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Quick Look 2 Israel Happy 3 Federation News 6-7 Dallas Doings Mother’s Day 8 Around the Town Creative moms turn 9 Arts & Culture 10 passions into thriving Simcha 11 Youth niche businesses, pp. 5, 6 12-13 Columnists 15 Obituary

Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 24 Iyar 5781 • VOLUME 75 NO. 18 • tjpnews.com $1.00 Off and Running

6 Dallas students spread their wings at Masa Israel teaching program, p.11

Photo: Submitted by Carolyn Smith “This experience has shaped how I see the world and brought with it great friends and great memories,” says Carolyn Smith about Masa.

Light Shabbat candles: THE MOUNT MERON TRAGEDY 7:55 p.m. Friday, May 7 Coverage on pp. 2, 12-13 Shabbat ends: 9:05 p.m. Saturday, May 8 2 | May 6, 2021 Mount Meron: Festive night becomes tragic April 30

6 Americans read on Tisha B’Av, the saddest day rite, it was also a chance to sing and among those on the Jewish religious calendar. dance after a year of mourning. who perished Across the front of haredi news Instead, the haredi world, and sites was an incongruous phrase: Israelis as a whole, have been thrust By Ben Sales “The tragedy of Meron.” back into confronting mass death. (JTA) — Long before COVID-19 The night of music, dancing and The pictures on the front page arrived in Israel, devastating Israel’s bonfires on Mount Meron celebrates of Yated recalled those that have Hasidic communities, the annual Lag B’Omer, a festive day that marks circulated around social media Lag B’Omer gathering at Mount the end of a traditional mourning for a year: the flashing lights of Meron was a moment of release period in which, according to Jewish ambulances, corpses lying in a line for Israel’s Orthodox Jews, a festive tradition, 24,000 Torah students covered in tarp head to toe. Images night marking the end of a religious died in a long-ago plague. For about of Israelis lining up at blood banks period of mourning. a month each year, Jews around the across the country have spread And this year, when that release world commemorate the plague online. Prime Minister Benjamin was especially needed after a year of by abstaining from life’s pleasures Netanyahu has declared a national Photo: ZAKA/Aharon Baruch Leibowitz A volunteer with the ZAKA response group walks through the debris left in the loss, it became yet another tragedy. — music, dancing, weddings, even day of mourning. aftermath of the stampede in Meron, Israel, April 30, 2021. Thousands of haredi Jews getting a haircut. “To be sure, we are no strangers died in the pandemic. And last Those restrictions lift on Lag to tragedy and death,” wrote Rabbi identified. For the haredi families Cleveland, Ohio, who was a student Thursday night, at least 45 more B’Omer, the joyous day on which Natan Slifkin, director of the of the victims, who strive to bury at the Mir Yerushalayim yeshiva. ultra-Orthodox Jews were killed in the ancient plague ended. Biblical Museum of Natural History their dead as quickly as possible In Kiryas Joel, the grand rabbi a stampede at Mount Meron, with This year, that seemed especially in Beit Shemesh, a central Israeli according to Jewish law, the tragedy of the Satmar Hasidic movement, dozens more injured. resonant. A modern-day plague, city with a large haredi population. was heightened with the knowledge Aron Teitelbaum, delivered a “The joy of our heart has ceased, one that hit the haredi community “But in general such things are due that with Shabbat approaching, the eulogy for the victims at what was our dancing has turned into particularly hard, is on the verge to an outside cause — terrorism, funerals needed to wait at least a supposed to be his community’s mourning,” read the front page of of disappearing from Israel — and persecution, famine and so on. day. celebratory bonfire. Yated Ne’eman, a haredi newspaper, right in time for Lag B’Omer. So These deaths occurred simply in the The loss has stretched across the For Israel, which has a painful on Friday morning. while the some 100,000 revelers context of a religious celebration. globe, even in a year when fewer expertise in dealing with death The headline is a verse from who crowded Mount Meron were It’s just heart-wrenching.” American Jews are traveling to from war and terror, last Thursday Lamentations, the biblical book celebrating an age-old religious The dead are still being Israel. At least six men from the New night earned a dark distinction: York area are dead. They include: the deadliest civil disaster in the Rabbi Eliezer Tzvi Joseph, 26, country’s history. Mount Meron is of Kiryas Joel — a Satmar Hasid, worse even than the Carmel Forest WE ARE THE BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS he was the father of four children; fire of 2010, which also killed more Yosef Amram Tauber, 19, of Monsey, than 40 people while burning a a student at the Brisk yeshiva; large swath of a natural treasure. AMAZING CAREGIVERS popular singer, Shraga Gestetner, “[Paramedics] were exposed to WITH FAMILIES THAT NEED THEM 35, of Monsey, married and father of very, very difficult sights, sights that five, was in Israel visiting relatives; we haven’t seen here in Israel since Menachem Knoblowitz, 23, of the worst days of terrorist waves Borough Park, was engaged to be back in the beginning of the 2000s,” married; Nachman Doniel Morris, said Dov Maisel, the director of A Stress-Free Process 19, of New Jersey, a student at operations for United Hatzalah, an Yeshivat Shaalvim in Central Israel; EMT service, in a video from the Caregivers Personally Elazar Yitzchok Koltai, 13, who scene. “I have no words. I honestly had lived in Passaic, New Jersey, have no words.” Matched, Vetted and before moving to Jerusalem with Screened For You his family; and Yossi Cohen, 21, of Stewart Ain contributed to this report. Fair Wages For Save the Date: Calling all Latin American Jews! Your Caregivers ¡Viva Shalom! 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DALLAS JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY | (214) 239-7120 | [email protected] FEDERATION NEWS May 6, 2021 | 3 Schultz Family Israel Educator Fellows named

Program deepens to content, and essential “I am grateful to work on this The latest cohort of The Schultz Family Israel Educator Fellowship, connection between pedagogies that help create program for the Schultz Family focusing on Jewish youth engagement and camp professionals includes: educators and Israel high-quality, meaningful Israel and to honor the memory of • Chana Ben-Abraham, NCSY/ JSU (Jewish Student Union) education. Follow-up sessions visionary philanthropist, Leslie • Livia Bernstein, Temple Emanu-El Dallas, Youth Learning + Engagement The Jewish Federation of will focus on interactive Schultz z”l.” said Peta Silansky, • Melissa Bernstein, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Greater Dallas has announced workshops, and connections Israel and Overseas manager for • Rachel Blum, Congregation Anshai Torah the latest cohort of The to projects and organizations the Jewish Federation of Greater • Philip Cramer, BBYO Schultz Family Israel Educator in Israel with whom the Dallas Dallas. “I have seen how this • Morgan Ducar, Temple Shalom / Greene Family Camp Fellowship, focusing on Jewish Jewish Community partners. experience has infused Israel into • Melissa Essler, Union for Reform Judaism - Greene Family Camp youth engagement and camp “This experience is such a the culture of our community, as • Esther Feldman, Akiba Yavneh Academy professionals. In partnership gift, both professionally and well as deepening the knowledge • Jonathan Goldstein, Adat Chaverim with The iCenter, the Schultz personally. I am excited to and personal relationship that • Steven Itskovich, Ann & Nate Levine Academy Family Israel Educator Fellowship continue to develop my skills each Fellow has with Israel. • Alise Robinson, Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Youth combines leadership training, as an educator and learn new This group of youth engagement Performing Arts Program Israel education and a 10-day techniques, to explore the impact professionals will engage in • Marco Rodriguez, Summer@Levine Israel experience planned for of immersive experiences, and thoughtful and intentional this fall, as COVID-19 travel to connect with other area programming that they can restrictions ease. Jewish educators,” said Melissa share within their organization People refer to what we do as a mitzvah. “We are thrilled to launch Essler, assistant director of and the community. Working We consider it an honor. the newest cohort of the Schultz URJ Greene Family Camp and with The iCenter provides FAITH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPICE is the most comprehensive not-for-profit hospice provider Fellows,” said program founder a member of the new cohort. meaningful opportunities for in Greater Dallas. FAITH is dedicated To make each moment matter for those we serve. Jaynie Schultz. “We are proud to “It is empowering to know that the Fellows to gain tremendous FAITH provides hospice care in the home, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living communities and in our inpatient hospice center, located in the T. Boone Pickens Center, support our community’s youth this group of educators will be insight and varied perspectives north of Medical City Dallas. FAITH’S compassionate end-of-life care supports life and engagement professionals. Their bringing deep, immersive and of Israel education. It is an honor hope, and the values of Jewish tradition. We work closely with Rabbi Howard Wolk, important work has lifelong high-quality Israel education to partner with them and the Community Chaplain of Jewish Family Service. FAITH is Accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice, which means that we are sensitive to the needs of Jewish impact on thousands of young opportunities to the Dallas area Schultz Family to lead this new patients, their families and the Jewish Calendar. Jews and we are proud to support for years to come.” cohort.” them through this program.” Created in 2013 for educators, “With many children looking The cohort kicked off with leaders and engagement professionals forward to returning to Jewish a session focused on building working at Jewish organizations camp this summer, this is an community among the Fellows and agencies throughout Dallas, especially timely and important and an exploration of their the program brings high quality cohort of Fellows.” adds Anne personal connections to and innovative Israel education to Lanski, CEO of The iCenter. Elise Power Rabbi Howard Wolk Sue Kramer, Israel with the assistance of the community. The immersive “We value the relationship with Faith Jewish Hospice JFS Community APRN, FNP-C Community Liaison learning resources created by programming enables Fellows to the Dallas Jewish Community Chaplain Faith Nurse Practitioner The iCenter. These resources deepen their relationship with the to infuse meaningful Israel included The Aleph Bet of Israel land and people of Israel and to infuse education throughout their Education, the preeminent set Israeli education into the culture of community through the Schultz of core principles, approaches their organization. Fellowship.” FAITHPRESHOSPICE.ORG To contact Elise, dial 214-505-7234. For referral information, dial 972-239-5300.

