Kol Ami Building for Sale by Barbara Bayer Editor

$1.00 The KANSAS CITY Volume 92, Number 17 www.kcjc.com April 26, 2012 jewish chronicle Kol Ami building for sale By Barbara Bayer Editor

Congregation Kol Ami has put its building up for sale. The listing price for the 16,000 square-foot building located at 7501 Belinder Avenue in Prairie Village is $1.4 million. The Reform congregation purchased the building in the summer of 2005 from Zion Lutheran Church for $1.1 million. Nadine Gordon, president of the 90-member congregation, said the board of directors decided to put the building up for sale because “it no longer meets our needs.” She declined to make any further comments regarding the sale or the congregation’s future. Kol Ami is being represented by Da- vid Block and Max Kosoglad of Block & Company, Inc., the exclusive agent for the building and property. It sits on 3.49 acres and features five creative class- rooms, a large social hall, worship space, Photos by ben Mccall kitchen and an outdoor playground. The board of directors of Congregation Kol Ami recently decided to sell the building located at 7501 Belinder Avenue in Prairie Village. The congregation currently leases space in the building to three tenants has leased space to tenants for at least the late summer of 2005 after minor locations before establishing its perma- — Mercy Church, Kansas City Autism three years. repairs were completed following its nent home in Prairie Village. Training Center and a Montessori Kol Ami began holding worship ser- purchase. The congregation was estab- school. Gordon said the congregation vices and programs in the building in lished in 2003 and met in a variety of Ed Asner to perform in KC Fundraiser to help polish the gates of Sheffield Cemetery

By Gloria Gale tirety, grounds in dire need of restora- ing the property in a manner aligned lion in support. This community en- Special to The Chronicle tion. It was apparent that the monetary with Jewish ethics and pride. deavor established a restricted fund at commitment for perpetual care of the “Therefore, a capital campaign fund the Jewish Community Foundation of “Huddled amidst a crowd of sorrows, grounds and chapel was not enough initiated in 2003, governed by a seven- Greater Kansas City to receive and dis- the solemness of sending a soul on its to maintain the cemetery with today’s member executive committee and board see Fundraiser, page 22 journey deserves the utmost respect.” struggling economy. of directors, decided to seek $1.25 mil- — Anonymous In response, a dedicated group of community volunteers culled from sev- For more than 100 years, Sheffield eral congregations came together in Cemetery has remained steadfast. Near- 2003 to form the Friends of Sheffield. ly 6,000 people are buried on the prop- Together, they recognized that the souls erty dating from 1901; making it one of buried there deserved a dignified rest- the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Kansas ing place and pledged to restore, beau- City. But by 2003, visits to the cemetery tify and maintain the property. revealed Sheffield was a shadow of its Rickie Haith, president of Friends of former self, crumbling in disrepair, in- Sheffield Cemetery, said the organiza- cluding no formal chapel and, in its en- tion’s mission encompasses maintain- page 2 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012

Th e KANSAS listening post CITY jewish chronicle a tradition since 1920

Stephen F. Rose By Barbara Bayer, Chairman [email protected] Editor

David Small SAVING TORAHS — Last week President [email protected] we told you that funds have been set up to help victims of the recent tor - Barbara Bayer nado in Wichita. We neglected to tell Editor you a great human-interest story we [email protected] heard from Eileen Garry. She has a good friend in Wichita and she called Marcia Montgomery him last week to make sure all was Community Editor [email protected] well with him following the stormy weather. Her friend, 90-plus-year-old Amy Cohn Mel Shaffir, informed her that he, and Advertising Manager his Conservative synagogue Ahavath [email protected] Achim Hebrew Congregation, were OK. He told her that just in case the Barbara Lewis Godfrey synagogue was in the path of torna - Photo by ben Mccall Account Executive Violinist and Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy student Avery Parkhurst played the ‘Theme dos, members took the precaution of [email protected] From Shindler’s List’ at the beginning of the Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Service this placing the synagogue’s Torahs in a past Sunday. More information regarding the annual event can be found on Page 4. Judy Lanes portable ark that Mel crafted himself Account Executive years ago, and then moved the ark [email protected] with the Torahs in it to the basement. org, and click on the Wichita Tornado nations of Jewish Kansas City for con- Shaffir was thrilled that the members Relief link. Contact Gail Weinberg, versions, ritual immersion, brides, Mike Bennett protected the Torahs. director of financial resource devel - tours and the immersion of utensils be- Production Director opment, at 913-327-8123 to make your fore use in kosher homes and catering [email protected] HELPING VICTIMS PART 2 — donation via phone, or send in a check facilities. The mikvah is maintained by Heather Swan In addition to the Mid-Kansas Jewish to Jewish Federation of Greater Kan- volunteers with support from Kehilath Special Sections Editor Federation, our local Jewish Federa - sas City, 5801 W. 115th Street, Suite Israel Synagogue, but receives no op - [email protected] tion is also collecting funds to help 201, Overland Park, KS 66211, Attn: erating funds from the synagogue. Be - with the disaster recovery and re - Wichita Tornado Relief Fund. One sides funds for the renovation, money hundred percent of donations to this is needed to pay for regular cleaning, Questions regarding subscriptions may be building, in the wake of nearly 100 fund will go directly to helping tor - maintenance, supplies and important directed to Lisa Small. Call 913-951-8407 or tornadoes that struck hundreds of nado victims. repairs. The mikvah is a 501(c)(3) or - email [email protected] homes and workplaces in Kansas Sat- urday, April 14. Although no Jewish ganization, so donations are tax-de - institutions were damaged by the tor- RENNOVATING THE MIKVAH ductible. Make checks payable to the Published every Thursday by nadoes, the local Jewish community — The Kansas City Community Mik - Kansas Mikvah Association and mail in Wichita was deeply impacted by vah is currently being renovated and to: Jessica Kalender Rich, treasurer, the storms’ destruction. Some Jewish modernized and funds are currently Kansas Mikvah Association, 9747 Slat- community members live in or near being raised to pay for it. Mikvah USA er, Overland Park, KS 66212. 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 314A the path of the tornadoes, and an is providing a grant that will match Fairway, Kansas 66205-2532 employee of Ahavath Achim Hebrew all funds collected, up to $50,000. Aya- ANOTHER MEDIA STAR — Hy - Chronicle Ofﬁ ce: (913) 951-8440 Congregation lost her home, cars and la Zoltan Rockoff said even though man Brand Hebrew Academy junior Facsimile: (913) 674-5379 most of the family›s personal belong - the renovations are not yet complete, Slater Sousley is featured as an up Website: www.kcjc.com ings. Funds raised in KC will go to the mikvah already looks more beau- and coming teen in the most recent 435 E-mail: [email protected] the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation tiful. “We anticipate reopening in sev- South Magazine. The magazine notes ©2012 MetroMedia. All rights reserved. in Wichita, which is working with the eral weeks. We are inching closer to that Slater has displayed his art at Salvation Army to provide immedi - our financial goal for this grant, but HBHA art shows and entered work in PUBLISHER NOTICE ate help throughout the community are not there yet. Making sure that the RAVSAK National Jewish Art Con- The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle (ISSN 0022-8524) (USPS and aid for long-term rebuilding. Last we reach this amount will ensure that test. Last summer, at the age of 16, he 290140) is published weekly throughout the year, plus year, through the Jewish Federation the mikvah does not incur a deficit for was approved for early admittance for one special edition in June and another in September, by - completing these important updates.” adult art classes at the Kansas City Art MetroMedia, 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 314A, network across North America, Jew Fairway, Kansas 66205-2532. Subscription $54.95 per ish Federation of Greater Kansas City She said the fundraising deadline to Institute. year in area (includes sales tax), $64.95 per year outside and Jewish Federation of St. Louis receive matching grant money is May the area. Periodicals Postage paid at Shawnee Mission, raised more than $250,000 to help Jop- 1. Kansas Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Kansas - The Mikvah is truly a community City Jewish Chronicle, 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, lin tornado victims. To make your on Suite 314A, Fairway, Kansas 66205-2532. line donation, go to jewishkansascity. institution, and is used by all denomi- April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 3 Historical marker placed outside former Leavenworth temple By Tim Linn enworth temple. “That was the story of what it means Leavenworth Times to be free in America, that we welcome people that have different points of view to worship a common creator.” For the last several decades, the word “Temple” in Construction of Temple B’Nai Jeshurun as it stands its name was one of the few subtle clues as to the for- today began in 1916 in the footprint of a previous place mer identity of the apartment building at the corner of of worship built in 1866. The B’Nai Jeshurun congre- Sixth and Osage streets in Leavenworth, Kan. gation itself goes back earlier than that. A Jewish com- Following a public dedication ceremony of a new munity first gathered to worship in 1852 at the home marker on the corner Thursday, April 19, there’s no of Jonas Wollman. The B’Nai Jeshurun congregation mistaking the heritage of the Temple Apartments as was officially formed in 1859. the former home of the Temple B’Nai Jeshurun, the The current temple served as a place of worship un- oldest permanent Jewish house of worship in the state til the 1970s, when the congregation dissolved. of Kansas. A few members of the Kansas City Jewish commu- Maryland resident Jerry Klinger, president and nity with Leavenworth ties attended the dedication founder of the Jewish American Society for Historic ceremony last week. Rabbi Stuart Davis, who leads Preservation, asked the Leavenworth County Histori- Shabbat services twice a month at Fort Leavenworth, cal Society in November for help in placing the marker gave the invocation at the dedication. Leavenworth na- at the site after coming across it in his research. He tive Marjorie Levin Rabin Brodkin was accompanied said the sign would require no public funds nor any A historical marker commemorating the first permanent at the ceremony by her daughter, Janelle Flacks. Brod- funding from the LCHS. But he did ask that the society Jewish place of worship in the state of Kansas, Temple B’Nai kin’s ties to B’Nai Jeshurun are strong, having attend- write the text for the marker, asking that it mention Jeshurun, was dedicated in Leavenworth, Kan. on Thursday, ed religious school, observed holidays and Shabbat the temple’s status as the first Jewish place of worship April 19. Posing at the marking following the ceremony are and was married at B’nai Jeshurun in 1948. Brodkin’s in Kansas and that the presence of the building affirms Dick Gervasini, chairman of the board of directors of the daughter, Sandra Rabin, was the fifth generation to the American principle of religious freedom. Leavenworth County Historical Society, Leavenworth native live in Leavenworth when she taught school for three It’s been a standard request from Klinger at the Marjorie Brodkin, and Jerry Klinger, president and founder of years in Lansing, Kan. Another Leavenworth native, other markers he’s helped erect in 22 other states and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation Allan Garfinkle, attended as well. four countries in the last 10 years. The purpose of his Several generations of Brodkin’s family were active mission, he said, is to highlight what he sees as the “There was no question about the Jews being per- uniquely American practice of religious freedom. mitted to have a house of worship,” he said of the Leav- see Historical, page 19

village shalom 32312JL49X 4c x 4.8” page 4 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 About Town The 2012 Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Service On a day of mixed sun and clouds, the Jewish com- ra and Nathan Murra, related another theme of the munity commemorated the 69th anniversary of the day as she reported a conversation her grandmother Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the 49th anniversary had with her mother. “In case you live through this, of the dedication of Kansas City’s Memorial to the don’t ever forget to tell the story and what you went Six Million. Approximately 500 people attended the through.” The service — which remembered those event, which began inside the White Theatre at the who perished and commemorated the survivors, Jewish Community Campus and concluded, as al- rescuers and liberators — was coordinated by the ways, with Kaddish and closing remarks outside at Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, the Jew- the monument. As Rabbi Mark Levin stated, the day ish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish is a reminder that “despite the persecution, we have Committee and the Jewish Community Center, along survived and triumphed.” Chairperson Rita Murra with 32 sponsoring organizations. Sudhalter, daughter of survivors Rose Zysman Mur-

Photos by Ben McCall

Matilda Rosenberg reads a story she has written as part of the ‘CollectiveVOICES’ program, MCHE’s writing project for children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, while photos of her family flashed on the screen behind her.

Sara Mittelman represented the survivor community in the traditional candle-lighting ceremony. Approximately 15 survivors attended the service and it is believed that approximately 80 survivors still live in Kansas City. Rita Murra Sudhalter gives closing remarks at the monument. April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 5 salute to youth ‘Insightful’ teen finds local Jewish community open and welcoming By Beth Lipoff ter secretary and vice president. Gavri moved here Contributing Writer with his parents, Jewish Community Center Execu- tive Director Jacob Schreiber and Edna Levy, and his Seventeen-year-old Gavri Schreiber has achieved a siblings from Atlanta in 2009. lot in his life, but he’s quick to credit the contributions “It was really tough to start. I didn’t know very of others for his success. many people, and I was also transitioning from a Jew- A junior at Blue Valley North, Gavri is the vice ish middle school to a public high school,” he said. “I president of BBYO’s Kansas City Council. think my family really helped me a lot, and the com- “I feel like I’m one of the senior members who’s munity was really welcoming. I kind of laid low for a there to help kids,” he said. “What I like about BBYO bit (when I arrived) and relied on my family and the is that it’s a cooperative effort. It’s not one single per- community, and that helped me transition.” son.” One of his favorite programs with BBYO in Kansas Gavri, a member of Congregation Beth Torah, City was a paintball event that raised money for brain tries to help BBYO internationally as a member of the cancer charities. BBYO International Leadership Network. “I really think that the nice thing about the orga- In addition to making a guide for starting new chap- nization and the Jewish community is that people are ters, Gavri and his cohort in the network made a pro- really, really open and welcoming,” he said. “People gramming guide for BBYO chapters. here are often able to put their egos aside, and I think “I think those and other things are going to be help- that’s what helps make the community strong. I feel ful resources for everybody to help strengthen BBYO like that’s something that should be celebrated. I feel across the country,” he said. “I was very fortunate to fortunate to work within this framework.” get selected (for the network); I feel like it’s given me Gavri was also one the first four teens to participate an opportunity to help people with BBYO outside of in the JCC Recollections project, a program where here in Kansas City.” teens speak with older members of the community Although he has only lived in Kansas City for three years, Gavri has also served as the Nordaunian chap- see Salute, page 6 Gavri Schreiber

Heritage of Overland Park (The) 41812BG43 4c x 4.8” page 6 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 Village Shalom employees’ quick actions aid stricken toddler

