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VOL. XLVI NO. 7 PUBLISHED BI-WEEKLY APRIL 03 2020/9 NISAN 5780 NEXT DEADLINE APR. 17, 2020 16 PAGES

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JFEC food pantry #URFEDERATION@WORK is open Community Relief and Recovery Fund The Jewish Federation Food Pantry is open A message from Carin Savel, JFEC Executive Director for PORCH PICK-UP by calling 860-442-8062 in I have spent much of the past week in touch with organizations the morning from 9-12 to reserve your bag/s of and community members, talking about how the Jewish Federation food THEN call us again between 1-2 PM from our parking lot in the rear of the building (28 Channing need while staying connected and engaged Jewishly during a very Street, New London) so we can put your food on the challengingcan play a positivetime. role in helping people find the assistance they BACK PORCH. The Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut has developed The pantry is open to ANYONE in the community a response to help support our community through this most in need of food. We provide 3-4 days-worth of food. challenging and uncertain time. The Community Relief and We try to include canned veggies, canned fruit, Recovery Fund is open and aimed at helping to continue to provide cereal, a side dish, peanut butter, pasta, sauce, support for a range of current and anticipated social services and 2019-20 Young Emissaries Roi Refaeli and Tal offering emergency assistance to those vulnerable and impacted in and frozen meat. Occasionally we are able to obtain Amar at the last Jr. Youth Group event on March our community. acanned limited meat, amount tuna of fish, fresh dried produce or canned where beans, we shoprice, 8 held at the PEZ Factory in Orange, CT. A week The stakes could not be higher. The success of the Community weekly at the Gemma Moran United Way Labor Food later, on March 15, Roi and Tal were on their way Relief and Recovery Fund has the potential to significantly Center to replenish our pantry. When you call, let us home to Israel. They just emerged from 14 days impact the vitality of the community as we know it and provide know if you have any food allergies. of quarantine that took place in their respective life-saving measures to those in need. homes. To make your contribution to the JFEC Community Relief and Jewish Film Fest Recovery Fund, please go to our website (jfec.com) and click donate. You may also mail a check to 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320 Tal and Roi -- An made payable to ‘JFEC.’ For either method, indicate in the memo line postponed that your gift is for the fund. abrupt farewell If you need services, please call us at 860-442-8062 or email By Marcia Reinhard, JFEC Assistant Director [email protected]. It was the morning of March 9 – Purim. Three of the congregations in our community were preparing to gather that evening for a fun celebration. Joy was in the air. However, so was Project Based on rising concern about COVID-19 and News of the COVID-19 virus. Suddenly it was much comments by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, closer to home as we had recently heard that the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut Board Passover of Directors, Executive Director Carin Savel and the was the epicenter of the virus there. Our Young Jewish Film Fest (JFF) Committee, unanimously Emissary,Westchester Roi, County, called specifically,me with news New Rochelle,that the up and made the decision to postpone the 2020 Jewish Westchester emissaries were being sent home the Film Fest of Eastern Connecticut until 2021. The 26th very next day, Tuesday, March 10. No one saw that Annual JFF was scheduled to run from May 26 – June coming! running 21, 2020. “Of course, we’re disappointed, but we felt that we did what we had to do,” said JFF co-chairs news on the Whatsapp Emissary Supervisor chat. PASSOVER BAGS are now ready for PORCH PICK UP at the Fay Clymer, Arlene Dressler and Rachel Sheriff, “Just TheAs Paris the dayYoung went Emissaries on, there werewas aalso flurry being of more sent Jewish Federation Office, 28 Channing St., New London. Call the like everyone else is doing during this time. And we home the next day. Then, the Brooklyn emissaries. Federation at 860-442-8062 from 9 AM-3 PM Monday-Friday to are grateful for the many expressions of support Now, our kids, were worried they’d be next. reserve your bag and schedule your PORCH PICK-UP. from donors and patrons that we have received.” TAL CONT. ON PG 13 If you have not been able to get out and shop for Passover, Entering its 26th year, the JFF is always a highlight the Federation has a limited number of Passover bags ready for for the community; however, large crowds in close you as always for your longstanding support of the pick up at the Federation office. They consist of: quarters throughout the festival present conditions Jewish Film Fest. We have faced adversity before, 1. 1 box of Matzah which are contrary to recommendations from 2. 1 box Matzah Ball & Soup Mix multiple public health experts regarding public this challenge as we always have – as a strong and 3. 1 jar Gefilte Fish gatherings. The unprecedented safeguards now and we have every confidence we will weather supportive community. 4. 1 container of Macaroons being enacted will help protect not only each of us With much appreciation 5. 1 bottle of Grape Juice individually, but also the welfare of our families, 2020 International Film Festival Co-Chairs 6. 1 Maxwell House Passover Haggadah friends and neighbors. As it is unknown when Arlene Dressler, Fay Clymer & Rachel Sheriff these restrictions will change, it was decided that for this year cancellation was in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety. We express sincere concern for all those affected May you be blessed with good health, peace by this crisis. We are in this together, and our collective well-being depends on all of us. Thank and joy during Passover and always. 2 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 Selecting your Passover Haggadah A Bibliography Prepared by Carla Cohen a service primarily in English, you will need to choose another Haggadot are used to conduct a Seder, an ancient ritual that Haggadah. incorporates both a religious celebration and a joyous meal. The THE OPEN DOOR, edited by Sue Levi Elwell, ($9.95) was published religious celebration commemorates the freeing from bondage of the by CCAR in 2002. In keeping with the Reform movement’s increased Israelite slaves in Egypt. Thus, it has great resonance for all peoples, use of Hebrew and greater incorporation of ritual, the Haggadah and many other religious groups now conduct Seders. follows the order of the Seder with Hebrew and English. This The Haggadot listed below represent major liberal traditions Haggadah strikes a nice balance between tradition and modern in Judaism. All of them are gender-neutral (“ancestors” instead of customs. It is also terse if you want to move the Seder along at a brisk “forefathers”, “four children” instead of “four sons”). We encourage pace. you to experiment with several Haggadot, especially if you are just A NIGHT OF QUESTIONS, starting to hold Seders. Then you will be able to make an informed edited by Joy Levitt and choice when investing in eight, ten or twelve of the same Haggadah. Michael Strassfeld ($24). The The prices listed are approximate and depend on where you purchase Reconstructionist Movement in the Haggadot. 1999 published this handsome Four questions to ask when choosing among Haggadot: Haggadah, with three 1. Is your Seder to be conducted in both Hebrew and English objectives: 1) to preserve the material and contemporary ancient language, 2) to wrestle language that will contribute to abilities of your guests? with the questions posed by any Seder. The interpretation of 2. and does the balance between the two languages reflect the the story of the Exodus, and the ten plagues is particularly issues that you wish to discuss? 3) inspire us to seek freedom compelling. In his introduction, 3. IsHow the much Haggadah commentary attractive, is included,and will you and enjoy does it overreflect the the for all peoples. Of particular Rabbi Bronstein makes a point years? interest is a discussion of the all leaders should remember: 4. How many do you have to buy, and do you expect to be four children – whom they see as aware, as well as wise or skeptical “It is not our intention that this using them for many years to come? as well as wicked. This new Haggadah speaks to the modern, more Haggadah should be read in its prepared by the Central Conference of secular Jew and to observers of tradition. A PASSOVER HAGGADAH, entirety… Our aim is to provide American Rabbis (Reform Movement), edited by Herbert Bronstein, GATES OF FREEDOM HAGGADAH by Chaim Stern ($10.95) is an a wide latitude and scope for illustrations by Leonard Baskin ($16.95). This Haggadah is a favorite excellent Haggadah that presents traditional text with modern choice.” because of its lovely illustrations. The text contains introductory commentary in a manageable service. The text is particularly good on THE PASSOVER HAGGADAH: a list of modern plagues and reworking of Dayenu. A large number of

THE FEAST OF FREEDOM, songs with music are included, in Hebrew and transliterated. edited by Rachel Rabinowicz, A DIFFERENT NIGHT: THE FAMILY PARTICIPATION HAGGADAH prepared by the Rabbinical Candle Lighting for Eastern CT area by Noam Zion and David Dishon ($10.95), published by the Hartman Assembly of the Conservative Friday, Apr 3 • 6:58 pm Institute in Jerusalem is an addition to the Passover literature. There Movement ($18.95) is a feast of Friday, Apr 10 • 7:06 pm is a rich discussion of “Should We Feel Joy at the Downfall of Our It contains as much useful Friday, Apr 17 • 7:13 pm experienced, but for those who wish to introduce new readings, A historicalfine material information and commentary. as any DifferentEnemies?” Night This willHaggadah add tremendously. would be difficult to tackle if one were not Haggadah and neatly solves Friday, Apr 241 • 7:21 pm Jonathan Safran Foer has orchestrated a new way of experiencing the problem of how to keep and understanding one of our oldest and sacred stories, with a the text a reasonable length by new translation of the traditional text by Nathan Englander and using copious marginal notes. commentary by major Jewish writers and thinkers Jeffrey Goldberg, However, the service is actually Lemony Snicket, Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, and Nathaniel in Hebrew with only some Deutsch. Ravishingly designed and illustrated by the acclaimed National Award Winner of the Council of Jewish of Jewish Federations as the Outstanding English. If you wish to conduct Small Cities Jewish newspaper. Published every other Friday for the dissemination of HAGGADAH CONT. ON PG 4 Jewish news and views by the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, 28 Channing Street, New London, CT 06320, 860-442-8062. Managing Editor...... Mimi Perl Layout Editor...... Jen Gault Social Editor...... Freida Katz President ...... Romana Strochlitz Primus Executive Director...... Carin Savel Mailing Volunteers...... Mimi & Milt Seed, Marlene Siegel ...... Gerald & Marilyn Rubin Advertising: Call Mimi Perl 860-442-8062 or [email protected]. Advertising Deadline: Friday, April 17 for April 24 issue. Editorial Content: Preferred receipt of editorial material is via email to [email protected]. Photo(s) submitted via email should be separate attachment(s) from article. Preferred photo format is a .jpg format; resolution should be a minimum of 200 dpi. Material sent via fax [860-540-1475] or first class mail [28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320] should be typed/double spaced or neatly printed. If you submit a hard copy of a photo and wish the photo returned, include a stamped, self- addressed envelope. Editorial Deadline: Friday, April 17 for April 24 issue. Printing: The Gazette Press, Northhampton, MA Postmaster: Send address changes to Jewish Leader, 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 3 Five flours that will change your Passover desserts and moisture to the batter. In not kosher for Passover. The groats are used to make kasha varnishkes, which are definitely ifaddition, you are coconutnot a coconut flour haslover, a noticeable coconut flavor, so Buckwheat flour is ground from the seed hulls, not the groats. It has an earthy, nutty flavor and is extremely nutritious. The flour can be especiallythis may notgood be gluten-free the flour pie for somewhat bitter so it is usually combined with other flours, like wheat oryou. tart Coconut dough. flour makes an or riceBut theflour, groats in dishes are milder such asand Japanese resemble soba steel-cut noodles oats, or making blinis. Thus,them • Coconut Pineapple abuckwheat good option flour for may Passover not be breakfastsbest choice or for as Passover a substitute baking. for cracked Upside Down Cake (also wheat in side dishes and grain salads. Note: Buckwheat is generally considered to be kitniyot. • Coconut Flour Pie Crust • Overnight Buckwheat Groats contains almond flour) • Buckwheat Tabbouleh Quinoa • Gluten-Free Buckwheat Crepes Trendy