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Vol. 99, No.23 50 Cents Per Issue February 18, 2021 • 6 Adar, 5781 MEMPHIS, Nikki Haley broke with President . HAPPY PURIM It could make her a Jewish GOP favorite in 2024 By Ron Kampeas WASHINGTON (JTA) — Nikki Haley has finally and decisively broken with Donald Trump in a move that puts her at the front of the potential Re- publican presidential pack for moderate conservatives, includ- ing pro-Israel Jews who mainly stuck with the party over the past four years because of Trump’s foreign policy. After serving as his U.N. am- bassador and not taking a stand for months on what his lies about election fraud would mean for his legacy, Haley made the final cut Nikki Haley at a campaign rally for Kelly Loeffler in Monroe, Ga., on Friday, February 12, in a Polit- Oct. 30, 2020. Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images ico interview. Trump’s inflamma- A girl in Jerusalem wearing a mask for Purim, which starts this Israel Public Affairs Committee 2024 likely will be a hard slog for year on Thursday, February 25. Credit: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images tory post-election rhetoric, which Democrats argue culminated in conference, where she always any presidential candidate who is the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. earned the loudest cheers — the Trump-adjacent. Capitol, was the final straw. mere mention of her name by an- “I would certainly hope under Federal court blocks NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “We need to acknowledge he other speaker guaranteed applause. any circumstance that our com- capacity limits on houses of worship let us down,” Haley said. “He She memorably coined the munity shows their appreciation, went down a path he shouldn’t phrase that came to define her in any endeavor that she under- By Shira Hanau 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals had U.N. gig at the 2017 AIPAC con- takes,” Fred Zeidman, a Houston NEW YORK (JTA) — A fed- blocked some of Cuomo’s restric- have, and we shouldn’t have followed him, and we shouldn’t ference: “I wear high heels. It’s businessman who is a major eral judge has struck down an tions last year. not for a fashion statement, it’s Republican pro-Israel donor, told executive order by New York Gov. “There was never any legiti- have listened to him. And we can’t let that ever happen again.” because if I see something wrong the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Andrew Cuomo that instituted mate reason to treat religious I will kick it every single time.” The more important effort right percentage-based capacity limits worship less favorably than office Her break is a risky move: Trump still commands enough At the 2019 conference, after now, he said, was to steer the on houses of worship in his state’s work and shopping,” said Avi she had quit her U.N. job, she party away from association with COVID cluster zones where cases Schick, the lawyer who repre- loyalty in the party that Republi- can senators are privately telling used her AIPAC appearance to Trump’s disastrous final months. were increasing. sented Agudath Israel in the case. launch her advocacy website, “What Nikki is trying to achieve Tuesday morning’s (Febru- “We are grateful that religious folks they are scared to convict him in his impeachment trial Stand For America, a typical right now is to retake the House ary 9) decision by the Brooklyn practice has been restored to its stage setter for people contem- and retake the Senate.” District Court constitutes a major constitutionally mandated place underway last week. But Haley, the former South plating a presidential run. The Haley’s 2019 political autobi- victory for Orthodox groups, as an essential activity.” site solicits donations and emails. ography, “With All Due Respect,” like the advocacy organization The executive order, which was Carolina governor, has a canny sense of when it’s time for con- She has a very warm relation- includes a chapter — and chunks Agudath Israel, which challenged first put in place in October and ship with Jewish Republican elsewhere in the book — on Israel the executive order on religious limited attendance at houses of servatives to let go of driftwood. She removed the Confederate groups, including the Republican policy, including her battles with discrimination grounds. worship in areas with high COVID Jewish Coalition (at an RJC event then-Secretary of State Rex Tiller- The U.S. Supreme Court and (See Court Page 2) flag from the state Capitol after a white supremacist gunned last July, Haley urged Jewish son, whom she depicts as resistant down nine Black churchgoers in voters to ignore Trump’s coarse to her advice to quit UNRWA. George Shultz, secretary of state who pressed Charleston in 2015. The move, conduct and focus on the “re- She also gives four pages over which would have sparked out- sults” his policies have yielded). to a topic that had no bearing on her for freedom for refuseniks, dies at 100 rage a week before the killing, Jewish Republicans are disil- U.N. responsibilities — the deadly By Ron Kampeas on Saturday, February 6. It did not went down without a hitch. lusioned with Trump after the Jan. neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville NEW YORK (JTA) — George give a cause. Haley was until now one of 6 riot, which attracted explicit dis- in 2017. Trump’s equivocation Shultz, the Reagan administration Shultz was a moderate Republi- the few Trump officials who plays of anti-Semitism. Fundrais- upset her enough, she writes, that secretary of state who made it his can who in a number of economic managed to walk a fine line ing among Jewish donors ahead of (See Haley Page 2) mission to bring about freedom Cabinet positions during the Nixon between distancing herself from for Soviet Jewry, has died at 100. presidency advanced affirmative some of his outrages and earning The Hoover Institution at Stan- action as redress for discrimination. his blessing by embracing his Jewish Historical Society to host ford University, where Shultz has He was the rare instance of a Nixon agenda. She has also been a star been a distinguished fellow for Cabinet secretary who emerged among pro-Israel Republicans for The Four Rabbis: Hear Their Stories decades, announced his passing (See Freedom Page 2) The Jewish Historical Society their choices and wondered what her pledge as U.N. ambassador to of Memphis and the Mid-South made them choose to become a “take names” of countries that go (JHS) will present a special vir- rabbi, said Phyllis Groskind, JHS’ against the when it tual program entitled: The Four co-vice president of programming. backs Israel. Rabbis: Hear Their Stories, on She originated the idea for the In effect, she had emerged from Sunday afternoon, March 7, at 2 event and helped to plan it. the Trump years as a political pm, according to Lorraine Wolf, “Everyone is very excited about survivor capable of walking that president of the Society. this opportunity to learn more from line into the White House. Her Open to the community, the our home grown Rabbis, and they clear break from Trumpism is a program will feature Rabbi Rachel are thrilled to share their stories sign that more Republicans on the Bearman, Rabbi Karen Kriger and contribute to our knowledge fence will need to stake out a side. Bogard, Rabbi Michael Danziger, of Memphis Jewish history,” said Many GOP Jews will be happy and Rabbi Jeff Dreifus, who will Ms. Wolf. with Haley’s decision and could each give a presentation and join Rabbi Bearman became the help her with her presidential a panel discussion led by modera- associate rabbi of Congregation ambitions. tor Sally Rosenberg. Each of the Shaare Emeth in St. Louis in Haley made fighting anti-Is- rabbis grew up in Memphis at 2020. She is a native of Memphis, rael policy the centerpiece of her Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, left, shakes hands with Temple Israel. where seven generations of her United Nations tenure, removing “I was fascinated to hear about (See Rabbis Page 2) Secretary of State George Shultz in Washington, Nov. 27, 1983. the United States from the U.N. Credit: Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images Human Rights Council because it focused an uneven amount of energy on Israel. She also took the lead in the U.S. decision to cut funding for UNRWA, the U.N.-affiliated body that assists Palestinian refugees, and which Republicans say is perpetuating the conflict. (President Joe Biden plans to both policies.) Her frontline pro-Israel ad- Rabbi Jeff Rabbi Karen Rabbi Michael Rabbi Rachel vocacy has made her extremely Dreifus Kriger-Bogard Danziger Bearman popular at the annual American Page 2 THE HEBREW WATCHMAN Thursday, February 18, 2021

