January-February 2015 | Tevet-Adar 5775, Vol. LXX, No. 1 YJS Creating Jewish Connections Jamie Cahn, the Savannah Jewish away and some people no longer fit berg. Federation’s new Campaign Director, the age demographic. I started call- “I felt a longing for a connection had barely set foot in Savannah late ing and emailing the ones that were to the Jewish community here,” said last July when she was tasked with left and whoever responded I took Jennifer Ozer, a young attorney orig- reviving the languishing Young Jew- out for coffee,” Cahn said. The people inally from South Florida. “After be- ish Savannah (YJS) program. Begun she met with told her what kind of ing contacted by Jamie and invited about seven years ago, of late YJS had connection to community they were to attend a wonderful Young Jewish Candle Lighting Times been suffering looking for Savannah event I felt an unfamiliar from a shortage and also con- surge of excitement as I attended Friday, January 16 5:25pm of volunteer nected her to my first YJS mixer and immediate- Friday, January 23 5:32pm leadership and others. ly was surrounded by young pro- Friday, January 30 5:38pm staffing chang- Her original fessionals who all shared the same Friday, February 6 5:45pm es that had list of about desire to connect with other young Friday, February 13 5:51pm left the group 40 Jewish Jews. I wound up meeting a group of Friday, February 20 5:57pm without its young adults wonderful, intelligent, warm and in- Friday, February 27 6:03pm own dedicated has grown spiring people I now consider close professional to more than friends.” overseer. 130 today. Cahn says that now she gets ‘leads’ But with Ja- She says, “We on new people to contact from all In this Issue Jennifer Ozer, Lauren and Adam Fins celebrate mie’s arrival, Chanukah at the Vodka Latke YJS event found there kinds of sources: a community mem- Letters to the Editor, p2 “we had an op- are a lot of ber who met a cashier in the grocery Federation President’s message, p3 portunity to rev up again a program young Jews here that we didn’t know store who turned out to be Jewish; Executive Director’s message, p3 that had gotten off to a very success- about – and who didn’t know about a Federation board member whose Four Questions, p5 ful start only a few years ago,” said us! And the work has just begun.” husband’s fraternity brother’s daugh- Movie Spiel, p6 Adam Solender, Executive Director The Board of Governors of the Sa- ter just moved to town (got that?); Lasting Legacies, p6 of the Federation. vannah Jewish Federation, the spon- the list goes on. She says that if you I on Israel, p8 YJS is aimed at young adults in their soring organi- know of some- JEA Centerpiece 20s and 30s, from all walks of Jew- zation for YJS, “I think it’s fantastic that Young one you want It’s a Funny Thing, p13 ish life – all religious streams; single, was thrilled Jewish Savannah has been rejuve- her to call, just Condolences, p15 coupled or married – with or without by the quick nated. It provides a great opportu- let her know. children; all sexual orientations; and progress Cahn nity for young Jewish adults to meet, She won’t wait Upcoming Events interfaith families. All are welcome. was making. mingle and learn together. It has to hear from Joan & Murray Gefen Memorial Its stated goal is “to provide mean- “Engaging ev- allowed me to fill some of the Jewish them first. Savannah Jewish Film Festival, ingful opportunities for engagement ery generation connection that has been missing Not want- January 21st – 31st — See the complete in the Jewish community through is so important ing there to be since my years in youth group and schedule of films and events on page 9. social and professional networking, to the future of any financial – community service, Judaic and lead- our communi- summers at sleep-away camp.” barriers for Hospice Specialist Dr. Thomas Smith Steven Richman, Gulfstream Flight Test speaks Friday, January 30th at the JEA — ership programs.” ty. Young Jew- young adults See details on page 11. Cahn, who is 30 and falls right into ish Savannah is Assistant Project Engineer to attend YJS the target demographic herself, im- succeeding by events, the SJF JEA Family Super Bowl Party, mediately set about getting to know reaching out and bringing a young- Board made a decision to fully fund February 1st — See details on page 5. some of the people who might like to er generation together. Establishing all YJS events. “The Board felt very JNF Hosts a Special Briefing on Israel participate. She found a list from 2011 those relationships is critical,” said on February 22nd – See details on page 7. in her files. “Some people had moved Federation President Steve Green- continued on page 4

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To the Editor: The case for Israel is being lost be- of Israel. Obama was naive and pre- Dear Savannah Jewish Federation: Savannah Jewish News cause tired and worn past strategies, mature in his quest to bring about a which worked when Israel was the two-state solution. When circum- Thank you for your generous con- Published by the ‘victim,’ are failing. When Israel was stances proved this to be the case tribution to The Lone Soldier Center Savannah Jewish Federation 5111 Abercorn Street the underdog the world embraced Obama became petulant and sought in memory of Michael Levin. Savannah, GA 31405 it and felt empathy for the little be- to blame Israel, citing Netanyahu and There are over 5,900 lone soldiers (912) 355-8111 sieged nation. Once Israel began con- settlements as the culprit(s). serving in the IDF today, from 51 www.savj.org sistently defeating its enemies, world Finally, the Arab world has become countries all over the world. Aside SJF President: Steve Greenberg opinion shifted and began to support more adept at twisting world opin- from the everyday rigors of serving in SJF President-elect: Sherry Dolgoff SJF Vice President: Allan Ratner Israel’s ‘victims.’ The world loves the ion. They have manipulated youth on the army, these young men and wom- SJF Secretary/Treasurer: Margie Levy victim! American campuses, been expert at en struggle with many hardships due SJF Executive Director: Adam Solender

As the collective West is hard deceiving the press and media by re- to the fact that they have no immedi- SJN Editor: Lynn Levine pressed, no longer as strong as it fusing them access unless they were ate family support in the country. once was and their Muslim popu- sympathetic in their reporting and This past year alone, thanks to The objectives of the Savannah Jewish lations are growing and it is being the list and positive effect of Arab generous donors like you, we have News are to foster a sense of community among the Jewish people of Savannah by effectively challenged by committed propaganda is endless. succeeded in providing guidance sharing ideas, information, experiences and Jihadists, it is tired and seeks to place When supporters of Israel do not and counseling, Shabbat and holiday opinions, and to promote the agencies, external blame. Israel has become cower in the face of the above and meals, educational programming and projects and mission of the Savannah Jewish Federation. the whipping boy. That is not to say meet the attacks head on and learn household furniture and appliances everything Israel does is right. How- to present Israel’s legitimate case of to thousands of lone soldiers in need. The Savannah Jewish News is published monthly ten times per year, with a deadline ever, when you do not have a legit- having to deal with world hypocrisy, for submissions of the 3rd of the month be- imate and trustworthy negotiating it proves the right course of action. In appreciation and gratitude! fore publication. There are no February partner and that partner has learned This is why I continue to present The soldiers, staff and volunteers of or August issues. All articles for the Winter and Summer issues should be submitted intransigence wins, the problem for the other side and will continue to the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Cen- by December 8th or June 8th, respectively.

Israel mounts. Furthermore, when do so because I fervently believe the ter All submissions must be in MS Word format Israel has been willing to give in to unwarranted attacks on Israel are (articles) or pdf format with fonts embedded demands it has had its hand bitten symptomatic of a greater threat - the (advertisements). All color must be in the CMYK color format; all type in true black; and had to deal with escalating ter- survival of the West and America and photos in .jpg format. rorist attacks. the freedoms we enjoy. Please send all SJN materials to: Finally, Obama has proven a re- [email protected] luctant and often unreliable friend Dick Berkowitz Please send eNews submissions to: [email protected]

Neither the publisher nor the editor can assume any responsibility for the kashrut of Scout Troop Forming Don’t forget… the services or merchandise advertised in this paper. If you have questions regarding The Savannah Jewish News kashrut, please consult your rabbi. The joy- The JEA troop will be dedicated ous sights to teaching the foundations of Girl is online at www.savj.org. All materials published in the Savannah and sounds Scouts and is open to everyone. It will Jewish News are Copyright © 2015 Tell your out-of-town family & friends! Savannah Jewish Federation, all rights of Girl have a Jewish edge and will actively Back issues through December 2007. reserved, unless noted otherwise. Scouts once pursue patches from the National again will Jewish Committee on Girl Scouting. Savannah Jewish Federation Mission Statement be present Meetings will be held on Sundays in the JEA. or Wednesdays at the JEA. If you are Charged with raising, collecting and distrib- uting funds, the SJF seeks to "advance the Troop 30618 is forming and will be interested in finding out more about Correction welfare of the total Jewish community." The open to Daisies (K-first grade) and this exciting new troop, please email Federation strongly supports Israel and world Brownies (grades 2-3). Troop leaders [email protected]. Jake Paderewski, who wrote in Jewry. Additionally, the organization strives to "preserve the civil, political, economic and Ms. Michelle (Allan) and Ms. April The first meeting is planned for December about his experiences religious rights of all Jews" to develop an (Komendat) said that with enough Sunday, January 18th, at 2pm at the this past summer at Camp Cole- articulate, intelligent and constructive Jewish interest, there is the possibility to go JEA. Please RSVP to Ms. Michelle, man, is the son of Amy and Michael community and to promote mutual under- standing with the community at-large. ahead and open the troop to Juniors [email protected]. Paderewski. We regret the error. (grades 4-5).

