The New Jewish Voice

A Gift For You, Courtesy of... February – March 2021 | Shevat-Adar 5781 United Jewish Federation Volume 22, Number 16 The New Jewish Voice A PUBLICATION OF UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION Rachel Dratch Named Next UJF’s Community Read: Head of School at Bi-Cultural A Bend in the Stars BY JUDIE JACOBSON “When Jackie Herman told (Courtesy of UJF) United story of Albert Einstein’s race Rachel Levitt Klein Dratch us of her plan to retire as Bi- Jewish Federation of Great- to prove his theory of relativ- has been named the next Cultural’s Head of School, we er Stamford, New Canaan and ity. A Bend in the Stars was Head of School of Bi-Cultur- knew how difficult it would be Darien is pleased to announce a New York Times Summer al Hebrew Academy (BCHA), to find the right person to fill the historical novel A Bend Reading Selection, a Boston it was announced recently by her shoes,” wrote Pitkoff and in the Stars as its next Com- Globe Bestseller and the 2019 the school’s President David Zitter in a letter to the Bi-Cultural munity Read. Author Rachel Forbes Best Historical Novel Pitkoff and Chairman of the community announcing Dratch’s Barenbaum will speak about for Summer. Board of Incorporators Bob appointment. “Under Jackie’s her book via Zoom on Mon- The New York Times de- Zitter. stewardship for the past 10 day, February 22nd at 7:30 in clared it …”an epic march Dratch will take over as years, BCHA has developed and the evening. Following the au- across Russia during the head of the Stamford Jew- Rachel Dratch, incoming thrived as a school known for its thor’s program, small breakout Author Rachel summer of 1914. The his- ish day school, which is open BCHA Head of School. warmth and academic excellence. groups will be set up for inter- Barenbaum tory of the region has been to students in pre-K through It is with great pleasure that ested participants to discuss studied, but Barenbaum grade 12, in August 2021. She succeeds we announce that after a 15-month national the book further. The program is free to all. carves a fresh story from some of its most Jacqueline Herman, who is stepping down as Barenbaum took inspiration for her de- Head of School after ten years of service. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 but novel, set during World War I, from the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Bruce Feiler Headlines New Lecture Series at Temple Sinai (Courtesy of Temple Sinai) Temple Sinai and how our ideas of Jewish culture are how they navigate life’s transitions with will present New York Times best selling au- changing. meaning, purpose and skill. thor Bruce Feiler at the inaugural program Feiler is the best selling author of 15 Since 2001 Feiler has been a leading of the Joan Bruder Danoff Lecture Series books and a writer and presenter of two thinker on the role of spirituality in con- on Sunday, March 21 at 4:30 pm. The vir- PBS miniseries, Walking The Bible and Sa- temporary life. His book Walking the Bible tual program is offered free of charge to the cred Journeys. He is one of America’s most describes his 10,000 mile journey retrac- community. popular and dynamic speakers on contem- ing the Five Books of Moses through the Feiler and moderator Daniel Block will porary life whose two TED talks have been desert and spent a year on the New York have a conversation about “The Jewish Voice viewed over two million times. His current Times bestseller list. He is also the author in American Culture Tomorrow.” Feiler will best seller “Life in the Transitions: Mastering of Where God Was Born; America’s Prophet; discuss how Millennials and the Gen Z gen- Change At Any Age” describes his journey eration are engaging with Judaism today across America talking with people about CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Author Bruce Feiler

2 Candle 14 Bits 15-16 17 Life 20-22 PJ 23 Voices Lighting & Pieces Purim & Legacy Library and Views JCC Collects Supplies for Those in Need Children display food and household items donated to November’s Collection Drive sponsored by KidsPlace, in front of the Stamford JCC. See article on page 11, on how the Stamford JCC JCares initiative is helping to alleviate hunger in our community. (CREDIT: KATHRYN CURRY) 2 The New Jewish Voice From UJF’s Chief Executive Officer Rising Above the Challenge BY DIANE SLOYER provided and will contin- Federation focused on as to support our greater community is due 2020 has been devastating for the world ue to provide much needed Zoom and Facebook Live. to the generosity of you, our valued donors. and for the Jewish community of Greater financial support to all our From rabbi classes to cook- Even in these difficult and uncertain times, Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. COV- agencies and synagogues ing presentations, UJF’s you stepped up and answered the call, so ID-19 closed summer camps, synagogues to meet their emergency annual meeting, the live thank you! And because of your generosity, and businesses. It also left many Jewish needs. drive-in movie event for we “met the match” and received an addi- families struggling to meet even their most We all play a role in the campaign kickoff, and tional $72,000 from Jewish Federations of basic needs. our diverse Jewish com- comedy shows, Federa- North America for Human Service Needs Our Federation team wanted to be a help munity and I am grate- tion put on a range of vir- in our community. for the entire Jewish community during this ful and in awe for the lay tual and semi-virtual events As the year came to a close, I reflect- most difficult year, and rose to the occasion. leaders and professionals, for every age group in the ed with pride on Federation’s efforts dur- Our goal was to secure our community and many on reduced salaries, community. ing 2020 to build an infrastructure that al- protect its most vulnerable while also in- who worked around the Diane Sloyer, UJF CEO The Federation’s PJ lowed us to meet the needs of so many dur- novating new activities to keep people en- clock to ensure we met the Library program realized ing this time of crisis. We need to be able gaged and connected. We launched new growing and demanding needs of the pan- that for many families, this would be the to deal with big challenges and new chal- online programs and continued to welcome demic. The resilience and strength used to first time everyone was under one roof lenges. We’re not going to solve every prob- new residents, as Fairfield County became a tackle the unknown has been awe- inspir- 24/7. Our team equipped families with free lem every day. But at the end of the day, the refuge for those escaping cities, with social- ing and gives me hope for the future. books, at-home activities, virtual events Jewish Federation’s relationship with the ly distanced visits and welcome bags. Federation thrives on bringing people and parent sessions. community of Stamford, New Canaan and Our emergency COVID relief campaign together for various events yearly. When Our ability to provide engaging pro- Darien and globally is getting stronger, and as well as grants obtained (see centerfold) in-person gatherings couldn’t happen, gramming and educational events as well we will continue the work we do into 2021. UJF President’s Message

BY DAVID GORDON community, and our Chris- protection program PPP of “Unorthodox”. It also brought the com- UJF President David Gordon gave this tian and Muslim neigh- loans from the federal gov- munity together, virtually, for learning ses- address at the (virtual) Annual Meeting of bors. It was not only a feel- ernment. These loans kept sions led by our Rabbis and teachers for Ti- United Jewish Federation on December 17, good moment. It galva- them all afloat during the sha B’av and the High Holidays. Our News- 2020. nized our community to March-to-May shutdown paper committee continued to work with One year ago I stood before you as your renew long dormant out- period. Our UJF also of- our local agencies to provide eight editions incoming Federation president and I laid reach and communication fered all of the local agen- of the New Jewish Voice, including a beau- out my vision for my expected two years of through our Jewish Com- cies interest-free loans of up tifully conceived and executed COVID edi- leadership. Well, there is an old Yiddish ex- munity Relations Council to $100,000, if they needed tion highlighting Jewish heroes in our com- pression which translates to: “man plans and (the JCRC) as well as on the it to tide them over until re- munity. Our JCRC provided multiple Zoom G-d laughs”; and while I am not sure G-d is synagogue-to-church lev- ceipt of their PPP loans. We programs to further communication and laughing, G-d certainly had something else el. These efforts are ongo- convened our communi- understanding between our Jewish com- in mind. It was hard for me to achieve my ing and are contributing to UJF President David Gordon ty leaders in several meet- munity and our greater interfaith commu- agenda due to Covid-19 which has been no mutual understanding and ings over multiple months nity. The JCRC also participated in a polit- laughing matter. In preparing my remarks security of the community. to discuss and share how each of our organ- ical push which helped pass security fund- [for tonight] with 20-20 hindsight both liter- Before we had an opportunity to catch izations was doing and how we could help ing for houses of worship. Our staff contin- ally and figuratively, I am able to take pause our breath, COVID hit. United Jewish Fed- each other. And our CEO Diane Sloyer and ued to reach out to our community through and be proud of all we have accomplished eration immediately launched an emergen- I have continued to check in with all of the Shalom Stamford packages to a surge of and how we have impacted the community cy COVID relief campaign, raising approx- local agencies and synagogues on a regu- newcomers and Shalom Baby packages to in this difficult year. imately $170,000. Most of the funds were lar basis. It was during this time of extreme a surge of newborns. Our staff also contin- 2020 started off with a bang in response quickly disbursed to the JCC, Schoke Jew- hardship when it became clear to every- ued PJ Library programming which reached to the unfortunate outbreak of antisemi- ish Family Service, and BiCultural Hebrew one that having a Federation and a Feder- hundreds of young families, while sending tism over Chanukah last December. Our Academy. Smaller amounts were sent to our ated System with resources was critical and out 450 Jewish-content books each month UJF quickly organized a NO HATE NO synagogues, the Stamford and New Canaan valuable for addressing crises facing the to PJ Library families. Our staff and vol- FEAR rally held at Temple Beth El. At the Chabad Centers, and to the Senior Home. community. unteers continued when it was possible to rally, Governor Lamont, Senator Blumen- Through training provided by the Jewish All the while, we continued with our impact our greater community, showing thal, Representative Himes, and numer- Federations of North America (JFNA), all day-to-day work. Our education committee that we care for our neighbors through our ous other political dignitaries attended and of our local Jewish agencies and congrega- ran a successful community-read and Zoom 3-Square and Reading Partners programs, spoke, as did clergy representing our Jewish tions were able to secure forgivable payroll program featuring the book and author as well as a new program originally started at the Hartford UJF called Dignity Grows. CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES And, we should not forget our Life & Legacy program which was one of the three January 22 ��4:41 pm highlighted goals listed in my address to you January 29 ��4:50 pm last year. The Life & Legacy program is in February 5 ��4:58 pm full swing. Because UJF was able to bring Life & Legacy to our community, we have February 12 ��5:07 pm helped our ten local agency and synagogue r eanin andr Fat wor February 19 ��5:16 pm partners and ourselves to secure promises of i eier February 26 ��5:24 pm over 150 gifts with an expected legacy value of over $4M so far. This program is on- March 5 ��5:32 pm or one n reises going and critical to the long-term flourish- March 12 ��5:40 pm ing of our community, and I hope and ex- Frank Policastro/Owner (203) 323-0507 March 19 ��6:47 pm pect that many more in our community 48 Crescent Street [email protected] Stamford, CT 06905 www.crescentcleaners.com March 26 ��6:55 pm CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 3

DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES RECHARGE With Saul Cohen-Schoke The deadlines for the next issues of The New Jewish Voice are: JFS Lecture Series April/Passover: March 1 (Courtesy of Schoke JFS) The next lec- happiness and rejoice in life when the circum- May: April 5 ture in the 9th Annual Saul Cohen Schoke stances are challenging. Jewish Family Service Lecture Series will be The series this year is co-sponsored by Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30 pm with Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Up- Send New Jewish Voice article Tiffany Shlain, author of24/7: The Power of per Fairfield County and United Jewish Fed- submissions to Sandy Golove at Unplugging One Day A Week. She will discuss eration of Greater Stamford, New Canaan how to regain your inner calm and connec- and Darien and in partnership with the Jew- [email protected] marked tion to people instead of digital screens. ish Book Council. “Stamford Voice” in the subject line. The keynote speaker, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, For more information about the lecture, will present his talk entitled Happiness: Lead- please call Schoke JFS at 203-921-4161 or reg- Expect an acknowledgement; ing an inspired Life, on Tuesday, April 27 at ister at www.ctjfs.org/saul-cohen-jfs-lecture Tiffany Shlain, Author (CREDIT: ALISON please re-send if you do not receive one. 7:30 pm. He will speak about how to achieve to receive the online address of the lecture. WACHSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY)