with 18 Doors focusing on multi- by Temple Sisterhood. She is also ternational Studies and Languages. jhsmem.org. faith work with couples and fami- an artist who creates one of a kind The community is invited to Zoom Meeting ID: 882 2756 lies in St. Louis. Mezuzot for her clients. zoom in on this program. It is free 2945; Passcode: 974958; Rabbi Danziger is a native She received her B.A. at the and open to the public. For more or Dial by phone 1929 2205 Memphian, where his father, University of Texas in Plan II In- information on the program, go to 6099,88227562945#,,,,*974958# Rabbi Harry K. Danziger, served as senior rabbi of Temple Israel. Upon graduating from the Uni- Freedom... Shultz was an enthusiastic pro- leveraged that influence on behalf versity of Texas with a degree ponent of Reagan’s determination of Soviet Jews. in Organizational and Commu- (Continued From Page 1) from that administration squeaky to calm tensions in Lebanon, but Shultz said a highlight of his nity Leadership, Rabbi Michael he also stood firm against terror- career was the surprise Passover Danziger became the assistant clean: As Treasury secretary, Shultz stood between Nixon and the presi- ism, and was rattled by the 1983 Seder he convened in 1987 at director at URJ Henry S. Jacob bombing of the Marine barracks the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, to Camp in Utica, . dent’s desire to harass his opponents with the Internal Revenue Service. in Beirut killed 241 U.S. military which he invited refuseniks, or After several years, he returned personnel. Shultz had served in the Jewish dissidents seeking permis- to Memphis and Temple Israel, Shultz left the Nixon Cabinet in 1974 and joined the oil industry Pacific as a Marine in World War II. sion to emigrate to Israel. where he was the youth and fam- Shultz strongly advocated pre- In 1988, shortly before com- ily life director. He is now the services giant Bechtel, eventu- ally becoming president. Reagan ventive measures to stop terrorism, pleting his turn in the job, he said new assistant rabbi at Isaac M. quoting among others a rising that when Ida Nudel, who attended Sally Rosenberg Wise Temple in Cincinnati and tapped Shultz to be secretary of state in 1982 after Alexander young Israeli political star, Ben- the Seder, called six months later was ordained from HUC-JIR this jamin Netanyahu. from Israel, he teared up. “Mr. Rabbis... past spring. While in Rabbini- Haig’s career imploded over his (Continued From Page 1) cal school, Michael interned at incautious battles with colleagues. Shultz’s diplomacy led to Yas- Secretary, this is Ida Nudel, I’m ser Arafat’s recognition of Israel home,” he recalled her saying. family have been part of the city’s Temple Sholom and with HUC’s One of Haig’s perceived indis- National Office of Recruitment cretions was to defend Israel too in 1988, although it did not lead Abraham Foxman, the retired Jewish community. She attended to talks for at least another three director of the Anti-Defamation Middlebury College, where she and Admissions. He also holds fiercely, including in the war that received her undergraduate degree the distinction of being a profes- Israel launched in Lebanon that years. League, called Shultz a “great in Religious Studies. sional stand-up comic. year. Shultz’s blank slate on Israel Shultz’s passion was his ad- statesman.” In 2014, Rabbi Bearman was Rabbi Dreifus has just been and his dealings as an executive vocacy for Soviet Jews. He was “His alarm about terrorism’s ordained at the Hebrew Union appointed the first director of with Saudi Arabia immediately among the doves in the Reagan threat to democracy alerted the College-Jewish Institute of Reli- Innovation, Engagement and sparked wariness among the pro- administration who sided with world,” Foxman said on Twitter. gion in Cincinnati, Ohio. Before Strategic Partnerships at Temple Israel community. the president in nuclear disarma- “His hosting a Passover Seder for coming to Shaare Emeth, Rabbi Israel. He will be ordained in He soon calmed the waters. ment talks with the USSR, but he refuseniks in Moscow was historic.” Bearman served as the sole rabbi May 2021 from Hebrew Union of Temple B’nai Chaim, a reform College-Jewish Institute of Re- Haley... Court... an earlier ruling that allowed the congregation in Georgetown, Con- ligion and will direct TI-Cross- restrictions and in December, a necticut. town’s space and partner with (Continued From Page 1) (Continued From Page 1) federal appeals court followed In addition to her work at social justice causes in Memphis she called him. She said he should test positivity rates to 25% and the Supreme Court’s lead, ruling Shaare Emeth, Rabbi Bearman as well as lead Temple’s life long be as unequivocal as she was after 33%, depending on the severity that the capacity limits on houses is currently serving as the com- adult learning. the Charleston massacre. He said of the positivity rates, were chal- of worship in areas with rising munications and marketing vice As a student, Jeff served con- the two situations differed. lenged by Agudath Israel, as well COVID-19 cases constituted a president of the Women’s Rabbinic gregations in Juneau, AK and “I replied to the president that as the Brooklyn Catholic Diocese, violation of religious liberty. Network and is the co-creator and Rye, New York. Prior to rab- the two situations were not really in an appeal for an emergency The appeals court then sent the co-author of Midrashic Mono- binical studies, he co-founded different,” Haley writes. injunction from the U.S. Supreme case back to the district court to logues, a project that strives to ConnectTI, Temple Israel’s Un- She said she advised the presi- Court. decide if the percentage capacity restore the unspoken voices of derground Shabbat Community dent, “You have to stop acknowl- The court, with its new con- limits — which limited attendance biblical figures. and the Temple Israel Fellowship edging the haters.” servative majority, ruled in favor to 25% of the building’s capacity Rabbi Kriger Bogard is a rabbi for college students and recent She and Trump had a kind of of Agudah and the diocese in in “red zones,” where COVID at Central Reform Congregation in graduates. “strange respect between us,” she November, saying that Cuomo’s positivity rates were especially St. Louis. She grew up in Mem- The TI Fellowship was recog- acknowledged in the book. She limits on cluster zones favored high, and 33% in “orange zones,” phis as part of a proud Southern nized by Slingshot as one of the describes being on the wrong end secular establishments like liquor where positivity rates were some- Jewish family. She graduated most innovative Jewish programs of a Trump tweet after attacking stores over houses of worship by what lower — were needed to ac- from Newcomb College at Tulane in the United States. Jeff graduated Trump at a rally for the candidate only imposing capacity restric- complish the government’s aim of University with a double degree Cum Laude from Washington Uni- she backed in the primaries, Marco tions on the latter and treating the slowing the spread of COVID-19. in Jewish Studies and Religious versity with a BA in Economics Rubio: “The people of South former as “essential.” Restrictions The district court blocked those Studies and continued her learning and Environmental Studies. Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki that kept services to 10 people or percentage capacity limits Tues- at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Ms. Rosenberg was born in Haley!” fewer, regardless of the size of the day, February 9, leaving houses of Institute of Religion. After Rab- New Orleans and grew up in She replied on Twitter, “@ house of worship, were eliminated. worship subject to the 50% capac- binical school, (where she met Memphis, where her family has RealDonaldTrump, “Bless your Further, the high court ordered ity limit that was in place before her husband Daniel Bogard) she played an active role at Temple heart.” an appeals court to reevaluate the cluster zones plan. shared a pulpit with him at Anshei Israel. She speaks five languages “It was southern woman Emeth in Peoria, IL. She was also and is a foreign language teacher at code,” Haley said. “Three po- Judaica Director at Peoria Hebrew St. Mary’s Episcopal School and a lite words that let the receiver Day School and was a Co-Rabbi co-teacher at Temple’s Embracing know you mean something not with her husband at Adath Israel Judaism class. so polite.” in Cincinnati . Known as the “Mikveh Lady”, Trump has vowed to return to She has been a Brickman Fel- she assists at the mikveh at Beth the political realm in some capac- low with the Religious Action Sholom Synagogue. A creator of ity. But as she told Politico, Haley Center, a part of the Shalom Hart- innovative teaching currciulum is focused on moving beyond the man’s Women’s Rabbinic Cohort, and a facilitator of many classes at debate over his future. and a recipient of the Jonas Weil Temple, she has also led a “Torah, “I don’t think he’s going to be Endowment Inter-faith Inclusion Talk, and Walk” and designed the in the picture,” she said. “I don’t Grant. She also has a fellowship Rosh Chodesh program now used think he can. He’s fallen so far.

