and the Eckers elected to write what they call “a Feinstein, reporters like Barbara Walters and For Susan and Lloyd Ecker, the authors of found her character fascinating, but Lloyd fi ctional memoir” spoken in the fi rst person by fellow stars like Carol Channing. It is expected “I Am Sophie Tucker: A Fictional Memoir,” thought there might be more to the story. Tucker. “It would give you a feel for her talk- to be released commercially fi rst in the fall the road to producing a major documentary “Let’s fi nd out who Sophie Tucker is,” he ing and we feel like we got her,” Ecker said. before running over cable and eventually being fi lm, “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker,” that told Susan. “From that (book) we’ll make The Eckers now say that their research issued on DVDs and BlueRay discs. was shown Sunday at the Uptown Jewish a documentary and then after we make the is probably 85% accurate. There are areas And as to Lloyd Ecker’s grand plan, there Community Center at 1:00 p.m., is all a part documentary we’ll make a Broadway musical. that can never be verifi ed, but they believe the has already been one meeting with Hollywood of a continuum that began with Midler. Now, Then after that, we’ll make a fi lm that Bette fi nal result is closer to the truth than Tucker’s tycoon Weinstein at which a pitch was made it is all about to lead to the next stage, the Middler can star in. And after she wins the own autobiography. “The other 15%…who for Lady Gaga to be considered to portray development of their material into a major Academy Award, then we will have dinner knows?” Lloyd Ecker posits. Tucker. Time will tell if the dinner with Midler Broadway musical and a possible fi lm project with her.” With their fi rst 400 page book released, becomes a reality, too. with Harvey Weinstein. Some might call it overreaching. “It was a the Eckers took to producing the documentary Married for 39 years, the two’s fi rst date grand plan,” Lloyd Ecker recalls. But so far it’s aptly titled, “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker.” was to a Bette Midler concert at Ithaca College working. It stars clips of Tucker along with remem- Federation celebrates 2014-15 campaign

MARCH 29, 2015 Allan Bissinger presented the tenth Roger Bissinger Memorial Award to Carol 2014-15 Jewish Federation campaign Wise. The annual award named in honor chairs are Cathy Glaser, second from left, of his father of blessed memory is given to and Joshua Force, right with spouses Dr. a single volunteer, whom family members Charles Glaser and Mara Force. (Photo believe has contributed to the overall ben- courtesy Jewish Federation of Greater efi t of the Federation and its constituent New Orleans) agencies in the spirit of Roger Bissinger. The audience composed of contributors Entertainment for the evening was to the campaign paid an additional $18 performed by the conservatory dancers to the annual campaign that has raised from the city of Rosh Ha’ayin, which is slightly under $2 million thus far. New Orleans’ Partmership 2Gether sister Guest speaker for the evening was city in Israel. Olivier Guitta, the Director of Research The 2014-2015 campaign chairs are at the Henry Jackson Society, who is an Cathy Glaser and Joshua Force and the expert on security and counterterroism. current drive ends on June 30. Guitta discussed the increase of anti-Semi- tism and jihadism in Europe.

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans gave its membership a thank you gift on March 26 in the form of a reception at The Cannery, a former American Can Company warehouse that has been converted into a swank reception hall.

28 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com March 2015 The ‘Jewish’ cake that dethrones the king cake

March 27, 2015 made up of thin layers of sponge objection to it, but that’s not my By JOANNA BRODER cake with buttercream between way of using fondant.” the layers and on the outside of the Some bakeries use poured fudge Most locals are familiar with cake and a layer of hard caramel or instead of fondant to coat the cake; the glittery king cake, which in re- chocolate on top. Beranbaum said that fudge is also cent years has become more that a “… She intuitively knew that very sweet. simple cross between a coffee cake it [Dobos torte] was too rich “See my goal is to make things and a cinnamon roll sprinkled with and heavy for the New Orleans’ not cloyingly sweet,” she said. “[In colored sugar. Today’s varieties with climate,” Wolchansky of blessed the South] they still go for their pra- fruit and cream fillings have taken memory, wrote in a self-published lines and sugary things so I think the simple king cake and trans- cookbook of her mother’s recipes that wouldn’t be the way I would formed it into more than the dessert titled “Let’s Bake with Beulah do it, but there’s a market for it, of choice on Mardi Gras. Ledner: A Legendary New Orleans especially in New Orleans.” What many people outside of Lady.” While Ledner’s version of the New Orleans may not know is that The Dobos torte on which cake used custard instead of butter- there is another popular dessert the Doberge cake is based used to cream frosting between the layers, The famous Doberge cake, half chocolate and half lemon as made by Gambino’s Baker in Metairie. (Courtesy of Gambino’s) that a Jewish woman brought to be very popular in Jewish com- she also made butter cake rather the New Orleans market about munities around the country and than sponge cake. that commercial bakeries today in Metairie. She was charming, but 80 years ago. The Doberge cake especially in New York City in the “This produced a torte with cannot make it the way she did tough, he recalled: “You did it right stands aloft, bravely standing the early twentieth century, said Joan subtle richness and lighter quality,” and still recoup their money. His or you just didn’t do it.” test of time in what most everyone Nathan, Jewish cookbook author. Wolchansky wrote in her cook- mother never made much money Ingredients were hard to come concedes is the original foodie city. Her most recent book is “Quiches, book. on Doberge, Albert Ledner said. by during World War II and so Doberge cake is special because Kugels and Couscous: My Search The cake stayed cool because it She did it on the basis of ‘this is the Albert Ledner said his parents had it is a New Orleans original, says for Jewish Cooking in France”. required refrigeration, especially in way it should be done.’ to close the bakery during the war. Judy Walker, food editor at The She remembers the Dobos the semi-tropical clime of the Big Unsurprisingly, bakers in New Afterwards, Gambino’s approached Times-Picayune. “When you look torte as a seven-layer, white cake Easy. “She felt like it was great for Orleans tend to think they are the the couple with an offer to buy the at it, it doesn’t look like anything with chocolate buttercream and a New Orleans.” best at making Doberge. name and the recipe. They decided else. It’s tall and pretty.” layer of caramel or chocolate at the Beulah Ledner created the That is not to say that individu- it was best to sell it, but after a year Beulah Ledner developed Do- top. What made it so good is the French-sounding name Doberge als cannot make the cake the right of idleness, Ledner reopened a new berge cake in about 1935 by adapt- buttercream frosting between the (pronounced either Do-bash, Do- way. Last year, when Albert Ledner bakery under a new name in what ing the popular Dobos torte, a cake layers, she said. bage or Doberge by New Orleani- turned 90, a neighbor and caterer was then the nascent Metairie area. originating from Austria-Hungary, “I love it,” she said, and fondly ans), because she thought the name made a Doberge cake, which he Jean-Luc Albin, owner of Mau- to make it better suited for the hot, remembers eating the cake as a should reflect regional traditions, described as “very close and very rice French Pastries in Metairie, New Orleans climate. child. her daughter wrote. good.” said his bakery follows Beulah Doberge is a multi-layered Rose Beranbaum, author of A love for the cake requires a Unsurprisingly, bakers in New Ledner’s original recipe. The cakes butter cake that has somewhere “The Cake Bible”, has her own sweet tooth that even some of Led- Orleans tend to think they are the appeal to people who remember between six and eight layers. Each version of Dobos Torte in her cook- ner’s descendants don’t possess. best at making Doberge. them from Beulah Ledner’s time, layer of cake is baked individually. book “The Melting Pot” which Albert Ledner, well known for So the pop-up bakery and sup- but also are big on major holidays The layers are so thin –not more she based on her time working in his residential and commercial ar- plier of desserts to restaurants also like Thanksgiving, Father’s Day and than 3/8 of an inch—that one needs the Hungarian bakery Gundel and chitecture around New Orleans and uses their own spin on the custard. birthdays. a special pan to bake them, notes which she slightly tweaked so that the country, says he likes it, but it is Theirs is actually a pudding Not to miss out on Mardi Gras, Ledner’s son Albert Ledner, 91. the butter cream was less grainy. a bit too sweet and rich for him. with more updated flavors such a he started offering a petifore version In between the cakes lies a Beranbaum said that there is Catherine Ledner, a photog- cream cheese, cherry and banana. of Doberge cake as well. spread of custard. A thin film of something “magical” about skinny, rapher based in Los Angeles, said Traditional flavors for doberge have Albin bought the bakery 26 buttercream frosting coats the cake multi-layered cake: “Think of it,” that although the cake is supposed always been chocolate, lemon and years ago from Maurice Ravet, and on top of that is a hard layer she said. “If you just have two to be lighter than dobos torte (pro- then caramel, Mary said. who purchased the bakery and of chocolate, lemon, caramel or layers, you don’t get as much butter nounced do-bosh), it is still pretty Scelfo said a lot of bakeries and Doberge cake recipe directly from raspberry icing, Albert Ledner and cream. This way, you get almost rich. “I’m really not into icing and grocery stores in New Orleans try Beulah Ledner in the early 1980s, his daughter Catherine Ledner said. as much butter cream aSome of there’s a lot of icing on that cake,” to emulate Gambino’s Bakery’s when she retired at age 87 after 50 “It’s a lot of layers,” Catherine the bakeries in New Orleans use a she said. doberge cake but it’s a lost cause. years in baking and catering. Ledner said. “You open that thing fondant over the thin layer of butter Still, not too many people in “They’ll take one layer and slice Everyone knew that Beulah and it looked like, you know, a pin cream frosting. New Orleans will dispute the popu- it and we literally bake each layer Ledner was Jewish, Catherine Led- stripe shirt on the inside.” Beranbaum said fondant is larity of Doberge cake. individually … because you don’t ner said. She went to synagogue. Beulah Ledner was known af- generally used to keep things fresh “I think the importance of it is want your custard to be absorbed She was a member of the Jew- fectionately as the “Doberge Queen so that you have time to decorate self-evident because … 90 percent within the layer,” he said. ish Community Center in New of New Orleans,” according to them. It is not exactly the ingredient of bakeries in New Orleans do their Even though she had sold her Orleans. But her Doberge cake is an article penned by her daughter of choice when there are options. own version, “ Albert Ledner said. recipe to Gambino’s. in 1946, Beu- more of a New Orleans thing than Maxine Ledner Wolchansky, in “Most people don’t want to eat No bakery in New Orleans lah Ledner opted to go back into a Jewish thing, she said. 1987. Writing from her home in fondant,” she said, “but of course makes the Doberge cake exactly the bakery business as a competitor “It’s the birthday cake of New Atlanta, Wolchansky acknowledged in New Orleans people have a the way his mother made it, Albert to Gambino’s. Orleans,” she concluded. “We love her mother based her Doberge much bigger sweet tooth and so I Ledner says. That is because the Scelfo recalls having visited Led- to celebrate.” cake on the Dobos torte — a cake can see why they wouldn’t have any baking process is so labor-intensive ner in her bakery, which she opened crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 29 April 2015 Temple Sinai turns 145 with colorful gala