By Linda Salvay got there.” Special to The Chronicle Besides being trained in CPR, Stoner said, he also happens to be a chaplain. The words “toddler” and “retire- He sensed the grandmother’s intense ment community” don’t often appear distress in the situation, and asked her in the same sentence. But it was one what the baby’s name was. “I reminded small child’s good fortune to be visiting her that hers is the only voice here that the Village Shalom retirement commu- he recognizes, and if she would say his nity with his grandmother on a recent name, he would hear her and it would afternoon. That, in combination with calm him.” Stoner knew it would calm numerous other coincidences, may have Glasberg as well. helped to save his life. Shortly thereafter, Garett was taken Fifteen-month-old Garett Van Bus- by ambulance to the emergency room kirk accompanied his grandmother, at nearby Children’s Mercy Hospital Bunni Glasberg, on a recent visit to South. “The ER is only six months old,” Village Shalom. Glasberg had come for Glasberg later noted, citing another ser- a meeting to plan details of an upcom- endipitous circumstance boding well ing art opening at Village Shalom’s Ep- for Garett. She met up with her daugh- sten Gallery. She often babysits for her ter at the hospital, where they learned grandson, and was certain he would that Garett was already recovering and play quietly while the brief meeting would have no ill after-effects from the took place. Village Shalom staff member Daniel Stoner waves a balloon for Garett Van Buskirk, be- incident. Instead, Garett was a bit fussy and ing held by his grandmother, Bunni Glasberg. Garett’s mother, Melisa, is at left. The family Two days later, a healthier and much wanted his grandmother to hold him returned to Village Shalom to thank Stoner and other employees for their lifesaving actions happier Garett returned to Village the entire time, Glasberg recalled. When when Garett suffered a febrile seizure. Shalom with his mom, grandma and a the meeting ended, she headed for the cake decorated with Garett’s picture main entrance, still holding Garett. She relocate the class. floor, and he stopped breathing at that — a small token of thanks to Village stopped briefly at the reception desk to Being within direct sight of the point. I started CPR.” Shalom’s employees for their calm and chat with a friend who had just entered lobby during the class, Stoner noticed Simultaneously, Village Shalom’s re- quick actions in an emergency. the building. “If I hadn’t stopped to talk the emergency situation the instant it ceptionist, Beth Miller, dialed 911. She “It was by the grace of God that I was to her,” recounted Glasberg, “I would al- happened. And because he is certified also signaled a couple of nurse’s aides here at Village Shalom when it all hap- ready have been in my car. Garett would in all modalities of cardiopulmonary to alert another employee, Redempta pened,” Glasberg said. “Everyone was have been in his car seat behind me — resuscitation (CPR) and lifesaving, he Kimani, a registered nurse, who was on so caring and kind.” facing backwards — and I never would approached the panicked grandmother duty in a nearby assisted-living area. Stoner shared Glasberg’s sentiments, have known what happened.” at once to offer help. “I looked her in Kimani quickly appeared and began to adding his gratitude for his fellow em- As Glasberg stood in Village Shalom’s the eye and asked her, ‘May I have the assist Stoner in administering CPR to ployees. “We work as a team,” he com- lobby cradling Garett in her arms, the baby?’” Stoner said. Apparently reas- the baby. “I continued the breathing,” mented. “When the EMS left, Redempta baby had a seizure that caused him to sured by his calm request, she com- said Stoner, “while she did the chest and I hugged each other. It all ended lose consciousness, start twitching and plied. “When I took him, he started hav- compressions. We continued that until happily. And there’s even a cake!” then stop breathing. While he had been ing convulsions. I put him down on the the EMS (emergency medical services) running a low-grade fever earlier in the . day, his mother, Melisa Van Buskirk, and Glasberg (Van Buskirk’s mother) Salute to Youth both attributed it to teething. They later learned it was the beginning of a double from page 5 but their outlook and life and their ad- … It ended with us going to Capitol Hill ear infection, and the seizure resulted vice and wisdom.” and lobbing our congressmen,” he said teens speak with older members of the from a sudden spike in the baby’s fever. Howard Jacobson, former president At school, Gavri excels generally but community about their life experiences. At that same time in nearby Rachel’s of the JCC and the Jewish Federation of made a particular mark when he won “We each interviewed … a few people Café, a balance class for Village Sha- Kansas City, said he is impressed with third place in desktop application pro- and created a video to get funding and lom residents was under way. Rachel’s Gavri. gramming at the Future Business Lead- support for Recollections, and once Café is not normally a venue for fitness- “He’s a very insightful young man,” ers of America’s 2011 national competi- that happened, we contacted lots of our related activities, but on this particular Jacobson said. “He understands what tion. friends and expanded it,” he said. day the all-kosher restaurant was still adults are saying. I teach classes at Uni- Jacobson said Gavri’s desire to help Gavri said the program has blos- closed to the public following the Pass- versity of Missouri, and I don’t get the others will serve him well in the future. somed, with 20 teams of teens inter- over holiday. The balance class was us- same response from business students “He does things all the time for oth- viewing every Sunday. ing the space temporarily because of as I get from him.” er people, and he won’t take credit for “I give the credit to my dad. It was unwelcome paint odors from repairs to Activism is also on Gavri’s resume, them. Parents say he is a great influence his vision that started Recollections. I’m the pool in the Spa & Wellness Center an interest sparked by a trip to the on their kids,” Jacobson said. “He re- lucky to be his son and be one of the peo- where the class typically meets. Spa & Schusterman High School Summit for ally is pushing people to do community ple chosen to start the project,” he said. Wellness Center staff member Daniel the American Israel Public Affairs Com- service projects, but it’s never ‘I;’ it’s al- “I enjoy listening to stories from older Stoner, the balance-class instructor, had mittee. ways ‘we.’” people and being put in a place where made a spur-of-the-moment decision to “At the summit, we learned a lot people can not only share their stories about the current issues facing Israel April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 7 Jewish scholar engages audience with stories of interfaith dialogue

By Bob Luder sulate General of Israel to the Midwest and co-spon- Special to The Chronicle sored by Avila University, Rockhurst University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Americans like to think they live in a diverse coun- As Bendcowsky told her audience, she grew up in try. And, of course, they do. But, as Hana Bendcowsky an Orthodox Jewish family. She knew nothing of any put it to a captive audience of about 100 the evening religions other than Judaism until she took a course of March 27 at Avila University, think of having more in the New Testament at Hebrew University, the fore- than a dozen different religious and ethnic sects — di- most university in Israel, where she eventually earned vided among roughly 7 million people in all — living a Master of Arts degree in comparative religion. She and trying to coexist in a space not much larger than said she didn’t meet her fi rst Christian until she trav- the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. eled to Jerusalem. “It’s very hard to have dialogue,” said Bendcowsky, “I learned that Christianity was so connected (with program director at the Jerusalem Center for Jewish- Judaism) — in its culture, literature, music and poli- Christian Relations. “The situation makes it very hard. tics,” Bendcowsky said. Both sides (Jews and Palestinians) see themselves as The history behind the Jews’ migration to Jerusa- weak and the minority.” lem following World War II and the Holocaust made it It’s diffi cult, but not impossible. Bendcowsky, a Jew diffi cult for Jews to trust or open themselves to Chris- from Jerusalem, has made it her life’s work to reach tianity, Bendcowsky said. Her Hungarian mother, a out to people of all religions and engage them in in- Holocaust survivor, felt as though she had to cross the terfaith dialogue. That’s what she was doing during street any time she approached a church in Jerusalem. a whirlwind two-day visit to the Kansas City area, She never knew why. For many Jews, the image of the where she dined with Avila University President cross brought back haunting memories and confl ict. Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., Jewish Community Relations Bendcowsky said there were two major topics that Bureau|American Jewish Committee Executive Di- needed to be dealt with in engaging in interfaith rela- rector Marvin Szneler, Director of Interreligious Af- tions. The fi rst is dialogue. The diffi culty there, she fairs at JCRB|AJC Rabbi Alan Cohen and others and said, is that the two main groups — Jews and Chris- spoke at Avila and two other schools in the area before tians — constantly argue about which group is the ma- whisking off to her next engagement. see Scholar, page 19 Bendcowsky’s visit was made possible by the Con- Avila President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., and Hana Bendcowsky. One Event...... Day Thursday, May 24th • 8am - 3pm Only! Dr M$2400ark Jensen OFF 41812BG23

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Dr. Mark Jensen • 913-384-0600 www.markjensendds.com page 8 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 national and international news Obama outlines Holocaust lessons that are particular and universal

By Ron Kampeas president of B’nai B’rith International, JTA News & Features said that Obama citing the threats facing Jews was a welcome development. WASHINGTON (JTA) — One by one, “This is the first speech that connect- the emails from the White House ar- ed the dots on the current threats to- rived in inboxes across Washington on gether with Holocaust remembrance,” Monday morning, each highlighting a he said. “You had delegitimization [of unique initiative toward a different cor- Israel], you had the Iran issue.” ner of the globe: Syria. Iran. Uganda. Abraham Foxman, the national di- The unifying factor was the presi- rector of the Anti-Defamation League dent’s appearance that day at the U.S. and a Holocaust survivor, said Obama’s Holocaust Memorial Museum in Wash- speech was important for underscor- ington, and together the seemingly dis- ing how “Never again” emerged from parate issues underscored a message a Jewish tragedy. He also said Obama’s carefully calibrated by top White House speech would help push back against officials: The Holocaust was uniquely a accusations that Israeli leaders like Ne- crime against the Jews, and its lessons tanyahu and President Shimon Peres for today are realized both in protecting are overplaying the connection between Israel and preventing atrocities from be- the Iranian threat and the Holocaust. ing inflicted on any other people. The message of “Never again,” Fox- Obama threaded the themes together man said, “is connected to Israel, and it in his Monday morning speech at the is connected to Iran, not just by Elie but U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum fol- Courtesy usHMM President Obama embraces Elie Wiesel before delivering a speech about the Holocaust and by the president.” lowing a tour guided by Elie Wiesel, the its meaning at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on April 23. Obama’s thinking about the Holo- Holocaust memoirist and Nobel laure- caust has been picked apart by the Jew- ate. threats facing Israel to the Holocaust, be strong just to defend its own survival ish community since before his election The president segued from the he seemed to be trying to address a per- and its own destiny.” as president. uniqueness of the Holocaust to the ception among some Israeli and Jewish Obama made it clear that he heard On the one hand, Jewish leaders wel- threats facing Jews and Israel today. communal leaders that he does not “get” Wiesel’s concerns. comed the sensibilities of a candidate “When efforts are made to equate how Israel figures into post-Holocaust “As we walked through this exhibit, who cited the postwar experience of a Zionism to racism, we reject them,” Jewish thinking. Elie and I were talking as we looked at great-uncle helping to liberate a Buch- Obama said. “When international fora Wiesel, introducing Obama, gave the unhappy record of the State Depart- enwald subcamp. single out Israel with unfair resolutions, voice to Jewish concerns about Iran’s ment and so many officials here in the “He returned from his service in a we vote against them. When attempts potentially genocidal intentions toward United States during those years,” he state of shock saying little and isolat- are made to delegitimize the state of Is- Israel. said. “And he asked, ‘What would you ing himself for months on end from rael, we oppose them. When faced with “How is it that the Holocaust’s No. do?’ ” family and friends, alone with the pain- a regime that threatens global security 1 denier, Ahmadinejad, is still a presi- Obama recalled telling an American ful memories that would not leave his and denies the Holocaust and threatens dent?” Wiesel asked. “He who threatens woman he met while touring Israel’s head,” Obama said during a presidential to destroy Israel, the United States will to use nuclear weapons — to use nuclear Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, in visit to Buchenwald in July 2009, also do everything in our power to prevent weapons — to destroy the Jewish state. 2008 — when he was a candidate — “I with Wiesel in attendance. Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.” We must know that when evil has power, would always be there for Israel.” On the other hand, a speech in Cairo Obama then transitioned to the it is almost too late.” Repeating that message seemed by the president delivered the day be- threats facing others. While Iranian President Mahmoud aimed at assuaging worries expressed fore his visit to Buchenwald raised some “ ‘Never again’ is a challenge to so- Ahmadinejad has repeatedly expressed by Israeli leaders that Israel stands Jewish hackles. In that speech, address- cieties,” he said. “We’re joined today by the desire to see Israel excised from the alone in perceiving the potential of ing the Muslim world, Obama said that communities who’ve made it your mis- region, he has not explicitly threatened genocide in Iran’s belligerence. America’s bond with Israel was based sion to prevent mass atrocities in our to use nuclear weapons against the Jew- “People who dismiss the Iranian on “cultural and historical ties,” as well time.” ish state. Nevertheless, Israeli leaders threat as a whim or an exaggeration as “the recognition that the aspiration The two-part message — protecting have cited the rhetoric of Iranian lead- have learned nothing from the Holo- for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a Israel, preventing atrocities — was re- ers as evidence that the Islamic Repub- caust,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin tragic history that cannot be denied.” flected in the makeup of the audience, lic cannot be allowed nuclear weapons. Netanyahu said in his own Holocaust While the president used the oppor- a mix of leaders of Jewish groups and Wiesel later made explicit the con- remembrance message last week. “To tunity to condemn Holocaust denial and groups that have advocated for other nection between Israel’s posture and the cower from speaking the uncomfortable to make the case for Israel’s legitimacy populations under threat, including Holocaust. truth — that today like then, there are — noting that threats to destroy the Bosnians and the Sudanese. “Now I hope you understand in this those who want to destroy millions of Jewish state evoked for Israelis memo- Obama’s nod to the Holocaust’s place why Israel is so important,” he Jewish people — that is to belittle the ries of the Holocaust — some in the Jew- uniqueness and how its trauma shaped said. “Not only to the Jew that I am but Holocaust, that is to offend its victims ish community were deeply troubled by his sensitivities to other peoples facing to the world. Israel cannot not remem- and that is to ignore the lessons.” the implications of his choice of words. atrocities is not new. But in tying the ber, and because it remembers it must Daniel Mariaschin, the executive vice April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 9 national and international news Bibi’s back on Time list of 100 came from the Union for Reform Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the most influential Rabbinical Assembly, the National Council of NEW YORK (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Young Israel, Agudath Israel of America and the Benjamin Netanyahu made Time magazine’s 2012 Orthodox Union. The Conference of Presidents of list of the 100 most influential people in the world Major American Jewish Organizations, the central for the second year in a row. coordinating body representing 51 national Jewish Netanyahu is called an “iconic, strong and deter- organizations, also called on Obama to grant mined leader who has excelled during a lifetime clemency for Pollard. of service to the state of Israel” in a profile writ- In their clemency appeals, the Jewish leaders ten by U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the majority threw their weight behind the official request leader in the House of Representatives. from Israeli President Shimon Peres to Obama to “At this perilous moment, Prime Minister Netan- release Pollard, according to a statement from the yahu is the right leader for Israel — and the right Justice for Jonathan Pollard organization. partner for America,” Cantor wrote. “We join President Shimon Peres and scores of Time’s list of those who “inspire us, entertain American intellectual, religious, political, and us, challenge us and change our world” features civic leaders in appealing for his prompt release,” “breakouts, pioneers, moguls, leaders and icons.” Benjamin Netanyahu wrote Richard Stone and Malcolm Hoenlein, the It includes Harvey Weinstein, one of Hollywood’s chairman and executive vice chairman of the most successful producers, who recently contrib- Lin. Presidents Conference. “Given his clear expres- Jonathan Pollard uted to the documentary “Bully.” Anonymous, Syrian President Bashar Assad appears on the list as a “rogue.” sions of remorse and pledges regarding his activi- a hacker group that threatened a reign of terror rectional Complex in North Carolina, where he is ties upon release, we believe the commutation of against Israel and to systematically wipe the serving a life sentence for spying for Israel. Peres his unprecedentedly long sentence to the 27 years country off of the internet, also appears on the Jewish movements renew has not received an official reply to his letter. he has already served is warranted. list. Obama announced last month that he would Pollard clemency appeal “President Peres is a cautious and judicious President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary (JTA) — Representatives of the Orthodox, Con- award Peres with the Presidential Medal of person and his letter comes only after much delib- Clinton are on the list, as are Catherine, Duchess servative and Reform movements renewed their Freedom in June; a petition signed by more than eration,” they wrote. of Cambridge (the former Kate Middleton, who is appeals to President Obama to grant clemency to 35,000 Israelis has called on Peres to use his influ- Peres’ letter, sent earlier this month, cited Pollard’s married to Prince William), and her sister, Pippa Jonathan Pollard. ence with the White House to ensure that Pollard reportedly severe health situation in requesting Middleton, and athletes Tim Tebow and Jeremy The calls over the weekend for Pollard’s release is released prior to the medal ceremony. that he be released from Butner Federal Cor-