UJF President’s Message meals for those in need. Our impact both that the twin crises of 2020 – antisemi- who are unable to physically attend pro- locally and around the world has shown that tism and Covid – have shown in a spec- grams during the year, Covid has taught CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 one gift really does a world of good. tacular fashion that our Federation is not us that we can reach even more people by That brings us to the coming year. A only the glue of our Jewish community, but bringing ourselves to them. I hope that all will participate. If we, as a community work lynchpin of my agenda was and continues also its backbone. I shudder to think where of you have been touched, one way or an- hard at this and do it correctly, we should be to be to get us out of our silos and to unite our community would be if not for UJF other by our programming which did not able to raise endowments of ten times that this community. This is hard to do when we and our parent organization Jewish Fed- require you to leave your homes and by amount. cannot physically be together but I do feel erations of North America. Second, storm occasional phone calls or small gifts from I should note that we have done all of we have begun to make small steps though clouds most often have silver linings, and us which may have been delivered to your this and a lot more with an extremely lean UJF’s leadership during this crisis. While while Covid has certainly been a storm, doors. And finally, the Jewish communi- staff of just two full time people – our tireless Zoom permits us to get together as a com- there have been multiple silver linings. ty of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien is CEO Diane Sloyer, and our wonderful Di- munity in one way, it doesn’t foster getting Covid has forced us to find new and cre- and will be a vibrant Jewish community as rector Sharon Franklin – to whom we owe a to know our fellow Jews. ative ways to reach out to our community long as we care for it and support it. tremendous debt of gratitude. I should also So, if you are like me in your thinking, the – ways we will continue to use after Covid Thank you for your support and please mention our part-time staffers Taly Farber, Covid vaccine cannot come quickly enough. is a distant bad memory. In fact, for those stay safe! Lenore Fogel and Sandy Golove to whom we And although we know very little for certain, also owe our great appreciation. it is my hope we will all be vaccinated by this Of course, I have just highlighted UJF’s summer. It is with this hope, that I am excit- work in the Stamford, New Canaan and ed to announce a United Jewish Federation Darien community. However, our work as community trip to Israel for November 2021. part of the Southern New England Consor- Although it is hard to get our heads around tium of Federations as well as part of Jew- a community trip to a country which is pres- ish Federations of North America contin- ently closed for tourism, November 2021 is ues to impact overseas as well. In the last few almost a year away. It is our plan to leave at weeks, 3000 Ethiopian Jews have begun to some point after Thanksgiving and be in Is- make their way to Israel. The Beit Alfa Ab- rael for part of Chanukah. With enough peo- sorption center in Afula, UJF’s partnership ple going we will have different tracks such as city, is full with many of these new immi- a history track, a foodie track, a nature track, grants. UJF just purchased laptops to help etc. Also in the works is a possible extension *7TFEBUJPO the Ethiopian school children learn remote- to the UAE or to Jewish Spain or Portugal. ly. And, during Covid, funds provided by us Please watch for exciting details in the next GPSIJHIGFBS have been used to buy a needed air filtration couple of months. TQFDJBMOFFET system in the regional Emek medical center I close with these thoughts. First, cri- DIJMESFO located in Afula and to provide Passover ses reveal a lot. There is no question but

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FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 4 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS An Evening With Schoke JFS Unmasks Its Heroes BY LYNN SALTZ This year, Schoke JFS will honorMichael The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Alexander with the 41st Annual Mitzvah Family Service will hold its annual fund- Award. Michael has successfully led a thir- raising gala virtually this year. A Virtu- ty-five-year career in financial services and al Evening with Schoke JFS will be held currently owns Holbrook Wealth Advisors, on Sunday, March 14th, 2021 at 5:30 pm. a wealth management and financial planning The annual gala, a major fundraising ef- practice in Stamford. Michael’s connection to fort for Schoke JFS, will honor the service Schoke JFS began in 2009 when he joined the of community leaders with a celebration Board of Directors as Treasurer. He went on of the important work the agency pro- to serve as Board President from 2012 – 2015 vides across Fairfield County. The gala is and then as Immediate Past-President from co-chaired by Liz Kitay, Meryl Japha and 2015 – 2017. He sponsors the Schoke JFS’ Michael Alexander David Brand Risa Goldblum Ronnie Sichel. Sandy Speter will chair the annual shredding event, where community (CREDIT: ALISON WACHSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY) silent auction. members are invited to bring sensitive materials for shredding while contributing food The 2nd Annual Volunteer of the Year The March 14th virtual gala will begin with to the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry. Award will be presented to Risa Goldblum. kosher hors d’oeuvres and wine, which will The New Jewish Voice The 14th Annual Young Leadership Risa grew up in Stamford, where she attended be distributed to guests’ homes along with a Award will be presented to David Brand. Bi-Cultural Day School and Stamford High commemorative journal and other surpris- “The New Jewish Voice” (USPS #184) is published David has lived in Stamford since 2012, and School. Risa’s volunteer work with Schoke JFS es. The evening will include a presentation of by the United Jewish Federation Inc. practiced commercial litigation in New York began in 2013, when she answered an email the awards to the honorees, a short descrip- 1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905-2521. City for ten years before joining his fami- asking for drivers to deliver Pesach meal bags. tion of Schoke JFS’ services, client testimoni-

www.ujf.org for updates and donations ly’s real estate business. David began his vol- She has since served as co-chair of the Pass- als, silent auction highlights, and ongoing do- unteer efforts with Schoke JFS in 2013 and over Food Drive and Distribution Program nation opportunities to support the efforts of David Gordon...... President joined its board in 2020. He has also volun- and former co-chair of the Schoke JFS Coat the agency. Diane Sloyer...... CEO teered at Congregation Agudath Sholom’s an- Drive. Risa also organizes the Rosh Hashana General tickets include light hors nual High Holiday Food Drive benefiting the Food Drive and Delivery Program, leads the d’oeuvres, wine and other surprises along Advisory Committee Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry. He is agency’s annual Thanksgiving Meal Deliv- with a link to the event for $180 per person. Meryl Gordon...... Chair also a member of the Schoke JFS Joan and ery Program, and assists with the Schoke JFS Please visit https://www.ctjfs.org/an-evening- Meryl Japha, Nancy Schulman, Ellen Weber Ben Zinbarg Camp Scholarship Committee, Anachnu Program for Holocaust survivors. with-schoke-jfs/ to reserve your tickets. which annually distributes over $40,000 in She is also a regular volunteer in the Freed- Please contact Lisa Rich at 203-921-4161 Jewish Link Media Group funds assisting more than 40 children in Fair- berg Family Kosher Food Pantry, and often or [email protected] with any questions. The Jewish Link Media Group edits and publishes field County helping to ensure that they are brings her family along to help in all of her Lynn Saltz is the Marketing and The New Jewish Voice. able to attend a Jewish day or sleepaway camp. activities. Communications Coordinator for Schoke JFS. Moshe Kinderlehrer...... Publisher Adam Negnewitzky...... Design & Layout Gila Negnewitzky...... Bookkeeper Risa Lefkowitz...... Advertising Representative ‘The Magic of Community’ at Temple Beth El Opinions The views expressed in editorials and opinion BY STEVEN LANDER mind-splitting magic that looks pieces are those of each author and not necessarily For the first time since its incep- like it is done using camera tricks, the views of the United Jewish Federation. tion in 2007, Temple Rock, an an- but it isn’t, and will leave everyone nual fundraiser for Temple Beth speechless at the end of the show,” Letters El, will be held via Zoom, on Satur- said Steven Sosnick, co-chair of The New Jewish Voice welcomes letters on subjects day, February 6. This year’s theme Temple Rock. of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must “Come Together – The Magic of Pesce has toured the country as be signed and include a phone number. The editor Community” will feature a festive a headliner for Princess Cruises and may withhold the name upon request. dinner party in a magical box of ta- regularly performs for some of the Kashruth pas, desserts and cocktails, and an most prestigious resorts, theaters and We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any annual auction. Fortune 500 companies in the world. advertiser’s product or establishment. The Annual Auction will be on- This event, open to the com- line this year and will offer everything munity, is being chaired by Barbara HOW TO REACH THE EDITOR: from exotic vacations to Shabbat din- Rothstein and Steven Sosnick. Dana Mail: Sandy Golove ners and gift cards for area restau- Weinberg is auction chair. Tickets 1035 Newfield Ave. - Suite 200 rants, to name just a few of the items. are $125 per person. Reservations are Stamford, CT 06905-2521 In addition to musical enter- available online at www.tinyurl.com/ E-mail: [email protected] tainment, the featured entertainer templerock21. Phone: (203) 912-9945 will be world-famous illusionist and For further information contact magician Tom Pesce. Pesce involves Steven Lander, TBE Executive Direc- Send article submissions via e-mail to Sandy Golove at [email protected] multiple spectators throughout tor at [email protected] or 203-322- Magician and illusionist Tom Pesce, featured entertainer. marked “Stamford Voice” in the subject his interactive show. “He performs 6901, ext. 304. line. Expect an acknowledgement; please re-send if you do not receive one. Bruce Feiler Headlines New Lecture Series at Temple Sinai

HOW TO REACH THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 This new lecture series was endowed at and her husband Dr. Stuart Danoff, a re- DIANE SLOYER Temple Sinai by Joan and Stuart Danoff‘s tired Stamford pediatrician, brought their Phone: (203) 321-1373, ext. 105 and Abraham. His book The Secrets of Hap- three children, Suzy Poneman, Nancy children up in Stamford. They are long time E-mail: [email protected] py Families has been widely credited with Danoff and Will Danoff, in honor of their Temple Sinai members. reshaping our discussions on modern par- mother. It will offer a yearly talk by a leading To register for this free program email SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: enting. Feiler’s work “The Council of Dads” figure in Jewish literature, art and culture. [email protected] Phone: (203) 321-1373 was the source for the popular NBC series Joan Danoff is a retired elementary school Call Temple Sinai for more information E-mail: [email protected] of the same name. teacher in the Stamford Public Schools. She at 203.322.1649. FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 5 Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Honors Community Leaders

Jackie Herman Doris Zelinsky Josh & Stephanie Bilenker Nicole & Jonathan Margovsky

BY JUDIE JACOBSON The 2021 Alumni Award will be presented for the school’s founder and first principal expectations that Hashem has for each of Several leaders of the Connecticut to eight BCHA graduates who are all current- who died in November 2019. us. Each and every one of our honorees has Jewish community will be honored for ly serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Along “As with many Jewish institutions, this not allowed the pandemic to interfere with their commitment to Jewish education with the many other courageous BCHA alum- year is a particularly challenging one for their service to the Jewish community and and their dedication to community ser- ni who have previously completed tours of BCHA,” says Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein, Dean as such exemplify the dinner theme.” vice at the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy duty in the IDF, these soldiers are being recog- of the school. “We are, therefore, extreme- In addition to the dinner co-chairs, the (BCHA) 2021 Celebration Dinner, it was nized for their selfless contribution and com- ly excited to have this group of honorees. In dinner journal co-chairs are Jodi Hadge, announced recently by dinner co-chairs mitment to the safety and well-being of the this regard, our theme this year of “Hishtad- Liat Sharabi Karsch and Maria Reicin. Vered and Mark Links and Shira and Marc Jewish state. The eight are Meital Wiederhorn lut” (active engagement) is perfectly suited For more information on the Nerenberg. of Westport, Judy Fogel of Stamford, Nathan for these honorees. Hishtadlut conveys our Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Celebration The annual dinner, which for the first Haron of Stamford, Nathan Links of Stam- obligation to use all of our resources in dif- Dinner, contact Rachel Cohen at time will take place virtually, will be held ford, Mia Brenner of Stamford, Maya Wiener ficult times to accomplish the goals and [email protected] or (203) 329-2186. Sunday, February 28, 6:30 p.m. of Ridgefield, Ella Feuerstein of Weston and The evening will pay tribute to Guests of Stamford and Michal Yaari, who resides in Honor Stephanie and Josh Bilenker. Oth- Zichron Yaakov, Israel. er honorees include Nicole and Jonathan Jacqueline Herman, who is retiring as Makovsky, who will receive the BCHA Bi-Cultural’s Head of School at the end of Young Leadership Award, and Doris this academic year, will receive the Stam- Zelinsky, recipient of the Morton G. ford school’s inaugural Walter Shuchatowitz Scheraga President’s Award. Award for Excellence in Education, named

CAS Movie Night - ‘The Rabbi Goes West’ Join Congregation Agudath Saturday American west. The screening will be followed night, February 6th at 7:30PM for a free vir- by a question and answer session with the tual screening of the documentary “The Rabbi co-directors of the film, moderated by Judith Goes West” followed by a Q&A with the film- Bernstein of Home Box Office’s program mar- makers. This movie tells the story of Chabad keting team. “It’s a chance to expose the com- Rabbi Chaim Bruk, who moved from Brook- munity to great films they otherwise might not lyn to Bozeman, Montana with his wife Chavie have seen,” she said. Bruk to bring traditional Judaism to the For more info, visit www.cas-stamford.org. Lessons Learned in the Fight Against COVID-19 Congregation Agudath Sholom and Bar the varying degrees of vaccine acceptance Ilan University invite you to a special pres- around the world? entation with world renowned epidemiolo- 2) What will the real new normal look gist Dr. Michael Edelstein, entitled Lessons like in the foreseeable future? Learned in the Fight Against COVID-19: 3) What would be the most effective A Conversation with Epidemiologist means of distributing a vaccine? Michael Edelstein on Sunday February 4) In today’s world of increased travel 7th at 10:00 AM. - and also increased exposure to previous- Topics to be discussed include: ly remote environments - is there a great- 1) What cultural differences explain er risk of future pandemics?