April 12, 2015 By ALAN SMASON

Colors abounded at the Tem- ple Sinai Gala on Saturday night as members and friends of the largest synagogue in Louisiana, celebrated its 145th anniversary, rallying in support of its past and looking favorably towards its future. The aptly named Gold Standard, a band that played a variety of jazz and popular tunes, entertained the crowd through the evening. The hot pink costumes of the Pussyfooters, a popular Temple Sinai educators Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn, Ann Kientz and Cantor Joel Colman. (Photo marching dance troupe, also gave by Alan Smason) a rosy tint to the night’s activi- ties. Four of the Reform temple’s involvement of the synagogue in learn Hebrew. He also added that membership are also members of promoting progress in human and 13 bar or bat mitzvahs have been the Pussyfooters, who eagerly sold civil rights as well as promoting performed in just the past year. Members of the Pussyfooters dance troupe help Temple Sinai celebrate 145 years. (Photo by Alan Smason) raffle tickets to benefit Temple social justice in the Crescent City. “Many are from interfaith Sinai before later performing in A proclamation issued by the City families,” Brickman added. “I front of the crowd. Council of the City of New Or- think that’s a tremendous achieve- in a rendition of “Happy Birth- A full buffet, which included leans last week for its 145th an- ment in any community.” day,” the Pussyfooters wheeled catering from Shaya Restaurant niversary recognized Temple Sinai Cohn took back the micro- out a massive white cake adorned and others, offered a diverse menu for its leadership role, he said. phone to echo the theme of the with blue and gold icing. Flanked for attendees from Israeli food to Brickman thanked Cohn for night, honoring the achievements with the numbers “1,” “4” and a hand-carved roast beef station his spiritual leadership at Temple of the synagogue’s past and in “5” along both the left and right and to homemade chopped liver Sinai for the past 28 years and particular noting how well off it sides, the inscription in gold icing adorned with sliced olives. also acknowledged the work of is today, despite the challenges read “Happy Birthday Temple Following the Pussyfooters Cantor Joel Colman and educator of a decade ago when Hurricane Sinai 145 Years.” performance, Rabbi Ed Paul Ann Kientz, all teachers in the re- Katrina forced the largest evacu- A silent auction of donated Cohn welcomed attendees and ligious school. Brickman proudly ation in the nation’s history and items capped off the remainder of introduced incoming president acknowledged that the school has scattered its membership to the the evening’s activities with Gold Temple Sinai birthday cake (Photo by Alan Bob Brickman. Brickman took 100 students enrolled and that 40 four winds. Standard providing musical ac- Smason) the occasion to note the past children are following tracks to As Colman lead the attendees companiment until 10 p.m. Zapruder cites diaries at Yom Hashoah event

April 15, 2015 Museum in Washington, D.C., is famous, several of the 60 young without the knowledge of what and artistic. By ALAN SMASON the author of “Salvaged Pages: diarists whose work had been the outcome was going to be,” Another common thread Young Writers Diaries of the Ho- published after World War II are she continued. running through the diaries was Diaries written during the locaust.” She read from her col- now out of print and many of Beyond viewing these unique that of guilt. Many were forced Holocaust by adolescents like lection of diary excerpts, giving their works are of unknown or sources as simple glimpses into to steal food or compelled to take Anne Frank were a major focus insight into many of these unsung anonymous origin, according to history, they also serve to give in- more than their fair share. “It of the tenth annual Yom Has- literary heroes, who documented the researcher. Perhaps, the most sight into a generation of skilled was amazing to see how reduc- hoah Community Wide Event the horrors, fear and guilt they surprising of the items that came writers, Zapruder stated. “From tive hunger is,” Zapruder said. on Sunday evening, April 12, at experienced, never knowing if the out of these diaries was the at- a literary standpoint they used “One of the elements of their the Uptown Jewish Community words they were writing would tention to details that might have the written word to communicate torment is shame.” Center. Discovered after the war, be their last. been left out by other writers, their experiences. They grappled When caught up in the mael- the diaries are important as both “They had their own way of Zapruder noted. with language. How is it possible strom of the Holocaust, every- historical records and literary articulating what it was they ex- “These writers were histori- to express the inexpressible? thing else seemed miniscule or devices, according to Alexandra perienced and it cut through any ans of themselves,” she contin- How to articulate the inarticu- unimportant, she added. “They Zapruder, the program’s keynote attempt to generalize or simplify ued. “They put down a record lated?” she posited. leave us with this material to speaker. what the Holocaust was about,” of their experiences and they left The sentiments expressed grapple with for ourselves and to Zapruder, a Harvard graduate Zapruder said about the young a record for us to contemplate. in the six diaries from which honor this labor of leaving a his- and one of the earliest research- writers. They captured the texture and Zapruder read went from the fac- torical record for those who are ers at the National Holocaust While Frank is the most the complexities of daily life tual and mundane to the poetic Holocaust on page 31

30 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com April 2015

Keynote speaker Alexandra Zapruder (Photo by Alan Smason). Rabbi Barbara Metzinger escorts liberator John Rogers to the lighting of the menorah Holocaust survivor Eugenia Yuspeh, left, and second generation member Rachel Ladder as Liba Kornfeld prepares to place the candle. (Photo by Alan Smason) Merlin, hand a memorial candle back to JCC director of Family Life Liba Kornfeld as Henry Rosenblat looks on. (Photo by Alan Smason) holocaust from page 30 English Language Arts teacher with a prayer evoking the memo- to follow,” Zapruder concluded. Caitlin Meehan-Draper. Meehan- ry of Frank and her hopeful spirit Earlier, the program began Draper accepted a check for her despite the dire conditions she with the procession of the sur- school from Ruth Loeffelholz on and her family endured in hiding vivors, its ranks now shortened behalf of her and her brother, from the Nazis. “How could any- to just seven members. Several Holocaust Memorial Committee one declare someone like Anne of the members of the Anti-Def- chair Henry Rosenblat, from the Frank to be their enemy?” Cohn amation League’s Donald Mintz Ralph and Gertrude Rosenblat asked rhetorically. Leadership Mission to Wash- Fund they administer. The lighting of the six-tiered ington, D.C. accompanied the Meehan-Draper was selected wooden menorah constructed in survivors and their family mem- by the Holocaust Memorial memory of the six million souls bers, who each carried memorial Committee to receive the honor lost to the Shoah by survivor Isak candles to remember the lives of from a slate of teacher candidates Borenstein of blessed memory those who had survived the war who incorporate Holocaust stud- began with Meehan-Draper and settled in New Orleans. ies into their classroom curricula. and Goodma-Padilla lighting Allison Goodman-Padilla, Survivor Anne Levy welcomed the first candle. Rabbi Barbara the ADL’s South Central Region John Rogers, a 97-year-old vet- Metzinger escorted Rogers who Educator of the year Caitlin Meehan-Draper, second from right, displays her certificate executive director introduced the eran of the U. S. Army’s Second was in a wheelchair. Next up with (from left) Ruth Loeffelholz, speaker Alexandra Zapruder and Holocaust Memorial members of the mission by name Armored Division, who was were survivor Jeannine Burk and Committee chair Henry Rosenblat. (Photo by Alan Smason) and school. The students from an honored as one of the Holocaust second generation member Betty assortment of Orleans and Jef- liberators. Rogers was the subject Moore. Survivor Eugenia Yuspeh ferson Parish schools each read of a short video presentation followed with second generation Metairie, Cantor Dave Mintz recited the names of all area sur- passages from famous Holocaust which captured his memories of member Rachel Ladder Mer- from Touro Synagogue led the vivors and then led the assembly figures, New Orleans survivors passing one of the death camps lin. The fifth candle was lit by attendees in the singing of “Ani in the recitation of Kaddish. and others. After reading each as he and his comrades marched children of deceased survivors Ma’anin (“I Believe”),” a song Following closing remarks passage, the students lit a candle towards the war’s conclusion. Margo Berger and Henry and long associated with the Holo- from Rosenblat, Congregation which was extinguished after the Rogers accepted a certificate Peter Boraks. The final candle caust and sometimes referred to Beth Israel Rabbi Gabriel Green- tenth and last student read his from a visibly moved Levy on was lit by survivor sisters Anne as “The Hymn of the Camps.” berg recapped much of what quotation. behalf of the Holocaust Memo- Levy and Lila Millen. Survivor Joseph Sher chanted happened earlier in the evening, The educator of the year rial Committee. Following a moment of the El Maleh Machamim in thanking all who had participat- award was presented to Samuel J. Temple Sinai Rabbi Ed Paul silence led by Rabbi Yossi honor of the victims of the death ed as well as those that attended Green Charter School 8th grade Cohn opened the memorial event Nemes of the Chabad Center of camps, after which Morris Brum the event.

