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july-august 2017/tammuz-Av-Elul 5777 a publication of United jewish federation of Volume 19, Number 5 Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien Why India? JCC of Stamford Memories of Mumbai Announces New CEO By Rachel Dayan and we were going to learn about The Jewish Community Healthy Living program, an There are times when those who and offer chizuk (strength) to India’s Center of Stamford has ap- experiential multi-pronged think they are giving are really re- Jewish community. pointed Marshall Kurland as approach aimed at instilling ceiving and those who think they are Our first introduction to Mum- its new chief executive officer, healthy lifestyles in children receiving are really giving. This sums bai’s Jewish community was meeting effective Monday, July 24. and teens. up how I felt coming home from several Young Jewish Pioneers over Kurland comes to Stam- “We are very excited about the first Jewish Federations of North dinner and Bollywood dancing. They ford from the Sid Jacobson the promise that Marshall’s America mission to India. discussed growing up Jewish in India, JCC, where he served as an hiring brings to our JCC,” On February 21, 107 members of and how they work to maintain Jew- associate executive director. said JCC of Stamford Board the JFNA National Young Leadership ish life in India despite being a tiny His areas of expertise include President Risa Raich. “He Cabinet headed to Mumbai, India. minority. Each time I think back to camp management, early has the critical competencies Before the mission, many people that evening, I am inspired by these childhood education, youth Marshall Kurland needed to ensure the future asked me, “Why India?” “Are there young leaders’ commitment to their and teen programs, aquatics relevancy and success of our really Jews in India?” I would explain faith and Jewish traditions. and fitness. Recent projects involved JCC. And, fueled by his passion for our that JFNA wouldn’t take a mission We visited the Evelyn Peters JCC, the creation of the Parenting Cen- Jewish mission, he shares our vision for to India if there weren’t Jews there, See “India” on page 2 ter for new parents, and the Positive See “CEO” on page 5 How the Six-Day War Changed American Jews By Ben Sales spiritual leader of a synagogue in the afar as Egypt and Syria threatened the dollars. They held rallies. They lobbied NEW YORK (JTA) – On the morning Riverdale section of the Bronx. “I said, young Jewish state. President Lyndon Johnson. of June 5, 1967, as Arab armies and ‘They’re not going to wipe out Israel, Jonathan Sarna, then 12, remembers Within days, however, the fear Israel clashed following weeks of ten- and if they do, there’s going to be a sign watching on TV as Israelis dug mass turned to relief. The relief turned to sion, Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg sat up: The shul is closed.’ Faith could not graves to prepare for potential slaughter. pride when Israel won the war in six anxious amid his congregants at daily go on with an unmitigated catastrophe A teenage Yossi Klein Halevi remembers days, tripling its territory and taking prayers – fearful that the Jewish people of that size happening again.” the broadcasts of mass rallies in Cairo control of Judaism’s holiest sites. would face extinction for the second The fear felt by Greenberg pervaded calling for Israel’s death. But many Amer- The Six-Day War, as it quickly became time in 25 years. the air in American Jewish communi- ican Jews, haunted by their failure to act known, intensified American Jews’ “One of the people said, ‘They’re ties that week. Two decades after the during the Holocaust, didn’t just passively love for Israel and imbued them with going to wipe out Israel. What’s going world learned the full extent of the watch events unfold – they decided to a new confidence to advocate for their to be?’” recalled Greenberg, then the Holocaust, Americans looked on from mobilize. They raised tens of millions of See “American” on page 16

Candle Bits & Pieces Professional Adult Voices & Community Lighting 2 6 Support 12 Volunteers 16 Views 18 Contacts 19

A Growing Community of Young Jewish Families A full wall mural, featuring a tree with all of the participants’ hand prints, was created in the new Hevre Room at Temple Beth El by the parents and children participating in the program. The painting project took place on March 26 at a pizza program. The room is used for ShaBaBimBam, the under 5 program for Hevre@TBE. TBE’s Rabbi Joshua Hammerman (standing on far left) leads several of the Hevre programs. See article on page 5. (Photo by Karen Mickley-Gomez) 2 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 Federation Message JCRC Communal Security Meetings Lead to Action By Lauren Steinberg Stamford, Carmel Acade- In the wake of Jewish Com- my, Temple Beth El, Young munity Center bomb threats Israel and Congregation and upticks in antisemitism Agudath Sholom. Attendees nationwide, ensuring ap- learned about the current propriate security for Jewish threat landscape and dis- communal institutions is a cussed basic improvements necessity. To address that they could make to their need, the Jewish Community facilities. Securing facilities Relations Council, an arm is like health insurance, of United Jewish Federation Lauren Steinberg, Horowitz explained: you of Greater Stamford, New director of Jewish make the investment hop- Canaan and Darien, hosted Community ing not to need it, but are Doron Horowitz, national Relations Council prepared in the event that security advisor for Secure you do. Horowitz further Community Network for a series of explained that the threat to Jewish events in Stamford and New Canaan institutions is not only the extreme, on May 11. worst case scenario of a terrorist or Horowitz began his visit by meet- antisemitic attack; while these are ing with representatives from local possible, institutions must also be institutions, including Temple Sinai, prepared for the more probable Doron Horowitz addressed community leaders at Temple Sinai library on the topic of the JCC, Chabad/Gan Yeladim of threats such as sexual predators, “Securing our Jewish Institutions.” disgruntled employees and violence resulting from mental health issues. security, Horowitz explained, is an act dations and threat assessments. CANDLE Horowitz also stressed the impor- of empowerment – and one for which Funded by the Jewish Federations of tance of working with law enforcement, everyone is responsible. North America and the Conference of an emphasis that was carried through The JCRC has already begun follow- Presidents of Major Jewish Organiza- LIGHTING TIMES in a meeting with police later in the ing up with local Jewish institutions and tions, SCN works in partnership with June 30...... 8:12 pm day. New Canaan Police Chief Leon the police to take the essential next law enforcement and local organiza- July 7...... 8:11 pm M. Krolikowski, Stamford Assistant steps to ensuring more secure Jewish tions to make sure Jewish communities Police Chief Jim Matheny and Stam- institutions, and will remain in touch are safe and prepared. July 14...... 8:08 pm ford Police Captain Sue Bretthauer with Horowitz and SCN to ensure that Lauren Steinberg is the director of the July 21...... 8:03 pm met with Horowitz and Federation we have the most up-to-date recommen- Jewish Community Relations Council. July 28...... 7:56 pm staff to ensure open communication August 4...... 7:49 pm and cooperation. All three indicated their eagerness to work with the Jewish India Continued from page 1 August 11...... 7:40 pm community, including by providing the epicenter of Jewish life for Jews Peters JCC in Mumbai, joined our August 18...... 7:30 pm advice on how to secure institutions, living in and around Mumbai, and group for Shabbat and arranged for August 25...... 7:20 pm conducting trainings, and assisting with heard about the services it offers: a several Jewish Youth Pioneers to join September 1.....7:08 pm emergency drills. Judaic library, camps for all ages, festi- us. We were welcomed for Friday night In the evening, Horowitz addressed val celebrations, Judaism and Hebrew services at the Judah Hyam Synagogue September 8.....6:57 pm the public on these same issues at the classes, bar/bat mitzvah classes and in Delhi. New Canaan Library. Taking charge of young leadership engagement. On Saturday morning, Nissim, Rabbi NYLC’s theme this year has been Leon Morris (the NYLC scholar-in-res- “turning your passion into action.” idence for the mission) and the Jewish The American Jewish Joint Distribu- Youth Pioneers led the Shabbat prayers tion Committee supported programs and Torah service with traditional in India are examples of this mantra. Bene Israel melodies, intertwined with The Gabriel Project Mumbai, stories of growing up Jewish in India, founded by Jacob Sztokman, serves and sharing Shabbat and holiday meals nutritious meals to vulnerable school with non-Jewish neighbors and friends. children, engages women in the After Shabbat ended, we learned about slums to work and recently opened Malida Ceremonies, which celebrate the Shravan Health Center in the happy occasions and are unique to Kalwa slum. the Bene Israel. We participated in a Naya, which is run through GPM, Malida Ceremony with our new Bene empowers women living in the Kalwa Israel friends, celebrating our new slum through paper recycling. friendship and personal smachot (happy Sundara was started by Erin Zaikis occasions). The Shabbat we shared in and employs women living in the slums India was a once-in-a-lifetime experi- to recycle used soap from hotels, which ence I won’t soon forget. is then distributed to slum residents The participants in this mission along with hygiene education. collectively donated 750 pounds of Om Creations Trust was initiated books and supplies to be distributed by parents of young adults who have through the Evelyn Peters JCC, and Down Syndrome and other cognitive raised more than $34,000 for the limitations to provide differently-abled Jewish Youth Pioneers Initiative and women, over age 20, a way to earn the GPM. These gifts feel small in a living. Program participants are comparison to the gift India’s Jewish taught different art forms and paid a community gave us – the knowledge stipend for their creations, which are that the work we do for JFNA is sold. One weekly project is baking and changing lives and keeping Judaism selling challah. alive worldwide, and the inspiration While visiting the JCC, we experi- to continue that important work. enced the paper and soap recycling Now when people ask me, “Why processes, heard from women who India?” I explain that we went to participate in the Naya and Sundara India to learn about and connect programs, and baked challah with with one of the oldest Jewish com- the Om Creations Trust participants, munities in the world. We went to all of which reaffirmed for me the see our JFNA global partner agencies importance of the work JFNA is doing providing critical support and hu- in India and around the world. manitarian aid. We went to develop We learned that the Jewish Agen- a better understanding of how Israel cy for Israel provides training and strengthens Jewish life across the resettlement services for Indian Diaspora. And, we went to deepen Jews, and also offers a Birthright our commitment to the JFNA values trip to Israel. of chesed (compassion), tikkun olam On Friday night in Delhi, we heard (repairing the world) and tzedakah from Israel’s ambassador to India, (justice/charity). Daniel Carmon, who noted that 2017 Rachel Dayan is immediate past president marks 25 years of diplomatic relations of Women’s Philanthropy of United Jewish between Israel and India. Nissim Federation of Greater Stamford, New Pingle, senior manager of the Evelyn Canaan and Darien. july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 3 COMMUNITY NEWS JCC Run/Walk Raises Funds for Inclusion Programs By Nancy Schulman anxiety and improve concentration, mindfulness way. For the safety of all participants and to satisfy Everyone is invited to take part in the Jewish and self-control; ArtWorks by Arts for Healing, insurance requirements, no bikes, skates, scooters Community Center’s 10th Annual Give a Child a a program designed to help children of various or animals are permitted. JumpStart 5K/10K Run/Walk on Labor Day, Monday, ages and abilities express themselves through art; Check-in will begin at 8:30 am, with the race start- September 4. Rain or shine, participants of all ages Music Mania, a music therapy program for young ing at 9 am. The event is certified by USA Track and will raise funds for JumpStart, the JCC’s preschool children; and Classic Cooking, a class for teens Field, and the run portion of the race is professionally program for young children with special needs, as and young adults that teaches basic cooking skills timed. The fee to enter the Run/Walk, for those who well as other inclusion programs. The event has and kitchen safety. register by Tuesday, August 1, is $30 per adult/$15 per consistently received the support of The Herbert “Inclusion at the JCC means welcoming all, child ages 6-18. For those who register after August and Sarah M. Gibor Charitable Foundation and Aus- regardless of age, faith, ethnicity, need or abili- 1, the cost is $36 per adult/$18 per child ages 6-18. lander Kasindorf Group/Keller Williams Realty, and ty,” said Beth Baer, co-president of The Center Children 5 and under are free. is presented by The Center Women of the Stamford Women. “This belief helps make us a strong and Online registration for the JCC Run/Walk is avail- Jewish Community Center. supportive community and upholds the Jewish able at www.stamfordjcc.org, or call 203-322-7900 for Proceeds from the Run/Walk will benefit Jump- values of welcoming guests, kindness, respect and more information. Families and local businesses can Start, a therapeutic early childhood classroom communal responsibility. Individual differences also support JumpStart and the inclusion programs at experience for 2-year-olds with special needs; are to be celebrated and can only further enrich the JCC by becoming sponsors of the communitywide Hand in Hand (Yad B’Yad), a division of Day the JCC community.” event. Information on sponsorship levels is available Camps@The J, offering a summer experience for Run/Walk participants will leave from the JCC, by contacting the JCC. In addition, registration and children with a variety of needs; R&R (Recreate & 1035 Newfield Ave., for a family-friendly route in the sponsorship forms are available on the website for Relate), social groups that provide youths with a Pepper Ridge section of Stamford. Those doing the download, and completed forms can be mailed or structured and safe environment to develop social 5K will complete the route one time; participants dropped off at the JCC. skills and build relationships; Music, Movement doing the 10K will complete it twice. Strollers are The JCC is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation and Yoga, which helps children of all ages relieve welcome and there will be water stations along the of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Reading Partners Celebrates “Chai Point” The Stamford Public School year has come to an dedication of the volunteers and Stamford public Reading Partners is now recruiting for its newest end and Reading Partners has acknowledged the school administrators who have partnered together cohort to begin in the fall. Reading Partners is looking achievements of both the students and their Reading to create long lasting success. Achievements this past for new volunteers. Anyone who loves to read, wants Partners volunteers. At each school and after-school year include bringing The New School at Strawberry to encourage a young person to read and has one program, a party was held at which each student was Hill into the Reading Partners family, conducting a hour a week to give should contact Marlyn Agatstein gifted a book and certificate signifying their progress survey about student reading attitudes and joining a at [email protected] or 203-321-1373, ext. 115. and attendance in the program. consortium of public school and non-profit programs Reading Partners is sponsored by the UJF of Greater The 100 volunteers who read week after week were to improve literacy outcomes in the city. Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. feted with their own party. In late May, the Reading Brian Bianco, education director at Curtain Call, Partners, Stamford public school administrators and was a featured speaker at the breakfast. He spoke Coat Drive for Kosher Food Pantry program supporters enjoyed a breakfast program about the influence that theater and specifically writ- held at the Jewish Community Center to honor these ers have when they paint a picture with words. “He Clients volunteers. This year’s celebration was a “Chai Point” had the audience mesmerized as he read a segment Cleaning out closets during the summer? Bring as it was the 18th year the Herbert and Sarah M. Gibor from ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and emphasized how gently used, clean winter coats to Schoke Jewish Reading Partners Program has been servicing the the text and silences in the text created a thrilling Family Service for its Kosher Food Pantry clients. children in the public school community. Marlyn reading,” said Susan Kolbrenner, newly installed Schoke JFS is accepting coats and winter gear such Agatstein, director of the program, highlighted the team leader at Westover School. as new hats, scarves, gloves and mittens at its office at 733 Summer St., Sixth Floor, Stamford. Donations of gift cards to retail stores such as Old Navy, Target, and Kohl’s are appreciated. At right: Team Leaders were Contact Rebekah Kanefsky, case management, at all smiles at the Reading 203-921-4161 or at [email protected] to arrange to Partners breakfast honoring drop off the clothing. volunteers. Front row (l- r): Lois Dreyer, Wendy Fitzgerald, Barbara Deadlines for Rosenberg, Program Director Marlyn Agatstein, Susan Josephson and Susan articles Holzman. Back row (l-r): The deadlines for the next three issues of The Leah Baker, Pam Hirschfeld, New Jewish Voice are: Ronny Kaplan, Lesley Monday, July 24...... September Sandison, Marjorie Stein, Monday, August 28...... October Ena Sarkar, Judy Stone, Monday, September 25...... November Caron Zampino and Penny Send New Jewish Voice article submissions to Wolff. Sandy Golove at [email protected] marked “Stamford Voice” in the subject line. Expect an acknowledge- ment; please re-send if you do not receive one.