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 6 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS Friendship Circle Chanukah Party Goes on Zoom (Courtesy of Friendship Circle) On the seventh night of Chanukah, close to twenty Friendship Circle families gathered virtually for the annual Chanukah party. This year the light of Chanukah was spread through Zoom. Rabbi Deren began the evening by lighting the menorah and saying the blessings with the families. Dassie Prus, author of the book “If the Candles Could Speak” led an interactive story time with the participants. The children and adults heard the story of Chanukah as told by the candles on the menorah. Everyone was able to join in as the story was told. Families decorated donuts together and sang Chanukah songs. Vol- unteers delivered bags to everyone’s A captivated audience attended Steve Goldberg’s presentation on Zoom. homes with all the supplies needed to create donut designs while munch- ing on Chanukah gelt. After the offi- The History of Antisemitism cial party was over, families were able to continue celebrating on their own (Courtesy of UJF) In mid-Jan- thorough and sobering presenta- with the dreidels and Chanukah puz- uary, the Jewish Community Re- tion on the history of antisemitism. zles they received in the packages. lations Council of United Jew- “With International Holocaust Re- Chaya Hanoka, program coordi- ish Federation, in partnership membrance Day coming up on Jan- nator, said “It was so special to share with the Jewish Historical Socie- uary 27th, and the sharp rise in anti- the joy of Chanukah with the Friend- ty of Fairfield County, hosted Steve semitism, this presentation was cer- ship Circle families. Despite not be- Goldberg, Co-Director of Edu- tainly timely,” shared UJF CEO Diane ing able to gather in person, we all cation at The Holocaust and Hu- Sloyer. “Thanks to JCRC chair and had the opportunity to experience the man Rights Education Center in Historical Society Board member story of Chanukah along with all the Westchester, NY. Over 70 peo- Peter Lilienthal for organizing this light, music and delicious tastes of the Screenshots of the Friendship Circle virtual Chanukah ple Zoomed in for Steve’s very program,” Sloyer continued. holiday.” party.

UJF’s Community Read: A Bend in the Stars Rachel Dratch Named Next Head of School at Bi-Cultural

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Although she will officially come on board at BCHA this summer, according to Pitkoff and evocative and disturbing details.” Lilith search, we have found just that person – Rachel Zitter, Dratch will soon relocate to Stamford with magazine stated that “Buried within Levitt Klein Dratch.” her husband, Rabbi Mark Dratch, and will spend the pleasures of Barenbaum’s impecca- Dratch currently serves as director of ed- time in the spring working with Jackie Herman ble plotting and thoroughly convincing ucational innovation at Prizmah–The Center becoming acquainted with students, parents, fac- love triangle are deep truths about being for Jewish Day Schools, a national network for ulty and prospective families, in order to insure a Je w i s h .” Jewish day schools and yeshivas headquartered smooth and seamless transition. “A community read is a wonderful in New York. At Prizmah, Dratch was charged “We look forward to Mrs. Dratch joining the way to bring the community together” with training and mentoring heads of school and Bi-Cultural family and our community. Over the shared UJF Education Committee Chair senior administrators in day schools throughout coming months we will be arranging opportunities Nan Gordon. “The Education Commit- the country. for her to meet members of our school and com- tee, consisting of Meryl Gordon, Michael Prior to that, she served as director of stu- munity,” wrote Pitkoff and Zitter. Feldstein, Barbara Friedman, Elissa dent life and Israel guidance at Beth Tfiloh Da- “As for our beloved Jackie Herman,” they add- Kaplan and Lynn Lowin, had many won- han Community Day School in Baltimore, ed, “we look forward to honoring her at our an- derful novels to choose from and felt this Maryland; as high school Dean of Students nual Gala on February 28, 2021 with the first ever historical novel would be an interesting and lower school Assistant Principal at the Ber- Walter Shuchatowitz Award for Excellence in read and provide for lively discussion. man Hebrew Academy in Rockville, Maryland. Education, as we celebrate all she has done and What better way to bring the communi- She also served in various administrative ca- meant to Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy.” ty together than with an award-winning pacities at several other day schools through- While Rachel Dratch may be new to Stam- novel,” Gordon continued. out the country, among them the Maimon- ford, her ties to the community are already strong. Barenbaum is a prolific writer and re- Book Cover, A Bend in the Stars. ides School and the Rabbi Soloveitchik Insti- Her husband, Rabbi Mark Dratch, who currently viewer for the LA Review of Books and tute, both in Brookline, Massachusetts, Ramaz serves as executive vice president of the Rabbin- DeadDarlings. She is a graduate of Grub- she lives with her husband, three children, Upper School in Manhattan, and Frisch High ical Council of America in New York City, is the Street’s Novel incubator. In her former life and dog named Zishe - after the folk hero School in New Jersey. former spiritual leader of Congregation Agudath she was a hedge fund manager and a spin who inspires many tales around their din- A graduate of Stern College with a BA in Ju- Sholom (1997–2005); and their daughter Yol- instructor. She has degrees from Harvard in ner tale. daic Studies, Dratch holds an MA in Jewish Edu- ly Faratci and her husband Yaakov, live in Stam- business, literature and philosophy. Rachel To register for the event visit cation from the Azrieli Graduate School for Jew- ford where they serve as Agudath Sholom’s youth will be speaking to us remotely from her www.ujf.org/communityread or email ish Education and Administration of Yeshiva directors. Yaakov Faratci is also a member of the home in Hanover, New Hampshire where Diane Sloyer at [email protected] University. BCHA Judaic Studies faculty. FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 7 Creating a New Space for Community to Thrive

Rendering of front desk. Rendering of multipurpose classroom wing.

(Courtesy of The JCC) The Stamford multipurpose classroom wing in the front with registration now open. The wing will The scope of the project also includes se- JCC is in the midst of executing its mul- of the building, and a redesigned front en- also house a new KinderPlace infant child curity improvements with the installation ti-year strategic plan to reimagine and trance that will answer security and access care room beginning in the 2021-2022 of entrance turnstiles, secure and electron- transform the Center for the community: control challenges and provide functional school year, and will serve KidsPlace, In- ic wing access, and increased surveillance modernizing the facilities, updating and program spaces for the community. clusion, Day Camps@The J and member- capabilities. repairing the building’s 40-year old infra- The Stamford JCC is excited to share ship communities year-round. The Center will continuously update structure and maximizing space to better that the multipurpose classroom wing Once complete, the classroom wing the community as the projects are under- serve you. will allow for The JCC Sara Walker Nurs- will create a safe, engaging and modern way and move towards completion. Pro- The next phase includes converting ex- ery School to move to its Newfield Avenue environment that will enable the JCC to gress on these capital improvements can be isting office and meeting space into a new Campus for the 2021-2022 school year, deliver on its mission to build community. viewed on their website, stamfordjcc.org.

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 8 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS NEW AROUND TOWN Mayor Martin Joins Chabad Menorah Lighting Kara O’Connor, Marketing Coordinator At Schoke Jewish Family Service Kara O’Connor, a Nor- 2016 joined Laurel House, Inc. walk native, attended Brien as their Grants and Marketing McMahon High School and Manager. graduated from the Univer- “I am excited to join an sity of Rhode Island in 2007 agency with such dedicated with a BA in journalism and staff, board and volunteers political science. She was the who do exceptional work in public relations chairperson the Fairfield County com- for her sorority, Sigma Del- munity,” says O’Connor. “I ta Tau. am thrilled for the oppor- O’Connor worked for both Kara O’Connor tunity to create awareness the Wilton Villager and The about the important work Stamford Times as a general assignment report- that Schoke JFS is doing and to get more in- er from 2007 to 2012. In 2013 she joined Fami- dividuals and families involved in the ser- ly Centers, Inc. as their Grants Manager, and in vices and programs we provide.” Sharon Lewis, JCRC Director (Courtesy of Chabad of Stamford) Rabbi Moshe Shemtov, co-director of Chabad of At United Jewish Federation Stamford, and Stamford Mayor David Martin light up the giant Menorah at Chabad of Stamford’s Chanukah Menorah Lighting ceremony in Latham Park. (Courtesy of UJF) Sharon early 90s. Sharon and her hus- Lewis has joined the UJF team band Jeffrey (a Stamford native as the Director of the Jewish whom she met at law school) live Community Relations Coun- in Stamford. They are the proud United Jewish Federation Continues cil (JCRC). Sharon has been an parents of Caren Szanton (Jules) active member of the Stamford and Peter Lewis and grandpar- Wishing Newcomers Shalom Jewish community for 30 years ents to Micah Szanton. having served on the Boards of The JCRC is the public affairs Congregation Agudath Sho- arm of the Federation. As such, lom, Bi-Cultural Day School and the JCRC is concerned with a Women’s American ORT. Before wide-range of topics including starting this role, Sharon most Sharon Lewis communal security, combating recently was the Jewish Nation- antisemitism, Israel advocacy al Fund Director of Westchester and South- and education, government affairs, interfaith ern Connecticut. Prior to JNF, Sharon was the and intrafaith issues and current events. In the Director of Alumni Affairs at the Benjamin coming weeks, Sharon will reach out to JCRC N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva Univer- partners and members of the JCRC committee sity)—her alma mater. Sharon practiced law to introduce herself and establish goals for the at Webster & Sheffield in Manhattan until the Council.

Friendship Circle Celebrates Chanukah With Mom’s Latke Fry (Courtesy of Friendship Circle) Before Cha- After Goldie spoke, Chef Chaya Deitch nukah, a group of 20 moms of children with led the moms in a latke-making session. special needs gathered together on Zoom for All the participants had a bag delivered to an evening of inspiration and latke making. their homes contact-free by volunteers the The evening began with the moms having day of the event. The bag contained ingredi- some time to catch up and socialize before the ents for two different types of latkes, as well Shira Greenberg, pictured with her son Shira and David Gilboa moved to official program began. Zoom programming as a Friendship Circle measuring spoon. Isaac, moved to Stamford this past fall Stamford from New York City in the late has been an alternate and safe way for the Guided by Chaya, the moms all made latkes with her husband Jonny Cohen. fall. moms to see each other during the pandemic. together. Goldie Plotkin, also a mom of a child Chanie Kamman, Family Coordinator at (Courtesy of UJF) Despite the pan- families who are new in town, as well as with special needs, spoke to everyone to be- the Friendship Circle, said “It added so much demic, United Jewish Federation’s Man- to parents of new babies. Gift bags and gin the program. She is a popular and inspi- fun to the holiday season to be able to get to- aging Director of Campaign and Com- conversation happen from a distance at rational speaker among the moms’ group gether for traditional Chanukah activities, in a munity Engagement, Sharon Franklin, the door or porch, creating a safe visit and and often returns to talk about various top- safe and fun manner. The moms were so hap- continues to welcome newcomers to the welcome. ics. Goldie spoke about the power that py to see each other and to bring the smells and community in a socially distanced way. Do you know someone who has re- mothers of children with special needs pos- sounds of Chanukah into their home kitchens! The Shalom/Welcome program includes cently moved to the area or a family that sess, and related the mom’s strength to the It was the next best thing to being able to be to- a personal visit with a gift bag, and help- has a new baby? Contact Sharon Franklin Chanukah story. gether in person!” ful information is given to singles and at [email protected]. FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 9 Chanukah and Chesed at UJF (Courtesy of UJF) The rise in COV- ID cases and the cold weather did not deter United Jewish Federation’s Wom- en’s Philanthropy from doing good this past Chanukah. As in years past, toys were collected for David’s Treasure closet at Stamford Hospital. Bi-Cultural He- brew Academy, Gan Yeladim in Stam- ford and UJF collected toys. Although students could not deliver the toys and pack the closet, hundreds of toys were safely dropped off. Women’s Philanthropy also held its first packing event for its new initiative, “Dignity Grows™. Dignity Grows™ was founded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Women’s Philanthro- py, and provides girls and young wom- Dignity Grows™ co-chairs Terry Bernard and Nancy Fahey en with the human dignity that comes deliver bags to Inspirica. from having their most basic feminine hygiene needs met, one month at a time. Each Dignity delivered to Schoke Jewish Family Service and to Tote is “Hope in a Bag” for our neighbors in need, and Inspirica. For $18 a month, you can sponsor a bag. provides essential products so they can attend school We have already had a FaceBook Birthday Fund- and work and participate in community life without raiser to help support this project, along with recur- interruption. The project began in West Hartford and ring monthly donors,” according to Women’s Phi- has been so successful that it has been launched na- lanthropy President Tara Shapiro. “We are looking tionally. Dignity Grows™ will not only have a profound for businesses, sisterhoods, book clubs, doctors’ of- impact on helping individuals in need, but will also fices, etc., to take on monthly sponsorships. With provide a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to par- increased funding, we can increase beyond the 100 Tara Shapiro, Women’s Philanthropy president, her daughter Ashley, and ticipate in a meaningful and important program. bags a month” she added. Diane Sloyer, UJF CEO, deliver Dignity Grows™ bags to Matt Greenberg, “Our first pack was small due to the need for For more information, contact Diane Sloyer at CEO at Schoke Jewish Family Service. social distancing, but 100 bags were packed and [email protected] or call (203)321-1373, ext. 105.