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 31 April 2015 Hadassah and Shir Chadash Tri-Region Hadassah discuss human trafficking conference

member Tania Tetlow. The moderator April 20, 2015 were held April 17, 2015 was Michelle Erenberg, The Greater New Orleans Chapter of April 17-19 at the New Orleans Hilton Sex, Lies and Politics: A Panel on Louisiana State Policy Advocacy Hadassah hosted a Tri-Region gathering Hotel in Kenner. Human Trafficking was held to a large Chair for the National Council of Jewish over the weekend. The event was billed as Guest speakers included New Orleans audience at Shir Chadash Synagogue Women (NCJW). Erenberg has worked the Big and Easy Super South Tri-Region Jewish Family Services executive director in the evening on April 16, 2015. An and volunteered as a grassroots activist Conference. It was a Shabbaton-centered Roselle Ungar, herself a national board informed panel presented information and organizer for more than a decade. weekend. member, and Rachel Schonberger, a about human trafficking and global Locally she founded the Louisiana The three regional presidents Lee Super South Area keynote speaker. Other human rights violations against women Women’s Roundtable, a collaborative Kansas, Southern Region; Toby Parker, national board members included Ellen and children effort of progressive organizations to Southeastern Region; and Janice Bernstein, Hershkin and Debbie Friedman as well Panelists included Loyola University educate the community about issues that Southern Seaboard, all lead their as Renee Resnick, a national honorary faculty members Laura Murphy and Rae matter to women, children and families. respective delegations at the events that council member and trainer. Taylor, and Tulane University faculty

Jazz Fest Shabbat spotlights Preservation Hall Jazz Band

April 21, 2015 become a formidable upright bass and ship,” he continues. “They also play with By ALAN SMASON tuba player in his own right, holding his us for our Simchat Torah celebration in own with highly regarded jazz standard the fall.” It’s taken more than two years for a bearers Mark Braud, Charlie Gabriel, Fortunately, Mintz has reviewed vid- favorable confluence to occur so that the Freddie Lonzo, Clint Maedgen and Joe eos of past Jazz Fest Shabbats, so he feels Preservation Hall Jazz Band can headline Lastie, Jr. he understands how the combination this year’s 24th annual Touro Synagogue A graduate of the renowned music concert and prayer service will go. “Mu- Jazz Fest Shabbat on Friday, April 24. conservatory at Oberlin College, Ben sically, we’ll draw from that tradition, “We’ve had an open-ended invitation Jaffe took over the reins of the venue as but bring some of my own influences as to do this for the last two years,” admits creative director and began touring with well,” he explains. Preservation Hall Jazz Band leader Ben the Sony Records recording artists in Two new works have been commis- Jaffe. “It’s just our schedule hasn’t al- 1993. sioned for this year’s Jazz Fest Shabbat lowed us to do it, to be free enough and Just a couple of years earlier in 1991, by composer and arranger Toby Singer. to coincide with the service.” the Touro Synagogue Jazz Fest Shabbat “He’s not just an experienced composer The world famous traditional jazz began as the brainchild of then-Cantor and arranger, but he also has a back- ensemble founded by Jaffe’s father of Steven Dubov of blessed memory. “I’ve ground in Jewish music as well,” Mintz blessed memory, Allan Jaffe, is always seen it grow over the years,” says Jaffe. adds. in high demand during the period of the “Many of the musicians that play at Also new this year is the fact that the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Preservation Hall have performed at this entire service and celebration, which has In addition to the concert events, their event. It’s become as much a part of Jazz been broadcast over WWOZ-FM (90.7 schedule has to expand so as to include Fest as Jazz Fest itself. It’s not a new MhZ) will also be streamed over the In- rehearsal times too. tradition anymore.” ternet. This should ensure an even bigger “We prioritized the service because Getting set to oversee his very first audience than can possibly be contained they’ve been after us for a while,” Jaffe Jazz Fest Shabbat is Touro’s freshman within the massive sanctuary at 4238 St. explained. “We actually booked this Cantor David Mintz, whose job it is to Charles Avenue. show right after Jazz Fest last year.” integrate with the guest stars as well as Jaffe sees this year’s Jazz Fest Shabbat Allan and Sandra Jaffe with son Ben. (Photo courtesy Following the legacy of another Jew- with longtime participants, the Panorama as bringing together important values Preservation Hall) ish lover of jazz, Larry Borenstein, Jaffe’s Jazz Band and the Touro Synagogue he cherishes. “What’s interesting is what mother Sandra and her husband Allan Choir under the direction of music direc- Preservation Hall brings to the service, took over the operation of the business tor Terry Maddox. which is the idea of tradition and family “Many of the traditions we embrace at 726 St. Peter Street in 1961 that today “We’ve been rehearsing for several legacy,” he points out. date back over a hundred years. That’s bears the name Preservation Hall. Allan months leading up to this,” says Mintz, “The musicians who comprise the something I’ve come to understand and Jaffe had played tuba with the group who has also enjoyed the working rela- Preservation Hall band come from very something my father appreciated, hon- until his death from cancer in 1987. tionship the temple has with Panorama big and important New Orleans musical ored and respected.” Their son Ben, now 44, has lived in and their frontman Ben Schenk. families. That is something that is still Jaffe recalls his Bar Mitzvah at the the building for most of his life and has “We’re really happy that this partner- very important to our city,” Jaffe states. former Chevra Thilim synagogue as jazz on page 33

32 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com April 2015 jazz from page 32 we’re participating,” says her son. “In very many ways it’s a continuation of my having been a veritable who’s who in parents’ vision of unifying communities traditional jazz players. “I probably had through music.” one of the most diverse Bar Mitzvahs ever The cantor feels excitement building attended for services in New Orleans,” towards the event. ” This Jazz Fest Shab- he contends. bat that Touro is a truly special event,” The younger Jaffe thinks that his fa- says Mintz. “I haven’t experienced it ther would have been especially honored yet, but everything that is leading up to it and excited to have the Preservation Hall shows how important it is for the Touro Jazz Band take part in this year’s Jazz community and the (New Orleans) com- Fest Shabbat. Both sets of grandparents munity more broadly.” I’m so thrilled to hailed from Pennsylvania from fairly be a part of it.” observant, but small Jewish communities. A patron party for the Jazz Fest Shab- When the Jaffes moved to New Orleans, bat begins at 6:00 p.m. with Preservation it was important they maintain their Jew- Hall Jazz Band members mixing, meeting ish heritage. and playing selections prior to the servic- “My dad had a respect for the older es, which begin at 7:30 p.m. The public is members of the synagogue,” Jaffe reflects. invited to attend at no charge this Friday, “I think he saw his father in them.” April 24. Doors open an hour before the Sandra Jaffe is also proud to have service and seating is on a first-come, first her son and the band play at Jazz Fest served basis. Shabbat. “It’s very meaningful to her that

Tuba player and Preservation Hall creative director Ben Jaffe will play with Preservation Hall Jazz Band as the featured stars at this year’s Jazz Fest Shabbat at Touro Synagogue. (Photo courtesy Preservation Hall)

New Orleans celebrates Israel; views Spielberg film

April 24, 2015 and had several computer-generated (CG) by more than one source during the early By ALAN SMASON effects added by George Lucas’s Industrial planning phase for the film. Grossman Light and Magic company. It tells the story captured the espirit de corps among the As the final hours waned on Yom of a band of ragtag, expatriate Ameri- men and their joie de vivre as young rakes Hazikaron, Israel Memorial Day, the New can, British, South African and Canadian and adventure seekers. Orleans Jewish community gathered at the pilots, who, in violation of the law and at “I had not seen her work but quickly National World War II Museum to stand great peril to themselves, smuggled planes set about watching “Blessed is The in solidarity with the Jewish State and to out of the U.S., flew them to Europe and Match” and “Hava (Nagila),” Spielberg welcome the arrival of Yom Ha’atzmaut, eventually to Palestine, where they were admitted to the CCJN. ‘Blessed’ had a lot Israel’s Independence Day. instrumental in providing relief to Jews of recreations and I specifically wanted to They did so first with solemnity and fighting for independence in 1948. see how she dealt with that. That’s what ceremony as members of the New Orleans Spielberg said the idea for the film had sold me first, and then watching how well Rabbinic Council gave readings to make literally come to her after she was sent she handled the subject matter and how the audience mindful of the 23,085 victims an obituary on Al Schwimmer, one of the well she interviewed sealed the deal.” lost during the Israeli war for indepen- Americans considered chiefly responsible “I am so honored that this film is the dence and all other conflicts up through for the creation of the Israel Air Force. community’s Yom Hazikaron program last summer’s Operation Protective Edge She was intrigued and when she began to at the museum and I do feel that this is in Gaza. do the research on those who were still the perfect place- the perfect crossroad Following welcoming remarks from alive, she was amazed at what they had for this film,” Spielberg continued. “Here National World War II Museum Board accomplished. we have a group of American veterans president Dr Nick Mueller and Jew- Following a short introduction by who felt it was their duty, or part of their Producer Nancy Spielberg speaks at the National World War II Museum following the showing of her ish Federation of Greater New Orleans Spielberg who gave background on the continued responsibility from their service film “Above and Beyond.” (Photo by Alan Smason) president Morton Katz, past Federation Machal, the Hebrew acronym for “volun- in WWII, to ensure that the survivors president Alan Franco ascended the stage. teers from beyond the land” as the pilots that were pouring out of the camps they Franco, who served as a host for the and others came to be called, the sold out had just liberated found safety in their noted. “He was Army, but flew in B-25s reception in BB’s Stage Door Canteen, audience of 200 moved into the Solomon homeland.” doing radio communications. As I was introduced his friend, film producer Nancy Victory Theater to view a screening of the Spielberg’s father Arnold had been slat- filming, editing and scoring, I kept him Speilberg, to address the expectant crowd documentary film. ed to attend with her, but the 98-year-old in the loop and asked for his advice and who had gathered to see her film “Above The film was directed by Roberta World War II veteran was denied permis- opinion on every step.” and Beyond.” Grossman (“Hava Nagila: The Movie” sion to travel due to health concerns. The elder Spielberg took an active role The film, which took almost two years and “Blessed is the Match”), who was sug- “My father was part of the Burma in helping to shape the final version of the to conceive and edit, was filmed in Israel gested to Spielberg as a likely collaborator Bridge Busters bomb squadron,” Spielberg ISRAEL on page 34 crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 33 April 2015

israel from page 33 Spielberg met with former Israel Presi- dent Shimon Peres and interviewed him film. “He was very helpful and eager to be for the documentary. Schwimmer, who a part of the process,” related the daugh- went on to create Israel Aerospace Indus- ter. “He’s so sharp and has a great eye. tries and act as its CEO, received the Israel When he saw the film the first time, we Prize for his lifelong commitment to Israel. were in Israel at a special private screening “Above and Beyond” reveals that Schwim- of 600 people. He was so very proud- he mer arranged for the purchase of surplus cried! He’s my biggest fan!” World War II planes and their reflagging Among the biggest regrets Spielberg to Panamanian registry. admitted was the fact that she had not Peres spoke in hushed tones about undertaken the project a decade prior, Schwimmer. “He was a quiet figure, when she would have had Schwimmer and getting things done in the background,” others to add their thoughts to the project. Spielberg stated. “He was almost like the Schwimmer’s actions, which violated the ‘Godfather.’” U.S. Neutrality Acts, cost him his Ameri- Since the principal filming ended and can citizenship from 1950 until he received the documentary film has been shown, two a pardon from President Bill Clinton in of its main cast of characters have expired. 2000. Schwimmer never campaigned for a “It’s the final moment we have to listen,” pardon, insisting that his right to help the Spielberg said. “We captured a story that Film producer Nancy Spielberg and friend Alan Franco, who served as host for the event in BB’s Stage Door nascent Jewish State as a Jew was not a would have been gone.” Canteen. (Photo by Alan Smason) criminal act. Rosenthal, Schliefstein honored at AVODAH jazz brunch