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Dentistry for children 1-12 Dentistry for teens 13-19 Skilled Nursing (The Jewish Home) Rosnick Fitness Center (The J) Orthodontics for all ages Goldstein Assisted Living Residences Friedman Home Care / Kuriansky Family Residence – 1-bedroom apartments Chaifetz Family Hospice Goldstein Rehabilitation Center Federation for Jewish Philanthropy DentalCareKids.com DentalCareOrthodontics.comalCareOrthodontics.com 203.883.4457 Call Today for New Patient Special O ers! For questions and information on current or future services: www.jseniors.org • 203-365-6400 • [email protected] 1500 Summer St., Stamford, CT ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 4 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 Spring is Busting Out All Over More than 100 women gathered mitzvah project, packaging end of at Temple Sinai on a stormy night in year goody bags for the children who May to hear the story of Lisa Freedman receive the 3 SQUARE food packages Clark at the annual United Jewish on a weekly basis. Federation Women’s Philanthropy For the third year in a row, area florists Spring Dinner. Freedman Clark spoke submitted their designs to help enhance about her struggles with ovarian can- the décor and ambiance of event. During cer and her husband’s death in the the dinner, guests had the opportunity to World Trade Center Towers on 9/11. select their favorite centerpieces as part Throughout her story, which many of a contest, which had three categories. called inspirational, she emphasized The votes were counted, the winners the help that Federation provided to notified and UJF has announced the her and her family throughout her winners of the contest. L-r: Women’s Philanthropy Spring Dinner Chairs Sari Jaffe, ordeals. “Everyone present was moved Winners of the “Best Overall” cen- her daughter Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz and granddaughter Zoe by how open and relatable she was,” terpiece were Gary Z of Stamford and Jaffe-Berkowitz. said Tara Shapiro. Whole Foods of Darien. In the “Center- This year’s dinner was chaired by piece You Would Most Want at Your Par- thank you to all who participated,” said Jaffe-Berkowitz. three generations of the Jaffe-Ber- ty” category, Hedge by Christine Bloom For more information about United Jewish Feder- kowitz family: Sari Jaffe, Devra Palmer’s Market – Traci Shefcyk and P Rogers & Co. Florists were selected. ation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, Jaffe-Berkowitz and her daughter, of Palmer’s Market won “Best Use Flowers & Flowers and Palmer’s Market or to learn more about the Women’s Philanthropy Zoe Jaffe-Berkowitz. As part of the of Theme.” of Darien won “Best Use of Theme.” Division, contact Rebekah Raz at [email protected] evening, Zoe led the teenaged girls attending in a “Congratulations to the florists who won, and a huge or call 203-321-1373, ext. 102.

L-r: UJF President Ricky Arbron and Irma L-r: Sheila Romanowitz and Nancy L-r: Robin Fischel with her mother Ellen Paull Mimoun Weber, immediate UJF president L-r: Beth Staple and Hayley Levine

L-r: Leah Shemtov, co-director of Chabad Women’s Philanthropy Spring Dinner of Stamford, and Risa Raich, Stamford L-r: Sydney Eben, Jaye Kaplan, Sara Gatz, Ashley Shapiro, Zoe Jaffe-Berkowitz and speaker Lisa Freedman Clark JCC president Rebecca Dayan

L-r: Tara Shapiro, Alex Bergman, Gianna Bergman and L-r: Barbara Brandt, Marsha Shendell, Judy Dalgin and L-r: Marlene Gatz, Tara Shapiro, Dana Horowitz and Robyn Winarsky her daughter Danielle Cohen Sharon Yudell

L-r: Alida Albert, Carol Brewer, Stephne Behrend and Sue L-r: UJF Vice President Rebekah Raz, Anne Liebergall and L-r: Beverly Stein, Joan Klanfer, Betsey Blumberg and Frieden Ellen Weber Arlene Rosen.

P Rogers & Co. Florists – Hedge by Christine Bloom – “Centerpiece You Would Most Whole Foods of Darien – “Overall Flowers & Flowers – ”Best Use of “Centerpiece You Would Most Want at Your Party” Favorite” Gary Z – “Overall Favorite” Theme” Want at Your Party” july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 5 Hevre@TBE: A Growing Community of Young Jewish Families By Stan Friedman ShaBaBimBam, which started last Oc- of TBE to participate,” said Liat Ko- ent-only activities, like movie night; and Twice a month at 11 am on Saturday tober, is just one of the many programs chavi, who was recently named TBE’s family activities, such as beach outings, morning, a gang of young families that constitute Hevre@TBE, an initiative young families program coordinator. potluck dinners, backyard Shabbats with children ages 5 and under gather aimed at creating a warm and welcoming “Everyone is welcome!” she added. and more. together in the “clubhouse” at Temple Jewish environment for both parent and “All we ask is that you bring a smile There’s also K’tanim, a drop-off Beth El in Stamford to enjoy Shabbat. child. (Hevre is a slang Hebrew term on your face, a desire to meet other program run by TBE’s Religious School This 45-minute music and movement which translates as something between people, and a love for Judaism when that caters to 3-4 year olds. Children program, called ShaBaBimBam, fea- buddies, friends and the gang.) Hevre’s you attend events.” meet on Sunday mornings from Sep- tures Music Together’s Natasha Fenster programs are designed to foster and There are more than 30 young fam- tember to May where they learn about and Steve Epstein, and allows young strengthen Jewish values and identity ilies in the Stamford area who are now Jewish holidays, Bible stories, blessings families to share Shabbat, often for the through family experiences both inside part of the Hevre@TBE gang – from and values through play, movement, very first time. Afterwards, the gang joins and outside the synagogue. interfaith families, to same-sex parent crafts and other projects. (See tbe.org/ the congregation for a kiddush lunch. “And you don’t have to be a member families, to families where parents grew early-childhood for more information.) up Orthodox or with little religion in To learn about upcoming Hevre the home. events, “like” the Hevre@TBE page In addition to ShaBaBimBam, cur- on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Whiskey Tasting Goes rent Hevre programming includes Tot HEVREatTBE. In most cases, no RSVPs Kabbalat Shabbats, early Friday night are needed to attend an event. Down Smooth BYO dinners led by Rabbi Joshua Ham- The community is invited to join merman and Cantor Magda Fishman; the growing Hevre@TBE community holiday celebrations, centering on the at Temple Beth El. Contact Liat Ko- traditions of each holiday, including chavi via e-mail at [email protected] with special foods and entertainment; par- any questions. JWV Stamford Citizen of the Year Award Since 1945, Fred Robbins Post 142 of the Jewish War Veterans, of Stamford, has sponsored Stamford’s Citizen of the Year Award, honoring 74 men and women through the years for their community service and dedication to civic causes. This year’s award was presented to Rick Redniss (at right), president of Redniss and Mead, one of the city’s most recognized land use consulting firms and a Stamford native. In conjunction with the annual city of Stamford Citizen of the Year event, the Fred Robbins Post 142 also honors Stamford veterans and awards scholarships of up to $7,500 On May 18, Gan Yeladim Early Childhood Center held a dad’s whiskey tasting event to graduating seniors who have provided outstanding community attended by almost 25 Gan Yeladim fathers and other community members. The whiskey service. For information about the Fred Robbins Post #142 of JWV, tasting was run by Roger Parson dressed in traditional kilt. contact Steve Fischer at [email protected].

