Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage E PAID Norwich, CT 06360 Permit #329 TH RETURN TO: 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320 Serving The Jewish Communities of Eastern Connecticut & Western R.I. CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED VOL. XLII NO. 21 PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY WWW.JEWISHLEADERWEBPAPER.COM DECEMBER 2, 2016/2 KISLEV 5777 NEXT DEADLINE DEC. 9, 2016 16 PAGES

HOW TO REACH US - BY PHONE 860-442-8062 • BY FAX 860-443-4175 • BY EMAIL [email protected] • BY MAIL: 28 CHANNING STREET, NEW LONDON, CT 06320 A most Thanks from the president unique tour By Edgar Asher, Ashernet

By Guy Carmi, Emissary Following a visit to the community of Nataf in the Jerusalem- - Hills, where many families had lost their homes to the fires that raged across Israel over the past days, President Reuven Riv Have you ever invited peo lin went to an IDF air force base to personally thank the pilots ple to your house and gave from Israel and abroad who had participated in the emergency them a tour of all the different fire-fighting operation to douse the flames. Rivlin told the pilots, rooms? who came from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Now here’s a more difficult USA, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, France, Spain, Romania and Israel, “I task - try and give someone have just come from Nataf, a community damaged by the flames, a tour of an entire country in whose residents are full of praise and gratitude to you, because one single room! thanks to you none were injured. In the name of all the Israeli Helping out at Sounds difficult? Well that’s people, I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for you exactly what Tal & I did in our bravery and generosity, and send my thanks also to your leaders- Thanksgiving - Israel room at JCC W/O WALLS who answered our call for help without hesitation.” - With the assistance of the Gem- last Sunday, Nov. 20. In our The President continued, “You showed us what real and hon ma Moran United Way Labor room, we welcomed the com est friendship is. Until now you were heroes in your own coun Food Center and private dona- munity to “Take a step and Emissaries Tal Gilboa and Guy tries now your heroes in our country, our home as well. Each- tions, the Jewish Federation pro- move 5,000 miles away.” Carmi in their “Israel Room.” and every one of you left behind a family, home and a country vided turkeys and chickens and How did we do that you and boarded a plane at short notice to extend your hand in as- all the trimmings to 25 families of ask? At the entrance to our sistance to save lives, and I can assure you that indeed you saved various sizes. Thanks to Senior room our guests signed their lives. I don’t know if you have been to Israel before yet you dem & Community Services Adminis- name on the Israeli flag, and Israeli snacks. After that, they onstrated that your love of humanity has no borders. And of trator Beth Hubbert for shopping as they entered to the sound visited the holiest place in course I would like to invite you to visit here, in our beautiful and organizing the food. of Israeli music playing in the the city -The Western Wall. At land, in regular days.” background, each one of them The Western Wall, our guests received a small map of Israel experienced it through two- reaching out to mark the places they would mediums. First, they looked visit, a passport to get stamps through another pair of 3D vir to the elderly at each station and a list of tual reality glasses. Then they useful words in Hebrew for wrote a wish (or a prayer) on their stay. a note and they put it between Now that we have finished- Before they started, they the cracks of our “makeshift” Thanksgiving and helping 25 pinned on a map of the world wall. It is believed those notes- clients of the JFEC’s Food Pan- where their family originally will be read by G-d and he will try to celebrate a good holiday, came from. We were so happy make them come true (or an we are moving on to prepara to see pins all across the globe. swer those prayers.) We’ve- tions for Chanukah and our- It made us realize how we are collected these notes and we- President Reuven Rivlin with some of the pilots from Israel and visits to Jewish residents in all one big family. promised that, when we re abroad who flew fire-fighting aircraft to put out the fires across the over 20 nursing homes and re The first station on the tour turn to Israel during our Feb center and north of Israel. It is estimated that about a third of the hab facilities in the region. was the city of Tel Aviv. After- ruary vacation, we will take- wild fires were started deliberately. Under the guidance of JFEC- landing at Ben Gurion Airport, each and every single one of Board Member Sema Stein the people visited the Azrieli Tow them and put them in the ac Erdogan calls on Muslims Federation is using the Chanu- ers; 3 large geometric towers tual Western Wall. - kah holiday visits as a kick off in the center of the city that The next station was Guy’s to ‘protect’ Jerusalem to rejuvenate its Friendly Visi are in the shape of a circle, a home - Givat Ella. At that sta tor Program which reaches out rectangle and a triangle. Our tion, our guests played a game By the Associated Press to residents in nursing homes guests competed in a stair where they had to complete and elderly who are unable to climbing competition, just like Givat Ella’s bike trail by having easily leave their homes. in the real towers. However, a player and rolling a dice to ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has An organizational meeting that wasn’t quite enough. You keep moving on the board. On urged Muslims to defend the Palestinian cause, striking a tough took place on Wed., November- still have to see it to believe it- the trail there were surprises stance on Israel despite improved ties between the two nations. 30 at Temple Emanu-El. so we gave our guests a chance like obstacles and questions- The president of majority Muslim Turkey said Tuesday “it If you are interested in be to really see the towers by ex about Givat Ella where they is the common duty of all Muslims to embrace the Palestinian ing part of the JFEC’soffice.jfec@ Friendly periencing them through 3D had to guess the correct an cause and protect Jerusalem” and that safeguarding the Al-Aqsa gmail.coVisitor Programm contact the virtual reality glasses. - swer to move forward. - Mosque should not be left to children armed with nothing but Federation at The next stop on the tour The next station was Tal- stones. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount is- or 860-442-8062. was Israel’s capital city - Je- Gilboa’s home, which is sur sacred to Muslims and Jews. All this is made possible rusalem. The guests visited prisingly called - the Gilboa re Speaking at a parliamentary symposium on Jerusalem in Is through your donation to the- the famous market (or in He gion. Attour that station, CONT. our ON guests PG 13 tanbul, the Turkish leader also criticized an Israeli proposal to JFEC Annual Campaign. JFEC is brew, “Shuk”), where they had make mosques reduce the volume of loudspeakers issuing the a lifeline to those in need be a chance to taste some popular call to prayer. cause of your help. 2 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016

Hadassah hosts luncheon - Mention & Menschen er named a son in honor of their father Nathan, hence NADINE LIPMAN three more Nathan Nassers were born in New Lon [email protected] don in a five year period, with all of them at the same elementary school at the same time. Fortunately they each have a different middle name: Nathan Charles is the son of Sam and Linda, Nathan Victor is the son of Maurice and Esther, and Nathan Paul, the only one My aunt, Linda Nasser Weiss, died a couple weeks still living in this area, is the son of Raquel and Joe. ago. Linda was born in Mexico City, Mexico eighty-six NOW you understand why if you ever said you knew years ago. She was the daughter of David and Emilia you saying Nate Nasser! my Cousin Nate, I asked you which one, in spite of withSidauy. them She throughout belonged to her a verylife. Shelarge immigrated and closely to knit the my Grandparents’ home on Broad St. For many years, family in Mexico and maintained loving relationships- We were very close as cousins, always together at- United States after marrying Sam Nasser of New Lon our parents worked in retail in downtown New Lon don, CT. They were married for 28 years and they had miss her dearly. She moved to Bridgeport after mar- don; my father had Calmon Jewelers, my grandfather two children, Leeza and Nathan, who loved and will had Nassers’ which was a gift and drapery store, and- which at various times Joe, Sam and Maurice had a rying Milton Weiss in 1980. Unfortunately, Milton, a els, on the other hand, ran a deli up near the library fabric store and a larger giftware store. Harold Samu The four celebrity chefs l-r: Jane Kierstein, Joan Gordon, Phyllis wonderful man, died two years later. Linda spent the last 20 years with Albie Poland and they had many Bienstock and Flossie Betten Some of you may remember her and others of you as well as a record store. great times together traveling and going on cruises. By Sheila Horvitz, special to the Leader I vaguely remember our Chanukah celebrations spent as an extended family mostly because of old - may confuse her with my other Nasser aunts, Raquel was so busy (no malls or online shopping in those photographs, but because downtown New London (Rocky) and Esther. Linda was married to my uncle days!) we all got together at my Grandparents on Smoked salmon terrine, gougeres-cheese puffs, roasted egg Sam Nasser while her sister Raquel was to married- plant dip, tomato dill soup, marinated sweet and sour fish, rice his brother Joe—the sisters were from Mexico. My Christmas! And every year, it seemed like we would pilaf and grape salad. And for dessert - trifle, butter pecan turtle uncle Maurice married Esther, who was from Leba have a new baby cousin in the family. bars, lemon tarts and banana bread. Whet your appetite? - non and then Israel. (The two sisters in the Nasser - A couple years ago, we started holding an annual This was the gourmet menu 22 guests enjoyed for Hadassah’s- family also went out of town to find their respective spread out, it seemed we were only getting together summer reunion, because unfortunately, we were so Angelerstein. Luncheon, prepared and hosted by the four Hadassah “ce Ashkenazic spouses: Lillian, my mother married Mor for funerals and weddings, and weddings are hard to lebrity” chefs, and held on November HADASSAH 16 at the CONT. home ON of PAGEJane Ki 14 ris Calmon originally from Poland and Estelle Nasser married Harold Samuels from Chicago!!!) need to keep it up...and we will. Believe it or not, we come by. Best thing we ever did, and this shows we They were the children of Nathan and Bessie- Candle Lighting for Eastern CT area Nasser of New London, who operated Nassers, on actually like each other!!!!! State Street for many years. They were the only Ara still Friday, Dec. 2 • 4:01pm For those of you wondering, Joe and Rocky bic Jews in New London for soooo many years and region, also. (Raquel) live in New London, as does their son Friday, Dec. 9 • 4:00 pm were treated as family by the Christian Arabs in the Friday, Dec. 16 • 4:02 pm David and his family. Nathan Paul Nasser (Carly) - lives in Waterford and has two daughters Rachel and Nathan Nasser immigrated from Damascus, Syria, a seven month old son. Friday, Dec. 23 • 4:05 pm Brooke. Their youngest Mark lives in Omaha and has in the early 1900’s to Brooklyn. My grandmother Bes sie accompanied her cousin to Brooklyn from Syria; took one look at my grandmother and instantly fell in Esther Nasser, who was married to Maurice, lives although the cousin was to marry my grandfather, he love (or so the story goes!!!) in California with her daughter, Beverly Nasser Siegal Now, this is where you might need paper and pen and her family. Her other children Nathan Victor and - family, Leonard, and Sheila all live in New Jersey. Estelle and Harold Samuels had four children; to keep this straight. According to Sephardic tradi MENTION CONT. ON PG 13 National Award Winner of the Council of Jewish of Jewish Federations as the Outstanding - Small Cities Jewish newspaper. Published every other Friday for the dissemination of Jew- tion (the brothers all married Sephardic women) it is ish news and views by the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, 28 Channing Street, a honor to name a baby for the living...so each broth New London, CT 06320, 860-442-8062. Managing Editor...... Mimi Perl Layout Editor...... Forrest Sklar Social Editor...... Nadine Lipman President ...... Romana Strochlitz Primus Executive Director...... Jerome Fischer Mailing Volunteers...... Ruth & Henry Dunkerley, Jr, Mimi & Milt Seed, Irving Siegel, Marty Yavener Advertising: Call Mimi Perl 860-442-7395 or [email protected]. Advertising Deadline: Wednesday, December 7 for December 16 issue. Editorial Content: Preferred receipt of editorial material is via email to mimiperl@ gmail.com. Photo(s) submitted via email should be separate attachment(s) from article. Preferred photo format is a .jpg format; resolution should be a minimum of 200 dpi. Material sent via fax [860-443-4175] or first class mail [28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320] should be typed/double spaced or neatly printed. If you submit a hard copy of a photo and wish the photo returned, include a stamped, self- addressed envelope. Editorial Deadline: Friday, December 9 for December 16 issue. Printing: Chronicle Printing Co., 1 Chronicle Rd., Willimantic, CT 06226 Postmaster: Send address changes to Jewish Leader, 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 3 Mitchell College Hillel hosts interfaith round table By Rachel Sheriff, special to the Leader two sons and mother.