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912-373-8356 | riversedgeretirement.com ©2014 HARVEST MANAGEMENT SUB LLC 21995 Savannah www.savj.org jewish news January - February 2015 | Page 3 Being Jewish Standing with Cuba One of the do have an influence… not necessarily It was just over projects. advantages of on the content of his decisions but on a year ago that 38 Some holding an office the values that underlay his feelings members of the of them in the Savannah as a judge. I have thought about his Savannah and were Jewish Feder- point since then and the Jewish mind Charleston Jew- creating Steve Greenberg. ation is seeing, does make a difference – from the Ten Adam Solender ish communities small President, hearing and Commandments to the simple desire Executive Director of set off to visit water- Savannah Jewish learning from to be ethical, moral and, simply, do JEA/SJF Cuba. While ev- colors Federation many different the right thing by our fellow man and eryone was anx- with perspectives of woman. ious to visit the “forbidden island” of Jewish themes. None of them were Judaism. It is educational, it is en- The other example is of a gentleman Cuba itself, we were focused on see- particularly well done, but I felt the lightening and, at the end of the day, who called me one day to make an ap- ing the Jewish community of Cuba. need to buy one. Others were knit- a unique experience. Each person in pointment for a will. He was Jewish Our group spent Kabbalat Shabbat ting squares (again, with a Jewish this community has his or her own (since deceased several years ago). in Santiago de Cuba. The service was theme). I’m not sure if they were story, own background, own feelings, We had some small talk and as part led by a layman, some of it in Span- supposed to be hung or to be used and each is to be respected. But oc- of that discussion he expressed his ish and some in Hebrew. Needless as pot holders. I was going to pur- casionally situations arise that bring negative feelings about Jewish com- to say, our group had a much easier chase one of the knitted pieces when the aspect of “being Jewish” into munities in cities where he had lived time with the Hebrew prayers and I saw a table across the room which greater relief and I offer two exam- during his career. I am not a psychol- songs. After services, the small group seemed to have some “sculptures.” ples for your consideration, from two ogist so I did not explore the reasons of locals immediately started moving When I walked across the room I completely different life experiences. he felt the way he did or what slights chairs, tables appeared “like magic,” found six Chanukiot/Menorahs that This past November I attended the might have occurred in his life. But I and soon we were gathered around some seniors had cleverly crafted out General Assembly of the Jewish Fed- explained how Savannah was differ- the tables singing the Kiddush over of spoons. When I asked the price of erations of North America. As an at- ent, what we had here and why being the wine and saying Motzi over the one, my jaw almost hit the ground... torney, I was particularly interested part of a community is always a two challah. Somehow, from somewhere not that it was so expensive, but by in the part of the program where Su- way street. I finally raised the ques- (the back? the basement?) dinner for their standards, it cost more than six preme Court Justices Stephen Breyer tion of just how he came to call me. the almost 50 people in attendance months of income for a typical Cu- and Elena Kagan were to appear. To A referral? He just happened to be showed up. We ate, we drank, we ban. The price was inconsequential… see two Supreme Court justices at walking by the office? His reply was shared, and when dinner was over, I wanted to help and I wanted the one time (and that he saw my we got to hear from Emma Farin Levy, menorah. After all, we were there not have to name in the one of the community leaders who to help and to stand with the Cuban worry about “…the Jewish mind does yellow pag- shared her (significant) challenges in Jewish community. oral arguments make a difference – from es. I took the keeping the flame of Judaism alive. I can’t help but think about what before them), bait and asked, Shabbat morning we made the 40 has happened in the past year. When who are both the Ten Commandments to why me? His mile journey from Santiago de Cuba my family lit the Cuban “Spoon Me- Jewish, was the simple desire to be eth- reply was, “I to Guantanamo. As our bus drove norah” (pictured within) on the very special. wanted a Jew- down a dirt road we passed horse second evening of Chanukah, we re- These are two ical, moral and simply do ish lawyer.” I drawn wagons and 1950s cars held flected on how much had changed in of the nine in- the right thing by our fellow took the bait together with ingenuity and old Rus- less than a year: After five long years, dividuals who a second time. sian car parts. We pulled up to the Alan Gross was freed from jail and decide cas- man and woman.” “Since you synagogue which was on the second President Obama announced the be- es which can have such neg- floor. While it didn’t look like any ginning of a process to restore inter- have a profound effect on our lives... ative feelings, why would you want synagogue we had ever seen before, national relations between Cuba and for generations. I hoped the discus- a Jewish lawyer?” The answer said it we saw a Magan David on the win- the United States. sion would at least give me a sense of all: “Because I know a Jewish lawyer dow and knew we “were home.” We The Jewish community of Cuba both and their thought processes. I will watch out for another Jewish were greeted by Rodolfo Mizrahi, has received incredible support over was not disappointed. person and I can trust in that.” the leader of the community (most of the past decades from the American Justice Breyer had, from a Jewish These are two people from two en- whom were related to him). We all Jewish Joint Distribution Committee standpoint, the most insightful per- tirely separate walks of life. But both squeezed into the modest sized room (the Savannah Jewish Federation’s spective. He was asked a question Jewish and both expressing why “be- and along with a few family mem- overseas partner in many countries about whether the Jewish precepts ing Jewish” makes a difference. It is a bers; Rodolfo led the service. When throughout the world) and many and experiences of his life influenced common theme that runs throughout it was over, we were treated to a love- Federation, JCC, and synagogue his work on the Supreme Court. I our entire community... from Federa- ly Oneg where, to our delight, 12 of groups that have travelled to Cuba very much expected an answer that tion to the JEA to our congregations the younger members of the congre- on “missions of mercy.” The Cubans professed impartiality and stressed and schools. We make a difference gation did classic Israeli and inter- who struggle to maintain a Jewish the role of the court as the third in our lives and the lives of others pretive dancing. presence and guard the Jewish legacy branch of government – a mini civ- because of what our Jewish values Later in the week we visited the of those that came before them from ics lesson. To my surprise, the judge stand for – what our history stands three synagogues in Havana. We Poland and Turkey, will continue to reflected on his teen age years when for and what our survival stands for. met Adela Dworkin, the president of need our help to rebuild their syna- he began to learn the meaning of tze- Sometimes it is on the surface and the Cuban Jewish community (who gogues, cemeteries, monuments and dakah. He talked about the ideas of sometimes, like the examples above, proudly has photos of herself with other infrastructure. They will con- justice and righteousness and trying it is below the surface but just as in- Fidel), Mayra Levy at the Centro tinue to need our assistance to learn, to create a better world. He touched fluential. We all lead busy lives but it Sefaradi synagogue who is working to celebrate, and remember. on the role of the rule of law in our is worth a few moments of our time tirelessly to support the community I, for one, will always have our Jew- society and the importance that it to stop, think and remind ourselves elders, and Jacob Berezniak at Adath ban brethren close to my heart every has to the existence of our civiliza- what makes us, and the community Israel, the only traditional Orthodox Chanukah when I light the “Spoon tion. He concluded by linking those in which we live, what we are. Jus- congregation in Cuba. Menorah” and know that the many feelings to his Jewish teachings. So, I tice Breyer and my client did that. It was at the Centro Sefaradi Syn- members of our community that took away that the answer was, yes, May we always do the same and con- agogue where we met a number of have travelled to Cuba over the past Justice Breyer’s religious teachings vey that to succeeding generations. the seniors who did different crafts decade feel the same way. Savannah Page 4 | January - February 2015 jewish news www.savj.org

Your Campaign Dollars at Work Jewish Connections...... from pg 1 strongly that there Jewish Cuba needed to be a sound As part of the 2014 Campaign and Allo- repairs, Sabbath meals, technical ed- investment in the cations process, the Savannah Jewish Fed- ucation for the young, classes on Jew- younger generation eration reapproved the Seed Funding Grant ish religion and culture, and special in our community,” program whereby community members rec- services for the elderly and infirm. Greenberg said. “It ommend overseas agencies to receive $500 JCC also makes presentations is a long term invest- mini-grants, with up to 20 being approved. in the U.S. so that others can learn ment and has to be so Eighteen submissions were made this year about the spiritual and economic to ultimately reap the and this continues our introduction to you needs of the Cuban Jewish communi- dividends. I believe of the grant recipients. ty and sponsors missions to provide the policy will stay in Adam Johnson, Jonathan Coker, Carolyn Oppenheimer With the release last month of Alan religious, fraternal, and humanitarian and Marlene Seidman at A Taste of the New Year place for the foresee- Gross, who had been held prisoner support. able future.” Adam Johnson, the Coordinator in Cuba for five years after being ar- Though attendees do not have to of Writing Services at SCAD, said, rested while helping bring Internet Comunidad Hebrea Hatikva pay for events, they are asked to par- “YJS has been a great way to network services to the Jewish community of A small, poor but vibrant Jewish ticipate in a “mitzvah of the month” with others in our community. I’ve Cuba, it seemed a good time to spot- congregation in Santiago de Cuba, it which may be a food drive, a $5 dona- especially enjoyed our PB&J series, light the Cuban recipients of 2014 celebrated the reopening of its syna- tion to be allocated by the group or a which allows us to discuss how we Seed Funding Grants. gogue in July, 1995. As they wrote on toy drive at the holidays. approach some of the hot-button their website — the first for a Cuban The first event for what Cahn calls topics that affect us as young Jews.” Jewish Cuba Connection Jewish congregation — “After many a “reJEWvenated” YJS was their Taste Other events have included Sushi The mission of Jewish Cuba Con- years of silence we were able to listen of the New Year event on September & Sake in the Sukkah, Schmooze & Strikes nection (JCC) is to assist, support, to the sound of the shofar announcing 17th. Twenty-eight people and Rabbis bowling and Vodka Latke at Bar•Food. and empower the Jewish commu- loudly to all the descendants of Abra- Haas and Barkan met at Savannah Participants rolled their own sushi in nities of Cuba through fellowship ham that the people of Israel were Wine Cellar for wine tasting, hors the JEA sukkah and enjoyed bowling and action. It alive in Santi- d’oeuvres and socializing. Cahn says and Happy Hour at Frames & Games was found- ago de Cuba!” the immediate feedback was “great.” in Pooler. In what Cahn called “the ed by Stanley Today, the One person got a High Holidays in- very definition of public space Juda- Falkenstein, community vitation and another called her the ism,” 35 people celebrated Chanukah who went to has a Hebrew next day to say that one program a at Bar•Food, complete with the light- Cuba in De- School, shares month would not be enough. ing of the menorah and delicious lat- cember 2000 a kiddush kes. on a Jewish lunch and “In the last year and a half, there’s humanitarian Torah lesson been an influx of young Jews into Sa- mission to de- each week af- vannah that had been unrecognized, liver material ter Shabbat unrepresented and underserved,” aid, prayer services and books and has formed said Adam Fins of Friedman’s Fine Girls celebrate their Bnai Mitzvah together at the Art, himself a relative newcomer to other neces- Guantanamo Jewish Center two Israe- the city. “Jamie has done a great job of sities of life li folk dance seeking them out and crafting events to the small, vibrant but struggling troupes for its youth. that are inclusive, interesting, educa- Jewish communities of Cuba. During tional and socially responsible, which this mission, Stan met Aaron, a se- Guantanamo Jewish Center in turn generates good attendance. nior in Havana who said, “Please do The Jewish community in Guanta- I’ve very much enjoyed the PB&J dis- two things for me. Please help us and namo is small but determined to re- cussions I’ve attended, finding good please tell our story to the Diaspora.” main active and committed to their discussion about relevant Jewish is- Stan founded JCC upon his return to faith, despite a dire need for funds sues in my life.” the U.S. to perpetuate their communal life. So what impact has Young Jewish Although Aaron died two years Guantanamo has the largest Jewish Savannah had on Jamie Cahn’s life? later, JCC fulfills his plea by helping population in Cuba outside of Hava- “I barely knew anyone when I first the community provide its members na, but struggles to maintain the ser- moved here,” she said. “Through the with monthly food baskets, prescrip- vices necessary to preserve a Jewish coffees and events, I’ve made a great tion medications and eyeglasses, sup- community. group of friends.” plemental income support, funding Sabrina Simon and Abigail Losch roll their own for synagogue, cemetery, and home sushi at Sushi & Sake in the Sukkah