CEO Continued from page 1 a focus on customer service, community building, operational efficiency and strategic innovation.” The JCC’s Executive Search Committee was chaired by JCC First Vice President Joy Katz. Serv- ing on the committee were board members Blake Bueckman, Stan Lee, Leslie Napach, Raich, and community members Jocelyn Avidan, Marsha Col- ten, Jon Malkin and Myrna Sessa. “Marshall is passionate about the positive differ- ence that JCCs make in the communities they serve,” said Katz,” and we are thrilled that he will bring his passions for innovation and Judaism to our JCC.” Kurland received his bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University. He is a graduate of the Jewish Experiential Leadership Institute through JCC Association, and is a member of the American Camp Association. Prior to his career at the Sid Jacobson JCC, Kurland worked in finance for an actuarial and financial services firm. Leon Shapiro, who currently serves as the interim CEO of the JCC of Stamford, will continue in that role until Kurland’s arrival. The Jewish Community Center of Stamford is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 6 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 bits and pieces By Sandy Golove Linda B. Gornitsky, Schoke Jewish Emma Shavrick, daughter of Sharon Alexis Bea Leibowits, granddaugh- To submit infor- Family Service past president, is the Franklin and David Shavrick, has made ter of Shirley Brazel Sklar and Bill Sklar. mation to Bits and recipient of the 2017 Connecticut the dean’s list at Muhlenberg College. Samantha Mann-Segal, daughter of Pieces, call 203-912- Council of Family Service Agencies Bi-Cultural Day School honorees: Leeba Aminoff and Danny Mann-Segal; 9945, or e-mail me at Family Champion Award. Shoshanna Dweck, Kamal Haron and grandparents are Ruth and Mel Ami- [email protected]. Susan and Art Greenwald on the Rachel Rothman. noff, and Freda Segal of Melbourne MAZEL TOV TO marriage of their daughter, Alison Deb- Schoke Jewish Family Service honor- Australia. GROWING FAMILIES orah Greenwald, to David Japhe Ash, ees: the Beldotti family and Mark Frank. Rylie Walker, daughter of Elyssa and Kate and Peretz son of Peter and Meg Ash, of Atlanta. Temple Beth El honorees: Lieba and John Walker; grandparents are Judie Cik on the birth of a daughter, Ilana Karen Lander, managing director Steve Lander. and Ray Birnbaum. Shira Cik; grandparents are Regina of Youth Bridge-NY, part of the Jewish Young Israel of Stamford honorees: CONDOLENCES and Barry Cik, Barbara Frommer, and Community Relations Council of New Ari Israel, Gedalya Koehler, and Rabbi Henry Feuerstein on the loss of his Cheryl and Henry Frommer. York, has been recognized as one of the Eli and Naomi Kohl. father, Sidney Sumner Feuerstein. Chanie and Rabbi Jossi Kamman New York Jewish Week’s 2017 “36 under 36: MAZEL TOV TO B’NAI MITZVAH Edward Jacobson on the loss of his on the birth of a son, Levi Yitzchak Millenials Pushing Change Through Sophie Blomberg, daughter of Jill mother, Florence Jacobson. Kamman. Compassion.” She is the daughter of and Jeffrey Blomberg. Carol Krim on the loss of her mother, Helena and Stormy Scott on the birth Lieba and Steve Lander. Jason Busch, son of Maria Levin and Anna Seaver. of a son, Oliver Charles Scott; grand- Aaron Liebeskind, son of Indra and Greg Busch. Dorothy Landress, Barbara Landress parents are Bracha and Jerry Silber. David Liebeskind, won second place in Matan Coll, son of Suzannah and and Ilene Landress on the loss of Tziporah Miriam and Shaya Speter the annual Amud Aish Memorial Muse- Eytan Coll. her husband and their father, Rob- on the birth of a daughter; grandpar- um and Kleinman Holocaust Education Sarah Eisenstein, daughter of Deb- ert Landress. ents are Sandy and Moshe Speter. Center Student Visual Arts and Literacy bie and Jon Eisenstein. Ellen Luntz on the loss of her mother, Shushannah and Ari Yasgur on the Contest. More than 1,500 students par- Lily Fanwick, daughter of Michelle Florence Klein. birth of a daughter, Naomi Ruth Yasgur. ticipated in this national contest. and Eric Fanwick; grandmother is Lee Rolland Mandel on the loss of his MAZEL TOV Susan and Len Mark on the engage- Fanwick. mother, Dr. Elena Mandel. Diane and Rabbi Daniel Cohen on ment of their son, Michael Isaac Mark, Mickey Flaum-Souksamlane, son of Risa Pollack on the loss of her father, the engagement of their daughter, Sara to Sarah Alexander Harris, daughter Alison Flaum. Oscar Sotsky. Malka Cohen, to Avi Petrushka, son of Sharon and Cantor Scott Harris, of Julia Giventer, daughter of Cather- Liz Rosenbaum on the loss of her of Sharon and Menachem Petrushka; Manchester, CT. ine and Craig Giventer. father, Ira Bernstein. grandparents are Meryl and Rabbi Eve Moskowitz, Schoke Jewish Fam- Esther Malka Grooper, granddaugh- Susan R. Schwartz and Keeva Crelan Herbert Cohen. ily Service clinical service director, is ter of Judy and Jeff Cahn. on the loss of her mother and her aunt, Noa Eisenberg and Todd Sharinn the recipient of the 2017 Connecticut Naomi Hanna, daughter of Kayla Freida E. Schwartz. on their marriage. Council of Family Service Agencies and Leon Hanna. Esther Shklover and Gene Shklover Amy Breslow Friedman and Richard Family Champion Award. Daniel Janush, grandson of Alice on the loss of her husband and his Breslow on the engagement of their Rose and Bruce Newman on the and Jason Janush. father, Gregory Shklover. daughter, Emily Breslow, to John Cap- engagement of their son, Zev Newman, odilupo, son of Mary Ann and John to Becca Meiner, daughter of Michelle Capodliupo. and Michael Meiner, of Highland Meryl and David Gordon on the Park, NJ. engagement of their son, Daniel Peretz Miriam and Gideon Pell on the mar- mazel tov to area Gordon, to Lea Riva Winter, daughter riage of their son, Rafi Pell, to Shira of Ellen Mackler and Michael Winter; Ben Shushan. professionals grandparents are Yvette Gordon and Shelley and Eddie Senker on their Regina Greenwald. 50th wedding anniversary. Liora Ozarowski Receives Graduate Degree Liora Ozarowski, a Judaic studies teacher at Bi-Cultural UJF Tribute Cards are a wonderful way to connect with your Day School, has received a graduate degree from the Azrieli family and friends and mark any occasion while supporting the Graduate School for Jewish Education and Administration of Yeshiva University. Ozarowski, who was a Legacy Her- extraordinary work of UJF. To send a tribute, go to www.ujf.org. itage scholar at Stern College, is also currently working on her second master’s degree in Jewish history at Yeshiva University’s Bernard Revel Graduate School. She lives in New York City’s Washington Heights with her husband, Raphi, a rabbinical student at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Says Ozarowski: “I am focused on bringing innovative, thoughtful Jewish education to the classroom, and I’m Liora Ozarowski excited to continue devoting myself to the Bi-Cultural community in the future.” Innovation Unlimited at Bi-Cultural Innovation and ingenuity were on display at Bi- Cultural Day School on May 18 as the school hosted its first-ever MakerFaire – an ode to student creativity, showcasing 60- plus inventions by students in grades kindergarten through seven. Student inventions included a multi-lingual “talking” globe and an “allergy alert” vending machine that enlarges the ingredients on food packages. Also on hand were several exhibitors, including The Discovery Museum, LEGO Robotics, Rippowam Labs and others. Calling the MakerFaire “an amazing and unforgettable day,” third-grade teacher Beth Fritz, who organized the event with middle school teacher Adrienne Robinson, promised “an even bigger event next year!” L-r: BCDS students Raffaella Rascov, Kayla Lindenbaum, Yael Hochman and Gavin Daniel suited up to test out some of the technology developed by ASML, manufacturers of photolithography machines used in the production of computer chips. (Photo by Inbar Barkai) july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 7 Local Day Schools Join Thousands At Israel Parade

More than 200 families and friends of Stamford’s Bi-Cultural Day School, wearing bright red Close to 200 Carmel Academy students, faculty, parents and alumni marched in New York “I Love Israel” t-shirts, set out for New York City early on June 4 to join thousands of others City’s Celebrate Israel Parade on June 4. This year, Carmel’s parade theme was “Hand in as they sang and danced their way up Fifth Avenue as part of the annual Celebrate Israel Hand All Together With Israel at Carmel Academy.” The school community celebrated its Parade. “It was exhilarating to be a part of the largest and most outspoken demonstration love for Israel and its spirit by marching hand in hand together, wearing parade-themed of support for Israel in the world,” said BCDS Head of School Jackie Herman. t-shirts and hats, carrying banners and waving flags. An Evening with Schoke JFS

The Beldotti family, standing (l-r): Lisa, Mike Jr., Mike, Chris, Amy, Zack and Grace. L-r: Liz Kitay, Meryl Japha, Mark and Joanna Frank, and Sandy Speter. Seated: James Beldotti. (Photos by Aviva Maller Photography) On May 10, more than 250 people gathered at the Crowne Plaza Stamford Hotel for “An Evening with Schoke JFS.” The 38th Annual Mitzvah Award was presented to the Beldotti family in recognition of their service to the Greater Stamford community. Mark Frank was honored with the 11th Annual Young Leadership Award. “An Evening with Schoke JFS” was co-chaired by Meryl Japha and Liz Kitay. Sandy Speter served as auction chair and Alan Kalter was the master of ceremonies. “An Evening with Schoke JFS brought together supporters of our agency and admirers of our hon- orees from across the community. Steve Solomon’s stand-up comedy ended the evening with big laughs,” commented Jonathan Fass, COO of Schoke JFS. A live auction along with a paddle-raise supported the agency’s effort to provide Emergency Assistance funds for residents of Fairfield County. For additional contributions, contact Lisa Rich at Schoke JFS at 203-921-4161. Schoke Jewish Family Service is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien.