April 24, 2015 member, discussed her experience within AVODAH, the Jewish service corps, the structure of living in the AVODAH held its annual Partners in Justice lun- house and working in the outside public cheon on Sunday, April 19, honoring two to ensure justice and freedom. community members who have made a Naomi Orlansky, the New Orleans difference in reporting on environmental Advisory Council Chair introduced Rabbi issues or advocating for change to prevent Ethan Linden of Shir Chadash Conserva- possible future disasters. tive Congregation, who, in turn, intro- Times Picayune environmental reporter duced Schliefstein. and author Mark Schliefstein and Levees. The rabbi noted that Schiefstein is org founder and civic activist Sandy his congregant and reminded them of Rosenthal were both selected for their his many journalistic awards including a contributions on the occasion of the fifth 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News and anniversary of the British Petroleum Gulf Public Service News Reporting as well as disaster and in advance of the tenth an- a George Polk Award for Public Service niversary of the failure of the levee and Reporting. Schliefstein’s work as an envi- drainage canals following the passage of ronmental reporter for the Times-Picayune Hurricane Katrina. and Nola.com led to his publication of The reception held for the first time “Path of Destruction,” a book that re- at Congregation Beth Israel, 4004 West counted the landfall of Hurricane Katrina Esplanade Avenue in Metairie, began with and flooding from the federal system of a jazz trio providing background music to levees put into place and maintained by the nearly 200 attendees. the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following an invocation and welcome Following on the heels of Schliefstein’s Honorees Sandy Rosenthal, second from left, and Mark Schliefstein, right, stand with event chairs Hugo and Liz from Beth Israel Rabbi Gabriel Green- acceptance of a special painting made to Kahn. (Photo by Alan Smason) berg, New Orleans AVODAH director honor him, Dan Silverman, one of last Dani Levine welcomed guests as well as year’s honorees, was called upon to intro- cated to her honor. environment. acknowledging AVODAH’s executive duce Rosenthal, the woman who founded Schliefstein and Rosenthal have both Closing remarks were made by Lynne director Cheryl Cook and national board Levees.org, a volunteer organization that been active in reporting on the British Wasserman, who now serves as a member chair Benetta Mansfield, who were both in attempted to hold the Corps of Engineers Petroleum catastrophic oil spill five years of the AVODAH national board. attendance. responsible for the destruction to the city. ago and in Rosenthal’s case, attempting to Rachel Kipnes, an AVODAH corps She also received a special painting dedi- hold them responsible for damage to the

34 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com JEWS AND JAZZ

By ALAN SMASON (PART TWO)

(Editor’s Note: This article is a continuation on the influence of Jews Goodman’s big band and his on the development of jazz as an art form. While part one of “Jews quartet performed at a sold out and Jazz” focused on the local Jewish community, part two focuses concert on January 16, 1938 at on the prominence of famous Jews in its development nationally Carnegie Hall along with mem- and internationally.) bers of the Count Basie and Duke Ellington Orchestras. If jazz had its birthing pro- actually not the first Jewish Another Jewish big band Al Jolson, considered the greatest performer of the first half of the Twentieth Century, cess in New Orleans, then it’s bandleader to invite African- leader and exceptional per- oftentimes performed in blackface. (Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American first formative steps as a toddler Americans to play with his on former was Goodman’s fellow Jewish History.) were taken out of town in Chi- recording sessions. Big band clarinetist Artie Shaw, whose cago and later in New York. leader Ted Lewis, who was also real name was Arthur Jacob Chicago produced Jewish Jewish, apparently included Arshawsky. Unlike Goodman, pianist Art Hodes and drum- Fats Waller on a session in though, Shaw attempted to mers Vic Berton (whose original 1931, according to author Mi- cover up his Jewish heritage by family name was Cohen) and chael Gerber in his book “Jazz changing his name and attempt- Ben Pollack. Jews.” ing to deny his Jewishness. Although some have ques- Goodman accompanied Bes- Ironically, one of his tioned his playing technique, sie Smith on her final recordings early friends, Willie “The Lion” Pollack established himself as and on Billie Holiday’s debut Smith was a light-skinned black a noted drummer in the early sessions in 1933, only a few man who claimed a rare Jew- 1920s in Chicago through his weeks later. But the Holiday re- ish parentage. Smith’s Jewish association with the New Or- cordings were recorded in secret father, Frank Bertlehoff, was leans Rhythm Kings. Pollack’s without any photos that might given the boot by his girlfriend, influence was such that he have attested to their histori- who later married Smith’s fronted for an amazing number cal importance. The American stepfather and gave her son his of stars that would go on to public was not ready to see surname. Smith, who consid- much more brilliant careers whites and blacks play together, ered himself Jewish, even went than his own during the Swing Gerber asserts. by his Yiddish name of Velvala, and Big Band Eras. However, when Goodman according to Gerber. Pollack fronted his own big and his Catholic drummer Gene The heyday of the swing and band in the Park Central Hotel Krupa invited black pianist big band eras included many In New York. Among the stable Teddy Lewis to join them in well-known Jewish musical of performers he introduced 1935 and form the Benny figures. Included in this number were Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dors- Goodman Trio, history was were trumpeters Ziggy Elman, ey, Jimmy McPartland, Muggsy made. In August, vibraphonist Les Elgart, Max Kaminsky and Spanier, Bud Freeman (whose Lionel Hampton officially made Charlie Spivak; trombonists Si father, a tailor, was Jewish) and the group a quartet. Beginning Zentner and Buddy Morrow; an upcoming clarinet player the next year, Goodman toured drummers Buddy Rich, Shel- named Benny Goodman. with the quartet providing ley Manne and Milt Raskin; Goodman, who has been breaks between his big band. saxophonists Larry Elgart, Bud credited at having broken the The swing era was often Freeman and Boomie Richman; race barrier in music, was credited as having begun when pianists Joe Harnell, Joe Bush- crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 35 Teddy Riley, left, joined Benny Goodman, center, and Jewish drummer, singer and songwriter Mel Tormé. (Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American Jewish History.) Irving Berlin in his World War I uniform became known as the “King of Ragtime.” (Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American Jewish History.)

kin and Mel Powell; and a host lar to his own experience. Like blurred the racial makeup of his Tucker first appeared on in her act through the several of others. the fictional Rabinowitz, who mother,” Brenner suggests. “In stage in vaudeville in 1907 and jazz players who were in her Popular Jewish singers from altered him name in the film to other words the Jew has recon- joined a burlesque troupe a year supporting orchestra and the the era with major jazz influ- the more mainstreamed Jack structed his identity.» later in Pittsburgh. Because of friendship she maintained with ences were Mel Tormé, Dinah Robin, Jolson, also the son of a There is also the commonal- her girth, she was advised to fellow performers Mamie Smith Shore (real name Frances Rose cantor and a rabbi, changed his ity of expression between the perform in a thick southern and Ethel Waters. It was Waters Shore), Georgia Gibbs and Al name from Asa Yoelson. oppressed slaves of the African- accent and to wear blackface who was credited with expos- Jolson, considered “the world’s According to Lisa Naomi American and ancient Hebrew because she would be taunted. ing Tucker to jazz in the 1920s greatest entertainer” and, at Silberman Brenner, the ability experiences. Jewish scholar Ir- When her luggage, including and to appreciate it as a true the height of his fame, the most for Jews to obfuscate the lines ving Howe sees blackface as “a her makeup kit was lost, Tucker American art form. famous and highest paid per- of racial identity by perform- mask for Jewish expressiveness, was forced to go out on stage Again, while the influence former in America. ing in blackface accomplished with one woe speaking through without the blackface or the of jazz ran across all ethnic While Louis Armstrong an important task. “Conflat- the voice of another.” accent. groups, the members of the performed some of his early ing Jewish identity with Black Jolson may have been the She never returned to the extended Jewish community singing career in whiteface, identity allows the Jew to most well known of black- practice and began to sing “fat did much to establish it and to Jolson became the archetypal remain marginalized while face performers appearing in girl” songs like “Nobody Loves promote it through their drive white performer playing in at the same time engaging in vaudeville and its less regarded a Fat Girl, But Oh How a Fat and industry. We have seen how blackface. His early associa- American popular culture,” she cousin, burlesque, but he was Girl Can Love” and “I Don’t the local New Orleans Jewish tion with another Russian-born writes in her paper “The Jazz certainly not alone. Among Want to Be Thin.” Only a year community embraced jazz in Jew, Irving Berlin (born Israel Singer’s Legacy: Racial Role- the Jews whom Brenner gives later, Tucker was performing the “Satchmo and the Star” Baline), known as “the King of Play of African-Americans and as examples of performing as a headliner at the Ziefeld and “Jews and Jazz, Part One” Ragtime,” became the stuff of Jews in 20th Century American in blackface are Fanny Brice, Follies. articles. Now we have come to legend. Performance.” George Burns, Eddie Can- While her popular repertoire learn of the importance of Jews Jolson’s depiction of the “By blacking up and singing tor, George Jessel and Sophie never did establish her strictly in its development and pro- fictional Jakie Rabinowitz, in ‘Mammy’ at the end of the film, Tucker, certainly the cream of as a jazz performer, she has motion across the nation and the 1927 musical film “The Jazz Robin has not only changed the American entertainment been credited as incorporat- around the globe. Singer,” was frighteningly simi- his genealogy, but he has also field of the day. ing a number of jazz devices

