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DECEMBER 2007 vol 22:2/ kislev/tevet 5768 Agreement #40007180 Vishniac Exhibit Comes to Hamilton Historic moment for Holocaust education gerald fisher

Pictured above: Some of Hamilton’s Lions of Judah: (from l to r) Sasha Weisz, Rita Shapiro, Dana Horwood, Liz Tick, Cindy Kam, Cele Steinberg, Madeleine Levy, Batia Phillips, Sandy Seigel, Cheryl Greenbaum, Anna Taylor, Rhoda Katz and Shirley Molot. UJA 2008 off to encouraging start

gerald fisher erhaps, it’s the result of get up to speed, the UJA 2008 a much needed shift in gener- the wonderfully success- Men’s Campaign is showing ational leadership. Several Reprinted with permission of Mara Vishniac Kohn P ful “UJA Idol” opening equally impressive results on major donors have called to event. Perhaps it’s the result of a the donations received thus tell me how impressed they n observance of the third Hitler’s mission to exterminate truly new generation of leader- far. The card for card increase are with the co-chairs, and have annual United Nations the Jews, Vishniac was intent on ship bringing new enthusiasm is now at 24%. This is, perhaps, backed that up with increased mandated International Day I preserving the memory of the and ideas to the planning table. the strongest rate of increase of giving. We are all very grate- in Memory of the Victims of the Jewish people. He also hoped Perhaps it’s a combination of any UJA campaign in Canada. ful for Michael’s and David’s Holocaust, McMaster University to promote awareness of the both. Whatever the reason, this UJA Federation President, commitment. It makes all the will host an exhibit of selected atrocities that were occurring year’s UJA 2008 Campaign has David Somer, attributes the difference. photos from Roman Vishniac’s in Nazi territories. Vishniac’s jumped out to one of the quick- strong Men’s showing to several The UJA 2006 campaign was “A Vanished World.” A series of monumental accomplishment est starts in memory. factors. “First of all, I am just the most successful peacetime specially hosted, related events provided the world with its last, Assistant Campaign Direc- delighted with the progress the campaign in Hamilton’s history. will take place in coordination and in some cases, only record tor, Christine Nusca, informed campaign is making this year HJN has learned that at mid-Nov- with the exhibit’s presence in of people and communities that HJN that the UJA 2008 Women’s and I want to thank everyone ember 2005, the result of that Hamilton beginning on Janu- have truly vanished from the Campaign has really taken who is volunteering to make the campaign was approximately ary 27, the date on which the earth. off. “The Women’s Campaign campaign so successful.” $200,000 in pledges. At about U.N. commemoration will be Since the adoption of the UN. is already more than 50% “I would like to think that our the same point in the current observed. resolution in 2005, the U.N. completed. Currently, the success is, in part, a result of the UJA campaign, the pledges are Between 1935 and 1939, as Association – Hamilton Branch, results indicate a card for card successful campaign program- over $450,000. This is a remark- anti-Semitism was growing in with UJA Federation support, increase of 18% over the same ming taking place. I would also able indication of the progress Germany, Vishniac traveled to has organized the first two cards in the previous campaign. like to think that it is in response made to date. Eastern Europe and took his commemorations. In describing We don’t know if that rate of to a more effective approach to It’s too early to predict the acclaimed photographs of the what these observances mean to increase will continue through getting the campaign message final result, but the campaign culture of poor Jews in moun- her, event chair and organizer the end of the campaign, but out to the community – espe- goal of $1.2 million is within tainous villages and urban ghet- Madeleine Levy informed the everyone is working really hard cially our UJA campaign video. reach. tos. At first commissioned by HJN that “we want to continue to sustain this rate of success.” However, none of this would be The other goal set by the UJA the American Jewish Joint Distri- these as annual events with Everyone, in this case, refers happening without the terrific Campaign cabinet is to conclude bution Committee as part of a broader educational opportun- to UJA 2008 Women’s campaign campaign leadership team that the campaign by December 27th. fundraising initiative, Vishniac ities. For as we approach the co-chairs Debbie Strub and Lisa has come together this year.” Reaching that goal is strictly a was so affected by the project 63rd anniversary of the libera- Morris, major gifts co-chairs Liz UJA Federation Executive function of campaign volun- that he chose to continue it tion of Auschwitz – a symbol of Tick and Sandy Fuss, Financial Director Gerald Fisher agrees teers completing their calls on even after the commission was the darkest moments in human Resources, VP Shirley Molot and with Somer. “Men’s Co-Chairs time. Canvassers are urged to complete. He traveled to the history – it remains clear that in UJA Cabinet members Andrea Michael Kam and David “do it now!” Our community’s ghettos of Russia, Poland, Roma- parts of the world, the lessons Molot, Danna Horwood and Horwood have brought much future is a shared responsibil- nia, Czechoslovakia, and Lithu- of the Holocaust have not been Jo-ann Pomerantz. needed energy and leadership to ity. If everybody continues to ania for years after he worked learned.” Although the Men’s Campaign the UJA Men’s Campaign. Their do their part, our future can be for the Committee. Aware of Please see VISHNIAC on page 19 typically takes a little longer to involvement is real evidence of really bright.

Focus on Roman The Jewish new board Vishniac Hamilton members His grandson Project See page 5 remembers See page 15 See page 10 UJA Federation

UJA Federation salutes Marly Bromstein wins UJA Idol its young leaders Campaign opening a huge success

Lisa Morris to co-chair Women’s Division elaine levine

Campaign co-chairs David Hor wood, he UJA 2008 Campaign open- Michael Kam, and Debbie Strub are delight- ing event “UJA Idol” was an ed to welcome aboard Lisa Morris who has outstanding success with 400 stepped up to co-chair Women’s Division Tin attendance. The event included along with Debbie Strub. Lisa is a paralegal with The Morris Law Group. the screening of the 2008 campaign video, produced by Jennifer Howe, which effectively communicated this year’s campaign message: While Israel Hamilton’s Latest Lion of Judah continues to need our support the focus this year is on local needs. UJA Federation is honoured to welcome Cindy Kam as the newest member of Hamilton’s “Lions of Judah”. Over the course of the evening, the Marly Bromstein’s winning smile Cindy, pictured here with Debbie Kimel of Toronto, was nine finalists sang and danced their Photograph by Lorne Lorner presented her pin at a Women’s Top Division event that hearts out with the hope of being took place at the home of Liz Tick in October. Women chosen by audience members and who wear the Lion of Judah pin, a $5,000 annual commit- celebrity judges, Boris Brott, Sunni Molot, Pauline Morris, Robert Murdock, ment to the UJA campaign, join over 15,000 women Justin Nusca, Jo-Ann Pomerantz, Jessie around the world who take part in the Lion of Judah Genesco and Lou Zamprogna, for program. The Lion of Judah pin is a dramatic reminder the title of UJA Idol. In addition to Schoenberg, Dennis Schwartz, Debbie that each woman can make a significant difference in the performances by the finalists, audience Strub, Shoshana Telner, Liz Tick, Ashlee lives, vitality and continuity of her community. For more members were treated to numbers by Woolfson, Vicky Wylson-Sher, Samara information call Chris Nusca at 905-627.7722, ext 23 Amy Back, Sam Lewis and a charming Strub, Susan Vaisler, Aaron Yanover, duet by Cantors Laura Wolfson and Ben Lawrence Yanover, Lou Zamprogna, Sharpe. The evening culminated with and Robin Zilberg. Thank you to all Israel @ 60 Logo Winning Design the announcement of the winner: Marly those who auditioned for the event, Bromstein, 8, followed by runners up to our lead sponsor, Saturn of Hamil- Julie Waxman and Pamela Marques. ton East, as well as The Bay Limeridge, UJA Federation thanks Shirley Molot, Studio J, Westside Concert Theatre. We We love ISRAEL whose vision, energy, creativity made also thank The Village Green Bistro, and we are the evening such a success. We also Star-Lite Drive In, The Workshop by thank the wonderful group of volun- Shelley Paikin, Marcia Levy – Royal going to teers for their invaluable assistance: LePage, Maddison Avenue Salon and celebrate Israel’s Denise Calman, Carolyn Molot, Spen- Spa, Soundbox Productions, The Bean cer Levine, Flora Rosenblatt, Jordan Bar, Janet Blajchman and the Jewish 60th birthday in Abraham, Amy Back, Boris Brott, National Fund for their donations. a BIG way! Dolly Cohen, David Dayler, Ruth Fine, Thank you to all that supported Sandy Fuss, Jill Gaffe, Sunni Genesco, the campaign opening and remem- Jeremy Goldstein, Daniel Hosiassohn, ber, please give generously when Norma Jack, Leon Karan, Bernie Katz, called! If you have any suggestions Howard Katz, Rhoda Katz, Molly for a campaign opening event or any other UJA Federation programs, please UJA Federation and the Jewish National Fund congratulate Misha Apel, a Kumer, Arlene Leibtag, Mira Livings- forward them to Elaine Levine, Director grade 5 student at Kehila Jewish Day School for her winning design in the ton, Denise Levinson, Blanche Levitt, of Program Development at elevine@ Israel @ 60 logo design contest. Misha’s design will be featured on all emails Joshua Lerner, Teaghan Lerner, Zach jewishhamilton.org. and mailings for Israel @ 60 Events from November 29, 2007 to May 8, Levine, Shari Levine, Sheila Levitt, 2008. Misha wins a gift certificate for Kool Klay Kafé and a framed keepsake Loren Lieberman, Cindy Mark, Andrea of her entry. Thanks to all those who entered the design contest. Runner up designs by Josh Shapiro, Rina Komissarov and Jacob Rashid can be found at jewishhamilton.org. The Mosaic Mitzvah in Motion Project

laura wolfson Calling All Jewish Hamiltonians! t will come to your shul. It will come weeklong course at the Haliburton to your school. If you live at Shalom School for the Arts and was still feel- You are invited to participate in I Village, it will come to your home. ing “that creative glow”, proposed What is it? The Mosaic “Mitzvah in a community art project that would Motion” Project is a ceramic tile mosaic involve the efforts of hundreds of The Mosaic “Mitzvah in that will be constructed by 1000 hands people to put it together, as a way to in Hamilton, in celebration of Israel’s unite our community in its love for Motion” Project upcoming special birthday. The design Israel. Soon, the whole room was buzz- will be constructed in two pieces that ing with suggestions and the Mosaic WHAT: We are constructing a beautiful ceramic tile mosaic to fit together but will be mounted separ- “Mitzvah in Motion” Project was born. send to the Shechafim School in Northern Israel. ately. One piece will be presented as a Wolfson said “Mosaic is the perfect art gift from our community to the Shech- form for a large group of people to afim School in Northern Israel, where work on together, because it involves HOW: The project will make its way through Jewish Hamilton, it will be mounted permanently next hundreds of tiny little pieces that fit allowing every child and adult the opportunity to place a tile on to a photograph of the other piece. together to form a picture, and each the mosaic until it is complete. We will ship the piece to Israel in That second piece will be displayed piece can be placed on the project by time for Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day! permanently at Shalom Village, also a different person.“ Charles Kravetzky next to a photograph of its other half. further concretized the project by find- In this way the friendship between ing a supplier to donate the ceramic COST: $5 per person goes directly to the purchase of specialized Jewish Hamilton and its own special tiles, and by offering to arrange ship- bedding and exercise equipment for the Shechafim School. beneficiary agency in Israel is perma- ment of the art piece to Israel upon nently visible. completion. Elaine Levine came up WHY: To celebrate Israel’s 60th Birthday! During the construction phase, the with the terrific idea of combining the mosaic will be brought to seven differ- mosaic project with a fundraiser for a JOIN US AT ONE OF THESE LOCATIONS: ent locations in the Hamilton Jewish more concrete gift for the Shechafim community, so that every Jewish child school by charging a nominal amount and adult will have the opportunity to of money to participants. Support is JCC: Sun, Dec 2nd at the Community Chanukah Brunch place a tile on the mosaic. also still being sought for the minimal Kehila Day School: Wed, Dec 5 at the Chanukah Party The idea for this project was expenses in construction of the mosaic Temple Anshe Sholom: Thurs, Dec 6 Chanukah Dinner conceived at a meeting of the Jewish and for coverage of shipping costs. Beth Jacob: Sun, Dec 9 at the Chanukah Dinner Community Professionals last summer, It is hoped that the two pieces HHA/Adas Israel: Tues, Dec 11 at the Chanukah Dinner during a brainstorming session on ideas can be completed in time for each Shalom Village: Sun, Jan 20 at the JNF Community Tu Bi’Shvat Brunch OR for how we can all come together cele- to be mounted by the date of Yom Mon, Feb 11 brate Yom Ha’atzmaut in a bigger and Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 McMaster JSA: Thurs, Feb 7 during JSA lunch more collaborative way this year. Laura this coming May. Wolfson, who had recently taken a 2 Hamilton Jewish News This Issue Please return undeliverable DARE to be YOU Canadian addresses to: POB 7258 1030 Lower Lions Club Rd., Ancaster, Ontario L9G 3N6 UJA Federation Update