South American Getty Images superfood quinoa is the This story originally appeared on The Nosher. By Emily Paster, JTA latest Passover darling. On Passover, Jews are prohibited from consuming any foods made The Orthodox Union has even Raspberry macarons made an ancient form of wheat) and barley. These grains are considered for Passover — hooray! But many hametzwith five because familiar of grains: their ability wheat, to oats, ferment rye, andspelt rise. (which The onlyis actually exception just peopleconfirmed may that not quinoaknow that is kosher high- with almond flour to this rule is, of course, matzah. As a result, many home bakers think protein quinoa can be ground By François Payard that the only way to bake during Passover is to use matzah meal, which Active Time - 30 MIN / Total Time - 1 HR 30 MIN has an unfortunate tendency to make baked goods dense and even Yield - Makes 20 Macarons into a flour that is useful for leaden. have a slightly bitter taste, so try Ingredients But today, as a result of the popularity of gluten-free and low-carb itbaking. in savory Quinoa baked flour goods, is known rather to 1 cup confectioners’ sugar than sweets. Passover and open up a wide range of possibilities for baked goods • Quinoa Tortillas 3 large egg whites, at room temperature diets, there are many alternative flours available that are kosher for • Quinoa Crackers 1/21 cup cup almond granulated flour sugar other parts of the world, such as quinoa and buckwheat; others are 2 tablespoons water madethat actually from nuts taste and good. fruits. Some Each of hasthese its gluten-free own unique flours properties come from and Teff 2 or 3 drops red food coloring (optional) An ancient grass native 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam to eastern Africa, teff is most quirks, so it is best to seek out recipes designed specifically for these familiar to Americans as the basis How to Make It goodflours. results. Attempting to substitute any of these gluten-free flours for for injera, the spongy, slightly Step 1 regular wheat flour in recipes without modification will not lead to sour, pancake-like bread served Preheat the oven to 400° and position racks in the upper and lower Almond at Ethiopian restaurants. You thirds. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. can buy whole teff, which makes Step 2 In a large, wide bowl, using a large rubber spatula or a handheld Many Passover recipes call for almond flour or almond meal. Be which is ground from the whole almondaware that meal, there which is a differenceis made from between raw almonds. the two: almond flour is made grain.excellent Both porridge, have an or impressive teff flour, 1 of the egg whites until evenly moistened. from blanched (aka peeled) almonds and is finer and fluffier than Stepelectric 3 mixer, mix the confectioners’ sugar and the almond flour with In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with the water andAlmond numerous flour vitamins is a favorite and minerals,of those following especially low-carb when compared diets and toit andnutritional iron. profile; teff is rich in and bring to a boil; using a moistened pastry brush, wash down any does have some nutritional benefits, including protein, “good” fats, calcium,Like otherprotein, whole vitamin grains, C, fiber teff crystals on the side of the pan. Cook over high heat until the syrup Note: reaches 240° on a candy thermometer. floursrancid, made so always from grain. store them in the refrigerator or, better yet, the in the refrigerator or freezer to Step 4 freezer. With their high fat content, nut flours are prone to turning preventand teff them flour from should going be rancid. stored In another large bowl, using clean, dry beaters, beat the remaining 2 egg whites at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. With the for chocolate, making it a natural mixer at high speed, carefully drizzle the hot sugar syrup over the Almond flour is both denser and wetter than wheat flour and will for Teffbase hasfor gluten-free a particular brownies affinity act differently in batters. Happily, there are many recipes specifically and chocolate cakes. the meringue is bright pink. themdesigned or you for mayalmond end flour.up with One a pileimportant of crumbs. tip for baking with almond • Breakfast Almond Teff Stepwhites 5 and beat until firm and glossy. Beat in the food coloring until flour:Looking Let your for bakedan ambitious goods coolbaking completely project? before cutting or moving Porridge Stir one-fourth of the meringue into the almond mixture. Using a • • Teff Ganache Brownies rubber spatula, fold in the remaining meringue. Transfer the meringue whites, and sugar. See similar recipe on this page. • Chocolate Mint Teff • AlmondJam-filled Flour French Shortbread macarons, Cookies made with just almond flour, egg Refrigerator Cookies baking sheets in 1 1/2-inch mounds, 1 inch apart. Tap the sheets and • Chocolate Chip Almond Flour Skillet Cookie • Teff Almond Butter letto a dry pastry for 15 bag minutes. fitted with a plain 1/2-inch tip; pipe onto the prepared Cookies Step 6 Coconut Transfer the meringues to the oven and immediately turn off the Shredded coconut is a Passover staple — think of the old-fashioned Buckwheat heat. Bake the meringues for 5 minutes. Turn the oven on to 400° chocolate-covered macaroons that capped off every seder from your Despite the name, there is no again and bake the meringues for 8 minutes, until they are puffed, and wheat in buckwheat. It is not even a grain, but rather closely related cool completely. Peel the meringues off of the parchment paper. —childhood. the byproduct Coconut of flourcoconut is a milknewer — additionthat is dried to the and Passover ground baking into a to plants, such as rhubarb and Stepthe tops 7 are firm and glossy. Transfer the baking sheets to racks and let powder.canon, but very worthwhile. The flour is made from coconut meal sorrel. You may be most familiar with buckwheat groats, which Alternatively, use a resealable sturdy plastic bag and snip off a corner. from batters, making it tricky to work with. You may notice that recipes are the seeds of the buckwheat Spoon the jam into a small pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch tip. This high-fiber flour is notorious for absorbing moisture and liquid plant with the hulls removed. the remaining meringues and serve. Pipe the preserves onto the flat sides of half of the meringues. Top with with coconut flour often call for a lot of eggs — that is to add structure 4 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020

The 3-generation HAGGADAH Links to Passover websites CONT. FROM PG 2 matzah brei Chabad – Passover Holiday Israeli artist and calligrapher www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default_cdo/ Oded Ezer, NEW AMERICAN jewish/Passover.htm HAGGADAH ($16) is an utterly The above link incudes: Coronavirus Meets Passover, unique and absorbing prayer How to Celebrate Passover, Passover Seder, The Haggadah, Study & History, Stories (in text format), Multimedia brings together some of the book, the first of its kind, that (videos, songs, audio classes); Recipes include the preeminent voices of our time. following: Passover Seder Plate, Traditional Foods, FAMILY HAGGADAH: A Seder for All Generations by Elie Appetizers, Desserts, Soups, Salads, Side dishes, Dairy Gindi ($9.95) is a simple family Dishes, Fish Dishes, Chicken and Meat dishes, Passover Haggadah with a pared-down Cooking Tips, Tools & Resources (order supplies online, service – essentials only, but Passover kids site, etc.) beautifully illustrated in a way Martha Stewart Passover that will engage children. There www.marthastewart.com/1513406/passover are no additional readings By 21see The above link includes: Recipes / The Seder Ritual: and little commentary, but the There’s plain old matzah brei and then there’s the ultimate matzah The Order of the Seder pictures will spark comments. brei in the form of cheesy fried rollups made according to a recipe Type in ‘Passover’ in your search engine, and you will This has no children’s songs, handed down across generations from Tamar Silberstein to Orna be overwhelmed with the number of websites that offer and the commentary is geared Silberstein and to Rosie Silberstein. up information on the holiday of Passover. towards teens and adults. The Cheesy Matzah Brie service includes a full Birkat Ingredients Lin-Manuel Miranda Hamazon (grace after meals). 1 large potato A FAMILY HAGGADAH I by Shoshana Silberman ($4.99) is a kashkaval cheese isn’t available, substitute Italian provolone or fontina. breaks up Twitter debate quick-reading Haggadah to use 45 eggs oz five mixed cheeses (including kashkaval and ricotta) If with young children. It has all of 10 large matzot the elements necessary for the Vegetable oil Seder, the symbols and the story (Maggid) This includes words to Instructions: several favorite children’s songs 1. Peel a large potato and cook for 20 minutes. and commentary and questions 2. Mash the potato in a large bowl. geared to young children. The 3. Grate the cheeses and add them to the potato Birkat Hamazon (grace after 4. Add three eggs to the potato and cheese mix, and season with meals) is abbreviated. salt and pepper. 5. Wet the matzot with water, cover with plastic wrap and towels and let them sit for one hour until they are soft. 6. Cut each matzah bread into three strips. 7. Fill each strip with the cheese mixture and roll. 8. Take the remaining egg and beat it. Then dip in the rolls. Lin-Manuel Miranda, seen in January 2020, played peacemaker in a social media discussion about his greatest music. (Phillip Faraone/ Getty Images for New York Magazine) 9. Fry both sides of the rolls until the filling has melted. Ralph Lauren’s foundation By Ron Kampeas, JTA When a group of Israeli journalists passing time in quarantine got makes $10 million donation into it on Twitter over which Lin-Manuel Miranda score was best, By Ron Kampeas, JTA someone broke it up, “In The Heights” style, with a call-out to the ‘hood Ralph Lauren’s foundation will to keep things real. dedicate $10 million to people “Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here,” said … Lin-Manuel Miranda. affected by the coronavirus. In Hebrew. The company he founded It began March 25 when Elad Simchayoff, a TV reporter, mused, will continue to pay its workers A FAMILY HAGGADAH II ($4.99) through the pandemic and will comedians who co-host a morning Tel Aviv radio show], they asked me has more commentary and “Mood: This morning, chatting with Guri Alfi and Galit Hugi [two manufacture gowns and masks for to choose any song in the world I would like to hear broadcast, and I is appropriate for school-age medical workers. picked the title song from Moana.” “Moana” is a 2016 Disney animated children. Both Haggadot have A statement posted Thursday feature that Miranda helped score. many suggestions for conducting on the company web page said the Nadav Eyal, also a TV reporter, agreed with the choice. Yishai services with families. money would go toward employees Harel, another TV newsman, called the song Miranda’s greatest work Cokie & Steve Roberts’ OUR affected by the virus and to the next to “Hamilton,” his award-winning musical about founding father HAGGADAH ($19.99) has broader fashion community, to Alexander Hamilton. Harel tagged Miranda. evolved over the course of their cancer patients vulnerable to the Maayan Efrat, a print journalist, protested, saying that Miranda’s forty years together, growing and virus and to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity greatest work would be the musical “In The Heights,” which takes changing along with the guest Response Fund. place in Washington Heights, a New York City neighborhood. list at their Passover Seders. Elle reported that separately, the company said on Instagram that it That’s when Miranda intervened, in Hebrew. “Hey, hey, hey, ma Emphasizing values as much as would pay employees while the business was closed. koreh kan?” religious beliefs, it’s a practical Women’s Wear Daily reported that the company is ready to The Israelis sheepishly explained, in English. guide for interfaith couples. manufacture 25,000 gowns and 250,000 masks for medical workers. “We’re talking about how great ‘Moana’ soundtrack is,” Eyal said. Carla Cohen, (1936-2010) of Lauren, born Ralph Lifshitz, is the son of Jewish immigrant parents “And ‘Hamilton,’ and ‘In the Heights,’” Efrat chimed in. blessed memory, was a founder from Belarus. He stepped down as CEO of the company in 2015 but Harel summed it up: “Let’s just say this is the best thing to come out and co-owner of Politics & Prose of this quarantine.” Bookstore in Washington, D.C. remains its chief creative officer. THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 5 to slow the pandemic. country retailers are making changes to allow us to get the things we will need for the coming weeks and possibly months. By challenges seem minor compared Try to get outside and exercise if you can. For the past twenty to gettingSomehow, through all of these the next financial few years I’ve been in the habit of walking with my good buddy, Dr. Alan months, until the expected rise Greenwald, on most weekends. The past few days we started up