L-r: Matt Greenberg, CEO of Schoke JFS, and Stamford Mayor David Martin ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 8 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 TBE Annual BBQ and TBE’s Cantor’s Concert Barachu Wows Packed Audience Temple Beth El of Stamford invites grounds of TBE, there will be activi- the community to its ninth Annual ties for young children. Following the BBQ and Barachu to be held on Fri- barbecue, a musical Kabbalat Shabbat day, August 11, at 5:30 pm – rain or service will begin at 7:30 pm on the shine. The free event will start with a lawn adjacent to the sanctuary. The barbecue dinner featuring hot dogs, service will be led by Rabbi Joshua hamburgers and veggie burgers with Hammerman, Cantor Magda Fishman all the trimmings. “This is a perfect and musical guests. Installation of the opportunity to meet and greet TBE’s Board of Trustees will also take place. board and membership as this annual Reservations are encouraged, but event always attracts over 250 people,” not required. To reserve online, visit said Carl Weinberg, TBE president. www.tinyurl.com/bbqtbe17 or call the During the barbecue, held on the temple office at 203-322-6901, ext. 301. Helping Children Transition to Summer Camp By Julie Lapin crease flexibility for transitions and new Above (l-r): Steven and Lieba Lander, Just in time for the summer camp experiences, manage emotions during honorees, were presented with a gift from season, Carmel Academy and Prag- unstructured time, increase non-verbal Mia Weinstein, president of Temple Beth matic Play, LLC, are offering an evi- communication and teamwork skills,” El. (Photos by Aviva Maller Photography) dence-based, intensive pre-summer she said. “Individualized carry-over social skills program for children in recommendations will be provided to kindergarten through fifth grade. parents at the end of the week.” “The program will use hands-on The sessions will be run by both Scar- activities to develop the important ponetti and certified special education skills needed to negotiate the novel teacher Janet Wetherbee. The duo has At right: Cantor George Mordecai (a and fast-paced aspects of camp,” said a combined experience of more than surprise guest) and Cantor Magda Fishman Pragmatic Play’s Co-founder and Co-fa- 30 years working with children who performed. cilitator Marguerite Scarponetti. The have social and language-based delays. sessions, open to the entire community, “Pragmatic Play’s curriculum draws will run for two hours each day, June on instructional methods from leaders 26-30, at Carmel Academy, 270 Lake in the field of social cognition, body Ave., Greenwich. awareness, emotional regulation Carmel Academy partnered with and pragmatic language such as Jed Pragmatic Play earlier this school year, Baker, Ph.D., Timothy P. Kowalski, offering afternoon social skills groups S.L.P., Simon Baron-Cohen, P.D.P., Mi- for children who have challenges with chelle Garcia-Winner, S.L.P., Jeanette friendships, social anxiety, emotional McAfee, M.D., and Kirstina Ordetx, regulation and perspective taking. In Ed.D.,” said Wetherbee, co-founder addition to direct skills instruction, of Pragmatic Play. Pragmatic Play incorporated oppor- “Each child will have an intake as- tunities to generalize skills not only in sessment prior to starting the program weekly after school sessions, but also to allow for the student to have specific in two facilitated weekend play dates. skills targeted throughout the sessions; “This pre-summer intensive is the and the number of children within perfect program to help children who each group is limited to ensure that are heading to camp and who have dif- each child has maximum support,” ficulty with transitions, struggle when Wetherbee said. participating in group or team activi- For more information and to ties, exhibit excessive shyness, or have receive an application, contact trouble following instructions and [email protected] or call problem solving,” said Scarponetti, 914-656-2675. who is Carmel Academy’s speech-lan- Carmel Academy is a recipient agency guage pathologist. of United Jewish Federation of Greater “The program will help children in- Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Nearly 500 people crowded into the sanctuary at Temple Beth El in Stamford to honor Steve and Lieba Lander and listen to a medley of songs, from Broadway show tunes to Jewish melodies, performed by the Divas on the Bima – four internationally known female cantors that include TBE’s own Cantor Magda Fishman. The program also included a surprise guest, former TBE Cantor George Mordecai, now cantor at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, who sang a duet with Cantor Fishman. NEW PJ Our Way Advertisers... is expanding PJ Library to kids ages 9-11

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If you have any questions, please call (203)321-1373-653-2668 or [email protected]. july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 9 Bi-Cultural Day School Celebrates 61 “Blessed” Years The ballroom of the Stamford Hilton was filled to capacity on May 21, to pay tribute to the past, present and future of Bi-Cultural Day School at the annual BCDS Celebration Dinner. In keeping with the dinner’s theme, “Blessed,” the gala evening celebrated the school’s numerous accomplish- ments over the course of its 61-year history and honored several commu- nity leaders including guest of honor Shoshana Dweck, the parent of three BCDS alumni and a resident of Armonk, NY; BCDS alumni Rachel Rothman, who received the BCDS Community Service Award; Stamford native Jenny Fuchs, a BCDS parent who received the school’s Young Leadership Award; At the Celebration Dinner, BCDS President Bi-Cultural physical education teacher David Pitkoff presented Kamal Haron Coach Joe Nealon, who received the with the inaugural Morton G. Scheraga BCDS Celebration Dinner Guest of Honor Shoshanah Dweck (right) with her parents, school’s Jane Schoztic Memorial Award; President’s Award. Rabbi Stanley and Resa Davids, and her son, Gabriel Dweck. (Photos by Clive and and Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein of Stamford Raema Salmon) who received the BCDS Alumni Award. provided outstanding service, dedica- “I am a better parent because of the tion and commitment to the growth of lessons I learned from the gifted and Bi-Cultural Day School, the Stamford caring teachers, administrators, parents community and klal Yisrael,” according and volunteers of BCDS. There is so to a school spokesman. much talent, so much love, so much Among the evening’s entertainment, respect – all fueled by Yiddishkeit and a dinner guests enjoyed a musical perfor- drive for excellence,” Dweck told those mance by the school’s eighth-graders, gathered as she accepted her award.” who were newly returned from their “We chose Bi-Cultural as our school month-long school-sponsored trip to for many reasons, including the deep Israel and were said to bring with them to Zionism that runs through its veins. the dinner the spirit of the Jewish state. What we found was so much more: a BCDS Head of School Jackie Her- family and a community,” she added. man called the evening “a spectacular The evening was also highlighted success, thanks to our honorary chairs, by the presentation of the inaugu- Gayle and Howard Rothman; dinner ral Morton G. Scheraga President’s chairs, Meg and Yoav Haron, and Dani Award to Kamal Haron. Presented to and Avi Kwalwasser; dinner journal Haron by David Pitkoff, president of co-chairs, Cheryl Bader-Goldblum and BCDS Celebration Dinner honoree Rachel Rothman, recipient of the Community Service the BCDS Board of Trustees, the new Stephen Goldblum, Tara and Richard Award, with her parents Gayle and Howard Rothman, who served as the dinner’s award “recognizes individuals who have See “Years” on page 12 honorary chairs.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 10 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 11

fed campaign centerfold

4-color 12 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 Nine Bi-Cultural Students Take Home Literary Awards Allison Yakubovich loves the way prize for fiction in the 32nd Annual “I love the feeling I get when I read Newman-White, Talia Reich, Abigail words sound when she reads them. And, Stamford Literary Competition, it’s what I wrote,” says Yakubovich, who Thau and a student who chose to re- given that the Bi-Cultural Day School safe to assume she loves the way words was among nine budding Bi-Cultural main anonymous. sixth-grader recently was awarded first sound when she writes them, too. writers who took home competition “We are so proud of the growth awards. “I like to speak with a lot of we’ve seen in Allison’s writing,” said detail so I write with a lot of detail, too.” her mother, Shana Yakubovich. “She Veterans and Bi-Cultural Sponsored by the Friends of the has a strong vocabulary and a special Ferguson Library, the competition way of pulling readers into her stories recognizes excellence in the writing of with descriptive words and humor. She’s Students Commemorate fiction, non-fiction and poetry among always been encouraged by her BCDS students in grades three-12. teachers to be creative and to develop Memorial Day In addition to Yakubovich, other her style and her voice.” Bi-Cultural award winners were Jenna Bi-Cultural Day School is a recipient At left: On May 26, Bi-Cultural Cohen, Lilah Gordon, Shira Hecht, agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater Day School fifth-graders led the entire Yehudit Hochman, Jake Lipkin, Taylor Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. student body in a flag ceremony to commemorate Memorial Day. In paying tribute to those who gave their lives in the service of the United States, Bi-Cultural Goes Bonkers the students were joined by several local veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, including Steve Fischer (post for “Mitzvah Mania” commander, Jewish War Veterans At right: Bi-Cultural Day School was Fred Robbins Post 142 of Stamford), caught up in a frenzy of community Sherwin Baer (grandfather of Bi- service recently, when students Cultural students Richard, Georgia engaged in the school’s very first and Celia Baer), Donald Bernard “Mitzvah Mania.” Preschoolers (grandfather of Bi-Cultural students through eighth-graders fanned out Benjamin and Olivia Herman), across the community – freshening and Retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear up a homeless shelter; enhancing Admiral Fred Golove (grandfather the beauty of the Stamford Nature of Bi-Cultural students Grant and Center and Bartlett Arboretum; Sammi Bradley). Golove, who is singing with seniors at the Atria shown here with his grandchildren, and the Jewish Community Center; spoke to the assembly about gratitude. delivering homemade speech boards to disabled students; helping out at a local food bank; and more. “Working Years Continued from page 9 with our hands and our hearts to Shapiro and Stephanie and Josh Bilen- friends and family of the honorees, improve the lives of our neighbors ker; as well as to the entire Celebration community leaders, faculty and admin- is truly what tikkun olam is all Dinner and Journal Committee.” istration in recognition of the critical about,” said Head of School Jackie “It was an absolutely beautiful eve- role BCDS plays in the strength and Herman. Shown at right are BCDS ning,” said Rabbi Bernstein who, in ad- continuity of our Greater Stamford sixth-graders Tamar Rosenfeld (left) dition to receiving the Alumni Award, Jewish community.” and Allison Yakubovich planting serves as dean of BCDS. “The dinner Bi-Cultural Day School is a recipient flowers at the Stamford Nature Center chairs created a beautiful evening, agency of United Jewish Federation of Greater as part of the school’s “Mitzvah bringing together the school parents, Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Mania” program.