Agreement # 40007180 5 Focus on New Board Members

The Hamilton Jewish News is FREE HAIRCUTS! published 5 times a year by Holocaust Education With Our Up & Coming Stylists. Hamilton Jewish News Inc. and Please Call Wendy Schneider 8 A report on Holocaust Education Week. ALBERT SNOW Hair Design Group Publisher 905-525-0831 Wendy Schneider Feature Story For Complete Details Editor Wendy Schneider 10 Ethan Vishniac remembers his grandfather [email protected]

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Editorial Policy The HJN invites members of the community to contribute letters, articles or guest editorials. Written submissions and UJA Federation organizied a series of breakfast meetings with candidates in the advertisements must be recent provincial election. Meetings were organized with all Conservative, Liber- forwarded by the deadline al and NDP candidates. Pictured here, left to right are Stan Tick, Milt Lewis, JSA president, Andrea Rowan, Leslie Lasky, Liberal candidate, Ted McMeekin, Ron indicated in each issue. This Kaplan, Federation president, David Somer and Harold Pomerantz, Federation newspaper reserves the Board member and Co-Chair of the Public Affairs Committee. Liberal candidate Ted right to edit, condense or McMeekin committed himself to calling for an all-party committee to review the reject any contribution for school funding issue after the election. brevity or legal purposes. BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR DONORS, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES FOR A Deadline for submissions UJA Federation 1-6 CHAG CHANUKAH SAMEACH 2007 for the next edition of the Beneficiary Agencies 7 HJN is January 8, 2008. Canadian Magen David Adom, the sole support Holocaust Education 8-9 arm in Canada of Magen David Adom Israel, Israel’s National Emergency, Medical, Feature Stories 10, 15 Ambulance and Blood Service. UJA Federation of Hamilton JCC 12-13 Israel can’t survive without MDA Shalom Village 14 President MDA can’t survive without you. David Somer Special Mentschen 16 Remember to send your holiday wishes Advertising Feature 17 by ordering our tribute cards and certificates Past President Leslie Lasky Israel 18 Travel 20 National Headquarters UJA Campaign Co-Chairs 6900 Decarie Blvd., Suite 3110 David Horwood Community 21-23 Montreal QC H3X 2T8 Michael Kam Phone: 514-731-4400 / Fax: 514-731-2490 Debbie Strub Toll Free: 1-800-731-2848 On-line donations: www.cmdai.org VP Financial Resources Development Coming Up... Shirley Molot Hamilton Ambassador: Mid-Winter Issue Hilda Rosen VP Human Resources Development Focus on Financial Services Tel: 905-529-4824 Vivienne Epstein

VP Administration Deadline for booking ad space Jan 8, 2008 Paul Roth Deadline for receiving editorial copy Jan 21, 2008 Kehila Jewish Community Day School is pleased to announce – we now welcome donations of bonds, stocks, and mutual Treasurer Deadline for receiving ad copy Jan 31, 2008 funds. We provide a charitable tax receipt for the full value of William Steen Estimated Date of Arrival Feb 15, 2008 investments.

Honorary Legal Counsel Why donate investments? In most cases, if appreciated Allen Wynperle investments are donated BETH TIKVAH FOUNDATION directly to a charity instead Board Members ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of being sold first, this leads Sol Algranti, Boris Eventov, Joy on to significant tax savings Foster, Jill Gaffe, Jerry Goldblatt, when compared to gifts of Mark Gould, Cheryl Greenbaum, MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2007 cash. Benjamin Katz, Howard Katz, Sandra Katz, Jacki Levin, Larry 7:00 p.m. Levin, Monte Levy, Cindy Mark, at Please invest in Jewish Tom Martin, Sandy Morris, education – we are Harold Pomerantz, Shelley ADAS ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE growing, and your gift Rochwerg, Hanna Schayer, Debbie allows us to continue to offer bursaries. Thank you! Sheinbaum, Mario Stolar, David 125 CLINE ST. SOUTH, HAMILTON, ONTARIO Streiner, Martin Strub, Harvey To discuss your gift, please reach us at 905-529-7725 JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 Waxman, Janet Weisz-Asa. Election of Directors or [email protected] 3 UJA Federation Your Life... Willy Steen to Chair Your Legacy Legacy Endowment Fund JA Federation President Dr. David Somer is pleased to announce that veteran U volunteer leader, Willy Steen, C.A., has accepted the appointment to chair a renewed Legacy Endowment Fund initiative for the Hamil- ton Jewish community. Steen told HJN that “after four very interesting years as treasurer of the UJA Federation Board, I decided that it was time to pass the baton and devote my energies to what I believe is the single greatest challenge to our future as a community, the re-establishment of a vigorous and success- ful endowment fund. ” As agency treasurer and member of both the Willy Steen Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Steen has learned and gained perspectives on many issues, especially the finan- UJA LEGACY ENDOWMENT FUND OF HAMILTON cial condition of our local and national organizations and beneficiary agencies such as our Jewish schools, JSS and JCC and Israel. Recent Federal charitable tax legislation has ushered in a period of gifting opportunities “United Jewish Appeal is the Federation’s fundraising arm,” Steen said. “Through unlike anything the charitable sector has enjoyed before. One of the most enlightened of its annual campaign, UJA raises the dollars from which allocations to the agencies these opportunities is the gift of appreciated securities. are made. I once arranged a meeting with our bankers, and the account manager brought along a loan and an investment officer. Les Lasky, then our president, Gifts of Appreciated Securities explained tongue-in-cheek that ‘You have to understand, we do not have these needs - we are in the business of giving away money.’ It is true, but we have to be Making a gift of appreciated securities to the Hamilton Legacy Endowment Fund would very careful that the projected UJA campaign will meet the obligation of the allo- have many tax and financial benefits. Under the new Federal Budget released May 2, 2006, cations to our agencies made in advance. The better the campaign, obviously, capital gains tax has been eliminated. This benefit is only available for gifts of publicly the more will available to allocate. Last year our campaign dipped and difficult traded securities to public foundations such as the Hamilton Legacy Endowment Fund and is cuts were made to all agencies.” not available for gifts to private foundations. Steen brings a special passion to his new role in the Endowment Fund. He noted that the Legacy Endowment Fund seems to be an enigma that our commun- You may use appreciated securities to establish a Donor Advised Fund with the Hamilton ity has avoided. “Simply put, this fund is critical to ensure the continuity and Legacy Endowment Fund. Establishing a Donor Advised Fund is a wonderful way to receive sustainability of our Jewish community.” a tax deduction for the total value of your stock this year, while retaining the right to rec- “Winnipeg for example, with a Jewish community of about three times our size, ommend distributions to charities of your choice in the future. The Jewish Foundation of has a Legacy Fund of one hundred times what we have. At present our Legacy Greater Toronto takes care of all the administration of your philanthropy saving you time Fund contributes approximately 2.5% of the amount available for annual alloca- and simplifying your charitable giving. tion, which is absolutely insignificant. We are facing ever increasing needs from our agencies, which will continue, and we hope that our campaigns will be able to continue to support those demands. But we know that we have already fallen How it Works * In these cases, we assume a gift of 100 shares of stock which had a cost basis of $10 a behind. What I am saying, is that with a target of a $5 million Legacy, which is share but which are now worth $50. Thus the gift is worth $5,000. realistic, that alone will contribute, at 5%, $ 250,000 in perpetuity, compared to the approximately $30,000 at present.” Example 1: Studies across North America have shown that while annual campaigns may The gift was made to a public charity after May 2. be increasing, the actual number of donors is decreasing. The danger lies in that There will be no capital gain. when key donors pass on, the annual campaigns will no longer be sustainable. capital gain: nil “This is why it is critical that we have a healthy Legacy Fund, and I can not say taxable capital gain: nil it any other way. Almost two years ago the Hamilton Federation Board wisely tax on gain at 45%: nil decided to transfer the Legacy Fund to be professionally managed by the Toronto value of tax credit (45% of $5,000): $2,250 Federation. I am pleased to report in the last fiscal year the return was about 10%. Over time, this will prove to be critical to our future. So on this gift of $5,000 the donor gets net tax relief of $2,250. “I will continue to be a volunteer, and devote time and best efforts in grow- ing our Legacy Fund - this is our challenge. We will organize a committee with Example 2: the objective of a $5 million Legacy Fund. If you can help, please call me. I look If you decided to sell the stock on the market and donate the after-tax proceeds, the differ- forward to your advice and support.” ence is dramatic. capital gain: $4,000 taxable capital gain: $2,000 tax on gain at 45%: $ 900 donation of cash after tax: $4,100 tax credit on cash donation: $1,845 Thus, the charity gets only $4,100 and the net tax benefits of the gift to the Paying your UJA pledge with donor is $945.

Example 3: gifts of appreciated stock This gift of 100 shares goes to a private foundation and thus does not benefit from the special rules. has enormous tax advantages. capital gain: $4,000 taxable capital gain: $2,000 tax on gain at 45%: $ 900 value of tax credit (45% of $5,000): $2,250 Call Chris Nusca at 905.648.0605 ext 305 for more information So on this gift of $5,000 the donor gets net tax relief of $1,350.

*reprinted by permission of Arthur Drache, CM, QC. Arthur Drache is an Ottawa-based lawyer with Drache LLP and is associate counsel to MillerT homson LLP.

A gift today to the UJA Legacy Endowment Fund of Hamilton, under the man- agement of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, will allow you to be there for your family, your community, and the Jewish people whenever help is needed. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

4 UJA Federation Focus on new Board members UJA Federation invites its new board members to share their perspectives and their vision

Sandra Katz David Horwood An educator/artist/scholar, Sandi moved back to the Hamilton area last summer and is still David Horwood, 35, has stepped up to in the process of transitioning from an “urban community leaership in a big way. Not existence” to a rural lifestyle in Lynden. She only is he, along with Michael Kam, a has enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and co-chair of this year’s UJA Campaign, he colleagues and feels very welcomed. Sandra has also joined the Federation board. will be working on human resources and board development. The focus of the board is on the whole idea of unity and collaboration with I joined the Federation board because I felt that it was time that our genera- all the different beneficiaries. Everybody is committed to building and grow- tion begin to direct and influence where our community is headed. Over ing Hamilton. As someone who is new to the community and whose views the next six months I’d like to see Federation manage its allocation process haven’t been shaded by different conflicts, I feel that I can bring a fresh in a more assertive way by ensuring our beneficiary agencies are operating perspective. within a framework that is consistent with Federation goals and objectives. I would also hope that within that time frame, a plan be in place that can be implemented over the next 12 months that will reposition and redefine the role played in our community by the JCC. Education is another area that Cindy Mark I believe can be improved with collaboration, planning and strong direc- Cindy Mark, originally from London, tion from Federation. I’m committed to Hamilton and what was started long Ontario, has lived in Hamilton for 23 years. before me. People who don’t have a voice deserve to be represented by the Cindy’s role on the board will be to restart Board. I’d much rather participate and see what we can accomplish rather the GroHamilton initiative. Her previous than just sit on the sidelines. volunteer commitments were with the JCC, Hadassah-WIZO and Temple Anshe Sholom.

I see the biggest challenges facing Federation over the next few months are Jacki Levin deciding the future of the JCC, growing our Hamilton community and affili- ating the Jewish community at large to Federation. I’ve been asked to restart This year brings Jacki Levin back to Feder- the GroHamilton program and my intention is to form a committee that will ation (she previously served as vice work towards promoting the Hamilton Jewish community to the medical president in charge of budget allocations community at McMaster and the greater Hamilton community at large so that and fiscal control) as she takes on the role they discover just how much the Jewish community has to offer. of treasurer from Willy Steen. She recently completed a three year term as president of Shalom Village.

Mario Stolar I am really excited to be back working on the Federation as it engages in Mario Stolar , originally from Mexico City, the process of identifying our community’s needs on both a short and long chairs the UJA Young Leadership initiative, term basis and asking how we can mobilize our efforts to meet those needs whose mandate is to cultivate our in a sustainable way. At the same time we are strengthening our ties to Israel community’s next generation lf leaders. by supporting a project in northern Israel which is very exciting. I see the biggest challenge facing Federation over the next six months being the deci- sion regarding the future of the JCC. Federation and the JCC are doing the background work necessary to make big decisions. We need to identify what I think that Federation needs to define its role in the community more clearly our community needs from a JCC and what form the JCC should take that and nurture a much closer relationship with all the beneficiary agencies. can be sustained as a community. I believe that with a closer relationship the campaign can become more successful and all the agencies will benefit. Given that I live in Burlington and that I’m relatively new to the community, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and promote our community in the Burlington, Oakville and St. Catharines areas. UJA Campaign Events Women’s Division events create momentum

Pictured left: Debbie Kimel of Toron- to (left), accompanied by her mother Yetta Freeman and daughter, Laura Kimel, at a Women’s Division Top Gifts event at the home of Liz Tick.

pictured top right: This year’s UJA Women’s Division Cabinet (from l to r), Liz Tick, Dana Horwood, Debbie Strub, Andrea Molot, Shirley Molot, Sandi Fuss and Jo-Ann Pomerantz.