TEMPLE B’NAI JEHUDAH - LEARNING 42312JL9 4c x 4.8” page 10 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 celebrations honor Bat Mitzvah Bar Mitzvah Hodson Trust Internship awarded Nathan during their college years and learn about the Goldman has realities of fields in which they think they might been awarded like to work. a stipend from Goldman, son of Martha Gershun and Don the Hodson Goldman, is currently completing his sopho- Trust Intern- more year at St. John’s College in Annapolis, ship Program Md. Next year he will be co-editor of the school’s at St. John’s weekly newspaper, The Gadfly. College to fund St. John’s has an unusual all-required pro- a summer in- gram of study, with no electives and no depart- ternship in the ments. Through the reading of original texts, Book Publish- students reflect on the great questions of West- ing division ern tradition from ancient Greece to modern of the Kansas times. The curriculum includes study in the Davi Sher Harrison Gregory Swartzman City Star. The classics of literature, philosophy, theology, psy- program is de- chology, political science, economics, history, Scott Sher and Anne Rosen- Steven and Dr. Evelina signed to give Nathan Goldman mathematics, laboratory sciences, music and thal announce the Bat Mitzvah Swartzman announce the Bar students an op- the visual arts. of their daughter, Davi Sher, Mitzvah of their son, Harri- portunity to acquire professional experience at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5, son Gregory, at 10 a.m. Satur- at Congregation Beth Shalom. day, May 5, at the New Reform Davi is the granddaughter of Temple. Harrison is the grand- Sylvester and Celia Sher and son of Boris Perepelyuk and Joseph and Beverly Rosenthal. Fiana Kamininskaya of Brook- Annual communitywide all-night Shavuot Relatives and friends are invit- lyn, N.Y.; Howard and Sharon ed to worship with the family Swartzman; and Lea Endlich and to attend the Oneg Shabbat and Carolynn Fischel. program a Kansas City tradition following the service. The Jewish community will join together for throughout the night including informal study, an evening of prayer, study and celebration at sports and games. Permission forms for all stu- the annual all-night Shavuot program on Satur- dents are required. day, May 26, at Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 A lavish and delicious catered dairy buffet Ohev Sholom plans Conser. The evening begins at 8:30 p.m. with two dinner featuring a favorite selection of Shavout Mincha services, including a traditional service delicacies, including blintzes and cheesecake, led by Rabbi Herbert Mandl, Kehilath Israel, will be served at 9:30 p.m. The cost is $14 per adult KosherFest 2012 and a learner’s service, facilitated by Spiritual and $10 per student (age 21 and under). Manda- Leader Doug Alpert. The celebration will in- tory advance reservations are required by Mon- Congregation Ohev Sho- ing delicious, homemade items clude a catered dairy buffet dinner, followed by day, May 21, and should be sent (make checks lom’s KosherFest, named the to be available at KosherFest. a keynote featuring noted author, lecturer and payable to Rabbinical Association) to Rabbini- Program of the Year by the Jew- Just a few of the items to be in- scholar and nationally acclaimed speaker, Rabbi cal Association, 5801 W. 115, Suite 113, Overland ish Federation of Kansas City in cluded at the booths are: Bobka, Joseph Telushkin. Park, KS 66211. Reservations received after May 2009, returns on Sunday, June 3. Challah, Glazed Honey Cake, A rabbinic response will follow the keynote 21, are $18 per adult. There is no charge to the The community is invited to Mandelbrot, Rugelach, Potato with a panel discussion moderated by Rabbi community to attend the study programs only, join in the fun and food in the Knishes and Homemade Latkes. Telushkin and panelists: Rabbis Alan Cohen, which begin at 10:30 p.m. lower parking lot of Ohev Sho- New this year is Electric Mark Levin and Daniel Rockoff. Informal study This program is co-sponsored by The Rab- lom from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Avenue, featuring electric cars sessions with Rabbi Telushkin, Rabbi Ben Zion binical Association of Greater KC and area con- There will be lots of oppor- available for test drive. You Friedman and Rabbi Elchanan Schulgasser, gregations and funded by Frank Morgan Fund tunity to taste your favorite can pre-order KosherFest food Kansas City Kollel, will be offered all night. A and Goldie Chalet Fund of Kehilath Israel Syna- Jewish foods. Members of the items to take home by calling sunrise service and breakfast will conclude this gogue. congregation are busy in the 913-642-6460. Admission is $2 for holiday celebration. Stay for a few hours or re- For additional information or if planning to kitchens almost daily prepar- adults and $1 for children. main until dawn and engage in ruach and stim- attend the study programs only, contact Annette ulating study opportunities. Snacks and coffee Fish, administrator/program director for the will be served. Rabbinical Association, [email protected] or “What is the true national education? That which Special youth programs facilitated by our 913-327-4622. Visit kcrabbis.org for reservation makes children absorb the national spirit uncon- area’s informal youth educators will be offered form and additional information. sciously.” — Achad Ha’am April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 11 A weekend honoring Rabbi Mandl JFS looks to form new welcomes community participation The Kansas City community is in- grief and loss support groups vited to the weekend events at Kehilath Jewish Family Services is in the and holding on to the memory of the Israel Synagogue June 1-3 celebrating process of forming two separate grief loved one while trying to cope with the retirement of Rabbi Herbert Mandl. support groups for those who have re- creating a different life for oneself,” Rabbi Mandl has served the community cently lost a spouse or parent. Co-fa- said Vicki Cohen, JFS therapist who for 35 years, and the weekend is dedicat- cilitated by a therapist and a rabbi, the will work with these groups. ed to him and his family. groups will focus on processing grief “Jewish spiritual support offers Rabbi Mandl has had quite an impact using both a therapeutic and a Jewish an opportunity for members to cre- on the Jewish community. His work spiritual approach. ate a holy Jewish space, some shalom, with the Vaad HaKashruth is one of his “Grief, when it comes, is nothing within a context of Jewish tradition many accomplishments that touched we expect it to be and is often over- and community,” the rabbi said. more than just K.I. members. He helped whelming,” said Rabbi Jonathan Rud- The new groups will meet for a sev- make several hotels kosher, some of nick, Jewish Community Chaplain en-week session beginning sometime which are the Westin Crown Center, and one of the groups’ co-facilitators. in the fall. The cost to participate is Hyatt hotels and the Doubletree Hotel. “Group process has the ability to $75 but no one will be turned away due He worked to build the Leawood Hen acknowledge and recognize the com- to financial constraints. House bakery and now Kosher Island mon bond of losing someone of great For more information or to register into a place where members of the Jew- significance in one’s life, dealing with for the groups, contact Vicki Cohen, ish community can purchase fresh ko- other people’s responses to the loss, 816-333-1172 or [email protected]. sher products. He worked with Hereford House, Princess Gardens, Jack Stack and other area restaurants to provide kosher catering when needed. He has Rabbi Herbert Mandl helped create the ambience of the mik- “What man can live and never behold death?” vah at K.I. as well as insisted that Meno- and memories will be shared that night. — Psalms/Tehillim 89:49 rah Medical Center offer kosher foods. Saturday, June 2, will be Shabbat ser- Over the years Rabbi Mandl has col- vices and a luncheon catered by Cathy laborated with other clergy in the com- Levin. Rabbi Mandl’s friends and family munity, both Jewish and non-Jewish, to will lead the services and the commu- provide more options for Jewish people, nity is welcome to attend. There is no as well as bridge the gap between other charge for this special Shabbat morning. religions. He and his wife Barbara have Sunday, June 3, join K.I. for the Gala four children, Aron, Seth, Debbie and Celebration to thank Rabbi Mandl for Miriam. The Mandls’ children grew up his dedication and service. The eve- here and will return for the celebration ning begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails weekend to pay special tribute to their followed by an elegant dinner catered dad. by Steve Ellenberg. Pictures, music, The weekend begins with a tradition- speeches and many surprises will be on al family Shabbat on June 1 catered by the program for the evening. The cost Steve Ellenberg. Friday night services for the evening is $54 per person. will be preceded by a cocktail hour and Reservations are due by May 7 for the FREDERIC E followed by a kosher meal. The cost for Shabbat dinner and the Gala Celebra- the evening is $25 per person; children tion. Call Rochelle Kanter at 913-681- under 10 are $10. Special family speeches 8224 or K.I. at 913-642-1880. GOODMAN 32312JL48 Honor women who have touched your life This Mother’s Day B’nai Jehudah $19-$35, (Violets), $36 or more, (Beauti- 2c x 4.8” Sisterhood invites you to make a dona- ful Spring Bouquet). Please send your tion in honor or memory of the special donation check along with a piece of mothers, grandmothers and women paper with your honor (memory name who have touched your life. or names) and their address and your Those “in honor donations” will re- name, phone, email and address to B’nai ceive a beautiful handwritten Mother’s Jehudah Sisterhood Mother’s Day, 12320 Day Card. A complete list of donations Nall Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66209. will appear in the B’nai Jehudah June Donations will be accepted through Bulletin. May 7. Donations levels are: $18 (Roses), page 12 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 Appellate judge talks about appeals process The final selected as one of the top 16 students in Brandeis Appellate Advocacy II competition and Listen and was in several law school societies, in- Learn pro- cluding Order of the Coif and Order of gram of the Barristers. 2011-2012 se- After receiving her law degree with ries will be distinction in May 1993, Standridge held at 1 p.m. served as chambers council on the U.S. Thursday, District Court of the Western District of May 10, at Missouri, where she represented plain- the home of tiffs and defendants in more than 100 Ellen Soltz, state and federal cases. From 1995-99 she 6201 W. 127th worked in private practice before join- Terr. Melissa ing the U.S. District Court for the Dis- Standridge, trict of Kansas. judge on the Melissa Standridge Standridge has received many Kansas Court awards both in her career and personal- of Appeals, will address the group on ly. Nationally, these include the Sandra “How the Kansas Court of Appeals Day O’Connor Award for Professional The Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy class of 2012 consists of Jacob Mehari (seated, from left), Works.” Service and, locally, Outstanding Ser- Jakob Rose, Jeremy Gutovitz, Max Fogel and Joshua Geller. Standing, Shahar Bareli, Hannah Standridge came to her position vice Award from the (2001) Kansas Bar Caplan, Shoshana Margolies and Michelle Noykhovich. through hard work, academic excel- Association, KC Legal Leaders of the lence and social involvement. Having Year Award (2006) and Angel in Adop- attended the University of Kansas and tion (2007) when selected by Congress- HBHA commencement set for May 14 working as a cafeteria worker, desk man Dennis Moore as sole recipient in clerk and retail sales clerk to help pay the Third Congressional District. Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy University, St. Louis University, Tulane her way through, Standridge earned her On a more personal note, in June board of trustees, administration, fac- University, University of California- bachelor’s degree in 1984. During those 2000, Standridge was granted license to ulty and staff announce that the com- Santa Barbara, University of Kansas, years she still made time to be active in provide in-home care as a single mother mencement for the class of 2012 will be University of Michigan, University of school as secretary of the Hillel board of to children in the custody of the state. held at 7 p.m. Monday, May 14, in the Missouri, University of San Francisco, directors and volunteering in the Senior She has since adopted four of her foster Lewis and Shirley White Theatre on the University of Tampa, and the Universi- Citizen Community Outreach Program. children: Sergei, Clint, Ana and Quen- Jewish Community Campus. ty of Wisconsin. Students have accepted She went on to UMKC School of Law tin. Some of the colleges and universities scholarship offers totaling more than where she again used her energy, not The cost for this Listen and Learn that the class of 2012 have been accepted $300,000. only to get her law degree, but to serve as program is $8. For reservation avail- to attend are Bradley University, Col- The community is invited and a re- a teaching assistant, work in the Chief ability or for information on joining lege of Charleston, Fordham University, ception will immediately follow the cer- Justice Appellate and Advocacy Pro- Brandeis National Committee, call Ellen Loyola Marymount University, Occiden- emony. gram and serve as a research assistant Soltz, 913-766-0274. tal College, Rice University, Santa Clara to Professor Ellen Suni. Standridge was