We’ll take that used car Jewish War Veterans of the USA A Jewish voice for Veterans; a Veteran’s off your hands! voice for Jews since 1896 For all you do and Skip the hassle of all you are to us Happy Mother’s Day! selling and donate We are committed to upholding your car to JFS America’s democratic traditions and fighting prejudice, injustice, instead. and discrimination of all kinds • The Department of TALO (Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana & Oklahoma) You will receive a tax deduction when you donate your used car, truck, motorcycle, or RV. Donations like these help fund mental health and social services for the Greater Dallas community. • Dr. Harvey J. Bloom Post 256, Dallas • Martin Hochster Memorial Post 755, Ft. Worth (972) 437-9950 x301 www.JWV.org [email protected] [email protected] Dallas: Ft Worth: www.jfsdallas.org/autodonationprogram [email protected] [email protected] Facebook: @JWV256Dallas @JWVPost755 4 | May 6, 2021 Emanu-El terminates Zimmerman

Aftermath of NY termination in an email signed by reported and properly addressed.” sexually predatory behavior by Central Synagogue Rabbi David Stern, senior rabbi; The email concludes, “We write Zimmerman in the 1970s and ’80s, investigation Beth Gold, president; and Meredith this letter to you in affirmation of the Forward reported. Fried, executive director. the ideals of human dignity and The complainants include a for- Staff and JTA Wire Report The email states that had they ethical behavior that lie at the heart mer teacher at the synagogue who known the details that were dis- of our Jewish tradition and our his- said she was manipulated into a sex- Jimmy Wisch Last week, Temple Emanu-El in closed in a Central Synagogue letter toric congregation. We write with ual relationship with Zimmerman, Publisher & Editor | 1947-2002 Dallas, notified its congregants via to its membership April 27, Temple a sense of humble recognition: no who was her boss, and a second vic- email that it had terminated Rabbi Emanu-El would not have engaged community can be called sacred tim who said she was 17 when Zim- Rene Wisch Sheldon Zimmerman’s employment Rabbi Zimmerman in 2017. until we feel it is safe. merman first began to fondle and Publisher & Editor | 1947-2010 as ongoing scholar-in-residence as a According to the email, Temple “With this process and every kiss her. result of an investigation into allega- Emanu-El has hired a law firm, Ar- day, we are pledged to the vital and Two of the women had also spo- PUBLISHER & EDITOR tions of sexually predatory behavior cadi Jackson, to conduct an inde- unfinished work of making Temple ken with CCAR during its investi- Sharon Wisch-Ray against him by New York’s Central pendent review of the synagogue’s Emanu-El a place of sacred encoun- gation in 2000, according to a letter [email protected] Synagogue. The investigation arises past and present practices and to ter.” sent to congregants April 27 by its from the period when Zimmerman gather facts and report them back to Multiple avenues have been set current senior rabbi, Angela Buch- VP SALES & CIRCULATION served as the congregation’s senior a special committee. up for anyone who wishes to report dahl, and the synagogue’s senior Susan Wisch rabbi from 1972 to 1985. “In 2021, we are thankfully in misconduct, past or present. leadership. [email protected] Central Synagogue’s investiga- an era of greater transparency and Contacts for reporting are: Ann “We are devastated that a mem- tion was reported last week by the accountability related to matters Marie Arcadi, Arcadi Jackson, ber of our clergy could abuse our (or VP SALES & MARKETING Forward. of sexual misconduct,” the email 214-865-6537; Temple Emanu-El any) pulpit and position of power Amy Doty The allegations reported predate states. “We also recognize that clergy, 214-706-0000 or at their within our community the way that [email protected] Zimmerman’s service in Dallas, those abused by clergy have not al- email addresses; Beth Gold, Temple Rabbi Zimmerman did,” accord- where he was senior rabbi of Temple ways been supported or believed Emanu-El president, 914-715-7110; ing to the letter. “[W]e will discuss PAGE DESIGNER Emanu-El from 1985 to 1996. After when they reported the abuse. We Meredith Fried, Temple Emanu-El with the leadership of the CCAR Chad Austin moving back to the area in 2017, pray this has never been the case executive director, 214-706-0000, and HUC how we can do better as [email protected] Temple Emanu-El hired him as an at Temple Emanu-El, in the past ext. 130; and Meredith Pryzant, a wider community to protect sur- ongoing scholar-in- residence. or currently, but we are taking ad- Temple Emanu-El director of mem- vivors and hold the perpetrators ac- AD REPRESENTATIVES On April 28, Temple Emanu- ditional steps to make sure that any ber support, 214-706-0000, ext. 122. countable.” Nancy Sadicarios El notified its congregants of the inappropriate behavior can be safely According to an April 28 JTA Re- The CCAR’s failure to disclose [email protected] port, New York’s Central Synagogue the nature of Zimmerman’s behav- Judy Wisch is also asking why a top Reform rab- ior has sparked “institutional self- binical body appeared to cover up reflection,” the group said in a state- COPY EDITORS/PROOFREADERS the nature of his behavior when it ment quoted by the Forward. Phyllis LaVietes, Susan Wisch suspended him two decades ago. After his suspension in 2000, he In 2000, the Central Confer- went on to serve as vice president COLUMNISTS/CONTRIBUTORS ence of American Rabbis, or CCAR, of Birthright Israel and rabbi of the Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried, Harriet P. Gross, suspended Zimmerman follow- Jewish Center of the Hamptons. Rabbi Dan Lewin, Laura Seymour, Deb ing what it vaguely described at the JTA reported that Zimmerman Silverthorn, Jerry Kasten, Rabbi Benjamin time as “personal relationships” that did not respond to requests for Sternman and Rabbi Yogi Robkin violated ethical codes. Shortly after comment. At press time, Zimmer- he resigned as president of Hebrew man had not responded to the TJP’s MULTI-MEDIA INTERN Union College-Jewish Institute of request for comment Tuesday eve- Hannah Simon Religion, the Reform seminary. ning. The TJP will report any com- COVID-19 may present diffi cult circumstances for your loved one This fall, Central Synagogue ments it receives from Zimmerman. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT launched a probe in which three Daniela Appel Apple Care & Companion is here for you women came forward and alleged JTA contributed to this report. AD DESIGN Short-term or long-term Chad Austin • Personal Care [email protected] • Companionship