- On Wednesday, November 16, Mitchell College Hillel hosted This event attracted more- an interfaith round table including, Imam Awad Rashid Abdul than 50 students, faculty and lah, Father Jonathan Ficara and Rabbi Rachel Safman. Mitchell- community members to the in- College Adjunct Professor Jim Stephenson moderated the round- terfaithrod, “during roundtable. this divisive According time table entitled, “Attitudes Towards Social Welfare in Today’s So to Hillel President Ben Aksel ciety.” The event began with opening remarks from Kevin Cole the Hillel-sponsored round man, Hillel Vice President: in our nation, discussions like We, the Mitchell College Hillel, believe that the world we live bring us all together. in today is too polarized. We believe that it is far too common for table promote tolerance and usunderstand. to become trapped in our own points of view, and it is far too - rare for us to see to comprehend and accept what we may not- The crowd was engaged and enjoyed the panelists’ in- Tonight’s event was designed to initiate an inclusive and pro sights.lel board To in that the end, following numerous days ductive conversation about improving the world we live in. This l-r Anna Torres, Communications Director; Rabbi Rachel Safman, studentsexpressing approached their pleasure the with Hil event was designed with the hope that if we cannot change the Ben Akselrod, President; Kevin Coleman, Vice President; Imam world just yet, maybe we can positively influence our own little Awad Rashid Abdullah; Father Jonathan Ficara; Moderator, Ad- made us very happy to see stu- corner of it. junct Professor Jim Stephenson. the discussion. These reactions understanding.Albert Einstein once said, “Peace cannot be kept by force. It - - can only be achieved by understanding.” Tonight, we seek that dents engaged in intellectually man began her rabbinical studies in 2008 at the American Jew stimulating discussions out- Imam Awad Rashid Abdullah is from Philadelphia, PA. He has ishUniversity University in 2000 in Los and Angeles taught following at the National a career University in academia. of SinShe- side of the classroom. Mitchell a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice and is certified completed her doctorate in Development Sociology at Cornell Collegewill happen Hillel in hopesthe future.” that fur in Criminology. Additionally, he is a seven-year naval veteran and- ther round table discussions Navy Chaplain certified. Imam Abdullah holds a Masters of Arts gapore. Currently, she lives in New London with her husband, in Christian-Muslim Relations and certification in Islamic Chap Schechter Annual Fundraiser Nov. 19 laincy from Hartford Seminary, and is currently Muslim Chaplain- at Connecticut College. - Father Jonathan Ficara is from Moodus, Connecticut. He grad uated from the University of Connecticut in 2008 with a Bach elor of Arts degree in psychology. He entered seminary in 2008- at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, and was ordained in 2014 by Bishop Michael Cote. He currently is as signed as parochial vicar at St. Joseph’s Church in Willimantic, Connecticut, and serves as assistant campus minister at Eastern Connecticut State University and Connecticut College. - Rabbi Rachel Safman is rabbi at Congregation Beth El in New- London. She is the first woman to serve as a rabbi in southeast ern Connecticut. Originally from Gaithersberg, Maryland, Saf Emissary Guy Carmi, Judaics teacher Ella Sack- et, JFEC Executive Director Jerry Fischer, and He- Ian Frenkel and William Morrison. brew teacher Liora Zeevi. - ƒ•–ƒ•‹ƒ ‘‘†ƒǯ• for all  Solomon Schechter Acad 19 to 29-ers!    emy’s Annual Fundraiser, SSA ȋ‡ƒ‡‘ˆ ƒ””‹‡– ”ƒ›•‘ȌƬ Cabaret at the Garde was held on November 19, 2016 in the  Garde Arts Center Oasis Room.- Over sixty-five guests came out-  ‡‡–ƒ•Šƒ‡”Ž‘˜ǡ in support of our school, en joying an evening of jazz mu —••‹ƒ ‡™‹•Š†‡–‡ –‹˜‡ƒ†–Š‡ sic and delicious food by Ivy’s- ‰”ƒ†•‘‘ˆ–Š‡Š‡”‘‘ˆ–Š‡ Catering.liam Morrison SSA Cabaret on Bass. featured ƒ––Ž‡‘ˆ–ƒŽ‹‰”ƒ†Ǥ Ian Frenkel on Piano and Wil Šǡƒ†Š‹•‘–Š‡”‹•ƒ‘˜‹‡– ‡™‹•Š†‹••‹†‡– Date: Wednesday, December 28, 2016 Œƒ‹Ž‡†Ƭ–‘”–—”‡†„›‘˜‹‡–ƒ—–Š‘”‹–‹‡•Ǥ Time: 6:30 PM Place: Temple Emanu-El Social Hall   Ǥ 29 Dayton Rd. ‘‘ˆ‘”—••‹ƒ”‡•‹†‡–—–‹‹ ƒ† Waterford, CT 06 ”ƒ‹ƒ— Ž‡ƒ”„‘„•‹ Who: Anyone 19- to 29-years-old   ǡ  Questions? Call: 860-443-3005 or 860-204-7266 ƬǨ Friends and Loved Ones Welcome No matter their religious affiliation ƒœ‘Ǥ ‘ No RSVP Required —” Šƒ•‡˜‹ƒ ‘” ƒ•–ƒ•‹ƒ ‘‘†ƒǤ™‡‡„Ž›Ǥ ‘Ȃ ƒ’‡”„ƒ Ƭ‹†Ž‡˜‡”•‹‘ Ȅ ‡ƒ”‡‡œ‡”‡•• ‘Ž‹†ƒ›‘‘ ‹ˆ–•Ȅ Emissary Tal Gilboa and Head of School Barbara Bentley. 4 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 December kosher hot lunch schedule Senior Offerings - Reservations are necessary for all events. When making your res- The New London Hebrew videddays the for following Nancy and week. Norm to by Dec 8) ervation, let us know if you need a ride. Reservations can be Senior Club and the Norwich/ prepareMonday on Mondays luncheon and Tues is Dec 19 – Vegetable Quiche made by calling Beth at 860-444-6333x112. If Beth is Colchester Jewish Senior Club held at Congregation Beth (reserve by Dec 15) not available, leave a voice mail message, she’ll check them the will resume weekly Kosher- El The Dec 26 – Closed No KHL following business day. Hot Lunches. These meals are- Dec 29 – Hanukkah/New sponsored by the Jewish Fed , 660 OceanTuesday Ave. luncheon in New NorwichYear Party Schedule at Beth El (reserve Craft Sale/Tag Sale erationare eligible of Eastern to attend CT andand qualTVC- isLondon held at beginning Beth Jacob at Syna12:30- by Dec 15) - CA.ify for Adults the suggested60 years and donation older goguep.m. The Dec 6 – Baked Salmon (re Do you like to create and craft? Are your closets too full? Reservations are a must p.m. Here, 400 are New the London menus Tpke. for serve by 12/1) Want to earn some cash? Clean out your closets and be part of of $3 per person. Beth inboth Norwich venues beginning during November at 12:30 Dec 13 – Hot Dogs (reserve our craft/tag sale. Bring your gently used items, crafts and craft (860-444-6333) from the by 12/8) supplies.to sell and 50% shop!!! of all sales will benefit the Jewish Federation to for these lunches as - New London Schedule Dec 20 – Vegetable Quiche support the NewMonday, London HebrewDecember Senior 5, 2016 Club. All are welcome and December. - (reserve 12/15) Federation’s Seniorby 10 & am Com the Dec 27 – No KHL Date: Thursdaymunity Services prior mustto the call lunch in a Dec 5 – Baked Salmon (re Dec 29 – Hanukkah/New Where: Beth El Social Hall countto ensure to TVCCA enough food is pro- serve by Dec 1) Year Party at Beth El (reserve When: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Dec 12 – Hot Dogs (reserve by 12/15) One man’s trash is another man’s treasure Beth Israel 6th annual Chanukah party Cost : Free2 weeks (1/2 prior table to per the person) event Reserve your spot with Beth -- MUST reserve your spot Special to the Leader - Hanukkah / New Year Party, Thurs., Dec. 29 - to learn how to play the dreidel game. Whether it was begin - Want to learn how to play ner’s luck or not, he won first place that year and took home Our Hanukkah/New Year Party will be on Thursday, Decem thelaughter Dreidel while Game? eating Wantan inter to- a beautiful glass dreidel. In the years that followed, Reverend ber 29 at 12:30 at Beth El in New London. We will have fabu enjoynational good meal conversation that warms andthe Greg continued his winning streak (although he did tie a couple lous entertainment by “Ragtime” Jack Radcliffe and Jerry’s Beef years with an experienced then ‘tween’ dreidel player who had Brisket with wonderful desserts and raffle prizes. Join us as we been playing his ‘entire’ life and with a then nonagenarian ~now celebrate Hanukkah and welcome in the New Year of 2017 with soul and the tummy? Come to past 100!~ who had been playing for decades!) When the TBI awhen toast. making Cost $12/$15. your reservation. Reservations required by Thurday, Dec. 39 Killingly Drive, Danielson, PS Board learned that Greg would be retiring it was decided to 15. This is a combined club event. If you need a ride, let us know CT on Saturday, December- honor him by changing the name to the GREG THOMAS CHAI- Upcoming Trips – Enjoying Lunch Out 17th, 6 PM. TBI PS is hosting STAKES DREIDEL TOURNAMENT. The new name was unveiled its 6th Annual Hanukkah Par on November 24, 2015 as part of the 60th Interfaith Thanks ty! The cost is $10 per person giving Service (continuously occurring since 1955 alternating- WednesdayJust pay for December transportation 7, and enjoy lunch on your own at for a meal of Moroccan Stew between the Federated Church of Christ ~ Brooklyn, CT and these fabulous restaurants: (SephardicGF will be and available), Vegan), variousLatkes, Temple Beth Israel ~ [email protected] that’s another article!)m Guests no later are than en Wednesday, January 11, Luncheon at Brushmill in Chester Latkes, Latkes (Ashkenazi ~ couraged to bring a menorah if they have one; if not, we’ll share! (The Old Chart House). Cost $5/$8. Don’t forget to RSVP to Wednesday, January 25, Luncheon at The Griswold Inn. Cost- cheeses (think of the story of Wednesday, December 7. $5/$8. Judith!) and bread, Sufganiyot - Wednesday, February 8 Luncheon at Juniors in Foxwoods fol (Israeli), warm Apple Crisp lowed by shopping at Tanger Outlets. Cost $5/$8. (American,and GF ), and Vegan more ~ tounless nosh you on Wednesday, February 22, Luncheon at The Hideaway Restau add the vanilla ice cream!~- Contactrant. Cost Beth $5/$8. at 860-444-6333 Mon., Tues., or Thurs. 9am- - 2pm to make your reservations, Makeup or date with for questions. cancelled luncheon throughoutment are required the evening! Res