Pictured bottom left: Debbie Strub (far left), Dana Horwood and Andrea Molot with Fran Sonshine at the “Girlfriends” The Importance of a Woman’s Gift event. UJA Campaign 2008 Women's Division held an event for its top gifts category at the home of Liz and Stan Tick on Tuesday, October 9. The keynote speaker was former Hamiltonian, Debbie Kimel, who has held a number of leadership positions in Toronto's UJA Federation and who currently holds the position of chair of Birthright Canada.Kimel, who was accompanied by her mother, Yetta Freeman and her eldest daugh- ter, Lauren Kimel, spoke about the importance of a woman's gift and of how her family upbringing was instrumental in her own philanthropic journey. Kimel's mother, Yetta Freeman, was delighted by the large turnout of younger women, a phenonmenon she said was not the case during her years in Hamilton.

Young Women’s Leadership The opening program for the newly established“Girlfriends” division of the UJA Women’s Campaign was recently held at the home of Danna Horwood. Girlfriend Co-Chairs Andrea Molot and Dana Horwood are certainly passionate about engaging the young women of this community. “We can have such an impact on the future of this community. What we do today directly affects our children and our children’s children.” Guest speaker for the evening was Fran Sonshine, past chair of UJA Toronto Federation Women's Campaign. Fran conveyed to the young women that as individuals we may have a voice, but brought together as one powerful entity, we have a roar. She stressed that“ It is our responsibility as Jewish women to educate our

families and our children. Our involvement in the UJA Campaign is one of the most important commitments JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 we can make to ensure a meaningful Jewish future.” 5 UJA Federation UJA Federation Scores Israel Advocacy Coup Briefing of MP’s sets new standard in Canada

Pictured Above, from l to r, Gerald Fisher, Rabbi Jordan Cohen, Carol Krames, Shelley Waxman, Rabbi Dan Selsberg, Laura Wolfson, Chris Nusca, Laura Laengerer, Len Rudner, Inbal Chaimovitz, Pat Morden, Leia Ger Rogers and Elaine Levine.

PICTURED ABOVE: From left to right, Wayne Marston, David Christopherson and Community professionals discuss security Chris Charlton, local MP’s, with Richard Marceau, CIC Director of Government Relations at the September 11th CIC briefing on the Middle East. Intent to apply for Federal grants to faith based institutions rought together under the volunteer recruitment needs, the application process and to JA Federation of Hamil- the issues. Knowing how hard auspices of UJA Federa- the agenda was devoted primar- answer questions from agency ton, in partnership with it is to meet with MP’s while the Btion of Hamilton, Jewish ily to matters of community directors. U Canada Israel Commit- House is sitting, it just seemed community professionals have security. Rudner appreciated the tee (CIC), has created a new a natural suggestion to bring been meeting on a monthly The federal government has invitation. format for engaging federal them all together when they basis to share information, recently announced the estab- “Jewish institutions across parliamentarians. were home in Hamilton.” brainstorm to solve commun- lishment of a grant program the country have an import- Government Relations, as UJA Federation made arrange- ity problems and look for ways designed to assist faith based ant statement to make to the they relate to the Canada-Israel ments with all parties. All three to strengthen our community institutions in enhancing federal government. Through bilateral relationship is a core MP’s were happy to partici- through stronger inter-agency their security protocols. The the applications for these grants, responsibility of CIC. It is CIC’s pate. CIC was delighted with relationships. program was the result of a the government will become mandate to engage, inform and the opportunity to engage the One example of this was the major communications effort much more acutely aware of cultivate MP’s in terms of their members in an in-depth discus- agenda of the November meet- led by the Canadian Institute our community’s legitimate understanding of Middle East sion. One element that greatly ing that took place at the Shalom for Israel and Jewish Advo- concerns about the security of issues. It is Federation’s respon- contributed to the briefing’s Village Board room. Along with cacy (CIJA) and the Canadian our schools, synagogues and sibility to establish and maintain success was the fact that CIC’s choosing the winning logo for Jewish Congress (CJC). Len centers.” good relationships with locally Marceau had served in Parlia- our “Israel@60” contest, plan- Rudner, CJC’s National Direc- The invitation to Rudner was elected representatives of every ment with Hamilton MP’s for ning a community fundraising tor of Community Relations extended by UJA Federation party and level of government. seven years as a member of the event for our recently adopted attended the November meeting Executive Director Gerald Fisher. In this case, the confluence of “Bloc.” According to Fisher, school in Israel and reviewing to walk our agencies through Fisher commented that “secur- mandates and competencies “their pre-existing personal rela- ity is an important concern to came together in a dramatic tionship made a tremendous everyone in our community. As manner. difference in terms of access, the community’s central organ- Among other strategies, CIC credibility and appreciation for izing body, it is Federation’s staff works hard at gaining access the kinds of pressures that MP’s clear responsibility to facilitate to MP’s in Ottawa. Like every face on this issue every day.” insurance broker inc. Phil Leon and support every grant appli- interest group, they compete for The briefing touched a Est. 1965 cation coming from a Hamilton time with the milk lobby, the oil myriad of issues, from Canadian Jewish organization.” lobby, hardware manufacturers interests, to peace prospects, In that regard, UJA Federation association, seniors groups and to bilateral trade agreements. is supporting each grant appli- every other imaginable inter- In response to a follow-up cation by providing dissemin- est that seeks government atten- evaluation, each MP praised FCIP David A. Leon, ating information, providing tion. Getting twenty minutes of the initiative and thanked Vice President supporting documentation, an MP’s time is never easy. both Federation and CIC for putting agencies in touch with Taking advantage of the making it happen. Hamilton local security professionals good relationships that have Center MP David Christopher- and by soliciting the support been cultivated between the son was especially grateful for of Hamilton Police Services. In Jewish community and our the opportunity. According to 21 Hunter Street East, Suite #103 Bus: 905.525.0001 addition, the grants to individ- federal members, UJA Federa- Christopherson, the material in P.O. Box 1053 1.800.734.6362 ual agencies will be made on tion was able to organize a two- the briefing had value beyond Hamilton, ON Fax: 905.525.1690 a dollar matching basis. UJA hour briefing on the Middle the political dimension. He L8N 3R4 [email protected] Federation is now exploring East. CIC Director of Govern- suggested that the briefing be methods of identifying match- ment Relations Richard Marceau made available to MPP’s and ing dollar support wherever came down from Ottawa to other interested parties as “Discount rates available for B’nai Brith members. needed. conduct the briefing. All three well. Plan underwritten by ING Novex Insurance Company of Canada” federal members from the NDP The final evaluation was sent attended. by CIC itself, in the form of a Federation Executive Director memo to every Federation in Gerald Fisher explained that “the Canada, praising what we had idea of the briefing came out of a done and suggesting that every discussion with Hamilton East/ federation employ its good rela- Stoney Creek member Wayne tionships with MP’s to engage Marston. Wayne mentioned that them in a similar manner, and he, as well as other MP’s, felt asking them to call Hamilton they needed more information for suggestions on how to do to maintain a balanced view of it right.

our community’s FUTURE is in your hands When your UJA canvasser calls, please, give generously HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

6 Beneficiary Agencies

JSS Board of Directors works in partnership with UJA McMaster Jewish Student Association

The Board of Directors of Jewish Social Services recently held a tele- thon for the 2008 UJA Campaign. Taking part were Ruth Fine and Gary Spencer, (pictured above) Lillian Hinkley, Bea Matchen, Carol Krames, Jo-Ann Pomerantz, Susan and Paul Roth. UJA Federation thanks the Pictured Above: McMaster JSA students with Dr. JSS Board for their leadership and ongoing support to the Annual Ra’anan Gissin during his recent visit to Hamilton. Campaign.

Pictured Above: McMaster JSA students host two Cuban Jewish students Jewish Social Services Michael Herman who came to visit Hamilton a "Good Will" tour of Canada. f there’s one thing that Jews are known Cuban Jewish students to talk about Jewish life Volunteers Needed for, it’s community. Whether it’s Shabbat in Cuba. Additionally, the JSA teamed up with the dinners, Tzedaka projects, or just a group community to run a series of Holocaust Educa- There are many people in our community, who find themselves alone I of friends kvetching about current events over tion Week events. Andrea Rowan, the current and without any friends. The JSS is looking for volunteers to visit, go a coffee and bagel in their favorite café, Hamil- JSA President, noted how Holocaust Education shopping, play games and befriend these community members.We ton’s Jewish population is alive and thriving Week has always been an important and well- currently need volunteers to visit a shut in gentleman in Burlington with community spirit. It is under this spirit that known event at McMaster and we are pleased to with mobility problems; to visit a lady in a retirement home, who the McMaster Jewish Students Association (JSA) join forces with the community in their efforts in does not know many people in the community; who like to shop and has always operated, and the spirit it brings to educating the wider Hamilton community along each and every one of its events. This year so with McMaster’s student population. are able to find rock bottom prices on food for our food bank; with far, the JSA has been involved in numerous As a student organization, the JSA is constantly a truck to be available to help people pick up furniture, move, take events that incorporate not only the Hamilton relying on the generosity of others to help them things to the dump, pick up food after a food drive to take a blind Jewish community, but the McMaster commun- promote Jewish life on campus. It is through the man on outings. If you have an extra two or three hours a week or ity as a whole. contributions of the community that they are every other week and enjoy being with people call 905-627-9922 or The year got off to a smashing start with the able to keep doing these events and establish a email [email protected] very successful JSA Meet-And-Greet Barbeque. functioning Jewish community at McMaster. On With over 70 people in attendance, it was a great that note, I am currently sitting in the JSA’s office, way for Jewish students to see new and familiar typing away on a computer that was created some- Yiddish Club faces. This great beginning was coupled with time shortly before Moses received the command- Do you speakY iddish and never have the opportunity to use it? Do the opening of our newly renovated office. ments. If anyone is interested in donating any you speak or understand a little and would like to be in a Yiddish Through the support of community members, computers in working condition to the JSA, please environment?T he JSS Program Committee has started aY iddish Club we were able to completely redecorate our contact the main office at 905-522-7215 or e-mail that meets one Sunday a month for Brunch,Y iddish conversation, office, including painting, reupholstering the Andrea at [email protected]. It is both greatly couches and redecorating the wall-space. These appreciated and needed. nostalgic videos, singing and entertainment. (Almost all videos will renovations make the office an even better place Jewish community is a funny thing sometimes. have English subtitles) All meetings take place at the Hamilton for the students on campus to hang out, grab Jews in just about every town seem to be able Jewish Social Services 30 King St E, Dundas. a two dollar Kosher lunch, study, schmooze, to exist as a cohesive, cooperative community and take that much needed nap in between in spite of their individual differences. As my Theatre Club classes on our new comfy couch. Represent- grandfather was fond of saying, “Put four Jews Sunday February 10, 2008 - Music and Vaudeville Review at the atives from the newly formed UJA Federation in a room, and you’ll get seven opinions”. Well, Campus Service committee were among the it’s this Jewish boy’s opinion that the JSA is a Drury Lane Theatre in Burlington. Cost is $44. Bus leaves Adas 40 people in attendance at the grand re-open- successful and important organization that works Israel Synagogue at 11:00 am and returns at 4:30 pm. ing of our office. together with the Hamilton Jewish community The JSA is building on the momentum to strengthen Jewish identity and unity, and is a Wednesday, March 5, 2008 - The Clean House at the Bluma of these events, and has many more events valuable asset to both students and community Apel Theatre in Toronto A Pulitzer Prize winning comedy about a planned for the students and the commun- members alike. housekeeper named Matilda who loves to laugh and hates to clean. ity.HJNnewAd2 On November 6/7/07 fifth, 4:13 the PM JSA Page brought 1 in(Black plate) Cost is $57 for transportation and show. Bus Leaves Adas Israel at 10:30 am and returns approximately 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - Dirty Dancing at the Royal Alex- in IN JUST A FEW WEEKS, Toronto, a remake of the famous movie. Bus leaves Adas Israel at YOUR DOG BECOMES 10:30 am. Cost is $92 for the bus and the show. A GOOD FAMILY MEMBER! Sunday February 3, 2008 - Rain: The Beatles Experience. 2:00 pm atT he Hummingbird Centre inT oronto. Cost is $68 (including the bus and show – we have excellent orchestra seats!) Critics say,“ They perform the full range of the Beatles live onstage. From the early days of Sargeant Pepper to Abbey Road, this group captures it all flawlessly.” Bus will leave the Adas Israel at 10:30 AM. We will stop for lunch and shopping at the beautiful Sherway Gardens. This is a Serving Southern Ontario wonderful show to bring your children and or grandchildren to as a special treat. New sessions start every month To register for any of the above programs or to put your name Call 1-888-681-7877 on our mailing list call 905-627-9922 Lillian ex 25 or email or register online [email protected]. www.McCannDogs.com HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