again Artie in illness dissipates. It won’t be practicing social distancing. We walk along on opposite sides of the easy; all coming challenges are street, perhaps twenty feet apart, and talk to each other through our impossible to foresee. But I have cell phones. Yes, it’s strange but it makes me feel connected to a good Dean a sense that if, as a nation, we friend and gets me out in the fresh air. do the right things, and follow If you’re older please do everything you can to keep yourself safe. Coronavirus our scientists’ recommendations If you’re younger, you may have better resistance to serious illness but In the space of one week we seem to be living a new reality. One that to practice social distancing we your adherence to social distancing guidelines will help the community threatens our very way of life. Things that once seemed so important will improve the outcome. The as a whole. So please do your part. now seem laughable. country will be traumatized, but Today I asked Dr. Dan Bendor, a long-time friend and a local As most of us older Americans shelter in place concerns over where regardless of our short-term pain psychiatrist for some guidance for our community. to vacation, to shop, to eat out, have been displaced by more essential this too will pass, hopefully with Dr. Bendor said: “In recent years, the toxicity of social isolation questions. Will we get sick? In a prolonged pandemic will we have fewer casualties than might have has become ever clearer. It harms us psychologically and biologically, enough food, access to medicine, or even, heaven forbid: Will we have been expected. potentially diminishing the strength of our immune system. I think it’s enough toilet paper? *** best to return to former relational methods; Speak by phone or video. Without becoming overly morbid, I will tell you that when the threat In this time of distress it is Technology helps, but when the weather’s nice, pack folding chairs in on America became palpable, I got a sense that this is the challenge of important to continue a social the car, drive to a friend’s home and talk outside 8 feet or further apart, connection that is becoming being mindful of how the breeze is blowing. We might be in this situation generation I have had it relatively easy. for a while, so try to keep in contact with friends and loved ones.” a lifetime.The Vietnam As a first War generation ended just American as I might born have in been the Babydrafted. Boomer I got maintain. Although closed to an education, raised a family. Sure I worked hard but my path was worshipers,increasingly Congregation difficult Beth to unencumbered. My parents and grandparents experienced the El, last week, began interactive The heartbreaking pain horrors of the Nazi persecution and resulting holocaust. My great “virtual services.” By using the grandparents would have been in Poland and Ukraine for Pogroms, Zoom app we had about 30 during a pandemic the First World War and the Russian Revolution. congregants worship from their In America the World Wars and Depression of 1929 scarred the homes, over the internet, on By Jordana Horn, Kveller country and left a generation who knew real danger, loss and in many Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, On Friday morning, my father-in-law died. He was a lucky man in cases hunger. We are being asked to shelter in place for whatever it and Shabbat. I assume other general: He lived to 92, he got to meet his nine grandchildren, and he lived a full and happy life until the very end. takes to defeat an invisible enemy, so that the most vulnerable amongst congregations might make But it’s that “very end” that I want to write about now. Because this us can have the best chance to survive infection. Recently I saw an similar arrangements. ending is not just my story — it will, in all likelihood and all too soon, editorial on a local TV station and a picture of a thickly upholstered While visits from become yours, too. grandchildren might be ill Because chances are very good that you, too, will soon have to bury “Our elders were called to war to save lives. We are being called to advised for now, use Facetime someone you know and/or love in these strange times. Whether they couch flashedsit onon thethe couchscreen to with save this theirs. recommendation: We can do this.” or Skype, or try to speak on die from the disease that is currently plaguing our world, or from some The premise, of course, is that by controlling the coronavirus the phone with friends and other more mundane cause, like old age or a car accident, you need relatives as much as you can. to know that no matter what, any death during this pandemic is… to treat those who fall seriously ill. With the sharp declines of the stock Call an old friend or colleague something else. marketoutbreak many we will of us “flatten who have the curve saved of a increasinglifetime for cases,” our retirement and buy time are and commiserate. If you’re older My father-in-law was a smart and determined person, living with seeing our holdings drop stones. Everywhere, people are losing their and don’t want to risk shopping an aide in the home where my husband and his brother grew up. He jobs and applying for unemployment. I am a dentist and like so many for food, ask a younger neighbor went into the hospital for a fever the week before his death and tested other businesses I have been told to shut because of the State’s desire to help. Or you can use Instacart negative for COVID-19. Still, once he went through those hospital to schedule deliveries from doors, he could no longer have visitors due to the virus’ deadly spread. Shoprite, Stop and Shop and He was too weak to communicate by phone. Instead, we got other large chains. Fiddleheads updates from hospital staff — they did their best, but it was clear Market in New London will allow you to shop on-line and they will doing poorly, that he was a poor candidate for starting dialysis, and bring the order out to you at thatthey hewere would thinly be stretched.“sent home.” They (The finally words told “to us die” that were his kidneys not added were to curbside. Everywhere around the PAIN CONT. 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We’d like to meet you! 475 Broad St., New London CT • 860-443-CITY Since 1946 6 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 Spring As-spear-ations By Jane Goodman Kaufman One of the most welcome 12th century, attributed aphrodisiacal properties to asparagus in his sights of spring are the tender book,Muḥammad The Perfumed ibn Muḥammad Garden of Sensual al-Nafzawi, Delights, writing what in many Tunis call in the and sweet asparagus shoots Arabic version of the Kama Sutra. poking their heads through Asparagus has been called variously the “food of kings,” “the king the sun-warmed soil. There of foods,” and “food of the gods,” and for good reason. Although French is nothing quite so delicious monks had been cultivating it since the 15th century (luckily, their as asparagus fresh from the vows of poverty didn’t apply to asparagus) back in the day, only the garden. It’s far superior to the wealthy could afford such a rare delicacy. sometimes-woody bundles sold For example, King Louis XIV of 17th century France, builder of in supermarkets, and not even in that little cottage known as the Palace of Versailles, was so fond of the same universe as that mushy, asparagus that he ordered special greenhouses built so that he could olive drab stuff in cans. You can enjoy asparagus all year-round. eat it raw or just slightly steamed, We Americans came a little late to the game, not growing asparagus marinated for a cold salad or until the mid-19th century, but it has become as closely associated incorporated into any number of here with spring as old Robin Red Breast. But, of course, once we got thoroughly. recipes. • Break off the tough ends of the spears. But, fair warning: The some parts of this country that communities host festivals to honor • Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl (or plastic bag) and asparagus season is short. it,involved, at least we one were complete all in. with The parade crop is and so economicallyasparagus queen, significant are held in pour in the olive oil. Toss (or shake) to coat the spears. Very short. If you can get three every year. • Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and sprinkle with weeks of the veggie from your And, many German cities host Spargelfests celebrating the harvest the salt, pepper, and cheese. Roast the asparagus for 10-15 garden, you are doing well. And of white asparagus. One of the highlights of the spring season is the minutes, until tender but still crisp. then you’re dependent on the performance of the song “Veronika, Spring is Here,” originally sung greengrocer. by The Comedian Harmonists, a pre-World War I group of German Asparagus is native to the singers founded by Jews. Asparagus being shaped the way it is, at the Checking for coronavirus eastern Mediterranean and Asia time it was written the song was considered a rather racy tribute to Minor areas. However, despite the vegetable. By Edgar Asher, Ashernet the vegetable’s origin, and Jews’ “Veronika, spring is here Responding to a call Ben-Gurion University of the Negev put out love of food generally — can the girls sing tra-la-la for volunteers, more than one hundred university scientists and there be a Shabbat or holiday the whole world seems bewitched graduate students have been working in shifts since last week to test without a feast? — Israelis are Veronika, the asparagus is growing blood samples to see if they contain the coronavirus. The Clinical just recently beginning to use it in Veronika, the world is green, Virology Lab at Soroka University Medical Center, managed by Prof. their cuisine. In fact, of the many so let’s go into the woods. Yonat Shemer-Avni, now tests more than 400 samples per day. cookbooks I’ve reviewed for Even grandpa is saying to grandma, According to Ministry of Health directives, only researchers and this column, only half the Israeli Veronika, spring is here!” doctoral students with experience in biology/biomedicine can ones include recipes calling for As you can well imagine, once the 1930s rolled in, the group volunteer to help in the lab. From the small pool of researchers and asparagus. students with the appropriate experience, there were close to one The plant itself is a cousin to Now, upon reading this post, if you have decided that you want to hundred volunteers including, departmental heads, faculty members onions, garlic, and leeks, as well growdisbanded your own,and fled I have the good country. news. Asparagus is a long-lived perennial and doctoral students from BGU’s Faculties of Health Sciences and plant so you will get about 20 to 25 years out of it. And maintenance is Natural Sciences, who began to work in shifts at the lab during the While the ancient Greeks and easy. Simply fertilize with 10-10-10 before the spears appear in early week and on the weekend. Romansas to flowering adopted bulbousthe name plants. from spring, and after the last harvest. When the ferns turn brown after Avishay Edri, a doctoral student in the Shraga Segal Department the Farsi “asparag,” or “shoot,” frost, cut them down. Make sure to keep the area free of weeds. That’s of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics initiated the project the vegetable has also gone by it! explained, “On a day to day basis, I research the ebola virus. Ever the name “sperage” in the 16th Once the asparagus is established in its second year after planting since the outbreak of the coronavirus, I have been following what is century, “sparagus” in English (although some gardeners say the third year), you can begin to enjoy going on around the world and in Israel. If I can help, I think it is my speaking countries, and even the delectable spears. To harvest, cut them on an angle close to the civic duty to do so. When I realized that the situation was critical and “sparrow grass.” ground when they reach a height of about eight inches and are at least that the rate of processing blood samples was slowing because of a Legend has it that Egyptians a half-inch thick. personnel shortage, I proposed enlisting volunteers with the right revered the wild veggie so much that they offered it up to their Asparagus them. I am pleased that so many have joined the effort” gods, and images of asparagus The legendary general and statesman Julius Caesar is reputed trainingThis is from just one BGU of to the find efforts as many that the carriers BGU Coronavirus as possible andTask isolateForce, spears appear on a frieze under the leadership of Deputy VP for R&D Prof. Angel Porgador, is picturing the ritual, dating back northern Italy. He then ordered it served with melted butter. Boy, was organizing. to 3000 BC. heto haveonto something.had his first When taste itof comes asparagus to asparagus, in Lombardy, I believe in what the simpler is now Dr. Roi Gazit, a researcher in the Shraga Segal Department of The Greeks also loved their the better. In fact, I can eat it raw with nothing else added, straight Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, is also volunteering in the wild asparagus and believed from the garden. But, if you are in the mood for