That message was heard. YJS pro- The perfect way to share time with your children gramming includes two events each month — a standing program, PB&J, while sharing our heritage and learning the values of Judaism. every third Monday and anoth- Sign up today and receive a top-rated Jewish book or CD free every month! er social event. PB&J – Pizza, Beer & Judaism – is held at the JEA and The PJ Library in Greater Savannah is a gift of young adults are invited for casual Available to children 6 months to 8 years old Jane Slotin, Nancy and Leon Slotin, but meaningful discussion on differ- the Savannah Jewish Federation and ent topics related to Judaism such as the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Jewish values in the workplace, tat- toos, intermarriage, conversion and Go to www.savj.org more. More than 30 unique individ- to register for The PJ Library uals have attended the four sessions It’s FREE! held thus far. Savannah www.savj.org jewish news January - February 2015 | Page 5

back here and have been pursuing de- start with children as young as first veloping solar farms in the southeast grade – and have them witness these for the last two years. The U.S. offers powerful, impactful individuals, a more stabilized portfolio compared some of whom came from less fortu- to the African countries we work in. nate backgrounds, we hope that this Energiya USA was incorporated in will help guide and motivate these Georgia Pow- real estate market crumbled and val- June of 2013. children’s futures. We hope it sparks er (GP) recently ues began to come down, solar farms an interest at that young age in what executed a 20- made even more sense to me, but I How did Energiya Global and Energiya we’re doing and that they’ll be in- year Power Pur- needed to learn more about it and I USA first begin the strategizing and nego- terested throughout their education chase Agreement was hard-pressed to find an educa- tiating with Georgia Power that led to this and pursue their newfound passion with Energiya tional opportunity in the direction I deal? in trade school or university. USA, the U.S. af- wanted to go in the U.S. I got hooked My personal thought and hope is filiate of Israel’s up with MASA and their Career Isra- This project came to fruition as the that if you change one child’s life, you David Herskovits Energiya Glob- el program [a 5-month professional result of us responding to their Ad- have the ability to change an entire al Capital. The internship] and went with the goal vanced Solar Initiative (ASI) Request community. There is a large gap in agreement calls for Energiya to con- of developing a relationship with an for Proposals, ultimately winning a educational resources between the struct and maintain a 17.68 MW solar Israeli company to deploy solar in the bid and moving through that pro- coastal and inland communities in field in Glynn County, GA. Known USA. cess. We competed against every big Glynn County and we hope to make as Project Glynn, the field is the I expected to work for an inverter player in the USA as well as a number a difference there. first solar farm of “utility-scale” size manufacturer but cancelled that po- of major international outfits for the We will be doing a STEM program in southeast Georgia and will serve sition to pursue working with Yosef contract. You could certainly say it of one sort or another in every com- Glynn County and the surrounding Abramowitz, Weldon Turner and the was a David and Goliath atmosphere munity that we work in; this was not areas. Energiya Global team. It’s hard to put where we played David as an ex- required by the RFP – it is part of our We spoke with David Herskovits, into words the feelings of integrity tremely entrepreneurial and cost-ef- company’s DNA. CEO of Energiya USA. and determination that hit you when fective smaller outfit. Herskovits, 31, was Vice-President you enter their offices. Their entre- Yosef Abramowitz, president and of International Business Develop- preneurial spirit grabbed hold of me Your company announced that as part co-founder of Energiya Global, is a well- ment for Energiya Global in Israel and I said no thank you to a number of the plans for this project it also would be known Jewish thinker and activist and prior to establishing Energiya USA to of other opportunities that MASA creating a STEM (Science, Technology, En- many of the other top executives at Energi- develop projects in North America. had set up for me so I could pursue gineering & Mathematics) program, in con- ya Global and USA are Jewish. Do Jewish Energiya also expects to have three the unknown terrain in Africa and junction with your partners, for the Glynn teachings and values influence your corpo- projects of significant size completed abroad with Energiya. It ended up be- County school system. Why was this import- rate culture, values and/or decision mak- in North Carolina by the end of 2016 ing an incredible learning experience ant to you? ing? and a pipeline of projects throughout on a number of levels and ultimately I the Southeastern USA by 2017. Da- worked my way up to Vice-President It was extremely important to me Without a doubt. Our COO is an vid holds a B.S. in Entrepreneurship of International Business Develop- because I believe in order for Ameri- ordained rabbi and an impactful and Emerging Enterprises from The ment where I was overseeing a num- ca and the southeast to keep up with mentor. My personal moral compass Whitman School of Management, ber of country managers. competing nations we need to give for both life and business decisions Syracuse University. But my goal was always to go to our youth an opportunity to learn is guided by my Jewish upbringing. Israel to learn and bring that knowl- impactful and useful information to The idea of tikkun olam is something You’ve been with Energiya for 3-1/2 years. edge back to America with newfound develop trade sets into flourishing Energiya cherishes and tries to bring Tell us how you got started there and what Israeli partners. I believe very strong- careers. Furthermore, it is a passion to every place we work. Our projects it’s been like. ly in the State of Israel but I also be- of mine to have an impact on disen- in Africa provide health care for an lieve very strongly in helping America franchised and impoverished com- orphanage in Rwanda and support I was in real estate prior to the mar- get back on track and become more munities at the youngest age possible for a hospital in Nigeria. Like the ket crash and was fascinated with self reliant for energy through the de- in order to give those children the STEM project, these are just exam- solar energy and the possibility of de- velopment of renewable sources. ability to journey on paths that may ples of our dedication to our Jewish veloping unutilized agricultural land The U.S. market was previously differentiate from the examples they values. for renewable energy production. I not a priority for Energiya, but my ul- witness in their communities. By noticed a surplus of flat, cleared land timate goal had always been to devel- bringing scientists and engineers to in the southeast. Especially as the op solar power in the USA so I came the classrooms – and we’re hoping to

Feb. 1, 2015

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Savannah Page 6 | January - February 2015 jewish news www.savj.org Lasting Legacies