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By Deb Silverthorn

Aliza Rodin brings to her Gifts on Fire gifting business an artist’s hand and a giver’s heart. From embroidered baby blankets and tote bags to self-designed fashions, personalized accessories and kosher candy and snacks galore, Rodin has your gift-giving needs wrapped up. “My relationship with my clients is so important to me,” said Rodin. “I really am the person behind the products I create and I want my customers to enjoy everything that leaves my hands. I have dozens and dozens of items in stock and can, almost always, turn a personalized gift around very quickly.” Rebranded this year as Gifts on Fire (previously Personalized Perfections), the new company name is a nod to her maiden name. The Photo: Courtesy Gifts on Fire daughter of Karen and Stan Fireman, “I’ve made great friends of many of my customers, and this couldn’t be a happier Rodin grew up in Cleveland with business to be in,” said Gifts on Fire’s Aliza Rodin. five siblings. After graduating from the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, she studied at Michlalah Jerusalem College for a year. She studied at The 5901 Deseret Trail $600,000 Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and earned her bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women. Rodin and her husband, Rabbi Reuven Rodin, moved to Dallas in 2011. It was a return to the Ohev Shalom community founded by her in-laws Rabbi Aryeh and Henny. In addition to Gifts on Fire, Rodin teaches mathematics and secular Photo: Courtesy Sonnenblick Family studies at Torah Day School of Dallas Rivka (left) and Ahuva Sonnenblick travel in style with bags embroidered by Aliza Rodin of Gifts on Fire. and her husband teaches grades 9-12 3310 Fairmount St. #7A $399,000 at Texas Torah Institute. Twice a nice treat for wedding guests.” couldn’t be a happier business to be week, the Rodin family, including In addition to gift items in,” said Rodin, who has donated children Aron, Racheli, Donny, and sweets, Rodin sells masks, items for fundraising events at Dovid Shlomo, Akiva and Yehuda, yarmulkes and “kippa kubes,” the Aaron Family JCC, Ann and host TTI dorm residents at their painted, personalized acrylic boxes Nate Levine Academy, Dallas Area home for meals and socialization. for storing kippot. Torah Association/DATA of Plano, Rodin creates items for all Rodin creates a range of holiday- congregations Ohev Shalom and occasions, holidays, personal use and specific gifts, such as shalach manot Ohr HaTorah, Torah Day School of party favors. Gifts on Fire, under the at Purim, hanukkiyot, matchboxes Dallas and others. “I love design and supervision of Dallas Kosher, sells and plaques with holiday blessings. I love creating pieces that I know candies and treats in small amounts, All items can be purchased with make people smile — the giver and with or without trays and gift boxes personalization if desired. the recipient.” 3851 N. Versailles Ave – Pending for celebrations large or small. “I’ve made great friends of Rachael Azouz, a customer many of my customers, and this For more information, visit giftsonfire.com. BUYERS ARE WAITING FOR YOUR HOME from Miami, was thrilled with the keepsake boxes of chocolate- Use your long-term care insurance GIVE US A CALL covered nuts and treats that Rodin to pay for in-home care. put together for the wedding of her brother. JULIE LAUREN “Doing this myself would’ve been 214.625.9504 214.682.5088 very time-consuming and Aliza was so easy to work with and very sweet,” [email protected] said Azouz. “She gave me several options of containers, nuts, gummy candy and chocolates and the final 972.938.0703 product was a beautiful box, a really www.customcaregivers.com 6 | May 6, 2021 DALLAS DOINGS Dallas native returns to open baubles boutique

By Deb Silverthorn children, Asher and Ivy, left New Accessories designer Lisa York and spent time in Hilton “Lele” Sadoughi will make her Head, South Carolina, as well as fashionable homecoming to Dallas. An introduction to the Dallas as she opens her first retail owners of Highland Park Village store in Highland Park Village on turned into an offer, and the dream Thursday, May 13. is now a reality. The family is now “I’m proud to open the flagship back in New York; Sadoughi will Lele Sadoughi, an accessory be in Dallas frequently to oversee destination, in Dallas,” said the boutique. Sadoughi, whose opening day Sadoughi is the daughter of festivities will include a garden Jeri and Bill Finkelstein and party, headbands hand-painted sister of Robin Stone and Shana onsite, exclusive styles, wine, Bygott-Webb. She is an alumna of bubbly and more. “The store is Greenhill, the Aaron Family JCC’s truly a jewel box, an experience of preschool and Solomon Schechter mirrors and velvet, with cubbies, Academy, now Ann and Nate drawers and shelves filled with Levine Academy. Raised at Chabad Photos: Courtesy Lele Sadoughi Lele Sadoughi storefront, opening color, material and design.” of Dallas and Congregation May 13 in Highland Park Village The Finkelstein family: back row, from left, Robin, Evan, Lexie, Jack and Katie The idea of the boutique Tiferet Israel, she participated in Stone; Armand and Lele Sadoughi and Shana, Leo and Sam Bygott-Webb; middle grew last summer during an the Jewish Federation of Greater college. row, Jeri and Bill Finkelstein; front row, Evie Bygott-Webb, Ivy Sadoughi, Charlie extended visit to Dallas to ride Dallas’ Israel Teen Tour, March of “We were taught that we could Bygott-Webb and Asher Sadoughi out the pandemic. Sadoughi and the Living and a summer semester be and do anything we wanted,” and working for Rebecca Taylor in Jewelry, Tory Burch and launching her husband Armand, and their at Tel Aviv University while in said Sadoughi, who graduated New York. the jewelry line at J. Crew. from the University of Texas with “The DNA of what I do is “Lele’s a true artist, drawing an advertising degree. Career stops embellish accessories, create and designing since she was little. include working for Anja Flint adornments for the eye to focus We’re not surprised at her success in Los Angeles, studying at Saint on,” said Sadoughi, whose history Martins College of Art in London also includes designing for Ippolita see SADOUGHI, p.9

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Register at: WeinbergGolfClassic.com DALLAS DOINGS May 6, 2021 | 7 Friends unite in raising funds to beat cancer

By Deb Silverthorn Friends and family of Debbie Freed have started a fundraising challenge to honor her bravery, optimism and yoga skills as she battles disease. Described by those who know her as a lifelong health aficionado, Freed was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer last November. Her career and personal life have long been about living and being Photo: Courtesy Clay Freed healthy. Clay Freed “Debbie is the sweetest, most beautiful, caring person ever,” said longtime friend Shelley Finkelstein, who, with 38 of Freed’s closest friends, started Debbie’s Tough AF Yoga Challenge, hoping to honor her by raising money. More than $22,000 has been raised for the Pancreatic Photo: Courtesy Shelley Finkelstein Cancer Action Network to support Shelley Finkelstein research trials and patients battling Dedicated to helping seniors continue to experience the richness of life. pancreatic cancer. Participants are asked to share We provide professional assistance with: their poses or attempts to Freed’s • Bathing, Dressing, Personal Hygiene Facebook and Instagram pages. Each • Companionship participant challenges three others to follow suit, each also pledging a • Incontinence Care, Toileting donation with their pose. • Bed/Wheel Chair Transfers “We’ve got to get Debbie well. • Light Housekeeping & Laundry She’s the bravest woman I’ve ever • Respite Care known,” Finkelstein said. “Whatever we can do to help discover anything • Medication Reminders LICSENSE # 020637 to help her and other patients, we • Transportation, Running Errands want to do that and we are doing • Daily Activities / Engagement and Fun that.” • Meal Preparation, Feeding Freed, well-known to many as Andrea Taubman a co-owner and one of the faces of • Assisted Living Placement (972) 476-0076 www.andisangelshomecare.com Freed’s Home Furnishings, appeared Photo: Courtesy Lindsay Rothlein-Welek • Financing Long Term Care on commercials for the family Debbie Freed’s daughter and son-in-law Lindsay and David Rothlein-Welek business for decades. For years, she has taught yoga and exercise, most recently last fall at her daughter Lindsay Freed Rothlein-Welek’s Kangaroo Kardio. She is a native of Houston, and she and her husband, Howard, are longtime members of Temple Emanu-El. “When times are hard you know who your friends are and mom has lots of friends,” said her son Clay Freed. “All of this support is healing and incredibly meaningful to us all.” Donations with or without participation in Debbie’s Tough AF Yoga Challenge can be made to support.pancan.org/goto/debbie. Those participating are asked to share their pose attempts to their social media. 8 | May 6, 2021 AROUND THE TOWN ‘They were toddlers during the Great Depression. . .’