50,000 More than family pets and their owners trained! New sessions start every month. 7 Holocaust Education

Melissa’s Bat Mitzvah of Remembrance

Holocaust Education Week n the months lead- ing up to her daugh- JA Federation’s Holocaust Education Committee presented ter, Melissa’s bat mitzvah,I Sharon Woolf- its 2nd annual Holocaust Education Week from Novem- ber 4th – 8th with three moving educational programs that son was looking for a U way to make the occa- reached more than 800 people from a broad spectrum of diverse and religious backgrounds. sion especially mean- Keynote speakers Esther Bem and Sibylle Niemoller von Sell ingful. She found it in gave deeply moving presentations, while the screening of “I have the Bar or Bat Mitzvah Never Forgotten You – The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal” of Remembrance, a provided a fitting closing program that coincided with the commun- project of the UJA Feder- ity’s Kristallnacht Commmemoration. The Holocaust Education ation Holocaust Centre Melissa Woolfson with Nadia Rosa committee ithanks Temple Anshe Sholom, Christ’s Church Cath- of Toronto. The project, edral and Beth Jacob Synagogue for hosting the events, as well as conceived as a way of remembering the 1.5 million chil- Sybille Niemoller von Sell Mayor Fred Eisenberger, MP David Sweet, and MPP Ted McMeekin, dren who perished in the Holocaust, involves twinning for speaking at the events. local Bar and Bat mitzvah children with a child that was In addition to Holocaust Education Week, the Holocaust Educa- lost in the Holocaust. tion Committee is responsible for the Student and Teacher Seminars When the Woolfsons were unable to discover enough on Holocaust Education, The Asper Foundation Human Rights and information about a lost child in their own extended family, Holocaust Studies Program, March of the Living, screening of the they decided to look for a survivor in Hamilton who had film Paperclips to area high schools, survivor visits to high schools lost a family member with whom Melissa could twin. That and a Bar/Bat Mitzvah twinning project (see box this page). search brought them to Nadia Rosa, who was only too Special thanks to Willy Steen and Madeleine Levy for chairing delighted to cooperate. Nadia, herself a child survivor, this initiative and to members of the Holocaust Education Commit- suggested that Melissa twin with her first cousin, Erika tee – Chair, Nadia Rosa, and Archie Lieberman, Bev Lasky, Dennis Blumenfeld, who died in 1942 at the age of 8. Nash, Doris Schulman, Gilda Ennis, Ira Rosen, Judy Schwartz, Karen Once a twin was found, Melissa and her family began Saperson, Lila Strub, Lore Jacobs, Madeleine Levy, Sharon Woolf- attending programs at Toronto’s Holocaust Centre. son, Shelly Sender, Suzanne Goldflus, William Steen and Elaine “Everyone went”, said Woolfson, referring to Melissa’s Levine (Staff) Esther Bem siblings and grandparents, as she explained that the Twin- ning Program encouraged participation from the entire family. As part of her research, Melissa interviewed Rosa about Erika’s life, read every book she could about the Holocaust and gathered information about the place where Erika was raised and where she perished. In addition the Woolfsons traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “The trip to Washington really solidified the knowledge and made Melissa very aware of how lucky she is and how terrible life was then,” Woolfson recalled, adding, “My wish for her is that she can channel all her energy into doing something good for the community and for the world.” If you would like more information about Hamilton’s Holocaust twinning program, now in its early stages, Pictured above: From left to right, Dean Peter Wall, Rever- Pictured above: From left to right, JSA President, Andrea contact Elaine Levine at 905-627-9922, ext 24. end Sue Ann Ward, Madeleine Levy, Sybille Niemoller von Sell, Rowan, Julia Rowan of Toronto and Holocaust Education MP David Sweet and Willy Steen. committee member, Doris Schulman. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

8 Holocaust Education

Italian Heroism during the Holocaust “The whole country was helping the Jews”

Wilf Gerofsky ere’s an amazing statis- was executed; the other joined whole country was helping the rendezvous with a priest, who shown into a room where a tic: 80% of the entire the partisan underground and Jews.” placed them with a family who Gestapo officer was seated on a H Jewish population of still lives in Croatia. One of their hosts’ sons had never doubted the story she put throne in front of a huge picture Italy survived the holocaust. One night they were tipped connections with the partisans, forward. He had dresses made of der Fuhrer. He bombarded The story of Esther Bem sheds off that the Gestapo was set and the day after the Germans for Esther to replace her tattered her with questions. light on the amazing history of to pick up all Jews at 6 in the came,a man came to them with rags, “long, so that I looked as if “I felt my head was swim- how Italians, from priests to morning. They set out for the a plan to give them new names I just came out of a convent.”But ming from the questions, but peasants, risked their own lives mountains with only the clothes and identity cards. They were they lacked ration cards, and I had time to consider my to shelter and protect Jewish they had on their backs. They to pretend to be Italian Cath- had to exist on the small food answers because they had to families. She told her story, came upon a simple hut-no olics. Because her parents were handouts that the priest and the be translated from German into told to a captivated audience at water, no electricity, just some not fluent in Italian, a story was family could spare. So the priest Italian, and although I didn’t let Temple Anshe Sholom during good-hearted people who created for them. They were to told them they would have to on, I knew German because my Holocaust Education Week. disregarded their own safety to pose as survivors of a train go to the City Hall and register maternal grandmother spoke to Esther and her parents and by welcoming them in. bombing, as a result of which for the cards. us only in German.” two older sisters had escaped to “Primo, Secondo, Terzo”, the Esther’s mother had become “When I opened the door of Once again her ‘incredible northern Italy after the Germans sharecropper called to his sons. deaf, and her father had lost the the city hall, there were swas- luck’ held. They walked out of had invaded their home in “Clean out the room, we have ability to speak. And so, with tikas and pictures of Adolf Hitler the building with ration cards. If Croatia. They made their way guests.”They remained under her schoolyard Italian, at twelve everywhere-the town was under she had faltered, she, her parents to a town near Venice where the protection of these simple years old, Esther became the German occupation.” She was the priest and the family who several Jewish families from people until the day, armed family spokesperson. terrified, and her father was aided them would have been various countries had gath- German soldiers came to the They walked all night to white as a ghost. They were hung in the town square. ered. There they lived a precar- door. Esther and her family hid ious existence, forced to report in the haystack and escaped to authorities every morning, detection , one of a series of not allowed to work or attend narrow escaped that she charac- school. terizes as ‘incredible luck.’ Happy Chanukah from Magnolia The children were not That luck was to follow them, supposed to interact with the aided in no small part by the local kids “but of course we did.” willingness of the Italian people For the finest in Sterling Eleven year old Esther would to risk their own lives to help meet other children outside the them. Silver jewellery, visit schoolyard, and soon became “You should know that there Magnolia today fluent in Italian, an accomplish- were groups producing false ment that would turn out later identity cards and ration cards to save her life and those of her for Jews, and there was also an parents. Her older sisters were organization that gave financial Having been born and raised in “We stand behind our products,” said sent off, one to Bosnia where she help to the Jews in hiding. The Israel, Avi Levytan was accustomed to Avi. seeing Magnolia With three stores now Jewelry kiosks open in Canada Avi only wherever he sees more expansion in the ‘Paperclips’ shown to went. future. As the largest “Everywhere we have thousands of local students retailer of silver opened, we have had a gerald fisher jewelry in Israel, very enthusiastic response Magnolia has – people really like the n confluence with Holocaust Education, Programs of Choice annual revenue jewelry. It’s a very affordable Education Week, literally and Student Leadership served of $30 million product made by the best thousands of students from as point person for The Hamil- and employs 20 designers in Israel and acrossI the Hamilton area had ton-Wentworth District School m o r e t h a n 4 in Italy–all the Israelis an opportunity to view Paper- Board. 350 and has are familiar with the brand clips, the award winning docu- Smith described the initiative 51 locations and the quality,” explained mentary about a group of teens as having a “profound impact” in Israel and Avi. in Tennessee, whose creative on student’s perceptions of approach to learning about the world and of themselves. 12 in the USA, A l l p r o d u c t s a t the Holocaust become a global According to Smith, the lesson Australia, Europe and Canada. Magnolia are sterling silver nickel-free and phenomenon. most affecting the students was When Avi arrived in Canada three years hypoallergenic. They also offer a line of Educators and administra- “that kids just like them can turn ago, he was surprised by what he saw 9K pure gold jewellery. With Chanukah a tors from both the Hamilton a simple gesture into an excit- available in silver jewelry and immediately few short weeks Wentworth District Public and ing initiative, having massive saw the potential for expansion. away, it’s never too Separate School Boards were national impact.” “We saw that there was nothing like it, early to start your fully supportive of this unique Madeleine Levy, a driving nothing unique and different,” explained shopping and you’ll initiative. In the public schools, force in Human Rights and Holo- Avi, who opened the first Canadian find something close to 4,000 students, from caust Education and a member location at Mapleview Mall two years ago for everyone at every grade level, watched the of the UJA Federation Holocaust and since then another two in Hillcrest Magnolia Jewelry. documentary and learned its Education Committee was the Mall Richmond Hill and Fairview Park Visit Mapleview important lessons. In the Separ- catalyst behind this wonderful Kitchener. “While some Israeli silver is Shopping Centre ate Schools, the documentary initiative. available in Canada, it is much more or www.magnolia- was shown to every seventh During the past few years, expensive than what we offer and does silver.com. grade student attending their Levy has accomplished a great not include Magnolia’s one year extended annual Leadership camp. This deal through her organization of warranty that we include on everything initiative may represent the the Asper Program and the U.N. we sell.” largest number of students to Commemoration of Victims Magnolia‘s product line of 3000 items have ever watched this film of the Holocaust. However, one of each includes necklaces, earrings, anywhere. in terms of lasting impact into bracelets, rings and more. They can order Barry Smith, Special Assign- the future, this may be her most almost any item at the actual size the stunning achievement. ment Teacher for Character costumer need. Rest assured if you lose

the stone in your necklace or earring – Magnolia will send the item back to the designer in Israel for repair.

Mapleview Shopping Centre 905.681.1755 Kiosk Near Guest Services - Lower Level HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 Kitchener- Fairview Park Mall Richmond Hill - Hillcrest Mall 519-571-7152 905-787-1481 9 Feature

Roman Vishniac remembered Ethan Vishniac recalls his grandfather’s adventurous spirit