Even in the fever-pitched pace of established the Herta and Warner Dan- the world today, a traditional gift to ziger Family Fund at the Jewish Com- the Savannah Jewish Federation con- munity Foundation of Savannah “for tinues to be a sure means of providing the purpose of supporting the annual cam- AKA Doc Pomus for the continuity of the Jewish com- paign [of the Savannah Jewish Feder- munity. Many people recognize this ation] as a lasting legacy from Herta and You can dance every dance with the guy with their generosity to the Federa- Warner Danziger.” Who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight tion, year-after-year, knowing that Every year, thanks to Herta’s gen- You can smile every smile for the man the money will be used for commu- erosity and foresight, a gift is made to Who held your hand ‘neath the pale moonlight nity programs and support for other the Federation’s Annual Campaign agencies that keep Jewish life thriv- in the names of Herta and Warner Bonnie Strongin You might have ing and Jewish lives surviving. Danziger. Every year, their names thought that Je- Herta and Warner Danziger knew appear on the Honor Roll of donors. rome Felder (1925-1991), aka Doc first-hand the significance of a strong Herta recognized the ongoing value Pomus, had too many strikes against Jewish community. The young cou- and importance of a unified source of him to make much of his life. After all, ple was born polio had struck him when he was in Germany just six years old, and he was sen- and was liv- tenced to a life of crippling disability, ing there in never far from his crutches or wheel- 1938 when Jerome Felder, aka Doc Pomus chair. the call came Born to Jewish immigrants in With collaborator Mort Schuman, for Warner Brooklyn, NY, his childhood pho- their songs hit the charts, second to report to tos always pictured him leaning only to songwriters Leiber and the local Ge- up against a wall or holding on to a Stoller. Doc wrote over a thousand stapo head- fence. He wanted to look like the oth- songs. He had to. “To be a successful quarters. er guys. songwriter, you have to write songs… Herta was At the age of 15, he happened to It’s some kind of terrible force, some- terrified she hear Big Joe Turner’s recording of times it’s out of control. You have to might never Piney Brown Blues. “It changed my life,” keep writing.” see her hus- This is a picture of a German kindergarten class from Herta Danziger’s he said, and he found himself hooked Among his most remembered songs band again. on the blues. Changing his name from Warner’s materials at the Savannah Jewish Archives. Presumably she is the child in the are: Can’t Get Used to Losing You (Andy front row marked with an “x.” Jerry Felder to Doc Pomus so his Williams); This Magic Moment (The father had mother wouldn’t see his name on a Drifters); A Teenager in Love (Dion and papers that would allow the family to funding for the community. But per- club marquee, he cut about 40 sides the Belmonts); Suspicion (Elvis Pres- enter the United States, but they all haps more significantly for the Dan- on the old 78 RPM records before he ley); Up on the Roof (The Drifters). worried that they may have waited zigers, she knew the great beauty switched to songwriting. John Lennon came to meet him; El- too long to leave Germany. Luckily, of being able to leave an everlasting vis called to thank him for a song. the Gestapo agent processing Warner heritage in their names. But don’t forget who’s taking you home was an old friend of his who stamped And in whose arms you’re gonna be, You can dance, go and carry on his travel papers and they were able So, darlin’, save the last dance for me. Till the night is gone and it’s time to go to escape. They sailed for New York If he asks, if you’re all alone and a year after their arrival in the Create a Fund The movie is homage to this ear- Can he take you home, you must tell him U.S. they moved to Savannah. A designated fund can benefit a spe- ly rock and roll pioneer of the 1950s no. As the Savannah Jewish Federa- cific purpose dear to your family or and 60s. Through the wee hours of tion (formerly the Savannah Jewish the community at large. Funds can the night in his hotel lobby, he fed, he A key figure in the history and Council) became an important part be created and activated now or mentored, he supported, he guided; development of rock and roll, Po- of the success of the Jewish commu- established with a bequest or oth- he listened to anyone and everyone he nity, the Danzigers were supporters. er financial instrument. To discuss mus was admitted to the Songwrit- establishing a Lasting Legacy for thought he could help — personally ers Hall of Fame and the Rock and Warner died in 1978 at the age of 75; your family with a fund at the Jewish or professionally. It was said of him: Roll Hall of Fame. He was the first Herta was 93 when she died in 2004. Community Foundation of Savan- “If the music industry had a heart, it non-African-American recipient of A collection of Herta’s papers is on nah, contact Adam Solender at (912) would be Doc Pomus.” the Rhythm and Blues Foundation file at the Savannah Jewish Archives. 355-8111 or [email protected]. Perhaps because the film was Pioneer Award. Two years before her death, Herta conceived and co-produced by his Always one to put his life into daughter, Sharyn Felder, it becomes his lyrics, he wrote Save the Last Dance Israel Bonds Enjoys Second so personal. Using home photos and For Me after he was unable to dance Billion Dollar Year in U.S. videos, archival footage, interviews with his bride, actress Willi Burke, at and readings from his personal jour- their wedding. Israel Bonds announced that in 2014, for the second nals, we learn about the man and his Legendary music pioneer Doc Po- straight year, U.S. sales surpassed $1 billion. life, his love and his pain as he phys- mus died of lung cancer in 1991 at the Demonstrating the importance of the contributions of individual inves- ically deteriorated from post-polio age of 65. tors, the Development Corporation for Israel pointed out that 84% of the syndrome. total sales were investments of $25,000 and under, and 54% of total sales ‘Cause don’t forget who’s taking you home were $1,000 or less. Baby, don’t you know I love you so? And in whose arms you’re gonna be Israel Bonds displayed its strategic value to Israel during Operation Can’t you feel it when we touch? So, darlin’, save the last dance for me. Protective Edge, rapidly mobilizing funds for Israel’s economy. I will never, never let you go Izzy Tapoohi, Israel Bonds President & CEO said: “Today’s milestone I love you, oh, so much AKA Doc Pomus, 2012 documentary shows that last year’s record sales were not an outlier, but an attainable Peter Miller & Will Hechter, directors goal the organization will target each year.” Available on DVD and Netflix Savannah www.savj.org jewish news January - February 2015 | Page 7 Deluxe Jewish Tours Launched

New York, NY — The Mu- JEWISH NATIONAL FUND seum of Jewish Heritage – A INVITES YOU FOR A SPECIAL BRIEFING ON Living Memorial to the Ho- locaust announced that it is launching a new travel pro- Israel: A Leader in Environment, gram devoted to exploring Jewish cultural destinations Technological Advancement and around the world. From the Baltic States to Global Outreach Northern Spain, Cuba, and Poland, Jewish Heritage Travel journeys will offer learning SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015 experiences on Jewish life The synagogue in Vilnius, Lithuania 10:00 am – 12:00 pm throughout the ages led by experts and accompanied by AT THE HOME OF renowned scholars. In addition to walls.” private tours and lectures by some The first trip, Jewish Jewels of the MARLA AND MORRIS GEFFEN of today’s top scholars, many of the Baltic: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, is 5 Breckenridge Lane • Savannah, GA 31411 trips will include opportunities to planned for August, 2015. It will be meet with Jewish community leaders followed by Mysticism, Music & Poetry: Hear about Israeli innovations abroad. The Jews of Northern Spain, A Marriage of Dr. David G. Marwell, Director of Different Cultures (Cuba) and Yesterday, in agriculture, water and the Museum of Jewish Heritage, said, Today, and Tomorrow: The Jews of Poland. sustainable development “We’re so pleased to be able to team All trips include rich Jewish con- from guest speaker, up with Dr. Aryeh Maidenbaum, a tent, deluxe accommodations, com- JNF world-class expert on educational fortable land transportation, some EZRA RAVINS, travel. We invite travelers to experi- meals, and all lectures, presentations, Shaliach to the Southeast. ence the richness and complexity of guided tours and site entrance fees. Ezra is a farmer, head of the Jewish history and heritage in excit- For complete details, see jhtravel.org. agriculture R&D and former ing locales outside of the Museum’s mayor of the Central Arava.

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I on Israel

MUVing Right Along Healthy Technology As anyone who has been there interacts with the scooter’s trans- Last summer, Forbes maga- recently can tell you, despite its an- porter. One of the app’s features is a zine wrote about ten health cient history, Israel now is a modern security code that must be entered tech companies that are country with large cities and modern allowing only the owner or someone “changing the world.” Five of concerns like traffic, expensive fuel authorized by them to turn on the them either are Israeli com- and auto emissions. And like any- system. The app and the transporter panies or have strong ties to where else, commuters in Israel want also interact with GPS for navigation Israel. cheaper, easier and cleaner ways to and traffic notifications and can no- ReWalk Robotics was get around. tify the user of maintenance needs founded by Amit Goffer, an Israeli technologists are hard at and energy usage (including tips for Israeli entrepreneur para- work on a number of new approach- extending battery life). lyzed in an ATV accident. es to transportation — some are Hoping not to be confined quite futuristic and still years off — to a wheelchair for the rest but others, such as the MUV-e, are of his life, Goffer spent more coming to market now. than a decade developing The MUV-e (My Urban Vehicle) a robotic exoskeleton that is a three-wheeled, battery-powered uses powered hip and knee Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and scooter from Roadix Urban Trans- motion to allow people with President Barack Obama with Gene Laureano, portation that allows the user to spinal cord injuries to walk who was paralyzed in 1998 after falling 20 feet from a ride with both feet on the scooter. (also with the assistance of ladder but is walking again with a ReWalk system. It weighs a maximum of 35 pounds, crutches). ReWalk’s person- folds up, can run for up to 30 hours A MUV-e scooter, open and folded al systems, which are custom built Telesofia Medical, based in Tel on a single charge and operates sim- for each client, were approved by the Aviv, offers products that allow ilar to an electric bicycle, and is ac- A MUV-eNGo rental version also is FDA just after the Forbes article was healthcare providers to automatical- cepted by authorities as such. It is in the works. MUV-e scooters would published. The company also makes a ly generate personalized educational guaranteed to comply with local reg- be available in select cities for short- rehabilitation system for therapeutic videos for their patients. The plat- ulations. term/hourly rentals at ‘stations’, use in clinical environments. form is designed to support many The MUV-e is the brainchild of much like some car sharing services Along with the pure advantages applications, such as describing the Amir Zaid and Benny Shimon. Zaid today. of increased mobility and indepen- proper use of medication, surgical spent a number of years in Italy The personal MUV-e is expected to dence, ReWalk systems have been procedures, discharge instructions where he gained experience in auto retail at about $2,000, a price Shimon shown to provide users with addi- and more. The fully branded videos design at various companies includ- considers consumer friendly. tional benefits of increased bone den- are sent to patients via text or email ing Fiat and Ferrari. Shimon has a sity, decreased body fat, improved or are embedded in patient portals/ varied background in computer-as- More traditional scooter cardio-respiratory function and im- apps. Information that is not relevant sisted design and engineering proj- MyWay, from industrial designer proved bowel and bladder function. to a particular patient is filtered out. ects. Together they founded Road- Nimrod Sapir, is a battery-powered, The company has offices in Israel, the ix and created a vision for MUV-e, foldable, two-wheel scooter designed U.S. and Germany. HelpAround is an app that brings which operates in conjunction with to be an optimal ‘last mile’ mode of what has become known as the “shar- an app on the user’s smart phone. transportation – for use from the UMoove is software-based face- ing economy” to the community of MUV-e has a docking station for train station to the office, the bus and eye-tracking for mobile devices people with diabetes. The free app for the user’s phone, where the app then stop to the library, etc. The scooter – in other words, software to be used iOS and Android users allows diabet- weighs about 26 pounds and can be in apps for phones or tablets that ics within a certain area to connect Update rolled or carried when folded. tracks the movements of the face and with each other and share knowl- eyes. While most of the uses for the edge, supplies and support. The com- Two of the U.S. television Bicycle Built for 2 (or 3) software are likely to be for gaming, pany was founded by two men who shows we told you about in the Designer Sapir also developed the advertising and other applications, met in an Israeli Army R&D unit in October I on Israel are about to Taga cargo bike, which has been on Yitzi Kempinski, one of the compa- the 1990s. begin airing: the market for several years. The in- ny’s founders, pointed out that many Allegiance, NBC’s adaptation genious three-wheel design converts neurological disorders such as autism Totali LLC, based in Texas but of the Israeli hit, The Gordin Cell, in 20 seconds from a bicycle with and ADHD can be diagnosed by mon- with most of its creative and develop- premieres Thursday, February forward child carrier(s) to a stroller. itoring eye movement. ment team in Tel Aviv, offers the new 5th, at 10pm. Matthew McConaughey has been The company was started in Isra- app, Totally Pregnant. It is a compre- Dig, USA Network’s origi- spotted on one with his son. el about three years ago; their soft- hensive guide through the experience nal mystery set in Jerusalem, ware development kit (SDK) for of pregnancy. The app is free and premieres Thursday, March 5th Reinventing the wheel face-tracking is currently available available for both iOS and Android (check listings). SoftWheel, based in Tel Aviv, has and the eye-tracking SDK is accessi- users. If you like, you can reread the developed a new wheel using a three- ble to select beta users. Both are for story at savj.org. Apple’s iOS platforms with the An- continued on page 10 droid releases expected shortly. The Jewish Educational Alliance presents a monthly program guide: CENTERPIECE Jewish Educational Alliance Jan./Feb. 2015