By Hollace Ava Weiner was going to make it.” They were toddlers during the Len Schweitzer, 91, agrees that Great Depression, teens during exercise is the key. When the World War II and parents as the Benbrook Y reopened in June, he polio epidemic subsided. They put on a face mask and scheduled are the 1.9 million Americans thrice-weekly visits with a in their 90s. Among them trainer. “I really do believe your are 15 Beth-El congregants, mental function is dependent on Brigitte Adele Edythe Cohen Avette Stenzler Arthur Corrine all vaccinated and emerging your physical well-being. When Altman Arensberg Covitt Gressman Jacobson from a year of isolation into an you keep your body moving, optimistic springtime. your psyche gets a boost.” What One of those nonagenarians, he’s missed most is “live music Arthur Gressman, 94, is back performances in a room with on his feet following knee- people vibrating, sharing an replacement surgery — the experience together.” right knee last May and the left Herb Schwarz, 90, jokes that knee in July. For his birthday in he gets exercise and socialization April, Arthur celebrated with by delivering newspapers to Joe Klein Hattie Adelene Myers Trudi Post Roz Rosenthal Dr. Paul lunch at Carshon’s Deli, where other tenants at Trinity Terrace Landman Saperstein he has dined since “plate lunches He takes the elevator to the downtown were 35 cents.” lobby, picks up copies of the Star- Evelyn Siegel looks forward Telegram and Dallas Morning to her granddaughter Katie’s News, and delivers them to wedding May 15. “The same day subscribers on his floor. “My first I turn 94,” she said. Throughout job was delivering papers, and the pandemic her extended now it’s my last job,” he chuckles. family, including a brother Brigitte Altman, 96, spent the Herb Schwarz Len Schweitzer Evelyn Siegel Amy Stien in California, Zoomed each lockdown in the comfort of her Shabbat to share candlelighting, own home, where her physician, Louise Penny. Roz listened on during the deep freeze in our friends. It’s similar, but it wine and challah and to count a gerontologist, made monthly audiobooks and discussed each February when the power went didn’t go on and on like this. And their blessings. house calls. book with her daughter, Marcia out. it didn’t affect everybody.” Roz Rosenthal, who turned 96 Phone calls with lifelong Cohen, who lives in California “Four weeks without hot Paul, who spent his career during the pandemic, was thrilled friends helped Corrine Jacobson, and reads the hardbacks. water,” said Adele Arensberg, 92, in medicine, added, “The polio to witness her granddaughter 93, move forward from day Edythe was thrilled when who also lives at Stayton House. epidemic was every summer. Maddie’s marriage last March, to day. Every night at 7 p.m., the Hulen branch of the public “You made an appointment for a Polio meant we didn’t gather in outdoors at her son Billy’s home. she telephones her high school library reopened in July. Also shower on other floors that had close quarters with anybody.” No Joe Klein, 93, an engineer and classmate Adelene Myers, 94, a content to curl up with a book generators. I just hope and pray swimming. No movies. However, a techie who lives in California, longtime congregant at Ahavath is Hattie Lederman Landman, we have a better year.” Pat Schwarz, Herb’s spouse stays in touch with the temple Sholom. Both graduated Paschal 90. Sadly, her younger brother, Was there ever a time in their and a relative youngster at 88, through the internet. As the High School in 1944. “We have Harry, 87, died March 8 in lives comparable to the year of remembers that she did go to the lockdown loosened up, he looked our little conversations,” Adelene California following a stroke. the coronavirus? movies during the polio scare. forward to his first “professional” said, “and we catch up on Hattie lives with her son, Marty, “World War II was difficult, “You were afraid to breathe.” haircut in a year. (He did have a business.” If they don’t hear from who says his mom is content to but it didn’t interfere with every The Salk polio vaccine, few “amateur clippings” during one another at 7 p.m. sharp, they read, watch TV and enjoy her cat. single day of your life,” reflected administered to schoolchildren the lockdown.) panic. Dr. Paul Saperstein, 94, a Trudi Post, 96. Trudi, Adelene in 1954, was a godsend. “I’m After careers in business, Each of these seniors enjoys family physician who until two and Corrine remember ration amazed that so many people medicine, engineering, social turning the pages of a good novel. years ago taught at the UNT coupons for beef. Rubber tires, don’t want the COVID vaccine,” services and the volunteer world, Avette Stenzler Covitt, Health Science Center, says his leather shoes, and butter were said Paul. “I can’t understand the what sustained these Beth-Elders 92, formed a “personal book son, George, brings him page- not available at all. At the store logic or lack of logic.” during a year of isolation? club” with her daughter, Karen turners by John Grisham, Wilbur where Arthur worked, customers “Certainly nothing was as Daily exercise, says Edythe Delavan, who lives in San Smith and Ken Follett. “No more were limited to a six-pack of politicized as this,” said Arthur. Cohen, 93, who works out on her Antonio, shares her taste in medical books,” he says. “I like Coca Cola. “Even with rationing, The only nonagenarian balcony overlooking the Trinity literature and mailed her novels. easy reading.” no one really suffered from that,” with direct knowledge of the Trail and chats with joggers (Among Avette’s favorites was Nothing too deep for Amy he said. 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic is and cyclists who pass by below. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Stien, 92, either. “I haven’t tried Another difference is today’s Herb, whose father, Dr. Edwin She has a set of weights, stretch Hannah.) to learn anything,” she chuckles. 24-hour news cycle. “It took G. Schwarz, was the city’s first bands and a mini-trampoline to Roz recommends all 16 murder “I like to read, thank God. Fiction longer to get news,” said Trudi. pediatrician. During World War I, bounce on. “I made up my mind mysteries in the Chief Inspector keeps me occupied.” “You got the news once or twice he was chief medical officer at the when the lockdown started that I Gamache series by Quebec writer As she spoke, Amy glanced a day on the radio and in the Canadian airfield in Benbrook. He out the window of her condo in newspaper. You continued on received a citation from the U.S. Rent what youy need from Stayton House, a senior living with your life and appointments.” Medical Corps because his troops complex. She saw some homeless The only comparable had one of the lowest mortality people on Lancaster Avenue. experience may have been the rates during the pandemic. “This has been really tough on polio epidemic. “It just wasn’t “We get it one of these EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. everybody,” she said. “I think, widespread like this,” said Avette, pandemics every hundred years,” ‘Stop feeling sorry for yourself. who lived in San Antonio when Herb said. “I know I won’t be You have a nice place to live and polio flared. “I can remember here for the next one.” We have EVERYTHING you’ll need food.’ The pandemic has taken listening on the radio. They to make your next event special. its toll on everyone. I can’t say I announced block after block Reprinted with permission from Beth- didn’t get a little bit despondent where people had polio. We Elements, monthly bulletin of Beth-El Call or visit our showrooms at 220 University Dr. (817) 332-5258 through it all” — particularly couldn’t go out. We couldn’t see Congregation, Fort Worth.

TTaylorsRental_041708_2X2.inddaylorsRental_041708_2X2.indd 1 44/4/08/4/08 12:29:4212:29:42 PMPM ARTS & CULTURE May 6, 2021 | 9 The Human Factor

What might of the Israeli-Arab peace have been process. Moreh approached In 2012, Director Ambassador Dennis Ross, Dror Moreh’s film “The the chief American negotiator Gatekeepers” (which was for peace in the Middle East, nominated for an Academy and asked if he was willing Award) featured interviews FILM to disclose the behind-the- with the surviving former REVIEW scenes moments of the heads of Shin Bet. In “The American mediators. It took Human Factor,” Moreh By Susan him a few days to agree to turns the camera around Kandell share his life’s work — but in another direction. Wilkofsky eventually he consented and This time, he reveals the result is a compelling the behind-the-scenes story of the story of the peace process. Photo: William J. Clinton Presidential Library. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics From left, Ehud Barak, Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat at Camp David (July 2000) American negotiators attempt to The director explains in the achieve peace in the Middle East. press notes that Nov. 4, 1995, the to really understand why, although Martin Indyk, the London-born Israel and its Arab neighbors was so Nominated for the Diamond day that Prime Minister Rabin a huge American effort had been U.S. ambassador to Israel between close and yet so far away. Award for Best Documentary Film at was shot, happens to be his birth invested into the peace process, 1995 and 2001, give insight into the The film opens on Friday, May 7, the Jerusalem Film Festival in 2020 date. He continues, “Ever since that all attempts to reach peace went offers and missed opportunities. at both the Angelika Film Centers of and winner of the Grand Prix award night, my life was turned around.” so badly wrong since that horrible Incidentally, Indyk was the first Dallas and Plano. at the international documentary That event ended up as the driving November night.” and only ambassador to Israel born FIPADOC festival, it is a sobering force behind his prior film “The Fascinating interviews with outside the United States. Runtime: 106 Minutes look at the decades-long endeavor Gatekeepers.” “It fed a deep desire many career diplomats such as The bridge to peace between Rated: PG-13

SADOUGHI continued from p.6 because of her many talents and creativity and we couldn’t be more proud,” said mom Jeri. “Knowing the kids will be here so much is going to be amazing.” Sadoughi describes herself as a lifelong creative spirit, experimenting with painting, photography, pottery and stamping as a child. One episode she remembers is, as a third grader, being asked to draw her classroom. She chose the perspective of her teacher. “I’ve always been 100% visual. I love everything about color,” she said. On weekends in high school, Sadoughi worked at her family’s Gold Metal Recyclers, where she realized that finding a career of passion was a blessing. Sadoughi started her own collection nearly 10 years ago CHECK US OUT and it has flourished. It started with jewelry and now includes headbands, socks, hosiery, hats, handbags, face masks and scarves. Her “Ladies of Lele,” adult, and ONLINE! “Little Ladies,” children’s, lines will shine at the Lele Sadoughi boutique. From the memories of her 7-year- old self, clad in matching headbands @tjpnews.com and dresses, to her inspiration to bejewel herself and her own daughter, to opening her own store, Lele Sadoughi continues to shine. “It’s really a big dressing room,” said Sadoughi of the store, “ready for a girls’ day of shopping and fun.” 10 | May 6, 2021 SIMCHA

ttjpnews.comjpnews.com BAR MITZVAH Julian Gerstle Julian Gerstle, son of Melissa and Michael Gerstle of Dallas, will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah NOW OPEN! at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Congregation Shearith Israel. Rabbi Ari Sunshine and Cantor Itzhak Wednesdays – Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Zhrebker will officiate. Julian is the brother of Charlotte, 10. He is the grandson of Dorrit and Walter Gerstle of Lantana, Florida; Fern Chosed and Jack Russell of New York City; and Roberta and Les Chosed of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A sixth grade student at St. Mark’s School of Texas, Julian enjoys kayaking, track, football and reading. Get tickets at DHHRM.ORG Julian’s pandemic/bar mitzvah project was and continues to be to make and sell homemade gluten-free cookies (https://www.thekoalacookie. com/) and donate 10% of gross receipts Live for Today to the Koala Foundation to help rescue and save koalas in Australia. Protect them for the future Julian and his family look forward to welcoming his grandparents and Aunt Gabriella Gerstle, Aunt Stacey Chosed, Aunt Jeana Fulenwider and cousin Aaron Chosed-Fulenwider to their simcha. They hope to celebrate in September with more family and friends.