People walk by a synagogue on November 27, 2020, in New York Ci- ty. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The Hebrew Watchman Established September, 1925, by Leo I. Goldberger (1902-1989) MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 770846, Memphis, TN 38177-0846 Phone: (901) 763-2215 • Email: [email protected] Herman I. Goldberger Barbara B. Goldberger Editor and Publisher Associate Editor SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $25.00 per year • Payable in Advance Member of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency

THE HEBREW WATCHMAN (USPS #807-360) is published weekly every Thursday for $25 per year by THE HEBREW WATCHMAN, PO Box 770846, Memphis, TN 38177-0846. Periodical postage paid at Memphis, Tenn. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE HEBREW WATCHMAN, PO Box 770846, Memphis, TN 38177-0846. Contents of THE HEBREW WATCMAN may not be reproduced without express permission of THE HEBREW WATCH- MAN. We are not responsible for the kashrut of any product or establishment advertised in THE HEBREW WATCHMAN. The opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of THE HEBREW WATCHMAN. 2/18/2021. Thursday, February 18, 2021 THE HEBREW WATCHMAN Page 3 A Jewish librarian spied on New York Nazis in the 1930s By Andrew Silow-Carroll organizations. produced by the Nazi sympathiz- – thrillers, in fact, that often starred (New York Jewish Week via Mendheim, a single woman liv- ers and other hatemongers, and a daring femme fatale. Never mar- JTA) — There is zero evidence ing with her family in the Bronx, Mendheim left behind few per- ried, she later served as secretary that Florence Mendheim was the was likely brought into the domes- sonal writings. of the Committee for Arab-Jewish inspiration for Batgirl. But the tic spy trade through the American “I think her idea was always Understanding, an organization real-life Jewish woman from the Jewish Congress. that the American Jewish Congress promoting a binational Arab- Bronx and the fi ctional daughter The group’s founder, Rabbi would give their reports to the Jewish state in prestate Israel. of Gotham City’s Commissioner Stephen Wise, had already started FBI,” Simonson said. “I’m not She died in 1984, and the mate- Gordon were both librarians who a boycott campaign against Ger- sure if they did that or not, but it’s rial kept by her brothers eventually led secret double lives fighting man goods in response to the certainly possible.” made it to the Leo Baeck Institute. bad guys. Nazis’ anti-Jewish boycott in Either way, lawmakers had The Center for Jewish History has In Mendheim’s case, the vil- Germany. Wise saw support for access to pro-Nazi material when written about Mendheim and her lains were German-American Nazi the Nazi cause among German they launched a series of hearings archive, and an exhibit at the New- sympathizers who met in taverns immigrants, and realized their in 1938 to investigate allegations York Historical Society included a and beer gardens throughout New meetings were more sinister than a of Nazi infi ltration. Later, as the panel about her life and work. York City in the mid-1930s. The typical “home country” gathering, House Un-American Activities “There are sad things about this daughter of a German-Jewish fam- From 1933 until about 1938, or “verein.” Committee, the body became story,” Simonson said. “She didn’t ily that still had close contact with Florence Mendheim would travel From 1933 until about 1938, notorious for hounding real and write about her time as a spy, and relatives back in Berlin, Mend- to pro-Hitler meetings throughout Mendheim would travel to pro- alleged communist sympathizers. later in life she didn’t talk about it, heim would end her day’s work New York City, sometimes at great Hitler meetings throughout the “It’s hard to say how much she and when she did people didn’t pay personal risk. ++ Credit: Leo Baeck at the New York Public Library Institute/Florence Mendheim city, sometimes at great personal was able to tell, but I think quite a much interest. Later in life she’d branch in Manhattan’s Washing- Collection of Anti-Semitic Propaganda risk. Often after a meeting she’d bit,” Simonson said. “Everybody call herself ‘Ye Olde Heroine.’ She ton Heights neighborhood and go be offered a ride home by another had an alias, even in these meet- was quite a character.” spy on meetings of the Friends of participant – Simonson said she ings, and she had to fraternize Asked if the extremist activity New Germany, later the German Library in Chicago and curator was never sure whether the driver and get them to reveal their real Mendheim infiltrated had reso- American Bund. of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial was being kind or perhaps had names.” nance for today, Simonson said, Pretending to be a Nazi sym- Museum’s “Americans and the suspected her. Mendheim never let America’s entry into the Sec- “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. It pathizer herself and working un- Holocaust” exhibit. them drive her back to the Bronx, ond World War led to a quick is interesting to see how these rac- der various aliases, she’d gather Although planned well before and asked to be dropped off at an crackdown on pro-German groups, ist arguments and anti-Semitism names, take notes and collect the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. address on 86th Street in Manhat- and their leaders were often in- don’t change. It’s a constant repeti- pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic material Capitol, the panel focused on a tan. She’d skulk in the lobby until terned or deported. Little is known tion of these rehashed theories.” for the American Jewish Congress. hero of another era in which pri- the car drove away, then dash into of what happened to Mendheim He recalled a comment that Boxes of that material now vate citizens and interest groups the subway for home. after she quit spying, probably in Donald Trump made about Henry sit at the New York branch of the were ahead of law enforcement Sometimes she’d been taken to 1938, although Simonson said she Ford, saying the industrialist and Leo Baeck Institute, the research in grasping the threat from right- the Café Hindenburg on East 86th taught Jewish adult study classes notorious anti-Semite had “good library and archive focused on the wing domestic extremists. Street to meet with other Nazis. and tried her hand at writing novels (See Librarian Page 6) history of German-speaking Jews. In the 1930s, pro-Nazi senti- The meetings were a goldmine of “I don’t know whether she was ment was prevalent throughout information — but also frightening. recruited or volunteered, but it was New York: in Bay Ridge, Brook- Members would greet each other clear from what was happening lyn; Ridgewood, Queens, and in with a German phrase meaning in Germany and to her relatives the historically German neighbor- “kill a Jew.” Meanwhile, her two – and just being Jewish – she re- hood of Yorkville on Manhattan’s brothers would be waiting for her at ally was dedicated to stopping the East Side. Hitler’s deputy Fuehrer, home, terrifi ed she wouldn’t return. Nazi threat in this country,” said Rudolf Hess, gave immigrants “It was scary,” Simonson said of Michael Simonson, head of Public permission and direction to es- Mendheim’s late nights at the cafe. Outreach and archivist at the Leo tablish Friends of New Germany “Has she been found out? Had they Baeck Institute. to support National Socialism hurt her or beat her up? Or was a On Tuesday, February 9, Si- and isolationism. By 1935, Hess Nazi going to try and make a pass monson joined a virtual panel understood that a pro-German at her – which Florence would have about Mendheim co-presented by American organization should be found even more repellent?” the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A seen as homegrown and ordered Calling herself Gertrude Muel- Living Memorial to the Holo- all German citizens to leave the ler, Mendheim went so far as to caust, Leo Baeck Institute and group, as well as the name change work as a secretary for Friends the Brooklyn Public Library. His to the German American Bund of New Germany. Some accounts fellow panelists included Marshall – “to make it sound more pro- suggest that she quit the inside Curry, director of “A Night at the American,” said Simonson. job because her cover was blown, Garden,” a short fi lm about a 1939 The organizations would spon- but Simonson hasn’t found any Nazi rally at Madison Square Gar- sor concerts and summer camps, evidence of that. den, and Daniel Greene, president leading many Americans to as- The boxes in the Leo Baeck and librarian at the Newberry sume they were simply cultural collection are largely propaganda How many in Germantown? A Whole Bunch! is home is one of over 20 in JUST ONE Germantown subdivision that I have sold over the years. If you or someone you know is thinking of selling, whether it’s Germantown, East Memphis, Midtown or Downtown, talk to 2-3 agents but make sure that I am one of them. 