Italian Nobel laureate Rita laboratory she built in her bedroom. She and Levi Montalcini turns 103 her family fled Turin in 1941, first to a mountain Yiddish movie matinee set village and in 1943 to Florence, where they ROME (JTA) — Tributes have poured in to spent the rest of the war in hiding. The May Yiddish movie is going to be choices are paraded before him he finds honor Italian Nobel Prize-winner Rita Levi Mon- After the war, she moved to the United States shown at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 20, again at none acceptable. talcini on the occasion of her 103rd birthday. and eventually divided her time between the the Heritage Center on the Jewish Com- As a result he becomes reconciled to Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano was among United States and Rome. munity Campus and is entitled “Ameri- his fate of remaining single always. In those who sent birthday greetings on Sunday One of Italy’s most admired women, Levi caner Schadchun,” which means an his opinion, it is the fault of the “schadc- to Levi Montalcini, who was a joint recipient Montalcini was named a Senator for Life, one “American Marriage Broker.” hun” so he decides to become a marriage of the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1986. She of Italy’s highest honors, in 2001. The plot features a very handsome broker himself. And the plot thickens. was born on April 22, 1909 to a Jewish family She was quoted in the Italian media as saying gentleman who, following in the cus- This is a truly enjoyable movie, and in Turin. that she did not want any big celebration of her tom of the times desires to find a suit- popcorn and lemonade is available for During World War II, because of anti-Semitic birthday, but would raise a glass and maybe able wife with the hope that the two of all. Donations of $1.50 per person sug- restrictions imposed by the fascist government, enjoy a piece of cake with close associates. them might be married and live happily gested to cover the cost of additional Levi Montalcini worked secretly in a clandestine together for the rest of their lives. The movies. scene is set in New York and after many April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 13 SAFEHOME named winner of 2012 Award for Excellence in Nonpro t Leadership SAFEHOME, Johnson County’s only provider of receiving a pinnacle Four Star Award from Char- services to victims of domestic violence and their chil- ity Navigator. dren, has been named winner of the 2012 Excellence in “SAFEHOME is proud to be recognized with Nonprofi t Leadership Award by Support Kansas City. the 2012 Excellence in Nonprofi t Leadership SAFEHOME won the award for an agency with a bud- award. The experienced leadership of our board get of more than $1 million. and the skills of our staff provide creative di- This award is distinctive because it honors agencies rection, excellent fi scal management, forward- for their strong fi scal management and sound strate- thinking strategic planning, and effective pro- gic focus. grams. Through their efforts the agency impacts “These award winners make good governance and the lives of victims of domestic violence,” said best practices for nonprofi ts a priority,” said Debra Sharon Katz, executive director. Box, executive director for Support Kansas City. “The SAFEHOME received its award on April 17 boards and staff of these agencies have worked hard to during Support Kansas City’s Excellence in Non- put systems and tools in place. They have the respect profi t Leadership Awards Celebration. of the community, the constituents they serve and their donors. We are proud to recognize and celebrate their efforts and good works.” For the past 32 years, SAFEHOME has changed, and even saved, the lives of victims of domestic violence and their children in the Kansas City community. SAFEHOME’s services include emergency shelter, professional counseling, transitional housing, legal Sharon Katz, SAFEHOME executive director, and Don assistance, hospital advocacy and school-based educa- Curtis, board president, accept the 2012 Award for tion and prevention. SAFEHOME’s consistent applica- Excellence in Nonprofi t Leadership for an agency with tion of best practices recently resulted in the agency a budget of more than $1 million.

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Highway dedication Rosh Chodesh

The dedication of the portion of the highway that displays a sign for litter control by the Na- Leslie Addadi (left) and Cara Ernstein listen to Blumah Wineberg’s instruction on ‘The Working tional Socialist Movement/Springfield Chapter was officially dedicated recently as the Rabbi Woman’ during the April session of ‘Portrait of a Woman: Seven Dimensions of the Feminine Ernest I. Jacob Memorial Highway. The ceremony took place in Springfield, Mo. In addition Mystique.’ The monthly program is sponsored by the Rosh Chodesh Society. Women are in- to residents of that area in attendance, the JCRB|AJC delegation from Kansas City included vited to attend the May session focusing on ‘The Spiritual Woman.’ That session is scheduled Michael Abrams (from left), JCRB|AJC immediate past chair; Robert Grant; Evie Grant; Trudy to take place at the JCC on Thursday evening, May 3, or Friday afternoon, May 4. For more Jacobson, JCRB|AJC treasurer; Moriah Abrams; Rabbi Rita Sherwin, Springfield; The Honor- information, call 913-327-8077. able Sara Lampe, Missouri state representative; Janet Mark; John Jacobson; Frank Lipsman, JCRB|AJC board chair; and Marvin Szneler, JCRB|AJC executive director. Mimouna ceremony KU Hillel alumni unite

As part of the Mimouna ceremony on April 14, Charles Choucroun (standing) sings a verse from Proverbs, ‘For they add to you length of days and years of life and peace,’ while anoint- ing Rabbi Scott White with fresh milk. This old Moroccan custom, which closes out the week Four KU Hillel alumni got together at a BBYO convention: Omaha’s Program Director Jodi of Passover and signals the time for eating leavened food again, has been celebrated at Ohev Levine (from left), Kansas City’s Program Director Taly Yeyni, New England’s Regional Program Sholom for many years. This year’s celebration was sponsored by Choucroun and his wife Director Casey Topol and Dallas’ Program Director Tracy Davis. Susan. April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 15

SCHLITTERBAHN VACATION VILLAGE 2212BG45 4C X 9.75” page 16 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 Hadassah chapter elects new president The Greater Kansas City Chapter of Hadassah will install Marian Kaplan as its president at a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 10, at Kehilath Israel Syn- agogue. Kaplan is a registered nurse and first became active in Hadassah in the 1990s when she worked for four years as the Chapter’s office manager. She will be the first nurse to serve as president of the Greater Kansas City Chapter since its chartering 99 years ago. “How fitting that a nurse will serve as president of our chapter as we recognize the centennial founding of National Ha- dassah,” said installation chairperson and Chapter Past President Shari Sokol. “Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold saw the need to raise funds and send nurses to help the people of Israel, then Pales- tine, in 1913.” Kaplan helped revive the Greater KU students Aaron Dollinger (from left), Cory Gutovitz, Steven Laviage and Coby Hurst-Sneh Kansas City Hadassah Nurses Council Marian Kaplan participated in the Spring Golf Tournament on April 15. 11 years ago after her graduation from nursing school and served as its presi- berger, Ann Luchen; programming dent for three years. She has partici- — Patti Friedman, Rachelle Milgram; pated in three Hadassah Nurses Council Nurses Council — Lynda Youngblade, KU Hillel hosts successful missions to Israel. During the past year, Karen Schwartz; Aviva — Roberta she served as executive vice president Goller, Melanie Allmayer; B’not Or — of the board and helped the chapter sur- Adina Glass, Ruthie Bergman; Herzl second Spring Golf Tournament pass its life membership goal. L’Chaim — Hedy Shron, Eileen Smith. The 2012-2013 executive board of The installing officer is Hadassah Great On Sunday, April 15, KU Hillel host- “It was a great experience to be able directors will also be installed at the Plains Region President Rita Shapiro. ed its second Spring Golf Tournament to chair this tournament,” said Mac- June 10 program. They include: treasur- Outgoing 2010-2011 Chapter President in Lawrence at the Alvamar Golf Club. Gregor. “I was able to bring two of my ers — Sherry Abramowitz and Robin Barbara Hecht will present the state of The tournament included students from passions together — KU Hillel and golf. Abramowitz; recording secretary — the chapter and be recognized for her KU, as well as community members of I also enjoyed being able to play in the Ruth Baum Bigus; corresponding sec- service. Invitations are being mailed to Lawrence and Kansas City. tournament because it allowed me to retary — Charyl Rubin; leadership/op- all chapter members. For more informa- At 6:30 a.m. KU Hillel student volun- create relationships with members of erations — Eileen Gaffen; fundraising tion, call the Hadassah office at 913-381- teers arrived at the Alvamar to set-up the community.” — Shari Sokol, Barbara Hecht, Debbie 1664. for the tournament. By 7 a.m., more than The winners of the tournament were Goodbinder; membership — Liz Bam- 70 students and community members awarded trophies and gift certificates to rolled in for registration and breakfast, 23rd St. Brewery. There were also hole which was catered by Panera Bread, a prizes, which included packages such as corporate sponsor of KU Hillel. a free night’s stay at the Oread Hotel, a KC Kollel hosts series on Jewish ethics After 18 holes of golf, the tournament free foursome at the Alvamar and a KU A four-part series on Jewish ethics He recently completed a popular ended with lunch generously donated by basketball Final Four gift package. The taught by Rabbi Yehuda Sokoloff, which medical ethics series on end-of-life is- Chipotle. Overall, the day was filled with tournament was a great success and KU began yesterday, focuses on some of Ju- sues, which was well attended by a hole contests, prizes and a healthy dose Hillel looks forward to hosting it again daism’s most fascinating and relevant range of people in the community. of competition. next year. topics today. “I am excited to teach about some of Tournament chair Michael Mac- For more information about how to Questions such as exactly how loyal these modern ethical dilemmas,” Rabbi Gregor, a senior from St. Louis, was sponsor or play in the Golf Tournament does a person have to be to their word; Sokoloff said, “and how we can ap- hard at work over the past few months next year, contact Carly Brown at car- when can an employer fire someone; do proach and answer them through a To- putting the tournament together. [email protected] or 785-749-5397. I have to pay my credit card bill on time; rah lens. Each class is a separate unit, and when am I allowed to open a com- and we always love to see new faces. All date of Hitler’s birth). peting business will be just some of the interested parties are more than wel- Colorado synagogue vandal- April 20 is also the anniversary of the 1999 interesting subjects covered by the Rosh come.” ized to honor Hitler’s birthday Columbine High School shooting in the state. Kollel. The series meets at 8 p.m. on Wednes- (JTA) — A Colorado synagogue was spray- Police are calling the attack “criminal mischief,” Rabbi Sokoloff has a deep level of days at the Sokoloff home. Email Rabbi painted with anti-Semitic graffiti in honor of according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. knowledge in Jewish law and ethics, Sokoloff at [email protected] for Adolf Hitler’s birthday. The graffiti was painted over in time for Friday through his study over the past 15 years the address and to RSVP or to find out The walls and door of Temple Beit Torah in Colo- night services at the synagogue. and helping people hands-on with these more. rado Springs was discovered on the morning of real life questions in his seven years April 20 with swastikas and “Happy 4:20” (the working in the Jewish community. April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 17 KC Kollel announces Jewish Unity award The KC Kollel has announced the resources development committee, was tor of multiple civic, charitable and honoree for its annual award ceremony the founder of Imagine Jewish KC and social organizations, including Ameri- for 2012. last year was the co-chair of Shorashim can Red Cross, Midwest Center for Ward Katz has accepted the honor, I, a men’s-only mission to Israel for Holocaust Education, Nelson Atkins and will be presented with the Jew- businessmen and professionals. He is a Museum of Art-Friends of Art, Jewish ish Unity award on Aug. 21 at a special Life Trustee of the Jewish Community Community Campus of Greater Kansas event at the Jewish Community Cam- Foundation of Greater Kansas City. City and Laubach Literary Society, and pus, which will include a catered dinner Katz also contributed significantly to is past president of Oakwood Country and a world-renowned entertainer. the business community of Kansas City Club. The Kollel presents this yearly award as an attorney early in his career and Katz and his wife Donna have been to individuals who have shown com- as a real estate developer, management married for 44 years and have two chil- mitment to the community and Jewish company executive and consultant to dren and two grandchildren. He is a learning, values very much at the heart the multifamily housing industry. He member of The Temple, Congregation of the KC Kollel. Past honorees include is currently the president and CEO of B’nai Jehudah. Alan Edelman and Barry Kaseff and Dunes Residential Services and of m- “I have been studying with the Kollel Jessica Rudnick-Kaseff. fishency.com. for around four years, and have always Born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., Katz received his undergraduate de- enjoyed their teaching and appreciate Katz has played an active role in Jewish gree from the University of Wisconsin, what they have brought to the commu- life in his home town. Most notably, he his law degree from Washington Univer- nity,” Katz said. “I am honored that they was president of the Federation from sity, St. Louis, and his master’s degree chose me this year to receive this award, 2007-09, and continues to serve on the in tax law from the University of Mis- and I hope it will be a great event that board of the Jewish Federation. He is souri at Kansas City the community will support.” the chair of the Federation’s financial Katz has served as officer and direc- Ward Katz Jewish Community Center announces returning soldier policy Effective immediately and for the stay fit and strong. We are pleased to be For additional information about this benefits for returning soldiers, call next 12 months, the Jewish Community of service to them.” program, or to take advantage of these Baumfalk at 913-327-8018. Center will offer local soldiers returning from active duty in Iran and Af- ghanistan a complimentary, individual three-month membership to the JCC. In Employment addition, these returning soldiers will WANTED receive a 20 percent discount for a pe- opportunities riod of one year after their complimen- NEW SUBSCRIBERS REWARD tary membership expires, good toward IF YOU GIVE A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION OR REFER A NEW SUBSCRIBER are available for; any type of annual membership. The Jewish Chronicle will reward you with a $10 coupon to apply to your own Soldiers on leave from active duty subscription. Send this form with the new subscription. will be offered a pass valid for seven ACCOUNTS days of complimentary usage of the Your Name ______JCC’s Fitness & Sports facilities. Address ______These offers are being made avail- RECEIVABLE/ able exclusively to soldiers who reside City ______State ______Zip ______Benish in Overland Park or Leawood. Soldiers Phone NumberH ______ouse Ad - JL PAYROLL/ simply need to present discharge papers NEW SUBSCRIPTION or proof of active duty status to receive Bradley Name ______these benefits. 42612JL21 BOOKKEEPER “This is our way of giving back to the Address ______41312BG3A community and demonstrating our ap- City ______State ______Zip ______NO Experience necessary. preciation to our soldiers,” said Barry Phone Number ______2c x 4.8” Salary Commensurate, Baumfalk, director of Fitness & Sports Local Rates: 1 Year $54.95 2 Years $84.95 3 Years $104.95 1c x 4.8” at the Jewish Community Center. “It is *Please call for rates to other areas and takes little of your time. our hope that these soldiers will utilize the great sports, fitness and exercise Check enclosed VISA Mastercard Discover American Express equipment and programs at the JCC to Name on Card ______Requirements: Account Number ______Should be a computer literate. Expiration Date ______CVV ______“Never assume the obvious is Signature ______For more info Contact: true.” Mail to: The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, [email protected] — William Safire Suite 314 A, Fairway, KS 66205. Call (913) 951-8407 for more information. page 18 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 Israeli students visit metro partners