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Israel year life-changing BPBC Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center A counseling and educational center focused on for recent grads helping kids, teens and families By Deb Silverthorn young international Jews to teach nonprofit management. While many have found the Israeli children. Participants spend “I work on reading, spelling and year of the pandemic stifling and 20 hours each week based at schools writing, and the students love playing limited, six Dallasites have had the throughout the country, the year games, listening to TikTok and One opportunity to teach as participants shifting schedules with some Direction songs,” said Balis, who of the Masa Israel Teaching programs online and others in person. teaches third through sixth grades Fellowship program. The six Sarah Balis, the daughter of Drs. near Jerusalem. “Some days we have students will return to the United Amy and David Balis, has spent the elaborate lessons, some days I focus States bringing home lessons of a year teaching children living with more on relationship building.” Where kids become kids…again! lifetime. special needs, partaking in a seven- Hearing “chag sameach” around Teen Counseling Parent Facilitation “Masa is a journey, an experience, week leadership program of Masa and each of the holidays will resound with ADHD Testing/Coaching Speech & Language Therapy an opportunity to share in a concept Hillel, gardening and cooking with Balis as one of the most meaningful to live like the locals,” said Ofer her roommates. memories of the year. “I will forever Family Counseling Testing & Assessment Gutman, CEO of Masa, which is Balis’ career plans to work for a treasure shopping, walking the Play Therapy Divorce Care supported by the Jewish Federation Jewish nonprofit organization were streets and really the overall feeling of Greater Dallas and its investment inspired by her family’s longtime of celebrating as a country,” she 17210 Campbell Road, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75252 (972) 250 1700 in the Jewish Agency for Israel. “They involvement at Congregation Anshai said. “This year has truly been a life- www.DrBeckloff.com work, they travel, they connect and Torah and her undergraduate changing experience.” they see Israel immersed in its society. experiences with Hillel at Arizona State Aaron Eichelbaum, the son of Julie For the children of Israel, it is an University, where she graduated from and Dennis Eichelbaum and a Temple incredible chance to strengthen their Barrett, The Honors College, with a Shalom member, graduated last year English, and for everyone it is about bachelor’s in human communication relationship building.” with minors in religious studies and see MASA, p.15 The Masa participants are just six of 45 Dallas-area participants in Masa Israel Journey’s numerous programs, which vary from two to 12 months and include gap year, career development and volunteer Specializing exclusively with infants, opportunities. More than 160,000 Dr. Terri Train children and teens young adults, ages 18 to 30, have (Terri Train Greenspan) participated in Masa programs since Carrollton Office: Richardson Office: 972-235-8555 its founding, leaving their hearts and 4443 N. Josey Lane, Ste. 180 100 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 1108 www.childentspec.com Carrollton, Texas 75010 Richardson, Texas 75080 footprints in Israel from 62 countries. The program subsidizes round-trip Dr. Harold Simpson, Dr. Terri Train, Dr. Candice Hutcheson, Dr. Rodney Lewis travel to Israel, housing, insurance, visa, placement and more. Each Dallas participant upon arrival spent a two-week isolation period in a furnished and stocked apartment. They are all vaccinated against COVID-19, and connected to host families with whom they can celebrate Shabbat and holidays, as well as coordinators who are always on call to help. In 2021, the program is celebrating 10 years of bringing 12 | May 6, 2021 In their words . . . The tragedy in Meron Columnists, opinion from the TJP Dear Rabbi Fried, rence is a wake-up call from Heav- We have been decimated by the deaths of so many Jews en and, although we don’t know in Meron and have been trying to make sense out of it, but the “why,” we need to think about it just seems so senseless. Can you help us make some sense what this is teaching us in order to My brilliant out of this? strengthen ourselves in something Joseph and Marna K. which is lacking. Dear Joseph and Marna, Whenever I think about what I wholeheartedly share your feelings of decimation. ASK THE has happened, two thoughts come bipolar sister Every time I read the details of another one lost, I weep to mind. anew. Fathers of large families, young children, a young RABBI One is, the holiness of many I’m thinking today about my not to live with groom, a young husband with his wife expecting their of those who died makes it clear By Rabbi late sister, whose birthdate is us, but to be first child, budding Torah scholars, the list goes on and that they were not being punished Yerachmiel fast approaching — a very good somewhere near on.… It’s almost too much to handle.… (It’s especially for anything they had ever done. D. Fried time for me to remember her at a first-degree close to home with having one of our sons in attendance Many Torah sources show that, at her best and worst — which is of relative to call there — he got out just in time — and a second son who times, when there is a very powerful decree against the course true for memories of any- on as needed. almost went and changed his mind.…) Jewish people, G-d, in His mercy, will take some of the one. But a bit different here, be- One of such Whenever we suffer a terrible calamity such as this, righteous to atone for the entire generation. Again, we cause Ruth was bipolar. times was win- we grope for answers and come up empty. Especially don’t know this to be the case; it’s just a feeling in my She was born just two months IN MY ter, when she when it occurs in such a holy place, at the grave of one heart. short of my fifth birthday, so I MIND’S I was teaching of the holiest and greatest Jews of all time. And on such The second thought, a more difficult and sorrowful didn’t realize for years that my high schoolers a holy day, the day of the yahrzeit of that sage, Rabbi one, is that the way these holy people died was by being parents had recognized her prob- By Harriet but had trouble Shimon bar Yochai, with the Jews present there to hon- crushed by fellow Jews. Although of course it wasn’t in lem early on — the reason that P. Gross waking up and or his memory and to bring honor to the Torah. It just their power to stop it, that’s still what happened, sad as I, a first child, would never have getting started boggles the mind and the heart! this is to contemplate. other siblings. But despite her in really bad weather; then I would On the other hand, moments before this tragedy the One can’t help but think that this is supposed to be handicap, she did remarkable drive to her apartment, haul her entire crowd of 100,000 had joined together in a heart- a lesson for us all, to look deeply within ourselves and things… out of bed, and make sure she was rending rendition of “Ani Maamin,” a nearly thousand- consider whether we, with our speech or actions, per- I was a couple of years ahead of OK for the day.… year-old song proclaiming our complete and perfect be- form acts which crush a fellow Jew. By speaking words myself from kindergarten on, so Please understand: All her life, lief in the eventual coming of the Messiah. They sang it, which shame or embarrass another, whether in person we were never in the same school my sister took proper medications all swaying together, to an enchanting tune which was or behind their backs, whether with actual words or at the same time. I was an excel- under doctors’ orders. A break- composed in one of the Nazi concentration camps and online (which can be far worse, given the far reach of lent student, and Ruth sometimes through of sorts was Dr. Eliza- somehow spread throughout the camps like wildfire, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), we can virtually kill another. suffered from unthinking teach- beth Kübler-Ross of “Death and those Jews surrounded by death continuing to proclaim The Talmud says that shaming another in public is tan- ers who made sibling compari- Dying” fame, who moved from their undying faith in the final redemption. That was tamount to murder. sons, like “You are not the same England and found her Ameri- the song sung by that holy convocation two minutes be- This is a time to begin to study the works of the kind of student that your sister can home in Chicago’s south sub- fore the calamity. Chofetz Chaim, the laws of lashon hara or negative was.” Today I say “Not Fair!” to urbs, where I was on the board of Although we are not prophets and don’t have the speech, and focus on our love for one-another and how something I didn’t even know our local Mental Health Center. revelation to know why such things befall us, we still we can use our speech and actions to build up others. about for years. When Dr. Ross joined that insti- need to think about what happened and what to learn To do so, I believe, will change the Jewish people and Despite Ruth’s many difficul- tution as an adviser, she advised from it. Our sages have taught that every such occur- give some meaning to this terrible loss. ties, as my own understanding of me on lithium, which proved to bipolarism expanded, I realized be very helpful for Ruth. How what an incredible overachiever many times in anyone’s life does she was. She earned three col- the right person enter it at the The origins of lege degrees: one as a graduate right time? I am especially grate- in education at an all-women’s ful for this, one of my own such school, then a master’s in his- times! tory from a coed university that Still, all does not always end Camp Chai’s tribes enabled her to find excellent po- well. Ruth’s life concluded in fa- sitions in teaching high school- cilities where I could visit, but Dear Families, Benjamin: “a hungry wolf ers about her specialties — in- she had lost contact with reality. As we get ready for Camp Chai, campers are ex- who eats in the morning,” pro- cluding the U.S. Civil War and A short time before, she had been cited to find out what “tribe” they will be in. Every duced fine soldiers and gave Is- the American Labor Movement. unable to attend her only grand- camp has traditions and Camp Chai at the J has rael its first king. The symbol is And how her students loved her son’s bar mitzvah, and didn’t a longstanding tradition of naming our groups by the wolf. for enlivening their classes by even know what she had missed. the 12 tribes. Here is part of the blessing that Jacob Dan: means “to judge” and voicing Rebel yells and singing I am thankful that her death was gave to each of his sons, who later became the lead- Dan would “judge his people.” Union songs! Her third degree easy, a quiet passage in a very un- ers of the 12 tribes of Israel: SHALOM But Jacob also said: “Dan was an MBA, which she earned derstanding nursing home that Reuben: the eldest who showed a deep sense of FROM THE shall be a serpent in the way.” during a couple of years while followed her lead and wishes for responsibility. He convinced his brothers not to SHABBAT LADY The symbol is the serpent and she took — for reasons of vari- the short time in which she could kill Joseph. Later, he offered the lives of his own scales of justice. ety only — a business position. express them. And although her sons if he should fail to bring Benjamin back to By Laura Judah: was a “young lion,” But with all this good going for daughters and I were not happy Egypt. His symbol is the mandrake, the flower he Seymour declared Jacob. “Rulers will her, much became bad because with her desire for cremation, we brought to his mother Leah. descend from him.” Judah’s of the erratic behavior she had also bowed to her own wishes — Gad: means “good fortune” and though “raided descendants include King David and King Solo- no effective control over. Even- written much earlier, and never by raiders, he shall raid at their heels.” The symbol mon. The symbol is the lion. tually, she married — had two changed.… is camp tents, standing for prowess in battle. Naftali: was alert, nimble and a good speaker. daughters — and divorced her I thank you now, for reading, Joseph: the favorite son, who was noble and dis- Jacob said he was “a deer let loose; he gives goodly husband, although she was the and also understanding. tinguished; he was Jacob’s favorite. Joseph’s sons words.” The symbol is a deer, still used by the Is- only one who wanted it.… were given a blessing from Jacob because of their rael Ministry of Posts. She had followed me after I Harriet Gross can be reached at harrietgross@ father’s honor. The symbol for Joseph includes the married and moved to Chicago, sbcglobal.net. bull and the unicorn for his two sons. see SEYMOUR, p.14 In their words . . . May 6, 2021 | 13 EDITORIAL Lessons from the disaster at Mount Meron