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Life Member, Multi-Million Dollar Club O- (901)682-1868 C- (901)483-0546 Memphis Area Association of Realtors [email protected] Page 4 THE HEBREW WATCHMAN Thursday, February 18, 2021 ‘We’ve lost almost an entire year’: COVID-fatigued communities prepare for a distanced Purim By Shira Hanau evening of March 9, just before bemoaning the fact that the experi- NEW YORK (JTA) — In any the country shut down to stop the ence for little kids, for whom the other year, the mask-decorating spread of the coronavirus. For silliness on Purim is a special treat, party planned for later this month some Jewish communities, the won’t be the same. “The sense at Congregation Beth El Ner holiday was the first celebrated that we’re going to have to mute Tamid in Broomall, Pennsylva- over Zoom. In others, the typical people in between really does take nia, would make perfect sense: parties gave way to more somber, away from the joy and festivity of Costumes are part of the ritual for hand sanitizer-soaked services, Purim.” festive Jewish holiday of Purim, stripped of the raucousness that At the Orangetown Jewish Cen- which begins February 25. characterizes the holiday. By the ter, a Conservative congregation This year, though, the masks following Shabbat, they had can- in Rockland County, just north of being decorated aren’t meant for a celed in-person services, too. New York City, this year’s Purim carnival — they’ll be appropriate But in other communities, tra- costume parade will be replaced to use as personal protective equip- ditional Purim celebrations appear by a car parade through the town, ment as long as the coronavirus to have turbocharged the spread of with congregants decorating their pandemic lasts. The gathering, the virus, resulting in a brutal toll cars for the occasion and the fire and the subsequent synagogue- in the following weeks. department leading the way. For wide celebration, will take place A year later, the holiday is sym- the Megillah reading, congregants on Zoom. bolic of one thing for everyone: will gather in the parking lot to an entire Jewish calendar year in hear the story on their car radios. The party represents Beth El Students at the Leffell School in Westchester County celebrated Ner Tamid’s effort to preserve which the holidays, the Shabbats While the synagogue did host Purim from home in 2020. Westchester County emerged as an early the spirit of the holiday, even as and all the rituals in between have its services in person last year, epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak last spring in New York State. its very celebration offers a cruel been adapted under the burden of the crowd that assembled for that Courtesy of Yael Buechler reminder that an entire year has the pandemic and its restrictions. Megillah reading was smaller elapsed since COVID-19 turned For non-Orthodox synagogues, than usual as the coronavirus was synagogue’s phone line to hear the the weather, the synagogue may life upside down, seemingly over- that means a Zoom production that spreading in nearby Westchester Megillah reading while reading even host an outdoor service in a night. builds on a year of expertise. County. The very next day, the along from a scroll on Purim night. tent where they have held Shabbat “There’s a lot of grief in the fact Temple De Hirsch Sinai, a synagogue notified its members The next morning, a colleague services for months. that we’ve lost almost an entire Reform congregation in Seattle, that someone who attended that read the Megillah for him from “A lot of what has become syn- year of synagogue life and our Washington, located near an early service had tested positive for the outside his house while he lis- onymous with Purim is not going personal lives,” said Rabbi Janine outbreak, canceled last year’s coronavirus. tened from his bedroom upstairs to be happening this year,” Gelman Jankovitz of Beth El Ner Tamid. “Star Wars”-themed Purim pro- This year, with congregants in a scene that played out across said. “Hopefully next year we’ll “I know people are tired and sad, gramming but vowed that its an- able to safely distance from one the Orthodox world, where it is get back to the bigger celebration and we’re trying to bring them just nual Purim spiel would be “back another in their cars, Rabbi Craig considered preferable to hear the of Purim.” a little bit of joy.” next year, bigger and better than Scheff hopes the setup will be an Megillah read in person, even While Gelman noted the fatigue In 2020, Purim began on the ever.” This year, its schedule opportunity to feel connected as a though Purim is the rare holiday that had set in around continued boasts multiple online events, community while staying safely where technology is permitted. pandemic restrictions on daily including a spiel inspired by the distanced. This year, Gelman’s synagogue life, he said being able to attend viral video app TikTok. “We’ve been playing with the will host multiple services and services in person this year should In-Home Caregiver But some elements of the cel- idea of drive-in movie-style pro- provide a livestream option for not be taken for granted. ebration — including the reading gramming of some kind where those who are not able to attend, “I am appreciative that I can, Looking for Work of the Megillah, the scroll contain- people could be in their cars but though Gelman stressed that the God willing, come to shul and hear Over 18 years ing the Purim story — do not lend safely apart,” Scheff said, not- streaming option is not an ideal the Megillah live,” Gelman said. “I themselves to the practicalities of ing the Jewish legal issues with way to fulfill the obligation to think we’ve all become grateful for healthcare pandemic broadcasting. Listen- a drive-in service on Shabbat. hear the Megillah. Depending on the little things.” experience. ers typically use groggers, small “Purim seemed like the perfect noisemakers, to cancel out the opportunity.” Full time or name of Haman, the villain who The Leffell School, a Jewish Celebrate Purim night with ASBEE Part Time tries to destroy the Jews, whenever day school in Westchester County, Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth The community is very apprecia- it’s mentioned in the story. an early epicenter of the pandemic Congregation (ASBEE) will hold tive of their generosity and efforts Call 901-299-6277 “How do you do the groggers in New York state, had already its annual Multi-Media Wacky Pu- to increase joy even during this on Zoom?” Jankovitz wondered, switched to online learning by rim Megillah Reading on Thursday pandemic year. Purim last year. evening, February 25, at 6:35 pm The ASBEE Megillah reading “Because everything was so in the Marsi Moss Social Hall at will be a fun, interactive experi- new on Zoom, there was this Baron Hirsch Synagogue. ence accompanied by music and an excitement of what Purim would For the event special Box audio-visual power-point presenta- CELEBRATE PURIM NIGHT look like online,” Rabbi Yael Schwarma Dinners To Go will tion. Each year, a new element of Buechler of the lower school be offered following the Megillah surprise is added, so you never WITH ASBEE recalled. reading in lieu of the usual Purim know what to expect. This year the school, like many JOIN A WACKY INTER-ACTIVE MEGILLAH READING Soiree generously sponsored every Everyone is invited and encour- other Jewish day schools, has op- year by the Rosenberg family at age to come in costume and bring THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 25TH erated in person since September, ASBEE. noisemakers. ASBEE will also so Purim celebrations will morph This year, the Rosenberg and distribute additional groggers. 