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FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 10 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS TBE Proudly Serves the Community BY STEVEN LANDER Despite the pandemic and all the restrictions imposed on providing Christmas Din- ner for the area shelters, Temple Beth El once again provided over 250 meals and 275 gifts for the residents at Pacific House, Inspirica on Franklin Street and New Covenant Center. This project began over 25 years ago with Fred Weisman, z’l and his wife Joan, still an active member of TBE. The shelter dinners are provided as part of TBE’s Beth El Cares program under the leadership of Amy Temple. Karen Resnick and Joy Katz were the site leaders at New Covenant House and Pacific House and Amy Temple handled Inspirica. Sixty families participated in donating food, gifts, paper goods, and money needed to make this event happen this year. As with everything else in 2020, providing holiday meals at the shelters was DIFFERENT than in past years!! Volunteers were not allowed to serve the food, Santa Claus and the TBE Choir could not perform and Rabbi Hammer- man could not share his greetings with the residents. Over 275 hats, scarfs, gloves and socks were donated and individually wrapped for Wendy Miles packs meals at New all of the residents at the three shelters. Spe- Covenant Center. cial thanks to the TBE volunteers at Edgehill (l-r) The Katz family including Larry, son Aaron, Joy and daughters Hannah and Rachel for knitting hats. clients but, due to current restrictions, provid- (not pictured) deliver food to local shelters. In addition, members of TBE donated ed supermarket gift cards instead. hundreds of dollars to purchase gift cards for Throughout the pandemic, TBE has been with the Union Baptist Church to distribute Lisa Manheim, President of TBE stated, “I B1C (Building One Community), whose mis- raising funds and collecting food and funds for 1,000 boxes of food on December 27. am proud of the commitment Temple Beth El sion is to advance the successful integration of the Schoke JFS Freedberg Food Pantry, Person TBE also provided 200 rolls of toilet paper has shown to do Tikkun Olam in our commu- immigrants and their families. Last year TBE to Person and the Fairfield County Food Bank. and masks for Schoke JFS to distribute as part nity. Particularly at a time when the needs are sponsored a Christmas Day lunch for over 50 Volunteers from TBE also worked together of their Thanksgiving Comfort and Care Drive. so critical.” Stamford JCC Continues to Create Community

Ryan Agovino, 10 years old, completes homework and virtual lessons in KidsPlace at The JCC. (CREDIT: KATHRYN CURRY)

JCC members participate in a social-distanced morning spin class. (CREDIT: KATHRYN CURRY) Oliver Dones and Cole Walden in the 4’s class at the JCC Sara Walker Nursery School enjoying some of their favorite (Courtesy of JCC) The JCC offers the opportunity to form personal connections, cultivate knowledge, and physically better books. (CREDIT: KATHRYN CURRY) yourself through its Centers of Excellence programming. FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 11 JCares Reading Partners Volunteers Stay Connected (Courtesy of UJF) The Herbert and from David Adler, best known for his Brings Food Sarah M. Gibor Reading Partners, a popular “Cam Jansen” Series. Adler will program of United Jewish Federation, visit with Reading Partner volunteers has kept its loyal volunteers connect- via Zoom on March 1st. To Those in ed and engaged through various on- Reading Partners will also offer a line opportunities during the last year Reading Workshop to refresh skills due to the pandemic. These included a and address common issues that arise Need virtual Back to School Kickoff with au- when working with students. These thor Rich Michelson, as well as a Zoom opportunities will keep the volunteers (Courtesy of JCC) The current workshop presented by Stamford Cra- up to date and ready when the doors pandemic has brought to the fore- dle to Career and the Stamford Public to schools are open to volunteers once front the significant food inse- Schools. again. curity that exists for many in our The next event in the series of op- For more information on how to community. The Stamford Jewish portunities to continue to engage the become involved in the program, please Community Center’s “JCares” in- volunteers will be a virtual author visit contact Lenore Fogel at [email protected] Author David Adler itiative made its mission to meet these needs. JCares has sponsored “CAN” Drives to collect food and household items for the Freedberg UJF Has A Lot To Celebrate Family Kosher Food Pantry of Fair- 20 Things We Can Be Proud of in 2020 field County and other food banks as well. In fact, the JCC has collect- 1. United Jewish Federation launched the Grinspoon Life 11. The power and inspiration of leadership in our ed over 1,500 pounds of food and and Legacy program. 7 months into year one, over 150 community was strengthened through the convening supplies. letters of intent have been signed and an estimated 4 of a Presidents' Council. “The JCC has been absolute- million dollars committed to our Jewish Community. ly incredible to us throughout this 12. Due to Covid, UJF helped purchase an air filtration pandemic, continuously taking such 2. YOU helped us meet the match offered by Jewish system for the Emek Medical Center in Afula. We also great care of our clients … we could purchased computers for the recent Ethiopian not be more grateful and thankful Federations of North America for new and increased for your kindness and efforts, com- gifts! immigrants living in the Beit Alfa absorption center in mented Rebekah Kanefsky, Direc- Afula. tor of Case Management at Schoke 3. Every local Jewish organization received a forgivable Payroll Protection Program Loan with the support and 13. In its 12th year, PJ Library books reached over 300 Jewish Family Service. Food drives homes, sending over 500 FREE books monthly, will be ongoing. guidance of Jewishtogether.org, a platform of Jewish The JCC has a long history of Federations of North America. creating the next generation of Jewish literacy. collecting turkey and the fixings Hundreds have attended creative Covid compliant PJ to be donated to the Food Bank of 4. UJF provided close to $200,000 of emergency Covid programs. Fairfield County. Spearheaded by relief to local agencies, and additionally offered 14. Hundreds gathered virtually at communal affinity the JCC’s KinderPlace program, interest free loans. over 50 turkeys, 790 pounds of ac- networking events, building connections and creating companiments and nearly $500 5. With the growth of the Stamford, New Canaan and community. were donated during this past hol- Darien Jewish community, UJF's Shalom/Welcome 15. Reading Partners were not able to enter schools iday season. Unprecedented numbers of Program welcomed 51 new families and 21 new babies this year but the 100 plus volunteers stayed families were unable to provide hol- to our community. connected through educational opportunities and iday gifts for their children. JCares virtual reading when possible. collected over 200 gifts for children 6. The New Jewish Voice, funded by UJF, is read by over in Stamford Public Schools and 10,000, provides timely information about our 16. Partnering with JFACT (Jewish Federation Schoke JFS’s Matanot Lev program. community and allows for free advertising to our Association of CT), we held legislative briefings and “Many donors expressed sadness synagogues and agencies. secured Federal and State money for security that the wish lists contained most- enhancements. Recently $5 million dollars was ly practical essentials,” according to 7. Our 3Square program provided over 3000 weekend secured for Houses of Worship in CT. Nancy Schiffman, JCC Associate meals to local school children this year, especially Executive Director, Development crucial during the pandemic. 17. Recognizing leadership and celebrating community, & Signature Programs. “Many in- over 150 gathered virtually at UJF's Year End cluded toys and games to make the 8. Our allocation to our partner region Afula/Gilboa in Celebration and Annual Meeting. holiday special”. Israel enabled the Rape Crisis Center to service more 18. Parlor Meetings, Yom HaShoah, speakers and more, The JCC held a Day of Service victims and the Sandwich Program to feed more in commemoration of Martin Lu- UJF kept our community educated and engaged about ther King Jr. to benefit the New hungry children. current events. Covenant Center’s Soup Kitchen, Stamford Public School children, 9. UJF launched the Annual 2020 Campaign with a 19. A record-breaking group of teens gathered Person-to-Person, Schoke JFS and Drive-in-Movie, celebrating community and donors of monthly to learn about philanthropy and social action Domus. 18 years or more. through the Kuriansky Teen Tzedakah Corps. The JCC is committed to serving the ever-changing needs of the 10. A new program, Dignity Grows, was launched by 20. We continued to partner with UJA-JCC Greenwich community. Please stay tuned for Women's Philanthropy, helping to combat Period on community-wide and campaign related events, more drives and new initiatives Poverty in our community. bringing our communities closer together. coming in the next few months. A new decade... new challenges...but we'll be here For further information please Stay tuned for more for our local and global Jewish Family! contact Connie Cirillo Freeman, Thank you for your continued support. [email protected]. amazing things in 2021! FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 2020 Impact Thanks to a grant from Jewish Federations of North America and donors like you, UJF has “met the match”, raising new and increased funds Successful 2020 Fundraising! exceeding $144,000 resulting in a $72,000 grant. These human service United Jewish Federation’s 2020 Fundraising efforts, including the Annual Campaign funds are expected to be disbursed to the following: for Communal Needs, had a strong successful year, despite the Covid-19 Pandemic. There was an increase in donors and funds raised. It was clear that those not Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy impacted by the pandemic stepped up to answer the call for those in need. Chabad New Canaan • Chabad Stamford Congregation Agudath Sholom • Friendship Circle Jewish Broadcasting Service UJF is grateful to be able to provide and fund a wide array of community building Schoke Jewish Family Service • Stamford JCC and sustaining efforts. UJF for Dignity Grows and 3Square

Because of You: From March 2020 though February 2021, over $200,000 is Each year, in addition to annual campaign gifts, expected to be disbursed donors may pass through gifts to connected throughout our local The following projects are projected to be organizations. In 2020, $96,000 pass through gifts community for Covid-relief. The funded in full were made to: thanks to our generous donors: following organizations have received 900 Donors American Join Distribution Committee • JCC Stamford relief funding: Jewish Community of Argentina Affinity Groups Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Schoke Jewish Family Service Chabad New Canaan • Chabad Stamford B’Yachad/Together • Communal Security Congregation Agudath Sholom • JCC Stamford Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County Community Chesed Jewish Home of Fairfield Connect to Community Schoke Jewish Family Service Infrastructure of UJF Jewish Agency for Israel: Temple Beth El • Temple Sinai Total dollars Israel $1,662,000 Directed gift to partnership in Afula Gilboa • Ethiopian Aliyah Young Israel Stamford to support our community Jewish Community Relations Council European Security • Schlichut Institute Jewish Free Loan Society New Jewish Voice Newspaper Overseas Annually, UJF is grateful to receive program Passover Seder designated funds, beyond the Annual In 2021, Scholarship Relief is PJ Library Programming Campaign, to support projects that are expected to be disbursed to: Senior Services at Home spearheaded by UJF: UJF’s 2020 Annual Campaign for Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Shalom/Welcome Program 3Square • Behrend Leadership Institute Chabad New Canaan • Chabad Stamford Virtual Class Room and Studio Communal Needs raised $1,275,000. Dignity Grows • Kuriansky Teen Tzedakah Schoke Jewish Family Service Yom HaShoah Commemoration This was an increase of 5% over 2019. PJ Library Books (free to over 400 children) • Reading Partners Stamford JCC • Temple Beth El