Last Friday, April 30, a celebration of “profound condolences on behalf of the ceremony. at large public celebrations and events. Our more than 100,000 Jews at Mount Meron American people to our friends in Israel.” “Safety warnings for Mount Meron plans also must include a blueprint for safe was transformed from a milieu of joy to the He said, “The loss of life among worshipers have existed, in print, for more than a exits. essence of tragedy when a human stampede practicing their faith is heartbreaking. The decade. Two State Comptroller Reports in As the coronavirus subsides in the arose during an atmosphere of chaos. people of the United States and Israel are the past, in 2008 and 2010, had pointed coming months, members of our Jewish The New York Times reported that bound together by our families, our faiths out the safety deficiencies at the site. The community will return to gathering in about 1 a.m. May 1, participants at the and our histories, and we will stand with dangers were apparent to anybody who larger numbers in synagogues, in public annual Lag B’Omer celebration “began our friends.” had visited the shrine of Rabbi Shimon spaces for lifecycle events and in our to pour out of a section of a compound The Jerusalem Post published Bar Yohai, atop Meron, and not just in the homes. We must heed the lessons of Mount where festivities were being held.” Deaths an editorial this week calling for an crush of mass celebrations and bonfires. Meron by planning for the unexpected that resulting from the subsequent disorder investigation of the tragedy. The newspaper The infrastructure was not built for tens of can occur within a matter of moments. numbered at least 45, with an estimate that wrote that “a state commission of inquiry thousands of visitors at a time.” The lives lost last week on Mount Meron at least 150 people were seriously injured. chaired by [an Israel] Supreme Court Sunday, May 2, was a national day cannot be replaced. However, we may At least six Americans died during the justice is the only correct decision” to of mourning in Israel. Consistent with honor their memories by practicing safety crushing event. understand why the tragedy occurred. religious practices, the families of those measures and having adequate security, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu The Jerusalem Post editorial also noted: who perished buried their loved ones whenever we gather. By doing so, we may correctly characterized the tragedy as “Every year, hundreds of thousands flock promptly after Shabbat ended. ensure that those who lost their lives last “a terrible disaster.” He pledged that the to the site. They range from traditional to As American Jews, it is important that week will not have died in vain. causes of the disaster would be “thoroughly ultra-Orthodox Jews. For many families, we remember last week’s tragedy at Mount investigated” after the end of the traditional it is customary to cut the hair of 3-year- Meron. The catastrophe underscores the A version of this editorial appeared in the May 6, 2021, mourning period. old boys for the first time on Lag Ba’omer, importance of careful planning when we issue of the Jewish Herald-Voice in Houston. Reprinted President Joe Biden expressed his and Mount Meron is a favorite site of the gather in large numbers in our synagogues, with permission. The uncomfortable Celebrating diversity parts of Torah and discourse as one

The Torah contains powerful rabbi at Har Sinai Congregation With almost 8 billion engaging, critically discussing ethical teachings that are in Baltimore, Maryland, where different humans on this planet, and dynamic dialoguing with one celebrated throughout Jewish slavery was legal. After Raphall’s our diversity is essential and another — even with significant tradition: Every person was created sermon was published, Einhorn inevitable for our survival and disagreement — that has been in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). was so upset that he issued a point success. Physiological, social our foolproof Jewish strategy Love your neighbor as yourself by point refutation that included: and spiritual adaptations have for survival. The mere choice (Leviticus 19:18). Care for those “God created man in His created diverse life forms on the to engage is an expression of without power in society because D’VAR image.… A book which sets up planet that have evolved into GUEST connection and concern. we were strangers in Egypt (many this principle and at the same time building a world full of rich and Our identities are complex places). The Torah is also filled TORAH says that all human beings are complex traditions and identities. COLUMN and, in the current climate, with contradictions — including descended from the same human Whether we look at Mexican highly politicized. Each group we By Rabbi Charlie By Joshua teachings that contradict some of parents, can never approve of philosopher and politician José select to include in our identity Cytron-Walker Yudkin these fundamental values. slavery and have it find favor in the Vasconselos’ “cosmic race” constellation or that is selected Parashat Behar- In this week’s Torah portion, sight of God….” In his conclusion, in a “universal era of humanity” or for us by others carries connotations Bechukotai Behar-Bechukotai, we read: he wrote, “I am no politician and religious scholar and Minister Huston that may or may not be how we identify. “B’achiv lo tirdeh vo b’fared — regarding do not meddle in politics. But to proclaim Smith’s affirmation that “If we take the Some conversations coerce persons to your brother (fellow Israelite), no one shall slavery in the name of Judaism to be a world’s enduring religions at their best, reject part of their identity constellation rule with cruelty over another” (Leviticus God-sanctioned institution — the Jewish- we discover the distilled wisdom of the while others obfuscate authentic and 25:46). These words are meant to clarify religious press must raise objections to human race,” our collective narrative collective experiences. Often we are whom an Israelite can own as a slave and this, if it does not want itself and Judaism is rich with teachings that celebrate our left without safe spaces to explore our how slaves are to be treated. While we branded forever.” multifaceted diversity as a species. identity constellation, much less practice cannot own one of our kin, Leviticus 25 His congregation and his community Throughout history, there have also articulating it. makes it permissible to own people from were outraged. In April 1861, weeks after been destructive and divisive voices. The group experience is no different. other nations as property that could be Einhorn’s sermon was delivered and These voices are, too often, shaping and Distinction does not inherently mean passed down from generation to generation. published, a riot broke out that destroyed facilitating our public discourse today. discrimination. Affirming and celebrating Today, many would prefer to ignore these Einhorn’s printing press and forced him Contemporary cancel culture emphasizes the diversity of experiences, thought and verses, try to explain them away or just be to flee his congregation and his home. He differences and stifles the genuine identity can unite and cultivate sustainable embarrassed by them. Back in January, 1861, resettled in Philadelphia. exchange of diverse, diverging and divine partnerships that transcend intergroup the prominent New York rabbi, Rev. Morris We celebrate diverse opinions in thought. Intragroup and intergroup and intragroup disagreement. Through Raphall, used such teachings to justify the Judaism. Some of those diverse opinions conflict forces false understandings, employing intentionality and actively Biblical legitimacy of the institution of can be uncomfortable. Einhorn literally choices and allegiances between group choosing to demonstrate relentless respect slavery. He explained, “I grieve to find myself caused a riot that ran him out of town members that require nuance and context. for all, we, together, can see ourselves as saying a good word for slavery, but God and for opposing slavery. Chassidic Jews were Jewish tradition offers an alternative one: in the words of American songwriter the truth must prevail!” He was not alone in excommunicated twice by the Vilna Gaon to the status quo and empirically teaches India Aire, “So many different races and his support. Rabbi David Einhorn strongly in the 18th century. And just over a month that disagreement can be a way of staying religions, and it all comes down to one.” disagreed. ago, the Religious Zionist Party won six seats engaged. As one of the most prominent and Einhorn was radical when it came to in Israel’s most recent elections. It contains Whether we look at rabbinic debates influential Jewish leaders of the 21st reforming Judaism but was not politically factions that oppose Israel’s justice system between Hillel and Shamai or more century, Natan Sharansky summed it up active. He had left the German states in modern debates about Israel-Diaspora 1855 for the United States and served as the D’VAR TORAH, p.14 relationships, it is the act of simply see YUDKIN, p.14see 14 | May 6, 2021