6:35 PM yet again. Students will listen to a Weiss families are sponsoring the Because of COVID, attendance AT BARON HIRSCH streamed Megillah reading from To Go Dinners following the read- is limited and people can sign up their classrooms. But they won’t ings at both the ASBEE Minyan by emailing ASBEE. Masks and SPECIAL SCHAWARMA BOX DINNERS TO GO be able to sing or shout — behav- and the Baron Hirsch MInyan social distancing are required. (not iors that add risk by propelling air in memory of their parents and just Purim masks—but masks FOLLOWING THE MEGILLAH READINGS particles more forcefully — and grandparents, the late David and over the nose and mouth!) ANSHEI SPHARD BETH EL EMETH MINYAN there will be no all-school as- Belle Rosenberg and the late Dr. “Purim is so important,” said BARON HIRSCH MINYAN sembly. Henry and Dorothy Dan Weiss. Rabbi Joel Finkelstein, spiri- “This whole year has been a bit tual leader of ASBEE, “because of a ‘v’nahafoch hu’ experience,” it symbolizes the notion that we SPONSORED BY Buechler said, using a Hebrew can withstand any threat—we can THE ROSENBERG AND WEISS FAMILIES phrase from the Megillah meaning survive any ordeal and come out IN LOVING MEMORY OF “it will be turned upside down” laughing about it with the help of that symbolizes the topsy-turvy God and after heartfelt prayer. Pu- DAVID AND BELLE ROSENBERG nature of the Purim story. rim teaches that although radical DOROTHY AND HENRY WEISS For Rabbi Shaanan Gelman, evil exists in this world and knows this Purim will in some ways be no bounds, it can be defeated. It more normal than last year. gives us hope during these trying NO FRILLS MEGILLAH READING AT 8:00 PM Gelman, who leads the Mod- times.” REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND LIMITED ern Orthodox Kehilat Chovevei Following the first megillah ZOOM AVAILABLE Tzion in Skokie, Illinois, attended reading at 6:35 pm, there will also MASKS ON NOSE AND MOUTH AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED last year’s AIPAC convention in be a second, no frills megillah PLUS SMILES AND COSTUMES ENCOURAGED Washington, D.C., where he came reading at 8 pm Central Time. Both in contact with someone who later readings will be zoomed for those FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL (901) 682-1611 tested positive for the coronavirus. who absolutely cannot attend in So while his congregation met person though the halacha strongly in person, he was in quarantine encourages everyone to hear it in at home and listened into the person if possible. For those at risk, it is advisable to stay home for pikuach nefesh—to save and Have a Mazel Tov? preserve life. Additional readings during the Publish it in day and at night can be arranged THE HEBREW Rabbi Joel Finkelstein personally with Rabbi Finkelstein. dressed for merry-making For more information, call (901) WATCHMAN at a recent ASBEE Purim carnival. 682-1611. Call Today—763-2215 Thursday, February 18, 2021 THE HEBREW WATCHMAN Page 5 leader of ASBEE, will lead off with good voice to join in because it’s and sign up for bags can be found a virtual costume parade for the all virtual, and you can be muted. at asbee.org. To join in the extrava- young and young at heart. Every- Also, Community storyteller ganza, go to ASBEE’s zoom room one will get a chance to be seen and and Maggid educator Lynnie Mir- or call (901) 682-1611. heard—so come as your favorite vis will share a humorous Purim To participate by phone: Step Purim character, book character tale along with special surprise visi- #1—-Dial 1 312 626 6799, Step or anything that makes you happy. tors—so you don’t want to miss it! #2 When prompted, enter Meeting Little Kids and big Kids are all On the same day ASBEE Sister- ID: 660 785 9383. To participate on welcome and grown-ups too. hood will hold a Drive By Purim your computer/tablet/smartphone: In addition, Cantor Aryeh Sam- Carnival at Winter Oak Portico off Step #1 Click on this link: https:// berg will lead a special Purim Shady Grove Road on the Baron zoom.us/j/660 785 9383. If prompt- Sing Along—with favorite tunes Hirsch campus—giving away all ed click “allow” or cruise to the and new ones to add to your rep- kinds of goodies from 12 noon to Zoom website (www.zoom.us) and ertoire. You don’t have to have a 3 pm. Food has to be pre-ordered enter Meeting ID # 660 785 9383 Baron Hirsch announces Purim services Cantor Aryeh Samberg and his daughter Esti at an ASBEE Purim Baron Hirsch Congregation has ing. All attendees will be masked congregation’s tent. carnival when she was younger. once again found ways to safely and socially distanced from each As part of the observance Baron and creatively come together as a other. Some readings will also Hirsch will host a Purim Parade Anshei Sphard-Beth El to host community for holiday observance. allow children as young as fi rst in lieu of the annual Palooza and With Purim marking one year grade, marking the fi rst time that Seudah that draws families from virtual Purim Extravanganza since the beginning of the pandem- children of that age will be able to all over the community to dress up Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth day Purim Carnival for as long as ic, the congregation announced attend services since the pandemic and attend the festivities each year. Congregation (ASBEE) will hold anyone can remember, and in these this week a schedule allowing began. The clergy will parade around the a not to be missed, one of a kind challenging times we needed to many in the community to hear the On Purim eve, Thursday, Feb- neighborhood with music and virtual Purim Extravaganza on come up with something safer and reading of the megillah, one of the ruary 25, there will be readings of treats for everyone. Please look Sunday morning, February 21, still have fun. We will be having two main observances of the holiday. the megillah at 6:20 pm, 6:40 pm for the route of the Purim Parade from 9-10 am Central Time, ac- separate events on the (February) The congregation will offer and 8 pm. During the fi rst two time to be released soon! The parade cording to Steve Gold, program 21st,” said Linda Joffre, a both indoor and outdoor readings slots, readings will take place both will kick off at 2 pm on Purim chairperson of the congregation. vice president of the congregation. of the megilla, allowing up to fi fty inside and outside the congrega- afternoon, Friday, February 26. “ASBEE has hosted an all Rabbi Joel Finkelstein, spiritual people to participate in each read- tion’s building. Participants are Reservations are required for encouraged to come in costume, all megillah readings, and sign although face masks will continue up is at www.baronhirsch.org/ to be required by all. minyansignup. Ex-teacher wins appeal on conviction of molesting student at Amsterdam Jewish school Several readings will take By Cnaan Liphshiz appeals court ruled Monday, Feb- Schrijver, who had taught at the place during the day of Purim as AMSTERDAM (JTA) — A ruary 8, that there was