36 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com Obituaries Faye Daube Miller dead at 64 help it. He also kept his love for his native school. He graduated from New Utrecht Student Ryan David Reaves, 23, is buried in November 28, 2014 Pittsburgh alive and was an avid supporter High School in Brooklyn. The son of a New Orleans FAYE DAUBE MILLER, died at her of the Pittsburgh Steelers. tailor, he employed his considerable sew- December 24, 2014 residence in Metairie on Friday, November Pollack was an inveterate photographer ing skills as a young man and worked at a RYAN DAVID REAVES, a student who 28, 2014. She was 64. and combined his love of New Orleans department store in New Orleans for three had battled disease for most of his young Miller was a housewife and mother food and culture with recording history years. Returning back to New York, he life, died in his adopted home of Houston and a member of the Greater New Orleans through his photographic lens. He was a enlisted in the U.S. Army prior to the at- on December 24, 2014 at Houston Meth- Chapter of Hadassah as well as a longtime member of both Congregation Gates of tack on Pearl Harbor and was in training odist Hospital. He was 23 and just two member of Shir Chadash Conservative Prayer in Metairie and the Northshore at Fort Benning, GA when the nation de- days shy of his 24th birthday. Synagogue. Jewish Congregation (NJC), which was clared war on Japan. Sobel fought in two Reaves was born in Columbia, MD. She is survived by her husband, Her- closer to his residence. theaters of war, beginning his career in in 1990 and lived in New Orleans until bert I. Miller, her father, Albert J. Daube In recent years Pollack was a much the South Pacific in Hawaii. Later, his unit 2009, when he moved to Houston. He and daughters Gia M. Doron and Cara beloved religious school teacher at NJC was transferred to fight with the Allies in was an 18-year survivor of Childhood T- Striegold (Brian). She is also survived by and was very active at the school. Germany and France, where he offered his Cell Leukemia and a nine-year survivor of four granchildren and a brother, David S. He is survived by his daughters, Jen- services as an interpreter and a stenogra- a heart-lung transplant, which he received Daube (Sue). nifer (Andrew) Friedberg and Lisa (Jim) pher. He received injuries from shrapnel at Texas Children’s Hospital in 2005. Miller was a graduate of the University Walsh and three grandchildren; his sister in battle in France and was given a Purple Reaves was a sweet, loving, kind, of Georgia and received a Master’s degree Teri Cox; and two former wives, the Heart in recognition of his service. A rifle warm, generous, caring and sensitive from Georgia State University. mother of his daughters, Peggy Blum, and marksman, he rose to the rank of sergeant person, who touched the lives of all he Funeral services were held on, Sunday, Anita Sabiston Pollack. and was honorably discharged in 1945 met. He faced each health challenge with November 30, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Shir Conducted by Rabbi Robert Loewy, following the end of the war. courage and determination to make him- Chadash Conservative Congregation, funeral services were held on Sunday, Moving back to New Orleans, Sobel self stronger. Passionate about animals, 3737 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, December 8, at Congregation Gates of worked for a short time for United The- particularly dogs, he enjoyed traveling, LA with Rabbi Ethan Linden officiating. Prayer, 4000 West Esplanade, at 2:30 p.m. aters, a period when he made acquain- fine dining, aviation and flying simulators. Interment followed at Tikvat Shalom Burial followed immediately at Hebrew tance with Etta Katz, to whom he was Nothing gave him more pleasure than Cemetery in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Rest Cemetery #3 (corner of Pelopidas and wed in 1948. Together they owned and exploring the world on cruises, eating 11316 River Road, St. Rose Cemetery. Frenchman Streets). operated Katz Furniture on Rampart at his favorite restaurants with family, In lieu of flowers, memorial contri- A reception and minyan was held at Street for 15 years, while raising their fam- and photographing favorite dishes. He butions are suggested to the American Gates of Prayer at 5:00 p.m. ily of five children. also had a keen interest in real estate and Cancer Society, Hadassah International or In lieu of flowers, donations in his Sobel later became a civil service finance, and he shared a love for voice your favorite charity. Tharp-Sontheimer honor may be sent to either Congregation employee for the federal government, acting in animated shorts with many long- Funeral Home of Metairie was in charge Gates of Prayer or Northshore Jewish first working at the U.S. Army Corps of time and new friends. of arrangements. Congregation, 1403 N. Causeway Blvd., Engineers in New Orleans before transfer- Ryan recently completed his Bachelor Mandeville, LA 70471. ring to the General Services Administra- of Arts Degree in Political Science and Furniture representative tion in Manhattan, where he worked for Philosophy at University of Massachusetts Jack Pollack dies after brief Julius ‘Jules’ Sobel, retired 19 years. After returning to New Orleans, at Dartmouth. illness federal and Tulane worker, he found employment at Tulane, where he He is survived by his parents, Susan December 05, 2014 dies at 98 remained until his retirement. and Joey Reaves; his grandparents Elaine JACK POLLACK, a December 13, 2014 Sobel was a longtime member of Touro and Bernie Van der Linden; his sister, Sara local furniture industry rep- JULIUS “JULES” Synagogue, but enjoyed attending religious Reaves and several aunts, uncles and cous- Pollack resentative, died Thursday, SOBEL, a retired specialist services at Temple Sinai and was a regular ins. His family would like to extend their December 5 at M.D. Ander- Julius “Jules” for the General Services Ad- attendee at the Trinity Artist Series, where deepest gratitude to his organ donor and son Cancer Center in Houston after a brief Sobel ministration and a retired he enjoyed listening to choral music. to all organ donors for giving Ryan and so battle with leukemia. He was 65. secretary for the Tulane Sobel was predeceased by his wife and many others a second chance at life. Pollack, who ran his company, Bottom University School of Medicine, died peace- a daughter, Sally Sobel Smason. He is sur- In lieu of flowers, donations are sug- Line Sales, originally hailed from Pitts- fully at Touro Infirmary surrounded by vived by his children Phyllis Feran, Annie gested to LifeGift in Houston or an organ burgh, and received his undergraduate family after a brief illness on December Sobel Elsas (Byron); Steven Sobel (Vicki) donation charity of your choice. degree from the University of Pittsburgh 13, 2014. He was 98. and David Sobel (Pamela) of Sydney, Private funeral services were conducted and a master’s of social work degree from Sobel, who was an accomplished pia- Australia; his son-in-law Alan Smason; in New Orleans on Sunday, December the University of Pennsylvania. nist and artist, was a lover of the arts and eight grandchildren and one step-grand- 28 by Rabbi Emeritus David Goldstein Pollack was an advisor to B’nai B’rith a devotee of opera and classical music. He daughter; three great-grandchildren; and at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Youth Organization and moved to New frequently invited close friends and family his neighbor and longtime devoted friend, Frenchmen Street at Pelopidas Street. Orleans in 1975 to follow his pursuit of to his home on Saturday afternoon teas at Phelan Hawn. Arrangements were under direction of being a Jewish professional social worker. which he would perform at the piano. He Services officiated by Rabbi Ed Paul Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of He soon met and married the first of his enjoyed rendering artwork that copied the Cohn and Cantor Joel Colman were held Metairie. two wives in 1977 and raised his two styles of other masters and bestowing the in the chapel at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. daughters. final works upon family and friends. An Charles Avenue, on Tuesday, December 16 Later, he became a furniture manufac- avid reader and a lover of history, Sobel at 3:00 p.m. Interment followed imme- turer representative and traveled through- reveled in his work as a volunteer docent diately at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, out his regional territory and abroad. for the Friends of the Cabildo and the 2100 Frenchmen Street at Pelopidas Street. A lover of New Orleans culture, Pol- NO/AIDS Hotline. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations lack lived for Mardi Gras and especially Born in Manhattan, he was the young- are suggested to the children’s charity of the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage est of six children and spoke only Yiddish your choice. Festival. He was a music enthusiast who until he was five years old, learning never let a good time get away if he could English when he was enrolled in primary crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 37 Obituaries Isaac Niederman, silversmith & Holocaust survivor, dead at 91 originally in the 1100 block of St. Charles eled widely and enjoyed membership at bin (Jan) DeWeese, of Portland, OR.; Kim January 19, 2015 Avenue and eventually moved to the 2000 Touro Synagogue. Smith also maintained (Fred) Plotnick and Jill (Michael) Lashner ISAAC NIEDERMAN, a retired sil- block of St. Charles Avenue. He helped membership at Congregation Beth Israel of Philadelphia; Gail (Marc) Isaacson versmith with Coleman E. Adler and Sons transform what was first an adjacent card throughout his lifetime. He was a lover of of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Pamela Jewelers, died at his home in Metairie on and gift store into a very popular record fine dining and enjoyed celebrating with (Ben) Micznik of Detroit; her sister Rosa- January 19, 2015. He was 90. store during the 1950s and early 1960s, a friends, especially at favorite haunts in Fat lie (Perky) Cohen of Philadelphia and by Niederman had been a widower since time when the New Orleans market was a City and more recently at 1179 Restau- 10 grandchildren. the death of his wife, the late Dora B. Nie- major breakout center for national hits. rant. A memorial service took place at derman. He has been a resident of New Following his graduation from Alcee Smith was an early supporter and Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Avenue, Orleans since 1949. He retired in 2007 Fortier High School, he attended Loui- season ticket holder of the New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2:00 p.m. follow- after 57 years of service as a silversmith at siana State University in Baton Rouge, Saints football team from its inception. ing a private burial.. Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn the jewelry store. At the time of his retire- where he was president of the Phi Epsilon He was also an active supporter of college officiated with assistance from Cantor Joel ment, Niederman was the store’s oldest Pi fraternity. He began his studies at the football stalwarts L.S.U. and the Tulane Colman. living employee. Tulane School of Law, but they were inter- Green Wave. In lieu of flowers, memorials are sug- Graveside services were held Tues- rupted by the outbreak of World War II. Smith is survived by his daughter gested to the NCJW, 6221 S. Claiborne day, January 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Smith served in the U.S. Army Air Corps Lesley Smith of Highland Beach, FL., his Ave. Suite 208, New Orleans, LA 70125; Chevra Thilim Memorial Park, 5000 during the war, stationed in Washington, sister Annette Smith Smason, two grand- or WYES-TV, 916 Navarre Ave., New Iberville Street. Rabbi Ethan Linden of D.C, where he received a commission. children and two great-granddaughters. Orleans, LA 70124. Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation After his service, he returned to Tulane Graveside services were held on Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home officiated. University and graduated from the Tulane Sunday, February 1 at the Old Beth Israel was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are University School of Law and was made a Cemetery, 4221 Frenchmen Street at 11:00 suggested to Shir Chadash Conservative member of the Louisiana Bar. a.m. Rabbis Gabriel Greenberg and David Retired furniture rep Lester Scheinuk burial Congregation, 3737 West Esplanade Ave., But law was never his passion. He Posternock jointly conducted the service. February 04, 2015 Metairie, LA 70002. Tharp-Sontheimer- worked for a time at Smith’s Drug Store In lieu of flowers, memorial donations LESTER SCHEINUK, a retired furni- Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie was in as a manager, but began to concentrate his are suggested to the Jewish Endowment ture manufacturer’s representative, passed charge of arrangements. energies on the record store. Eventually, Foundation of Louisiana or the charity of away peacefully at his home on February he became president of Smith’s Record your choice. 4, 2015 after a long illness. He was 86. Shirley Shein Hiller, 92, is buried Centers at both Lakeside Shopping Center Scheinuk, a New Orleans native, January 27, 2015 in Metairie and the Plaza Shopping Center Babette Stern Issacson rites, service on Sun. attended Alcee Fortier High School and SHIRLEY SHEIN HILLER, 92, a in New Orleans East. Both locations were February 01, 2015 graduated from Tulane University. A mother and longtime member of Touro closed by the early 1990s. Smith served as BABETTE (BABS) STERN ISSACSON, member of Gates of Prayer for many Synagogue, died Tuesday, January 27. the president of the Lakeside Merchants a wife, mother and community activist, years, Scheinuk had also been a regular Hiller, a homemaker and mother was Association. died on Sunday, February 1. She was 86. attendant at Temple Sinai. born in Providence, RI and graduated He was involved for a time with the Isaacson’s commitment to community He is survived by his wife of 64 years, from Brown University. Following her nascent music industry in New Orleans. service was legendary and she gave tire- Edna “Patsy” Scheinuk, a daughter Devo- move to New Orleans in 1970, she joined Along with a partner, he was the owner of lessly to many programs, but chief among rah “Devie” Freedman (Dr. Aaron), a son Touro Synagogue. She was member of the Instant Records. He was highly regarded them were the National Council of Jewish David Scheinuk (Mary Lynn), five grand- synagogue’s sisterhood for many years. by musicians and songwriters alike includ- Women (NCJW) of which she served as a children and one great-granddaughter. She was predeceased by her husband of ing Allen Toussaint and Mac Rebbenack section president, and Touro Auxillary. Graveside services were conducted at 48 years, Jonas Hiller, and is survived by (aka “Dr. John”) and achieved major A native of Philadelphia, she moved the Garden of Memories, 4900 Airline her daughters Patti Lengsfield (Jack) and success with hits by Chris Kenner (“I Like to New Orleans in 1952 to marry her Drive in Metairie on February 6 at 2:30 Joan Biderman (Joe); four grandchildren It Like That”) and others. Smith was given beloved husband, the late Dr. Julius E. p.m. Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn officiated. and three great-grandchildren. credit by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss of Isaacson, Jr. Among the roles she cher- Private graveside services were held A&M Records as having been responsible ished was her initiation of a consumer Dr. Diane Hammer, M.D., a psychiatrist dead at 2:00 p.m. on January 29, at Hebrew for connecting Toussaint with Alpert, who advocacy program at WDSU-TV, staffed at 70 Rest Cemetery #2, with Rabbi Alexis Berk recorded his song “Whipped Cream” and by NCJW volunteers, which later relo- February 08 , 2015 officiating. catapulted it into a major national hit with cated to WVUE-TV and became known as DR. DIANE BENNETT HAMMER, the Tijuana Brass. the FOX 8 Defenders. The purpose of the a psychiatrist, died suddenly at her home Irvin Smith, retired record Along with his sister, he helped pro- program is to assist those who have been on Sunday, February 8. Dr. Hammer had store owner, promoter dies mote some of the largest and best-loved underserved by a business or agency. The suffered for many years from multiple at 92 concerts in New Orleans at venues like the award-winning, 20-year-old program has sclerosis. At the time of her passing, she January 29, 2015 Loyola Field House, the Municipal Audi- enjoyed much success and impacted many was 70, but less than a week before her IRVIN SAMUEL torium and City Park Stadium. The list of lives, particularly after Hurricane Katrina. 71st birthday. SMITH, the retired propri- concerts include Herb Alpert and the Ti- A bike enthusiast, she was regularly Born in Chicago, she was a lover of the IRVIN etor of Smith’s Record Cen- juana Brass, Simon and Garfunkel, Johnny seen riding around Audubon Park, but arts for her entire life and graduated from SAMUEL ter and a concert promoter Rivers, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, most family and friends recall her ability Duke University with a bachelor’s degree SMITH with S&S Productions, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck Trio, Johnny in the kitchen to whip up gourmet meals, in art history. She studied renaissance art died after a long illness at his residence on Mathis, Glen Campbell, the Supremes, to afford laughter to all and make every- in Italy and specialized in the study of Ital- Thursday, January 29. He was 92. Donovan, Vanilla Fudge, Julius Wechter one feel welcome at the Issacson “hotel,” ian painter and architect Giotto while liv- Although he was an attorney and and the Baja Marimba Band, O.C. Smith, as some came to call her home. ing in Florence. She received her master’s maintained his status as a notary, Smith, a Sly and the Family Stone and Peter, Paul Issacson was also involved with Let’s degree in social work before obtaining her native New Orleanian, was known as an and Mary. Tell a Story, the Mothers of Twins Club, medical degree from Tufts University. astute businessman with several ventures. He was married for 57 years to the late Girls Scouts, and the New Orleans Acro- Dr. Hammer began work in New Or- He had previously worked as a manager Sara (née Baskind) Smith of Clarksdale, batics Team. leans, the city of her family’s roots, as the of his father’s Smith’s Drug Store, located MS, whom he met at L.S.U. The two trav- She is survived by her daughters, Rob- chief of Mental Hygiene at the Veterans