June/July 2017 SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED SUPPORT DIVORCE & BEREAVEMENT Schoke JFS Brain Fitness Pilot Program Parent Education Program (PEP) Working with clients to improve brain function while aging in the client’s home. JFS is State-mandated workshop for divorcing parents with children at Schoke JFS Stamford. Fee is looking for volunteers to provide one-on-one brain fitness training. No experience necessary. $125 per person. Call for dates and to register at 203-324-3167. Contact Jami Fener at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Schoke JFS Focus on K.I.D.S. Schoke JFS Kosher Food Pantry For divorced or separated parents experiencing high conflict around parenting decisions. Non-perishable staples for those in need. Donations welcomed. Please contact Rebekah Teaches both parents strategies for communicating in a non-hostile manner. For more infor- Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or email [email protected] to arrange drop-off. For more mation, contact Erika Garcia at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. information, contact JFS at 203-921-4161.

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Schoke JFS Computer Training Courses Variety of courses - all levels, individuals or small groups. Nominal fee. For more information, contact Ilene Locker at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. CARING FOR SENIORS Schoke JFS Seniors2Work Job Bank for age 50+. Lower Fairfield employers can list full / part time jobs for dedicated, Not Enough Money for Food? skilled mature workers. No fees. For more information, contact Ilene Locker or Jodi Max- Schoke JFS will provide information and eligibility assistance for financial help to purchase ner at 203-921-4161 or www.seniors2work.org food. For a consultation, please contact Rebekah Kanefsky, Schoke JFS Case Manager at 203- 921-4161 or email [email protected]. Schoke JFS Life Transitions Beginning Wednesdays at 4pm Schoke JFS Home Companion Support group, meeting weekly, for unemployed facing the emotional challenges of finding A program placing fully trained and vetted home companions and CNAs matched to the employment at the Stamford Schoke JFS office, 733 Summer Street, 6th Floor. Contact Anne needs and specific circumstances of senior clients. Trained aides assist seniors with daily Birchenough at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. activities, chores, and socialization. Certified Nursing Assistants can provide personal care, toileting, and medication management. Services are provided hourly, daily or up to 24/7 at competitive rates. Full supervision by professional Schoke JFS staff. For more information COUNSELING, MEDIATION & CRISIS contact Isrella Knopf, Director of Senior Services at Schoke JFS at 203-921-4161 or email at Schoke JFS For Children/Adolescents Diagnosed With ADD/ADHD [email protected]. Wednesday afternoons. Finding Your Focus with Dr. Lee Combrinck-Graham MD. Service JFS Residential Cleaning includes psychiatric evaluation, review of previous evaluations, family assessment, on-going Employ professionally trained individuals to clean your home and at the same time help support, and medication management. Qualifies for insurance reimbursement. For more support Schoke Jewish Family Service. Rates lower or competitive than other service providers. information, contact Eve Moskowitz at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. For more information, contact Jodi Maxner at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Schoke JFS College Counseling Let’s Talk - FAIRFIELD Need help navigating the college admission and application process? Qualified, experienced Thursdays, 12:45 pm. FREE at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace, assistance provided by Claire D. Friedlander, JFS College Consultant. Competitive fees. For Fairfield, CT. more information, contact Claire Friedlander at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Seniors talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Schoke Jewish Family Kuriansky Foundation Counseling Program of Schoke JFS Service counselor. Contact Rebekah Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Qualified, licensed professionals provide counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, Let’s Talk - STAMFORD children, adolescents, families, couples and groups. For emotional support while Thursdays, 11:00 am. FREE at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue. unemployed, see Life Transitions below. Affordable fees, based on income; no one is “turned Seniors talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Schoke Jewish Family away”. Insurance accepted. For more information, contact JFS at 203-921-4161. Service counselor. Contact Anne Birchenough at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. Schoke JFS Individuals / Families in Crisis Let’s Talk - WESTPORT Comprehensive services. Assistance with basic necessities, housing, medical, social, legal and Thursdays, 1:00 pm. FREE at the Westport Senior Center, 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport. financial matters. Fees based on ability to pay. For more information, contact: Rebekah Kanefsky Seniors talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Schoke Jewish Family at 203- 921-4161 #128 or [email protected]. Service counselor. . Contact Anne Birchenough at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 13 Carmel Sixth-Graders Remember Israel’s Fallen Soldiers By Julie Lapin dents’ connection to the fallen soldier they were me- Flight,’ created in memory of Yisrael Shindler and all Each year at Carmel Academy, the school’s morializing feel personal, relevant and meaningful. of Israel’s fallen soldiers. The sculpture was erected sixth-graders lead a Yom Hazikaron service in re- The sixth-graders met with Aldouby at one of and dedicated by the sixth-graders in Carmel’s Upper membrance of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims her art exhibits, and sat with her as she recounted School Courtyard.” of terrorism. memories of Yisrael, a Holocaust survivor and one “I hope that when other students look at the This year, Carmel’s sixth-graders not only led the of the few ultra Orthodox paratroopers serving in sculpture that we made with Mrs. Aldouby, they learn community in the ceremony, but also helped create the IDF at the time. how important it is to remember the soldiers who a permanent memorial that they hope will leave an “She spoke of her memories, his life, family and risked their lives to fight and protect Israel,” said indelible imprint for generations to come. legacy, and then they saw the memorial sculptures sixth-grader Elie Madof. Over the course of several months, the students she creates. It was an opportunity for them to With the Aldouby family in attendance, the stu- met with Sara Aldouby to hear the story of her broth- think about what it means for art to represent a dents led a Yom Hazikaron ceremony dedicated to er, Yisrael Shindler, a paratrooper killed in combat value or a person – how art speaks in that way,” Yisrael Shindler, telling his brave life story. Aldouby during the Yom Kippur War. said Aldouby-Schuck. was invited by the students to light a candle in her Aldouby is a Trumbull-based sculptor and mother In the days leading up to Yom HaZikaron, Aldou- brother’s memory. of Dr. Tali Aldouby-Schuck, Carmel’s director of Ju- by visited Carmel and led a workshop at which the “I have been at many, many ceremonies before, daic studies. Her works are exhibited throughout the students created their own clay memorial sculptures. but this was the most important and meaningful one world and include “Wings of Peace,” which stands on “She was able to give the students a multi-sensory yet,” said sixth-grader Annie Mozer. “We worked hard the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. Through experience. They learned the importance of memory, to create a beautiful ceremony. It was a lot of work, Aldouby, the students learned not just about the life and about creating memory through their hands,” but so important.” and sacrifice of her brother, but also how the artist Aldouby-Schuck said. “The students then helped Al- Carmel Academy is a recipient agency of United Jewish uses her talent to honor the memory of those who douby complete a memorial sculpture titled ‘Eternal Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. are no longer with us. “In many ways Yom Hazikaron is so far removed from our students’ lives in America,” said Aldou- by-Schuck, who sought a way to help make the stu-

At right, l-r: Artist Sara Aldouby and Carmel Academy’s Director of Judaic Studies Dr. Tali Aldouby- Schuck met with the school’s sixth-graders at Aldouby’s sculpture exhibit. Aldouby talked to students about her brother, Yisrael Shindler, who was killed in combat during the Yom Kippur War.

Carmel Academy sixth-graders Evan Roth and Sam MacDonald helped complete the stone sculpture “Eternal Flight” in memory of fallen Israeli soldiers.

ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 14 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 Israeli Startups are Driving the Car Technology Revolution – Here’s How By Andrew Tobin and others to roll out a test fleet of 40 TEL AVIV (JTA) – Israeli startups self-driving vehicles later this year. But were revving their engines ahead of car vision is still far from 20/20, and some the country’s largest-ever “smart trans- Israeli startups apparently think they can portation” event. More than 200 local do better. Innoviz Technologies, located companies working in transportation in Kfar Saba, and Vayavision, from Or technology were at the EcoMotion Yehuda, are both developing their own Conference in May at the Peres Center lidar laser systems, which use light and for Peace in Jaffa. The plan was to give radar to determine distance. auto industry giants a look under the Meanwhile, Oryx Vision promises hood of “Startup Nation.” “nano antenna” sensors that perform “Companies from around the world 50 times better and cost much less than want to see what’s happening in Israel,” the technologies used by Mobileye. Last said Lior Zeno-Zamasky, the executive October, the Petach Tikvah-based startup director of EcoMotion, a networking raised $17 million in its first round of group for transportation technology funding. If all goes well, it anticipates companies in Israel that is organizing A simulation of cars using Autotalks’ vehicle-to-vehicle communication system. (Screenshot seeing its product on the road by 2020. By the conference. “The idea is ultimately from YouTube) then, some analysts predict, there will be to make deals, and I can tell you we’ve 10 million self-driving cars in operation. had a lot of success stories in the past.” bought the Raanana-based mapping shifted into overdrive. According to The Mobileye group has set the Israel in recent years has become company Waze for $1 billion. And Zeno-Zamasky, at least 550 startups following year, 2021, as the target for an unlikely center for automotive in March of this year, Intel agreed to now work in the country’s transpor- its technology to take the wheel. innovation – it has no car manufac- acquire the self-driving car technology tation technology industry. Here are ‹‹ Talk to each other and the world turing to speak of, and the country is powerhouse Mobileye, located in Jeru- some of the revolutionary things those The cars of the future will commu- notorious for its bad drivers. It started salem, for a record $15 billion. BMW, attending the fifth annual EcoMotion nicate to avoid crashes and ease traffic with the electric car company Better Ford, General Motors, Honda, Uber, conference are trying to make cars do. jams. Experts predict some cars will Place, which in spite of its high-profile Volkswagen and Volvo have also in- ‹‹ Run on electricity with little or no have this ability within a year or two, and bankruptcy in May 2013 is credited with vested in Israeli technology since 2016. charging the technology will be commonplace in putting Israel’s automotive tech scene Now that they have the world’s The era of the electric vehicle has self-driving cars within a decade. on the map. The next month, Google attention, Israeli entrepreneurs have officially arrived. A couple million plug- Headquartered in Kfar Netter, Au- in cars are now whirring along roads totalks is making chip sets that can link across the globe, consuming a third as vehicles not just to each other, but also to much energy as their gasoline-powered infrastructure and people. The semicon- counterparts. Pulling over to recharge ductor company has collaborated with them, however, is a buzzkill. So Israeli Audi on “smart antennae” and started startups are working on ways to make selling to car equipment manufacturers. the pit stops faster and less frequent – In March, it raised $30 million in fund- or even unnecessary. ing, touting its chips’ compliance with a Tel Aviv-based StoreDot claims to be rule proposed by the U.S. Department of developing an electric vehicle battery Transportation in December that would that can be recharged in five minutes mandate the use of vehicle-to-vehicle – that’s compared to the hours that communication in new cars. The depart- are typically required today. The com- ment estimated the rule could prevent pany says a single charge would run a more than half a million accidents and a car for about 300 miles – farther than thousand U.S. deaths every year. almost any electric vehicle now on the As cars become more connected, market and nearly as much as a gaso- Herzliya-based otonomo wants to bring line-powered car. StoreDot recently driver and passenger services – from demonstrated proof of the concept apps to roadside help – via its cloud- on a single battery cell, and previously based marketplace. It has deals with recharged a smartphone in 30 seconds. nine automakers, but as usual, con- Electroad thinks its can do away with sumers will pay with their data, which plugs altogether. At its headquarters in otonomo allows automakers to sell. Caesarea, the company has developed While Autotalks and otonomo an under-the-pavement wireless technol- provide their own security, Argus Cy- ogy that recharges electric vehicles while bersecurity designs systems to protect they drive. With “inductive charging,” the electronics that control a vehicle’s vehicles can carry lighter, less expensive basic functions from hackers. The Tel batteries – and never have to stop to Aviv company does this by analyzing recharge. Israel’s government is working the data that come in and out of a ve- with Electroad to build a half-mile public hicle’s communications systems, which bus route in Tel Aviv using its technology. is otherwise highly vulnerable. Argus If the planned 2018 launch goes well, CEO Ofer Ben-Noon came up with the there are plans for more routes, starting idea while serving in Israel’s elite 8200 with an 11-mile shuttle between the city intelligence unit. of Eilat and the Ramon International For those attached to their regular Airport in the south. old car, but fed up with driving it, IVO ‹‹ Navigate by “sight” Driver Robot has a solution: a robot Mobileye provides most of the world’s that can drive for you. So far, the robot driver-assistance technology. That in- has mostly driven a golf cart-style buggy cludes the sensors – mainly cameras, around a parking lot at Ben-Gurion lidar lasers and radar – and computing University in Beersheba, where it is power that cars need to “see” the road. being developed. But a new and im- And the company is working with Intel proved version is in the works. Sponsor an issue of THE NEW JEWISH VOICE! Do you have a celebration that you would like to share with the community - a wedding, birth, special anniversary, Bar/Bat Mitzvah... Your name will appear on Page 1 of the paper and will feature your photo & a story of why you are sponsoring this particular issue. For more information, please contact Rebekah Raz at [email protected] or 203-321-1373 x102. july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 15 Carl Reiner, 95, Dishes His Secrets to Longevity By Curt Schleier and we’re thriving?’ he wondered. (JTA) – The first thing Carl Reiner So at the suggestion of his nephew, does every morning is pick up the pa- the producer George Shapiro, Reiner per and read the obituary section to set out to find what keeps some old check if he’s named there. “If I’m not, people young. For example, he visits I’ll have my breakfast,” or so he says in 102-year-old Ida Keeling, who does the charming and appropriately titled push-ups and jogs daily. She started HBO documentary “If You’re Not in running at 67 to overcome depression the Obit, Eat Breakfast.” resulting from the drug-related mur- Then the 95-year-old actor, writer ders of her two sons. and director, the creator of the “Dick Among others appearing in the film Van Dyke Show” – “my greatest achieve- are Patricia Morrison, 101, who starred ment,” he tells JTA – goes to his comput- in the original productions of “Kiss Me er to work on his latest project, a book. Kate” and “The King and I”; comic ac- In fact, that’s what he was doing when tress Betty White, 95; and fashion icon a reporter calls to talk about the film Iris Apfel, 94. “People ask me where I and their shared genesis in the Bronx get my vitality,” Apfel says, “and to tell (and not necessarily in that order). you the truth, I don’t have a clue.” Reiner, however, is not entirely in A funny bone is one thing that al- Mel Brooks, left, and Norman Lear, center, with Carl Reiner in “If You’re Not in the Obit, a reflective mood and dismisses the most all the people interviewed had in Eat Breakfast.” (Photo courtesy of HBO) invitation to reminisce. “You know,” common. For example, the late Fyvush he says, “I wrote three books about Finkel – who was 92 when he was inter- and six million others yelling to God, formed at parties and made a private growing up in the Bronx.’ viewed in 2015 – says, “There’s nothing ‘Please stop this f***er,’ and He didn’t.” recording “for our non-antisemitic Instead, he quickly brings the con- more boring than a clean old man.” Reiner does, however, point to family friends,” Reiner quips. “Cary Grant versation into the present. “It’s funny Kirk Douglas, 100, speaks about how and friendships as an important aspect loved it and asked if he could have a you mention the [Loew’s] Paradise his wife urged him to go on the road of achieving old age, noting in the film, dozen records. He was going to England [Theater on the Grand Concourse]. with a one-man show to show how he “The key to longevity is to interact with and wanted it for his trip. You know they While we’re talking, I’m working with was recovering from a stroke. “What other people.” speak English there. When he got back a graphic designer,” he says. “We’re does an actor who can’t talk wait for? His support system includes multiple he said, ‘She loved it.’ We asked, ‘Who?’ putting together a book of posters of Silent pictures to come back?” he asks. Emmy Award winner Norman Lear and he said, ‘the Queen Mother,’ he movies that influenced me as I was They also shared a zest for life, a joie and longtime buddy Mel Brooks. If says. What an endorsement. The biggest growing up. Movies and TV moved de vivre. Among those interviewed were not reflective about the Bronx, Reiner shiksa in the world loved it.” me more than anything. Eddie Cantor. 93-year-old Harriette Thompson, the is more than willing to talk about his Reiner and Brooks became insepara- Jack Benny. Fibber McGee and Molly.” oldest woman ever to finish a marathon, 67-year friendship with Brooks. “Mel ble buddies, an intense friendship that The book – tentatively titled “Carl and Jim “Pee-Wee” Martin, who fought and I go back to 1950, the first day I continues to this day. Reiner says that Reiner Alive at 95 Recalling Movies in D-Day and still parachutes today. came to the ‘Show of Shows,’” he says, what helped cement their relationship He Loved” – is one of several recently The film doesn’t provide a definitive recalling the 90-minute variety show was that their wives, Estelle Reiner and published or in the works in his crowded answer to living a long life. “I think it’s featuring Sid Caesar and Imogene Anne Bancroft, got along. Bancroft, an pipeline. These include a newly released partly your genes,” Reiner says. “Also, Coca. “I was hired as an actor, to be Academy Award-winning actress, died children’s book, “You Say God Bless it’s your environment. Also, if you have a straight man for Sid. Mel was in the in 2005, and Estelle Reiner passed away You for Sneezing and Farting,” and the a funny bone; if you grew up in a family office. He wasn’t on the [show’s] writing in 2008. “It was easy; it was a foursome,” forthcoming memoir “Too Busy to Die.” with a sense of humor.” staff yet. He was working for Sid, giving Reiner says. “Mel still comes over al- Staying busy is one of the bromides For Reiner, at least, religion or spir- him jokes. I came in and didn’t know most every night. We watched ‘Captain offered in the the heartwarming HBO ituality hasn’t played much of a role in who he was. But Mel was standing there Blood’ yesterday.” film Reiner hosts. The idea for “If his longevity. He didn’t attend Hebrew doing a Jewish pirate, saying, ‘You don’t Who decides what to watch? “We You’re Not in the Obit” percolated school growing up. “I got a bootleg bar know how hard it is to set sail. It’s $3.87 talk it over,” he explains. “We’ll see from an obituary Reiner read for actress mitzvah,” he says. “An old Jew taught for a yard of sail cloth. I can’t afford anything on that’s worth a look. We also Polly Bergen, who died in 2014 at age me just enough to sneak by.” to pillage and plunder anymore.’ So I watch journalism – Rachel Maddow, 84. “It scared the bejeebers out of me,’ Reiner’s spirituality hasn’t increased just started interviewing him, and I just who knows that Trump is a schmuck.” he says in the film. much with age – his belief in a higher interviewed him for the next 10 years.” (That’s an opinion Reiner frequently The obit, Reiner goes on, stayed with power was a casualty of World War II. “Six The pirate warped into the 2,000 shares about the president with his him. “How come we got the extra years million people died in the Holocaust Year Old Man – a routine they per- 169,000 followers on Twitter.) Discovery of Hidden Text Prompts New Approach to Biblical Digs in Israel By Adam Abrams Researchers exist in Israel. So it’s doable.” JNS.org used high-tech While the main focus of the research The recent discovery of a previously multispectral im- is to enhance existing inscriptions, the invisible inscription on the back of an an- aging, unavail- idea to scan the back of the pottery cient pottery shard, that was on display at able 50 years ago, shard in the Israel Museum was prompt- Jerusalem’s Israel Museum for more than which revealed ed when Tel Aviv University technician 50 years, has prompted Tel Aviv University previously un- Michael Cordonsky suspected there researchers to consider what other hidden seen markings may have been additional writing on inscriptions may have been discarded on the backside the back. “We scanned the back and during archaeological digs, before the of the shard. The we were astounded with what we dis- availability of high-tech imaging. imaging process covered. It looked terrific using this The ancient shard was uncovered in adds additional technique, and it had not been visible poor condition at the desert fortress of filters, specifically Images on the back of the ancient pottery shard were discovered by to anyone for 2,600 years,” Shaus said. Arad in 1965 and dates back to 600 B.C., to scan pottery using multispectral imaging, revealing text dating from 600 B.C. “It is incredible, and we were extremely before Judah’s kingdom was destroyed shards, or piec- (Photo courtesy of Tel Aviv University/PLOS.org) excited to have discovered this kind by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, es of stone with of material, but it’s also a bit tragic adding to knowledge about the First inscriptions called ostraca, and uses corresponding with neighboring forts and because now we think about all of the Temple period in Israel. Arie Shaus, of algorithms to produce an optimal image. armies around the fort,” he explained. inscriptions that we may have lost,” as Tel Aviv University’s Department of Ap- After deciphering 50 characters on the A man named Hananyahu, who may during archaeological excavations, lots plied Mathematics, one of the principal back, researchers understood the previ- have been a quartermaster in a neigh- of pottery is found and later discarded. researchers who studied the artifact, told ously hidden inscription was a continu- boring fort in Be’er Sheva, wrote the As a result of the new discovery, re- JNS.org, “The front side of the shard was ation of the text on the front. The newly inscription and “had quite a friendly searchers will approach how they handle thoroughly studied, and it begins with discovered text begins with a request for correspondence” with El-Yashiv, Shaus pottery shards found during archaeolog- some kind of standard letter opening, wine and a guarantee for assistance if the said. “Sometimes with these texts, the ical digs differently. “Maybe they should with one person blessing another using addressee has any of his own requests. “It opening will show that the person is just image everything,” Shaus said. “Us- the name of God, ‘Y-H-W-H.’” seems that these guys drank quite a lot, subordinate or superior, but this one is ing low-cost equipment like the camera Shaus explained this use of sacred or maybe the wine was used for antiseptic quite friendly. So it seems like they are used in this discovery would allow each language, although a “small detail,” is “in- reasons,” Shaus observed. colleagues, or the same rank.” excavation to buy or construct one… or teresting and important” because it shows The multispectral imaging also im- The new discovery is part of several at least create a filtering system whereby the Jewish religion and laws currently proved the reading of the front side, large research projects currently un- only samples of pottery, which could used by modern Jews “are a bit different adding four new lines of text. According to derway in Israel to obtain imagery of have been used for writing, are saved to what was practiced back then.” The Shaus, the message was addressed to a man all available ostraca. “We had this ad- and scanned. Maybe we have lost more fact that Jews living in Israel 2,600 years called El-Yashiv, who was a quartermaster vanced camera, so we said why not?” he inscriptions than we have found, but ago could “freely” write the full spelling of of the Arad fort. “He had some sort of said. “It’s not as if there are millions of didn’t figure it out until now. It’s tragic, God’s name differs from modern Jewish large storage facility and people brought inscriptions, like in Mesopotamia or in but we are also optimistic, because now law forbidding the practice. him wine, olive oil and flour, and he was Egypt. Only a few hundred inscriptions we have the technology to do this.” ÊVisit www.ujf.org, facebook.com/stamfordFederation, or tweet UJF at ujfstamford 16 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 American Continued from page 15 interests at home and abroad. And the terror that could be, said Jack Wertheimer, a Jewish history pro- he eventually left behind. An Israeli since 1982, he consumed the community in the run-up to the war led fessor at the Jewish Theological Seminary. The victory recalled the post-war euphoria spoken about in Israel, to an increased emphasis on Holocaust remembrance. also gave American Jews an increased assertiveness where “there was this feeling that Jewish history is over, The shift from terror to power experienced by to advocate for their own interests. Israel’s victory and we won. Certainly the wars were over. The Arabs the Jewish community in June 1967 set up Holocaust energized the movement to free Soviet Jewry, which would never be foolish enough to attack us again.” memory and support of Israel as the twin poles of would go on to organize large rallies in Washington, Even amid the celebration, cracks of discord began to American Jewish identity. At the same time, howev- DC, and protests at Soviet consulates, missions and appear. Jewish leaders bristled at criticism from liberal er, it sparked debates on territory, history, identity cultural events across the country. “Israel has been Americans who had allied with Jews on domestic policy and occupation – issues that continue to consume very good for American Jewish leaders,” Wertheimer fights like civil rights. Criticism of Israel’s military gains American Jews 50 years later. said. “The emergence of Israel as a player on the from some African-American leaders further weakened “There was an emotional trajectory that united Jewish international stage made it possible for American a once strong black-Jewish alliance that had begun people in a way I don’t think we’ve ever seen since the Jewish organizations to ratchet up their presence.” fraying half a year earlier, when the Student Nonviolent revelation at Mount Sinai 3,500 years ago,” said Klein American Jews also became far more comfortable Coordinating Committee expelled its white members. Halevi, author of “Like Dreamers,” a chronicle of Israel’s displaying their love for Israel, and Americans in general “In the liberal camp, there’s a hostility directed at Israel” Six-Day War generation. Growing up in Brooklyn, he supported Israel in the war. Cold War calculations led following the war, Wertheimer said. “American Jews recalled “moving from existential dread to relief when the U.S.