[email protected] and advance m pay no

Road trip to Limmud, Boston !! RSVP to It’s time for a class on It’s time for a class on Special to the Leader later than Wednesday 12/7. CHALLAH BAKING! - pm,The followed evening by will dinner, start with me- - anorah brief lighting, Havdalah singing, service and at of 6 with Merrill Mazzella Once again members of the Eastern Connecticut Jewish com munity will be travelingSunday by December van or in a 4 caravan to Newton, Mas sachusetts for the annual Limmud –Boston conference, which course the 2nd Annual Greg willlearning take andplace living, on you are in for a real treat.from 9- 5:30 p.m. If you Thomas Chai Stakes Dreidel have not yet experienced this immersive celebration of Jewish Tournament complete with- 1st,late 2nd,but there and 3rdwill place be plenty prizes! of The 2016 conference will feature more than 70 sessions on- Bring some gelt (not choco topics ranging from the theology of Reb Nachman of Breslov to know how to play the dreidel Sunday, December 4, 2016 gluten-free Jewish baking, “Bob Dylan’s Jewish blues” and Sta those!) so you can play! Don’t From 2:00-4:00 p.m. lin’s relationship with Jewish intelligentsia – not to mention the- be ‘dreidel mavens’ who will myriad of musical performances and artistic displays scattered game ~ no worries! There will in the Temple Emanu-El Social Hall throughout the program and across the campus. There is some thing for everyone, including Camp Limmud, a special slate of- happily teach you the rules! - programs (with dedicated counselors) that will keep attendees ment?Curious Five aboutyears ago the (at name the All are welcome ~ No RSVP needed aged 13 and younger actively engaged while their parents par- of the TBI PS Dreidel Tourna ticipate in other sessions. *Entry by donation For more information or to join our delegation (which will ar second celebration but first *A Temple Emanu-El Essential Funds Fun-draiser range transportation and allow you to register at reduced cost), tournament), Reverend Greg please(www.limmudboston.or contact Rabbi Rachelg). Safman or the Congregation Beth Thomas of the Cornerstone El office (860-442-0418) or visit the Limmud-Boston website Baptist Church (Danielson) came to TBI PS for latkes and THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 5

By Westchester. He opens his latest American Lit- a muffled thump somewhere up ahead makes assignment, and begins to read. The heavy mist him pause. All eyes in the bus turn forward. A- turns to snow flurries as they reach the high pick-up truck trying to pass has spun out on- Artie way—just another blip on the radar of what the road and crashed into the guardrail, lodg would certainly be another unpredictable New ingroadway. half way across the barrier. The bus shud Dean Englandunaware winter. of the youngConsumed woman with eyeing his woes, him trying from dersShe as puts a cloud a hand of onsnow his arm,swirls, her obscuring nails digging the to concentrate on his work, he remains blithely into his forearm.

A Thanksgiving to remember across the aisle. Nor can he fathom how the wind shift and the deepening storm coming in passing“Whew on that their was left close,” slams she on itssays brakes through to fromof the the bus’s north wiper should blades be a his soothing concern. metronome clenched teeth. Before he can reply a minivan Jeremy Rosen turns over in bed, reaches over and silences Traffic is slowing now; the perpetual swoosh- theto sleep. alarm, Soon a single someone expletive is shaking escaping the his bed. lips. “Hey, His temples Shakespeare, throb avoid the pick-up. Then the minivan clips the from too little sleep. He repositions his pillow and drifts back in contretemps to the ferocity of the sleet pelt front edge of the bus, as it careens across the- - ing the window inches from his face. Through- roadway. The bus driver turns quickly to the don’t you need to make the 7:30 bus? half lidded eyes Jeremy observes the young- right and slams on his brakes, lurching so bad- away.”Jeremy opens one blood shot eye, and waves away his room woman in his peripheral vision. Despite her tat lying. it sends children and loose suitcases flying. mate, Aaron, as one might an apparition.you stronger.” “My life sucks. Go tered coat and oil stained collar, there is some “We’re all going to die,” an old lady is scream thingare dog-eared, regal about the her lines bearing. of prose He oft-underlined turns. A copy “Anything that doesn’t kill you makes of “Moby Dick” sits open on her lap. The pages Jeremy and the girl are on the floor now. struggles to his knees, hoisting himself up by herJeremy slap. Is groans. it my faultFor a Imoment had to waithe relives tables the the break-up night of with the bighis The lights in the bus flicker and go out, as the - concert?demanding ex-girlfriend Brittany, his cheek still smarting from and highlighted. Their eyes meet. He smiles bus spins across the ice crusted snow. Jeremy andes pristine points and to his unaltered. own copy She of nods Melville’s and raises great American classic, the binding still stiff, the pag thedriver, arm struggling of a chair, now in time and torighting see the the concrete wheel, “Don’t give me that everything happensTuition for bill a stillreason unpaid; bull.” this He bridge support rushing towards him. The bus the bus away from sure death. He pumps the isglances your last again notice. at the note bearing the stamp of the Dean’s office her book. They laugh. He glances at the empty left crumpled at the foot of his bed. seat and within seconds she slips in beside him. miraculouslybrakes, swears gets mightily, out of slowing the skid the and bus’s swings mo- Theylife. exchange pleasantries, introductions, and Ten minutes pass. The door slams shut, then opens a crack, she compliments old Melville for enriching her- the voice of his roommate questioning from the hall. “Aren’t you tion worker interested in whaling,” he says. tionexhaust. until Some it comes of the to passengersrest facing theare oncomingwhimper- going home for Thanksgiving?” “It’s not every day I meet a female construc- trafficing; some amidst shout the prayerful smell of thanks. burnt But rubber most and re- Jeremy sits up. He wipes the sleep from his eyes. “Yeah, but I’m not sure I’ll be back.” His mind races, picturing the litany of “There’s a lot about me you’d call unconven Rosen big shots that gather once a year to make believe they’re- tional,”against sheevil.” says, her eyes sparkling. “The story’s actions are overshadowed, by the crescendo of a family. He thinks about his father,How the canpauper I ask of him the for clan—a money more than just a story about whales. It’s a fight a blaring horn. Those still in their seats stare me read you my favorite passage.” - hesculptor doesn’t trying have? to eke out a living by molding avant-garde mas through the cracked windshield to see the terpieces still pitifully out of fashion. - She flips through the pages of her book. “Let- lights of an oncoming eighteen wheeler as it He pictures his uncle and new wife, a girl only a sage of time, or the red tail lights ahead, nor the bearsamidst down a torrent on them of swirling along snow.a steep grade, car few years older than Jeremy, the perfect smile, the figure perfect Engrossed, Jeremy hardly notices the pas rying twelve tons of the finest Canadian timber ed by the best plastic surgeon in New York. He thinks about the the storm builds. Eventually he talks of the di- To be continued…. cousins all gathered to brag about their careers in the corporate slowlemmas crunch plaguing of the his snow mind. beneath “Grandfather their tireshas my as world, their Jaguars and BMW’s parked in front of the estate as if to say. “I’m so successful it doesn’t matter if I’m a jerk.” He thinks his partner’s granddaughter for a wife.” of his grandfather, a rich old man obsessed with power, bent on whole“You’ve life got picked to follow out for your me; passion; family your business, fam- 2017 NMJL controllinghis lips. his family like he rules his business. He imagines - himself wearing a 3-piece suit and a tie and a sad smile creases Mahjonng cards ily will come around.” she says as they crawl to available Jeremy throws a handful of relatively clean underwear into wards flashing lights. - his backpack and heads down the stairs. He makes it to the bus ing,“I not wish even it were tuition that money.” simple,” he says. “If I don’t Special to the Leader station with only minutes to spare. A man with a missing leg toe the line and go to business school, I get noth - sprawled just inside the station door bears the sign, “Homeless Vet.gives Be the happy man thewith bill what and youthen have. gets aboard.Help me feed my children.” A policeman in a yellow slicker is directing It’s time to order your 2017 NMJL Mah Jeremy checks his pockets. After bus fare he’s got one five left. He- traffic off the exit ramp. “Highway down to one jongg Cards. The cost is $8.00 for Standard lane, black ice along the next long hill,” he seems. At SizeEmanu-El and $9.00 Sisterhood for Large and Print the National Size. Mah He sits in the back in an empty row and stares out the win thisto be rate saying I won’t as the make bus inches Thanksgiving along. till it’s al- Order your cards through the Temple dow, steeling himself for the four hour ride from Dartmouth to mostJeremy over. checks the time on his cell phone Jongg League gives us a donation based on how many cards we get. When Jeremy peers ahead all he sees is the fromThe New cost York, to you as is soon the same, as they so it’sare aprint Win-- reflectionhave pulled of over the bus’sto the high side beamsof the road.off a blanket Win! They will be mailed directly to you of white. The bus picks up speed as most cars Since 1919 Southeastern Connecticut’s Oldest and Most Respected Jewelers - Diamonds