Such views can be much closer to with the shvartzahs (a derogatory to acknowledge that both are a our words and deeds, may we D’VAR TORAH home. After college, I went to work Yiddish term for black people)?” part of our past and our present. help to bring about a world where continued from p.13 in Detroit at a civil and human Judaism teaches that every We also have to understand that every human being is treated with rights organization. When I looked human life is equal to the entire Judaism changes over time. Today, dignity and respect. and LGBT rights, and support at a couple of apartments in the world. Jews and Jewish teachings there’s no debate — we stand with racial separation and expelling city, my beloved great-aunt asked can also devalue other Jews and Einhorn. All of humanity is sacred. Charlie Cytron-Walker is the rabbi of Congrega- Arabs. me, “Why do you want to go live devalue other people. We have All of humanity is family. Through tion Beth Israel in Colleyville.

the Jewish Federation of Greater civic engagement. By focusing Jewish tradition, values and ideas Joshua Yudkin currently serves as an execu- YUDKIN Dallas’ Jewish Community on current challenges, we create have kept the Jewish people alive tive committee member of the Jewish Federa- continued from p.13 Relations Council (JCRC) Just a safe space for individuals and and contributed to the betterment tion of Greater Dallas’ Jewish Community Conversations young adult groups to come together to both of humanity in so many ways. Relations Council (JCRC) and is a co-founder best in his newest book, “Never leadership initiative, I am proud explore and articulate their True Jewish leadership transcends of JUST Conversations. He is an epidemiolo- Alone,” stating, “We need better, that we aim to defuse the charged respective identity constellations our tribe, encouraging and gist by training who was recently awarded more sustained, more substantive contemporary cancel culture and find the common ground to empowering a dialogue of one so a Fulbright research grant and works at the dialogue.” by cultivating a community of act as one. that, together, with other tribes, intersection of community building and As a cofounder and chair of young leaders passionate about Sharansky reminds us that our we can better humanity as one. public health.

Asher: means “happy,” and he — it is to the tune of “Catalina All honor goes to Judah the an- led a wolf-like tribe. SEYMOUR would be “rich in oil.” The tribe Magdalina” (some verses are a cestor of David the King. First he takes the goodies and continued from p.12 of Asher grew olive groves and little tricky) but the same message His tribe would win back the later he will divide. CHORUS provided the Temple with oil. The is given: Promised Land and praises would Joseph was the favorite but we Simeon: the descendants symbol is the olive tree. JACOB BLESSES HIS SONS ring. CHORUS all know that. of Simeon would be scattered Menasha & Ephraim: Joseph’s CHORUS: Jacob had twelve Zebulon got the seashore and Is- He got the longest blessing plus among the tribes. The symbol is sons were adopted by Jacob for a sons but they came from different sachar got the land. the coat upon his back. CHORUS the Gates of Shechem, which was special blessing. “By thee shall Is- moms. In looking at the blessings, these Ephraim and Menasha were Jo- a city where the tribe of Simeon rael bless, saying: ‘G-d make thee as Each became a tribe in Jewish two were very grand. CHORUS seph’s pride lived. Ephraim and Menasha.’” The sym- history. The task of judging all the folks They got Grampa Jacob’s bless- Isssachar: was a hard worker bol for Menasha was the unicorn. Reuben was the oldest but he was given to Dan. ing as the stood side by side. CHO- and would enjoy security in the Levi: the tribe that served the didn’t have much spine But for eloquence in speech, RUS land. The symbol is a donkey, Kohanim and the Temple. The so he got the basic blessing but Naphtali was the man. CHORUS Hope you can sing this! And if which works hard. symbol was the hoshen mishpat — without the bottom line. CHORUS Gad will be a raider with a win- you want another “biblical story” Zebulon: would “dwell at the the breastplate of judgment. On As for Simeon and Levi, their ning warrior band. in a camp favorite song, just ask shore and be a haven for ships.” the plate were twelve jewels, each families got mixed. And Asher will lead the traders me for my “Jacob Gets a Bride.” The symbol is a ship with the with the name of a tribe. Due to what occurred in and bring delicacies to the land. breeze blowing and the white Now if that is too much to re- Shechem, their blessing was nixed. CHORUS Laura Seymour is director of Camping Ser- foam flowing. member, here is a song we sing CHORUS Benjamin was the baby but he vices at the Aaron Family JCC.

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Frances Kahn Cytron The University of Texas who knew her. Frances was a Ronald McDonald House. deeply by her sister Sandra Katz, at Austin and lived her true “Woman of Valor” in her She is survived by Frank along with numerous nephews, Frances Kahn Cytron, entire adult life in Dallas. commitment, loyalty and strength. Cytron, her husband of 72 years, nieces and cousins. born Feb. 11, 1929, A lifelong member She never missed a Yizkor service and her sons Ron Cytron (Betsy) The family requests that passed away April 26, of Shearith Israel to honor the memory of her and Scott Cytron (Kevin Turner). donations be made in her name to 2021. Frances was born Synagogue, she will mother and father; she raised She was the proud grandmother of the Paula and Marc Wolens Senior in Denton to Raymond be greatly missed and money for cancer research and Bryan, Jess (Matias), Melanie and Initiative Fund at Shearith Israel and Ruby Kahn, attended Frances Cytron remembered by all baked cakes at the holidays for the Jacob, and will be remembered Synagogue.

MASA Israeli mindset by sharing Shabbat continued from p.11 around the country.” Basha Rubinstein, a journalism and Jewish and Israel studies graduate from the University of North Texas of University of North Texas, thought with a linguistics major. Long hoping the Masa program would be a to teach overseas, he wanted to have productive way to spend the year. She the opportunity to work and travel is the daughter of Mindy Rubinstein after college. and Lew Rubinstein and belongs to “I wanted to travel, to use my Congregation Ohev Shalom. degree with an opportunity to grow “I saw a Facebook video ad and, my own understanding of teaching with all of the uncertainty due to and language as a whole, and I have COVID-19, I knew it would be the an unbreakable connection to Israel perfect program for me. I love Israel, that I believe can only grow from and I am always finding a way to being here for an extended period return,” said Rubinstein. This is her of time,” said Eichelbaum, who 10th visit to Israel. has taught fourth through sixth Rubinstein is based in Rishon graders in Netanya. “There’s always a LeZion, near Tel Aviv, teaching moment when a student is trying hard English to fifth and sixth graders. to understand something and you see Most mornings begin with fresh almost like a lightbulb turning on as bourekas from a bakery near her they yell ‘hinei’ (here it is).” apartment and then, once at school, Michael Romick, the son of Rubinstein enjoys learning Hebrew Debbie Romick and Mark Romick, from her students while she providing is a recent University of North their classroom teacher with support. Photo: Submitted by Zac Romick Texas who graduated with a degree “Every memory I have has been a Zac Romick(back row, third from left) has enjoyed trips throughout the country, in psychology. He’s spent the year ‘best’ memory’ and every day I wake including a day of olive picking with friends. in Beersheva, teaching Bedouin up with a huge smile on my face. I’m children, and in Tel Aviv. Hiking and excited to go to work and I’m excited Granite • Marble • bronze traveling and making friends have to have the privilege of living in Israel made the year even more memorable. and being in a program like this,” said 8921 C.F. HAWN FREEWAY, Zac Romick, Michael’s cousin and Rubinstein. “Masa understands that DALLAS, TEXAS 75217 the son of Shani and Jeff Romick and we are living across the world from (214) 398-4459 a member of Congregation Anshai our families, and they have really Fax: (214) 398-6672