Israeli high school juniors from the Ramla/Gezer region paid a visit to Kansas City last month. Thanks to efforts originally spear-headed by the Jewish Federation of GreaterKansas City, Ramla is a sister city of Kansas City, Mo., while the Gezer region is a partner community with the city of Leawood. During a tour of the Jewish Community Campus, the Israeli students were joined by Andrew Osman (front row, from left), Leawood City Council member; Todd Stettner (third from left), Federation executive vice president and CEO; Leawood Mayor The Joseph Hartman B’nai B’rith Lodge’s scholarship committee Hariette Goodman (front row, Peggy Dunn; and Stacey Belzer (behind Dunn), chair, Jewish Federation’s Israel & Overseas from left), Myron Goodman, Lee Kanter and (back row) Myer Litwack, Marsha Naron and Dan Committee. In the back row (middle) is Julie Cain, Leawood City Council member. Guckenheimer met recently to select scholarship winners. Hartman Lodge to award scholarships The Joseph Hartman B’nai B’rith the Jerome H. Naron, Bertha Hartman Lodge’s scholarship committee selected Naron Scholarship; and the Sam Yagan three BBYO graduating high school stu- Family Scholarship, all totaling $2,100. dents who will attend college next fall. Lodge Scholarship Chairman Dan Winners will be announced at the Guckenheimer, along with lodge Presi- BBYO barbecue and awards ceremony dent Myer Litwack and Publicity Chair- at the Jewish Community Campus on man Gene Naron will make the presen- Thursday, May 31. They will receive tation of the scholarships. the Arnold N. Kanter M.D. Scholarship;

Memorial to Israel’s fallen The memorial hall, which is expected to cost soldiers, terror victims gets nearly $11 million, also will serve as a venue for state ceremonies and official visits, according to go-ahead the Prime Minister’s Office. JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel Rabbi Efraim Silverman of Marietta, Ga., was guest speaker at the successful Maimonides the establishment of a memorial on Mount has been talking about a central hall to enshrine symposium at Chabad House Center on April 11. Herzl to Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of the memories of the fallen for decades and “the terrorism. time has come to make a decision.” The Hall of Names memorial approved Sunday “We are a people that overflows with memory,” will list the 22,993 names of those who have he said. “We are doing this out of deep recogni- Symposium draws large crowd been killed fighting in Israel’s declared and tion of the contribution of the fallen, and I hope An evening of study of Maimonides, unity through the study of Maimonides’ undeclared wars and those slain in terrorist that such places will no longer be necessary.” gourmet fruit desserts and Passover works for men, women and children, es- attacks. The names of the dead will be inscribed According to official figures released in advance ices by area chef Dan Turner drew more tablished by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. on bricks. of this week’s Israel’s Remembrance Day for than 100 people to Chabad House Center Guest speaker Rabbi Efraim Sil- Also Sunday, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, the on April 11. verman of Marietta, Ga., spoke about visited the graves of three soldiers who recently total number of fallen security personnel and died while in uniform, including 2nd Lt. Hila Rabbi Daniel Rockoff gave the greet- “Turning Adversity into Action.” terror victims from 1860 to 2012 stands at ing, followed by a PowerPoint presenta- A cross-section of the community Bezaleli, who was killed last week when the 22,993, with 126 killed since last Remem- lighting scaffolding collapsed onto the stage tion by Dr. Anthony Eidelman on the life joined together for an inspirational eve- brance Day. There are 10,524 bereaved families and legacy of Maimonides, with empha- ning, with Rabbi Chaim A. Chazan of set up during a rehearsal at Mount Herzl for of security personnel, 2,396 orphans and 4,992 the annual Memorial Day/Independence Day sis on his expertise and knowledge in the Brooklyn as emcee. Participants were widows of the Israeli military and the defense medical profession. gifted with “Chayenu,” a weekly publi- ceremony. Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited establishment. Bezaleli’s parents. Rabbi Sholom B. Wineberg talked cation that includes the annual cycle of about celebrating 30 years of Jewish Maimonides’ study. April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 19 Historical marker placed outside former Leavenworth temple from page 3 Many of the members of the Jewish ple was sold to the Greenamyre fam- been a given — one need not look that community in Leavenworth were mer- ily and converted to apartments. At the far back in history to fi nd evidence of members of B’Nai Jeshurun. She noted chants downtown. Among them were dedication ceremony, Dick Gervasini, intolerance. He said he was a fi rst-gen- that while the inside of the building names like Wollman and Abeles — both chairman of the Leavenworth County eration American whose parents were might look completely different today, of whom have lasting testaments for Historical Society board of directors, survivors of the Holocaust and whose the exterior had changed little since she their contributions to the community in thanked the Greenamyres for having mother made it to America from Ger- worshipped there. Wollman Park and Abeles Field, respec- the forethought to preserve the archi- many only months before he was born. “They didn’t even change the steps,” tively. tecture of the building. Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remem- she said. “It’s the same steps.” Following a multi-generational drain Klinger has said that architecture brance Day, (which was commemorated Brodkin recalled the congregation as as younger members of B’Nai Jeshurun implied a strong presence in the Leav- Sunday, April 22, here in Kansas City), a tight-knit group. left to pursue opportunities in nearby enworth community. He said that kind Klinger said, was a somber reminder of “It was never a huge Jewish congre- Kansas City and other places, the tem- of religious freedom has not always the adversity faced by people of differ- gation, but it was active,” she said. ent faiths in other countries. Carolyn Akins, the coordinator of the Leavenworth County Historical Society, Scholar engages audience with stories of interfaith dialogue said the temple represents more than a from page 7 and encounter groups. Twelve schools for young children in lesson in religious freedom. She said the the city — six Christian, six Jewish — talk with students con- building fi ts in with not only the story jority and which is the minority. stantly about identity and respecting differences. The center of Leavenworth County, but also that of “We Jews know how to be the minority,” she said. “But we where Bendcowsky works also produces booklets in Arabic the United States — a history that ex- have to learn how to be a majority.” and Hebrew about the Christian community. tends from large groups to individuals “Christians in Jerusalem are wrapped up in victimhood. “It’s not enough just to tolerate the other, but to respect who mustered courage to start a new They don’t want to hear about the problems of others, the dif- their differences,” Bendcowsky said. “The morality of a soci- life in the Western territories. fi culties of the Jews.” ety is in how it takes care of the minority. “This marker that we’re dedicating The second aspect is the century-old confl ict of who gets “All over the world, we still have a long way to go. We’re not today allows us a chance to share that to occupy the Holy Land. Opportunities to meet, talk and iron going to change the world, but a lot of different little things story and to preserve that story and to out differences are scarce, she said. can make a difference.” interpret that story,” Akins said. “It seems like there’s no hope,” Bendcowsky said. “But, of course, there is hope.” This article is reprinted with permission from The Leav- That’s where her work comes in. Bendcowsky said she enworth Times. Additional information was provided by tries to promote peace and dialogue wherever she can. She Editor Barbara Bayer. leads tour groups in Jerusalem. She also moderates classes