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 2020 Impact Thanks to a grant from Jewish Federations of North America and donors like you, UJF has “met the match”, raising new and increased funds Successful 2020 Fundraising! exceeding $144,000 resulting in a $72,000 grant. These human service United Jewish Federation’s 2020 Fundraising efforts, including the Annual Campaign funds are expected to be disbursed to the following: for Communal Needs, had a strong successful year, despite the Covid-19 Pandemic. There was an increase in donors and funds raised. It was clear that those not Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy impacted by the pandemic stepped up to answer the call for those in need. Chabad New Canaan • Chabad Stamford Congregation Agudath Sholom • Friendship Circle Jewish Broadcasting Service UJF is grateful to be able to provide and fund a wide array of community building Schoke Jewish Family Service • Stamford JCC and sustaining efforts. UJF for Dignity Grows and 3Square

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 14 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS

Aaron Friedman, son of Rachel & Keith daughter of Marvin Berenblum and Susan Bits and Pieces Friedman. Berenblum. Ilana Gilbert, daughter of Lori & Raph Melvin Goldstein: father of David Goldstein & BY SANDY Audrey and Joe Speter on the birth of a daugh- Gilbert. Howard Goldstein. GOLOVE ter; and to grandparents Mona & Jacob Gabriel Haron, son of Rachel & Dan Haron; Betty Gordon: mother of Matt Gordon To submit infor- El-Gamil and Sandy & Moshe Speter. and to grandparents: Kamal Haron and Janice Greenwald: sister of Naomi Michelson. mation, please call Toby Schaffer & Hyman Schaffer on the birth Linda & Larry Rezak. Jed Isaacs: husband of Susan Isaacs; and father (203) 912-9945 or of a grandson. Charlie Mangot, grandson of Roz Mangot. of Bill, Jane and John Isaacs; and brother of Sandy Golove email [email protected] Yishai Orbach, son of Shani & Gil Orbach. Madeline Isaacs. MAZEL TOV ON ENGAGEMENTS & Julia Samelson, daughter of Diane & Matthew Phyllis Kahn: sister of Bruce Kahn. MAZEL TOV TO GROWING FAMILIES: MARRIAGES: Samelson. Leonard Klein: father of Stacye Nekritz. Chaim and Miriam Attar on the birth of a son; Meryl & Ron Japha on the engagement of Nathanial Samelson, son of Diane & Matthew Gloria Latainer: grandmother of Scott Koblick. and to grandparents Rochel and Hecky Attar their son Alex Japha to Elizabeth Shulman, Samelson. Norman Mattisinko: brother of Ruth Aminoff. and great-grandmother Yospa Lieberman. daughter of Amy Libenson & Brett Shulman Elissa Tobin, daughter of Laura & Seth Tobin. Herminia Medel: mother of Ivy Schildkraut. Aviva and Zev Gassner on the birth of a Flora & Carl Kaufman on the marriage of their Barbara Miller: mother of Scott, Jeffrey & daughter; and to grandparents Rochel and granddaughter, Hanna Kaufman to Brian WE MOURN THE LOSS OF: Russell Miller. Hecky Attar and great-grandmother Yospa Akselrad. Arnold Applebaum: father of Lisa Rome. Andy Polak: father of Hilary Polak & Ilana Lieberman. Leslie Freedman & Lee Miller on the mar- Alvin Bernstein: father of Jason Bernstein & Polak. Arline Gewanter on the birth of a great riage of their son, Laurence Freedman to Matt Berstein. Irene Rosenthal: mother of Allison Ostroff. grandson. Constance Baker. Richard Breslow: son of Elaine Breslow; and Herbert Sackin: father of Hope Carr and Jack Eliza & Andy Granowitz on the birth of a son, Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg on the engage- father of Frederick Breslow, Isaac Breslow; Sackin and sister of Pauline Goldberg. Raphael Scheffler Granowitz; and to grand- ment of their son, Zachary Wohlberg to Emily Capodilupo and Rebecca Clark. Yaakov (Julian) Scheiner: father of Ruti parents Loralee & Phil Granowitz. Phyllis Shams, daughter of Michelle & Joey Ethel Cohen: sister of Nancy Cohen & Ida Mae Kurland and Dani, Joseph and Zev Scheiner. Sandy & Michael Kamen on the birth of a Shams. Fleischer. Elliot Schwartz: father of Lynn Eagle, Shari grandson, Dashiel Alexander Kamen. Marlene Dobrin: wife of Bernard Dobrin. Schein and Mark Schwartz. Danielle & Matthew Kondub on the birth of MAZAL TOV TO Leon Fliegelman: father of Steven Fliegelman, Yechiel Schwartz: father of Tzvi Schwartz. a son. Robin Fischel, recipient of The Harvey A. Peltz Renee Kurz, David Mann & Cindy Schwartz. Bertha Scott: grandmother of Navah Zizmor. Heather & Adam Judd on the birth of a daugh- Young Leadership Award at UJF’s Annual Carl P. Friedman: husband of Martha Jane Shedlin: mother of Stan Lee. ter, Marlowe Willoughby Judd; and to grand- Meeting. Friedman; father of James & Robin; and Joanie Singer: sister of Sherry Kfare. parents Renee & Sam Judd. brother of Marilyn Goldblum. Irma Skversky: mother of Beth Cohen. Wendy Kwartin & Jesse Sayers on the birth of MAZEL TOV TO B’NAI MITZVAH: Georgiana (Georgie) Leslie Geller: daughter of Marilyn Spirt: mother of Ben Lanson, Terry a son, Jude Elliot Sayers; and to great grand- Joey Breiner; son Adam Breiner; and to grand- Polly & Harry Geller; mother of Chloe Kelly; Lanson and Rosina Lanson; and sister of mother, Ruth Kwartin. parents, Mona & Mark Breiner. and sister of Adam, Daniel, and Corey Geller. Beverly Spirt Marmor. Miriam and Josh Sperber on the birth of a Alex Cohen, son of Sherry & Ken Cohen; and Eve Berenblum Goldberg: wife of Brett Howard Tichauer: father of Michelle Fanwick daughter, Aria Eden Sperber. to grandmother, Marge Shameer. Goldberg; mother of Isa Goldberg, and and Lisa Rich.

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 15 Children’s Mental Health Interactive Virtual Magic Show And the Effects of the Pandemic for the Entire Family (Courtesy of Temple Beth El) Temple Beth El will sponsor a The Israel Cancer Research Fund, link is $18. A sponsorship of $180 includes free program for parents and CT Chapter presents renowned illusion- a 20-minute after-show to learn some mag- grandparents of school-age chil- ist, Tom Pesce on Sunday, February 21, 4:15 ic tricks. There will also be a raffle. Register dren, led by Dr. Alvin Rosen- pm - 5:00 pm. Be part of this virtual inter- at www.icrfonline.org on the landing page or feld, entitled “Children’s Men- active magic show on Zoom. Festive Pu- contact David Kweskin, ICRF’s Connecticut tal Health and the Effects of the rim costumes are welcome. Family virtual Director, at [email protected] Pandemic,” on Thursday, Feb- ruary 4, 7:30 pm on Zoom. Dr. Rosenfeld is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Beth Din of America Seminar Medical College. To help shape the discus- With Rabbi Shlomo Weissman sion, we are asking attendees to register and submit ques- Monday night, Feb. 1st at 8:00 PM - Halachic Estate Planning tions/comments about this top- Monday night, Feb. 8th at 8:00 PM - Litigation in Beth Din ic beforehand. Congregation Agudath Sholom is pleased to present an opportunity to learn about the role of This program is sponsored the Beth Din (Court of Jewish Law) of America https://bethdin.org/ and understand the inter- by the TBE Men’s Club. For fur- face between Jewish and American law in the areas of estate planning and litigation. Rabbi Shlomo ther information, contact the Weissman serves as the Menahel [Director] of the Beth Din of America and received rabbinical or- TBE office at 203-322-6901, ext. dination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) in 2001 and advanced rab- 300 or [email protected]. Register binical ordination [Yadin Yadin] in 2014. He is a graduate of Columbia Law School, where he was here: http://tinyurl.com/tbe0204. a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Prior to his association with the Beth Din of America, Rabbi Weiss- You will receive Zoom informa- mann worked as an attorney at several prominent law firms, including Debevoise and Plimpton LLP. tion with your confirmation. Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld PURIM JHSFC Celebrates Purim ‘MEGILLAH DASH’: During Its Book Talks Series Traveling Megillah Readings BY ELISSA KAPLAN a list created by Emma Rob- Join the Jewish Historical Soci- erts and Karah Preiss. They For People Confined to Home ety of Fairfield County, in celebra- describe The Book of V.as a tion of Purim, with its Book Talks “a bold, kaleidoscopic nov- Chabad Stamford @ Harbor to bring Purim to those who series - “Booked for Lunch” at noon el intertwining the lives of Point will offer traveling Megil- couldn’t join the community.” on Wednesday, February 17. three women across three lah readings this Purim, Thurs- Purim 2021 presents a radi- Rhonda Ginsberg, also known centuries as their stories of day, February 25 and Friday, cally different picture, with quar- as “Morah Rhonda,” will discuss sex, power, and desire final- February 26. antine being a very common sit- The Book of V. by Anna Solomon, ly converge in the present Live, in-person Megillah uation. “Senior citizens, those published in May 2020. The Book day.” The three main charac- readings are being offered to with medically vulnerable situa- of V. is a Belletrist Book Club Pick, ters include Lily, in Brook- people confined to home this tions, and others who choose to lyn in 2016, Vivian, Purim who want to hear “the self-quarantine for safety con- in Washington, D.C. whole Megillah”, fulfilling one cerns are already missing so during the Watergate of the four mitzvot (command- much of normal life. Missing Pu- Era, and Esther, in ments) of Purim. rim should not be another item Ancient Persia. Check “The Megillah will be read on that list”, said Rabbi Deren. the JHSFC website for outdoors, at your home, or cir- “Of course, the ‘Megillah-Dash- the Zoom link. cumstances permitting, in cer- ers’ will come supplied with cop- Rhonda Ginsberg tain COVID – safe indoor set- ies of the Megillah, and delecta- is an award-winning ups,” announced Rabbi Yisrael ble Hamantaschen and other Pu- former science and Deren, Regional Director of rim goodies”. E2K teacher at Car- Chabad of Connecticut. Purim readings will be availa- mel Academy. Her Rhonda Ginsberg “Many of us remember Pu- ble by pre-registration; there is no education includes rim 2020 as the last “normal” charge for this service. Readers a B.A. in mathematics and the boards of the Jewish Historical celebration before the restric- will start the first reading at 5:45 computer science from Society and Hadassah, at the local tions due to COVID-19 became and continue for as long as need- SUNY Binghamton, an M.S. and state levels. part of our day to day life. But ed. Morning readings will start at in computer science from If you have any questions, please on Purim 2020 there were al- 8:30 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. New York University, and contact The Jewish Historical Soci- ready people in quarantine, con- *For more information an M.S. in Education from ety of Fairfield County, (Mission: fined to home. I will never forget about Purim, its history and the the University of Bridge- Collecting Memories and Telling the images of young Yeshiva stu- four Mitzvot of the Day, visit port. She is originally from Stories). Telephone: 203-359-2196, dents, standing on the sidewalk, jewishharborpoint.org South Valley Stream, New Email: [email protected], Website: one reading while another held a To register email Book Cover for The Book of V. York. Rhonda is active on http://jhsfc-ct.org. flashlight, doing what they could [email protected] FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 16 The New Jewish Voice INTERNATIONALPURIM NEWS