38 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com Obituaries

Administration Hospital in the 1980s. She gested to Second Harvesters Food Bank, Foundation, 938 Lafayette St., Room # She was accepted and graduated from the also became a consultant to Tulane Stu- Temple Sinai or the charity of your choice. 102 New Orleans, LA 70113. Tulane University School of Medicine, dent Health and had a private psychiatric Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home was Arrangements were by Tharp-Son- spending her residency in general psy- practice in place for 26 years. in charge of arrangements. theimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie. chiatry at Ochsner Hospital. Dr. Gandle She was a member of the Committee followed with two fellowships in her on Psychoanalysis, the Arts of the Ameri- Elma Bloch Rosenfeld, homemaker Businessman, realtor, autcioneer sub-specialties. The first was in child and can Psychoanalytic and was also was an February 27, 2015 Harry Finklestein dead at 86. adolescent psychiatry at Tulane University, emerita at the New Orleans-Birmingham ELMA BLOCH ROSENFELD, a moth- February 27, 2015 and she later became a fellow in forensic Psychoanalytic Center. er and housewife, died on February 27. HARRY FINKELSTEIN, a business- psychiatry at LSU. She was married for 42 years to Dr. She is survived by a daughter, Becky man and realtor, died Fri., Feb.27 after a A member of Touro Synagogue, Dr. Robert “Bob” Hammer, who survives her Ripps, who is a member of Congregation lengthy illness. He was 86. Gandle was involved in the local commu- along with her two sons David (Jenni) and Gates of Prayer. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, nity, serving on the boards of both Jewish Daniel (Klara) and three grandchildren. Graveside funeral services were held Finkelstein was popular at Alcee Fortier Family Service and the Jewish Community Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on on Monday, March 2, at Hebrew Rest High School, where he lettered in cheer- Center. Wednesday, February 11 in the Forgotson Cemetery No. 3, 2003 Pelopidas Street leading and graduated in 1945. He at- She is survived by her husband, Dr. Chapel at Touro Synagogue, 4238 St. at Frenchmen Street. The services, which tended Tulane University and also lettered Bruce Gandle, her daughter Alexandra Charles Avenue. Rabbi Alexis Berk offici- began at 11:00 a.m., were officiated by in cheerleading there before enlisting in Gandle, and her son Peter Gandle, as well ated. Rabbi Robert Loewy. the U.S. Navy the following year. Finkel- as her parents Sharon O. and Milton J. Interment followed immediately in stein sailed to occupied Japan and served Loeb. Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Dr. Michael Hirsch, internist, dead at 83 at other places in the South Pacific Funeral services were held at Touro Pelopidas Street, corner Frenchmen. Ar- February 27, 2015 Following his return to the city, Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Avenue on rangements were by Tharp-Sontheimer- DR. MICHAEL JACOB HIRSCH, Finkelstein married his wife of 66 years, Monday, March 2, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. In- Tharp Funeral Home. M.D., an internist who provided medical Leona (née Lassen) Finkelstein, and began ternment followed immediately in Hebrew services to underserved segments of society to raise his family. He was a realtor and a Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2003 Pelopidas Martha Blackman, widow of rabbi, buried and maintained a private practice in the businessman, but his passion was auction- Street at Frenchmen Street. on Feb. 22 city, died on Friday, February 27, 2015. eering. He maintained his auctioneering In lieu of flowers, memorials are February 19, 2015 He was 83. career until he retired in 2009 at the age suggested to the charity of your choice. MARTHA MECKLENBURGER Dr. Hirsch was a native and life-long of 80. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home BLACKMAN, a resident of New Or- resident of the city, having graduated from Finkelstein is survived by his wife, his was in charge of arrangements. leans for more than 45 years, passed Alcee Fortier High School at the age of 14 son, Bobby Finkelstein; his brother, Alan away on February 19, 2015 following a in 1946. He earned a degree in biology Finkelstein; and two grandsons. Libbye Katz Gordon dies at 98 brief illness. She was the wife of Temple after graduating from Tulane University Graveside services were conducted March 05, 2015 Sinai Rabbi Murray Blackman of blessed and by 22 completed his M.D. following at the Old Beth Israel Cemetery, 4321 LIBBYE KATZ GORDON, a native memory to whom she was married for 54 his studies at L.S.U. School of Medicine. Frenchman Street, on Monday, March 2, of New Orleans, who was a Metairie resi- years. Following his residency, Hirsch became 2015, at 9:00 a.m. Rabbi Gabriel Green- dent, died Thursday, March 5. She was 98. A native of Chicago, Blackman a pulmonology fellow at National Jewish berg officiated. Gordon was a lifetime member of Ha- graduated from New Trier High School in Health in Denver, CO. He later served as In lieu of flowers, memorial donations dassah and received many awards through Winnetka, Illinois and attended Western a 1st Lt. in the Commissioned Corps of are suggested to Congregation Beth Israel, the years for her service to the local com- College for Women. After her marriage the U.S. Public Health Service and was 4004 W. Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA munity and to Hadassh. to her husband in 1947, the couple lived the First Assistant Surgeon on the Navajo 70002. She is survived by her daughter Bryna in Newark, N.J. and Binghampton, N.Y. Reservation in Flagstaff, AZ. Arrangements were by Tharp-Son- Singerman, also of Metairie. They lived in Paterson, N.J. and Cincin- Dr. Hirsch also served as a member theimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie. Graveside services were held on Sun- nati before moving to New Orleans for of the physician team at Angola State day, March 8, 2015 at 2:00 PM in Ahavas the first time in 1970, when her husband Penitentiary, providing medical care to the Ellen Gandle, Psychiatrist, dead at 54. Sholem Cemetery, 4400 Elysian Fields received his appointment as senior rabbi, inmates there. He was an emergency room March 01, 2015 Ave. Rabbi Ethan Linden of Shir Chadash replacing Rabbi Julian Feibelman. physician at Flint-Goodridge Hospital and DR. ELLEN GANDLE, M.D., a New Conservative Congregation officiated. She stayed a resident of New Orleans at several other area hospitals for many Orleans native and psychiatrist, whose even after Rabbi Blackman passed away in years. He also maintained a private prac- specialities included forensic and child and Obituaries Policy