something a little it to have medicinal qualities, fancier with no real work involved, try this recipe. large pile of samples which needed to be tested. With many pairs of handslab. “When now available,we got to we the quickly lab the managed first morning, to get rid we of were the ‘jam’, met testingwith a cultivated it over 2,000 years Ingredients: ago.but it Theywas themust Romans have whoplanted first • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, the thinner the better lab team and, most importantly, get results to those who have been a lot of the veggie because • 3 T. olive oil testedall the samplesin the quickest quickly possible and efficiently, time.” to help ease the pressure on the what they didn’t eat fresh, they • 1 t. kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling The lab has even been able to take on more samples from other preserved for winter enjoyment. • Freshly ground black pepper parts of the country for testing at times as a result of adding the Roman emperors were so fond of • 1 T. fresh lemon juice volunteers. asparagus, in fact, that beginning • 2 T. Parmesan cheese Dr. Gazit said that he was not worried for himself or the other with Augustus, they kept the Directions: my parents. We have to take care of the older people and those with the purpose of sailing the seas to • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. weakenedlab and volunteer immune members,systems – “Wenow arewe fine,are making but I am even concerned more of foran obtain“Asparagus it. Fleet” specifically for • Rinse the asparagus under cool water to remove grit, and dry effort for them.” © ASHERNET THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 7 Underground Realtor Corner critical care center COVID-19 Times By Edgar Asher, Ashernet Working around the clock during the past week, By Geoff Hausmann over four-hundred workers and medical professionals I would like to start this article hoping transformed an underground parking garage near the everyone is well and staying safe during these entrance to the Sheba Medical Center’s main campus into a hard times. I am happy to help in any way if I can. With people afraid to leave their homes, I have been asked if that The CCCU, features over 40 additional beds, advanced is going to affect the prices of homes. The interesting thing is that the technologiesfull-fledged COVID-19 and robust critical medical care unit. capabilities, including real estate price is the only thing that has not been affected. It was just orthopedics and a birthing area. The underground facility announced that the interest rate will be on the rise starting around already featured special electric housing units for use April 15 due to high unemployment. All government loans will be a during times of war. The new CCCU began operations on little harder to get. The conventional loans will not be as restrictive, March 22, after completing numerous drills earlier in the but zero-down mortgages will not be as available. The basic rule of day. thumb is for every change of ½% means about a difference of $10,000 Similar to the existing off-campus corona quarantine in what you will qualify for. complex, a special medical team consisting of high-ranking In the meantime, things you can be doing: doctors and nurses have been trained for this new facility. • Spring cleaning The CCCU was built in response to the growing numbers • Spice up rooms by painting or rearranging the furniture of critically ill coronavirus patients, whose numbers are • Replace batteries in the smoke detectors unfortunately expected to increase in the coming days. The state-of-the-art critical care robot. • Do something just to make someone else smile. A hug will do. • Call me just to talk. My number is 860-443-4400. Beware that I think my phone may be broken as it does not ring. LOL Passover crafts for kids that are fun I understand during these times many people are experiencing By Lior Zaltzman, Kveller Passover coloring pages • The government has given a free 3-month extension on your How is this Passover different from all others? Well, for starters, These are pretty self- financialtaxes. difficulties. Please Theretalk to are your things accountant. you can do: there’s a pandemic. That means, among many changes, Passover explanatory! There are so many • Mortgage companies do not want you to be concerned about 2020 — which starts on the evening of April 8 — will not bring with great Passover coloring pages out payments that you are unable to make. Call them and they may it an onslaught of Passover themed crafts from your kids’ Jewish day there. All you need is a printer defer your payments up to one year. schools and/or Hebrew schools. and some crayons. This is great • Credit card companies want you to call them directly. They Fret not, Kvellers. If you are looking for some great Passover for any age group (hey, let’s face want to help. activities to do with your kids in anticipation of the holiday, we’ve it, coloring is relaxing even for • Some banks are willing to offer 0% interest loans for a six- assembled a list of fun crafts that don’t require any unusual art us parents!). Bind the coloring month period. supplies — we all know getting those is a bit tricky right now! pages into a cool book that you • Penalties for withdrawing from IRAs are eliminated provided So, without further ado, here are some fun Passover related crafts can send to the grandparents, you return the money within 3 years. for every age, perfect to pass the time during your (very long) days of along with a Passover note. The best thing you have realized during this time is that you love social distancing: your family, but feel your house is too small for you and your family. Afikomen bag and matzah cover another home. I saw a cartoon on Facebook where the husband was happyRemember, that his I am wife still had working taken up and gardening willing toin assistthe back you yard. in finding In the or spareMake fabric, a fun afikomenor even that bag pile to end, she was digging a 6-foot ditch. ofhide clothes your from afikomen when in!you Usepurged felt The worst thing is to not be like me and go to the refrigerator your closet, and have your kids every time I get up from my desk. Why does it take a whole semester decorate it with whatever you to be part of the Freshmen-15, but in no time to be a member of the have around the house: glitter, COVID-19? I am very grateful that my boys have been forcing me to go glue, markers or paint! walking and exercise so that I do not gain the 19 pounds. You can also make a no-sew PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stay healthy! matzah cover with fabric and Please remember you can search for homes at www. craft supplies. CallTheHouseMan.com. Do you have a question about real estate? Are you an Eversource Customer? How about getting an energy audit on Moses in a basket craft Passover puppets me? Advice/responses will be made by Geoff Hausmann, RE/MAX on There are so many options the Bay, 860-443-4400, [email protected] Matzah prints for making Passover puppets! Make your own pretend matzah! Take a piece of cardboard or paper Brenda Ponnay created these AUTO | HOME | COMMERCIAL | MARINE

Duplo or Lego block, bubble wrap, or a spiky ball. Using your “stamp,” puppets. With Love, Ima has useand brown cut it intoor yellow a square. paint Then, to create find a somethingmatzah print. to useIt’s so as much a stamp: fun! a delightfulgreat printable Passover Passover story puppets finger L E V I N E made with popsicle sticks —

Kinetic sand and rice substitute the popsicle sticks INSURANCE GROUP, LLC Make kinetic sand — all you need is sand, cornstarch and cooking with a piece of cardboard if oil! — and talk to your little ones about how the Israelites walked you’re lacking. through the desert for 40 years from Egypt to Israel. It’s also a great Got some single socks lying ANDREW J. LEVINE tactile activity for toddlers. around? It’s a great chance to Owner, Producer, 40+ Years Experience Don’t have the material for kinetic sand? Make kinetic rice “sand” make them into sock puppets! instead— just use this rainbow rice craft instruction, but only use Glue some cotton balls beard and 221 Boston Post Rd. 860-739-4444 Office brown and yellow paint (mix brown, yellow and white for a more hair and googly eyes on one to P.O. Box 339 860-739-6861 Fax sand-like color). make it into Moses! East Lyme, CT 06333 [email protected] KIDS CONT. ON PG 14 8 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 Students examine the inner workings of Auschwitz-Birkenau By Tammy Kaye JFEC Program Coordinator “Death Fugue” by Paul Celan, a survivor whose family was Marlene Yahalom, Ph.D., Director of Education for the murdered during the Holocaust. He paints a picture of for thirty-six hours and then was allowed only eight American Society for Yad Vashem engaged students at the Nazis as human beings who made choices to do evil hoursheavy carriagesof rest, during filled with which gunpowder. time bombs He would constantly work Waterford High School in discussion and learning about and in doing so surrendered their sense of the Holocaust in an interactive program Architecture of morality. Murder – The Auschwitz Birkenau Blueprints. Integral to the program was also a Arranged through the Strochlitz Holocaust Resource discussion about “Holocaust Revisionism” Center of the Jewish Federation of Eastern CT (JFEC), where those who deny the Holocaust Architecture of Murder is one of Yad Vashem’s traveling minimize statistics or provide different exhibits designed to raise students’ awareness of explanations which are untrue. When the lessons of the Holocaust. The Waterford High learning about the Holocaust or looking School Library was transformed into a museum space at any historical information, Dr. Yahalom displaying over 20 panels detailing multiple facets of stressed that students must always look at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, the largest death factory the source of the information and determine in human history. if the source is credible. They should be The exhibit is based on documents consisting of leery of scholars who get on a platform blueprints, building instructions, technical drawings, and present distortions in an academic calculations and maps discovered in 2008 in a vacant way which can make their assertions seem apartment in Berlin, Germany. While it is not known credible. She also challenged the students to use their learnings from the exhibit to by the German government and other sources and were combat holocaust denial. how the documents came to be there, all were verified Prior to Dr. Yahalom’s visit, these students Waterhord High School students learned the personal story of a also learned the local Holocaust survivor who survived the Auschwitz-Birkenau personal story of camp, Mina (Blumenstyk) Gastfreund. Mina’s daughter and son-in- a local Holocaust law are Mona Levin and her husband Dr. Robert Levin. survivor who survived the Auschwitz-Birkenau fell and many were killed. He lived and worked under camp, Mina (Blumenstyk) deplorable conditions, wearing the same lice-infested Gastfreund. Mina’s daughter and shirt which he was not permitted to wash, for over son-in-law, Mona and Robert two years. He was so hungry he ate the lice. He was Levin, visited their classes as part eventually liberated by the Russian army in May 1945 of JFEC’s Encountering Survivors from Theresienstadt. Program, relaying a detailed account of her experiences experiences from these programs, writing essays before, during, and after the war. examiningStudents what were they challenged have learned to from reflect the upon Holocaust their and how those learnings can be applied in today’s to be taken by the Nazi’s when world. The essay project is a joint effort between GermanMina was soldiers the first knocked of her on family the Hadassah of Eastern CT and JFEC’s Strochlitz Holocaust door of her family home, told Resource Center and Encountering Survivors program. Marlene Yahalom, Ph.D., (r) Director of Education for the American Society for her to get dressed, and took her Keeping Holocaust education in the forefront with Yad Vashem engaged students at Waterford High School in discussion and against her will into forced labor area youth is becoming increasingly important as anti- learning about the Holocaust in an interactive program Architecture of Murder and concentration camps. She Semitism and Holocaust denial are ever present. JFEC’s – The Auschwitz Birkenau Blueprints. arrived at Auschwitz-Birkenau in strong partnership with area schools, organizations entrusted to Yad Vashem for safe keeping. dedicated to Holocaust education, and members of our In discussing the exhibit, Dr. Yahalom shared that own community who are willing to share their family’s while there were several groups targeted by the Nazi’s, daysa cattle with car no so food,overcrowded water, or that bathroom it was sometimes facilities, shedifficult was story, make bringing this programming to students the Jews were unique in that they were the only group greetedto breath. by Afterferocious the difficult dogs upon journey disembarking. which lasted She three and possible. not to have the option of saving themselves by joining the the other prisoners were then marched into a cold, empty Nazi party. Of the estimated 1.1 million Jews deported garage where they waited all night before they to Auschwitz-Birkenau, most were killed immediately. were robbed of their possessions, their dignity Drawings and plans detailed the architecture of this was taken as their heads were shaved, and their extensive killing machine, spanning 5,000 acres, or identity became the number which was tattooed on their arm. Mina was young and strong, documents revealed that the camp was never fully among those the Nazi’s considered valuable for completed.roughly 5,000 The football Nazi’s fields.had plansAs vast for as expansion the camp was,that were never realized before the end of the war. Mina survived 3 years in Auschwitz-Birkenau The camp’s location was not incidental. There livingforced under labor subhuman and their ownconditions economic before benefit. she were approximately 50 pre-existing railway lines that was moved from the camp on a death march in converged there, yet the location offered seclusion January 1945. Eventually, she escaped and was so others would not know the horrors of what was on the run and in hiding until the end of war. happening there. Students also learned the story of Mona’s The exhibit and discussion gave the students a father, Carl Gastreund, who survived the perspective on the human elements of the Holocaust. Holocaust in the ghetto and multiple slave labor Many students were drawn to a piece of poetry titled and concentration camps. His job was to push THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 9 A trip down memory lane with the Jr. Youth Group them, giving the kids another opportunity for a free PEZ Dispenser if they could check off every box. Once inside, we were overwhelmed with the many shelves of PEZ dispensers. The center has two