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Expert Jewelry & Watch Repair 06385,Send with your your check name, to street Temple address Emanu-El you phone.Sorry folks.” “This bus will be terminating its route Sisterhood, P. O. Box 288, Waterford, CT Estate Jewelry Bought & Sold in Brattleboro, Vermont, to wait out the storm.- have ordered from me before and info is want card mailed to, and your email. If you- 44726 hisA grandfather’s collective groan ultimatum. emanates from the passen gers, but Jeremy is inwardly relieved thinking of 262 Boston Post Road • Utopia Centre the same, all I need is your check and num Waterford, CT • (860) 442-4391 ber/size of cards desired. ifree- “You can crash at my house if you want,” the Monday - Thursday 10:00-6:00


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Saturday 10:00-4:00 [email protected] tom order is January 23, 2017. girl is saying. “I live in Brattleboro.” Contact Iris with any questions: Jeremy smiles. He nods and turns towards or 860.460.3081. the girl, but before he can express his gratitude 6 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 JCC Without Walls -- Huge Success erythingJennifer done Zettler, in time. the And Federation’s they did!! See PJ their Li- braryarticle in this paper for all the details. - Coordinator read a PJ Library storyABD Selfand Defensehad craft program around for about 45 min utes. Instructors and students from of Krav Maga in Norwich returned for a third year in a row and gave an interactive demonstration . They broke into smaller groups andYa’ara many Moses,of the children, a few adults and Coast Guard cadets participated. an Israeli Artist in Residence atworkshop Conn College, of her came unique to the style Mystic of movement Y to give people a chance to hear and experience a short swimming pool wascalled a “Gaga”big hit thatand shewas teaches used by in many Israel until and 5pm. now teaches at Conn many College. adults The By Marcia Reinhard, JFEC Assistant Director time to relax and schmooze together - esyan and her parents spent many hours on - Duringthing many the of day, them don’t get to enjoyeddo very often. having – some On Sunday, Nov. 20, following a morning at the Denison Pe So many to thank quotseposafternoon of Nature food, fun Center and wherefriendship! 80 people participated in the Thursday and Sunday preparing the food for Jewish Day of Learning, 110 people arrived at the Mystic Y for an everyone to enjoy. Nelly took over this role from Nelly Ners- Deb Schwell who was the “chef” for JCC Day for Nersesyan and her parents Marina and Gregory Nersesyan of There are many people to thank who made The day began at noon with a delicious lunch cooked by Nelly- many years. We thank Nelly and her parents this day possible. To start with, for allhow their things hard were work going. and Deb & Jerry Schwell hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, two chilies’ (one vegetar for stopping over at Ahavath ChesedMystic to see Y ian), corn bread, Israeli and American salads, guacamole, chips, fruit, and other delicious foods. The burgers and dogs were- A very special thank you to the and their many staff members who helped cooked on the grill by two members of the Temple Emanu-El makeus for ourthe pastevent four such years, a huge Mark success. Guerin Thank - for brotherhood, Scott Zettler and Mike Reinhard under the super- - vision of Rabbi Sternberg. you to John Sutcliffe, who has worked with todian who has also been with us for the After lunch our Young Em past four previous years and who worked issaries, Tal and Guy, opened jumping in at the last minute, Dave the cus tirelessly to get everything ready in time their Israel room. It was quite amazing to see them give such a broad view of Israel through- thesaries many have stations about 6 theyweeks created to put and finally, Ann at the desk who was our with any request throughout the day. You in their room. While most emis- “partner in crime” all day long. Thank you toall the really front made desk ourstaff day as quitewell for wonderfulhelping us and we thank you! their ideas into motion and cre ate their programs, Tal and Guy- Jonathan Rowe, Scott Zettler and Mike - had to deal with a holiday-filled Reinhard - October and then one week be forethree JCC weeks Day, they to getwere everything away at a of Temple Emanu-El’s Brother seminar. That left them less than hood, loaded chairs and tables from Temeven Coastple Emanu-El Guard cadets into Jonathan’shelped with truck many and ar- done.Guy were They determined worked around to get theev- brought them over to the Mystic Y. S break down of the day, served clock and on weekends. Tal and eas of the day.the They food, helped played with set-up basketball and with some of the kids and as- -

sisted Tal and Guy in their Is- rael room. A few of them also ON THE BAY helped Scott, Mike and Jona thanRachel return Sheriff tables and and Rebec chairs- cato TempleMorea alsoEmanu-El. arrived early at FOR ALL YOUR

REAL ESTATE NEEDS the Mystic Y to help with set- up as well as assisting Tal and Direct: 860-443-4400 Cell: 860-625-5255 Guy.at the Rebecca end of also the day.stayed Daniel long andenough Yarden to help Sackett with were clean also up Email: [email protected] Website: www.CallTheHausmann.com Jerry Schwell Blog: CTHouseMan.com on hand helping Tal and Guy. JCC helpedCONT. ONTal PGand 7 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 7 Jewish Day of Learning Inspired

CONT. FROM PAGE 6 First blood test for Parkinson’s Guy by making the wood By Abigail Klein Leichman, stands for the signs in Israel21c expensive test for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s is considered also to the Connecticut - essential for the development of neuroprotective therapy,” she- Collegetheir room. Hillel Thank students you Doctors diagnose as many explains, “because by the time a patient has the many movement asin 60,000the United new States. cases of Yet Parkin diag- symptomsdisease.” associated with Parkinson’s, a majority of the dop and the Young Emis- son’s disease (PD) every year Researchamine-producing in Technion neurons lab are lost or become impaired by the sarieswho did Ron face and painting Aviv from and Noam and nosingsigns and PD symptoms with certainty have canap- - Eliav takepeared. years — long after early The PDx blood test, which measures changes in particular - moleculesBioShai will known soon applyto be associated for regulatory with approval Parkinson’s, in Europe. will be avail nally, whothank also you came to Mimi and - able through an Israeli lab on a limited beta basis in early 2017.- andhelped Ed Tal Perl and for Guy. han Fi- The Israeli startup BioShai has a game-changing prod BioShai was founded in January 2014 in the Youdim Phar in at the Y. uct on the horizon: PDx, the maceuticals incubator in Yokneam Illit. Technion Prof. Moussa dlingThank everyone’s you to all check- who world’s first simple blood test- Youdim, (one of the inventors of the Parkinson’s drug Azilect)- attended for the early diagnosis of PD. - cofounded BioShai, which currently has four employees. - - The test results can be com- Youdim and University of Würzburg Prof. Peter Riederer per ing this important our JCC w/o and bined with clinical data, pro formed pioneering research, published in 2010 and 2012, re Walls Day and support viding a more accurate diag vealing that measuring the expression level of specific genes in nosis to help physicians decide blood could detect PD with a high level of accuracy. BioShai grew fun community event. on the best course of treatment out of this discovery. atworldwide a much earlier are living stage. with this Cofounder and CMO Dr. Martin Rabey, a neurologist originally- More than 10 million people- from Argentina, is a professor emeritus at Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine and an international expert in Par- chronic and progressive move- kinson’s and Alzheimer diseases. He and European neurologists ment disorder caused by the Validatingdeveloped the and Simple standardizing Parkinson Evaluation Scale (SPES), a prac malfunction and death of neu tical tool for the evaluation of PD patients. rons that produce dopamine, a chemical that coordinates the Yarden tells ISRAEL21c thatPARKINSONS BioShai is currently CONT. in ON the PG final 13 brain’s“Having control a diagnosis of movement at an and coordination. AUTO | HOME | COMMERCIAL | MARINE earliera higher stage quality can of life lead for to the a more precise treatment and- patient,” says BioShai CEO Jen Levine Insurance Group LLC nifer Yarden, who has a PhD in Andrew J. Levine medical science and formerly was responsible for clinical and commercial development 221 Boston Post Rd. 860-739-4444 Office of diagnostic assays and kits at P.O. Box 339 860-739-6861 Fax Glycominds.Health. Yarden is also CEO East Lyme, CT 06333 [email protected] and cofounder of Curewize-