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OVERLAND PARK GOLD AND SILVER An Honest CompAny • pAying top DollAr for your preCious metAls Account/Bookkeeping Rep OP Gold & S10540ilver Metcalf Ave. Larry Brundage Overland Park, KS 66212 For Brundage Furnitures. Interested 41612JL7X913.901.8330 41612Jpersons shouldL 7Xsend a cover letter NORTHLAND GOLD AND SILVER with his/her resume available to: 2c x 2”2421 Burlington 2c [email protected] 2” KC, MO 64116 816-474-1344 page 20 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 national and international news After Mel Gibson-Joe Eszterhas spat, Hollywood Jews weigh in on ‘Judah Maccabee’ By Dana Kennedy as an Orthodox Jew and whose site is JTA News & Features where Eszterhas’ letter and an audio- tape of Gibson’s most recent rants were Jews run Hollywood, the old cliche leaked. “He said something about the goes. studio believing in forgiveness. But it’s So an outsider might find it strange still a mystery to me.” that one of Hollywood’s biggest studios, Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean and founder Warner Bros., agreed to make a movie of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los about one of the Jewish world’s greatest Angeles, said last September that letting heroes with a star known for going on Gibson direct “Judah Maccabee” would anti-Semitic tirades. be “like casting Bernie Madoff to be the And when the plans to film “Judah head of the Securities and Exchange.” Maccabee” fell apart this month, ignit- Now, he says simply, “everyone ing a feud between producer Mel Gibson should have known.” and screenwriter Joe Eszterhas that in- “This is the story of an unrepentant volved more accusations of anti-Semi- anti-Semite who’s a world-renowned tism, Hollywood again went for Mel. actor,” Hier told JTA. “How did he get A number of industry figures inter- Warner Bros. to agree to do this film? I viewed by JTA, including lawyers, stu- think he reached out to rabbis and used dio execs and publicists — all of them them to soften up the studio. There are Jewish and a number of whom come some who felt his 2006 apology was sin- from families who survived the Holo- cere. I never thought it was sincere.” caust or fled the Nazis — defended Gib- For now, Warner Bros. spokesman son over the Hungarian-born Eszterhas. Photo by César, mixed by Uri Fintzy Paul McGuire said the studio is “analyz- Almost to a man, however, they declined Mel Gibson came out on top for most film industry Jews in his recent conflict with screen- ing” what to do with the “Judah Mac- to be quoted by name — as is typical in writer Joe Eszterhas. cabee” project. But studio sources say Hollywood. own image in the Jewish community. behind the letter I wrote to Mel.” privately that the film has been shelved. Veteran producer Mike Medavoy, Eszterhas accused Gibson of setting Not everyone in Hollywood’s Jewish A source in Gibson’s camp told JTA whose parents fled to Shanghai in the him up — hiring him to write the script establishment has stood by Gibson. Af- that Gibson is determined to move for- 1920s to escape the Russian pogroms, and then rejecting it not because it ter Gibson’s anti-Semitic tirade in 2006, ward with “Judah Maccabee” on his has known Gibson and Eszterhas for wasn’t good, but because Gibson actu- Sony Pictures co-chairwoman Amy Pas- own, financing and developing it the decades. Both have “issues,” he said, but ally “hates Jews” and never wanted to cal spoke out against him and powerful way he did with “Passion of the Christ,” he has a softer spot for Gibson. make the movie in the first place. agent Ari Emanuel called for a Gibson which became an unexpected hit. Gib- “I really believe that everyone de- In his detailed nine-page letter that boycott. son has said that he’s been working on serves a second chance,” Medavoy said. was leaked to TheWrap.com, Eszterhas When they were the only big names the “Maccabee” project for more than “I want to give Mel the benefit of the said that while working with Gibson, the to speak out, former AOL Time Warner eight years and that it predates the 2006 doubt. I think Mel’s problem is he’s a star “continually called Jews ‘Hebes,’ Vice Chairman Mel Adelson took out a DUI scandal. little immature and can’t handle his an- and even ‘oven dodgers’ and ‘Jewboys.’ large ad in the Los Angeles Times pro- Jay Sanderson, who spent 25 years as ger.” “You said most gatekeepers of Amer- testing the silence of many top Jewish a TV and documentary producer in Hol- Alan Nierob, Gibson’s longtime pub- ican companies were ‘Hebes’ who ‘con- Hollywood executives. lywood before becoming president of licist and the son of Holocaust survi- trolled’ their bosses,” Eszterhas wrote But by 2011, when Warner Bros. the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, vors, has always stood by his client. to Gibson. agreed to do “Judah Maccabee” with said he didn’t believe that Gibson has The loyalty to Gibson of some in Hol- He also described Gibson as erupting Gibson, it seemed all was forgiven. been developing the film for a long time. lywood comes despite the controversy in almost psychotic rages in which he Despite their support of Gibson, “I would make a large wager that he’s over his controversial portrayal of Jews railed about his ex-girlfriend, Oksana however, many in Hollywood also said not going to make this movie,” Sander- in the 2004 film “The Passion of the Grigorieva, intimating he wanted her they didn’t know why Warner Bros. had son said. “Of course, the people close Christ,” his rant against Jews following dead. decided in the first place to let Gibson to Mel are going to say that he’s going a drunk driving arrest in 2006, and his Gibson wrote a letter back to Esz- make a film about Judah Maccabee, ahead and will make it just to show his violent threats and accusations against terhas saying that his claims were “ut- the great Jewish warrior who fought supposed sincerity.” an ex-girlfriend that were leaked online ter fabrications” and threatened to sue and prevailed against a Hellenistic rul- Sanderson said Gibson’s anti-Semi- in 2010. Also that year, Jewish actress Eszterhas for releasing the audiotapes. er who wanted to force the Jews to re- tism is “legendary” and “no one could Winona Ryder said that Gibson had Gibson’s defenders suggested that Esz- nounce their faith. have been more inappropriate” to make called her an “oven dodger” at a party terhas’ attacks were exaggerations Sharon Waxman, a veteran corre- a film about Judah Maccabee. in the mid-1990s. or lies meant to deflect from Gibson’s spondent for the Washington Post and “But I also understand in some ways why The latest flap erupted when Eszter- claim that Eszterhas’ script wasn’t any The New York Times who now runs it happened,” he said. “It’s a great story has, who once was one of Hollywood’s good and that’s why it was rejected by TheWrap.com, said she confronted a se- and this is the man who made ‘Bravehe- flashiest screenwriters but hasn’t had Warner Bros. nior Warner Bros. executive when she art.’ Mel’s always had a great relation- a hit since 1997, accused Gibson of only Through Nierob, Gibson declined to first heard about the planned film. ship with Warner Bros. And don’t forget pretending to be developing a movie be interviewed for this story. “I said to him, what were you think- Hollywood is a place where people want about Judah Maccabee to help Gibson’s Eszterhas told JTA that he “stands ing?” said Waxman, who was raised see Jews, page 21 April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 21 national and international news Jews weigh in on ‘Judah Maccabee’ from page 20 Center released a report based on a three-year investigation into so-called to avoid making the wrong enemies. Mel “radical traditionalist Catholics” that is more of a wrong enemy.” focused on Hutton Gibson, whom they There is no star arguably less likely called an “important player” in this than Gibson to direct a film about Judah “shadowy world.” the Maccabee. Gibson belongs to a con- “These Catholic extremists, including servative sect called traditionalist Cath- the Gibsons,” wrote investigator Heidi olic that is not recognized by the Vatican Beirich, “may well represent the largest in part because it adheres to Catholicism population of anti-Semites in the U.S.” as it was practiced before the reforms in- “Hutton Gibson does the circuit and stituted by Vatican II in the early 1960s. he’s featured at a lot of events,” Beirich During Good Friday services in the old told JTA. “He’s beloved by anti-Semites, liturgy, traditionalists still read a prayer Holocaust deniers and extreme anti-gov- in which they pray that Jews will “rec- ernment activists.” ognize Jesus Christ as the savior of all Mel Gibson built his own traditional- Chabad.org/Meir dahan men.” ist church in the Malibu hills that is so Rabbi Zalmen Wishedski, Gabriel Feldinger, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, philanthropist Sami Rohr, In 2003, Gibson said there is “no sal- private and secretive that no one knows and interim Israeli Ambassador Shalom Cohen cut the ceremonial ribbon outside the new vation for anyone outside the Church,” what goes on inside it, Beirich said. including his then-wife, Robyn, a devout “But we do know his views are anti- Feldinger Chabad Jewish Center in Basel, Switzerland. Episcopalian, in that category. Semitic, even if they don’t line up with Chabad center is Basel’s first new synagogue since 1929 Gibson’s father, Hutton Gibson, is his father’s,” Beirich said of Mel Gibson. JointMedia News Service — The Jewish commu- Rohr fled Berlin with his parents after Kristall- also a traditionalist but is associated “The alcohol defense is ridiculous. You nity of Basel, Switzerland, on April 18 dedicated nacht in 1939, and the family was smuggled into with an even more extreme group with- don’t bash Jews just because you get its first new synagogue in more than 80 years. Switzerland by 1943. His parents were sent to a in the sect, Sedevacantism. He is also a drunk. Backed by philanthropist Sami Rohr, the Feldinger refugee camp on the French-Swiss border, and Holocaust denier. Gibson has never re- “This idea of forgiveness and giv- Chabad Jewish Center is the first synagogue to Rohr—16 at the time—first lived in an orphan- nounced his father’s views or specifical- ing second chances to him is a bad one. open in Basel since 1929, Chabad.org reported. age, then was welcomed into the home of the ly said whether or not he is a Sedevacan- When you start OK’ing anti-Semitism tist, but he has said that the Holocaust and racism, you end up in a very bad “This was a very exciting day for us a community,” Feldinger family. did happen and that it was “an atrocity.” place.” said Rabbi Zalmen Wishedski, the new Chabad “To our parents he was like a child,” said Gavriel In 2006, the Southern Poverty Law center’s director. Feldinger. Gwin’s Tile Co., LLC JOSEPH P. 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REAL ESTATE Reece B&UYING N, SELLINGichols, RELOCATING - MID AMERICA DianaThe CLASSIC R approachesni to service ...pleaseck call me. COACH QB 41BSenior MarketingG42612 Executive • Multi-Million Dollar Club 32312JL8 2c816-560-6565 x 2” | 913-652-4435 2c x 2” Diana Resnick [email protected] page 22 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 Fundraiser to help polish the gates of Sheffield Cemetery from page 1 “My father and mother both passed during wintertime. Each service had to tribute monies specifically for this pur- be held outside in the bitter cold as the pose,” Haith said. chapel at Sheffield was unusable. It’s The plan to raise funds and beautify important to have the chapel restored the cemetery is divided into three phas- so everyone has a place to gather for es: $250,000 for restoration of the cem- services,” says board member Shirley etery grounds; $500,000 beautification, Unell. including renovation of the chapel; and Jackie Kraft, another member of the $500,000 for perpetual maintenance of Friends of Sheffield board, often thinks the entire cemetery grounds and chapel. of the phrase “thy people shall be my “Pledges have been received and we people; thy God, my God ....” when she have made major changes in preserving visits the cemetery. and restoring the cemetery grounds, but “My late husband Jacob Paul Kraft’s we have not met our goal to renovate the grandparents, Genashe and Yakov historic chapel. The chapel has not been Kravchenko, both of blessed memory, in use for 20 years,” Haith said. had been the caretakers from about 1910 To date, Friends of Sheffield have to 1914 — undeniably, this cemetery greatly improved the grounds with the holds a very tender and special place in engagement of a professional lawn com- my heart, as it does for so many.” pany, new landscaping, updated irriga- tion system, trees trimmed, World War Chapel to benefit II Memorial restored, debris and refuse from one-man show cleared for additional burial sites, new cement walks and stairs replaced the Funds have already been put to good use cleaning up Sheffield Cemetery. The benefit planned To adequately address the cause broken ones that were a safety hazard, for June 17 will raise funds to renovate the chapel, which has been in disrepair for many of renovating the chapel, a benefit is gravestones aligned, restored wrought years. planned featuring Kansas City, Kan., iron gates, and additional new hand native and acclaimed film and TV actor “There’s significantly more to be ac- Responses to the cause have elicited railings to make the cemetery more ac- Ed Asner. complished,” Haith said. deep emotion. cessible. Asner is taking a particular interest in this benefit because members of his family, including his beloved parents, are buried in Sheffield. Asner’s one-man show ‘FDR’ set for June 17 “Sheffield is our family plot. It is really the only cemetery that comes to mind Ed Asner’s one-man performance reflects on the iconic president’s years when I think of the past and those who of “FDR” is set for 7 p.m. Sunday, June in office. were near and dear to me. I am truly 17, at the White Theatre on the Jewish The script tackles FDR’s heroics and honored to be doing my one-man show Community Campus. consequences of his battle with polio, of FDR to raise necessary funds for the General admission tickets are being journey to the presidency, controversial restoration of Sheffield. Hopefully, this sold for $36 a seat. Those who make do- packing of the Supreme Court, his mar- benefit will help restore Sheffield re- nations of $360 or more will be invited to riage to Eleanor and his affair with Lucy spectfully and honor it in a manner it attend a gala reception which Asner will Mercer. The play also examines Roos- deserves,” Asner said. attend following the performance. evelt’s manipulation of Congress to ac- Over the past few years, Asner has Checks should be made payable to quire the draft, breaking the Neutrality been traversing the country garnering Friends of Sheffield, JCF. The memo Act and controversy surrounding Pearl rave reviews with his poignant and of- line note should read Asner Benefit. Harbor. ten humorous portrayal of the heroic [The organization is a 501 (c)(3) fund.] “FDR” is the ideal role for Asner who war-time president. Mail checks to: Ed Asner Benefit, c/o jokingly refers to himself as “Holly- The 82-year old Emmy award and Barbara Cosner, 9839 Briar Street, Over- wood’s resident communist.” The actor Golden Globe award-winning actor’s land Park, KS 66207. actively champions for such causes as career spans six decades. He is perhaps Donations to the Restoring Honor wildlife conservation, autism awareness best known as the loveable curmud- Campaign are also being accepted. To and Racism Watch. geon on television shows “Mary Tyler learn more how you can make a differ- “We are proud to host Ed Asner. He Moore” and its spin-off “Lou Grant.” ence, contact Friends of Sheffield Presi- honors not only his own family but Young and old alike may recognize his dent Rickie Haith at [email protected]. countless members of the Jewish com- voice as that of Carl Fredricksen in the Asner flexes his considerable range munity who treasure this sacred land- Academy Award-winning 2009 Pixar an- when he portrays Franklin Delano Roo- mark. By attending the performance imated film “Up.” sevelt, recounting the story of the for- and pledging a donation, you honor ev- mer president’s life relayed through a eryone with one of the highest values series of personal anecdotes. Based on in the Jewish tradition, Kavod Ha’Met, Dore Schary’s Broadway play “Sunrise honoring the deceased. That is truly a at Campobello,” “FDR” is a show that mitzvah,” Haith said. Ed Asner April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 23 ACT NOW! OFFER ENDS MAY 31ST! Everything you can fit in a box

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Nationally Acclaimed, Award-Winning Design/Build Company 913-438-6933 www.CHCCR.com page 26 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 important dates Thursday | April 26 ‘The Laramie Project’ 6 p.m. Congregation B’nai Jehudah, PJ Library is a program The production about the aftermath of the 1998 of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, helping fami- murder of Matthew Shepard continues at White The- lies to explore the timeless core values of Judaism Beginners Hebrew Saturday | April 28 atre. To purchase tickets, call 913-327-8054 or pur- through books and music. 10-11 a.m. Village Shalom will host a five-week Beginners chase online at jcckc.org/boxoffice. 7:30 p.m. Hebrew Reading Crash Course starting today in Vil- Anniversary Shabbat lage Shalom’s Gerson Social Hall. Cara Ernstein will Goldsmith Hall at Congregation Beth Shalom. instruct the course, which is sponsored by the Na- Friday | April 27 9:30 a.m. tional Jewish Outreach Program and is free and open to the community. The 90-minute classes will meet Candle-lighting time Annual Troost Festival weekly through May 24. RSVP to Lorena Williams, Iyar 5, 7:50 p.m. The Troost Village Community Association will 913-266-8451. 10 a.m. hold its 8th Annual Troost Festival, celebrating neigh- ‘The Art of Marriage’ Yiddish Circle bors, building a village for the 21st century and social Whether you’re in a committed, passionate and Eat and Educate Don’t miss Ray Davidson’s weekly Yiddish Circle justice. There will be booths that will be information- loving relationship or not, the principles you’ll learn Hazzan Rob Menes of Congregation Beth Shalom for Learning at Congregation Beth Torah. Includes al and interactive, food and musical entertainment, in “The Art of Marriage” will help you to clarify what presents an informative session of Jewish learning. lunch ($5), stories of yesterday and a bit of Yiddish including a Klezmer band. Linda Sackin of Congrega- is meaningful in a relationship and will teach you Bring a pareve lunch or purchase a kosher lunch in — the language and the culture. Noon-1:30 p.m. tion Kol Ami is sponsoring the art booth. For more in- how to take yours to the next level. The Rohr Jew- Rachel’s Café. Gerson Social Hall at Village Shalom. formation go to www.troostvillage.org, Facebook or ish Learning Institute is offering a course over six 11:30 a.m., lunch; study begins at noon. [email protected]. Volunteers and donations are Sundays beginning today at Chabad House Center of needed. Donations can be sent to Reconciliation Ser- KC. Refreshments served. The fee is $89 and includes Lunch with the rabbi vices, 3101 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64109, textbook and all course supplies (special couple rate Each month Rabbi Mark Levin presents a different Attn. Father David. Noon to 10 p.m. is $165). For more information or to sign up, call topic for discussion. This is a great way to meet other 913-205-9524 or email [email protected]. Beth Torah members, engage in conversation with ‘The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later’ 10-11:30 a.m. the rabbi and challenge your mind. You can bring A follow-up to “The Laramie Project,” which takes your own lunch or call the synagogue office to order a look back at the community, asking nagging ques- KC SuperStar auditions a sandwich in advance. Noon-1:30 p.m. tions about the impact of Matthew Shepard’s death KC SuperStar is a competition to select the best a decade later. White Theatre. To purchase tickets, high school singer in Kansas City. In an “American Yom HaAtzmaut call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at jcckc.org/ Idol” type of competition, finalists will compete for Celebrate Israel Independence Day at Congrega- boxoffice. 7:30 p.m. thousands of dollars in scholarship funds, including tion Beth Shalom and enjoy Israeli food, the Nigun Noah Aronson returns to B’nai Jehudah $7,500 for first place. The second round of prelimi- Orchestra and other Israeli music, Tikvah Dancers Shabbat celebration filled with music, meditation Sunday | April 29 nary auditions is scheduled for today at the Jewish and fun activities for the kids, including face paint- and meaning. Many have already experienced the Community Campus. There is no fee to participate, ing, dressing up as an IDF soldier for photos, mak- energy that Aronson offers the congregation. Make PJ Library story but pre-registration is recommended. To register for ing cards for IDF soldiers and an IDF-style obstacle this the Shabbat where we experiment with our own Join families at Congregation B’nai Jehudah for a an audition, visit kcsuperstar.com or facebook.com/ course. The event is free and open to the public. A prayers, and see what we discover about ourselves PJ Library story, art activity and snacks in the library. KCSuperStar to complete and submit a registration light traditional Israeli nosh will be available for a and our community. 5:30 p.m., bisseleh nosh; 6 PJ Library — Jewish bedtime stories and songs for form. 1-5 p.m. nominal fee. For more information, go to jewishkan- p.m. erev Shabbat service. families — is an interactive learning opportunity for sascity.org. 5:30 p.m. parents and their children 2 years old through Pre-K. ‘The Laramie Project’ Kabbalah Hadashah A program of the Jewish Federation and The Temple, The production about the aftermath of the 1998 Goldsmith Hall at Congregation Beth Shalom. directory of congregations