-Israel alliance to grow stronger, while among looked upon these individuals as their allies, as their we realized that Israel had taken the offensive.” Jews, expressions of Israeli culture increased in America. colleagues in some of the great battles. They could not American Jews poured their money into support- The war led more American synagogues to adopt Israeli begin to understand why, when it came to this matter, ing the embattled state – creating a precedent (and pronunciations of Hebrew, Wertheimer said, and to use these allies turned on Israel.” expectations) for Jewish philanthropy for decades Israeli melodies for prayers. Klein Halevi remembers his Half a century after the victory, organized American to come, historians say. In the New York City area doctor decorating his waiting room with an enormous Jewry wrestles with its legacy. Fund-raisers and activists alone, the United Jewish Appeal raised more than photo of Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan. lament that there isn’t the same kind of unifying cause $20 million during the week of the war, nearly $150 “It really intensified a sense of Israel being cen- around which Jews can rally. Committed activists are million in today’s dollars. tral,” Sarna said. “American Jews love moments when split among a right wing that feels God delivered into Greenberg recalls a congregant taking out a sec- their Americanness and their Jewishness reinforce Jewish hands a land that can never again be divided, ond mortgage to donate $20,000 to Israel. In the one another. There’s this sense that the Six-Day War and a left wing that sees the war and the decisions New York suburb of Scarsdale, seven high school is a victory for America and for the Jewish people.” made in its aftermath as the start of what has become students raised $10,000 from their neighborhood Jews also began traveling more to Israel, which expe- Israel’s most intractable problem: control of millions on the war’s second day. rienced a period of euphoria following the war. Immi- of Arabs living on lands seized during the victory. “The unbelievable amounts of money that were gration to the Jewish state rose steadily in the late 1960s Five decades later, says Hirschhorn, the joy felt in collected before and during the war, nobody had ever and early ‘70s, and American Jews would later have a 1967 has faded for many American Jews born long seen anything like it,” said Sarna, a professor of Jewish disproportionate presence in the settlement movement. after the war. They don’t remember the Six-Day War history at Brandeis University. “American Jews didn’t want While American Jews make up about 5 percent of Israelis as a massacre averted or a near miraculous victory of people to say we did nothing. There wasn’t much they overall, they comprise 15 percent of West Bank settlers, David over Goliath. For Jews with memories of 1967, could do, but they knew they could give of their wealth.” according to Oxford Professor Sara Yael Hirschhorn, Hirschhorn said, feeling strong was an exhilarating Jews also took to the streets to support Israel. On author of the recent book “City on a Hilltop,” about experience. Now American Jews are still grappling June 8, the third day of the war, 50,000 Jews rallied American Jews in the settlement movement. with the meaning of Jewish power. “The pride they outside the White House, already demanding that “There was just this spontaneous need on the part felt in that moment has changed for our generation, Israel be allowed to keep its battlefield gains. The of Jews around the world to physically connect to Israel who look at it in a different way and have seen the day after the war, 20,000 Jews filled New York City’s because of this feeling that we almost lost Israel,” said outcome of the war,” said Hirschhorn, who was born Madison Square Garden to cheer the victory. Klein Halevi, who has written about channeling his well after the war. “Now the question of our genera- While Jews had protested en masse before, the war own Jewish fears and pride into the militant Jewish tion is, how do you manage Jewish power responsibly, showed Jewish leaders how powerful demonstrations Defense League – a youthful flirtation with extremism whether that’s in the state of Israel or outside of it?” Adult Volunteer Opportunities CHABAD STAMFORD Betsy’s Buddies Volunteers JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER (JCC or The J) Weekly or bi-monthly commitments available. Betsy’s Buddies is a program looking to facilitate one-on-one visitations between Kosher Lunch Program for Seniors volunteers and homebound members in the community. Weekly Help set up and serve HOT Kosher lunch to seniors. Tuesdays, or bi-monthly commitments available and a great opportunity for Thursdays & Fridays at the JCC. For more information or retirees and families. For more information, contact programs@ reservation: Connie Cirillo Freeman at 203-487-0983 or [email protected]. chabadstamford.org. Loaves of Love Deliveries JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF Every Friday after 10 am. Help distribute Loaves of Love FAIRFIELD COUNTY (JHS) packages to new neighbors, friends, new moms, the sick and ANYONE who could use a “Taste of Shabbat.” For more Harry Rosenbaum JHS Judaica Library at the JCC information, contact [email protected]. Cover 2-hour slot (or more) once a week. You’ll be trained on the computer system and the arrangement of books in the library. Call UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER 203-487-0957. STAMFORD, NEW CANAAN AND DARIEN 3SQUARE - In Connecticut, nearly one child in five is hungry The Archives at the Jewish Historical or food insecure and does not get enough food outside of the Society of Fairfield County free meal programs provided by the public schools. Women’s Help protect the pieces of our Jewish history. Do you enjoy Philanthropy of the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stam- finding out about our region’s early Jewish settlers? Do you want ford, New Canaan and Darien is joining other programs through- to help Jewish organizations retain their history and documents? out the country to do something about this situation in our Call 203-359-2196. own backyards. Help shop and pack bags to be delivered to area schools. Call 203-321-1373 for more information. UJF’s READING PARTNERS Read one-on-one with Stamford public school children. One BACK TO SCHOOL SHOP hour a week, mornings or afternoons. 13 elementary schools. July 30, 2017 -- Many different volunteer opportunities still avail- Training, literacy, focused workshops and support network pro- able! Back to School Shop provides economically disadvantaged vided. Contact Marlyn Agatstein 203-321-1373 x115 or elementary school children in the local community with brand [email protected]. new clothing and school supplies that will help build the con- fidence and enthusiasm they need for a successful start to the FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE school year. Volunteers make Back to School Shop a magical day Adult Circle Program for children. For more information or to volunteer, go to www. Serving adults with a full range of physical, mental and ujf.org/backtoschoolshop and click Register to Volunteer. cognitive needs through one-on-one friendships and social SCHOKE JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE (JFS) opportunities with other adults in our community. Oppor- tunities this year will include, social events, swim nights, Drivers needed to deliver food from the Kosher Food Pantry to bowling and community integration employment. For more individuals in the community. For information: Rebekah information please contact Sarah Lipsker at Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or [email protected]. [email protected]. july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 17 18 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017 VOICES AND VIEWS Why I Care… “I don’t speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I don’t have the power to remain silent” – Rabbi A.Y. Kook By Jane Levene Here’s why she cares… council, the interfaith component is I met and traveled the world with Describe your current and what really pulled me in. people around the United States and Focus on: Devra past involvement with UJF Have you been involved with other Canada who are deeply committed Jaffe-Berkowitz and how long you have been Jewish organizations? to that mission of responsibility to Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz involved. I am a board member of Temple the collective. was born and raised in I was one of the founding Beth El, of Friendship Circle and of Describe the UJF programs you are Stamford, where even at presidents of the Young the Jewish High School of Connecti- currently working on and how they a very young age she was Leadership Division, restart- cut, and I’m a past board member benefit the local community as well as active in the local Jewish ing the program with the di- of Bi-Cultural Day School. the greater Jewish community. community. As a teenager, rector of Young Leadership Why is it important for you to give I recently chaired the Women’s she was involved in BBYO at the time, Dana Horowitz, back in this way? Philanthropy dinner with my moth- and served as vice president after it had been dormant I feel very fortunate to have been er, Sari Jaffe and my daughter, Zoe Devra Jaffe- of the Connecticut valley for many years. I also served born in a country where I am free Jaffe-Berkowitz. It was very meaning- Berkowitz region as a senior in high as a past campaign chair for to practice Judaism in whatever way ful for me to represent the genera- school. After attending college and the program. For seven years, I was works for me and to have the finan- tions of women in our community. graduate schools in Pennsylvania, a member of the National Young cial means to give back. I believe In addition to helping organize the Texas and New Jersey, Devra and her Leadership Cabinet, the premier that with these privileges comes a event, Zoe and her friends did a husband, Parry Berkowitz, moved leadership development program responsibility to others who are not mitzvah project at the dinner, packing back to the Stamford area not only through Jewish Federations of North as fortunate. It is equally as important books and toiletries for children in to be near family, but also to be in a America, which culminated in my that I model for my children what it need for 3SQUARE. 3SQUARE is a community where she felt at home in being chair of NYLC and overseeing means to be part of a community and UJF program that ensures Stamford every sense of the word. Devra works JFNA programming for the 30-45 to stand up to serve when needed. public school children in need have as an adjunct professor at Sacred crowd. I had the opportunity to travel Children and young adults should nutritious food to eat for the weekend Heart University teaching religion. around the world on missions to Chile understand the power of philanthro- by providing them with a bag of food She is very interested in interfaith and Argentina, Budapest, Bucharest, py. Much of my communal involve- each week. dialogue and in finding commonali- Istanbul, Azerbaijan, Greece, St. ment has focused on thinking of In your opinion, why should others ties between groups so we can learn Petersburg, Stockholm and Israel. I strategies to educate people about get involved in these programs? In UJF? to see each other as humans and not was on the Executive Committee of tzedakah and to inspire them to give It’s easy to get busy with kids and labels. She loves teaching her Catholic JFNA representing the voice of young of themselves for the betterment of work, and therefore take for granted students about Judaism and Islam, adults in major decisions made by the their community. I hope to inspire many aspects of our community infra- and hopes that the more we learn American Jewish community. It was even my students at Sacred Heart structure. We expect organizations about one another, the more likely an unbelievable experience. to seek justice. We live in such an to be there when we need them, we are to one day achieve peace. I am currently a member of the individualist world, so it was very but that means we need to support Devra and Parry are raising their two Jewish Community Relations Coun- fulfilling to be part of National them every day. If we don’t help out, children, daughter, Zoë, who is 14 cil and, when I was asked to join the Young Leadership Cabinet where who will? and attends the Jewish High School of Connecticut, and son, Andrew, who is 12 and attends Bi-Cultural Day School, to be active members of the young voices Jewish community as well. A Letter from a Friendship Circle Volunteer Dear Eli, life. Your consistent upbeat attitude The New Jewish Voice Sitting down to write this letter, and positive outlook on life, no matter “The New Jewish Voice” (USPS #189) is published monthly by reflecting on all the amazing times we the hardships you face, astounds me to the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan have had together, I couldn’t be hap- this day. Whenever I’m in hard spots, I and Darien Inc., 1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905-2521. pier to have had the chance to get to always find myself thinking of you and www.ujf.org for updates and donations know you and build a friendship that I how you would deal with the situation, Ricky Arbron...... President will cherish for the rest of my life. From and I will always cherish the inspiration James A. Cohen...... Chief Executive Officer day one, before I even met you, you you have given me to stay positive no Advisory Committee already put a smile on my face when I matter what. Meryl Gordon...... Chair received my name tag which read, “Eli I can’t even begin to describe Meryl Japha, Nancy Schulman, Ellen Weber, is volunteering with Eli.” how special your hugs and hair rubs Sue Yellen I joined The Friendship Circle be- mean to me each Sunday morning; cause I wanted to impact the lives of Eli Pinker (right) with his special friend, I anticipate them all week. I am so Reporter Group Staff The Reporter Group edits and publishes The New Jewish Voice. others, but I had no idea how impactful Eli [Last name held on request]. (Photo by fortunate to have had the chance to Rabbi Rachel Esserman...... Executive Editor my friendship with you would be on my Lila Feller) build a friendship with you. I always Diana Sochor...... Layout Editor looked forward to laughing or hug- Michael Nassberg...... Assistant Editor ging it out spontaneously with you in Jenn DePersis...... Production Coordinator the middle of an activity, especially Bonnie Rozen...... Advertising Representative Kathy Brown...... Bookkeeper when we played dodgeball! It’s crazy how much we’ve learned Opinions about each other over the years. Like The views expressed in editorials and opinion pieces are those of each author and not necessarily the views I know how to make your face light up of the United Jewish Federation. by reminding you that we get to play with the ferrets, and you respond by Letters jubilantly yelling “Ferrets!” into my ear The New Jewish Voice welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be to make sure I don’t forget. I know signed and include a phone number. The editor may that you dislike art (it’s OK, I do, too!), withhold the name upon request. but you know that if we get through it, Kashruth I’ll make sure to sneak you chocolate We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any adver- chips during cooking when the teacher tiser’s product or establishment. isn’t looking. And you know how much I love wasabi peas and you’re always HOW TO REACH THE EDITOR: willing to share! Mail: Sandy Golove I’m going to miss you so much when 1035 Newfield Ave. - Suite 200 I go to college and will visit when I Stamford, CT 06905-2521 come back home. I hope I’ve impacted E-mail: [email protected] your life at least a fraction as much as Phone: (203) 912-9945 you’ve impacted mine because I cannot Send article submissions via e-mail to imagine the type of person I would be Sandy Golove at [email protected] if I hadn’t had the chance to become marked “Stamford Voice” in the subject friends with you. And whoever takes my line. Expect an acknowledgement; place next year is so, so lucky to have please re-send if you do not receive one. the chance to become friends with the HOW TO REACH sweetest, most caring and compassion- THE ADVERTISING ate person I have ever met. REPRESENTATIVE: With love, your friend forever, Phone: 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 Eli Pinker SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Eli Pinker graduated from Westchester Phone: (203) 321-1373 ext. 107 Hebrew High School in the spring and will attend Columbia University in the fall. july-august 2017 ■ THE NEW JEWISH VOICE 19 Carmel Celebrates Yom COMMUNITY Yerushalayim CONTACT INFORMATION BI-CULTURAL DAY SCHOOL: 2186 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06903 • 203.329.2186 • www.bcds.org