insuffi cient Cheider school in Amsterdam well, on Friday, February 26. An Home Dutch appeals court rhas eversed evidence to support the 2018 con- until 2012, only one was deemed indoor minyan will take place at the molestation conviction of a viction of Ephraim Schrijver, 33, suffi ciently credible by the appeals 6:20 am, and an outdoor minyan For Sale? former teacher at an Orthodox in Rechtbank Amsterdam regional court. Schrijver in that complaint will take place at 7:15 am. There Jewish school. court, De Telegraaf daily reported. was accused of massaging a male will be an additional reading at ADVERTISE The Gerechtshof Amsterdam Of the fi ve complaints against teenager’s shoulder and neck. 10 am. Also at 10 am will be the This does not meet the legal congregation’s annual megillah threshold for sexual abuse, “how- reading for women and by women. HERE ever inappropriate this may be,” This year, the women’s reading the appeals court ruled. will take place outdoors in the CALL 763-2215 The lower court had sentenced Schrijver to two years in prison, with six months of the term sus- What type of Caregiver are you looking for? pended. He had served the actual I am passionate about helping families care for their prison time while awaiting trial. elderly loved ones at home. I have 25+ years experience in A lawyer representing the assisted living, retirement homes settings. alleged victims said he hoped Please give me a call at 901-282-0248 or 901-310-4822 prosecutors would appeal to the or email me at [email protected] Supreme Court. Monday’s (February 8) ruling followed appeals by the prosecu- The Orthodox Cheider school in Amsterdam referred cases of tion, which sought a longer prison SERVICES AVAILABLE alleged sexual abuse to Dutch police. Credit: Creative Commons sentence, and Schrijver, who has denied the charges. • Driver—Courteous and reliable person to take you anywhere you need to go in Memphis and sur- rounding areas: Dr’s appointments, Shopping, Er- rands, Airport. Available weekdays and weekends. • House Sitting and Dog Sitting— Responsible adult available to stay with your dogs while you are away. I love dogs! Contact Rick Danzig: 901-337-6009

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Specializing in coverage for Real Estate Investors Residential - Shopping Centers - Office Buildings Page 6 THE HEBREW WATCHMAN Thursday, February 18, 2021 Bar Mitzvah mon would fi gure that out. of yore. You’ll awaken one sunny Nothing new under the Sun Of course when it comes to blue-skied morning to media blasts Jack Kampf, son of Anat and By Ted Roberts Cantor Ricky Kampf, will cel- she proudly wears every day. survival, since we haven’t seen about sharp earthquakes in Iran. Solomon, the reputed author of Strangely enough, the current Esther for a couple of millennia, Strangely they strike the nuclear ebrate his Bar Mitzvah Saturday, Ecclesiastes, was no dummy and February 20, at Baron Hirsch version of The Book of Esther in (Esther, Esther, where are you?) labs and launch sites of Persia (I certainly not lazy. our Tanach ignores our Divine we place our hopes on Golden mean Iran). What an odd coinci- Synagogue. He must have allocated him- Rabbi Binyamin Lehrfi eld and Deliverer and the invisible role He Dome, David’s Sling, Patriot dence. Solomon would smile and self an hour or so a day away plays in the whirlwind of the world’s and similar anti-missile systems. understand. “Nothing new”, you Cantor Ricky Kampf will offi ciate from his 1000 at the services. affair. Gratitude to the “outstretched But the faithful draw hope from know. voluptuous hand and a mighty arm” of He who an even deeper well – the well The syndicated humor of Ted, To mark the occasion Jack will wives (“Sollie, read the Torah portion, chant the dubbed us his Chosen People is of divine deliverance. He, who the Scribbler on the Roof, appears are you going ignored. In fact, the name of G-d is shielded us from the Egyptians in newspapers around the U.S., on Haftora and daven Mussaf, all back to that taught to him by his father. omitted from the entire book. and the pagan tribes of Canaan National Public Radio, and numer- silly book?”) Compare this to the rest of our will use his power as in the days ous web sites. Jack completed the learning of to write Ec- the Tractate of Megillah with his Bible where G-d stands guard over clesiastes Israel, beginning with the Exodus, brother-in-law, Andy Stahler. wherein he Jack attends the Margolin He- from every threat to our national stated, “There existence. A conundrum. Espe- Chabad annual Purim celebration brew Academy, where he is in the is nothing new seventh grade. He participates in Ted Roberts cially since the original Septuagint to be COVID conscious under the sun”, version of Esther – the mother Chabad of Tennessee will hold reading on the eve of Purim on the National Bible Contest, loves a very wise statement that Purim sports, both playing and watching, of our current book – contains later this month its annual “Purim Thursday, February 25, at 6:40 pm. brings to mind. prayers to He who made both Es- Around the World” celebration, al- The evening, morning, and pre- and spending time with friends. Consider Iran – formerly Persia He is the grandson of Lottie ther and Haman. In the conversion beit with a different twist to adapt Shabbat Megillah readings will be – the bloody stage for the deadly from Hebrew to Greek (most of for COVID regulations. indoors and socially distanced; the Kampf of Memphis and the late drama of Purim. They wanted to Jack Kampf and Sandy Haddad the Egyptian Jews couldn’t read The event has been scheduled 12 noon reading will be outdoors kill us THEN and they want to kill Hebrew) one of the 70 scholars for Friday, February 26, at the (weather permitting), to accom- of Memphis and the late Yitzchak us NOW. Once more, “There is Haddad did some red-penciling. Why? Ask Chabad Center for Jewish Life. modate those who would prefer to nothing new under the sun”. your Rabbi – I’m only a scribbler. This year’s celebration has stay outdoors to be able to hear the Nothing changes except that the But Persia/Iran is still our been themed “Purim Around the reading of the Megillah on Purim. new Persia, Iran, has Hezbollah, threat. Only now they enjoy killing Clock” as there will be multiple Each time slot will have limited Hamas, and other gangster allies Christians as well as Jews. As I’ve smaller celebrations throughout availability so sign up early to who would delight in our murder. said before, it’s unbelievable that the Purim day to limit crowd size. ensure your spot. Costumes are Solomon should have lived to the Pope welcomed the President Each program will start with the encouraged; masks are mandatory. see this second Persia – it would of Iran, also known as fi nancier reading of the Megillah, followed “In keeping with Chabad’s have verifi ed his hypothesis, over- and inspirer of terrorism, at the by a full festive meal prepared in a track record of great Purim din- whelmingly the most famous of his Vatican with a hug and full State Grab & Go format for all to enjoy ners, this year’s Purim party will conjectures. ceremony. I don’t think even Solo- in a safe way. be different, but promises to be We all know the scroll of Esther Participants will be able to another great celebration,” said in our Tanach – how a young Jew- Librarian... choose one of three time slots they Rivky Klein, coordinator of the ish girl, probably still a teenager, would like to attend, including a event, adding, “so sign up while saved us. How she disguised her (Continued From Page 3) breakfast selection featuring ba- we still have a place and we look Judaism, sort of like Superman bloodlines.” gels, schmear, coffee and more that forward to welcoming you.” Res- concealed his power in the mild “Who says that? Who knows will be available following the 8 am ervations are required by Wednes- mannered persona of Clark Kent. that?” Simonson