dispensers and otherfloors paraphernalia filled with like lunch boxes, gift boxes tee shirts, hats, string back packs and more, all with a variety of wording and design. My favorite was the tee shirt that Unfortunately, on a Sunday, the factory workers are said, “You’re not off, so we did not get to see them actually making the By Marcia Reinhard, JFEC Assistant Director famous till they put candy. However, we did get to see the factory where I have been living here in Eastern CT since the your head on a PEZ Dispenser.” There were non-descript it all takes place through huge glass windows and we summer of 1999 and drive down the 95 corridor on a dispensers, superhero dispensers, favorite characters watched a video showing us the entire process. The regular basis. I see the sign advertising the PEZ Visitor from cartoons, movies and tv shows, Valentines and other whole experience was a ton of fun, not just for the kids, Center all the time and as a kid growing up in The Bronx holiday dispensers and so much more. There were so but for our Young Emissaries and the adults as well. in the 50’s and 60’s, I loved PEZ. I used to love to see many novelties for sale advertising PEZ. Who knew it was Before departing, everyone stopped at the retail still so popular? store and got free PEZ dispensers and even made an choose. Now as an adult, every time I see the sign for the We spent a good two hours at the Visitor Center walking additional purchase or two. Deb Linder and I joined in PEZwhat Visitor PEZ dispenser Center it I’d brings get and me whatback flavorto my PEZchildhood. I would I around, engaging in the various activities they provided. A the fun and we each got free dispensers and purchased keep promising myself I will go there, maybe even take little-known fact that we learned was where the name PEZ a PEZ pen. I am always looking for good pens and this my own grown kids (since we never went when they came from. The name of the candy came from the German one actually writes very smoothly. were little.) However, I also thought that I should take word Pfeffermintz, which means Peppermint. The man We arrived back at Temple Emanu-El around the Jr Youth Group there. Yet, no matter how many 4:30/5pm. The kids had a great time and times I would try to plan it, other events always thankfully got to interact and have fun with Tal took precedence. Finally, that is no longer the and Roi – not knowing it would be the last time case. they would get to do that. During our last Jr Youth Group gathering in Giving our Jewish youth opportunities to be February when we went to the Trampoline Park, together while doing things that are different and I asked the kids in my car what they would like to unique and to be with the Young Emissaries is an do next. Three things made the top of the list and important part of their life. With our community the PEZ Visitor Center was one of them. Much to being so widespread and our kids being either the my surprise, they requested we do that one next. only Jewish student or one of a few in their grade So, on Sunday, March 8, a bunch of 5th through 7th graders, our two Young Emissaries Tal & Roi, socially is just as important as bringing them Deb Linder, a teen parent, and I traveled down to togetheror school, Jewishly. finding Let’s ways face to bring it. Anytime them together we can Orange, CT to the PEZ Visitor Center. bring our kids together, makes it a Jewish event Our day started with lunch at “Subway” not far and it makes me very happy to facilitate these from our destination. Everyone bought their own opportunities for them. I would not be able to lunch and sat around chatting. Once everyone do this if not for the help of the parents and the was done eating, we piled back into the cars and community as a whole. I wish to extend a heartfelt headed over to the PEZ Visitor Center, our main thank you on behalf of the Jewish Federation event for the day. Youth Group and myself to Deborah Linder, who Upon check-in, we were given tags to wear does not have a child in the Jr Youth Group any around our neck allowing us to enter the center, longer, but stepped in as a driver and made it a credit for $1.99 to be used at the retail center which who invented PEZ took the ‘P,’ ‘E’ and ‘Z’ from the German possible for all the kids to go. could be cashed in for a PEZ dispenser, (most of which word to get the candy’s name, “PEZ.” Some of us thought Wishing you and your families all the best of health, are $2.00 each) and a scavenger hunt card where we that was pretty cool. stay safe and I look forward to the day when we can return to our monthly Junior Youth Group Events. had to check off specific PEZ dispensers as we saw 10 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 8 technologies to keep your kids sane while school’s out Stuck at home in quarantine? Try these apps for fear of contracting coronavirus. from any leading manufacturer for the full immersive experience, there everything from music lessons to reporting on the spot. Israeli startup Snappers are plenty of “360” videos you can watch on a regular 2D computer. allows anyone with a mobile By Brian Blum, Israel21c device to become an instant eTeacher Group School’s out – but not for summer. It’s coronavirus season and kids video stringer. You’ve had your fun; now it’s time to get down to some serious are holed up at home with their newly telecommuting parents. Sign up with Snappers and learning. Ramat Gan-based eTeacher Group has built technology to According to estimates from news bring together students and teachers agency Agence France-Presse some 500 online in real time. million people around the world are now Established in 2000, eTeacher subject to lock down measures. Group says it has hosted over 100,000 Is there any way you can use this classes, taught by 302 teachers in 23 unexpected family time to pack in a little countries. Its four schools, including extra learning? those teaching Hebrew, Chinese and Fortunately, Israel has no shortage of English, have over 25,000 students a technologies to help with that. So, before year. you and your young’uns come to blows, here Behind the scenes, eTeacher are eight great made-in-Israel approaches Group has built a complete software to make the most of the new normal. system for running virtual schools.

JoyTunes 2002 when the Israeli Foreign Ministry Learning to play the piano was never contractedThe company with got them its firstto open big an boost online in so easy – or high-tech. JoyTunes turns school for the children of ministry your mobile device into a virtual piano employees. tutor, combining tried-and-true music The company expanded into Brazil methodologies with the latest in gaming in 2011 and Korea in 2012. (try “Piano Dust Buster” to compete with For students between the ages of other gaming piano “players”). 10 and 15 who wish to learn computer JoyTunes’ iPhone and Android app skills, the company’s “Tekkie Uni” listens to what you play to give you real- offers online coding courses in France, time feedback, reducing the amount of time it takes to get started. then if one of the company’s the US, the UK, South Africa, South America, Australia and India. Maybe that’s why the company has a million people learning to play media partners, which include the piano a week, is used by 10% of U.S. music teachers and has been CNN among others, needs video Class.me downloaded more than 10 million times. from a particular location, they’ll As schools scramble to switch to online instruction, Israeli startup Oh, did we mention that JoyTunes is the No. 1 education app on see you on their Snappers map Class.me has a solution for adding chat to the mix – before, during and the app stores? There are three options for varying levels of learning, and can contact you to provide after class. available in 11 languages, with 2,500 songs online from Beethoven to live in-quarantine reporting. Teachers can set up a dedicated chat for their classes, without Adele. There’s a built-in having to give out their personal WhatsApp number, allowing them to JoyTunes is working on other instruments, too – look for guitar and communication channel in the keep their private and professional lives separate. saxophone to come to an app near you. app so your producer can tell you Class.me’s “classrooms” can be broken down by subject, so students where to focus (“lose the fern in don’t waste time following irrelevant conversations. The system also Wix the corner”). If you’re talented, supports adding private tutors into the chat network. With time to spare, your kids can build themselves a website. maybe your video will even go Class.me partners in Israel include World ORT, the cities of Heck, they can build as many as they want – for the whole family viral (in the old sense of the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and Ono Academic College. North Shore Hebrew and everyone in the neighborhood – since Wix, Israel’s premier web- word). Academy, Singapore Polytechnic and Abrams Hebrew Academy are building tool, is free. (Wix makes money by selling add-ons such as the among the company’s overseas clients. Inception VR Wix takes the hard work of coding out of creating a web presence Seen both versions of Verbit withability drag-and-drop to drop the wix.com tools suffixand ready-madeand use your templates.own.) It’s one of “Aladdin” (animated and live) Here’s another Israeli-made tool that students transitioning to Israel’s most successful startups, with a market capitalization of more enough that you can no longer tell than $8 billion and $832 million in earnings in 2018. Will Smith from Robin Williams? technology, which turns audio lectures into written documents. Tired of Thanos threatening to distance learning may find handy: Verbit’s AI-powered transcription Lightricks destroy the Avengers – and the 10 times faster than the competition for half the price and at 99% So many pictures and videos, so little time. Oh wait, now you have world – again? accuracy.Verbit says by using artificial intelligence, it can transcribe audio all the time in the world, creating a great opportunity to spruce up Inception VR has an Verbit announced in January that it had raised $31 million (for a your mobile phone’s content collection. alternative: The Israeli company total of $65 million). This week, the company revealed that Harvard Jerusalem-based Lightricks has a suite of mobile apps to help you University – which, like many universities around the world has put your best face forward. Photofox is Lightricks’ all-purpose photo reality and has dozens of short shifted classes online – would use Verbit’s tech to provide written programsaims to be ready the Netflixto watch of – virtual from transcripts of lectures. Got videos? Cut and combine clips on-the-go with the award- virtual boxing matches to a tour Harvard is not the only academic institution on Verbit’s growing winningeditor, while Videoleap. Quickshot Or animatehas customizable your still andimages ready-made into funky filters. photo art of Rishikesh (“the yoga capital of customer list: Stanford, the University of Utah, the University of with Pixaloop. the world”) or the Tel Aviv Pride California Santa Barbara, Oakland University and the already-online Lightricks’ apps in 11 languages are free to start; you only pay if Parade. Coursera all use Verbit. you want to unlock more pro features. Image and video processing is There are documentaries done on the phone, so no Internet connection is required. (fancy “The Joy of Frogs?”), travelogues (visit Berlin, Tibet Everyone counts: We are counting on you! Snappers and New Orleans) and fashion Here in Eastern Connecticut the JFEC works to support, sustain With the world entering a (hopefully temporary) phase where runways (join Israeli supermodel and revitalize Jewish life. But we can’t do it without you. isolation becomes the big story, media outlets are clamoring for news. Esti Ginsburg behind the scenes). Send in your donation today. While you’ll need a VR headset