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CENTER FOR JUDAIC & MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES AT UCONN-STAMFORD: University of Connecticut, Stamford Carmel Academy commemorated the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification with a day filled with learning and celebration. Students from Carmel Academy and SAR Campus, One University Place, Stamford, CT 06901 • Academy’s eighth grade students delved into researching the neighborhoods of Jerusalem 203.251.9525 or [email protected] • and then designed advertisements. They also built ice cream art sculptures, representing www.cjmes.stamford.uconn.edu landmarks and images of Jerusalem. The school hosted SAR as part of a multi-school initiative that brought together 1,000 students from throughout the region for a day of learning and celebration. CHABAD OF STAMFORD: 770 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06905 • 203.3.CHABAD x102 • Leah Shemtov: morahleah@ chabadstamford.org • www.chabadstamford.org

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FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE: 203.329.0015 X414 • [email protected] or www.friendshipct.com

HADASSAH STAMFORD CHAPTER: 203.968-2754 or [email protected]. Find us on Facebook: Stamford Hadassah

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER: 1035 Newfield Avenue, To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification, Carmel Academy Stamford 06905 • 203.322.7900 • www.stamfordjcc.org students were treated to a day filled with learning and celebration. Students and faculty transformed the lower school by re-creating some of the city’s most iconic images, including its walls and gates, the Chagall windows and Nachalat Shiva neighborhood, known for JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL OF CONNECTICUT: 1937 West its umbrella installation. Shown are some of the decorated entrances to classrooms. Main Street, Stamford 06902 • 203.357.0850 • Carmel Seventh-Graders [email protected] • www.jhsct.org JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: General Information: Experience Shavuot P.O. Box 16918, Stamford 06905-8901 • (203) 321.1373 x150 (messages only) • Archives: 990 Hope Street (Rear), Stamford 069805 • 203-359-2196 • [email protected]; The Harry Rosenbaum JHS Judaica Library: JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford 06905 • (203) 487-0957 • [email protected]

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES: 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 • 203.365.6400 • [email protected] • www.jseniors.org

SCHOKE JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE: 733 Summer Street, Stamford 06902 • 203.921.4161 • www.ctjfs.org

TEMPLE BETH EL: 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford 06902 • 203.322.6901 • [email protected] • www.tbe.org

TEMPLE SINAI: 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford 06903 • 203.322.1649 • www.templesinaistamford.org

UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER STAMFORD, Shavuot commemorates the revelation of the Torah on Mt. Sinai to the Jewish people. Just NEW CANAAN AND DARIEN: 1035 Newfield Avenue, Suite as Moses climbed Mt. Sinai, Carmel Academy’s seventh-graders experienced Shavuot by 200, Stamford 06905 • 203.321.1373 • www.ujf.org hiking up Turkey Mountain in Yorktown Heights. After the hike, the students learned Torah at the top of the mountain – learning different texts from several of their teachers. The texts were selected by each teacher with the goal of modeling for the students what it YOUNG ISRAEL OF STAMFORD: 69 Oaklawn Avenue, means to have a text that is so meaningful that it shapes who they are. Shown are a group Stamford 06905 • 203.348.3955 • www.yistamford.org of Carmel Academy seventh-graders taking a break from their hike at Turkey Mountain. 20 THE NEW JEWISH VOICE ■ JULY-AUGUST 2017

THE WORLD IS AN UNSTABLE PLACE. WE BRING STABILITY. Around the world, violent attacks target Jewish people and institutions. Federation is helping to restore a sense of security. Sharing expertise and funding to keep children safe at schools. Standing up against hatred. So that Jews everywhere can walk without fear, into a synagogue, a Jewish museum—or simply down the street. But we can’t do it without your help. Please give to United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. Visit us at www.ujf.org today.