“Offering a simple and in 8 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 Seventy five years since Churban Lita Archaeology traces Holocaust’s horror, Freund’s presentation heroism Escape tunnel, Vilna memories the Great Syna- being preserved through science - cally,gogue ensured would part that- couldna, owing not to have the pietybeen By Yaakov (James) Mosher, special to the Leader more appropriate. Vil- - ly survive World thing about the horror and heroism of the Holo- andEliyahu scholarly ben Shlomo accom Warsite II of and great become sig- Just when you thought you had heard every plishments of Rabbi an archaeological

caust along comes Professor Richard Freund. Zalman Kramer (1720-- nificance, Freund Dr. Freund gave a 90-minute lecture on Monday,- 1797), the revered said. Two of the Nov. 14 detailing his archaeological work in and Vilnaother great Gaon rabbis, (“the was Ge synagogue’sbelow the ground. five around Vilnius (Yiddish: Vilna), Lithuania’s (Yid nius from Vilnius”), and- floors were built dish: Lita) capitol city. Most of the audience at the lem of Europe. known as the Jerusa Anover the elementary two bot- - schooltom stories was built fol- Itgogues, was home with to 120 syna its population lowingthat Freund the war. and It 40 percent of washis students these floors ex- - being“every Jewish, single The Shell of the Great Synagogue of Vilna after the Holocaust. and contained plored, finding ce- ramic tiles, coins, stripe of Judaism,” the professor noted. or ritual bath. glass, metal piec There were 250,000 Jews living among es, and examining the architecture of the mikveh, 4 million people in Lithuania at the start of the Great Synagogue by renowned Belorussian- World War II, Rabbi Ephraim Oshry wrote Backed by slides including one of a painting of Professor Richard Freund, right, who heads the Judaic studies in his book “The Annihilation of Lithuanian - department at the University of Hartford, speaks to audience Jewry.”hospitality, Jews generosity, had lived devotion,in Lithuania and for love 700 of born Jewish artist Marc Chagall, Freund marveled members following his Nov. 14 lecture at Eastern Connecticut years. Lithuanian Jewry was famous for its that the building was “like a city,” containing a bath- State University on Lithuania and the Holocaust. (James Mosher - house that doubled as a social club. photo). fellow Jews, Rabbi Oshry wrote. More than The most searing part of the presentation in 90 percent perished following Nazi Ger volved the Ponar pits, which contain the remains - many’s invasion of the Soviet Union in June of 100,000 murder victims including 70,000 Jews. Jews1941. had lived in Lithuania for Thethe Soviets pits, today for oil administered and gas storage. by the Vilna Gaon 700 years. Lithuanian Jewry was packedsat at rapt Johnson attention Conference with a few Room leaving at Eastern the room Con in Jewish State Museum, were originally created by necticutemotional State distress. University’s Eugene Smith Library famous for its hospitality, gener- th osity, devotion, and love of fellow Following Order No. 1005 in May 1942 from the Jews, Rabbi Oshry wrote. More Nazi occupiers of Lithuania, the burning of bodies of the slain commenced. Sent into the pits were 80 This year marks the 75 since Churban Lita (the than 90 percent perished follow- destruction of Lithuanian Jewry) so the timing of Jews, chained while performing the grisly task. ing Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Twelve of the Jews, showing incredible presence purge CONT. ON PAGE 9 Soviet Union in June 1941. of mind and will to survive, dug their way out in 76

about deaths but about all that was lost,” said “Why we study the Holocaust is not really

Freund, who chairs the Maurice Greenberg- Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford as well as being its Greenberg Pro fessor of Jewish History. “Archaeology is not about the artifacts. It’s ultimately about the- people behind the artifacts.” Nova on PBS is to broadcast a documen tary in April 2017 titled “Holocaust Escape Tunnel,” detailing Freund and others June 2016 discovery of the tunnel at the Ponar burial pits, a forest area 10 kilometers from Vilna. The lecture at Eastern focused on the pits,- The pit #6 at Ponar where the escape tunnel was found. I am including No. 6 where the tunnel was found, sitting on the left, my colleague from WorleyParsons, Inc., the as well as the excavation of Vilna’s Great Syn oil and gas company with the equipment is flying the drone agogue,also explored which earlier Freund this embarked year. upon last that is taking a multi-spectrum photo of the site that reveals year. Portions of Ponar’s Rasu Prison were where other elements are found in the pit and the Lithuanian The Great Synagogue of Vilna before the - Ponar guide, Mantas Siksnianas is on the right. Photo credit: Holocaust. A regulation forbidding a synagogue to be Paul Bauman, Advisan consulting unit of WorleyParsons built higher than Vilna’s tallest church, ironi THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 9 Professor describes horror of purge -

days using their hands and spoons and escaped un der the cover of darkness on the last day of Passover 1944. All but one survived the war. Dr. Freund and his team discovered wood and metal remnants in the collapsed 100-foot tunnel. “Thisdid not is givethe story up.” not of death but hope and courage,” he said. “It was a very desperate situation but they-

by, SuchFreund archaeological said. work will become increas ingly important in Holocaust studies as the years go-

“There is going to be a seismic shift as living wit nessestestimonies.” die,” he said. “In 20 years there will be no more survivors. We are using science to preserve the

Freund is writing a book titled “Archaeology and the Holocaust: Rhodes and Vilna” to be published by Rowman & Littlefield late next year. Four projects at mass burial sites in Kaunas, Lithuania, are slated next year along with continuations at the Great Synagogue- and Ponar. Freund’s work in Lithuania has a personal dimension as well as a scholarly one. He is of Lithu anianand moved Jewish to (Yiddish:the United Litvak) States. descent.Nathan’s His daughter, great- grandfather, Nathan Ginzburg, left Vilna around 1903 Rabbi Ephraim Oshry is among those that have This statue of Moses stands today in the Vilnius chronicled Churban Lita, the destruction of Lith- Celia Ginzburg, married Clifford Freund during the Cathedral. (Tony Bowden/Creative Commons) uania Jewry. (James Mosher photo). 1920s and from that union Professor Freund’s father, Chester Freund, was born in Brooklyn, New York, in Wildfire destroys Rama’s1927. Kitchen and pastoral hills of Nataf By Jessica Steinberg, Times of Israel and stayed in her house, holing up in her bathroom. of value from the house, and under duress she took family photos and a book that is dear to her. and ash permeated the hilltop of Nataf, a pastoral NATAF, Judean Hills — The scent of burnt wood- She did cancel a group of foreign journalists who warned her of the gravity of the situation and said, were scheduled to come to Rama’s Kitchen as part of Her friend and neighbor, a local fire official, village in the Judean hills that was partially en the Open Restaurants festival that was taking place going anywhere. He insisted, pushed me into the gulfed by flames on Friday afternoon. in and around Jerusalem. On Thursday, though, she “Rama, get out of here,” she recalls. “I said I wasn’t It took just one hour for a “rolling ball of fire” to- hosted another Open Restaurants group. move across the hills, said Rama Ben Zvi, the owner On Friday, she was meeting with her chef when car, knowing that I would get in one door and leave herb-infusedof Rama’s Kitchen, dishes, a overlooking renowned country-stylethe pastoral land res- the local fire officials told her to close the restaurant by another. And he stood there, making sure I got taurant known for its changing menu of seasonal, again, due to a blaze nearby, and leave. The wedding- inthe the dirt car.” road leading from the restaurant that she guests, who had just eaten dessert, dispersed, but It was only when Ben Zvi reached the bottom of- head,scape of a the pair Judean of orange-rimmed hills. reading glasses Ben Zvi wasn’t planning on leaving. There were fire ribly right he had been. “It’s just so simple,” says Ben Zvi, shaking her fighting planes in the sky, and she figured they had looked back and saw the fire, and realized how ter things under control. - perchedhour later, on it’s her all white-haired burned up.” head. “A boy throws “The fire was at least five kilometers away,” she “The winds are just so strong, eastern winds, and- the bottle on the other side of the fence, and an- says, pointing over the charred tabletops and skel- they just don’t stop,” she says. “The fire changed etons of metal chairs toward the hills beyond. direction and started coming close to the restau Speaking Sunday, Ben Zvi says the fire was start- Rama was the only one who wasn’t taking it seri rant. I saw a big tongue of fire coming toward the ed by a Palestinian youth who threw a Molotov- ously. One of her daughters told her to grab anything restaurant and I understood that was the end of cocktail, although that has not been confirmed. Na Rama’s Kitchen.” taf overlooks a cluster of West Bank Palestinian vil The restaurant burned up in just 10 minutes. lages, located no more than five kilometers away. “The wind, you know, the fire moves so quickly, The restaurant was hosting a wedding party 50 kilometers an hour,” she says. “It’s not that it when the fire broke out. It was after several days of burned everything. You can see islands of green wildfires across the country, and the village, which that the fire didn’t touch. It jumped and jumped had already been evacuated several times, had set- andall dry jumped. wood.” There’s one tree in the restaurant, updents. a WhatsApp group in order to coordinate news and the fire touched the tree and the restaurant is and details about future evacuations among resi - Some of the restaurant’s Palestinian workers derThe a tree, first and fire theoccurred apparatus on Wednesday, they were usingsays Ben in- andfew feet several from neighbors the restaurant. somehow saved Ben Zvi’s Zvi, when Arab workers were preparing coffee un The charred hull of Rama’s Kitchen on November 27, house, she says, pointing to the home, located a and burned one home. 2016, where nothing is left following the devastating advertently caused a brush fire that spread quickly fire that took just ten minutes to burn the restaurant “They saved Rama’s house,” she says. “I don’t (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel) know what they did, but the fire didn’t touch the At the time, the community was ordered to house. Trees near the house were burned, but the evacuate, but Ben Zvi thought it was premature house wasn’t touched.” 10 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016