asked. “We do reading. There is also a luncheon day, February 24, and are on a fi rst Wonder how she kept kosher know that the Bund was very ac- featuring muffins, mimosas and come fi rst serve basis. and Shabbos and ate chopped tive in Queens” — where Trump more following the 12 pm read- For more information and liver in the king’s goyishke court. grew up, the grandson of a German ing, and a pre-Shabbat Dinner with reservations visit www.Jewish- Then one fateful day, propelled by immigrant — “and Henry Ford’s BBQ Brisket, beer and the works Memphis.com/purimrsvp or call Mordecai, she burst into the throne anti-Semitic book ‘The Interna- following the 4:30 pm reading. Chabad at 901-754-0404 for more room wearing her “Jerusalem, My tional Jew’ was a bestseller in Nazi There will also be a Megillah information Jack Kampf Hometown” T-shirt. The king, not Germany and sold well here.” nearly as bloodthirsty as his cur- Simonson said people look rent successor, President Hassan back on the 1930s and think “‘I Rouhani, yields to the young girl’s can’t believe it happened here,’ ASBEE Sisterhood to present Ted has a new blandishments. We’re saved. You even though I’d argue, how could revised book know the rest of the story. Esther it not, when you look at America’s unique Purim carnival Sunday 50% new stories even gets to keep her T-shirt which history.” Protecting against the spread Marci Platkin, Tami Hershkovitz, of Covid-19 has unfortunately Pam Malkin and Elaine Fox, are become a major part of everyone’s determined to prove to all those The scribbler life, but it shouldn’t stop Jews, who participate that it’s important on The roof especially Memphis Jews, from to dress in one’s Purim fi nest, be celebrating Purim and having happy and have a good time dur- by Ted roberts some fun. ing Adar. The best of Ted’s And the Anshei Sphard-Beth El The CARnival will take place Emeth (ASBEE) Sisterhood’s Pu- at the Winter Oak Portico off of work—a collection rim Carnival committee believes Shady Grove Road on the Baron of stories designed this and will hold a Drive-Thru Hirsch Synagogue campus. to make you laugh Purim CARnival on Sunday, Feb- The ASBEE Sisterhood car- and cry ruary 21, from 12-3 pm. nival committee said that they The carnival committee, com- were grateful to Baron Hirsch for $10.95 posed of Rakhel Finkelstein, allowing them to use their grounds available at lulu.com Linda Joffre, Patti Elster, Cantor for this exciting event. You must Aryeh Samberg, Susan Brooks, sign up in advance for time slots for the games and to preorder food. This may be done at ASBEE.org. If you need additional information, call Linda Joffre at 901-239-0827. Children will be able to play a few of the CARnival’s favorite games during their time slot, get their picture taken in costume at the special Purim photo booth and receive a Shalach Manot bag fi lled with paper Purim puppets (to be cut out) so they can pretend to be their favorite people in the Purim story with their family and friends as well as some other treats. The cost is $5 for each car and will be She’s always been the independent paid for at the carnival when you drive in. type. We aim to keep There will be frankfurter (beef or veggie) lunchboxes for those her that way. In-Home Care Services who have signed up for them • Personal Care in advance. Lunchboxes are $5 Memphis 901.752.1515 • Companionship and each and must be paid for at the housekeeping carnival. The lunchbox will also Northern Mississippi 662.393.1110 include chips, water and a cookie. • Dementia and Once your group has played Covington 901.296.1200 Alzheimer’s care some games, you may drive • Respite care around to the Yates Road side of memphis-169.comfortkeepers.com • Safety Solutions Baron Hirsch (near the kitchen) and pick up your lunchboxes. Thursday, February 18, 2021 THE HEBREW WATCHMAN Page 7 Baron Hirsch sandwich project exceeds all expectations When Baron Hirsch Congre- 900 sandwiches. participated. gation moved forward with its One of the largest contribu- In addition to the physical fourth annual sandwich project, tions came from a group of ten contribution, many contributed organizers did not think they could lifelong friends who arrived at financially to support the effort as come close to their previous year’s Baron Hirsch to deliver a total of well. The Memphis B’nai Tzedek record. 1,000 sandwiches – each person Teen Philanthropy Group came Last year, the congregation was having made 100 sandwiches. In by to make sandwiches. B’nai able to bring over 300 volunteers a normal year, these friends would Tzedek has given several grants to together in a mass sandwich make. share a table at the Sandwich the project over the last few years, This year, they had to rely on in- Make. This year, they had to make and has been part of the project’s dividuals to make sandwiches in their sandwiches separately, but great success. In addition to many their own homes without a unify- still approached it with the same individual contributions, Temple ing event. They were very happy excitement and togetherness that Israel also made a generous dona- to be wrong. they always enjoyed. tion to help support the program. Danny Schaffzin Nicole Upano The approach that was taken The group consisted of Sue Ann “We are so happy to have cre- this year worked extremely well. Lipsey, Judy Moss, Andy Uiberall, ated a community effort where People came in droves to pick up Carol Zalowitz, Rose Ostrow, we can all come together to ac- MJF to launch supplies and to drop off peanut Rose Ross, Diane Mendelson, complish great things,” said David butter and jelly sandwiches that Marlene Gerson, Mimi Grossman, Fleischhacker, executive director new virtual series were made at home with everyone and Henrie Marcus. of Baron Hirsch. “Even without The Memphis Jewish Fed- heeding the safety guidelines that Several divisions of the Mar- being together, you could still feel eration announced this week the were given. golin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone the unity in the community brought launch of a new, three-part vir- Some people went and purchased Yeshiva of the South participated, about by the Sandwich Project. tual series entitled The City We supplies, while others ordered from including the middle school, boys’ Most sandwiches were donated Share: Community Conversations the shul. The participation reached high school and girls’ high school. to the St. Mary’s food pantry, and through a Jewish Lens. an overwhelming amount, and in Each division added hundreds will help feed the needy for the next The series opens on Wednes- the end, over 10,800 sandwiches of sandwiches to the total. A several months. Other food pan- day, February 24, at noon with a were made – far exceeding the group from Plough Towers also tries received sandwiches as well. program highlighting the com- 6,000 that were predicted. plexities of the eviction crisis. “Due to Covid and the rise of Moderated by local attorney poverty rates, an increase of gigan- OBITUARIES and well known Jewish lay leader tic proportions that tops even years Jeri Moskovitz, the program will before were seen within the Jewish Sonya Krivcher ballroom dancing and was an avid open with Rabbi Sarit Horwitz, community this year. Everyone Retired Realtor Sonya Krivcher, reader. spiritual leader of Beth Sholom from near and far lent a helping whose mother was a co-founder of Sonya was a very charitable person Congregation, offering a Jewish Roshun Austin hand and it was inspiring to see the Plough Towers, died of natural causes and contributed to many organizations framework for looking at the evic- said Bluma Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein, movement that sparked when a cri- on Saturday, February 6, at her home at and institutions. the age of 93, less than a month before She was a member of Temple tion issue. MJF’s executive vice president. sis and a need arises such as this,” her 94th birthday. “Thus the idea for this series was Israel, a past member of the board Featured panelists include Ro- stated Rabbi Binyamin Lehrfield, A native Memphian who lived in of Memphis Jewish Housing shun Austin, president and CEO born. Our goal for this first program senior rabbi of the congregation. Memphis her entire life, Mrs. Krivcher Development Corp, governing body of The Works, Inc., a Memphis- is to present different perspectives Members of every congregation was married to Robert R. Krivcher for of Plough Towers, and belonged to based community development on this difficult and nuanced issue and Jewish agency participated. 