Children’s Programming

Jewish Educational Alliance’s Spring Days @ the JEA Saturday Night Do you find it difficult to take days off of work We will be offering Days @ the JEA for the when your child is out of school? The JEA offers following dates for the Spring Break: year-round vacation programming for children Out pre K-8th grade. Your child will enjoy Days @ the • March 16th JEA as each are packed with activities such as field • March 18th-20th “Plungapallooza” trips, swimming, cooking, sports and crafts! • April 3rd • April 6th-9th February 7th - 6:45-10 pm What to bring: Check back for themes and more information! Can’t wait for those summer days of lounging • Swimsuit around by the pool or going for a swim? Look • Towel (marked with name) no further! Even though the weather may be • Sack lunch (dairy or parve) cold, things are heating • Change of clothes Black Heritage Festival up inside the JEA. Join • Plastic bag for wet clothing us for a pool party • Positive attitude, ready to have fun Future of Jazz Concert complete with pool games Tuesday, February 10th and supervised free swim. What not to bring: Dinner will be served. • Toys 7:00 PM featuring • Electronics (cell phones, ipods and game When: 6:45-10:00 pm systems Teddy Adams Who: 4y-6th grade • Microwavable lunches Where: JEA Today’s Youth; Tomorrow’s Legacy is the central theme of the 2015 Savannah Black Heritage Upcoming Days @ the JEA: For more Saturday Night Out Fun, check out our Festival. The Festival is sponsored by Savannah January 19th - MLK Day final SNO: February 16th - President’s Day State University and the City of Savannah. March 16th-20th - Spring Break March 7th - “Go Bananas” - 7:00-10:00 pm Free and Open to the Public! The time has come to say farewell to another Member Prices: $30.00 per day amazing season of Saturday Night Out. Before Non-Member Prices: $40.00 per day we can say goodbye, there’s some monkey business happening around the JEA and it’s up Please call 355-8111 or email DJ Horton at to you to find the golden banana. Through a [email protected] for more information. mix of clues and a scavenger hunt, tonight will prove to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Complete the mission and reward yourself with a You can find more information by visiting www. banana split. Dinner will be served. savannah.com/events/event/savannah-black- heritage-festival/ Check www.SavannahJEA.org for more details Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details! JEA Donations (November 4, 2014-December 19, 2014) Adult Programming JEA BUILDING FUND In honor of Kaye & Don Kole Sarah Denmark & Adam Solender Bridge - Wednesdays 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm JEA GENERAL DONATIONS Scrabble - Wednesdays 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm In memory of Fran Levow In memory of Nathan Siegel Mah Jongg - Mondays 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm In memory of Pearl Baker Thursdays 10:30 am to 12:30 pm In memory of Ronald Weiss Arlene & Allan Ratner In memory of Ronald Weiss Sharon & Allen Weiss Community Garden A donation by Susan & Martin Cohen Love to garden, but don’t have the space? Be part of the JEA Garden Club and help work one of the 18 garden boxes at the Midtown Miracle Community Garden, three JEA PRESCHOOL SAVANNAH blocks north of the JEA. Excess produce and herbs will be donated to Second Har- In honor of Elise & Victor Shernoff’s new vest to aid them in their mission to feed up to 6000 children daily. For more details, granddaughter Peggy & Stanley Harris “like” Midtown Miracle Community Garden on Facebook or email Carol Green- berg [email protected]. JEA FITNESS FUND In memory of Sanders Corbit Elaine & Bill Fox Lunch Bunch - Every Thursday 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm In honor of Caroline Harris Join us for Thursday Lunch Bunch! Visit with old friends and meet new ones, enjoy Peggy & Stanley Harris, Jr. lunch followed by an educational speaker or performer. HARVEY RUBIN MEMORIAL FUND Jan. 22nd- Savannah Jewish Film Festival presents, “The Sturgeon Queens” In honor of Lillian Lowe Bernice Elman Jan. 29th - Savannah Jewish Film Festival presents An Afternoon of Short Films Brenda & Patrick Salter Marsha & Chuck Bernstein Feb. 5th - Let’s talk Tu B’Shevat! In memory of Madeline Rubin Elise & Victor Shernoff Feb. 12th - Solutions for dry winter skin with Deloris Screen of Facials by Deloris In honor of Arnold Karp Bernice Elman Feb. 19th - Visit with the JEA Preschool Brenda & Patrick Salter Feb. 26th - A musical afternoon with CMI Choral Director, Julie Hirsh COMMEMORATIVE BRONZE PLAQUE In memory of Sanders Corbit Byck Family

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 pm!

Jan./Feb. 2015 Centerpiece Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details! Winter Health & Wellness Fitness Classes Water Safety Sunday 9:15 am - Power Pilates Each day about ten people activity while supervising children, even if 10:30 am - Total Body Blast die from unintentional lifeguards are present. 1:00 pm - Extreme Toning drowning. Of these, two • Learn to Swim. We have a great formal are children aged 14 or swimming lesson program that can help Monday younger. Drowning ranks fifth protect young children from drowning. 5:00 am - Master Swim among the leading causes of However, even when children have had 8:30 am - Firm It Up unintentional injury death in formal swimming lessons, constant and 10:00 am - Aquasize the United States. For every careful supervision when they are in the 10:00 am - Vinyasa Yoga Stephanie Johnson child who dies from drowning, water is still important. 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Classic Health & Wellness 6:00 pm - Evening Water Aerobics Director another five receive emergency • Use Proper Flotation Devices. Don’t use care for nonfatal submersion injuries. More than air-filled or foam toys such as “water Tuesday 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency wings,” “noodles,” or inner-tubes, instead 9:15 am - Power Pilates departments require hospitalization or transfer of life jackets. These toys are not life jackets 10:00 am - SilverSneakers Splash for further care. These nonfatal drowning injuries and aren’t designed to keep swimmers safe. 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Circuit can cause severe brain damage that may result in 5:45 pm - Zumba long-term disabilities such as memory problems, New Swim Policy 6:00 pm - Savannah Kenpo learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic With incidents of near-drowning on the rise 7:00 pm - Savannah Fencing Club functioning. we have been advised by our insurance company, Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning as a best practice, to begin requiring life jackets Wednesday are male. Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest for non-swimmers. We currently have a policy in 5:00 am - Master Swim drowning rates. In 2009, among children 1 to 4 place that calls for swim testing our campers and 8:30 am - Firm It Up years old who died from an unintentional injury, only allowing those that can swim to enter the 10:00 am - Aquasize more than 30% died from drowning and most deep end of the pool. We are taking this standard 10:00 am - Yoga Pilates Fusion of those drownings occured in home swimming to the next level and will extend this policy to 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Classic pools. Drowning is responsible for more deaths 6:00 pm - Billy’s Boot Camp ALL of our aquatic participants 12 years old and among children 1 to 4 than any other cause except 6:00 pm - Evening Water Aerobics younger, year-round. congenital anomalies. Among those 1 to 14, fatal As of Feb. 1, 2015, all children under the drowning remains the second-leading cause of Thursday age of 12 will be swim tested. If the child passes unintentional injury-related death behind motor 9:30 am - Barre Blend the swim test, s/he will be issued a green neck vehicle crashes. 10:00 am - Aquasize lanyard to wear. If the child does not pass, s/he The main factors that affect drowning risk 10:30 am - SilverSneakers Circuit will be required to wear a lifejacket, have a parent/ are lack of swimming ability, lack of barriers to 6:00 pm - Savannah Kenpo guardian in the water within arm’s reach or choose prevent unsupervised water access, lack of close 6:30 pm - Yoga Flow not to swim. The children will be allowed to take supervision while swimming, location, failure to 7:00 pm - Savannah Fencing Club the swim test again when they feel more confident. wear life jackets, alcohol use, and seizure disorders. These same rules apply to our campers, Days @ Many adults and children report that they can’t Friday the JEA, Holiday Day Camp, Saturday Night Out swim. Research has shown that participation in 5:00 am - Master Swim participants and any visitors. Please feel free to formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of 8:30 am - Firm It Up contact me with questions or for information drowning among children. Drowning can happen 10:00 am - Yoga about swim lessons for your child. quickly and quietly anywhere there is water (such 10:00 am - Aquasize as bathtubs, swimming pools, buckets), and even in the presence of lifeguards. Winter Swim Team practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30- Tips to stay safe around the water: 6:30 pm during the months January, February and March. Monthly • Supervise When in or Around Water. At registration required. the JEA we designate our lifeguards to Members: $75 monthly watch over all aquatic participants, young Non-members: $100 monthly and old. During summer camp we not only have our lifeguards, but also our Baseball & T-ball registration opens January 5th. Ages 4-12. counselors to watch young children while 4y-8y Members: $50 in the swimming pool. Supervisors of Non-members: $75 preschool children should provide “touch 9y-12y Members: $75 supervision;” be close enough to reach Non-members: $100 the child at all times. Because drowning Practice days to be determined occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other distracting Contact Stephanie for more information - [email protected] or 912-355-8111

Centerpiece Jan./Feb. 2015 Visit us at 5111 Abercorn Street or online at www.SavannahJEA.org for more details!