But they can’t so readily send their reporters into this new “field” for THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 11 “Star Trek’s” bio-bed coming to a hospital near you

By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c Imagine a single machine quickly scanning your whole body for signs of cancer during your annual checkup. It could perform tests such as computed tomography (CT) and a no-squish mammogram for women. Israeli serial entrepreneur Ran Poliakine hopes to have such a machine on the market in less than two years. His newest endeavor, Nanox, aims to bring X-ray imaging “from the dark ages to the 21st century,” he tells ISRAEL21c. provide a full-body digital X-ray scan down to the cellular level. “BecauseSort of like it’s Star digital, Trek’s it’s fictitiousmultispectral. “biobed,” You thedon’t Nanox.Arc need different could machines to do different kinds of imaging,” says Poliakine. That

“It’s similar to using an iPhone to listen to music and take pictures andincludes make mammography, calls.” CT, fluoroscopy and angiography, for instance. Nanox.Arc’s companion software, Nanox.Cloud, will be a cloud- based repository for all the imaging data. Nanox.Cloud will also handle radiologist matching, online and Nanox’s all-in-one digital X-ray imaging system. Earlier this year, Nanox “That enabled us to do it where others have failed.” offline diagnostics review and annotation, connectivity to diagnostic secured $55 million in funding Nanox continues to be a partnership of Israeli and Japanese Affordable,assistive artificial accessible intelligence prevention systems, tool and even billing and reporting. from backers including Foxconn, expertise. Modernizing X-ray imaging from the way it’s been done since 1895 “is something the world was waiting for,” says Poliakine. March, Nanox signed $174 and in the Jerusalem suburb of Neve Ilan. Some of the Japanese work His vision is for the Nanox system to reposition X-ray imaging as an millionFujifilm worth and of SK agreements Telecom. for In in IsraelThe company’s and some of 60 the employees Israelis in are Japan. split between offices in Tokyo affordable prevention tool. the next three years with The We created an organization to embrace the good of both countries,” “Most, if not all, cancers can be treated rather easily if found early Gateway Group. This agreement says Poliakine, talking to ISRAEL21c from Tokyo. enough through medical imaging. The World Health Organization says will enable the deployment of Nanox’s research lab and factory in Tokyo provides the punctuality if every person had a full-body scan once a year, potentially millions 1,000 Nanox.ARC units across and technological quality that the Japanese are known for. The software could be saved by early detection,” Poliakine tells ISRAEL21c. Australia, New Zealand and and systems engineers in Neve Ilan provide the famous Israeli talent “It’s similar to using an iPhone to listen to music and take pictures Norway. for improvisation and creativity, Poliakine says. and make calls.” Nanox.Arc has been tested “But it’s too expensive and too local. And you need too many at facilities including Hadassah Israelis introduce faster technicians because X-ray imaging is totally analog while everything Medical Center in Jerusalem. else has gone digital.” “Now it’s about getting it out That’s why “two-thirds of the world’s population lacks access to there,” says Poliakine. COVID-19 testing medical imaging and the rest uses it mostly when something is already “Our plan is to have the system By ISRAEL21c Staff wrong,” says Poliakine. receive regulatory approval in A method to increase dramatically the current COVID-19 testing “Our goal is democratizing access to medical imaging. We can several countries this year, with capacity was announced by researchers at two Haifa institutions — disrupt the market because our system allows for a low-cost device to mass deployment during 2021 Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Rambam Health Care be placed anywhere, connected to the cloud through 5G, so a physician and 2022. Our aspiration is to Campus. anywhere can look at the images,” he explains. place 15,000 systems in the According to Professor Roy Kishony, head of the Technion biology “Over time, full-body scans would be part of an annual routine.” next 24 months. That equals research group, the method simply pools multiple samples in a single one-third of the total number of test tube. They’re screened using the normal PCR testing procedure, Reducing radiation exposure medical imaging devices in OECD which takes several hours. The X-ray beams produced by the system emit the same countries,” Poliakine says. “Even when we conducted a joint examination of 64 samples in electromagnetic radiation as conventional X-ray machines. Nanox.Arc was designed in However, Nanox’s digital capabilities allow for controlling exposure Israel by industrial designer Amos was a positive sample,” said Kishony. time to that radiation. Boaz and will be manufactured which“Although only one there was are a positive some logistical carrier, thechallenges system inidentified implementing that there the “In some cases, the system could reduce exposure time dramatically,” by Taiwanese multinational method, we expect that it will greatly increase the volume of samples Poliakine tells ISRAEL21c. electronics contractor Foxconn. tested per day so that we can identify the asymptomatic carriers. Mammography is an extreme — and extremely exciting — example. Initial target markets are Poliakine says Nanox could reduce the time needed to complete the United States, Asia (through infection curve.” a mammogram by a factor of 30. And the system does not require South Korea’s $260 billion SK ThisThe approach current shouldrate of COVID-19reduce the testing chance in of Israel infection — about and 1,200 flatten a daythe pressing the breasts between two plates. Telecom group) and developing – does not allow for screening asymptomatic carriers. Many experts “That means much less radiation, no discomfort or pain, shorter countries with little or no current say this is vital to curb the epidemic. wait times and a product that is more user friendly,” he says. access to medical imaging. “Today, we receive approximately 200 COVID-19 test samples a day, In one fell swoop, the Nanox system could therefore increase Nanox.Arc will be offered and each sample undergoes individual examination,” said Dr. Yuval compliance with the gold standard for breast-cancer screening – under a pay-per-scan plan in Gefen, director of the Rambam Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. making it safer, painless and accessible to women anywhere. collaboration with governments, “With the new pooling approach we have currently tested, hospitals and clinic chains. Deployment in 2021 molecular testing can be performed on a combined sample from 32 or Among Poliakine’s nine other endeavors are wireless charging The Japanese connection pioneer Powermat and cervical cancer-screening pioneer Illumigyn. Only in those rare cases, where the joint sample is found to be positive, “Nanox started developing 64 patients. This way we can significantly accelerate the testing rate. When a man of Poliakine’s reputation says he’s going to digitize, the technology in 2012 with a The trial of the pooling method was completed in less than four democratize and otherwise revolutionize the humble X-ray, investors nanotech engineering team from days,will we thanks conduct to an the individual support test of forthe each Ministry of the ofspecific Health samples.” and close pay attention. Sony in Japan,” says Poliakine. collaboration between Technion and Rambam. 12 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 The real history behind HBO’s ‘The Plot Against America’ By Lior Zaltzman, JTA He was close friends with “came upon a sentence in which Schlesinger notes that there were The new TV show based on Philip Roth‘s novel “The Plot Against Henry Ford, another known anti- some Republican isolationists who wanted to run Lindbergh for America,” helmed by David Simon, the Jewish creator of “The Wire,” Semite. president in 1940,” Roth told The New York Times. has premiered on HBO and made a splash with critics and fans. “That’s all there was, that one sentence with its reference to The eerily captivating series, which borrows details from the iconic Did Lindbergh really give that Lindbergh and to a fact about him I’d not known,” Roth said, “It made Jewish author’s life and a crucial moment in American history, depicts rousing anti-Semitic speech? me think, ‘What if they had?’” an alternative reality in which isolationist Charles Lindbergh defeats Is the poll about the attitude toward Jews quoted in “The Plot Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election and encourages Plot Against America,” Herman Against America” real? anti-Semitic attitudes throughout the country. LevinIn thehears first a Lindbergh episode ofspeech “The The story follows the Jewish Levin family — young Philip, his on the radio full of anti-Semitism. tells Herman about a 1939 poll in which “Only thirty-nine percent brother Sandy and his parents, Bess and Herman — caught in an The “greatest danger to this of theAt anotherrespondents point agreed in the thatfirst Jewsepisode, should a Jewish be treated newsreel like projectoreveryone America that’s veering toward fascism, where anti-Semitism has else. Fifty-three percent believed that ‘Jews are different and should become mainstream and commonplace. be restricted.’ And ten percent believed that Jews should be deported.” ourcountry motion lies pictures, in their [theour Jews’]press, Sadly, that was a real Roper Poll from that year. many real newsreels from the period and involves several true stories. ourlarge radio ownership and our and government,” influence in While “The Plot Against America” is a work of fiction, it features Lindbergh said, among other Was Lindbergh really a friend of Hitler’s? and events behind “The Plot Against America,” with some help from things. No, but he did receive a medal from the Fuehrer. In 1938, Lindbergh theLet’s JTA separate archive. fact from fiction and explore the real historical figures was awarded the Service Cross of the German Eagle by Hermann Goering on behalf of Adolf Who was Charles Lindbergh? Hitler. He was a decorated U.S. Lindbergh also had contacts in the Nazi aviator, writer, activist and, sadly, Foreign Ministry. anti-Semite. As JTA reported in 1962, “in a In 1927, the 25-year-old Air communication marked ‘most urgent and top Mail pilot from Detroit rose to secret,’” the Nazis told the German Foreign Ministry and the German chief of general staff that “Lindbergh represents the best of the fame, literally, when he flew the Americans, who are most important for us winfirst the nonstop Orteig solo Prize, trans-Atlantic which was now and in the future. The contacts with him beingflight. offered Lindbergh by wasthe American trying to are maintained through a group in the general hotelier Raymond Ortieg to staff which has the greatest importance as a counterweight against Jews and warmongers.” towhoever Paris. couldThe award complete came the withfirst What really happened in the 1940 $25,000nonstop flight— the from equivalent New York to presidential election? about $370,000 today. Roosevelt easily defeated the Republican “Lucky Lindy,” as he was Morgan Spector, center, as Herman Levin, and Zoe Kazan, right, as Bess Levin, in “The Plot Wendell Wilkie, a dark-horse candidate and nicknamed, became an American Against America.” (Michele K. Short/HBO) former Democrat, to capture an unprecedented third term. The popular incumbent picked up crowds greeted him wherever he went. His autobiographical tale about Infuriated, Herman calls over 55% of the popular vote and won in the Electoral College by a wide icon following the flight and his wife, Bess, and says “He’s margin. awarded him the Distinguished Flying Cross medal. A statue of his calling us war agitators.” likenesshis flight, was “WE,” erected became in Maryland a bestseller — ironically and President by a Jewish Calvin Coolidgesculptor, The answer is yes: The Did Philip Roth really grow up in a suburb of New Jersey? Louis Rosenthal. excerpts played in the show come Yes, Roth grew up in the Weequahic neighborhood of Newark, just The tragic kidnapping of Lindbergh’s 20-month-old baby in 1932 from a real speech that Lindbergh like the Levins in the TV series. became a huge story. Lindbergh paid the ransom, but his son was delivered in Des Moines, Iowa, on His dad’s name also was Herman, his mother, Elizabeth, also went found dead two months after the abduction. Sept. 11, 1941. by the moniker Bess, and his older brother, Sanford, went by the Lindbergh used his fame to become an activist and promote the But while in “The Plot Against nickname Sandy. And just a reminder, the littlest Levin in the show is America” the public embraces named Philip. Roth was born in 1933 — that would have made him 7 America First movement. Lindbergh’s speech, in reality years old during the 1940 election. fieldAs of Uriel aviation Heilman around wrote the for world. the Jewish But he Telegraphic also became Agency a leader in 2016:of the his words were met with an Just like Sandy in the book and series, Roth’s real brother was “Created in 1940 after Hitler already had invaded Poland, the America outcry from across the country. a gifted artist. And just like the TV father, Roth’s real dad was an First Committee argued that the U.S. should take a neutral approach As JTA reported, veterans, insurance salesman. toward Nazi Germany, and even do business with it, because the Nazi religious leaders and editorials in regime did not threaten America directly.” newspapers across the country Was anti-Semitism really a part of Roth’s childhood? Donald Trump was criticized for his frequent use of the phrase denounced the speech. “Even before I started school,” Roth told The New York Times the “The voice is Lindbergh’s, year “The Plot Against America” came out, “I already knew something but the words are the words of about Nazi anti-Semitism and about the American anti-Semitism Was“America Lindbergh first” during anti-Semitic? his presidential campaign. Hitler,” one major newspaper Lindbergh’s words, both in speeches and in his letters and journals, wrote. Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh, who, in those years, along with suggest that he was both a white supremacist and an anti-Semite. moviethat was stars being like stoked,Chaplin oneand wayValentino, or another, were amongby eminent the most figures famous like In 1939, he wrote in Reader’s Digest: “We can have peace and Did Lindbergh really run for international celebrities of the century.” security only so long as we band together to preserve that most president? priceless possession, our inheritance of European blood, only so long No, he did not — but that idea as we guard ourselves against attack by foreign armies and dilution by is not simply a product of Roth’s COPY CATS, INC foreign races.” imagination. In 2000, when Roth Your full service print solutions provider Lindbergh, the son of Scandinavian immigrants, was a believer in was reading an autobiography of eugenics. He also believed that Germany had a “Jewish problem,” and the historian Arthur Schlesinger 458 Williams St. - New London, CT 06320 Jr., the famed Jewish author 860-442-8424 - www.copycatsnl.com that the influence of Jews in society should be limited. THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 13 brothers couldn’t even embrace. curb to spend time with us as TAL CONT. FROM PG 1 We stood in the cold, hands my husband sat shiva. During the That, was the beginning of the end of our Young Emissaries, Tal out to me. You can reach me at only warmed by rubber gloves, seven days of shiva, mourners are and Roi. Things began changing very quickly that week. Schools were the Federation at 860-442-8062 waiting for the gravediggers to supposed to have every physical talking about closing, the synagogues were closing and the Federation or on my email at mreinhard@ and emotional need met by their cancelled all events through the end of April. We and our Federation Jfec.com. The gravedigger foreman, community. Friends and family partners had no choice. Looking forward to seeing maskfinish theirover work.half his face, came sit with you, feed you, and share So yes, Tal and Roi are safely back home in Israel. After two full you again soon even if it’s only over and told us brusquely that your stories or your silence. weeks of quarantine upon returning home, as of writing this article, via a Zoom call. In the meantime, only three people total would be Mourners are never supposed to they just got back full freedom to go where? Oh yes, around their please stay home and stay healthy. allowed at the grave due to the be in isolation — they are always house, can now hug their parents and step 100 meters outside of their Hopefully this Coronavirus will prohibition against gatherings. supposed to be surrounded by homes. pass quickly and quietly with Apparently, all my husband’s community. We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. Tal Amar and Roi little incident in Eastern CT. prior discussions were for Instead, we sat in front of a Refaeli have become beloved members of our community and will nothing. And those three people, computer screen as “visitors” the gravedigger said, would be dialed into a Zoom shiva room. be sorely missed. We take heart in knowing that their impact will PAIN CONT. FROM PG 5 continue to be felt in our community for a long time. the funeral director, the rabbi, Like some sad version of The I talk with Roi and Tal almost every day. They have already had a that sentence; rather, we were and one mourner. Brady Bunch on a monitor, people Zoom call with their site mentors, Rabbis and staff, one with the teens The not-so-pleasant from all points in my husband’s and lastly, with the Schechter kids. We will be having more Zoom calls care forms). “discussion” with the foreman life dropped in and out to pay simply asked to fill out hospice with Tal and Roi coming up and I hope as many of you as possible will And so, he came home from over this point took 20 minutes, their respects. at the end of which he stated that But perhaps the saddest part join us. Watch for upcoming information about these calls through the hospital Thursday night. By he would take only three people of all of this is that so, so many email, your synagogues, etc. Other communities have had various the time my husband arrived at to the grave — and then he would of you reading this are going to community Zoom calls with great success. I think it would be good the house in which he grew up on Friday morning, it was too late to take his leave, “and what you do have to mourn the same way say goodbye. He had died in his then is up to you.” over these next days, weeks, and involved. bed in the house he had never “That guy needs to work on months. for I’dthem like and to thankfor our our community host families to find at this creative time waysfor all to they keep did them for wanted to leave. his bedside manner,” I muttered And those of you fortunate Tal and Roi since they set foot in our community. Being a host family At that point, in more normal to my husband in spite of myself enough to somehow remain is a fun and exciting time but not always so easy, especially when they times, Jewish mourning rituals as we headed to the grave once unscathed by death during this would commence. We would we saw the foreman beating his time will have to think: How can experience with each day a new adventure. Thank you to The Novick prepare a funeral, write eulogies, retreat. I possibly offer the comfort of first arrive and are homesick. It is, however, an incredibly rewarding arrange who would be in what car “I think you mean ‘dead side my arms to a mourner through Steve, Ethan and Ryan. Thank you to The McCaffrey family also of from the funeral to the cemetery. manner,’” my husband offered. a text? When someone in your Family of East Lyme for hosting Tal for the first four months: Caryn, East Lyme who took care of Tal from January 5 till she left two weeks The body would be cared for by a Any comfort provided by life experiences loss, how will ago. Lastly, thank you to The Sapozhnikov Family of Old Saybrook holy society that would guard it, humor, however, was gone by the you approximate that moment who hosted Roi from the time he arrived and would have continued clean it, and prepare it for burial. time we got to the grave, keenly throughout the year! Thank you, also, to The Zettlers of Waterford: But with all gatherings feeling the absence of all those you fall into each other’s arms Jennifer, Scott, Amanda & Gabrielle. They were scheduled to host Tal prohibited, since New Jersey (the who would otherwise have been andwhen sob? you firstHow see will each you other create and from April 7 through the end of the year. I’m sorry that did not come site of the burial) and New York there — the grandchildren, my an ersatz togetherness, a jerry- to pass. (the site of the death) are both siblings and parents, my father- rigged approximation of what Without our host families, we could not have this amazing program under stay-at-home orders, none in-law’s long-term caregivers, it once used to be to love and to in our community. If anyone is interested in hosting in the future for of these rituals could take place. my husband’s friends and those mourn? our next emissaries (we pray we will have), please feel free to reach Instead, my husband spent the In short, how can we be afternoon of his father’s death on lay at the bottom, separated from present when we are not allowed of his brother. The wooden coffin Custom Tub & Shower the phone, negotiating with the us. It was not lost on me that we to be present? were also separated by six feet. Long before COVID-19, we Enclosures cemetery and funeral personnel Ruby Glass for four, rather than three, In Jewish tradition, the created a world in which we CO., INC • Design & Installation mourners to be allowed at the regularly spend hours on our • All-Glass Enclosures SERVING SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT graveside, in order to allow both into the grave, covering the phones, “liking” each other’s FOR OVER 60 YEARS my husband and his brother to mourners shovel the first dirt Expert Mirror Design & bring their spouses. share embraces with each other slideshows of others’ lives. But FULLSERVICE GLASS SPECIALISTS Installation On Sunday morning, my incoffin. these Not strange only times, would we we were not nowhappiness, we can flickingplainly see through the • Visit Our Showroom husband and I drove down empty also told before arriving that we bottomless inadequacy of these highways to the cemetery, some could not even share a shovel: We screens as we stare into them, 151 Jefferson Avenue • New London, CT 06320 30 miles away. It was my longest were instructed to either bring hoping to connect with others Phone (860) 442-0373 • Fax (860) 442-1356 trip out of the house in weeks. our own shovels or simply throw The funeral director approached handfuls of earth into the grave. ourselves. Bereft of our rituals our car, standing at a distance The thumps made by the andbut of only one seeing another, the we reflection are doubly of of six feet from our window. She bereft. told us that, due to restrictions were excruciating. I have always But my husband and I, I on the numbers of people at the feltsound shaken of earth by hittingthat sound the coffin at realize now, were the lucky cemetery, the hearse and casket funerals past: each “thump” ones. We could at least hold each Since 1919 Southeastern Connecticut’s Oldest and Most Respected Jewelers would have to go to the gravesite sounds like an emphatic period other’s hand. We stood at the Diamonds ❖ Watches ❖ Crystal before we did. Once the casket at the end of a life. But the grave, and heard and said prayers Fine Contemporary & Antique Jewelry had been lowered into the grave sound brought tears to my eyes said by our people for thousands and the gravediggers left, only this time as I realized that, in a of years. Thousands of mourners Custom Jewelry Design ❖ Expert Jewelry & Watch Repair then could we proceed to the “socially distanced” funeral, this to come may not have those Estate Jewelry Bought & Sold grave. was the only small bit of contact chances. We waited in the cold rain, a permitted us: only the casket and Despite this new serrated 44726 triangle of six feet of distance on the earth were allowed to touch. edge of mourning and loss in There was no traditional meal the time of COVID-19, we are not 262 Boston Post Road • Utopia Centre each side — my husband and I at Waterford, CT • (860) 442-4391 one point, our rabbi at the second, of consolation awaiting us when alone. But that is only because so, and my husband’s brother and we got back to our house, and so many more people are about Monday - Thursday 10:00-6:00 ❖ Friday 10:00-7:00 ❖ Saturday 10:00-4:00 his wife at the third. The two no mourners pulling up to the to be alone, just like us. 14 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 Faina Londinsky Israel’s Teva donating potential Rishon-Le-Zion, Israel -- Faina Londinsky, mother of Alla Londinsky from New London, passed away after a long COVID-19 treatment to US illness on March 19, 2020 at her home in Rishon-Le-Zion, Israel, surrounded by her family. O’Grady, Teva Executive Vice Faina was born in 1932 in Minsk, Belarus. During WWII, President, North America Commercial. train from Minsk. They spent the war in Kokand, a small city “We are committed to helping inher Uzbekistan, family fled wherefrom the they Nazis experienced and managed hunger to get and on hardship the last to supply as many tablets as and where Faina lost her father. possible as demand for this After the war, the family returned to Minsk. Faina got a treatment accelerates at no cost.”