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL ABRAHAM & VOLINER | 9900 Antioch • Overland Park, Kan. 66212 | (Orthodox) | Rabbi Daniel Rockoff | (913) 341-2444 | www.biav.org CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM | 14200 Lamar Ave. • OP, Kan. 66223 | (Conservative) | Rabbi Alan Cohen, Hazzan Robert Menes | (913) 647-7279 | www.bethshalomkc.org CONGREGATION BETH TORAH | 6100 W. 127th St. • OP, Kan. 66209 | (Reform) | Rabbi Mark Levin, Rabbi Vered Harris | (913) 498-2212 | www.beth-torah.org THE TEMPLE, CONGREGATION B’NAI JEHUDAH | 12320 Nall • OP, Kan. 66209 | (Reform) | Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff, Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, Cantor Sharon Kohn | (913) 663-4050 | www.bnaijehudah.org CHABAD HOUSE | 6201 Indian Creek Drive • OP, Kan. 66207 (Lubavitch) | Rabbi Sholom Wineberg, Rabbi Mendy Wineberg | (913) 649-4852 | www.chabadkc.org KEHILATH ISRAEL | 10501 Conser • OP, Kan. 66212 | (Traditional) | Rabbi Herbert Mandl, Rabbi Jeffrey Shron, Cantor (913) | 642-1880 | www.kisyn.org CONGREGATION KOL AMI | 7501 Belinder • Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 | (Reform) | Doug Alpert, Spiritual Leader | (913) 642-9000 | www.kolamikc.com THE NEW REFORM TEMPLE | 7100 Main St. • KCMO 64114 | (Reform) | Rabbi Alan Londy | (816) 523-7809 | www.nrtkc.org CONGREGATION OHEV SHOLOM | 5311 W. 75th St. • Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 | (Conservative) Rabbi Scott White | (913) 642-6460 | www.ohev-sholom.com TORAH LEARNING CENTER | 8800 W. 103rd St. • OP, Kan. 66212 | (Lubavitch) | Rabbi Benzion Friedman, Rabbi Simcha Morgenstern | (913) 385-577 TEMPLE ISRAEL | Meets at Congregation Ohev Sholom, 5311 W. 75th St. • Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 | (Reform) Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn | (913) 940-1011 VILLAGE SHALOM | 5500 W. 123rd St. • OP, Kan. 66209 | (Non-denominational) | (913) 317-2600 | villageshalom.org DOWNTOWN MINYAN | 1102 Grand Blvd., 20th floor conference room • KCMO 64106 | Mincha services, 5 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., led by volunteers | (816) 471-1060 or (816) 695-3930| e-mail: [email protected] Outside the Kansas City area: TEMPLE ADATH JOSEPH | 102 N. 17th St. • St. Joseph, Mo. 64502 | (Reform) | Aaron Neilsenshultz, Para-rabbinic | (816) 279-3179 TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM | 4200 SW Munson Ave. • Topeka, Kan. 66604 | (Reform) | Rabbi Debbie Stiel | (785) 272-6040 | www.templebethsholomtopeka.org LAWRENCE JEWISH COMMUNITY CONGREGATION | 917 Highland Drive • Lawrence, Kan. 66044 | (Non-denominational) | (785) 841-7636 | www.LawrenceJCC.org April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 27 important dates murder of Matthew Shepard continues at White The- Book Review with Marlene Katz tions about the impact of Matthew Shepard’s death atre. There will be an appearance by playwright Greg Discussion of “Home to Big Stone Gap” by Adri- a decade later. White Theatre. To purchase tickets, Pierotti, the co-writer of both plays. To purchase tick- ana Trigiani, a novel about a woman living in Vir- call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at jcckc.org/ ets, call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at jcckc. ginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the circumstances boxoffice. 7:30 p.m. org/boxoffice.1 p.m., pre-show lecture; 2 p.m., per- that challenge her to reinvent her work, her life formance; 5 p.m., panel discussion. and herself. Gerson Social Hall at Village Shalom. Friday | May 4 9:30 a.m. Medicare and You Candle-lighting time Turning 65 this year? Free seminar about the en- Tuesday | May 1 Iyar 12, 7:57 p.m. rollment process and Medicare changes for 2012 to be presented by Larry Green at the Heritage Center Contemporary Jewish Issues Yiddish Circle on the Jewish Community Campus. Call 913-327- Alan Edelman leads this weekly discussion group Don’t miss Ray Davidson’s weekly Yiddish Circle 8046 to register. 2-4 p.m. on current affairs in Israel and other issues affecting for Learning at Congregation Beth Torah. Includes the Kansas City Jewish community. Appleman Syna- lunch ($5), stories of yesterday and a bit of Yiddish Mix and Mingle gogue at Village Shalom. 11 a.m. — the language and the culture. Noon-1:30 p.m. Cantor Sharon Kohn of Congregation B’nai Jehu- dah and Ray Zarr will entertain with an evening of Marlene Katz Presents Tot Shabbat at B’nai Jehudah songs about spring, love and the seasons. For more Marlene Katz will give a presentation on “Jewish First Friday of the month, come together in com- information, call the synagogue office. 5 p.m. Hollywood.” Gerson Social Hall at Village Shalom. munity with the goal of raising children who love 2 p.m. celebrating Shabbat. 5:30 p.m., bisseleh nosh and Beth Shalom Confirmation table blessings; 6 p.m., Shalom Pod for a kid-friendly Congregation Beth Shalom’s Confirmation cer- service. emony will take place in Goldsmith Hall, where 21 Wednesday | May 2 students will be confirmed. A dairy dessert reception Ahavat Yisrael: A Sermon in Song will follow the ceremony. 6:30 p.m. Midrash on the Weekly Torah Portion Join the Congregation Beth Torah adult and youth What is Midrash? It is the rabbi’s way of fleshing choirs for a celebration of Israel and our ancestors ‘The Laramie Project’ ‘The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later’ out the cryptic Torah text with stories and seeking through the generations. 6:30 p.m. This is the final performance of the production A follow-up to “The Laramie Project,” which takes psychological insight through a close probing of To- about the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew a look back at the community, asking nagging ques- rah language. Start your day be delving into these Shepard, performed at White Theatre. To purchase tions about the impact of Matthew Shepard’s death rich and insightful texts. Grab a cup of coffee and Saturday | May 5 tickets, call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at a decade later. White Theatre. To purchase tickets, join B’nai Jehudah’s clergy for this exploration of To- jcckc.org/boxoffice. 2 p.m. call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at jcckc.org/ rah and its many faceted lessons. Drop-ins welcome. ‘The Laramie Project’ boxoffice. 7:30 p.m. 10-11:30 a.m. The production about the aftermath of the 1998 ‘The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later’ murder of Matthew Shepard continues at White The- Final performance of the follow-up to “The Lara- Monday | April 30 Learn to read Torah atre. To purchase tickets, call 913-327-8054 or pur- mie Project,” which takes a look back at the commu- Learn an easy way to chant an aliyah from the chase online at jcckc.org/boxoffice. 7:30 p.m. nity, asking questions about the impact of Shepard’s Torah. Join Cantor Sharon Kohn each week at Con- death a decade later. White Theatre. 7:30 p.m. gregation B’nai Jehudah as she shares a simple sys- Sunday | May 6 tem of Torah reading preparation that highlights the Monday | May 7 trope patterns, making it much easier to remember Mitzvah Day at B’nai Jehudah and chant Torah aliyot. Minimal Hebrew reading The community is invited to volunteer/participate skills are necessary. 7-8:15 p.m. Weekend honoring Rabbi Mandl in the Community Service Day. Projects will be filled Today is the deadline to make reservations for on a first-come-first-served basis. B’nai Jehudah will the Shabbat dinner on Friday, June 1, and the Gala Thursday | May 3 try to give each participant his/her first choice. Each Celebration on Sunday, June 3, to celebrate the re- project can accommodate only a limited number of tirement of Rabbi Herbert Mandl. Rabbi Mandl has Music with Mar at CBT volunteers, so you may be needed somewhere else. served the community for 35 years. Friday night’s Music with Mar is an interactive class for early Please sign up online to facilitate your request at cocktail hour and dinner will be prior to Shabbat ser- walkers through pre-K children and adults that love www.bnaijehudah.org. Project specifics are subject vices; the cost is $25 per person. Children under 10 them. The drop-in classes are held every Thursday. to change and are based upon community needs. are $10. On Sunday, the evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $7 per family per class. Contact teacher and You will be notified a few days prior to Mitzvah Day with cocktails, followed by an elegant dinner catered Beth Torah member Hedy Goldman for more infor- informing you of your project. For more information, by Steve Ellenberg. The cost for the evening is $54 mation at [email protected]. 10 a.m. call the synagogue office. Festivities will begin with per person. For reservations, call Rochelle Kanter at registration at 11 a.m. 913-681-8224 or call the synagogue. Eat and Educate Hazzan Rob Menes of Congregation Beth Shalom Friends Next Dor Book Club presents an informative session of Jewish learning. Discuss “The Fault in Our Stars,” by John Green Bring a pareve lunch or purchase a kosher lunch in over a potluck picnic (inside if the weather is bad) Rachel’s Café. Gerson Social Hall at Village Shalom. at Congregation Beth Torah. Friends Next Dor is a 11:30 a.m., lunch; study begins at noon. social and educational program for Jewish adults in their mid-20s to late 30s. For more information, visit ‘The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later’ http://on.fb.me/GH8WIs. 1 p.m. A follow-up to “The Laramie Project,” which takes a look back at the community, asking nagging ques- page 28 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 commentary Torah commentary Seen on the Israel scene By Rabbi Arthur P. Nemitoff, Senior Rabbi, The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah By Sybil Kaplan, Contributing Writer The leper in our midst Local nurse gets Tazriah/Metzorah — Leviticus 12:1- to the door of the synagogue looking for 15:33 food. A few years ago, one of the men engaged our students in conversation, in- Hadassah hospital VIP tour This last Shabbat, I was in New York trigued with the fact that they were from JERUSALEM — The other eve- National Hadassah presidents. City with our congregation’s confirma- Kansas. I stepped outside and spent some ning we were visiting with Joyce We next got the chance to visit tion class. We go every year, to experi- more time speaking with him. He kept Fulps, a retired nurse, member of an area on the fifth floor rarely ence “Jewish” New York. One of our reiterating how important a lesson this the Greater Kansas City Chapter shown to visitors. We saw the five regular activities on Shabbat morn- experience was for our students. I asked of Hadassah board and Nurses’ islands of gardens and the views ing is to work at Stephen S. Wise Free him why? I have memorized his answer: Council, here in Israel on a trip out the large floor to ceiling win- Synagogue’s Emergency Food Program. “Because people who are homeless and with Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn. dows toward the moshavim, (small Our students spend the early morning hungry are treated like lepers in our so- While here, Fulps said she really farms) and the Jerusalem hills. The preparing bags of food for homeless and ciety. We are untouchable. People do not wanted to see the new Hadassah windows will also provide views hungry people. Then, they serve those want to look at us, much less embrace us. Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital of a healing garden and a welcome bags, along with hot chocolate, to those We are shunned as though we have the Tower. I decided to see if that could garden. The blue floors on which who come to the doors of that synagogue worst disease imaginable.” His words are be arranged. we walked in this area create the each and every Saturday morning. our Torah lesson. Giving Fulps a new experience illusion of water. Nearby are the Clearly, it is a very “untraditional” Now, we tell our students to see these on this, her sixth visit to Israel, we unopened glass elevators to run way to spend an early Shabbat morning. folks as “guests,” to look them directly took a local bus out to Ein Karem. between three floors. Needless to (We do go to Shabbat services, after- in their eyes, to thank them for coming. We were met by Anna, a tour guide say, the view is spectacular. wards!) Yet, at the same time, it is a very Now, we tell them that the folks who from Holland, when we arrived at Finally, we asked the nurses “Jewish” activity. As the founder of the show up on Saturday morning are God’s Hadassah hospital. She recognized if we could take a peek inside an program, Phyllis Lefkowitz, explains to children, deserving of the respect and me because I have taken other unoccupied room because there our students, the synagogue felt it was love that the students, themselves, desire people on tours of the hospital has been so much publicity about essential to live out the principles of the and expect. when she served as the guide. the five-star accommodations. The Torah — which are taught on Shabbat — The lepers described in the Torah Anna told us the hospital will not two-bed suite we saw was spa- in a real and meaningful way. Since they were individuals from whom the society have official tours until its formal ciously divided with a wrap-around were in an urban setting — and no one were frightened. It was a fear of being dedication during the Centennial curtain to give each patient a sense was serving the needy on Saturdays, this infected, of becoming like them. Perhaps convention, Oct. 16, so we were of being alone. Next to the hospi- became their mitzvah. our fear of those who are homeless and among the first to see the Tower. tal bed is a couch bed for family What is the connection between this hungry (how often do we turn our faces The department of urology fol- members who might sleep over. emergency food program, our confirma- and avoid their gazes when we pull up lowed by orthopedics only began The bathroom is modern and spa- tion class’s experience, and this week’s to a corner at which they stand with a moving into the $363 million build- cious. Each room has an original Torah portion, Tazriah-Metzorah? sign?) is the same, that we don’t want to ing in mid-March. photo of a nature scene in Israel Let’s start with the portion. In the be too close to that which is too frighten- First we walked into the spacious on one wall. A TV set for each bed parashah, we learn about the laws sur- ing to imagine for ourselves. main lobby, with its 40-foot high area is suspended from the ceiling, rounding leprosy. The Torah speaks The priests in the Torah understood entrance atrium, where stone col- and each area has its own window. about leprosy on a person, as well as this tension. And they did all they could umns are adorned with plants and All rooms have radiant heat and within a home. It is instructional that to keep the lepers within the community. trees, and look more like a luxury cooling in the ceilings and the air the leper is treated by the priest, and not They stood firm that — even though they hotel lobby, with wood benches conditioners are energy efficient by the doctor. The goal of the priest is to had something that kept them from being scattered around for seating. and almost without sound. keep the individual within the commu- whole — nonetheless they were God’s The set of escalators, not yet There are five floors below nity, if at all possible. We know that one children and deserved to be counted. working, will take people either to ground for intensive care and oper- of the worst punishments is to be “ex- May we remember what it is like to the shopping mall or to the Char- ating theatres and 14 floors above communicated,” to be excluded from the be the stranger. May we remember the lotte Bloomberg Mother and Child ground. When the new hospital community. So, only when the disease message from a homeless and hungry Center, which is adjacent to the officially opens, the 51-year-old old facility next door will be reno- is impossible to control is the person man. And may we model our behavior hospital. The large admissions office and vated and hold outpatient clinics, excluded. after the priests of our people ... and the other offices are setting up now and research and other facilities. And now to the synagogue’s emer- New York synagogue our students volun- due to open in October. In three years, it is hoped that gency food program. Over the years (our teered in last Shabbat. May we embrace Hadassah’s presence is visible the Jerusalem Light Rail will reach confirmation classes have been partici- the “lepers” in our midst and welcome with one wall listing the Hadassah the hospital, although currently pating for nine years), our students have them ... for they — like us — are God’s Medical Organization chairs, next there is a private parking lot for met interesting people who have come children. to a wall listing the names of the 1,000 cars. April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 29 commentary A memorable meeting with a personal hero By Bonnie Nussbaum Mannis the prisoners on the road to recovery. Special to The Chronicle We stayed with them and helped them for two weeks to nourish them before Yesterday I met my pen pal of more we received orders to return to the than nine years. After the death of my States and prepare for invading Japan father Sam Nussbaum, z”l, in Decem- with Gen. Patton and his Third Army.” ber of 2002, my mother and I were look- Mr. Persinger was invited, along with ing at his files of saved paper clippings other WWII veterans, to accompany and correspondences and we came the 2012 March of the Living group that across a letter sent to my father in April traveled to Poland on April 16. This of 1989. It was sent to him by Max Gar- is the first time the organizers asked cia, an architect in San Francisco. They veterans to accompany the group. For shared something very special in com- the 25th time, a group of young Jewish mon. They were both liberated on May adults on this march will see and hear 6, 1945, from the Ebensee Labor camp in from survivors and other eye-witnesses Ebensee, Austria. They were liberated what the Nazis did to European Jewry by the “F” Company of the 3rd Cavalry not that long ago. They must bear wit- Reconnaissance Group commanded by ness to the atrocities. We must never Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. forget. The world must never forget. I called Mr. Garcia and introduced I was honored to personally meet Mr. myself and asked if my father ever Persinger and his son Allen as they responded to his letter. He said he did arrived at JFK airport from Chicago not. He mentioned that he was in close before leaving on the March. We went contact with some members of the to dinner and once again I listened 3rd Cavalry. He gave me the name of to this gentle and humble man relate one member in particular, Mr. Robert his memories of that day and how it Persinger, who lives an hour west of changed his life. Those memories are Chicago. I was elated. Although my Sam Nussbaum Robert Persinger etched in his mind forever. father chose not to pursue any com- For years we have spoken on the munication with Mr. Garcia and others tank commander. His tank was the first clothes and some in partial clothing phone and emailed one another. I have who he may have met through him, one into the camp. The following are barely covering their bodies. They ap- sent him gifts every Christmas as a I decided that I wanted to and that I words he spoke at the 60th Anniversary peared so thin and sickly, it was evident very small token of my family’s ap- needed to contact them. I could actually Memorial Service at Ebensee, Austria, that they were starving. Their bodies preciation to him for his service to his speak to someone who was there on the on May 6, 2005: were just skin and bones. We stopped country and to the survivors whom he eventful day. I could speak to someone “As we approached on the gravel our tank and observed for a period of directly saved. Unbeknownst to him, who saved my father. road to the camp we saw masses of hu- time trying to decide what we would do he and his comrades helped my father In January 2003 I made the call to man beings that appeared almost like with the mass of prisoners surround- and the other survivors restore their Mr. Persinger. It was a very emotional ghosts standing in mud and filth up to ing our tanks. Both tank crews were hope in humanity. As I have told him moment for me. As it turns out, Mr. their ankles behind the high wire fence. hesitant to accept or to make contact many times over the years, there is a Persinger was a platoon sergeant and They were dressed in filthy striped with these poor starving individuals. saying in the Talmud which states that None of us had ever seen human beings “…whoever saves a life it is considered in this terrible situation before. We as if he saved an entire world.” (Mish- started to toss rations and energy bars nah Sanhedrin 4:5 Babylonian Talmud Voice your opinion to them until our supply was depleted. Tractate Sanhedrin 37a). He saved my At first we refused to dismount and little world. We welcome letters to the editor for publication. The views wade through the quagmire of mud and When I finally met Mr. Persinger, I expressed in the opinion columns and letters published in around all of the dead bodies. Besides cried to him. I hugged him. I thanked The Chronicle are those of the authors. They do not neces- that the stench of all of the dead bodies him over and over again for saving my sarily reflect the views of the The Chronicle’s ownership or made it almost unbearable. We had father and so many others. management. Letters must include the writer’s full name, seen terrible sights from combat across But, I miss my biggest hero, my Dad. address and daytime phone number or email address. Let- Europe but what we were observing This thank you was for you Dad. ters are edited for content, style and space and should be no was a climax to the things that human longer than 350 words. Send your letters to Editor, Kansas beings do to their fellow man. It was Bonnie Nussbaum Mannis grew up in Kansas City and is City Jewish Chronicle, 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite beyond anyone’s imagination that such the daughter of Elizabeth Nussbaum and the late Sam 314A, Fairway, Kan. 66205 or email chronicle@metromedia- horrible crimes could be committed. Nussbaum. She is a member of the first graduating class publishers.com. “The Army medical hospitals arrived of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She now lives in quickly along with other Army quarter- Scarsdale, N.Y. master units to provide services to get page 30 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 opinion Israel at 64: Chutzpah is the key By Michael Steinhardt strates itself today in the ethos of a national respon- Special to Israel Inside sibility for fellow citizens and has penetrated into all The Chronicle aspects of Israeli society. I chided the Jewish establishment when I founded “Israel Inside: How a Small Nation Makes As Israel prepares to begin its a Big Difference” will be shown as part Birthright. My theory was that Jewish identity among 65th year of modern-day indepen- of Israel Independence Day festivities at American secular Jews would surge if that group felt dence, there can be no disputing Congregation Beth Shalom at 6:30 p.m. connected to Israel. And I was right. that this nation remains confronted tonight, Thursday, April 26. The film’s Here, I will chide again: Israel’s identity at 64 must with a myriad of challenges and showing here is sponsored by the Unity be linked to our collective pride in Israel’s accom- threats to its very existence. But Coalition of Israel. plishments, and the confidence that we have only re- despite the perceived pall of fear and tension which “Israel Inside” explores the triumph of the vealed a portion of the country’s full national poten- seem to hang eternally over Israel, I can confidently human spirit. Israelis, surrounded by ene- tial. It is for this reason that I threw my lot in with the say, as someone who has been blessed to contribute mies, have turned a desert with hardly any makers of “Israel Inside,” JerusalemOnlineU.com, a to its modern renaissance, that Israel’s daily reality natural resources into a flourishing, pro- group of innovative American Israelis dedicated to is one of hope and promise for a brighter future — a ductive society. Hosted by former Harvard upping the connection of unaffiliated American Jews reality in which most Israelis live. lecturer Tal Ben Shahar, the film examines through paradigm-shifting film education. Recently, I appeared in a new film which will soon the core character strengths that have Israel gives us many reasons to look forward to an- be showing across the world: “Israel Inside: How a made this possible. For more information other year of our beloved nation’s independence. But Small Nation Makes a Big Difference.” The film at- visit www.israelinsidethemovie.com. most of all we need to remember that now is the time tempts to pin down the elusive key characteristics to embrace a new outlook on the Jewish state and that make modern Israel a nation unlike all other ensure that we begin to view her for what she truly nations. downturn, the Israeli export industry continues to is — a nation of remarkable progress, innovation and I’ll name a few: chutzpah, transforming adversity grow and in 2011 recorded $89 billion in sales, a 4.5 the very best of downright chutzpah. to advantage and powerful family links. While many percent increase over the previous year. explanations have been offered as to why our nation As clichéd as many might think it to be, the truth Michael Steinhardt is the Founder of Birthright Israel and a member of the has accomplished so much in such a short amount of is that all of Israel is one big family — in times both advisory board of JerusalemOnlineU.com. He is featured alongside other time and in a challenging and hostile environment, I good and bad. The concept of a national collective leading Jewish and Israeli personalities in the film “Israel Inside,” produced by believe that the issue of national character and per- that motivated the establishment of the state demon- JerusalemOnlineU.com. sonal determination shouldn’t be overlooked. Undoubtedly, there is an underlying Israeli (or many would say Jewish) characteristic that can only be defined as chutzpah. To the uninitiated, this term is often mistranslated as brashness or even rudeness. Yet, those who truly appreciate what motivates chutzpah know that this is a character trait driven by an unwavering determination to get things done — and ensuring that “no” cannot be the answer. Chutzpah can also be used positively to challenge the status quo and look for new ways to do things better and reject the skepticism of the naysayers. This is a big part of what makes Israel so successful and unique. I can certainly relate to this character trait — it’s what made me push ahead when I founded Birthright Israel and since then, it’s a vision that I have been blessed to share with hundreds of thousands of young people since the program’s launch. In the spirit of this film, Israel’s 64th anniversary should be used to dismiss the notion of a modern Israel solely defined by the conflict that surrounds it. In little more than half a century, a country has been created that is a burgeoning haven of scientific innovation, a marketplace of ideas that attracts the world’s leading minds and a center of some of the world’s most contributive medical discoveries. An arid land of desert and harsh climate has liter- ally been transformed into a leading international exporter of thousands of products to the majority of ports around the globe. Despite the global economic April 26, 2012 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 31 obituaries