2001. She relocated to Raleigh, N.C. to be tice in the city. adolescent psychiatry, died at her home on Obituaries are published at the discretion of near two of her children following Hurri- Hirsch enjoyed learning all of his life. Friday, Feb. 27, after a lengthy illness. She the CCJN and are free of charge. Obituaries cane Katrina, but returned to the Crescent He kept himself in good condition, work- was 54. are a product of the editorial department City in 2009, where she remained until the ing out often. He was a devotee of chess Gandle, who was a New Orleans and are a story of a person’s life. Edito- time of her passing. and enjoyed listening to music. He was native and a lifelong resident of the city, rial policy may determine the length and

Blackman is survived by three children, also an avid reader and loved watching maintained a private practice in psychiatry content of an obituary. Death notices are

Michael and Barbara Blackman of Dur- classic films. until the onset of her illness. She was a submitted by family members and may, for example, fully list all survivors. Death ham, N.C. and Margaret; a brother, Alvin Dr. Hirsch is survived by his five chil- board certified member of the American notices are never edited, but are assessed a Mecklenburger of Highland Park, IL., and dren Bernard Hirsch (Michal), Leonard Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in processing fee according to length. Photos numerous nieces and nephews. Hirsch (Mayumi), Marc Hirsch (Faye), general psychiatry, child and adolescent for obituaries and death notices may also Graveside services took place at Lisa Hirsch Henriquez (Emile) and Cath- psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and carry a processing fee of $18.00, which can Hebrew Rest Cemetery #3, 2119 French- erine Cospelich and by six grandchildren. was on the staffs of West Jefferson Hospi- be waived at the discretion of the CCJN. man Street at Pelopidas Street on Sunday Graveside services and burial were held tal and Milestones Mental Health in New February 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Rabbi at 2:30 p.m on Sun., March 1 at Jewish Orleans. Edward Paul Cohn of Temple Sinai offici- Burial Rites, 4321 Frenchman Street. Gandle graduated from Isidore New- ated. In lieu of flowers, donations are sug- man School and received a bachelor’s In lieu of flowers, memmorials are sug- gested to the New Orleans Public Library degree from Emory University in Atlanta. crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 39 Obituaries

Deborah Rice succumbs to cancer at 67 Realtor Nadiv Kehaty, 30, March 07, 2015 dies suddenly in Brooklyn Graveside services were held on Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Avenue on March 08, 2015 Monday, March 16, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. March 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Burial was DEBORAH PACTOR GENTCHER in Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. III, 2100 private. RICE, a housewife and mother, died at her The local Chabad Pelopidas at Frenchmen Street. Rabbi Ed In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Slidell home on Saturday, March 7, 2015, Lubavitch community Paul Cohn officiated. Jewish Endowment Foundation in the Memorials are suggested to Temple name of Roswell J. Weil are preferred. following a 10-year battle with cancer. She Kehaty is still reeling from the was 67 years old. untimely passing of Nadiv Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home was She is survived by her husband, Wil- Kehaty, 30, a Brooklyn realtor, husband LA 70118 or Hadassah, c/o Chen Berkov- in charge of arrangements. liam H. Rice, Sr.; her children Tammy and father of four, who died from internal ich, 4840 Hwy. 22, Apt 6-28, Mandeville, Lynn Shields-Rice (Mona), Lisa Sands, injuries sustained in a fall. LA 70471. Antiques and jewelry dealer Meyer ‘Mike’ William H. “B.J.” Rice, Jr. (Kasey), and A native of New Orleans, Kehaty was Arrangements by Tharp-Sontheimer- Sutton dies; burial today Craig R. Rice (Christina); siblings Johanna living in Brooklyn, but always kept the Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie. March 16, 2015 Rau, Marlene Lew (Morris), Leeba Freed- Crescent City foremost in his thoughts. MEYER “MIKE” SUTTON, 94, died man (Arthur) and Sander Pactor (Carol) He regularly visited the city, even after he Investment broker Roswell Weil is dead at yesterday, March 16, 2015 at his home in and two grandchildren. moved to New York following his wed- 99 New Orleans. A graveside service was held on ding a decade ago. March 15, 2015 Sutton owned and operated antiques Monday, March 9, 2015 in the Jewish Kehaty was noted for his exceptional ROSWELL JOSEPH WEIL, an invest- and jewelry stores in the French Quarter Burial Rites Cemetery, 4321 Frenchman spirit and humor. Because of a pre-existing ment broker, who founded the Weil Invest- among them Sutton’s Fairyland, which he Street, at 1:30 p.m. condition, he was unable to qualify for life ment Company here and later was an of- closed in 1974, and Cynthia et Cie until In lieu of flowers, memorial donations insurance and so at the time of his death, ficer in Dorsey and Company Invesments his retirement in 1999. are preferred to the Ochsner Cancer Fund. fund-raising campaigns from Gofundme. died yesterday evening, Sunday, March 15 Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sutton moved Lake Lawn Funeral Home was in charge com and Charidy.com were launched. at West Jefferson Hospital He was 99. to New Orleans while a young boy and of arrangements. To date, over $234,000 from more An active community leader, Weil graduated from Fortier High School. He than 3,000 donors has been raised on served on numerous boards throughout later attended New York University and Aline Rothschild dies at 94; memorial held the Gofundme.com site, while more than his career, but was especially fond of joined the U.S. Army during World War March 10, 2015 $900,000 was raised on the Charidy. Goodwill Industries, the non-profit firm II, where he served as a Chinese translator ALINE LOEWENBERG ROTHS- com site with the assistance of generous that helps the disabled. Weil was a found- from 1943-45. CHILD, a native and lifelong resident of donors, who matched contributions at two ing member of Goodwill and was a former Sutton enjoyed traveling and had a New Orleans, died early Tuesday morning, and four times the amount pledged. president of its board on which he served keen eye for objects d’art. March 10. She was 94. Kehaty is survived by his wife Toby, his for many years. He also served as a board He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Rothschild, who graduated from parents Uzzi and Rivka Kehaty; his chil- member of Hospice New Orleans. Sutton, with whom he celebrated a 70th Newcomb College and the Tulane School dren, Moshe, Yuda, Shoshana and Yacov Weil was a tireless worker for many wedding anniversary on February 22; of Social Work, was a devoted wife and Kehaty; and his siblings, Talor, Tzivyah, Jewish community organizations, several three children Joseph Sutton (Lois), Su- mother. A renowned baker, she was also a Mendel and Levi Kehaty. of which he served in a capacity as an offi- zanne Ratner of San Antonio and Candice passionate gardener, who was married for Burial took place in Brooklyn on Mon- cer. He divided his time among the Jewish Rosenblum (Wally) of Mandeville, LA.; 56 years to the late Arthur M. Rothschild. day, March 8. Federation of New Orleans, The Jewish siblings Norma Gindi and Alfred Sutton, She is survived by her daughter, Lynne Endowment Foundation, Jewish Family both of Brooklyn; eight grandchildren and R. Stern, two grandchildren and three Businessman Albert J. Daube dies at 94 Service, Touro Synagogue and the Jewish eight great-grandchildren. great-grandchildren and half-siblings March 14, 2015 Community Center. Among the numerous A graveside service was held at Hebrew Sarah Louis Scruggs and Alvin Loewen- ALBERT J. DAUBE, a retired local prestigious awards he received were the Rest Cemetery No. 3 on Frenchman and berg, Jr. businessman, died peacefully in his sleep Tzedakah Award in 1994 from the Jewish Pelopidas Streets on Tuesday, March 17 A memorial service was held in the at his residence on Saturday, March 14, Endowment Foundation and a 1993 Weiss at 1:30 pm, with Cantor David Mintz Feibelman Chapel of Temple Sinai, 6227 2015. He was 94. Award from the National Conference of officiating. St. Charles Avenue on Thursday, March A German-born, Jewish refugee from Christians and Jews (now the National In lieu of flowers, donations may be 12 at 1:00 pm. Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn of- the Nazi era, Daube became a naturalized Conference for Community and Justice). made to Jewish Family Service of New ficiated. American citizen and served in the U.S. Although he was born in Alexandria, Orleans, Touro Synagogue or a char- A private burial followed immediately Army as a World War II G.I fighting the LA., Weil was a resident of New Orleans ity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements at Dispersed of Judah Cemetery. In lieu Nazis from whom he had fled as a staff for the past 98 years. He was a graduate by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp, 1600 N. of flowers, memorials are suggested to sergeant assigned to an engineers unit. of Fortier High School and Tulane Univer- Causeway Blvd. For more information call Temple Sinai, Longue View House and While stationed in England, he met sity. He proudly served in the U.S. Army 504-835-2341. Gardens or the charity of your choice. and soon married his wife, Pearl Jacobs during World War II in the European Arrangements were by Tharp-Son- Daube. She joined him in New Orleans Theater and was honorably discharged as theimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. after boarding a special “warbrides” a major. Causeway. transit ship. Weil was predeceased by his wife of Upon his return to New Orleans, he many years, Dr. Cicely Lyons of blessed founded Sun Finance Company, which he memory. He is survived by his companion, ran until his retirement. Carol Wise; his children Dr. Maureen Stein Daube was pre-deceased by his wife (Ted Nass) and John Weil (Judy Slack), after 68 years of marriage, and lost a Richard Weil of Lakeland, CO., four

daughter, Faye Miller, this past November. grandchildren, four step-grandchildren,