JEA Art Gallery

January Artist: JEA Preschool Oksana Gruszka Harmouche Savannah News

Oksana’s earliest memories are of being two and trapped inside a body cast in a Ukrainian hospital. She spent the next three years immobilized in a hospital bed. The nurses took pity and gave her paper Enrollment Open and pencils to help pass the time. She learned to escape the hospital with her imagination and her art. At five, Oksana’s cast was replaced with a brace. At school, Oksana’s teachers noted her exceptional • 16-months through 4-years old talent in art. At eight she was admitted to the Children’s School of Arts in Ternopril, Ukraine. When she • Half-day and full-day options graduated she had two degrees: her high school diploma and a degree in Art. She continued her studies • 2, 3 and 5-day options for the toddlers and received her degree in Art and Architecture in 1990. and two-year-olds Oksana worked as an architect for 15 years; first in Ukraine, then in the U.S. When the economy • For full details, visit our website at www. slowed, she returned to her passion for painting. savannahjea.org While Oksana was growing up in Ukraine, it was isolated from the outside world. Fashion was in a vacuum. From the first time she saw an Italian Vogue, she was in love with the beautiful colors, patterns Contact Jodi Sadler, Director, at and styles. The fashion of Vogue strongly influences her subject matter. Oksana uses a technique developed by the Flemish masters. It uses seven layers of paint to create [email protected] or 912-355-8111 transparent fabric-like veils, to capture the colors under the skin and to produce realistic faces. This technique is time consuming with each layer having to dry before progressing to the next. The paintings can take months to finish. Preschool Open Artwork available for viewing January 1-30, 2015 House February 8th, 3-4 pm February Artist: Chelsea Warlick Don’t miss this opportunity to tour our dynamic preschool program and meet our wonderful staff. Get a peek at Savannah’s premiere early childhood education program!

JEA Preschool Savannah admits students of any Chelsea Warlick is a cultural, travel and documentary photographer who explores other cultures race, color, national, racial or ethnic origin to all the from the inside out. Creating images that provide a sense of cultural immersion, her work celebrates rights, priviliges, programs and activities generally global diversity and aims to inspire others to seek out the world, to connect with its people, experience accorded or made available to students at the their cultures, and understand their perspectives. school. The concept of unity in diversity is at the core of her work and she believes the differences among people enrich human interaction. By seeking to understand others, we discover connections between the living world and ourselves, fostering compassion, awareness and acceptance. From 2011-2013, she traveled to Alaska, China, Mongolia, Nepal, Brazil, Argentina, Tanzania, Morocco and Ecuador with National Geographic Expeditions. She also traveled to Istanbul, Turkey JEA Mazel Tots where she photographed for The Economist and has also been published in the Tulane Review, CLT Buzz and Unleashed International Wake Magazine. An interactive parent and child music, Chelsea received her BA in Art History/Arts Management from Queens University of Charlotte and movement and play class. It offers upbeat is currently an MFA Photography Candidate at SCAD. and fun experiences through a Jewish lens for babies and toddlers up to 24 months. Join Artwork available for viewing February 1-27, 2015 JEA Preschool Savannah toddler teacher, Art Gallery Reception February 5th, 6-8 pm Tara Swank, for singing, dancing, instrument playing, stories and a whole lot more!

When: Every Sunday at 10 am at the JEA New JEA Members Fee: $20 per month / Members The JEA would like to thank our members. With- Matt & Lisa Hutton $40 per month / Non-Members out your membership and support, we would not Jason & Liz James be able to offer all the services that we do. Our Ben & Rachel Mammina For safety and planning purposes, paid members are our most important asset! Yair Melamud & Catherine Calmels reservations are required! (New Members as of 11/4/14-12/23/14) Justin Park & Anna Hoffius Space is limited to 12 families per session. Brett Rutland & Demeri Flowers Patrick & Christie Bergen Tim Sark Thomas & Emily Blackstock Linda Sawyer Lafayette & Tracy Burks John Seckinger Providing for the social, emotional Emily Crawford Linda Soliman and cognitive growth of young Bethany Emenhiser Drew Wade William & Sarah Fowler Michael Waters & Stormy Ranew children in a Judaic setting. Kayla Goggin

Jan./Feb. 2015 Centerpiece Savannah www.savj.org jewish news January - February 2015 | Page 9

The JEA and Savannah Jewish Federation present the Joan and Murray Gefen Memorial

January 21st - January 31st, 2015

Wednesday, Jan 21st Thursday, Jan 22nd Saturday, Jan 24th Sunday, Jan 25th 6:00 pm Opening Night Party 12:30 pm Lunch/1:30 pm Film 6:00 pm Dinner/7:00 pm Film 7:30 pm Dessert/8:00 pm Film 6:00 pm Dinner/7:00 pm Film Live Music, Great Food & Cocktails 7:00 pm Film

The Sturgeon Queens 24 Days Quality Balls: The The Jewish Cardinal Hattie Russ Gold and her sister A white-knuckle dramatization of David Steinberg Story The amazing true story of Jean- Run Boy Run Anne Russ Federman share the the nearly month long kidnapping Marie Lustiger, the son of Polish- fastinating story of their families’ and torture of Ilan Halimi whose The son of a Winnipeg Rabbi Jewish immigrants to France, who The true story of a Polish boy famed lox and herring emporium ordeal prompted a national outcry becomes one of Canada’s greatist became the leader of the French who in his solitary struggle to on New York’s Lower East Side. against anti-semitism in France. comedic exports. Church and confidant to the Pope. outlast the Nazi occupation (Drama, 108 min) (Documentary, 52 min) (Drama, 110 min) (Doc-Comedy, 88 min) (Drama, 90 min)

Tuesday, January 27th Thursday, Jan 29th Saturday, Jan 31st 1:30 pm Film 6:00 pm Dinner/7:00 pm Film 12:30 Lunch/1:30 pm Film 6:00 pm Dinner/7:00 pm Film 7:30 pm Dessert/8:00 pm Film

Igor and the Above and Beyond Afternoon of Shorts Omar The Outrageous featuring The Lady in # 6 Crane’s Journey In 1948, a group of WW II pilots A tense gripping love story and Sophie Tucker volunteered to fight for Israel The world’s oldest piano player thriller about betrayal - suspected Sophie Tucker was the first woman Uprooted by divorce, a young in the War of Independence, and Holocaust survivor shares her and real - in Israel and the to infatuate audiences with her Russian boy struggles to adjust turning the tide of the war and remarkable secrets to longevity Palestian territories. bawdy, brassy style. The film to a new life in Israel while laying the groundwork for the and happiness. retraces her 60 year fantastic tracking a wayward crane. Israeli Airforce. show biz career. (Drama, 90 min) (Documentary, 89 min) (Shorts program 75 min) (Drama, 98 min) (Documentary, 96 min)

Sponsor the Festival! Savannah Jewish Film Festival Ticket Info Platinum: • $750.00 Full Festival Pass SingleSingle Movie Movie Ticket Tickets Prices Additional Information (4) Full Festival Movie Passes (admits one person to all 10 films) (4) Full Festival Meal Passes Community Members: $10.00 (4) Opening Cocktail Party Passes JEA Members: $8.00 • The Full Festival Pass is for Community Members: $95.00 MOVIES ONLY. Payment for Purchase your tickets (movie only) at the JEA • $450.00 dinner reservations are made Gold: JEA Members: $80.00 beginning 45 minutes prior to each screening. separately. (2) Full Festival Movie Passes Purchase your full festival pass online at Meal & Movie Tickets (2) Full Festival Meal Passes www.SavannahJEA.org or at the JEA. • All movies are screened at: (2) Opening Cocktail Party Passes Community Members: $24.00 Jewish Educational Alliance JEA Members: $20.00 5111 Abercorn Street Silver: • $425.00 For full details and purchase info go to Savannah, GA 31405 Purchase your tickets (meal & movie) online www.savannahjea.org (4) Full Festival Movie Passes at www.SavannahJEA.org or at the JEA. • All meals are kosher, not (4) Opening Cocktail Party Passes or Stop by the JEA! undersupervision. Please contact Jennifer Rich at 912-355-8111 Paid meal reservations must be made at least two (2) days in advance of the Bronze: • $225.00 or [email protected] for more • Certified sealed kosher meals movie screening. (No meal walk-ins can available upon request. (2) Full Festival Movie Passes information about becoming a festival sponsor. be accommodated) (2) Opening Cocktail Party Passes Savannah Page 10 | January - February 2015 jewish news www.savj.org MUVing...... from pg 8 Accepting New Patients! prong suspension system. Origi- nally designed for use in wheel- chairs and now being applied to Where A Trip to the Dentist bicycle wheels, the technology is a Day at the Beach allows a wheel to shift position and absorb impact as it goes over At Sandfly Family Dental – the dental office of a bump or obstacle so people local resident Dr. Angela Canfield - we believe with disabilities or cyclists can ride with greater comfort. that going to the dentist shouldn’t be a stressful trip. We go above and beyond to reduce your Ahead to the future anxieties by creating a welcoming, comfortable The City Transformer is an electric, two-seat car that and relaxed environment, while still delivering will fold down and fit in park- comprehensive and professional dental care. A Taga cargo bike, equipped for two children. ing spaces meant for motorcy- It easily converts to a stroller. cles. The car, still in the proto- • Preventative Dental Care for Children type stage, would be capable of uses Space Act Agreements as the and Adults achieving speeds up to 55mph. Once primary means for partnering with the community). • Enhance Your Smile with Cosmetic considered science fiction, a foldable car may soon be a reality. This past June, skyTran announced Dentistry A space-age mass transit system is a partnership with Israel Aerospace • Whiten Your Smile with One Hour being considered for Tel Aviv using Industries (IAI) to construct a sky- Tran Technology Demonstration Sys- Whitening skyTran technology. skyTran is a patented, high-speed, elevated Per- tem (TDS) on IAI’s corporate campus • Restore your Smile with Single Visit Crowns sonal Rapid Transit (PRT) system. in Lod, Israel. The TDS will incorpo- • Straighten Your Smile with Invisalign Clear The skyTran network of comput- rate skyTran’s salient features and er-controlled, 2-person “jet-like” ve- provide a platform for skyTran vehi- Braces hicles/pods employs state-of-the-art cles to travel at high speeds, with full • Amenities for Children and Adults passive Magnetic Levitation (Mag- payloads while levitating. The TDS • Avoid the hustle and bustle of lev) technology. skyTran is a NASA will allow testing, refinement, and Space Act company, headquartered validation of skyTran’s technology in midtown Savannah! at the NASA Ames Research Center a controlled environment. near Mountain View, CA. (NASA