LAWRENCE ‘LARRY’ MANDEL ica Specialty president of the Greater Kansas City el Marcus Shoham, and by his first wife. Hospital in Chamber of Commerce, and adjunct He is survived by his second wife; his Larry Mandel, 60, Overland Park, Overland professor of philosophy at the Univer- children, Dr. Steven (Susie) Shoham, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012, af- Park. sity of Missouri at Kansas City and at Los Angeles, and Cynthia Shoham Fol- ter a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Rockhurst University in Kansas City. He lick (Joshua), Omaha; four Lowenstein Funeral services were held Sunday, services were was a member of the Rabbinic Council sons, Lon (Cathy), Kansas City, Glenn April 22, at The Louis Memorial Cha- held Sunday, of America and the Rabbinical Associa- (Nicole), Houston, John (Amy), Chica- pel, with burial in Falls Church, Va. The April 22, at tion of Greater Kansas City. go, and Reed (Melanie Hanan), London; family suggests contributions to The the Louis Me- Gil authored “A Quest for Clarity in three grandchildren in Los Angeles, American Cancer Society or The Jewish morial Cha- Religious Thought: A Case Against Fun- Daniel Shoham, Deuce Janisch and Stel- Federation of Kansas City. pel. Burial damentalism,” Dorrance, 2006, as well la Tolentino; 12 Lowenstein grandchil- Larry was born in Rockville, Md., to was in Eden as articles in Jewish Education, The Re- dren; siblings, Faye Mishkin, Brooklyn, Nathan and Pearl Mandel. He attended Memorial constructionist, Horizon and the Kansas N.Y., Rabbi Sidney and Jewel Shoham, Rockville schools and then received his Park, Mis- City Jewish Chronicle. His father and Montreal; Jake Shoham, Los Angeles; bachelor’s degree from Miami of Ohio sion Hills, both grandfathers were rabbis schooled and his first wife’s siblings, Jerry and and his degree in podiatric medicine Calif. In lieu of flowers, please send do- in the yeshiva of Slobotka, Lithuania, Jean Cohen Friedman, Los Angeles, from the Illinois College of Podiatric nations to Congregation BIAV, 9900 An- for centuries the intellectual capital of Abraham and Hazel Cohen, Montreal, Medicine. tioch, Overland Park, KS 66212, or the Eastern European Jewry. His mentor and Esther Cohen and Barry Schwartz, Larry moved to Kansas City in 1979 philanthropy of your choice. at Yeshiva University was Rabbi Joseph Montreal; and numerous nieces and and established his private medical Gil graduated from the Talmudical Soloveitchik, arguably the greatest Jew- nephews and great nieces and nephews. practice, retiring in 2011 after more than Academy, Baltimore. He earned a Bach- ish mind of the 20th century. He under- Online condolences may be shared at 30 years as a podiatrist. He always had elor of Arts degree in chemistry from stood and appreciated the pragmatic www.louismemorialchapel.com. an entrepreneurial spirit. Yeshiva College, New York; ordination and humane aspects of Jewish law and Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, He was preceded in death by his par- from Yeshiva University, New York; a was dismayed by and never succumbed 816-361-5211. ents. Larry is survived by his daugh- Master of Arts degree in the philoso- to the politicized, non-intellectual turn ters, Sarah Mandel and her fiancé Ilan phy of religion from McGill University, to the right that captured much of all Goldberg, Baltimore, and Katie Mandel, Montreal; a Ph.D. in philosophy from three Abrahamic religions during the Olathe. the University of Southern California; last decades of his life. Card of thanks Larry was a great father and friend to and an M.B.A. degree from Rockhurst Gil felt fortunate to have the love of On behalf of myself and my all who knew him. College, Kansas City. two good women, Dorothy Cohen Sho- family I want to thank relatives Online condolences may be shared at Gil was a dynamic and charismatic ham, to whom he was married for 47 and friends for all the food, flowers, www.louismemorialchapel.com. leader who founded the Shaar Zedek years, and Sharon Lowenstein Shoham, donations and cards. They meant so Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, Congregation and the Emek Hebrew to whom he was married for 10 years. much to the family of Bernard Evel- 816-361-5211. Academy in Los Angeles at a time when He took great pride in his daughter’s, off. I want to also thank Cantor Rob there were no such Jewish Orthodox in- son’s and grandson’s accomplishments. Menes for all of his help. GILBERT SHOHAM stitutions in the valley. He also served Physically as well as mentally strong, he Dr. Scott Eveloff and Dr. Ruth the pulpits of Congregation Beth Hame- survived “terminal” lung cancer in his Eisen Loving husband, father, grandfather, drash Hagadol in Montreal, and Kehili- 40s and accepted recent disabilities with Sherri and Steve Boresow and teacher, Rabbi Gilbert Lewis Sho- ath Israel Synagogue in Kansas City. humor and grace. Lori and Evan Zobel ham, 81, of Overland Park, passed away He served as president of the Rabbinic Gil was preceded in death by his par- Marcia Eveloff Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Mid-Amer- Council of Southern California, vice ents, Rabbi Jehiel Ber Shoham and Eth-

Lee Javitch, 81, ex-chair Herring, as saying that Javitch “was an icon in the of Giant supermarket chain grocery industry.” “Fear not death that is your doom; remember all that went Lee Javitch, who turned his father’s meat market before and that will follow you.” into a supermarket chain of 30 stores and then Rabbi Eliyahu Deri, 77, father — Ben Sira 41:5 sold it to an international conglomerate, died April of former Shas leader 19 at 81. Rabbi Eliyahu Deri, 77, the father of former Shas Javitch was active in Jewish organizations and leader Aryeh Deri, died in Jerusalem at 77. had been on the boards of the Jewish Theological Deri, a Morocco native, was the fifth of seven Seminary of America, MAZON: A Jewish Response brothers. In Morocco, Deri was a tailor who made for Hunger, and CLAL-The National Jewish Center suits for members of the Moroccan royal court. for Learning and Leadership, where he did a stint After moving to Israel in 1968, Deri began classes Louis Memorial as chairman. in Torah and other subjects for secular children Javitch turned Carlisle Meat Market in his home- in Hadera. Before that his children had not been town of Carlisle, Pa., into Giant Food Stores, a allowed outside for fear they would play with Chapel regional chain with a presence in the Mid-Atlantic non-religious Jews. and metro Washington areas. The company, which At Deri’s funeral, which was attended by Knesset 32312JL38 was sold to the Dutch firm Koninklijke Ahold N.V. members and high-ranking rabbis and others, in 1981, now operates more than 180 stores. no eulogy was given, as he was buried on Rosh Supermarket industry media took note of Javitch’s Chodesh Iyar. 2c x 2” death and quoted Ahold USA’s president, Rick page 32 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle April 26, 2012 INFINITI OF Kansas City

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