He is survived by his son David two great-grandchildren and six step- Daube (Susan), his son-in-law Herbert great-grandchildren. Miller, four grandchildren and six great- A memorial service conducted by grandchildren. Cantor David Mintz took place at Touro

40 | The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News crescentcityjewishnews.com Obituaries Ann Brum dies, is buried in Brooklyn (Marilyn), three grandchildren and five planade Ave. in Metairie on Wednesday, his brother, Dr. Victor Brown (Janet) March 26, 2015 great-grandchildren. April 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Following and eight grandchildren. Dr. Brown was ANN BRUM, a housewife, mother the services, the body was transported for predeceased by a son, David J. Brown and loving grandmother, formerly of New interment in Arlington Heights, IL. Those (Katherine). Orleans and lately of Brooklyn, passed services were conducted on Friday, April Graveside services were held at He- away on Monday, March 23, 2015. She Teacher Jeffrey Marks, 61, buried in Chicago 17 at Shalom Memorial Park. brew Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2100 Pelopi- was 89. A service and burial was con- April 14, 2015 Tharp-Spontheimer-Tharp was in das Street at Frenchmen Street on Friday, ducted there. JEFFREY STEVEN MARKS, a top charge of arrangments. For more informa- April 17, at 10:00 a.m. Touro Synagogue Brum, a Holocaust survivor from ranked teacher at South Plaquermines tion, call 504-835-2341. Rabbi Alexis Berk officiated. Breslau, Germany, lived in New Orleans High School, died at Ochsner Foundation until after Hurricane Katrina, after which Hospital on Monday, April 13. He was Retired doctor Morton Brown succumbs she lived in Brooklyn with her family in 61. April 16, 2015 Marine Park. A native of Chicagoland, Marks was a MORTON BROWN, M.D., a retired She was married in 1946 and was with member of Congregation Gates of Prayer. internist who specialized in the treat- her husband husband Henry Brum until Locally, he is survived by his wife, ment of pulmonary disease, died April his untimely passing in 1975. During Laurence Le Garrec, daughters Margot 15, 2015, at Ochsner Westbank Medical those years, she served as the secretary to and Hannah Marks and son Eli Marks. Center. He was 84. his painting-contractor business. In the Chicagoland area, he is survived by Dr. Brown was a veteran of the U.S. Brum enjoyed cooking and playing siblings Edward Marks (Deborah), Robin Air Force and was a 1953 graduate with her grandchildren and great-grand- Sherwood (Christopher), Vivian Marks of Louisiana State University Medical children in more recent times. She enjoyed and a sister-in-law Barbara Marks. School. crocheting as a pastime. Funeral services were conducted by Survivors include his wife, Louise She is survived by her two sons Dr. Rabbi Robert Loewy at Congregation Stubbs Brown, a son Alexander Brown Charles Brum (Sandra) and Morris Brum Gates of Prayer synagogue, 4400 West Es- (Margery), a daughter Leslie S. Brown,

Stephen L. Sontheimer Billy Henry

crescentcityjewishnews.com The Best of the Crescent City Jewish News | 41 Obituaries Dr. Wilbur Lazarus, retired dentist, also became affiliated with abstracts and presentations of School of Medicine. research at the V.A. Medical dead at 100 Congregation Gates of Prayer in isotopic tracers of body fluids He received the Honors Center and professor of Medicine April 24, 2015 recent years. and electrolytes and on the Achievement Award from the at Tulane. In 1979 he became DR. WILBUR ARMAND Dr. Lazarus was a longtime anatomy and physiology of the Angiology Research Founda- chief of staff at the V.A. Medi- LAZARUS, D.D.S., a retired member of the New Orleans lymphatic system. He also pub- tion, the Award of Merit from cal Center and assistant dean at dentist who recently celebrated Dental Association and a former lished three non-scientific books. the American Heart Association Tulane and professor of Medicine his 100th birthday with family member of the Audubon Golf He participated in the develop- and special recognition from at the Louisiana State University and friends on April 2, died at Club. He was also a skilled ment of medical school curricula the Louisiana Regional Medi- School of Medicine until his re- Lambeth House on Friday, April woodcrafter and manufactured and in the development and plan- cal Program. Dr. Threefoot was tirement in 1991. He was also on 24. furniture and other items from ning of six buildings for research a devoted supporter of Tulane the staffs of Charity Hospital and A native of New Orleans, he time to time. His passion for facilities and hospitals. He was a athletics. Tulane Medical Center Hospital. graduated from Isidore New- fishing with his sons led him to founding member of the Interna- Threefoot was born in After his retirement, he par- man School and matriculated to purchase a boat for that express tional Society of Lymphology. Meridian, MS., but lived most ticipated as a volunteer adjunct Northwestern University in Evan- purpose. Dr. Threefoot was a member of his life in New Orleans. Upon professor emeritus of Applied ston, IL. Following his under- He is survived by sons Dr. of the American College of Physi- graduating from High School in Health Science in the Tulane Uni- graduate studies, he enrolled and Edward Lazarus (Vicki) of Mem- cians, the American Federation Selma, AL., where he was presi- versity School of Public Health graduated from Northwestern’s phis, TN. and Harry Lazarus of Clinical Research, the Central dent of the 1938 senior class, he and Tropical Medicine. Dental School in 1938. (Betty), six grandchildren and 10 Society for Clinical Research, entered Tulane University on an Dr. Threefoot was prede- Dr. Lazarus’s practice of den- great-grandchildren. the Society of Nuclear Medicine, honors scholarship to the College ceased by his wife of many years, tistry stretched over half a centu- A graveside service took the American Association for the of Arts and Sciences. He was a Virginia Rush Threefoot. He is ry from 1938 until his retirement place at Hebrew Rest Cemetery Advancement of Science, the Mi- member of Zeta Beta Tau, Beta survived by his four daughters in 1988. His practice was located No. t3, Pelopidas at Frenchmen crocirculatory Society, the New Mu and Phi Beta Kappa. While Barbara Stockton Mattingly in the Maison Blanche Building Streets on Sunday April 26, at York Academy of Sciences, and attending Tulane Medical School (Fred) of Covington, Ginny on Canal Street. 10:00 a.m. Rabbi Robert Loewy Sigma Xi, the non-profit scientific during WWII, he was on active Threefoot (Jim Lindberg) of A veteran of World War II, of Congregation Gates of Prayer research society. duty in the Army Specialized Denver, CO., Tracy Threefoot Es- Dr. Lazarus served as a dentist officiated. He served on committees, Training Program (ASTP). Upon enstad (Alan) of Rockville, MD., in the US Army Air Corps on In lieu of flowers, memorials boards and as an officer of receiving his M.D., Dr. Threefoot and Shelley Threefoot Cowan of Saipan and eventually attained to Congregation Gates of Prayer many professional organizations served his internship in 1945- Atlanta; his brother, Dr. Henry the rank of major. While on or Temple Sinai or the charity of including serving on the Board 47 at Michael Reese Hospital K. Threefoot of River Ridge; and leave from the Army in New your choice preferred. of Governors as governor for in Chicago. He returned to a seven grandchildren. Orleans in the spring of 1945, Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Louisiana of the American Col- fellowship in the Department Funeral services were held he met his future wife Carolyn, Funeral Home of Metairie was in lege of Cardiology, president of of Medicine at Tulane where he at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, also a graduate of Northwestern charge of arrangements. the Southern Society for Clinical remained as a teacher involved April 29, 2015 at Temple Sinai, University. The couple was soon Investigation, vice president of in research, from 1947-1970 6227 St. Charles Avenue. Rabbi engaged and they were married Dr. Sam Threefoot, Jr. funeral set the American Heart Association advancing to a full professorship. Edward Paul Cohn officiated. in November of that year, enjoy- DR. SAM ABRAHAM and chairman of the Council From 1953-1970 he was also Private family burial followed in ing 67 years of marriage until the THREEFOOT, JR, M.D., a on Circulation. He was also the director of Research and Medical Hebrew Rest Cemetery III. time of her passing in December professor emeritus of medicine president of the Louisiana Heart Education at Touro Infirmary. In lieu of flowers, memorials of 2013. at Tulane School of Medicine, Association, the president of the From 1970-1976 he was Chief of are suggested to Temple Sinai, The Lazaruses maintained an died April 25, 2015. He was 94 National Association of Veterans Staff at the Veterans Administra- Temple Mishkan Israel Foun- Uptown residence on Fountaine- years old. Administration Chiefs of Staff tion Medical Center in Augusta, dation in Selma, AL., Tulane bleau Drive for decades, eventu- A medical educator and and a member of the Board of GA. and professor of Medicine University or Touro Infirmary ally moving to Lambeth House researcher, Dr. Threefoot was Directors of the Georgia Heart and assistant dean at the Medical Foundation. Tharp-Sontheimer- when their health began to fail. involved in medical research for Association. Additionally, Dr. College of Georgia. Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie They were long established over four decades, publishing Threefoot was on the Editorial He returned to New Orleans was in charge of arrangements. members of Temple Sinai and over 150 papers, book chapters, Board of Lymphology at Tulane in 1976 as associate chief of Mazel Tov! TEMPLE SINAI CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2015/5775 Jewish Community Day School May 23, 2015 5th Grade Graduation Zachary James Lowentritt May 28, 2015 Mathilda Jane Mayer Speaker: Barri Bonston, Local author/ Margaux Goldberg Schexnider writer (Parent of JCDS graduate) TOURO SYNAGOGUE CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2015/5775 May 29, 2015. Andree Keil Moss Joshua Harris Balkin Camille Marguerite Moss Sophia Rose Brown Carolyn Dupre Moss Philip Joshua Hamilton Devin Gabriel Neal (JCDS 2015 graduates from left to right Jacob Wolf Kohlman Frances Eleanore Sperling Jonas Benjo, Alexandra Stone, Shimmy Lang, Seth Berk) Daniel Kenneth Lovett Shafir Davim Wittenberg Eric Peter Margolin

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