Obituaries degree in Library Sciences. In 1959, she married Shmuel O’Grady said that Londinsky, and they were together since then - for 61 additional production of years. They loved each other very much and were endlessly hydroxychloroquine sulfate devoted to each other. They had two daughters, Alla and tablets is also being assessed and Yulia. subsequently ramped up with In 1992, Faina and Shmuel emigrated to Israel to join their youngest materials that are being sent to daughter Yulia and her family. Meanwhile, their oldest daughter Alla Teva from its ingredient supplier. emigrated to the US (New London, CT) with her family in 1994. Teva will ship 6 million tablets For many years, Faina worked as a librarian in the Library of the through wholesalers to hospitals Academy of Sciences. She was an avid reader and passed her love by March 31, and more than 10 of reading on to her daughters and granddaughters. While in Israel, The Jerusalem entrance to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Photo by million within a month. Faina followed all current events and, of course, Israeli politics. Last Yonatan Sindel/Flash90 The company is also year, when she was at the hospital, she insisted on being brought to the By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel21c reviewing supply of both voting booth in her wheelchair just so she could vote. The global Israeli company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is hydroxychloroquine and Faina truly was a “Yiddishe mame.” Her family was her highest donating more than 6 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate chloroquine globally to priority. Faina and Shmuel’s home was the family hub – everyone knew tablets to hospitals across the United States to meet the urgent demand determine whether there are that they could drop in at any time, without calling ahead, and be heard, for the medicine as an investigational target to treat COVID-19. additional supply and access cared for, and, of course, fed. She kept track of every accomplishment of Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is approved by the US Food and opportunities for patients. every member of the family. Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of malaria, lupus Teva is a global leader in erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. generic and specialty medicines countries, but phone calls and frequent visits made it bearable. It was The Teva-manufactured drug is not approved for use in treating with a portfolio consisting of over painfulIt was to part very after difficult each to visit: have “We a dividedare saying family goodbye, living only in differentto meet 3,500 products in nearly every again,” we would say. therapeutic area. Teva provides Faina will be greatly missed by everyone in her family. She is toCOVID-19. be made However,available forit is testing under purposes. investigation for efficacy against the more than 10% of the US drug survived by her husband Shmuel, 92; her brother Shimon, 80, and novel coronavirus and has been requested by US government officials supply, providing American his wife Svetlana; her daughters and their husbands: Alla and Boris hydroxychloroquine, Teva began to assess supply and to urgently patients with approximately 1 Nalibotski, Yulia and Felix Goldman; and her granddaughters Elina, acquire“Immediately additional ingredients upon learning to make of more the product potential while benefit arranging of out of 7 prescriptions they take. Galit, and Shelly. for all of what we had to be distributed immediately,” said Brendan

Ruth Lamchick KIDS CONT. FROM PG 7 New London - Ruth And since you’re not packing Paper frogs Lamchick, 90, of New London, school lunches right now, you can I love this Passover paper craft from Alpha MomOrigami ten died March 18, 2020, at her use paper bags to make puppets plagues home. She was born in the of either the plagues or the Haggadot.com have assembled a list of origami videos to create a Bronx, N.Y. July 18, 1929, the characters from the story. folded-paper craft for each one of the plagues. daughter of Luis and Sylvia Cohen Rosenbaum. She was Create a Moses in a basket craft Paint matzah the widow of Howard Proper There are so many great and Got matzah and paint to spare? Painting matzahs is actually super Lamchick, whom she married adorable ways to make “Moses in fun! The texture is really fun for kids and adults alike. Oct. 23, 1954, in New York. a basket” crafts. There’s a great Mrs. Lamchick had been video from Keflanu, which uses Decorated cups employed as a payroll manager color craft paper. Create a decorate glass for Elijah. This craft idea from Brenda at the former Camelot Nursing Ponnay uses a cup, glue, a brush, and color string and is beautiful and Home in New London. She was Matzah house simple. You can also use glue and crepe paper! a member of Congregation Beth Just like gingerbread, you El in New London, and a life can build a matzah house with member of Hadassah. candy, macaroons, chocolate, and She is survived by three daughters, Carol Lamchick Cory (Gerald) whatever else you have in your of New London, Cheryl Potter (Charles) of New London and Helene pantry! It’s a fun and edible craft. Lamchick (Richard Rogers Jr.) of New London. She leaves a sister, Diana Rosenbaum of Groton. Her grandchildren include Charles Potter III, Create a seder plate Collin Potter (Rayne), Clayton Potter (Maggie), Jeremy Rogers, Jordan Got some extra felt lying Rogers (Brynn), Gary Tetrault (Tina), Richard Rogers III (Susie). Her around? There is a gorgeous 136 Sachem Street Passover activity from great-grandchildren include Amari Potter (and his mother Leonilda Design Norwich CT 06360 Espinoza), Olivia Potter, Charles Potter IV, Ashley, Kaitlyn and Christian Megillah you might want to try Memorial Tetreault and Jael Rogers. with your kids. Don’t have felt? 860-889-2374 A graveside service was held Friday, March 20, in Beth El Cemetery. Use color construction paper, Fax 860-886-2396 Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth El. scrap fabric, or color some paper Condolences may be shared on Ruth’s memorial page at www. instead. neilanfuneralhome.com. THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020 15 “Tom Cruise, ‘you’ clean for Passover?”TEDDY WEINBERGER © 2020, Teddy Weinberger If you were in Israel at the end of commercial has Lior hopping on 2019 and the beginning of 2020, you a motorcycle in the supermarket kulo,” a key couldn’t miss the huge billboards and then sitting in a command word of the beloved Mah Nishtana segment advertising the third season of Yes center directing a SWAT Pesach- ofis the ‘all’ Passover Supersol’s” Haggadah [playing]. on “ television’s Fauda (“chaos” in Arabic). shopping team, taking a few It’s hard to overstate the importance Each billboard featured a close-up of precious seconds to speak in an of such commercials for connecting Israeli the grim, bloodied, unshaven face of ultra-sweet voice with his wife identity with Jewish-holiday observance. In Lior Raz, the star of the series, with in order to verify the exact kind this case, the three commercials normalize three English words transliterated of rice to buy (I guess he goes by cleaning and shopping for Passover in into Hebrew and indicating the the Sephardic custom), before Israeli society. The incredible power of these setting for the new season: “Velcome engineering an escape from the commercials comes from playing off the to Gaza.” Fauda has been a runaway store in an armored vehicle. surprise of “catching” Lior Raz preparing (or having prepared) for The third commercial has Lior Passover with the imaginary “action” scenes. The punchline here is air Season 3 this Spring), and so you jumping out of a plane without of an a fortiori nature: If in reality even the star of Fauda cleans and willhit onunderstand Netflix (which my special is expected delight toat a parachute, diving deep into shops for Passover, then so should I. three Passover commercials produced a river, and snaring a salmon In a Jewish majority culture, the holidays of Judaism are the Lior Raz last year by the Supersol supermarket bare-handed, as wild bears look country’s national holidays. Because of this, business and advertising chain starring Lior Raz. on from the shore. In all three Each commercial opens with Lior doing something connected to commercials the action scene Israelis to feel that it is only natural to prepare for Passover. Not that Passover. In one, an average Joe (“Yossi” in Israel) happens upon Lior abruptly ends and the viewer is Supersolfirms will orutilize anyone Jewish else culture could for convince their own Israelis interests, that such shopping as causing and as he is scraping something off his home’s front window, and Yossi returned to the opening scene, cleaning for Passover is fun (there are limits after all to advertising says, “Lior Raz, you clean for Passover”; in another, Yossi sees Lior in with Yossi saying: “oh, nothing- genius), but that Israelis are made to feel: this is what is done here. a Supersol store and says “Lior Raz, you shop for Passover?”; and in -can’t a guy ask a question” (the What a contrast to the diaspora Jewish experience. In most places the third, Lior brings out a tray of baked salmon to his Seder guests, third commercial ends slightly in the diaspora, taking out a piece of matza in public can feel unusual one of whom asks him, “you differently). Lior then wishes and sometimes even weird. In Israel, taking out a piece of matza on commercials, Lior then says “Why, what are you thinking?”—and the Yossi “Happy Holiday,” and the Passover is normal, and thanks to Supersol, Lior Raz, Fauda, and Yes scene in each instantly shifts. found such a fine salmon?” In all three commercials conclude with TV, even cool. this voice-over: “Getting ready https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYW7ZezDtoc front of Lior’s home, and a wet-suited SWAT Pesach-cleaning team for Passover? No need to make https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQzrz_oUjdc emerges,In the somefirst commercial, using high-pressure two large water white hoses vans and screech some to rappelling a halt in a drama out of it. This holiday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjKUxeb2XnY down the front of Lior’s house to squeegee the windows. The second President sends message to communities around the world By Edgar Asher, and well. The People of Israel, Israel and to all peoples of the world.” The President concluded, “God Ashernet over the years, has managed to bless you and keep you healthy. Be strong and of good courage.” President Reuven overcome danger and crisis and Chairman of the Jewish Agency Isaac Herzog said, “Following the Rivlin met with the to survive, sometimes against Chairman of the all odds, thanks to the value Agency and its partners to all the Jewish communities around the Jewish Agency, Isaac we place on community and world,excellent I spoke film thewith president the president sent thatthis wasmorning distributed to update by himthe Jewishon the Herzog and was mutual responsibility which enormous challenges the Jewish Agency is facing around the world updated on what are embedded in our Jewish in dealing with the coronavirus. Among other things, we are aiding is happening in tradition. These are times when and supporting communities in crisis, particularly the Italian Jewish Jewish communities we must use this tradition and community, continued immigration and new immigrants going into around the world as the values we were given to take isolation, dealing with Jewish students from overseas who are in they deal with the care of ourselves while following Israel on various programs, lone soldiers, our hundreds of emissaries coronavirus. the instructions, and to take On March 17, care of others, particularly the communities made a huge impression and we agreed on additional the president sent elderly who live amongst us - in initiativesoverseas andto strengthen much more. the spirit The of president’s the Jewish people film to all thearound Jewish the a video messages our buildings, communities and world at this time.” © ASHERNET to the global Jewish neighborhoods - those at highest community in which risk not just of getting sick, but of he said, “The whole world is, right without supplies.” finding“Our themselvessense of isolated mutual and time of fear and obligation is the fundamental confusionnow, in a because difficult value that has protected us. President Reuven Rivlin ( R ) and Jewish of the corona crisis This is the Jewish spirit, our ON THE BAY Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog exchanging which has turned spirit, and if we maintain ‘non-touching’ greetings at the Presidential all our lives upside it, it will take care of us. My Residence in Jerusalem. down and which has FOR ALL YOUR claimed lives. Now is when the special excitement the time when every country is calling out to its citizens to deal with ofdear preparations ones, at this for difficult the Pesach time, REAL ESTATE NEEDS holiday gives way to fear and of another ‘together’ that we are part of, and look to you, our brothers anxiety, we, the people that Direct: 860-443-4400 Cell: 860-625-5255 the dangers together. But at this difficult time, we here in Israel think and sisters of the global Jewish community. Your welfare and ours are dwells in Zion embrace you and Email: [email protected] inextricably linked.” send our prayers for your welfare The President continued, “With every update on the spread of the and your good health. He who Website: www.CallTheHouseman.com virus that we hear from around the world, we also think of you, our makes peace in the highest, may Blog: CTHouseMan.com family abroad and pray you are staying strong, united, healthy he bring peace to us and to all 16 THE JEWISH LEADER, APRIL 3, 2020

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