Preserved Lemons for Purim

BY RONNIE FEIN I have made dozens of banana breads, teaspoon of the salt into the bottom of the This has been a stressful, trying year for blueberry muffins, challahs, soups, preserves, jar. Rinse the outside of the lemons. Cut the everyone. But, for those of us stuck inside for cookies and other goodies. I’ve given most of tip from the pointy end of each lemon. Cut what seems like forever, there have been some them away via “curbside pickup” on my front the lemons into quarters. Add a few quar- benefits. Many of us have been cooking and porch. It was satisfying to give food to people: ters to the jar, then sprinkle with salt and baking more. We’ve been kneading bread and friends, delivery people, the guy who mows press down on the lemons to extract the making cookies, preparing soup, inventing the lawn. It’s reminiscent of the mitzvah of juice (I use a wooden spoon). Keep repeat- new riffs on rugelach and babka. It has satis- Mishloach Manot, when we reach out to peo- ing this step, layering the lemon quarters fied a need to be productive, to busy ourselves ple we care about by giving them gifts of food and salt and pressing out the juice) until all and also have some delicious stuff to eat. for Purim. has been used. Close the jar. Keep the jar at One of the most interesting, delicious and room temperature for one week. Turn the useful foods I fiddled with this year is pre- jar upside down occasionally. Transfer to served lemons. I made them and then used the refrigerator for another 3 weeks (turn them to flavor all sorts of other dishes from the jar occasionally). The peels will be- The cover of Ronnie Fein’s newest braised chicken to roasted potatoes to baked come translucent when they are ready for cookbook, “The Modern Kosher Kitchen.” fish to whole grain salads, and more. The rec- use. Use a tongs or fork to remove pieces of ipe is easy, although the lemons do take some lemon as needed. potato cubes on the parchment paper. Pour time to “ripen.” Makes one quart the olive oil over the potatoes and toss to coat Purim begins at sundown on February each cube. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika 25th. If you’re considering giving edible gifts Roasted Potatoes with and rosemary. Roast for 15 minutes. Toss the this year, why not make preserved lemons in- Preserved Lemons potatoes and continue to roast for another 12- stead of the same old, same old? The recipe is • 4 medium all-purpose potatoes, 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the lemon. Return below, and also a recipe for Roasted Potatoes peeled and cut into small cubes to the oven for 1-2 minutes to heat the lemon. with Preserved Lemons. • 2 tablespoons olive oil Serve immediately. • Kosher salt and freshly ground black Makes 4 servings Preserved Lemons pepper to taste Ronnie Fein is a cookbook author, food writ- • One quart jar and cover • Paprika er and cooking teacher in Stamford. She is the • 6 large lemons, approximately • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary author of The Modern Kosher Kitchen and Hip • 1/4 cup table salt (you can also use sea • 2 tablespoons finely chopped pre- Kosher. Visit her food blog, Kitchen Vignettes, salt) served lemon at www.ronniefein.com, friend on Facebook Wash the jar and its cover in hot wa- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a at RonnieVailFein, Twitter at @RonnieVFein, Preserved Lemons ter (or use the dishwasher). Spoon about a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the Instagram at RonnieVFein.

Purim Scholar-in-Residence Program at CAS Congregation Agudath Sholom is pleased to present author of Learning to Read Midrash, a critically ac- specializes in providing access to a wide variety of clas- “Power and Mutuality in Megillat Esther” with educator claimed and popular book on Midrash (ancient bibli- sic Jewish texts for audiences at all levels of Jewish liter- Simi Peters, on Sunday, Feb. 21st at 10:30 AM. cal interpretation). She has also worked in teacher ed- acy and experience. Simi Peters is an internationally acclaimed Jew- ucation and as Text Consultant for the JCCA of North The program will take place over Zoom. Please see the CAS ish educator based at Nishmat in Jerusalem. She is the America’s award-winning Ethical Start ® curriculum. She website for details: http://cas-stamford.org/ Celebrate Purim Join Temple Beth El With Chabad of Stamford For Two Days of Purim Fun (Courtesy of Chabad of Stamford) From arrange a reading, please contact Chabad Sunday, February 21: Megillah readings, to Shalach Manos packag- of Stamford. Trell, Jodi Maxner and Donna Wolff who es, to its Purim bashes and seudahs (meals), One of the four mitzvot (command- Amazing Purim Race volunteer their time as hospital clowns and Chabad of Stamford has your Purim needs ments) celebrated on Purim is to send gifts On Sunday Feb 21, Temple Beth El will host were formally trained by and are members covered every year. This year will look differ- of food to friends in celebration of the spir- its first “Amazing Purim Race”, a Purim-themed of the Stamford Hospital HAHA (Health ent but promises to include all the joy and it of Jewish unity and joy. Mishloach manot, photo scavenger hunt around Stamford. Begin- and Humour Associates). Learn how clowns spirit of the celebration. or shalach manos, are gifts that contain two ning in the TBE parking lot at 350 Roxbury make up with a wig, hat, glasses; learn to On Thursday, February 25th at 7:00pm different ready-to-eat foods and are sent Road, and on Zoom, participants will each re- make a dog balloon, decorate a Purim Ka- Chabad of Stamford will host its annual Pu- to a friend or community member on the ceive a Megillah with clues and trivia questions, zoo, learn some new magic tricks and create rim bash with a twist. Chabad invites the en- day of Purim. Every year, Chabad of Stam- leading to a variety of locations in Stamford. stress balls. tire community to a virtual “Purim party of a ford sends over 900 shalach manos packag- Participants will take selfie photos at each loca- lifetime” online. Celebrations in person may es to Jewish families all over Stamford and tion and look for answers to the questions on 6:00 pm: Purim Family Service and be curtailed, but Chabad hopes to bring the Fairfield County. This year Purim falls on a the Megillah. Participants must complete the Megillah Reading: Join us on Zoom for an community together for a special Chagigah Friday and in honor of this, Chabad will be hunt by Thursday, Feb 25. Prizes will be award- amazing Purim experience led by Rabbi Josh- (celebration). sending out beautiful Shabbat kits. Greeting ed to winners at the Purim Service and Megil- ua Hammerman and Katie Kaplan, Cantori- Megillah readings this year will be run letters can be included in the gift packages lah Reading on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6:00 pm. al Soloist. Wear your most creative mask, face in small pods to allow people to partic- to friends, family and community members paint, or hat to be spotlighted! ipate in a safe way. The readings will be for as little as $18 a listing. For more infor- held throughout the evening and during mation about Chabad of Stamford’s Shalach Thursday, February 25: 8:00 pm: Adult Megillah Reading Zoom the day on Friday, February 26th. If you Manos Project, the Purim party, or Megillah Celebrate Purim with TBE! Service: For further information and Zoom would like to RSVP for a Megillah reading, readings go to www.StamfordChabad.org or 5:15 pm: Clown College! In a Zoom info contact the TBE office 203-322-6901, ext. or if you are homebound and would like to contact [email protected] workshop, learn to be a clown with Gail G. 300. FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 17 LIFE & LEGACY Honor Roll UJF LIFE & LEGACY Testimonials United Jewish Federation is proud to partner with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to bring the Stamford, New Canaan and Darien community the Harold Grinspoon Life and Leg- In each edition of the New Jewish Voice, lifelong learning programs, personal coun- acy Program. Through our communal efforts the following individuals have made a commit- we feature the testimonials of couples just like seling, Hebrew school for children, and their ment to one or more Jewish communal institutions to secure our future. you, who have declared their intent to leave a wide range of holiday, ritual and life cycle For more information contact Lenore Fogel or Diane Sloyer at (203) 321-1373 or legacy gift to an organization in the Stamford offerings. [email protected], [email protected]. Jewish Community. Learn why they give and Interestingly, we found the actual process discover your reasons to join them. Together, of establishing a legacy gift to be relatively Anonymous (11) Helen and Ed Kweskin we can all work to guarantee the future of the easy, once we opted to move forward. Adrienne and Michael Alexander Lieba and Steve Lander Stamford Jewish Community we love! Jeri Appel Shelley Leibowitz JASON KAPLOWITZ TESTIMONIAL Mark Appel Lois D. Stark and Gary P. Lessen CLAUDE AND MELODY BERNSTEIN Erica Snow Arbron Vered and Mark Links As members of the tribe, it is our birth- TESTIMONIAL Suellyn Bache Eleanor and Mark Lowenthal right to assist others and provide Tikkun Monica Becker and Edieal Pinker Stu Madison When my wife, Melody, and I decided to Olam. I have been working with the Friend- Rachel Tyd and Robert Beldock Norma and Milton Mann* participate in the legacy program on behalf ship Circle for over 18 years, which has had Gayle and Mitchell Bell Susan and Len Mark of Chabad of New Canaan, we agreed it was the most profound impact and instilled in Darona and Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein Chris Maroc critical to talk to our adult children first. me a sense of giving and responsibility at a Melody and Claude Bernstein Melanie Massell It was essential for us to reinforce to them very young age. I am now a Friendship Cir- Bruce Blasnik Michal and Rabbi Levi Mendelow what it means to us to be Jews, and what Ju- cle Board member. Recently the oppor- Judith B. Block Nancy Zinbarg Mimoun daism meant to our parents and our parents’ tunity presented itself to think about giv- Amy and Henry Bubel Marsha and Lois Panzer Alan Cohen parents. ing more than I ordinarily could, by par- Doni and Leah Perl We emphasized to our adult children ticipating in the Life & Legacy program. It Andrea and David M. Cohen Enid Randall* Diane and Rabbi Daniel Cohen Bonita and Stephen Rappoport why it is important for us to have children just made so much sense to me as a way to Malerie Yolen-Cohen and Jeff Cohen Judith Raymond and grandchildren who value the Jewish her- help the Friendship Circle. We are secur- Judy and David S.* Cohen Lisa and Harry Rich itage — and why we find it especially impor- ing the future of our most important and Mimi Cohen Judy and Adam Rin tant to support a strong Jewish presence in beloved organizations that are the heart- Rachel and Ephraim Cohen Betty and Dan* Roberts New Canaan. beat of this Jewish community, and argua- Roberta Cohen Brian and Sonia Roitman We also described how a modest slice bly we are preserving the crowning essence Saul Cohen* Arlene and Carl Rosen of our estate can help to ensure the durabil- of what it means to be Jewish. I give what I Arthur Cramer* Irma Ross ity and vitality of Jewish life in New Canaan. can now, and I always wish it could be more. Stephen Davidson Sally and Jim Rothkopf Not just in our lifetime, but long afterward. This is a way to give more. Everyone dreams Helen and Marty Donner Bonnie Russo Fran and Bob Dorf We appreciate that Chabad of New Ca- and thinks about their legacy - one day, how Edith Samers naan, for more than a decade, has provided will they be remembered, and what will they Shoshana Dweck Sharyn and Richard Sarner our community with the means to live a joy- leave behind - to friends, to family, and to Debra and Daniel Faizakoff Hilde Scheraga* Michelle Fanwick Jayne and Bud Schiff ous and fulfilling Jewish life. We value their our community? Jay and Esta Feinsod Carol Ruth and Herman Shepherd* Peggy and Jerry Fensterstock Nancy Schiffman Lenore and Dr. Ilan Fogel Monica Smyth and Michael Schlessinger Morton and Miriam Lavinksy Folb* Elayne and James Schoke* Sharon Franklin Chaya and Levi Segal Connie and Alan Freeman Myrna and George Sessa Marc Friedman Donna and Edward Fuhrman Jessica and Laurence Sheinman Nancy and Mark Funt Leah and Rabbi Moshe Shemtov Lesley and Dennis Gehr Stephanie and Bob Sherman Carole Gladstone Malya Shmotkin Herbert Gladstone* Ronnie Ness Sichel Sylvia and Herb Gladstone* Dr. Steven Sichel Robin Frederick and Michael Gold Paula Simon Cyndy and Eric Goldberg Diane Sloyer Caryl Goldstein* Diane and Elliot Sloyer Meryl and David Gordon Greta Solomon Nan and Paul Gordon Miriam and Steve Sosnick Linda B. Gornitsky Ed Spilka Hank Green Eileen and Fred Springer Sharon and Larry Greenberg Beverly and David Stein Claude and Melody Bernstein Jason Kaplowitz Pam Ehrenkranz and Matt Greenberg Betsy and Michael Stone Grecia and Ron* Gross Gladys and Greg Teitel Scott Handelman Dr. Julie and Rabbi Jay TelRav Jacqueline Herman The Estate of Sheila Carmine* Dr. Shara and Rabbi David Israel The Estate of Thomas Gilmartin* Devra Jafee-Berkowitz The Estate of Ronald Gross* Meryl and Ron Japha Ellen and Richard Weber Judith and Grant Kallen Linda B. Gornitsky and Harvey Weber Helene and Harvey Kaminski Dana and Carl Weinberg Chanie Kamman Leon Weisburgh Jason Kaplowitz Janet Welkovich Joy Katz Robyn and Mark Winarksy Judith and Sheldon Katz Neda Khaghan and Robert Yaghoubian Larry Katz Joan Zinbarg* Liz and Marc Kitay Renee Zinn Elissa and Philip Klapper Harris Kligman *Of Blessed Memory Susan Kostin This is the list provided to UJF at time of pub- Arthur Kramer* lishing. We apologize for any names that have Jeannie and Brian Kriftcher been omitted. Please let us know and the miss- Jackie and Marshall Kurland ing names will be added to the next issue of the Lorraine and David Kweskin paper. FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 18 The New Jewish Voice COMMUNITY NEWS And the Winner Is…. Chabad of Stamford’s Betsy’s Buddies Program Expands Offerings (Courtesy of Chabad of Stamford) Thanksgiving this year brought about the realization that many members of the Stam- ford community would not be experiencing the day in the same way as in previous years. With that in mind, Leah Shemtov, Co-director, Chabad of Stamford, launched a “Com- munity Hug’’ initiative which saw 50 house- holds receive a specially catered kosher Thanksgiving dinner delivered with love by volunteers in the Betsy’s Buddies program. The program is named in loving memory of Betsy Polakoff (OBM), and is geared to fa- cilitate one-on-one interactions between volunteers and seniors in the community. People with similar values and interests are paired in the hopes of building a mutually rewarding relationship for both the volun- Bi-Cultural’s 4th Grade Class Enjoys a Pizza Lunch. teers and their buddies. For the Thanksgiving program, mem- (Courtesy of UJF) Each fall, children challenge by collecting nearly $2000 in just bers of the community were encouraged to around the community collect coins for a month. Area day schools, nursery schools, be involved in one of three ways; to nomi- United Jewish Federation’s Super Sun- and synagogue Sunday schools participated, nate individuals to receive the meals, to deliv- day Tzedakah (charity) Coin Challenge. but there could only be one winner. Bi-Cul- er the meals or to help sponsor them. For Leah With Super Sunday going virtual due to tural Hebrew Academy ‘s fourth grade class, Shemtov, this was all about “sharing a virtual the pandemic, children could not drop off taught by Riki Wiederhorn, came out on hug and love, through a delicious meal with so (l-r) Elayne Dener and Cyndy Goldberg their coins in person. This created a chal- top for collecting the most tzedakah. The many in our community who are alone, home- volunteer to deliver Thanksgiving lenge, and extra effort was needed to turn in prize? A pizza party for the whole grade…. bound, unable to be with family and friends or meals and flowers as part of Chabad of their tzedakah. The kids stepped up to the socially distanced of course. just need a community ‘hug’.” Each Thanksgiv- Stamford’s “Thanksgiving hug” project for homebound members in the community. ing package also contained a large bouquet of flowers kindly donated by a local retailer and a “Modeh Ani” prayer card. In Jewish tradition, celebration. Organized in conjunction with every morning begins with the Modeh Ani the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy middle prayer of thanksgiving. school, this will be an intergenerational event Building on the success of the Thanksgiv- where participants can connect together on ing program, Chabad organized its annual Zoom in an uplifting way. Betsy’s Buddies Chanukah luncheon for sen- To volunteer to become a ‘’buddy’’, deliver iors in the community in a similar way, but meals, sponsor a meal, nominate someone in with the added bonus of a special Zoom pro- the community to be a recipient of this program, gram this year. In addition, on Thursday, Jan- or RSVP to the January 28th event, please con- uary 28th, they will run a special Tu B’Shevat tact Vered at [email protected]. Snow Day at Gan Yeladim (Courtesy of Chabad of Stamford) In keeping with the children’s love of nature and explora- tion, Gan Yeladim combined a snow day with outdoor learning and fun for all.