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ways to expand our hearts. Possibility bruised.Strangers It willdon’t take tell us finding what Getting ready for By Tammy Stoner Pinkerton into a shopping mall, a strang- winter By Geoff Hausmann is going on internally. We walk Expanding hearts of us in line, or snaps some erabsurdity bumps intoat us us, for cuts no inreason, front A homeowner must be aware of required When God created people, he gave us one heart, and one brain. maintenance for each season. Winter probably Our brains keep us grounded. Our hearts move us closer to God. and we snap back. We use our brings the greatest need for home maintenance. Our brains have egos. Egos sort, analyze information, and brains.and immediately We start judging. we tap “how into FurnaceHere is a brief checklist to get your home ready for winter. make decisions. Our egos keep us in a judging, evaluating state rude” “How inconsiderate”, ofbelieving mind. Our the egosway weare view set up the as world criticizers, is the mostly“right” andbecause “normal” each There is no more important home maintenance for your home of us originates with a unique set of experiences, that leave us our judging selves. Our judging than your furnace. You don’t want to wake up on a cold winter selves escalate the problem. morning to find out you have no heat. way. What is normal? Normal is the way I view the world, we death,We havea health no idea problem, if the “rude a di- extendsThe furnace its life. should be cleaned and inspected and the filters each say. - person” just experienced a should be replaced. This makes the furnace more efficient and ers.Our brains are valued. It’s good to have a good brain, but our other upsets. brains keep us distant from God, because our brains are think vorce, or was fired, or multiple- Make sure the oil tank is filled. Usually the price of oil is iting a neighbor of a friend, Homecheaper Interior prior to the cold weather. Our hearts are structures; a giant muscle that keeps us alive, Three years ago, while vis located at the center of our body. Our heart has tremendous - power. It has no thought. It just exists. It is. We take it for granted I was parked outside of his Make sure the windows close properly and check for drafts. until it doesn’t work properly. Then we pay attention. All of us home. My friend backed out Consider window insulation for older windows in order to re have one, and it’s the same color, and about the same size, and of the driveway, and smacked duce drafts. - forheart, each try of living us, it aserves few minutes the same without purpose, your keeping heart. us You alive. will die. into my parked car, creating sary.Check the caulking along the base of the shower to prevent The next time you think your brain matters more than your significant damage. leakage and other issues. Recaulk around the shower is neces I could have said, “How Our heart is at our core. stupid” “What is wrong with All fireplaces and chimneys should be cleaned for maximum wouldIf we engage began inresponding our daily tolives, others more from in ourthe heart,spirit ofrather God, than dis- you? Couldn’t you see my car efficiency and to prevent a fire. our brain we would become a kinder gentler place to live. We ispointed parked out andall of you the justdamage did Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor. Sympathy, and empathy are often mixed up. Sympathy origi- major damage.” I could have Manywith fresh carbon batteries. monoxide detectors just need to be plugged in the missingnates from ego, the and brain, communicating while empathy empathy. begins from heart. wall. Also, make sure all smoke detectors are in working order - done, as it was significant but I ate enough, to feel sorry for another person’s pain, but is a one didn’t.was diagnosed I knew what with happened. terminal Check seals on the exterior doors. Mice and other rodents try Sympathy is feeling sorry for another. It sounds compassion The day before the crash, he- Plumbingto find warmth. mary, and nobody knew how ° or up, one down interaction. You might as well say, I am okay, and cancer with an unknown pri above. you are not. To feel sorry for another, holds you up higher, and know where it began. He was To prevent pipes from busting, set thermostats at 55 the recipient lower because of what they experienced. todistressed, treat it because and operating they didn’t in a - Walk through the house and check under sinks and around Empathy originates at the heart. It exists without thinking. It Roof says I am going to put myself in your shoes, and experience what ing kindly was it helped me ex- toilets to inspect for any leakage. pand my own heart. you are experiencing. It is impossible to be in another person’s daze. And the irony of my act fallen on it. shoes, because every human being has a unique reality, but the - Visually inspect roof. Remove any debris which may have more you try, the more empathy you convey. You are not feeling - sorry for, you communicate the ability to feel as they are feeling.- siderWhen to be people foolish, snap, we haveget irri no Clean the gutters. Water which hasWINTER backed upCONT. causes ON PGleaks 13 Thethy is difference learning to islisten. subtle, but the impact huge. Communicating tated,idea what or act is likereally what going we on con in empathy speaks from the heart. The easiest way to learn empa - ageWhen of God. we experience other people from our heart, we become theirour hearts, lives. They rather don’t then tell our us. kinder and gentler. We move closer to living our lives in the im- Ifheads, we choosewe strengthen to operate our fromown hearts. We survived a brutal political campaign, and we have a win ner. Discourse exists in our streets, following this battle. I am not the mad rush to get things surprised to witness comments such as “Hail Trump” from the Over the holidays, during Nazi party, nor am I surprised to see our winner trying to detach something stupid happen, or from these comments, and move people towards unity. done,some the behavior next time that you you watch don’t We cannot move towards unifying our country, or ourselves untilour heart, we give and as thatmuch isn’t value easy to ourto do, hearts when as ourwe doegos to ourhave heads. been in your heart, and person by After all the insults, we have to find a way to communicate from like,person, try weexpanding will transform the muscle our world into one that is kinder Chuck and Romana Primus, Owners Custom Tub & Shower Ruby Glass Enclosures CO., INC • Design & Installation andTammy gentler Stoner at the core. 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DeVos attended religious schools and her religious potential to greatly assist the Jewish community American Jews may not yet know where U.S. movement’s Calvin College. with its affordability challenge.” - President-elect Donald Trump’s policy on Israel- The Trump-DeVos education agenda, presuming- Agudath Israel, another Orthodox American- is heading,tion. but his direction is clear on a domestic munity,her nomination a wound is confirmed, that is regularly will almost opened certainly when Jewish group, “warmly welcomed” the DeVos an- issue of deep concern to their community – educa expose a major rift in the American Jewish com nouncement, with its officials hailing DeVos as “in state ballots. telligent, compassionate and effective” with “pas- Donald Trump’s choice of Michigan the voucher issue is played out in the courts or on- sionate support for school choice.” billionaire and education activist Betsy On the other side of the fence is the non-Ortho- DeVos as his nominee for secretary of The issue pits one set of deeply held Jewish val- dox majority of Jewish Americans, predominantly education reflects a consistent theme- ues against another, placing American Jews and- organizations and individuals who oppose vouch throughout his campaign – school their organizations on opposing sides of the politi ers, which reflects the views of the 75 percent of- choice. In real terms, that means encour- cal fence. The debate boils down to whether Amer American Jews who voted against Donald Trump. aging competition by promoting charter- ican Jews are more committed to protecting their- There are multiple reasons for the Jewish estab schools within the public system and, es country’s public education system, an institution lishment’s opposition to vouchers. pecially, the use of tax credits and vouch that is arguably responsible for much of their suc One is the fear that the initiative will decimate ers, which in effect provide government cess and integration, or to making full-time Jewish American public education, to which most Jewish subsidies for private education – even- education affordable for their children. Americans send their children, often in suburbs- when that education is religious. Tax credits and vouchers that would offset the chosen specifically for their strong public schools. DeVos, an active member of the Chris cost of private education are a highly attractive- statesAssociated has harmed, with that not is the helped, belief the that less the fortunate. introduc tian Reformed Church, which has its- proposition to Jewish families struggling to afford tion of charters and voucher subsidies in some- roots in the teachings of John Calvin, has yeshivas and day schools. One sector of the com- spent 30 years – and hundreds of mil- munity, the Orthodox, clearly believes that Jews (Though some have harnessed the charter move lions of dollars – promoting this agenda should welcome and support government pro ment to create “Hebrew Language and Identity” hard through her primary non-profit or grams to make the school burden more bearable. - public schools, in which Jewish and non-Jewish ganization, the American Federation for The Orthodox Jewish press embraced DeVos’ children study Hebrew and Israeli culture.) Children, and associated political action nomination with enthusiasm. Nathan Diament, ex- The deepest American Jewish concern is a belief committees that fund charter school and ecutive director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy regardthat the as widespread vital to preserving use of vouchers the rights will weaken of reli- pro-voucher politicians. Center, told the Algemeiner that affordable Jew- the walls between church and state, which they- forThe family Reformed and our Church belief that says our on faith its ish education was the “number one kitchen-table- iswebsite important that in “because all areas ofof our lives, concern we domestic policy issue for the Orthodox communi gious minorities. The official position of the Jew Editorials • Opinions Letters ty,” and that Trump’s campaign promise to “allo ish Council for PublicEDUCATION Affairs, which CONT. represents ON PG 13 cate $20 billion to federal-education spending for Wellsupport Christianintentioned, schools.” Growing up, school-choice programs”but was misleading a plan “that has the editorial By Amos Katz - Editor’s Note: The following is a commentary on - Dr David Romei’s recent essay “What It Means To Be thereforeThat being he is said not - lying,in the merely past 3 yearsmisrepresenting there have There are no separate Jewish nations with sepa a Jew” that recently appeared in the Leader. Amos somewhat.been a total of 2 murderous attacks by Jews, and newlyrate morals regained - We sovereign are one people power with after the 2,000 same years, To Katz is a lifelong friend of Jerome & Deborah Schwell inrah! a moral Therefore and responsiblethe struggle wayfor Jews - is the to handlesame strug their- of this community. Katz was born in Israel of Ameri- can parents, is currently a student at Bar Ilan Uni- As to his translation of Rabbi Karim, I am sad - versity, and has extensive experience as a social and itto bears report mentioning he did indeed that rapeget the and correct sexual assaultmeaning. of gle regardless of where a Jew physically resides. political activist and in Israeli-American relations, Disgusting as I find Rabbi Karim’s interpretation,- Some of the harsh things about Israel and Is bringing a unique perspective on the issues raised. whoraelis want he points us dead out, and are gone, justified and ordo partlytheir best so, byto For any comments or questions, please contact any kind are strictly forbidden in the IDF and in Is the unfortunate reality of combating enemies Jerry Schwell at [email protected]. rael at large, period. The Rabbi was saying soldiers - are not forbidden by Torah, however the reality is turn that wish into a reality. Painting Israel racism IDF soldiers are forbidden to engage in any kind- meeklyagainst Arabsliving in youra similar midst way is notto how the Jewssame suffered as a mi- I read Dr. Romei’s Op-ed leaving me uncomfort of sexual assault or harassment by Israel’s laws norityhate from trying other to kill nations you. No.is inaccurate... Not the same a minorityat all... able and cringing. and military commands and orders. For some rea - I take issue with it, but to his credit I will state notson athe reality. Doctor does not bring up that the Rabbi’s that the Jewish values he speaks of are good and skewed and vile interpretation is hypothetical and Not to mention that Arabs are a minority in Is true - and I, like most Israel Jews believe in them. rael, but a very large majority in the region, where Moreover, when he presents facts about Israel,- My main issues with Dr. Romei’s perspective the hate of Israel and the desire to implement its he never lies. The closest he gets to it is when he- are: destruction is rampant. So when Israelis feel they writes of the “hilltop Hasids” being like ISIS. It con That he paints Israel and Israeli Jews with one must defend themselves from Arabs that is not jures up images of Palestinians living in fear, sub hewide points brushstroke. out. In fact, there are huge internal racism, that is a healthy realistic response to a 100 jected regularly to violence and their women to difficulties and arguments about the deficiencies year conflict. - rape. This is in fact far from the truth. - That being said, I do nevertheless cringe at In actuality Palestinians do not live in fear of- Then he speaks of two Judaisms: the one in some of the disgusting racism in Israel and the ac physical harm from “settlers” including these “hill Israel and another one in the U.S. That boils my tions they bring about. We have much to repair. We top Hasids”. It is Jews who live in fear of being at- moreblood. importantly For one there we are are many one people many Jewish who share points in the people of Israel - The Jewish people - all of us tacked, whether in Judea and Samaria or in the rest of view in Israel, the U.S, and around the world, But wouldtogether! suggest. And as dark as some of the realities here of Israel. This is because Palestinians regularly en are - they are not as one sided as Dr. Romei’s article gage in terrorism, and Jews almost never do. the same covenant and the same responsibilities. THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 13