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SANDFLY FAMILY DENTAL Savannah www.savj.org jewish news January - February 2015 | Page 11 Hospice Specialist to Speak Youth Scholarships Available from Dr. Thomas use the three simple words, ‘tell me the Savannah Jewish Federation and J. Smith, Direc- more’ when speaking with their pa- the Jewish Educational Alliance for 2015 tor of Palliative tients. Medicine at Dr. Smith will provide evi- Jacob & Ida Ulman College Scholarship Fund Johns Hopkins dence-based research to show how Offered through the Federation, this scholarship is Medical Insti- early access to hospice and palliative given based on need, availability and the applicant’s tutions in Balti- care actually extends life, and will participation in the Jewish community. more, MD, will share practical tools to deal with

speak at the JEA difficult physician-patient conversa- 2015 Henry W. Center College Scholarship Fund Dr. Thomas J. Smith Offered through the JEA to the families of members in on Friday, Jan- tions. th good standing, this scholarship is based on need, uary 30 , as part of Hospice Savan- The public is invited to attend the availability and the applicant’s scholastic achievement. nah, Inc. and The Steward Center for lecture and a complimentary lun- Palliative Care’s 7th Annual Lecture cheon sponsored by Bart, Meyer Harvey Rubin Memorial Award Series. & Company. The program will be Available to a high school teen who has shown excep- Dr. Smith is a passionate pioneer in held at the JEA at 12pm (Friday, Jan. tional athletic ability and leadership in the community. th the relatively young board-certified 30 ). Dr. Smith has entitled his talk Savannah Jewish Federation Camp and specialty of palliative care who advo- “Things no one wants to think about, Teen Experience Scholarships cates for open and honest communi- but should: The advantages of ad- Planning on going/sending your children to a Jewish cation with patients, and believes in vance care planning, or, how I taught overnight camp? Expanding your Jewish IQ at a teen setting medically appropriate goals my nephew how to make my special leadership program? Do you want to make a and offering the best symptom man- peach cobbler.” difference? The SJF Camp & Teen Experience agement. He believes, “Too many There is no charge for the program, Scholarships are for you! Available to SJF members physicians avoid uncomfortable con- but reservations are required for the lun- and their families. versations regarding pain and diffi- cheon. RSVP for the complimentary

Kay Becker Israel Scholarship cult decisions about patients’ future,” lunch by calling (912) 298-0313. Available to teens for travel to Israel for peer group and wishes his peers would learn to travel, gap year programs, Yeshiva study or college abroad programs.

Applications available for download at savj.org. We couldn’t do it without them! Confidential applications & nominations Help us thank our advertisers. must be submitted by April 3, 2015. Please support their businesses.

LEO CENTER November, 1997 Interviewed by Toby Hollenberg

"Before the Justice Department dictated that the city elect aldermen from districts, we ran as a team, or slate, and we all ran at large. So far as I can remember, this team concept always had a Jewish representative in the slate, and in 1969 Johnny [Rousakis] asked me to be part of his team. I was elected for five consecutive four-year terms with him. Through the years there have been numerous Jewish people in city government. Those I can remember include Sam Hornstein, Al Hornstein, Pete Grossman, Bill Wexler, Jay Shoob, Ben Garfunkel, Harris Lentini, and then Dana Braun. There certainly have been others, but these are the ones I can remember. When we were first elected to office, one of the men that John asked to run with us was Bowles Ford, the first African American to serve since Reconstruction days. He was an outstanding alderman who was responsible for many miles of city streets being paved. Bowles unfortunately passed away during his second term, but we have had many black aldermen since then, most of them very effective, including the present mayor, Floyd Adams. Others were Roy Jackson, Dr. Otis Johnson, Robbie Robertson, Dr. Hardwick, Leon Chaplin, Willie Brown. The present city council is the first one I can remember that does not have Jewish representation. During the Rousakis administration, many things were accomplished. River Street was completely remodeled with a $7 million grant from the federal government. Before this was done, I used to rent a warehouse in this area for $10 per month. So you can easily understand what the River Street remodeling did for the tax base in Savannah. More streets were paved than any other administration of previous years. The pollution control plant on President Street was built, which cleaned our Savannah River. Laws were enacted during the Rousakis administration that protected the integrity of our historic district. The Civic Center was completed. The recovery plant, which turns garbage into energy, was built and reduced our need for landfills."

The Savannah Jewish Archives holds an excellent collection of oral histories. Other excerpts appear in our publication, Voices of Savannah. Questions or comments? Please contact archivist Katharine Rapkin at (912) 651.2125 or at [email protected] Savannah Page 12 | January - February 2015 jewish news www.savj.org

The Savannah Jewish Federation proudly provides space for a half-page ad to each local congregation in each issue of the Savannah Jewish News.

Congregation B’nai B’rith Jacob DON’T FORGET!! Morning, Afternoon and Evening Services Daily. BBJ’S FABULOUS SOUP & 365 Days a year for over 150 years. SALAD BAR TUESDAY’S IN THE SOCIAL HALL Contact the Shul office for menu and times

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Visit our website to subscribe to our popular weekly newsletter 5444 Abercorn Street, Savannah GA 31405 912-354-7721 www.bbjsynagogue.com [email protected] Savannah www.savj.org jewish news January - February 2015 | Page 13 It’s a Funny Thing Mr. and Mrs. Epstein bought a cell phone for their son David. But absent-minded David kept losing it. The Ep- steins were losing their patience with David and decided they weren’t going to get him another replacement. “Wait!” said David excitedly. “I have an amazing idea. What if we can get someone to invent a phone that is at- tached to the wall! Is that even possible?” ______Melinda Stein Miriam is making scrambled eggs when her husband Max bursts into the kitchen. “Careful,” Max cries. “Careful! You’re cooking too many at once. Too many! Scramble them! Now! We need more butter. They’re going to stick! Now scram- ble them again! Hurry up! Are you crazy? Don’t forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt! The salt!” Miriam turns to Max and demands, “What is wrong with you?” He calmly replies, “I wanted to show you what it feels like when I’m driving with you.” ______

Sarah Stern and Jonathan Fine were about to get engaged, so the mothers decided to meet and get to know each other. Mrs. Fine says, with some snobbery: So tell me about your ancestry. Mrs. Stern: Ancestry? Mrs. Fine: Yes, your lineage. I can trace my family back to the time of Alex- ander the Great! Mrs. Stern: I can’t tell you about my ancestry. Mrs. Fine: Why not? Mrs. Stern: Because our family records were all lost in the Flood! Time to Order Mah Jongg Cards! Attention Mah Jongg Players! It’s time to order your 2015 Mah Jongg cards. The standard card is $8.00; the large card is $9.00. The deadline for placing orders is January 26, 2015. Make checks payable to the Agudath Achim Sisterhood and send to: Betty Lasky | 402 Wheeler Street | Savannah, GA 31405 No extra cards will be ordered after January 26th; be sure to place your order on time! For additional information, contact Betty at (912) 355-2017.

CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM

9 Lee Boulevard, Savannah GA 31405 912-352-4737 [email protected] / Agudath-Achim.com Rabbi Ruven Barkan

Join us for a Scholar in Residence Shabbat

In Memory of Ernie Friedman Friday & Saturday February 27-28, 2015 Professor Richard Elliott Friedman

Friday Kabbalat Shabbat: Did the Exodus Happen? Shabbat Morning Service: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself (followed by a Kiddush Luncheon)