wendy schneider than Vishniac enjoys tell- They were scary times and he meeting on a Stockholm street ing stories. A professor of thought it would be important between Luta’s sister and an old Ephysics and astronomy to document the way of life school friend who had connec- at McMaster, Vishniac is the in the shtetls. I think that for tions in the Swedish state depart- grandson of Roman Vishniac, my grandfather, it was the first ment led to a sudden change of the renowned Russian-Amer- really unique endeavour that attitude at the Swedish consul- ican photojournalist who docu- was interesting and creative and ate. “My father got out of Latvia mented the daily life of Jews in gave him an outlet.” a month before the Red Army the shtetls of Central and East- In the ensuing years, Roman came across. After that, no one ern Europe in the 1930’s. took long and frequent trips got out.” Last August, Professor Vish- to Eastern Europe, carrying a Back in France, Roman had niac moved to Hamilton, with concealed camera. Upon his been arrested as an enemy alien his wife, Ilene Busch-Vishniac, return, he would regale his and sent to a detention camp. the new McMaster University family with stories about his trav- When France fell to Germany provost. Asked to recount some els – some of them, according to in the summer of 1940, Roman Ethan Vishniac in his home next to a photograph taken by his grandfather details of his grandfather’s life, his grandson, that were a little escaped and fled to the Spanish Vishniac told a mesmerizing tale hard to swallow. He claimed, for border. From there he made his interesting, revealing kind of to Berlin to bring his mistress, that outlines a series of fortuitous instance, to have been arrested way to Portugal, the destination picture. But when he showed Edith Ernst back to New York. events that ultimately brought no less than eleven times. of thousands of other refugees the proofs to the father, the The two were married and the Vishniac family to a save “Roman loved a good story. seeking a passage to England or father was very upset and said lived together until his death haven in the United States in He often thought that stories the United States. he’d made his son look like in 1991. the midst of a war that spelled have a higher truth to them, Around the same time, Luta some kind of freak. It turned It was during this period doom for six million others. and that sometimes, details had decided that Sweden was out that the child was autistic. that the name Roman Vish- “My grandfather,” recalled had to be changed. It was very no longer safe. “The Swedes Roman had noticed this and his niac became associated in the Vishniac “was a very intellec- charming to listen to him but were hedging their bets,” said photograph accentuated that. public mind with the haunting tually ambitious person.” The after, you would wonder how Vishniac. “Sweden was shoot- For my grandfather, the point of photographs of Eastern Euro- young Roman Vishniac was it could have really happened ing down British planes during the story was that his camera’s pean Jewish life. Of his 16,000 born in 1897 to a well-to-do that way. the Battle of Norway, and letting eye had not failed him. It had photographs, only 2,000 were Russian Jewish family who, German ones go and Luta seen a critical detail and brought recovered. After his death, despite restrictions prohibiting “Roman loved a thought the Swedes would end it to the surface.” Mara Vishniac Kohn became Jews from living outside the good story. He up on the German side.” Wolf and Mara had their own the guardian of her father’s Pale of Settlement, was able She decided that she and struggles. Wolf, with a high legacy. to acquire honourary citizen- often thought Mara would try crossing occu- school correspondence certifi- The great luck that pursued ship and take up residence in that stories have pied Europe, passing them- cate and letters of recommenda- Wolf in his early years finally Moscow. Roman’s earliest ambi- a higher truth selves off either as Soviet citizens tion from a couple of Swedish ran out. In 1973, he was work- tions were to become a profes- or Latvian refugees, and meet professors, was having a hard ing in Antarctica on behalf of the sor and a scholar, much to the to them, and Wolf, whom she had instructed time convincing admissions offi- American space program. He disapproval of his father, Solo- that sometimes, to travel separately, in Lisbon. cers to accept him into Brook- had a tragic accident while trav- mon, who had other plans for None of them had any idea that lyn College. Once again, fate eling in foggy weather and fell his son. details had to be Roman was also in Lisbon. intervened. Luta had another to his death from a high ridge. When the Russian Revolu- changed.” Having reached Lisbon, Luta sister who had immigrated to The Vishniac crater on Mars is tion broke out in 1917, the Vish- and her children took up resi- the United States many years named in his honour. niacs, together with the family “There’s a story he told dence in one of the many hotels earlier. This sister, who was Roman survived his son by of Roman’s fiancé Luta Alexan- that I never knew whether to used by the refugee commun- an anthropologist, contacted almost 20 years, and passed droff, fled to Latvia. The Alexan- believe,” said Vishniac. “He ity. What happened next was away in 1991 when Ethan Vish- droffs were diamond traders and said that during Kristallnacht, like a scene from a Hollywood “For my niac was 35 years old. one of the many stories passed he went out in an SS uniform movie. grandfather, “He was a ‘larger than life’ on to Vishniac was that Luta’s and took pictures. Even when I “Lisbon hotels had open air character”, Vishniac said, whose father crossed the border with a was very young, it seemed like a elevators, which were essen- the point of the resemblance to his grandfather stack of Alexandroff diamonds weird story. Roman had a thick tially just cages. My father told story was that his increases as he gets older. hidden inside his wooden leg. Russian accent all his life and if the story of getting up one Commenting on the relation- After the dust had settled, the someone had stopped him and morning and taking the eleva- camera’s eye had ship between his own father and two families traveled to Berlin, asked who he was, what would tor with Luta and Mara. Look- not failed him. It Roman, Vishniac acknowledges along with hundreds of other he have done?” ing over into the elevator going had seen a critical that Wolf consciously strove to Eastern European Jews who fled But his grandfather insisted in the opposite direction, he distance himself from his fath- to Germany in the wake of the that this was how he was able to saw his father. They had a big detail and brought er’s tendency to embellish. Russian Revolution. photograph the horrific events reunion and hugged and cried it to the surface.” “My father was a scrupulously In Germany, Solomon tried that took place that night. in the hotel lobby.” honest man. He didn’t adorn, to set up his newly married son Years later, after Roman’s The Vishniacs, who had an old friend at the Amer- didn’t exaggerate. He felt that in a number of businesses, but death, his daughter, Mara was the incredible good fortune ican Museum of Natural Hist- was wrong.” Roman was completely uninter- cleaning out his apartment in of making it safely to Lisbon, ory on Wolf’s behalf. This At the same time, “They were ested. According to his grand- Manhattan – a task that took once again found themselves in time, Wolf’s hidden saviour both intellectually ambitious son, “Roman seemed to have months to complete – when the enviable position of secur- was famed anthropologist, and imaginative people… I like treated them all with a kind of she made a discovery. “My Aunt ing visas for the United States. Margaret Meade, whose glow- to think I take more after my passive aggression. He must have Mara found an old SS party They were sponsored by family ing letter gained him immediate father in my approach to tell- made his father crazy.” Eventu- uniform in a closet,” he said, members who were American admission. He studied for many ing stories. I try to be as honest ally, however, Roman agreed and instantly, the collective citizens and arrived in New York years and became an acclaimed and as exact as he would be. But to manage the family-owned doubt in the minds of his family in January of 1942. microbiologist. I like telling stories and in that apartment building where he was turned upside down. Maybe A new chapter of their lives Mara was spending all of I am like Roman.” was living, an arrangement that the story was true after all. was about to begin, with Roman her time memorizing English For both Vishniac and left him ample time to pursue After Kristallnacht, it became now seeking work as a portrait phrases. his wife, it was a complete his passion – photography. clear to the Vishniacs that it photographer. “She’d memorize how to surprise when they found out According to Vishniac, his was no longer safe to remain ”But it was very difficult to order a corned beef and mustard that McMaster University was grandfather’s trips to shtetls in Germany. On his next trip make a living because Roman in English so she could go to planning to host an exhibit of in Eastern Europe grew out to Eastern Europe, Roman was Roman,” said his grandson. the corner deli and be mistaken selected photos from Roman of a combination of things. slipped into France, with the “He would take photographs for an American. Evidently, he Vishniac’s “A Vanished World” “After the fact, he would say intention of waiting there for that he thought were interest- looked at her and asked her this coming January. (see story, that he thought that the Jewish his family to join him. Luta ing yet they were not necessar- what kind of bread she wanted. page 1) That Hamilton, Ontario communities of Eastern Europe and her daughter, Mara fled ily the photographs that made Either way he broke the script. should find itself the new home were in terrible danger, and to Sweden, where Luta’s sister people happy.” She was helpless. She burst into of a descendant of Roman Vish- that this was a way of preserv- resided. But Vishniac’s father, His grandfather told the tears and ran home.” niac at the same moment in time ing their memories. But I don’t Wolf, being of military age, was story of a client who had asked In America, Roman and Luta as its university hosts an exhibit think it fully captures what was unable to join them and escaped Roman to photograph his young struggled in their marriage and of the famous photographer HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 going on. Roman didn’t know to Latvia, where he spent his son. Roman, anxious to please, they finally broke up. After the seems like just another instance that the Holocaust was coming time desperately trying to get set about the task. war, Roman went to Las Vegas of fate playing its hand. 10 any more than anyone else did. a Swedish visa. A fortuitous “He tried to take the most for a divorce and then traveled HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

11 The Jewish Community Centre Upcoming Programs Living it up at the JCC On August 23rd, 2007 the JCC hosted its Shootin Hoops annual BBQ. With over 200 people in attend- ance the evening was a great success. At the BBQ we showcased all the Jewish institutions of Hamilton. It was a great way to meet and greet. JCC youth Basketball program for ages 4-8 Our annual lottery took place and our warmest Session begins January 16, 2008 congratulations go out to $55.00/child Registration Required our winners. This successful programme teaches children about teamwork and the impor- August came and went tance of daily practice in a fun and non-competitive environment. Coaches so quickly, and, before I At a Community Wide JCC Brunch help improve the children’s skills through drills, exercises and games. Kosher knew it Rosh Hashanah was snacks and drinks are provided. right around the corner. What better way then to begin the New Year with a community wide brunch. 86 members of our community joined together to celebrate at our Apples `n Honey Brunch. It was a sweet celebration with great food, great friends and great fun. Winter Golf Lessons On September 16, 2007 pre-teens joined together at Laser Mania on Upper with James Perry from James for an afternoon of fun. When Sukkot arrived so did the sukkah mobile to our Pizza in the Hut the Beverly Golf and Country Club Preteen Program. The pre-teens made their own pita pizzas and created their Included: video analysis, use of training aids, individual private lessons own sukkot out of cookies, candies and icing. Call the JCC for more information October was a very busy month at the JCC. Biddy Basketball began on October 10th, with all 13 participants shooting hoops and having fun with our great coaches Rebecca Cherniak and Michael Wexler. JCC Annual Channukah Party + In October we hosted three birthday parties that were a ton of fun and unique in their own ways. On October 14, 2007 our Fall Fever Brunch took Mosaic Mitzvah in Motion Project place. There were 80 people in attendance and thanks to So-Low Sales the lounge looked warm, cozy and inviting. The Village Green’s Gwen Gordon Along with our 1st ever Artist Market prepared a delicious meal and tasty desserts. The fun did not stop there. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and so they did December 2, 2007 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on October 28, when 33 girls from grades 4-8 joined together for a fantastic evening. Darlene Shapiro from Relax esthetics and cosmetics joined in the JCC members: adult $5 children $3 fun. She taught the girls how to file and paint their nails. The girls even got to Non-members: adults $7 children $5 take home a nail polish. They gathered around the karaoke machine and sang tunes from High School Musical, ate pizza, made ice cream sundaes, watched Suvganiot, latkes and snacks Princess Diaries 2, ate popcorn and had a blast. A special thank you to Andrea Rowan and to the high school students who helped out at this event. Activities for Children include: The JCC is now offering a supervised after-school program Friday afternoons from 2:45-4:00 pm. By the end of the day on Fridays the kids are anxious to Bouncing Castle and Bubble Play just have some fun in the bubble. Cookie Decorating On the first day of November the Herb and CeCe Schreiber Family Foun- Mosaic Mitzvah in Motion dation presented the Ben Meyer educational lecture at McMaster University’s Dancing Faculty Club. Guest speaker, Professor Carl Ehrlich, spoke to over 150 attend- ants on Biblical Myths of Creation. A special thanks to Professor Alan Mendel- son for this successful evening. Stay tuned for the next lecture date. Who knew the first week of November would fly by so quickly? Sunday, November 4 was another brunch, the theme being, “A Taste of Jewish Food”. Kinderplay: Playtime in the bubble 70 members of our community joined together for some tasty home cooked food, made by Eva Raphael, Inbal Chaimovitz, Charles Kravetsky and myself. for toddlers and their parents It was very yummy if I do say so myself!!! The choir from Kehila Jewish Community Day School performed three songs and entertained our guests. The girls joined in the fun with some hip hop dancing taught by two McMaster students Tanya and Robyn who did an incredible job!!! Of course the bubble was full of kids who bounced in the bouncing castle, ran around and had a great afternoon. So far the past few months at the JCC have been jam packed with great programs. Look forward to some new adult programs this coming winter which will hopefully include: A Wine and Dine evening, A One Woman Show, Come use the Gymboree Equipment, grab a cup of coffee an evening of Jazz and The Big Party. I am looking forward to meeting many new faces here at the JCC so I hope and meet new people to see you all soon. Wednesday mornings 10:30-11:30 A twoony a tot!!! Laura Laengerer JCC Interim Programmer

Tu Bi’Shvat program Sunday, January 20, 2008 at Shalom Village More information to follow HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

For more information about any of these programs Rabbi Selsberg and Annie Shinehoft at the Ben Meyer Lecture 12 call 905.648.0605 The Jewish Community Centre JCC Winter Camp A Message From The President I feel the JCC Board and staff have a lot to be proud of. Over the past several months I feel the JCC has made progress in achieving its goals and I hope the community starts to take notice. Laura has fit into the role as Interim Programmer extremely well and with input from Annie, Laura has brought excitement and energy that anyone who has been to the JCC can’t help but notice. I am thrilled that Inbal Chai- movitz has agreed to join the JCC family as a volun- Joel Feldman teer programmer, specializing in Israeli and cultural programming. She also brings with her a tremendous amount of knowledge and enthusiasm. The JCC has been active with programming for all ages. Camp was a tremen- December 27, 28, 31 2007 dous success again. Young children are active at the JCC, playing organized sports, participating in cultural activities and attending birthday parties. Laura & January 2, 3, & 4 2008 at the JCC has also been actively programming with Pre-Teens and Teens. The next couple of months will be busy with the Ben Meyer Lecture series, Hamilton Jewish Bring a dairy lunch, snowsuit, boots, hat and gloves and be pre- Film Festival, the Chanukah Party and Artist Marketplace and Winter Camp. pared to have lots of fun! There is also swimming at Dalewood We have also made exciting progress on the redevelopment plans. We have Recreation Centre on December 27, 31, and January 3 so bring a received the plans back from the architect and they are at the JCC for review. Although we are still in the planning stage and not ready to take the complete bathing suit and towel as well! Other activities include tennis with plans to the community, it is very exciting to see a vision of what the JCC could Frances Critchley, gymnastics, computers, arts and crafts, outdoor look like for the future. With the proposed additions to the physical structure play (weather permitting) and much much more. Kabbalat Shabbat and the surrounding landscape, the JCC will enable us to meet the needs of program includes hot dog lunch. There is limited space, Please reg- the current and future Jewish community. ister early to avoid disappointment! It has also been heartening to receive support and positive feedback from many in our Community. It is exciting to talk to members of our community, who share the same excitement and determination as we have at the JCC. I UNITS: K'tanim: ages 2.5 years to 3.5 thank David Somers and the Federation Board, for the support that they have Option 1: 9:00 am - 1:30 p.m. been extending to the JCC over the past several months. I can confidently Option 2: (full day) 9:00 am - 3:30 p.m. say that we share the overall desire to develop a strong Jewish community for all of us. Binonim: Junior/Senior Kindergarten It is apparent to me that the hardest job that we still have at the JCC, is to change the hearts and minds of the Community. We need to change the reality Gadolim: Grades 1 and 2 in our Community from one where the overwhelming majority of the Jewish Gadna: Grade 3 - 6 Community has a desire for a physical JCC, to one where the overwhelming majority of the Jewish Community are Members of the JCC. I ask that all of you reading this article, please open your hearts and minds and truly look at the progress the JCC is making. Investigate the plans that are being developed and the programs that are being planned and please take out Binonim, Gadolim, Gadna: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. a membership at the JCC and become an active member. LIT/CIT program available for students in grades 7-9 Our goal at the JCC is to make it a center where our community can meet and spend time with family and friends. Your membership and support will K’tanim program (9:00 –1:30) for JCC Members $17.00 enable the JCC to be the centre of the Jewish community and help grow and K’tanim program (9:00 – 1:30) for Non-Members $20.00 sustain our community for generations to come.