NEW TEST FOR PARKINSON’S CONT. FROM PAGE 7 with similar parkinsonian motor features and then to develop a stages of validating and standardizing the PDx Fox Foundation. In our lab in Yokneam, we have - assay in a multi-center clinical trial in Israel and tested over 1,000 samples including samples modified version of the test for earlier diagnosis of patients with- Italy. from Parkinson’s patients, healthy controls and pre-motorders,” says Yarden.symptoms such as decreased ability to smell (anos “We have enrolled 400 patients, divided into- PD patients who have clinical symptoms but no mia), constant constipation, depression and REM sleep disor two stages. The first stage is for the creation of evidence of dopamine deficit in image scans.” - asays. commercial test based on Prof. Youdim’s find helpThis with retrospective prognosis study as well will asexamine diagnosis, how “A lot of these symptoms can appear for other reasons, but ings, and the second stage is validation,” she- theYarden biomarker says. changes over time and could are also considered non-motor early risk factors for PD. Our bio marker would be specific for Parkinson’s.” “We also are completing a trial on retrospec She notes that the cost of the PDx blood test, estimated to be tive samples from the Parkinson’s Progression “BioShai’s strategy is to first develop the test severaldiagnosis.” hundred dollars, is significantly less expensive than any Markers Initiative study led by the Michael J. for differential diagnosis of PD from patients available imaging test and “will definitely decrease the cost of

market.”While other companies are working toward a blood test for PD, she adds, “Our assay is unique and we hope to be the first in

UNIQUE TOUR CONT. FROM PAGE 1

learned about places in the Gilboa region and special things that the region is known for. The guests had to find balls hidden in shredded paper and sort them into the appropriate box. The three boxes were “Places Located in the Region,” “Places Outside of the Region.” and “Special Things the Region is Known For.” wereIn thesurprised final station, to see howour guests varied hadthe answersto decide were. on their favorite place during their tour and mark it on a huge map of Israel. We-

everyoneTal and wouldI worked have very a great hard time.on this Honestly, activity. itWe was spent a little count bit less hours in the office to make sure each station was perfect so

exhausting sometimes, but it was all worth it. We had a great EDUCATION POLICY CONT. FROM PAGE 12 time and we were so happy to see so many people enjoying our Israel room. There were many people that helped us make our room a HUGE success and in the spirit of Thanksgiving we want to thank the consensus position of Jewish federations- Jewish Case for School Vouchers” for the Wall them all: Our amazing Coordinator, Marcia Reinhard, Federation and congregations around the country, is that- Street Journal in 2012. In it, Beinart argued Director Jerry Fischer, all of the staff in the federation office, -4 “whether vouchers are paid directly to sectar that the need to educate future generations of lovely emissaries from the SNEC region that came to help us- ian schools or are disbursed to parents, the un- Americanstate were Jews“overblown.” had to be addressed and that (Noam and Eliav from West Hartford, Ron and Aviv from Spring- derlyingfore promote, effect religiousis the same: beliefs American they taxpayers may not the community’s fears of mingling church and- field), the Sackett family of East Lyme, Temple Emanuel’s broth areshare, compelled thereby to infringing financially upon support, their and religious there erhood members (Jonathan Rowe, Scott Zettler and Mike Rein freedom.” “Government aid to Jewish schools in Aus hard), some Connecticut College Hillel students, 7 Coast Guard tralia, Britain and Canada doesn’t mean that cadets, Rachel Sheriff, the Hillel Director at Mitchell college, the Jews in those countries enjoy less religious- staff at the Mystic Y and most of all - our warm community that The church-state wall is why many Jewish libertysider their than opposition their American to government counterparts,” support he came to experience our country. liberals who send their own children to private wrote, urging non-Orthodox U.S. Jews to recon We’ve been your guests for the past 3 months and it has been schools – Jewish or non-sectarian – oppose - a pleasure for us, for now we feel we are much more than guests. vouchers, even though it goes against their own- for their children’s Jewish education. We feel like we are part of this warm and wonderful community. financialerals, however, self-interest. have lined up in agreement with “The organized American Jewish communi Eastern CT has quickly become our second home and we wanted thisNot view. all prominent Jewish Democrats and lib ty’s excessive concern about the separation of to give you the chance to be more than our guests. We wanted church and state perpetuates Jewish ignorance you to also feel that Israel is your second home. - andBeinart thus wrote. threatens the Jewish future. Let’s MENTION CONT. FROM PAGE 2 A high-profile Jewish advocate of vouchers is hope they reconsider while there is still time,” - progressive Haaretz and Atlantic columnist Pe Judi and Kip Fonsh of Leverett, MA have two daughters; Michael (Mick ter Beinart, who wrote a piece headlined “The CONT. FROM PAGE 11 GETTING READY FOR WINTER ey) and wife Lynn are in Denver, CO, and daughter Roberta Collins just Make sure your snow blower is in working moved back to Waterford from Detroit—her son Aaron (Tonya) and alleviate weight from the roof. order and you have gasoline on hand when daughters Lexi and Jada also live in Waterford. Son Irwin, also known as or ice dams. Consider purchasing a roof rake to the Hot Dog Man passed away several years ago. Foundation - manLillian of New and Hampshire. Morris Calmon were blessed with me (!) and my husband snow is in the forecast. Have plenty of salt to Mark and sons Phil, Dan and Matt, and my sister Karen and Joe Luke meltand there the ice. is fuel for it. Inspect the foundation and repair any cracks Verify that your backup generator works Since I started with Linda, let me finish with her. Son Nathan Charles whichthe house are andfound. stairways. lives in Trumbull and daughter Elizabeth (Lisa/Leeza) lives in New Cut back and trim any overgrowth around Other 4400.Advice/responses will be made by: Geoff York. Linda leaves two granddaughters, Jackie Nasser Baia (Paul) and Hausmann RE/MAX on the Bay, 860-443- Stacey Nasser, her daughter-in-law, Lori, and the latest edition to her family, her great grandson, Sam Baia. Linda loved being around him Don’t forget about the trees. Heavy snow on Now available is a Jewish holiday magnet. and he always brought a smile to her face. In addition to Raquel, she is thethere trees are couldany issues. cause damage to your house or This860-443-4400 magnet gives or you all the Jewish holidays alsoSo survived this is what’s by her happening wonderful with sisters my Vickifamily; Mustri what’s and happening Rosita Chayo with bring down power wires. Trim tree limbs before form 3 for years. your Please free magnet. contact Geoff Hausmann at yours?of Mexico. Geoff@CallTheHouseMan. Line your driveway with reflective markers. co 14 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 UNREPENTANT SOCIALIST, Carter urges FIDEL CASTRO, 90 Obama to By Andrew Silow-Carroll, JTA recognize Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, whose 49-year rule was ‘Palestine’ marked by an anti-Israel stance to match his deep antagonism to By Ron Kampeas, JTA the United States and the west, is dead at age 90. - hisHis death brother late Friday and successorevening, November since he stepped25. back - from power in 2008, President Raul Castro, announced- Jimmy Carter urged Presi dent Barack Obama to recog Under the Castros Jews in Cuba were extended re nize a state of Palestine before ligious freedoms and receive special rations from the- leaving office. government for kosher meat, although the community,- theWriting former presidentMonday, Nov. said be28,- like much of the island nation, remains fairly impover in a New York Times op-ed, ished. Castro, who seized power- in 1959, set his coun try firmly against the Jewish state. fore Donald Trump assumes In 1966, he opened guer the presidency on Jan. 20, the- rillalifelong training relationship camps with for Obituaries United States should back a Schechter walk-a-thon Palestinians, beginning a Unitedthe parameters Nations Securityof a two-state Coun cil resolution that lays down- On November 23, 2016, Solomon Schechter Academy held its the Palestinians and their - annual Walk-a-Thon and collected non-perishable food items for late leader, Yasser Arafat.- solution, including the rejec- the Jewish Federation Food Pantry. The children had lots of fun Speaking to the First Party tion of Israeli settlement be on the walk where they were joined by some parents and pets. Congress of the Cuban Com yond the 1967 lines and guar- After they got back to school, they enjoyed hot cocoa with monkey munist Party in 1975, two years after antees for Israeli security. bread and brownies. They also read a story and showed Thanks- breaking off diplomatic relations with as The a state, resolution as several would other rec giving themed artwork they had made. Israel and assisting the Syrians in the ognize the Palestinian entity 1973a man Yom we deeplyKippur love War and against admire Israel, and to whom we have always LUNCHEON CONT. FROM PAGE 2 Castroshown declaredour solidarity.” that “Yasser Arafat is countries have already done. - Otherwise, said Carter, who - - brokered the 1978 Camp Da Jane, Flossie Betten, Joan Gordon and Phyllis Bienstock are Cuba co-sponsored a 1975 United Nations resolution equating vidsolution peace is at accords risk. between consummate chefs. They have traveled to Europe to study culi Zionism with racism. In 1991, Cuba voted against a U.N. resolu Egypt and Israel, the two-state nary arts and are also planning a culinary trip to Israel. tion revoking the Zionism-equals-racism resolution. At the first The Angel Luncheon was a brainchild of the quartet - a way to- U.N. World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, “This is the best — now, raise money for Hadassah’s projects while enjoying the art and in 2001, Castro called on delegates to “put an end to the ongoing perhaps, the only — means beauty of food and its presentation, friendship and collegial dis - genocide against the Palestinian people” by Israel. of countering the one-state cussion. The Cuban government’s official newspaper, the Communist reality that Israel is imposing- President Carol Curland thanked the chefs on behalf of the Party’s Granma, consistently has maintained an anti-Israel edi on itself and the Palestinian chapter: “The luncheon was fabulous. The food, the setting and torial stance. ThereSANDRA are currently fewer LEVY than 1,000 Jews living in people,” Carter wrote. “Recog the hostesses were 5-star. They created a wonderful memory for Cuba, down from about 30,000 in the 1950s. nition of Palestine and a new uswas - a perfectgreat one.” setting with warmth, love, gourmet food and new East Lyme Securitybut a natural Council outgrowth resolution of and old friends. Hadassah has so many special moments and this are not radical new measures, - Sandra Levy, 81, of 39 Carriage Hill Drive, Niantic, state solution.” died Thurs., Nov. 24, 2016, at Bayview Healthcare in Waterford. America’s support for a two- She was born July 11, 1935, in New London, the daughter of - Nathan and Pearl (Lubchansky) Kirsch. Mrs. Levy had worked Obama has indicated that for the City of New London police department as a records clerk. he would be reluctant to ad She is a member of Cong. Ahavath Chesed and Hadassah. vancealthough any administrationmajor new policies of- Emanu-El Brotherhood’s Sandra is survived by her husband, Eugene Levy, who she during his lame-duck period,- married Aug. 21, 1958, in New London; a daughter, Amy Levy of sibility that he may try to re- Annual Hanukah Latke Dinner Worcester, Mass.; and a brother, Michael Kirsch of Westport. ficials have left open the pos Funeral services were held at noon Sunday, Nov. 27, at the Potato Latkes, Brisket with Vegetables, Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London. Burial- inforce his commitment to a Salad and Chicken Wings and more! followed in Congregation Ahavath Chesed Cemetery, Waterford. two-state outcome. A memorial observance was held at her late residence. Contri Sunday, December 18 @ 5:00 PM Israel’s government rejects Social Hall at Temple Emanu-El butions in her memory may be made to Congregation Ahavath outsidehave said pressure they would to finalize favor a Chesed,a memory. 590 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320. deal,U.N. intervention. while the Palestinians EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS WELCOME! Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guest book or to share - Start the season early with good food, friends, and family - $15 per person ****** $35 for three or more A Security Council resolu tion would have the force of in- Please RSVP for planning by Monday, December 5 ternational law, even if Trump, Pay at the door for either Family or Individual is $5 more Call Temple Emanu-El at 860-443-3005 to make Reservations 136 Sachem Street as president, rescinds any rec ognition of a Palestinian state. Memorial Norwich CT 06360 SEND YOUR 860-889-2374 SUBSCRIPTION Annual Temple Travel Raffle Fax 860-886-2396 WITHOUT IT, THERE to be drawn at 6 PM CAN BE NO JEWISH LEADER Alvin Sher [email protected] and Scott Zettler [email protected] THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 15 TEDDY WEINBERGER It’s not just an adventure © 2016, Teddy Weinberger But the army often has a way of spoiling the the possibility that you