(l-r) Ilan Furmansky, Avi Lefkovich, Yael Sosnovich, Joe Kondub and Bara Katz.

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 COMMUNITY NEWS The New Jewish Voice 19 The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Remembered BY ELISSA KAPLAN immigrant women. This fire caused The Jewish Historical Society of the state of New York to enact many Fairfield County invites the commu- of the first significant worker protec- nity to its virtual Annual Meeting and tion laws. Eventually new federal regu- program on Sunday, March 14, at 1:00 lations emerged, including the 40-hour pm. This program is free and open to work week, a minimum wage rule, and the community; donations are appreci- a ban on child labor. In addition, it was ated. The Zoom link is available on the the spark that led to the formation of the JHSFC website http://jhsfc-ct.org. International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ The guest speaker is Dr. Laura J. Union (ILGWU). Ping, who will discuss why the Triangle Laura J. Ping received her Ph.D. in Shirtwaist Factory Fire is still an impor- American History from The Gradu- tant topic on its 110th anniversary. In ad- ate Center, City University of New York dition to the lecture, there will be a dra- in 2018. She is particularly interested in matic presentation and an “open mike” the history of New York City and wom- time for you to share stories of your fam- en’s history. Ping’s current book man- Dr. Laura J. Ping ily and friends who were victims of the uscript, Beyond Bloomers: Fashioning fire. We are collecting memories and Dress in Nineteenth-Century America Endowment for the Humanities Insti- want you to tell the stories. If you have analyzes the cultural and political im- tute for School Teachers, and the Ma- pictures to share, scan and email them pact of the dress reform movement on caulay Honors College, Queens College. to [email protected]. Please include your the nineteenth-century women’s move- The JHSFC Annual Meeting will in- name, your contact information, and a ment in the United States. Ping has been clude reports on the State of the Socie- short description of the picture. awarded a 2020-2021 David Jaffe Fel- ty and Special Appreciation Awards. If The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire lowship in Visual and Material Culture you have questions about the lecture and took place on March 25, 1911, perhaps from the American Antiquarian Socie- presentation, contact The Jewish Histor- caused by a carelessly tossed cigarette. ty. Laura Ping has been teaching history ical Society of Fairfield County, Mission: Hundreds of low-paid garment work- for 16 years at Pace University, The Gild- Collecting Memories and Telling Stories. ers were trapped, and 146 people died. er Lehrman Institute, the George Wash- Telephone: 203-359-2196, Email: info@ Most of them were Jewish and Italian ington Teacher Institute, the National jhsfc-ct.org, Website: http://jhsfc-ct.org. Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. INTERNATIONAL NEWS Jerusalem Jews and Arabs Hack Ideas for a Better City Food waste, learning Arabic and appreciating Jerusalem’s history are all on the minds of young locals in a first hackathon of its kind.

Young Jewish and Arab entrepreneurs gather in Jerusalem for a hackathon to create Hackathon organizers Adnan Jaber (left) and Yonatan Arnon flank JVP founder Erel projects for the benefit of the city. (CREDIT: MAY HATIB) Margalit at the Jerusalem event. (CREDIT: MAY HATIB)

BY NAAMA BARAK/ISRAEL21C of the need for an app that locates and distrib- building bridges. In the days when virtual re- collaborations. While the grassy lawns at the Margalit utes surplus food to those in need. ality covers everything –we create reality,” said “People think of Jerusalem as a city which Startup City complex in Jerusalem are used Participants Gilad Sevitt and Michal Yonatan Arnon, one of the event’s organizers. is just fought over, but we are proving that it to hosting entrepreneurial minds, they re- Rosen presented an idea for an app to help “This meeting is a dream come true. I have is a city of creativity,” said Erel Margalit, JVP’s cently played home to a unique experience: those who want to learn Arabic, while Ohad been in a lot of peace programs, but never in founder and the chairman of Margalit Start- a hackathon for 20 young Jewish and Arab Stosel proposed an app for comparing old Jerusalem. Let’s learn together and succeed up City. Jerusalemites to pitch projects that will im- pictures of Jerusalem to modern-day views as together. Diversity will win out,” added co-or- “The young entrepreneurs are bringing prove their city. you visit them. ganizer Adnan Jaber. energy to the city, and they are the people Among the presenters was Yusuf Awada, “We have a vision to build an innovative, The hackathon’s organizers are now work- making the connections. This meeting proves who drew on his experience as a waiter integrated platform of Jerusalemites from all ing to build on this first meeting and to em- the power we have in building big things shocked by the level of food waste and spoke sectors. This is the beginning of a vision and bark on a series of further meetings and together.” FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 20 The New Jewish Voice PJ LIBRARY PJ Library Corner Grandparents Get in on the Action With PJ Library BY SHARON FRANKLIN (Courtesy of UJF) United Jewish Fed- When asked why she feels a grandpar- PJ Library Grandparents subscription New and exciting community activities are hap- eration’s PJ Library program provides free ent’s role in a child’s life is important, co- and to check out some great resources, pening at United Jewish Federation’s PJ Library & monthly Jewish books and chapter books chair Lorraine Kweskin commented: “I re- go to https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/ PJ Our Way! We’re provid- to over 400 children ages six months to cently checked out the PJ Library grand- grandparents ing more ways for your fam- twelve years of age in the Greater Stamford, parents page on their ily to share Jewish stories and New Canaan and Darien area through a website and really reso- experiences! partnership with the Harold Grinspoon nated with what I read: UJF’s PJ Library and Foundation (HGF), and support from local “Grandparents play an Bi-Cultural Hebrew Acad- philanthropists and donors. The program important role in the emy invite you to “Havda- is growing by leaps and bounds, with sub- lives of their grandchil- lah In Pajamas” on Saturday, scriptions up 20% in 2020. Recently, HGF dren. They pass down February 6th at 6:30pm on introduced subscriptions for grandparents, tradition and herit- Zoom, with music, blessings which include two free PJ Library books age through the values and a make your own candle Sharon Franklin each year and a subscription to their mag- they’ve taught their chil- craft. Free Havdalah kits will azine PROOF. dren and the family his- be provided for pick-up (limited quantity). Sign up With the growth of book subscrip- tory they share with fu- at www.ujf.org/pjcandle for this free program. tions, it was the natural next step to start ture generations.” • Remember, families are eligible to receive an initiative for local grandparents. The If you would like “One Book Per Child” monthly for children ages six new group, “PJ Grandparents,” is launch- to join the new UJF PJ months to eight years old. It’s easy to sign up! Just go ing in early 2021, and is co-chaired by Grandparents group, to www.pjlibrary.org and fill out the online form to Meryl Japha, Lorraine Kweskin, Lynn contact Sharon Franklin begin receiving the free books. Lowin, and Linda Spilka. Planning has at [email protected] or • PJ Our Way offers children 8 ½ to 11 years old already started for the premier Zoom call 203-321-1373 ext. a free chapter book each month. Tweens can choose program. 109. To sign up for a from a selection of four high-quality titles that have been reviewed by a panel of PJ educators, kids, and parents. To sign up, simply go to www.pjourway.org. • Grandparents in Stamford, New Canaan and Darien can now receive a free subscription to PJ’s PROOF Magazine and two free books each year. Sign up at: www.pjlibrary.org/grandparent-enrollment. • UJF is starting a PJ Library Grandparents Group! Interested? Contact Sharon Franklin at [email protected].

Indoor craft activity: Make Some Colorful Playdough! Materials • 1 cup water • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1/2 cup salt • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar Meryl Japha with her granddaughter, Lorraine Kweskin with her grandchildren, and Lynn Lowin with her grandson. • Food coloring • Saucepan • 1 cup flour Directions 1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and PJ Library Does Good food coloring (a couple of drops will do) in a saucepan and heat until warm. 2. Remove from heat and add flour. 3. Stir, then knead until smooth. The cream of tartar makes this dough last 6 months or longer, so resist the temptation to omit this ingredient if you don't have it on hand. 4. Store this dough in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag. 5. Make a second batch to create a different color.

Area kids had a chance to do good deeds as part of UJF’s PJ Library “Martin Luther King, Jr. Mitzvah Day”.