Fee Schedule for JCC Members $25.00/day or $130.00/6 days Having Problems? Fee Schedule for Non-Members $30.00/day Sickness • Business • Family or Otherwise? 3or $160.00/6 days United Chesed of Toronto LIT/CIT Fee Schedule (ages 11-14) in conjunction with $12/day (members); $16/day (non-members) Kol Hamit Palel of New York urges you to phone 1-646-294-4355 HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER or 1-866-606-8276 Anonymously, we will find someone with the same problem as you, who will HOURS AVAILABLE! pray for you and you will be given anonymously, a Hebrew name of ther person with the same same problem as you. You will be asked to pray for them as it is We are now taking applications for counselors so please apply said in the Jewish tradition of our forefathers:“He who prays for someone else, within. Contact the JCC Reception at 905-648-0605 for fur- then his prayers are answered first.” ther information We have had miraculous results. There is NO FEE. Try it and see for yourself. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

13 Community HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

14 Feature

The Jewish Hamilton Project ‘The Way We Were’ documents Jewish life in Hamilton

Wilf Gerofsky omeone ought to write Hamilton came to Boleslaw- Rabbi Levine, whom he a book.’ sky’s. It was like a club at night. calls ‘the Rov of Hamilton’. ‘S How often people People would buy a bottle of Rabbi Levine, brought here who have lived through inter- pop, and sit and kibitz for around1906 by the Hess St. esting, emotional or funny times hours.” congregation, was a unifying have expressed this yearning for And the story still is told force in the community, visiting them to be recorded for future about the guy who came in different Shuls each week. He generations. Memory fades, and bought a coke for a nickel established the Talmud Torah details are forgotten, and those and gave a $100. bill to Ziskind in 1911. Rabbi Morton Green who held these memories dear Boleslawsky in payment. No came to the Adas Israel in 1958, eventually die off. comment from Ziskind. He just and was advised that his schol- The genesis for the creation went upstairs and returned with arly sermons given in English of just such a record occurred $99.95 change. were not relevant to the lives of when Wendy Schneider was Not that “Boles” was the the Yiddish speaking peddlers interviewing Aaron Shiffman only deli. As Shannon Shap- who made up the bulk of the for an article in the HJN. Her iro recalls there were delis ‘Paelisha Shul’membership, and friend Billy Shaffir had a digital run by Mrs. Platt, Mrs. Zucker, he soon made them more so. camcorder and she asked him Cohen & Sax, and Mrs. Lax, The Ferguson Avenue shul was if he would like to record the among others. Butchers like known as the “broigasa shul’ interview as a keepsake for Gelber’s and Scott’s, several because anyone who was angry Aaron’s family. fruit companies like Wright’s with one of the other religious Pictured above: (circa 1950) Abraham and Bella Freeman with their niece, The idea of recording an and Netkin’s thrived in the area. institutions would go there. Ruth Charney (centre) and their son, Jerry standing in front of their deli on 58 York Street. oral history of Jewish Hamil- Chuck Matchen recalled Mrs. Anshe Sholom, established ton emerged from that collabor- Rosenberg’s grocery store at in the 1850’s was the oldest ation of Schneider and Shaffir. It York near Caroline was another Liberal congregation in Canada, to Talmud Torah again. narrators’ homes on their own was to become a series of recol- great gathering place. presided over by Rabbi Arthur These stories and many time to gather the raw footage lections of older members of Fond memories of the JCC Feldman. others have been very profes- of the tales they have to tell. This our community about ‘The in its several reincarnations on Helen Yellin’s many warm sionally organized onto a has to be professionally edited Way We Were’, Jewish life in Vine Street, John Street and recollections included the demo disc which will be part and organized and put together Hamilton in the early years Delaware Avenue were recalled custom of giving nicknames, of an expanded DVD that will on DVD format complete with of the last century. Shaffir, a by Paul Hanover, Cuppy Katz, like Mr. How Much , constantly incorporate memories of the music, titles, sound effects and McMaster Professor of Sociol- Abe Lebow, Frank Shapiro and wanting to know the price of commercial development of graphics. ogy, had come to Hamilton in Norm Bennett. things, or Shakespeare Born- Jewish stores and businesses on The total cost of the project the early 70’s and raised his “I was only there five and a stein, always full of stories. King St and Ottawa St. as well will be about $30,000. Those family here. He had a strong half days a week” says Cuppy. Jewish education took place as residential development of who saw the preview of the connection to the community “It was closed for Shabbat on at the Talmud Torah, a spartan Jewish neighbourhoods in the demo disc at the Beth Jacob last and shared Schneider’s enthusi- the other day and a half.” It red brick building at 58 Vine St. east end and other parts of the month were very enthusiastic, asm for local Jewish history. was the real centre of Jewish life Sophie Kroch and Joshua Katz city. When complete it will be and $12,000 has been raised Together they developed the for the teens who went there to were two of the teachers. Aaron available to purchase and if the so far. Schneider and Shaffir idea of recording this history, meet each other, dance, play Shiffman recalls that the kids finished DVD is anywhere near continue to contribute their not in a book, but on a profes- organized sports, do arts and took advantage of the teachers as interesting as the demo, it time gratis, but donations of all sionally produced DVD. crafts, act in plays and go to mercilessly, and on one occa- should be a sellout. sizes are needed to complete this The first part of the project summer camp. Inspirational sion a teacher picked up Aaron’s The interview and camera most exciting project. For more deals with the original centre leaders like Bill Stern and Max cousin by the scruff of the neck work continues to be done information or to make a tax-re- of Hamilton’s Jewish settle- Rotman gave top rate leader- sending desks and chairs flying. ‘for the love of it’ by Wendy ceiptable donation call 905-628- ment, roughly York Street to ship. As Norm Bennett puts it Aaron ran home and told his Schneider and Billy Shaffir, who 4842 or 905-628-0058. Barton, and John Street to Bay. “All our days and evenings mother that he was never going make personal house calls to the It was a vibrant neighbour- were spent there. Wrestlers like hood, the centre of commun- Martin Hutzler and Jack Laskin ity, commerce, education and trained there and Pinky Lewis religious observance for around was trainer for the Ticat foot- 2500 Jews who made up the ball players. It was really a great community at that time spot. I have no regrets growing Boleslawsky’s Delicatessen up in Hamilton and having the was the acknowledged centre of JCC there.” Jewish Social life. As Edie Roch- As part of his keen recall of kin recalls the religious life of the time, “Everyone who came to Aaron Shiffman remembers

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Contact: Harish at 905-573-8726 email:[email protected] JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 15 Special Mentschen

Goldblatt Lecture at McMaster MP Sweet travels to Israel Sees opportunity for increased trade

This year’s Lillian and Marvin Goldblatt Lecture at McMaster University that featured guest lecturer, Susannah Heschel, was M.P. David Sweet (left) with Canada Israel Committee’s David Cooper in Israel both well attended and well received. Speaking at length about her father, Abraham Joshua Heschel and his legacy, Dr. Heschel found a warm and receptive audience, many of whom have been long time admirers of her father. Pictured above, wendy schneider left to right, are Michaele-Sue Goldblatt, Marvin Goldblatt, Susannah Heschel, Janet Goldblatt and Wendy Schneider. ember of Parliament parlimentarians were particu- (Ancaster, Dundas, larly intrigued to see the Canada M Flamborough and Centre in Metulla. (Established Westdale) David Sweet in 1990 by UIA Federations traveled to Israel last August on Canada (UIAFC), the Canada a week-long Young Leadership Centre has the only Olympic- Parliamentary Mission. The size ice skating rink in the Middle purpose of the annual mission, East). The Parlimentarians also which is jointly sponsored by appreciated the opportunity to the Canada Israel Committee, the become acquainted with social, Canadian Jewish Political Affairs political and economic aspects Committee and the United Israel of Israeli life. Appeal, is to encourage young Sweet said his own personal Jewish professionals to get focus was on finding opportun- involved in the political sector. ities to increase trade between Sweet was joined by fellow parli- the two countries. mentarians Yvon Godin (NDP), “There is a lot more busi- Borys Wrzesnewsky (Liberal), ness and commerce we could Rick Dykstra (Tory), Martha be doing with each other,” he Hall Findlay (Liberal candidate said, a topic he explored during VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND for Willowdale) and Raymond a meeting with Yehuda Raveh, Simard (Liberal). The itinerary chair of the Canada Israel Cham- included a tightly packed sched- ber of Commerce and head of ule of political meetings, strategic one of Israel’s leading law firms. SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS! briefings and visits to various Sweet said he is currently follow- parts of the country. ing up on an initiative called, During an interview with the “Shake Hands with Israeli Indus- HJN, Sweet spoke enthusiastic- try” hoping to set the wheels in ally about the trip. “I enjoyed it motion that will see more trade and it was very full. We started at between the two countries, 7:00 am with lectures and many particularly in the field of high days we didn’t finish until 9:00 technology. or 10:00 pm.” “We have a good relation- WWW.TENSTAR.CA Among the strongest impres- ship with Israel, a democratic sions was realizing “just how country,” he said, adding that he many people in Israel are hopes that the positive recipro- squeezed into a very small terri- cal relationship between Canada tory, as well as the diverstity of and Israel can be enhanced with industry from agricultural to more trade betwen the two FIVE DIVERSIFIED high tech.” He and his fellow countries. Honourable Mention FINANCIAL SERVICE COMPANIES llen S. Jaffe’s young-adult is to support children's book novel Feast of Lights publishing and to promote E(Sumach Press, 2006) childhood literacy and life-long has received the Gold Medal for reading." Publishers in the U.S., TO SERVE YOU BETTER Multi-Cultural Fiction in the First Canada, and internationally Annual Moonbeam Children's were eligible to submit books, Book Awards, presented in the and several Canadian authors U.S. and open to books from are among the recipients. An the U.S., Canada, and around awards presentation took place the world. The Moonbeam on Saturday, November 3rd, Awards are designed to honor in conjunction with the 2007 the year's best children’s books, Children's Humanities Festi- 905.689.7911 TOLL FREE 1.877.TEN.STAR authors and illustrators, and to val in Chicago. Ellen’s book is HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 bring increased recognition to available at Bryan Prince Book- exemplary children’s books and seller, 1080 King Street West, 16 their creators. "Our ambition Hamilton. promotional feature Your Home Should Be Just As Sensational As You

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Profile Your Business To be a part of this bi-monthly special advertising feature please call 905 628 0058 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 17 Israel Federation Leaders to visit Happy Hanukkah Shechafim School in Israel On behalf of my wife Almut, our children and my entire staff, may this Hanukkah season bring you joy, peace and love with familiy and friends. David

David Sweet MP 905-627 9169 Ancaster - Dundas Flamborough - Westdale #3-59 Kirby Avenue Greensville, Ontario L9H 6P3

Pictured Above: Tanya, Emily and Becca Schneider with UIA Federations Canada’s representative, Nurit Biderman at the Shechafim School near Kiryat Shmona last summer.