In 1976, when I was 15, a company called Bates Advertising - a time of war, serving came up with one of the longest-running slogans ever: “Navy. It’s fun, such as by having you hold one side of a very- mayin the be called reserves up during seems Not Just a Job, It’s An Adventure.” The slogan officially ran until heavy stretcher while trekking, or by schedul- like a pretty good short- 1986.word hasWhile been I did forgotten not enlist by in many the Navy, people, the though slogan theypowerfully do re- ing your martial arts class right upon the con influencedmember that how the I viewedslogan had military something service to (interestingly, do with the military). the first clusion of an exhausting 10-mile run, or by stag ingof ammunition shooting practice strapped in the to rainyou, and or bycold, holding or by termthe military job. and never having you set up camouflage with 40 pounds I have never served in With my childhood memories of protests against the Vietnam War receding, I was captivated more and more by the machoism- your helicopter ride at 3:00 a.m. When you start will, and so I am jealous of military service. Of course, following the slogan’s lead, I didn’t tofun investigate, and more like each something of the “fun” that elements you would in notthe of my friends and of my children who have. And actually think of it as service but as some kind of glamorous, ex- life of an elite combat soldier start to look less my four other children (all non-combatants) citing life for which you get paid. join me in being jealous of Elie. If Elie’s service It’s been hard for me to break this childish view of the mili choose to do unless it was a job and/or for an is simply a very dangerous job, then this would tary, although now, with one of my children in a combat unit, I extremely good cause. be puzzling, but of course it’s not just that. Elie- have learned to think of the military not just as an adventure but Once you get into the military reserves, the and the other combat soldiers see to it that the as a job—and in Elie’s case, a very demanding and dangerous jobhow seemsthe reserves much morehave thrown worth it.your Though life into you a people of Israel remain safe. As such, elite com job. Still, when listening to Elie tell of his service, I am tempted are supposed to complain to your wife about bat solders like Elie are accorded the deepest to think at times: Cool, that sounds like fun! In truth, some of the respect in Israeli society. things that Elie does do sound highly appealing: trekking in the- tizzy,buddies, plenty and of the men State welcome is supposed the opportunity to reimburse to For a person who never got a chance at such- woods, practicing martial arts, going to a shooting range with a changeyou for theirthe salary routine that and you to would see their have old earned army aings position are quite (such minor, as my hardlychildren even and felt, me), when this variety of powerful weapons, studying and implementing cam - can stir up feelings of jealousy. But those feel- ouflage techniques, riding in jeeps and helicopters, learning how toFormer scan and “read” foreignP.M. terrain, Barak etc. accuses had you not been called up to the reserves (dur compared to our love for him and to our feel ing your mandatory service you are paid only a ing extremely proud of him. And recently Elie Netanyahu of inciting token amount; Elie, at the high end of the scale, was selected to be one of the trainers of new receives about $427 a month). If we put aside recruits to his unit—so we are even prouder. against Arabs 20% OFF By Times of Israel Staff Please join WITH Hadassah for Former prime minister Ehud Barak sharply criticized Prime THIS AD a Special Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on saying he was “possessed” by a- “nationalist spirit” that posed a threat to Israel’s future. Chanukah Speaking at a publicity event for a new book by former mili ALL PRINTING Program tary intelligence chief Shlomo Gazit, Barak said that Netanyahu’s right-wing ideology endangered Israel’s existence. SERVICES “The nationalist spirit of the leaders of the right, chief among them Netanyahu, is the central threat today to Israel’s future, its identity, its cohesiveness, and its strength,” Barak said. andHe populist” charged vision. that the current right-wing coalition was sowing COPY division in Israeli society in the service of its “dark nationalist- CATS Monday,Open Meeting December with Lite19, Fare6 PM “The leaders of the right in the government headed by Netan 458 Williams St., New London $10 per person yahu are afraid,” Barak said, and this fear causes them to “only • 442-8424 • www/copy- see black and white, but primarily black,” and “nurtures a feeling- catsnl.com RSVP: [email protected] of limitless victimhood.” Barak also accused Netanyahu and members of his govern Norwich Inn Villa Clubhouse ment of exploiting the recent wave of fires, some of which are believed to have been caused by Arab arsonists, to incite against- Israel’s Arab population. Energy Saving “It is clear and agreed upon that arsonists and inciters of ar son need to be dealt with an iron hand,” he said, but cautioned Windows & Doors! that those behind the arson “do not represent Arab Israelis or Order Factory Direct! the Palestinian people,” Haaretz reported him as saying. Barak pointed to the assistance provided by Jordan, Egypt, Vinyl Replacement & and the Palestinians in helping to extinguish the fires that broke New Construction Windows out across Israel over the past week, as well as the numerous Israeli Arab families who hosted Jewish residents of areas that Storm Windows & Commercial Aluminum were evacuated. Barak has been one of Netanyahu’s most vociferous critics Professional Installation Available since leaving politics in 2013. His last government post was Railings & Fences of Many Styles as defense minister in Netanyahu’s government from 2009 to- 2013. 860.848.9258 • www.alltimemfg.com In a September Washington Post op-ed, Barak accused Ne tanyahu of “reckless conduct” that purportedly damaged Israel’s strategic position and threatened its existence, and said Israel Since 1946 could have obtained a more favorable military aid package from the US if not for Netanyahu’s fraught relations with US President Barack Obama. 16 THE JEWISH LEADER, DECEMBER 2, 2016 Fatah unanimously re-elects Abbas as party leader By AFP, Times of Israel - - and its central committee, which will begin Friday, near Ramallah on Tuesday with those recently dis Fatah unanimously re-elected Palestinian Author- willown signalunpopularity the direction and internal the oldest dissent. Palestinian party missedthreats. from the party had been called off after ity President Mahmoud Abbas to a new five-year will take at a time when Abbas is weakened by his threats “from the security services,” including death termyear term.as party leader on Tuesday, at its first confer - ence since 2009, when he was last elected for a five- Some analysts see the five-day party congress now Jibril Rajoub, a former intelligence chief, current- underway in Ramallah as an attempt by Abbas to headponents of the and Palestinian dissidents” Football had not Association been invited, and butFa Party official and Palestinian National Council marginalize political opponents, including longtime tah central committee member, acknowledged “op chairman Salim Zanoun asked the gathering to elect rival and former ally Mohammad Dahlan, currently in- - the 81-year-oldFive-day Abbas congress “by consensus.” in Ramal- exiletion of in steppingthe United aside Arab anytime Emirates. soon, talk of who will said “the priority is to hold the congress.” While the ageing leader has said he has no inten Rajoub also said the gathering will provide an op lah could signal future for - portunity to update the party’s structures. party, talks with Israel and sor.eventually succeed him as Palestinian president has “The system from the 1960s no longer works in- Hamas reconciliation efforts intensified. He has not publicly designated a succes- 2016,” he told AFP. were“We in have the diaspora to take into and accountwe are now the currenton national circum soil. Observers have seen the reduced number of offi stances. The current system was created when we - cials to vote — down from more than 2,000 in 2009 have a state.” — as part of a move to exclude Dahlan supporters. - It was put in place at a revolutionary stage. Now we The hundreds of delegates stood up and applaud Dimitri Diliani, elected to Fatah’s revolutionary - ed Abbas, who then hugged Zanoun. council, or parliament, in 2009, said he was not in Saeb Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organization Abbas was scheduled to give an address at 6 p.m. vited to the congress like dozens of others because secretaryleaders for general the next and stage.” Fatah central committee mem to an expected 1,400 delegates. “we bring a different voice.” ber, said the congress will allow the party to “choose The election of members of Fatah’s parliament He said a press conference set for a refugee camp IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING. 5HEXLOG THAT’S WHY 5HYLYH THERE’S 5HLQYHQW-HZLVK /LIH"

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