Torah, graduated from Vanderbilt thought of everything they can to DON SPRADLING, PRESIDENT University with degrees in human make living here as comfortable as HOME: (972) 222-0672 and organizational development and possible.” Photo: Aaron Eichelbaum GARY SPRADLING, VICE PRESIDENT computer science. After working as a Carolyn Smith, the daughter of Aaron Eichelbaum and Michael software consultant for nine months Debbie and Garry Smith, graduated Romick, recent graduates of University WE SUPPORT ISRAEL! after graduation, he was let go from from The University of Texas in of North Texas his job when the pandemic began. Austin with degrees in interpersonal Recalling the recommendation of communications, educational Masa and the Israel Experience, by the psychology and business. Taking a rebbetzin of Chabad at Vanderbilt, he year between her undergraduate and applied and hasn’t looked back. graduate studies has been a dream By coincidence, Romick’s come true. She teaches third through assignment, teaching elementary sixth grades in Bat Yam and lives in grades at a school near Haifa, landed Tel Aviv. him in close proximity to cousins “My experience in Israel has been of his who happened to attend that both inspiring and challenging but by school. For him, the ties to family, leaving my comfort zone and moving and sharing holidays and other times, to Israel, I learned more than I could have been incredible. In addition to have imagined,” she said. “This family, Romick has managed, while experience has shaped how I see the keeping to social distance safety, world and brought with it great to rekindle relationships with a friends and great memories.” childhood friend with whom he’d For information on registering attended Levine Academy. for any of the many Masa programs, Romick said, “The openness of which run throughout the year, visit Israelis has made holidays very fun masaisrael.org or, in Dallas, contact and Shabbat tables around Israel have Peta Silansky, Israel and Overseas been my favorite. The food is always Education coordinator at the Jewish delicious, the conversation is always Federation of Greater Dallas, at 214- good and I’ve learned a lot about the 615-5250. 16 | May 6, 2021 JEWISH FOODIE Dairy dishes for Shavuot

By Tina Wasserman • ¾ teaspoon ground cumin • 3 apples This past Shabbat I had the • ¼ cup finely ground pistachio nuts • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter pleasure of joining Debbi K. • ¼ cup sugar Levy and Barry Rothschild in 1. Place the three cheeses and the • 3 eggs, separated their beautiful kitchen for their butter into a processor work bowl • 1 cup raisins or cherries, dried or “Shabbos Show,” which airs on and pulse on and off until the cheeses fresh Friday afternoons on Facebook. are well combined. (Cheeses may be Before I demonstrated how to completely blended or mixed until 1. Combine the first 7 ingredients in shape a six-braided challah, we fairly smooth but still have separate a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, discussed the upcoming holiday of small chunks of cheese showing.) then reduce the heat to low and Shavuot. cook until almost all of the noodles Debbie asked me why dairy 2. Add the rest of the ingredients have absorbed all the milk. Remove dishes were so popular for and process to thoroughly combine. cinnamon stick and set aside. the holiday and I explained Refrigerate for ½ hour or longer that originally Shavuot was a before shaping into balls. 2. Peel, core and dice the apples into harvest holiday to celebrate the ½-inch chunks. beginning of the wheat harvest 3. Chop the nuts and the figs in a and the first fruits, generally the clean work bowl until fine. Pour 3. Melt the butter in a nonstick figs. The holiday morphed into mixture into a soup bowl with curved (preferably) 10-inch frying pan. Add a celebration of the giving of the sides. the sugar and the apples, and sauté Torah on Mount Sinai after the for 5 minutes or until apples become Second Temple was destroyed. 4. Shape the cheese mixture into soft and are just beginning to get Photo: Tina Wasserman Aside from associations with the 3 balls, pressing tightly to make a browned around the rim of the pan. Renown Ashkenazi chef Shmil Holland prepares to pop his legendary kugel in laws of kashrut, it is more than smooth, compact ball. Roll the balls the oven. likely that cheese and other dairy in the pistachio-fig mixture. Cover 4. Add the apples and egg yolks to pastries: rugelach, spanakopita, 6. Gently tap the cake pan on the products play prominently into tightly and refrigerate until serving. the noodles in the pot and stir gently and praline cheesecake. I was counter to remove excess air, then the celebration because the birth to thoroughly combine. making 15 cheesecakes in a place in the middle of the oven and of calves and lambs occurred Serve with crackers. 50-quart KitchenAid. After adding bake for 40-50 minutes. Remove from at this time of year, so milk was 5. Beat egg whites until they form the nearly 4 dozen eggs to the oven and let cake cool completely. plentiful. Blintzes were symbolic Tina’s Tidbits: soft peaks and then fold them into batter, I turned the mixer on and, of the Torah scrolls when two the noodles. typical of the KitchenAid, it shot 4 7. Run a knife around sides of cake were laid side by side on a plate • Cheeses with a low moisture eggs high into the room. The cake before removing springform. Press looking like the Torah scrolls. content freeze very well. Cream 6. Grease a deep 8-inch pan or line was a hit but made a mess! Enjoy! pecan halves into the top of the They became ubiquitous for cheese does, but can be a little grainy the pan with foil up the sides as well. • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs cake in a decorative design. Brush Shavuot, especially in America in when defrosted. This ball freezes well • ¼ cup finely ground pecans 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup the 1930s, when companies like in an airtight freezer bag. 7. Heat the oven to 250 degrees. • 3 tablespoons sugar over top of cake. Chill before serving. Golden’s started producing frozen • ½ stick unsalted butter blintzes. Not having to prepare • Cream cheese can stay in the 8. Pour ½ of noodles into pan. Cover • 24 ounces cream cheese (3 packs) Tina’s Tidbits: the crepes and filling in one’s refrigerator for months or can be with the fruit and then add the rest of • 1¼ cups dark brown sugar home probably cemented the frozen if it is later used in this recipe the noodles to the pan. • 1 tablespoon corn starch • The shape of the springform pan connection between the blintzes or any recipe that requires blending • 3 large eggs sometimes leaves a depression and Shavuot. the cheese with other ingredients. 9. Cover the pan tightly on top with • 2 teaspoons vanilla running parallel to the sides of the No blintze recipe today, Your mixture will be very smooth. foil, dull side out. Bake for 4 or more • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon pan. This actually looks well and but I would like to share three hours until firm and caramel-colored. • 1-2 cups of pecan halves — for gives you a rim for any topping you previously unpublished recipes • Feel free to cut the recipe in half or garnish, use as much as you like might put on your cheese cake. of mine that all contain dairy for to add different spices. You can also Serves 8-12 people • Pure maple syrup — for garnish your enjoyment over the holiday. roll the balls in zaatar for an Israeli • If top cracks, use the pecans to flavor. Tina’s Tidbits: 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. creatively cover those cracks with an Cheese Balls interesting design. No one will know. Shavuot Dairy Apple Kugel • This recipe may be doubled if you 2. Combine first four ingredients in a Everything old is new again! have a large Jachnun or springform processor work bowl and pulse the • Toasting nuts brings out their flavor This recipe can be used in many Adapted from Shmil Holland pan. A Jachnun is an enclosed pan mixture until it forms a ball of dough. so it is an especially good idea with ways. For a large buffet, one large When I led my last culinary trip with its own lid. Pat dough into the bottom of a 9- or pecans, but make sure they don’t ball can be created, or divide the to Israel, my travelers and I went to 10-inch springform pan. Butter the get very dark because nuts continue mixture to make two or three the home of one of the most famous • If you are using a springform pan sides of the pan. Bake for 6-8 minutes to “fry” in their own oils even after smaller balls to be placed around Ashkenazi cooks in Israel, Shmil or pan with a removable bottom, I and then remove from oven. Set aside. removal from the oven. the room. Another possibility is Holland. Shmil demonstrated suggest lining the inside of the pan to make walnut-size balls and put many dishes but this was different with foil or covering the outside of 3. Place the pecan halves on a rimmed • Normally doughs should be a toothpick in each to serve as from any noodle kugel I had ever the pan with foil, dull side out. This cookie sheet and roast in the oven removed from the processor before an appetizer at a cocktail party. had. A little light on the dairy will prevent any possible leaking, until fragrant and slightly browned. they form a ball, but this recipe does Any way you make it will be a but if you used lactose-free milk although this is rare. Remove and set aside. not contain gluten in the filling and it welcome addition to your holiday it would fit the bill for Shavuot is gluten that toughens the dough if celebrations. while keeping many of your guests’ • The kugel can be baked at 350 4. In a processor work bowl, combine it is handled aggressively. • 8 ounces cream cheese tummies happy! degrees for 1 hour if you prefer but it the cream cheese and sugar, and • 8 ounces blue cheese • 3 cups whole milk won’t have as much color as the slow- pulse until sugar is mixed in well • If your oven runs hot or you are using • 8 ounces Colby cheese • 8 ounces medium noodles baked version. and cream cheese is smooth. Scrape a convection oven, bake the cakes • 4 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup sugar down sides of bowl. for a shorter period of time (30-45 • 6 stalks fresh chives, torn into 1 • ½ teaspoon salt Praline Cheesecake minutes). If the cake only jiggles slightly inch pieces • 1 cinnamon stick Many years ago, I worked part 5. Add the remaining ingredients but isn’t pure liquid then that is fine. • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • ½ teaspoon vanilla time for the largest kosher caterer and, when mixture is smooth, pour Refrigeration will harden the cheese • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • Zest of ¼ orange in Philadelphia making three into prepared crumb base. and butter and make it easier to cut.