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 PJ LIBRARY The New Jewish Voice 21

Holocaust survivor Anita Kutus reads the PJ book “The Run Away Dreidel” by Zoom to The Svartz and Kutus Families get to schmooze socially distanced while sipping coffee area PJ kids. and hot chocolate. PJ Library Celebrates Chanukah (Courtesy of UJF) United Jewish Feder- December 6th UJF and Bi-Cultural Hebrew Doowah, who entertained the kids during the ation’s PJ Library helped local families cele- Academy teamed up for a coffee truck pop Zoom program with some holiday favorites. brate Chanukah with fun and engaging holi- up, held at the school. Nearly 70 people gath- UJF’s Parent Ambassadors got in on day programming in December. On Sunday, ered during several shifts in a safe outdoor en- the holiday action, too. From hot chocolate vironment to sip coffee or hot chocolate and packages, to dreidel contests, to parking lot schmooze with friends they hadn’t seen in a menorah lightings, to Chanukah bags filled while. Chanukah gift bags were given out to with fun treats and holiday sensory boxes, the children, and families dropped off toys for UJF’s Parent Ambassadors found creative UJF’s Women’s Philanthropy David’s Treasure ways to connect with local families through- Tree Closet, benefitting kids in Stamford Hos- out the month of December (see separate ar- pital. Special thanks to Rabbi Eli Kohl for his ticle on UJF’s PJ Library Parent Ambassadors help on this program. on page 22). On Sunday, December 13th, UJF’s PJ Interested in learning more about UJF’s Library and Schoke JFS’ Anachnu program PJ Library or Parent Ambassador groups? Ava Goldstein plays with items from partnered for a Zoom program which includ- Contact Sharon Franklin at [email protected] or a sensory kit provided by Parent ed a Chanukah story time with local survivor call 203-321-1373 ext. 109. Ambassador Erica Safer. Aneta Kunis. It was a wonderful opportunity for kids to hear a fun PJ story and chat and connect with a senior who had experienced the Leor Kutus spins his edible dreidel, and Holocaust. comes out on top as a raffle winner for December 24th brought together over 40 Parent Ambassador Liatte Lasher’s contest. kids to celebrate with a sing-along with Bobby

Participants mingle at the PJ/BCHA joint Coffee Truck Pop Up event.

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 22 The New Jewish Voice PJ LIBRARY UJF’s PJ Library Parent Ambassadors Help Keep Things Social (Courtesy of UJF) Thanks to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, United Jewish Fed- eration’s PJ Library organization announc- es its second year receiving a generous grant for local Parent Ambassadors. Ambassadors work with the local PJ professional, creating grassroots micro communities, providing engagement opportunities outside formal institutions. United Jewish Federation’s Parent Ambas- sadors include: Shira Fischer: Baby Group Shira Fischer and her husband Reuven moved to Stamford four years ago. Originally from New Haven, Shira began her work with PJ Library through a college internship, where she worked creating Jewish programming for local families. Shira is now the Parent Ambas- sador for our local “Baby Group” for families with babies up to 12 months old. “Because of my earlier experience with PJ Library, our family’s love of Jewish books, and my desire to actively give back to my community, I happily UJF PJ Library Parent Ambassador, Shira Fischer, engages accepted the role of Parent Ambassador in the parents with new babies. (l-r) Reuven, Adira, Shira, Maayan Mel Vorm happily manages the neighborhood of North Stamford for spring of 2020,” says Shira. She can often be and Ayeli Fischer. UJF’s PJ Library. (l-r) Mel, Eden, Laurie and Ariella Vorm. found creating fun cocktails, hanging out with her family at the Nature Center, or shuttling busy volunteer in the community, Liatte loves my family’s lives. My daughter loves getting moved here we were immediately immersed around her three daughters, Ayeli (4), Maayan horseback riding, swimming, and learning her monthly PJ book, and I feel more engaged into the warmth of the Jewish communi- (2) and Adira (1). new things. in our community in the role I play as Parent ty through both UJF's PJ Library and Ariel- Ambassador for our UJF’s PJ Library,” stated la's school, Gan Yeladim. So, when asked if I Liatte Lasher: Central Stamford Erica Safer: Harbor Point and Erica. would be a PJ Library Parent Ambassador for Liatte Tsarfati Lasher, originally from Flor- Downtown Stamford North Stamford, I jumped at the opportunity,” ida, moved to Stamford about four years ago. “My husband Elliot, our three-year-old Mel Vorm: North Stamford says Mel. PJ Library had given her family so Liatte and her husband David have three girls: daughter Nellie, and I live in Harbor Point Mel Vorm is originally from London in much through its monthly books and events, Emma (5), Abby (3), and Anaelle (4 months). in Stamford. We love the convenient loca- the U.K. and recently moved to Stamford af- she felt now it was her turn to give something “I'm passionate about Jewish education and tion, the great view and the walkability of the ter a 10-year stint in NYC. She and her hus- back. It has enabled her family to create a love working with children,” says Liatte. Her neighborhood,” says Harbor Point/Down- band Laurie have two children: daughter Ari- whole new social group in the under-served career in education started while in college, town Parent Ambassador, Erica Safer. There ella (3 years and nine months) and son Eden area of North Stamford and has given her the first as an early interventionist, then Hebrew are a lot of singles and families who have (17 months). Mel described what a strange opportunity to meet so many people that she school teacher for children with special needs, moved to the area over the past five years. Er- feeling it was to make such a big change to now calls friends. and then a classroom teacher. “I love having a ica is a busy working mom, but when a friend their lives during the height of a pandem- A special thank you to past Parent Ambas- close-knit, warm community, and was excited gave up her role as a Parent Ambassador, Er- ic. And admittedly she was really nervous sadors Jessica Furmansky, Mihal Aryeh, Leah to join PJ Library as a Parent Ambassador in ica was recommended for the job. “Since the to make the leap from the busy city life that Zeide, and Liat and Ori Kochavi. order to strengthen the Jewish community in summer of 2020, I have been happily engag- they knew and loved, to the suburbs of North For more information contact Sharon Stamford and as a way to bring more Jewish ing families, planning activities and packaging Stamford that felt like the middle of nowhere. Franklin at [email protected]/203-321-5364 ext. books into everyone's homes,” says Liatte. Be- and dropping off gift bags in my part of town. “But how wrong I was! From the moment we 109. sides homeschooling her children and being a PJ Library has become an important part of DON’T FORGET TO USE THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR.

THE CALENDAR CONTINUES TO BE IMPORTANT TO AVOID CONFLICTS.

WWW.UJF.ORG Erica Safer, pictured with her daughter Liatte Lasher with baby Anaelle, QUESTIONS? EMAIL [email protected] Nellie, is the UJF PJ Parent Ambassador for welcomes new families to Central Harbor Point and downtown Stamford. Stamford.

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 VOICES & VIEWS The New Jewish Voice 23

WHY I CARE… Focus on Oren Shapiro “He that gives should never remem- fundraisers. My company’s mission has always ber. He that receives should never forget.” been to say “yes’ and to give back to non-prof- — Talmud its, and sponsoring flowers for UJF is part of this mission. BY JANE LEVENE Describe your involvement with other Oren grew up in Northern Westches- Jewish organizations in the community and ter, NY. He and his wife Jodi moved to Stam- elsewhere. ford in 1998, where they are raising their I, and Mrs. Bloom’s Direct, have had sim- three children. Oren was originally a lawyer ilar involvement with other organizations in and commuted to New York City. Wanting a town, including Chabad, the Chevra Kadisha deeper work satisfaction, he changed careers Society, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy (where and Mrs. Bloom’s Direct started in 2003. Oren my children went to school), and Friendship has been a dedicated and involved member of Circle. the Jewish community and the great Stamford I have recently partnered with the Nation- area for many years. al Alzheimer’s Association as their official spon- Here’s why he cares… sor. I am providing flowers across the country for assisted living facilities. I was inspired to get What is your current and past involve- involved with this particular charity because of ment with UJF? my experience with a neighbor who suffers with My floral company, Mrs. Bloom’s Direct, this illness. I saw how devastating the illness (l-r) Lev, Iko the dog, Jodi, Oren (in the back), Talia (front and center), and Avi Shapiro. has donated flowers and floral arrangements to was and the effect it has on my neighbor’s fam- United Jewish Federation for over six years for ily as well. I feel it’s important to support this Giving back is an important part of the help improve business. It is important to give a variety of programs and events. Also, the flo- cause and to do whatever we can, because it is a mission of my company. I feel that if more busi- back, otherwise, it’s like steering a rudderless ral designer from my partner company, Damsel massive issue and there is no cure. nesses, including small businesses, were chari- boat. Fly, has created some unique arrangements that Why is it important for you to give back ty centric, it would not only give the company To find out how your business can give back we were happy to have grace the tables of UJF in this way? a worthwhile feeling, it could also potentially to the community, contact [email protected]

TEEN VOICES My High School Bonding at Friendship Circle A Friendship Circle Volunteer Reflects on her Special Friendship During COVID BY SARAH HANNA BY MAYA FOGEL The first time I volunteered, I felt a lit- On March 2nd, 2020, my high school, S.A.R, tle intimidated and scared. Working with became the first school in the country to shut down a friend with special needs was a com- due to COVID-19. I had no idea that the whole country pletely new thing that I had never done. would follow. At the time, it was a temporary closure for Then I was introduced to Jane. She was a a day, soon it became two weeks, and later the rest of the little shy at first, as was I. It was at a Chil- school year. Typically hoping for an extended vacation, I dren’s Circle program. Our first activity was surprised to find myself missing the daily routine of was gym. We started playing a game of in-person school life. catch together- just us- and her eyes just My school’s adjustment to online learning was lit up as if she was thinking “OK, she’s not quick and efficient. There were some benefits to Zoom so bad.” school, such as less academic pressure, no commute One of the best memories I have of (which is usually an hour!), shorter days, and no dis- Jane is at the Drum Circle. We were feel- traction from my teacher’s cute babies popping into ing awkward to play the drums alone- and class. However, the long days on Zoom were tiring and then when we played side-by-side togeth- I missed seeing and sitting with my friends all day long. er it became so much fun. I also remem- After the summer was over, I was happy to find ber when the petting animals came out at out that we would go back to a COVID safe, in-per- Childrens’ Circle; we both held each oth- son learning. I never thought that I would be excited er’s hands and squeezed. Together things to go back to school. I was not sure how long it would weren’t scary! last but because of the efforts of the faculty and vol- Jane is the sweetest person ever. I unteers, we are still in the school building as of today. love her sassiness. You don’t expect it be- This experience has made me more grateful and ap- cause she’s so sweet and nice, but then Sarah Hanna with her special friend, Jane. preciative of how unrestricted our lives were pre-pan- she’ll come up with a one liner that totally demic. This time has also taught me the privilege of throws you off and makes you laugh. Her to relax and not take things so seriously. me to see past the surface level with every- good health, in-person education and time spent smile is so big and bright. Her ability to just enjoy life has taught me body. Now, when I interact with people, it with friends. I learned so much about myself, a to do the same. is not the outside that matters; it’s the per- Maya Fogel lives in Stamford with her parents and whole new side of me- I see the patience Malya Shmotkin, Director of Friend- son within. I have gained so much from four siblings (her oldest sister is currently doing basic train- that I have in me. Jane teaches me so ship Circle, told me that every person in my friend Jane. ing in the IDF in Israel), and is a sophomore at SAR High much with her positive outlook on life. this world has a soul, but some are in a dif- Stamford resident Sarah Hanna is an School in Riverdale, New York. She enjoys baking and She is always excited about things. With ferent body that is limiting sometimes. 11th grade student at SAR High School in hanging out with her friends (socially distanced of course). her “don’t worry” attitude, she taught me That really touched me and has enabled Riverdale, New York. FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021 • SHEVAT-ADAR 5781 United Jewish Federation The New Jewish Voice 1035 Newfield Ave, Suite 200 Stamford, CT 06905

A month-long virtual educational and community-building experience culminating in a week of action and advocacy.

From communities and backgrounds across the nation, we unite our voices in fighting the societal stigma surrounding individuals with disabilities, promoting opportunities for full inclusion in the Jewish community and advocating to advance the public policies that Whatsupport aspects the of health Jewish and li well-beingfe do you of cherishthose with most—learning disabilities in our, communities. community, worship, caring for those in need or social justice? Whatever you care about most, by leaving a legacy you ensure the things you value are sustained for future generations.

We need your voice this February 2021 for Jewish Disability Advocacy Month.

The month of February will be filled with virtual programming designed to educate, empower and engage. Participants will also learn key advocacy strategies and the power of civic engagement to advance public policy — ultimately, participating in a week of virtual lobbying to You can help inspire elevateall of our disabilityJewish tomorrows. issues to the policymakers in Washington. Contact Lenore Fogel at 203-321-1373 ext. 115 or any of the participating LIFE & LEGACY partners to learn more:

Bi Cultural Hebrew Academy Friendship Circle Temple Sinai Chabad New Canaan Jewish Community Center United Jewish Federation Chabad Stamford Schoke Jewish Family Service Young Israel of Stamford Congregation Agudath SholomBE HEARD.Temple Beth El BE THERE. www.jewishtogether.org/JDAM

Questions? Call Sharon Lewis, Director, JCRC | (203) 321-1373 | [email protected]