JA Federation of that time, we were invited Hamilton President, to join with other Canadian U David Somer, and communities for the purposes Executive Director, Gerald of allocating the Emergency Fisher, have been invited to Campaign resources. Now, attend the “Coast to Coast” UIA is considering extending consultations of United Israel an invitation to Hamilton to Appeal of Canada. This is become permanent members the first time that the Hamil- of the “Coast to Coast” LAWRENCE SINUKOFF will be celebrating 15 seasons in the ton Jewish Community will initiative.” travel insurance business, specializing in coverage for Seniors, participate in these import- Fisher referenced the frequent flyers and students. ant discussions. February Federation Board The “Coast to Coast” of Directors meeting at which Including Single trip, annual plans and top up coverage. initiative reflects a strategy the leadership voted to accept Broker working with several of the top insurance companies in Canada developed by UIA Canada an invitation from “Coast to maximize the impact of to Coast” for the purposes with well established rapport. dollars raised and allocated to of distributing Emergency Israel from smaller Canadian Campaign dollars. “One of communities. By pooling the the results of that decision overseas dollars of commun- was the creation of a linkage TRAVEL INSURANCE ities such as Vancouver, between the Hamilton Jewish Calgary, Edmonton, Winni- community and the Shecha- peg, Ottawa, the Maritimes fim School in Kiryat Shmona. EXPERT SERVICE and Hamilton, those resour- The bulk of our Emergency ces can be directed to specific Campaign resources have Choosing the right plan Israeli institutions. Working been directed to this facility. together, these communities Perhaps this relationship will Assessing pre-existing condition coverage have accomplished far more now evolve into a growing Assisting with claims processing than any of them could do and mutually shared endeavor alone. between our community and For a number of years, the Israelis involved in the Coverage for trips all year round resources from “Coast to school.” Coast” have been distributed Shechafim School is a Earlybird savings for snowbirds to communities and institu- small facility for Israeli chil- tions in Upper Galilee and the dren with extreme physical northern panhandle. These and developmental chal- Toll-free number areas were the hardest hit lenges. The school popu- during last summer’s hezbal- lation comes from Kiryat lah rocket attacks. Because Shmona, surrounding agri- 1.877.822.6821 of this extensive damage, cultural communities and Canadian support has taken from several Druze villages in ENDORSED by PHIL LEON on an even greater urgency. the Upper Galilee and Golan According to Somer “this Heights. Somer and Fisher will Make the right choice, call... invitation is the direct result meet with the school leader-

HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 Toll Free 1-877-822-6821 of our successful Israel Emer- ship, parents and children to E-mail: [email protected] gency Campaign conducted discuss future directions for 18 during last year’s conflict. At this new partnership. Cover Stories vishniac from page 1

She went on to say that “It is additional staff and curators our hope that Hamilton would for the duration of the exhibit. be the model for all cities to They do so in order to properly follow; as a city committed maximize the learning poten- to issues of human rights – a tial for every student. united community that respects In a very unique develop- diversity, practices equity, and ment, Levy also announced that speaks out against discrimina- Roman Vishniac’s daughter Mara tion. It means an unqualified Vishniac Cohn intends to be commitment to human rights present for the U.N. commem- and human dignity. It means oration on January 27th. Vish- educating children to love and niac Cohn has described how fowler & associates not hate. It means embarking as a nine year old child, she on a mutual quest for toler- stood beside her father and ance, and understanding. It rocked the developer trays in means repairing our shattered which her father’s images first Private Client Financial Services world, together, as only a global appeared. Complete Investment & Estate Planning community, united by common In her own work, she wrote values can.” “Now, more than sixty years The impact of the exhib- later, we want to remember the it’s presence in Hamilton children Roman loved, the chil- is taking on extraordinary dren of a vanished world.” We Scott Thomson Dwight A. Fowler Shane Fowler proportions. want to look into their eyes and Investment Executive Director Investment Executive In an unprecedented expres- see there, the wonder, the hope sion of support, the Hamil- and the trust in a future that ton Teachers Credit Union, they would not experience. We in cooperation with both think of them, we assure them Tel: (905) 570-7965 the Hamilton – Wentworth of our love and we cherish their District Public and Catholic memory.” Toll Free: 1-800-461-5842 School Boards, has commit- Arrangements are being Fax: (905) 570-7989 ted to assuming the costs of made for Mara Vishniac Kohn providing buses to transport to meet with small groups in literally thousands of students the Jewish community while to attend the exhibit. At this she is in Hamilton. writing, over one hundred area In what may be a monu- TM Trademark used under authorization and control of The Bank of Nova Scotia. ScotiaMcLeod elementary schools and twenty mental coincidence, the Vish- is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., Member CIPF. one secondary schools intend niac exhibit officially opens on to participate. January 17th. In 1995, under As an expression of its the stewardship of Sheila commitment t o Human Copps, the Federal govern- Rights and Holocaust Educa- ment proclaimed January 17th INJURED? ACCIDENT? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! tion, McMaster University has as Raoul Wallenberg Day in committed itself to adding Canada. the name associated with results areas of expertise:

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fax 905-521-1927 JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 19 Travel Jewish Roots tour to Lithuania 14-day tour travels to Northern Poland, Lithuania and Latvia

Maureen and Philip Price n April 2006, we set out years before. Time seemed to population was almost a quar- to discover our Lithuanian have stood still, except there ter million, about the same as Iroots. Our parents on both were no Jews living there any it had been two hundred years sides were of Litvak origin, and more. With Simon as translator earlier. And then in a few short stories of Lithuania played a we talked to old residents who months the events of the Holo- central role in our families’ myth- remembered when Jews had caust destroyed this rich, centur- ologies. Grandmother Sarah ran lived in their village, and the ies old tradition. away to England to escape the terrible days in the fall of 1941 Overall, what we found poverty and boredom of her when the Jews were taken away. on our tour was fascinating, shtetl, Shavlan. Uncle Berchik Lighting a yahrzeit candle and but what we did not find was fled to South Africa to avoid saying Kaddish at the Holocaust equally revealing. being drafted into the Czar’s memorial in mother’s village of On returning home we real- army, and Cousin Chemush Serey is a vivid memory I will ized that we were not alone in had to smuggle himself out always cherish. wanting to try and retrace our because he was a communist. We toured the ghettos and ancestral Jewish roots. Many When Grandfather Gershon left museums in Vilnius (Vilna) and friends told us how fortun- Serey before World War II, he Kaunas and went to the Ponar ate we had been to be able to left his house and property in Forest near Vilna and the Ninth experience what we had. With the care of Itzchak Garbarsky. Fort outside Kaunas, which are the invaluable help and advice How come they never heard the sites of mass murders of the Philip and Maureen Price pose with an old resident of Shavlan of Irwin Feuerstein, who has led from Garbarsky again? He was Nazi occupation. We went to a number of successful tours to such a good chaver. the Central archives in Vilna, Kaunas and Siauliai (Shavli). We the major Jewish centres in the Jewish Spain and Italy, we were We were fortunate to have as where most of the genealogical attended synagogue services in world, home not just to learned able to connect with Pauwels our guide, Simon Davidovitch, records for Lithuania are kept. Kaunas and Vilnius where we rabbis, but also to important Travel in Brantford, a company the curator of the Sugihara Many records have been lost met members of the local Jewish social, political and cultural that specializes in educational Museum in Kaunas (Kovno). over the centuries in fire and community. We undertook this movements. Historically Lithu- tours to Europe and all four Simon devoted himself to us flood and war, but one of the tour to find the history of our ania extended much farther corners of the globe. for the whole week of our visit researchers was able to find a immediate families, what we than it does today, encompass- Under the auspices of Pauwels and did all in his power to few family names and dates, found and learned about was ing much of today’s Belarus and Travel we have designed a tour ensure that we had an emotion- which filled in branches in our a chapter in the history of our the Ukraine. Through a union called “In Search of Jewish Roots ally fulfilling and intellectually family trees. That was a thrill. people. with Poland, the two countries in Northern Poland, Lithuania stimulating experience. We Before World War II there Lithuania holds a special were linked for more than four and Latvia.” This 14-day explora- were able to visit the half dozen were Jews living in over 200 place in Jewish collective centuries, and the Litvak sphere tion of the Litvak heartland will villages and towns that are part hamlets, villages, and towns all consciousness. For centuries of cultural influence extended take participants from Warsaw, of our family folklore and to over Lithuania, today there are until the eve of the Holocaust, also into Northern Poland. to Kaunas, Memel, Vilnius, walk the streets that our ances- Jewish communities only in the Vilnius, “the Jerusalem of Lithu- Major Jewish settlement dates Siauliai and Riga. They will tors had walked more than 80 three main centres of Vilnius, ania,” was recognized as one of back to the 14th century when learn about the rich historical Jews were granted extensive and cultural traditions of the rights and privileges. Later times area and visit local sites associ- were less hospitable. Jews were ated with the Jewish presence in expelled briefly from Lithuania these areas prior to World War in the 15th century, suffered II and the Holocaust. They will badly from the Cossack upris- visit the key Holocaust sites such ing of Bogdan Chmielnicki in as Treblinka, the Ponar Forest 1648-49 and also faced vari- and the Ninth Fort in Kaunas, ous restrictions on trade and the Warsaw, Kaunas and Vilna residency. Nevertheless, this Ghettos and also get to meet period was generally a time members of the local Jewish of steady development and by communities which are slowly the 1790’s about 250,000 Jews re-emerging after 60 years. lived in Lithuanian lands. Great There will be the opportun- yeshivahs grew up and Lithuania ity to arrange a one or two day became a centre of Rabbinical personal visit to participants’ Judaism and Talmudic study. In own ancestral “shtetlach.” You the 18th century the Vilna Gaon will find a detailed itinerary of and his followers, known as the the tour at: www.pauwelstravel. Mitnagdim, followed a studious, com under ‘Cultural Tours intellectual approach to Juda- –2008 - In Search of Jewish ism and were antagonistic to the Roots in Northern Poland Lithu- emotional appeal of Hasidism. ania and Latvia.’ For more infor- The 19th and early 20th centur- mation contact: Maureen Price ies were a time of emigration as at [email protected] (phone: families looked for a better life 905-523-8067) or Irwin Feuer- in South Africa, South and North stein at: [email protected] America. By 1939 the Jewish (phone: 905-528-9308).

Don’t Miss the Party!

Yaakov Morel Amid its most successful years in recent times, Midrasha: Hamilton Hebrew High invites all high school students to a Chanukah Beach Volleyball Party on December 8 @ 8:00 pm at Mainway Sports, 3141 Mainway Drive in Burlington. The event follows on the heels of an increased enrol- ment in for-credit classes and a highly successful New York Retreat with twenty local high school students. This past year, Midrasha has launched innovative cours- es in Film & Media, Jewish Leadership, Ethical Dilemmas atop of the Hebrew courses already offered. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • SEPT, 2007 JEWISH NEWS • SEPT, HAMILTON HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 For more information about all activities and future events please contact [email protected]. 20 19 Community

Hamilton Hebrew Academy Maimonides College Michael Glogauer On January 21, 2008, Maimonides of Ontario in 1969. The college is fully College will be launching a full range of empowered to issue Masters Degrees evening classes for adult learners inter- in Jewish Studies, but the program is ested in earning a Masters Degree in not yet certified by the Ontario Council Jewish Studies or expanding their Judaic of Graduate Studies (OCGS). As such, knowledge. Maimonides cannot guarantee that the Inspired by Hebrew College in Boston degree will be recognized by all doctoral and Spertus College in Chicago, the programs. program is designed to build a bridge Maimonides’ boasts of a distinguished between the Jewish community and the faculty of fifteen members. In Hamilton, academic world of Jewish studies. Maimodes will be offering the follow- The initiative is predicated upon the ing courses: concept that even the best intentioned • The History & Philosophy of the individuals need incentives. Upon Jews of Alexandria with Alan Mendelson completion of ten courses and fulfilling (PhD., University of Chicago) on Tues- other requisite requirements students day evenings at 7:30 pm commencing will earn a Master of Jewish General Stud- on Jan. 22. ies (MJGS) or a Master of Arts in Jewish • The Talmudic Mind: The Phil- Studies (MAJS). The College welcomes osophy of Jewish Law with Rabbi Benja- learners from all backgrounds and seeks min Hecht (LlB., Osgoode Hall. MBA, to accommodate the competing commit- Schulich Business School) on Monday ments of adult students. Each course will evenings at 7:30 pm commencing Jan. consist of ten weekly sessions. 21. The program was developed by • Modern Jewish Philosophy Salsa Babies at Hamilton Hebrew Academy Maimonides’ Deans, Dr. Paul Franks with Dr. Samuel Ajzenstat, details to be and Dr. Hindy Najman, both of whom announced. Between 1935 and 1938, celebrated ultimately fled to safety in the United received their doctorates at Harvard For more information or to register Russian photographer Roman Vishniac States, but he estimates that only 2,000 University and are currently faculty visit www.maimonidescollege.com or explored the cities and villages of East- of the photographs made it out with members at the University of Toronto. contact Dr. Norman Smith at registrar@ ern Europe, capturing life in the Jewish him. His thousands of subjects fared far Maimonides College was established maimonidescollege.com or 416-633- shtetlakh (villages) of Poland, Roma- worse: only a handful survived. Today, and chartered as a university by an Act of 6224 ext. 132. nia, Russia and Hungary; he took more Vishniac's images are among the only the Legislative Assembly of the Province than 16,000 photographs. surviving documentation of the once- On Wednesday, January 30 at 7:30 vibrant "shtetl" (village) culture that was pm, Vishniac's haunting images will be destroyed by the Nazis. brought to life in Hamilton in the musical In the fall of 2001, Toronto direc- dramatization Children of a Vanished tor Judy Kopelow came across Mara World, inspired by the 1999 book of the Vishniac Kohn's book (shortly after same name, edited by Vishniac's daugh- having staged a production of Elie ter Mara Vishniac Kohn. The event is Wiesel's musical cantata Ani Maamim for hosted by the Hamilton Hebrew Acad- Toronto's Holocaust Education Week). emy and will take place in the sanctu- Kopelow, a former critical care nurse in ary of the Adas Israel Congregation at the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital 125 Cline Avenue South. for Sick Children in Toronto who has a Vishniac Kohn's book, Children of a parallel life as a theatrical director, was Vanished World, pairs her father's photo- immediately struck by the images. "This graphs of children with Yiddish folk sounds very dramatic," Kopelow told the songs and nursery rhymes. In the staged Canadian National Post, "but it's true: I dramatization by Toronto-based director just decided right there I was going to Judy Kopelow, Vishniac's photographs stage this book." She says, "These photo- are projected onto a 10x14-foot screen graphs and the memory of these chil- on stage while original arrangements dren needed to have a life bigger than of Yiddish folk songs are performed by that book. In the performance, we try an ensemble of two singers and four to imagine the potential of who these instrumentalists (soprano, tenor, violin, children might have become, and to cello, clarinet and piano). The music and celebrate and remember their lives." To images are intertwined with a tapestry achieve that end, she asked conductor/ of narratives: Vishniac's account of his composer Sabatino Vacca to arrange the photographic journeys, Vishniac Kohn's Yiddish songs and melodies for operatic memories of her father, and historical voices and a small ensemble of instru- portraits of the communities depicted ments. "The melodies are so beauti- in the photographs. ful and full of life," she says, "but I also To capture his images, Roman Vishniac wanted the music to reflect the enor- worked with a hidden camera and avail- mity of the loss — not only of so many able light. He hid the camera to evade children, but of a whole culture. These the suspicion of the Nazis (who might children died with their communities, have assumed a Jew with a camera was so there is no one left to remember their a spy) and to evade notice by members faces. To me, it feels like singing to their of the communities he visited, who were souls." generally suspicious of outsiders and Tickets are $36 and are available at would have likely preferred not to be 905.528.0330. photographed. Vishniac and his family