$18 a person for Friday Night Dinner Please RSVP to the office

SHABBAT SERVICES: DAILY SERVICES: Friday 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Sunday 9:00 am & 6:00 pm, Monday & Thursday 7:00 am & 5:30 pm Saturday 9:15 am Shabbat Service & Kiddush Luncheon Tuesday 7:30 am & 5:30 pm, Wednesday 8:00 am & 5:30 pm Saturday Evenings Mincha/Maariv & Havdalah Friday Shacharit 7:00 am Savannah Page 14 | January - February 2015 jewish news www.savj.org er. This was made The Light of the Menorah possible by a grant Rambam received to Everyone re- home. Why? Because the Greeks participate in a pro- lates to the lights understood the home is where the gram called Better of Chanukah foundation for our heritage should Together. The pro- and the concept begin. It was decreed that before a gram and grant are of these lights Jewish man could marry, his fiancé specifically designed Ester Rabhan, pushing away the must first have a private audience to have intergener- Principal of darkness. Yet, we with the Greek governor. Attack the ational activities so Rambam Day School all think of a myr- Jewish home and you begin to fortify our students learn iad of different the evils that can crumble the Jewish the role they can play things when we contemplate this spirit. However, G-d did not allow in an elderly person’s idea. I am pretty certain that many this evil decree to destroy the Jewish life and come to ap- of us overlap each other’s thoughts, home; the Jews did not falter and de- preciate how much none the less; we all imagine and con- sire to follow the Greek culture. This the elderly glean from template this idea in our own way. was a hidden miracle and yet its im- their presence. It has One of the many lessons and in- pact was as great if not greater than been a monumental sights of Chanukah is appreciating the small band of Jews defeating the experience for our what we have; specifically our heri- Greek army or the miniscule amount children. tage. We too easily allow ourselves of oil lasting well beyond its means. Pre-school had a to become caught up in the minute It is the spirit of the Jew that Hitler special Chanukah details of the Chanukah story; small admitted was his failure. It is docu- presentation where band of Jews defeating the great mented that Hitler said even with all they sang Chanukah (above) Rambam Preschool Chanukah Program, Greek army, a small flask of oil last- the death for which he was responsi- songs and then did (below) Rambam Day School Chanukah Program ing eight days when there was only ble, he failed. Why? Because the spirit various Chanukah enough for one day. The Greeks had of the Jew was not annihilated. themed based projects with their why they are saying them. We felt it no intention of eradicating the Jews. Rambam’s eighth graders celebrat- parents. Everyone had a blast! The was appropriate that while we have They merely wanted to abolish Ju- ed the second night of Chanukah with parents maybe more so than the chil- a mitzvah to celebrate Chanukah and daism. They wanted the Jews to as- the residents of Buckingham South dren. a mitzvah to appreciate all we have, similate into the Greek culture and and their families. Each resident re- K through eighth grade presented we still want our students to be cog- appreciate what they considered the ceived a walker bag to be placed on their Chanukah Program right before nizant of those who need our prayers. finer things in life. either their wheel chair or their walk- our winter break called, “There is Al- It was a very moving experience for Unbeknown to most, the Greeks er. These were gifts from the school ways Room for One More.” It was a everyone present. didn’t just establish decrees that to the residents. The children made story told through a narrator, actors It is the steadfast goal of Rambam were to stop the Jewish people from cookies with the residents, had po- and songs about appreciating what Day School to ensure that our stu- practicing their Judaism; they in- tato latkes and one of the students we have. The theme from Frozen even dents have the foundation necessary stituted a decree that was meant played Chanukah songs on the pia- made its way into the presentation. to be active participants in the world to break the sanctity of the Jewish no and everyone sang along togeth- The program began with Kindergar- around them; and, to ensure that the ten leading the audience in one para- light of the Chanukah menorah will graph of Psalms for those who need a forever burn bright in their hearts speedy recovery. These little munch- and souls. kins know the words and understand The Savannah Jewish Federation Gratefully Thanks Our Contributors

SJF GENERAL DONATION A donation was made by In honor of Judy & Larry Odrezin Carol Offenbach Jamie & Greg Odrezin LAWRENCE KONTER & BERTRAM SJF ANNUAL CAMPAIGN WEILAND CULTURAL ARTS FUND In honor of Linda & Michael Zoller In honor of Harriet Konter Charles Izlar Sharon & Bill Sand In honor of Andy & Juliette Grossman JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES FUND In honor of Elise & Victor Shernoff In honor of Kaye & Don Kole In honor of Rachel Weiland Peggy & Stanley Harris In honor of Linda & Michael Zoller Donations were made by Marcy & Jerry Konter Sandy & Skippy Goodman In honor of Steve Greenberg Lynne & Fred Spector Muriel Bono

TIKVAH FUND In honor of Samra Robbins Arlene & Allan Ratner Contributions to Sherry Dolgoff the Savannah Jewish In honor of Stephanie Greenberg Arlene & Allan Ratner Federation may be made In honor of Lisa Bodziner on our secure website at In memory of John Goldkrand Toby Hollenberg www.savj.org or by calling In honor of Joanne Hochman 912-355-8111. In honor of Biff Montana Harriet Meyerhoff Savannah www.savj.org jewish news January - February 2015 | Page 15 Learning our Past and We All Experience It Just like adults ant bugs. Her fears can be traced to Planning for Our Future and teenagers, two primary sources: an active imag- young children ination and a lack of life experience. Questions from tected. experience anx- She may adopt the fears of her peers, a child about the To complete their education on iety and stress siblings, or even you. Holocaust will this topic, six of our teens are going in their lives, Social anxiety is another kind of often take us by to the Holocaust Museum in Wash- Eva Locker, Jodi Sadler, too. Anxiety is a fear among preschoolers. Some in- Principal of surprise meaning ington, DC, this month. David Giv- JEA Director of normal part of a teract easily with other children but Shalom School we are therefore er, who holds a degree in Holocaust Early Childhood child’s emotion- are uncomfortable around adults. unprepared. Our studies, has reinforced the learning Education al development. Others feel secure among adults but reaction toward talking to our chil- through a three-phase seminar that Your child may worry about start- can’t handle socializing with their dren about the Holocaust is usually covered topics from Jewish life in Eu- ing preschool, being afraid of the peers. Some children are just anxious ambivalent: we want to protect them rope before the rise of the Nazi party dark or that her friend’s dog may in any new situation. Fortunately, while we want them to learn about to life after the camps. Leslie West- bite her. Some children are naturally most preschoolers outgrow their our history. More worrying: what if moreland will be leading the group in more anxious than others. However, shyness with time. Some children our answers will turn children away DC with the help of dad and chaper- in time, most children let go of their have a meltdown when it’s time to go from a positive Jewish identification on, Dana Braun. anxieties. to school. Even if they like preschool if this is what it meant to be Jewish. As the trip is also a “reward” of 9 Preschoolers experience specific one day, the next day they may beg to If the Holocaust is difficult for us years of Sunday school for some, we’ll kinds of anxiety. Separation anxiety stay at home. to understand, how can we possibly add lighter time to that weekend: din- peaks at about 18 months, but it can I have seen children exhibiting explain it to children? ner and services with Hillel students resurface for occasional stretches of anxiety in a variety of ways. A new Yad Vashem, the Israeli Holocaust on GW campus, visit to the Capitol time. Your child’s struggle to estab- sibling’s arrival — the most joyous Authority, recommends that we do and who knows… maybe a snow ball lish a separate identity creates these time in a parent’s life — can be very not dismiss questions from younger fight on the Mall. moments of anxiety. But separation stressful for a two-year-old child. children but that our answers should While those older students have anxiety has a positive side – it shows The child experienced separation emphasize bravery and heroes’ sto- dwelled on this heavy topic, the that your child has an attachment to anxiety during this transition peri- ries rather than pain and suffering. school has seen the introduction of you. od. For the four-year-old, aggressive Following curriculum guide lines, so many new things during this last Other types of anxiety are the com- behavior towards others is shown in at Shalom School, we introduce the semester. Safety and security proce- mon fears that children have: like the anxious preschooler who miss- subject progressively until 8th or 9th dures were reviewed and improved monsters under the bed, the neigh- es his dad who has been away from grade, an age when students are ready at various levels. Individual student bor’s pet, or the community swim- home for an extended time due to for a more thorough presentation. evaluations were completed by teach- ming pool. A preschooler’s fears are work responsibilities. Study of the Holocaust is essential ers for the first time. A Grandparent/ a product of your child’s developing When your preschooler becomes not only because it is part of our past. Special Friend Breakfast was held for imagination and her ability to pre- anxious or fearful, give her a cuddle It will assist our children in develop- younger students in November and dict. These fears can happen from an and some reassurance. Also, you can ing an understanding of the roots and parents have now the opportunity actual incident that the child has ex- acknowledge her fears, talk about ramifications of prejudice, racism, to meet with Board members each perienced or fear something she’s just what is upsetting her, and prepare and stereotyping in any society. It Sunday to share their suggestions or heard about like an earthquake or gi- her for the new situations that she also provides a context for exploring concerns. may face. the dangers of remaining silent and As we teach our people history in Our busy lives indifferent in the face of the oppres- and outside our classrooms, we also are full of anxious sion of others and it will remind them work hard to make sure at Shalom moments and our that Democratic institutions are not School that we are all well prepared young children automatically sustained, and need for the future. pick up on those to be appreciated, nurtured and pro- emotions. With lots of love and support for your Crazy Advice child, her anxi- eties will be just We’ve written many times about a passing phase. new books from Savannah native, Bruce Feiler. Now comes one from his wife, Linda Rottenberg, the author of Crazy is a Compliment: The Power of Zig- ging When Everyone Else Zags. Condolences Linda Rottenberg is co-founder of We express our sympathy to the families of: Endeavor, an entrepreneur incuba- tor where budding business people Robert Emanuel “Bob” Kaplan parents, Philip and Claire Berner receive mentorship, strategic advice Who died December 26, 2014 Jacobson. and access to networks of seasoned business leaders who provide inspi- He is survived by his wife, Gail Remembrances: Congregation ration. Schafman Kaplan. Bnai Brith Jacob , 5444 Abercorn Her new book, released this past St., Savannah 31405. fall, draws on her experience to il- Kaye Wendy Jacobson lustrate techniques for achieving Who died October 31, 2014 dreams. She relates stories of well- known business people such as Walt Disney as well as introduces the She is survived by her sister, reader to some of the entrepreneurs search and practical advice to create Dr. Barbara Meddin, of Perth, she has advised. Crazy Is a Compli- a road map for starting a business or Australia; and one niece. She ment combines stories, original re- growing one bigger. was preceded in death by her Savannah Pagejan 16 back | January page ad.pdf - 1February 12/17/2014 4:38:39 2015 PM jewish news www.savj.org

Whether it’s a single mother who lost her job, a Jewish child who wants to attend

C Jewish overnight camp or a a hot meal

M cooked for seniors. At home, in Israel and across the globe, the Savannah Jewish Y You

CM Federation is there.

MY

CY We foster Jewish life in countless other ways as well. Helping young CMY might adults to reconnect to their Jewish identity K through Young Jewish Savannah. Fostering a child’s Jewish journey beginning with PJ Library then support for preschool and say supplemental Jewish education, BBYO, and Hillel and Birthright Israel. Being a resource for those in need through Jewish Family Services. we’re Your gift to the Savannah Jewish Federation enables us to accomplish all this and more. You’re an integral part of all we do. Give to the Annual Campaign today. Visit us at savj.org or always call (912) 355-8111.

The Strength of a People on call. The Power of a Community