Victoria Metzger C. Psych. Assoc.

Psychoeducational Assessments Children and Adolescents ages 4-16

Phone (905) 627-8212 Email: [email protected] JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 21 Community “I knew your father” Kehila and Berlin Schools

Kehila Jewish Community Day and just place. Our Global education School and Berlin School of Excellence programs will enrich our curriculums by announce the launch of their combined clarifying our students and their family’s efforts to teach our students about connections to real life - building char- developing a Global Community. acter, integrity and compassion. Why are we teaching our students All of these global objectives fit beauti- about how they fit into the Global fully into our schools’ mitzvah projects framework? We teach our students but takes it one step further by opening to respect, value and celebrate other up the world’s needs and gifts to our cultures and have a keen understanding students. We were thrilled to have our how our culture fits with others. We guest – Lorne Young, B.Sc.,B.Ed. Direc- want our students to understand about tor of Creativity, Action and Service at developing countries and their issues Upper Canada College launch our joint in a positive way. It is our hope that program goals to our students and teach- students become socially and environ- ers on November 9th at Kehila Jewish mentally responsible by learning about Day School. If you are interested in their interdependence with other more information about this wonder- peoples and species. Our students will ful education initiative, please contact gain a positive outlook on their role us at 905-529-7725. in making the world a more peaceful

Rabbi Bernard Baskin and Dr. Susannah Heschel share a moment at the Goldblatt lecture at McMaster Beth Jacob Synagogue University last month. Rabbi Dan and Karen Selsberg examine a book belonging to Rabbi Baskin, with a personal inscription by the late Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Dr. Heschel subsequently added her own natalie judith sobel message beneath that of her late father’s. Beth Jacob is reJEWvenating into a beautiful baritone voice and soulful shul that meets the spiritual needs of Jews melodies inspire the congregation to at all stages of the life cycle. On Shab- raise their voices in devotion as the trad- bat Mishpacha, children, adolescents, itional prayers are chanted. The words Na’amat Hamilton and young adults are finding their own of the Torah may be chanted with an way into the shul. Indian-Sephardic trope by Victor Abra- tory metzger Although every Shabbat service is for ham or his children; or, in an Ashken- Canadian charity and a part of a world- Jews of all ages, the monthly “Shabbat azic trope by the Chazzan or any post Bar Na’amat Hamilton, a.k.a Na’amat wide progressive women's organization Mishpacha” programs have an added or Bat Mitzvah age congregant who has Nitsan, is looking ahead to another excit- dedicated to improving the quality of children’s component. Children ages arranged with Philip Price in advance ing year of programming and events. life for women, children and families two to five participate in Torah for Tots – to do some leyning. Things are already in full swing with in Israel and more locally. Our chap- a service modelled after one in a thriving The older and cherished generation monthly meetings featuring a variety ter collects donations for local shelters Conservative synagogue in New Jersey of congregants kvells upon seeing the of speakers on a broad range of issues and causes and works closely with the that engages young children in tefilla children come forward and take over including health care, politics, the media, Na’amat Canada organization more and Torah through the playful tech- the Bima for Adon Olam. Many of these and the make up of Canadian society. broadly to improve conditions for niques of song, dance, movement, and youth participate in the rejewvenated This fall we have already had an inspira- vulnerable people in Israel. Na’amat storytelling within a traditional frame- Beth Jacob She’arim Enrichment Program tional group retreat and a National Board helps to build and sometimes recon- work. Children in grades one through which educates children through their meeting and we are in the midst of plan- struct daycares and shelters there, to six participate enthusiastically in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. ning for this year’s fundraisers including provide services and alternative special- Junior Congregation, where they study Whether you come alone or with your a Beatles Tribute evening in February, a ized education/internship programs the meanings of the prayers they sing and Mishpacha, you can be part of the Beth chamber music concert in March, and for immigrants and secondary school engage actively with the parsha of the Jacob Shabbat community any Shabbat the group’s signature event, a Celebrity students, and to advocate for equality week. The leaders of the youth services morning (info at www.bethjacobsyna- Author’s Luncheon (this time featuring in women’s rights. are dynamic teenagers who participate gogue.ca). Children’s Shabbat services Nino Ricci) in May. Na’amat Hamilton Na’amat Hamilton is always happy to in monthly training sessions and who will be held on November 24, December serve as positive Jewish role models. 15, and the 4th Shabbat of each month is pleased and proud to be approaching welcome new members. Women inter- The power these young adults display from 10:45 a.m. until noon. the 25th anniversary of its formation ested in joining the group, attending a in captivating their younger counter- Beyond the spiritual, intellectually and especially excited that, coincident meeting, or simply finding out more parts with Torah is awesome! stimulating, thought-provoking, partici- with that occasion, one of the group’s about it are encouraged to contact one of Simultaneously, the parents and the patory, Jewishly and socially enriching, founding members, Rivka Shaffir will the co-presidents, Deena Sacks (905-777- other adults listen to, learn from, and egalitarian Shabbat experience waiting be installed in Israel this summer as the 9961) or Tory Metzger (905-627- engage with Rabbi Dan Selsberg’s at for yourself or your children, come to new National President. 8212). once scholarly, sensitive, and provoca- Beth Jacob for the kiddush. You will Na’amat Canada is a registered tive D’ivrei Torah. Chazzan Ben Sharpe’s want to pray for those mint brownies!

Zion Naftali Registered Insurance Broker

Call Zion for all your insurance needs 1.800.611.4411 Auto Home Commercial Life Servicing the community since 1945 tel: 905.632.3022 fax: 905.632.2621 [email protected] http://www.haberinsurance.com HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

22 Community

Temple Anshe Sholom Jewish Genealogical Society

Jamie Abram HAZEL BOON Mitzvah Corps is the name of the Grade warmth with Hamilton's homeless this At the October meeting of the Jewish the use of death certificates in tracing 8 program at Temple Anshe Sholom. winter. Genealogical Society of Hamilton and family information. Of course the infor- The focus of Mitzvah Corps is for our Leia Ger-Rogers, Principal of Kehila Area (JGSH) we heard 2 amazing stor- mation gleaned from the certificate is students to learn in greater depth about said that "Kehila chose this project as ies from those in attendance, both prov- only the start of possible information the Jewish emphasis on Tikkun Olam part of our global education/tikkun ing that one must never lose faith that that we can gather, and we always hope or "repair of the world". Students study olam program where we reach out to family connections will be found as we that this information will fill in details examples from history when Jewish the greater community and help those continue to research our family histor- of the story of our families. communities and individuals have taken who are less fortunate. Due to our harsh ies. In the 3+ years that JGSH has been in Our December meeting, as usual, will action in order to bring about equality Canadian winter, the students felt that existence I have heard a number of stor- be for members only. The first meet- and justice in the world. The topics that this was the best way that we could help ies of how previously unknown family ing of 2009 will be held on Wednesday, the class tackles include poverty, home- the homeless. This act of kindness allows has been found or “brick walls” broken January 23rd at Temple Anshe Sholom. lessness, and racism. The students also our students to give of themselves, be down in the search for information about We are very pleased to welcome Rabbi explore individual versus community grateful for all that we have, and share our various families. In making these Jordan D. Cohen whose topic will be responsibility. some of our blessings with others." Laura discoveries we almost always discover “The Lion Meets the Dragon – Jewish Additionally, the students spend the Wolfson commented that "It's one thing stories about our families and it is these Life in China, Past & Present”. We begin second term in volunteer placements in to learn in a classroom about our ethical stories that bring our family histories to with a Meet & Greet at 7:30 followed by the community. Past placements have tradition, but it's another to learn it by life for us and for future generations. We the meeting and speaker at 8PM. At our included volunteering at Shalom Village, doing it. Together, the Kehila students have another wonderful story available February 27th meeting Esther and Ralph assisting at Hamilton's north end Beasley and Temple's Mitzvah Corps students on our website at http://www.jgsh.org/ Bloch will deal with research questions Community Centre, serving food at the are having the experience of a lifetime Newsletter.php?iITEM=13 submitted by our members. By use of a Out of the Cold program, volunteering – directly helping people in need, feel- I think that we are all searching for PowerPoint presentation they will show with developmentally handicapped chil- ing the satisfaction of knowing they can these stories about our families, and how they researched these questions and dren, weekly visits to elderly members of make a difference, and understanding this is why so many of us are anxious developed solutions. This will be the the congregation, and preparing living that this is the fulfilment of a Jewish obli- to make trips to the shtetls where our ultimate “How To” presentation. spaces at Ronald McDonald House. gation ." families once lived. I’m looking forward There is no charge for members to This year, Temple students will join For their part, Mitzvah Corps students to making such a trip myself once my attend these meetings; non-members are forces on a project with Kehila Jewish will make 150 sandwiches each week to cousin sells her business and is able to go asked for a $5 fee to help us cover our Community Day School. Laura Wolf- be served to the homeless on Wednes- with me. In the meantime I was able to costs for the evening. That fee will be son, Educator at Anshe Sholom said, day evenings from 8:00pm to 1:00am. live vicariously through Merle Kastner’s applied to the membership fee for anyone "When Leia Ger- Rogers approached me They will deliver the items collected journey to Lithuania & Northern Poland joining JGSH in the current member- about our two schools engaging in this by Kehila along with the sandwiches as she described it through her Power- ship year. We welcome anyone who is project together I knew it was a perfect to St. John's Evangelical Church. SOC Point presentation and commentary for a interested in searching his or her Jewish way for our students to reach out to the will get all of the items into the hands large gathering of our members and non- Family History. For additional infor- community, doing an important mitz- of those that need it most. This worth- members at the October meeting. mation please visit our website http:// vah and sharing in a meaningful experi- while program will begin in November Paul McGrath of Ancestors in the Attic www.jgsh.org, email [email protected] ence together." Also playing a key role and run through February. fame was the speaker at our November or phone 905-524-3345. in this project is the McMaster Student Kehila is calling upon families from meeting. He brought new meaning to Outreach Clinic (SOC), an organization within the entire community to donate that conducts outreach on the streets of gently used blankets, sleeping bags, and Hamilton to feed people who are hungry, adult sized coats, gloves, scarves and hats bring clothes to those in need and offer which will be distributed to the home- our community’s FUTURE is in your hands health education, advocacy, and assist- less. If you can help, please drop off your ance for those who are homeless, poor items to Kehila Jewish Day School at the When your UJA canvasser calls, and socially marginalized. Together, bottom floor of Temple Anshe Sholom please, give generously these three organizations will share the or call 905-529-7725. HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007 23 HAMILTON JEWISH NEWS • DEC, HAMILTON 2007

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