41 years until his death in 1991. several other organizations. organization; Daniel M. Schaffzin, so that Jewish community members Sandwich home pictures were Born in Memphis on March 4, Most of all, Sonya loved spending associate law professor at the Uni- gain a deeper understanding of and posted to Facebook with #sand- 1927, she was the daughter of the late time with her friends and family, versity of Memphis Cecil C. Hum- appreciation for the challenges fac- wichproject21 from many differ- Joseph and Tillie Blen Alperin. and thoroughly enjoyed being a phreys School of Law and leader ing our city,” she continued. ent participants. Mrs. Krivcher graduated from grandmother and great-grandmother. Central High Sonya will be greatly missed by all of Memphis’ Eviction Settlement Future programs in the series Beyond the individuals, many School and will take place in March and April who knew her. Program; and Nicole Upano, groups came together to help as Rhodes Mrs. Krivcher is survived by director of Public Policy for the and will address policing and men- well. The team from Zayde’s New College (then a daughter, Jan Magids (Jack) of National Apartment Association. tal health and equity in education. York City Deli devoted a Monday Southwestern at Memphis; a son, Richard Krivcher All three presenters are experts in The Federation Coordinating morning to participate in the Great Memphis). of Citrus Heights, California; a the area of eviction. Committee for this series includes Big Sandwich Make. During her granddaughter, Ashley M. Gaines “Following Federation’s par- Janis Finan, Cindy Finestone, According to Zayde’s owner career Sonya (Jeremy); a grandson, Scott Magids ticipation in MIFA’s fall 2020 Jamie Johnson, Jeri Moskovitz, Marisa Baggett, “While we believe was associated (Alexis); and four great grandchildren Community Read of Matthew Eileen Posner and Karin Rubnitz. that community involvement can with Coleman A private funeral service for the Etter Fontaine, Sonya Krivcher family only was held with burial Desmond’s book, Evicted: Poverty Pre-registration is required. To start in the kitchen, it goes well and later with access the Zoom registration link, in Temple Israel Cemetery. Canale and Profit in the American City, beyond the plate! How great it is George Humphrey Realtors. She was a Funeral Directors had charge. there was an interest in learning call 901-767-7100 or email crich- to see so many individuals, Jew- member of the “Million Dollar Club”. The family requests that any more about this complicated issue,” [email protected]. ish agencies, and now businesses Mrs. Krivcher had many interests. memorials be sent to Temple Israel, taking part in this massive effort!” She loved music and was an Plough Towers, or LeBonheur Together, the team made over 600 accomplished pianist. She enjoyed Children’s Hospital. Cong. Cohen presides at hearing sandwiches. Middle School students at on abuse of Presidential Pardon Power Bornblum Jewish Community Congressman Steve Cohen (D- the thousands who suffer from the School took an hour of their day COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS TN), chairman burdens of excessive and unjust to make sandwiches for the Great Designers and Builders of the House imprisonment or the collateral Sandwich Make. HIGHEST QUALITY MONUMENTS AND MARKERS Judiciary Sub- consequences stemming from their According to Bornblum Head committee on criminal convictions. Perhaps not of School Dan Weiss, “Our Middle Associated and Identified with the Constitu- coincidentally, these burdens are School students and teachers were tion, Civil disproportionately borne by people excited to participate in this year’s JEWISH MEMORIALS Rights, and of color… sandwich make. Each student had For Over 85 years Civil Liber- “It is my hope that President their own work station to ensure Enduring ties, presided Biden will be a leading example for social distancing as they each Memorials in Memphis and the Mid-South area recently over of how the clemency power could made two loaves worth of sand- a hearing on be more effectively used, espe- wiches as part of Yom Kef (Fun Cong. Steve Day) activities. Students learned For more information, call “The Consti- Cohen cially for those who may be more tutional Means deserving, but whose pleas have that giving back to the community to Prevent Abuse of the Clemency not been heard… is not only important but fun.” In Phone 1-800-647-1055 Power.” “Questions about the proper working together, the classes made As a senior member of the Ju- scope of the clemency power took diciary Committee, Congressman on greater urgency during the Trump Cohen has introduced joint resolu- presidency. No President is permit- tions in the current and previous ted to abuse the powers of his office Located at 2481 Broad Avenue - Memphis Congresses to limit the pardon to obstruct a law enforcement inves- 901.767.0026 - Locally owned by Paul West power outlined in Article 2 of the tigation, yet the manner in which Constitution. President Trump used the clemency In his opening remarks, Con- power throughout his presidency gressman Cohen said, “There are raised the concern that he may have Beautifully Crafted Cemetery Monuments few things more fiercely urgent been willing to do just that to protect than the need to grant clemency to himself and his political allies.” SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF MEMPHIS FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Erev Shabbat, Fri Feb 19, 2021 / 7 Adar, 5781...... 5:28 pm Visit us at WESTMEMORIALS.COM Shabbat ends, Havdalah, Sat Feb 20, 2021 / 8 Adar, 5781...... 6:29 pm Weekly Torah Reading: TERUMA Page 8 THE HEBREW WATCHMAN Thursday, February 18, 2021 Why did Trump’s impeachment lawyer David Schoen keep putting his hand on his head? By Laura E. Adkins erings, but carves out an explicit head doesn’t really count as a valid and Ron Kampeas exception for religious require- covering according to most Ortho- WASHINGTON (JTA) — ments. The House, spurred on by dox interpretations of halacha. So What Donald Trump’s lawyer Rep. Ilhan Omar and interfaith why did Schoen repeatedly cover likely wanted: for America to groups, overturned their 181 year his head with his own hand? spend this evening talking about ban on head coverings in 2019. Some claimed to see Schoen how the former president was not Schoen wore a kippah heading into using a bottle cap to cover his head responsible for the deadly Jan. 6 the Capitol building, but chose not rather than just his hand (which raid on the U.S. Capitol. to wear one on the floor. would present its own halachic What he got instead: a firestorm If avoiding stares was Schoen’s issues). of speculation about why he held goal, he didn’t succeed. The Mys- Others offered another sugges- his hand over his head every time terious Case of Hand on Head tion, drawn from their own expe- he took a sip of water. caused confusion for many view- rience as regular kippah-wearers: The Senate convened Tues- ers and frenetic discussions on Schoen could be displaying a day, February 9, for a historic Jewish Twitter, where political reflex to keep his usually-there first: former President Donald Trump’s impeachment lawyer David Schoen covering his head polarization fell away in favor of kippah from sliding off of his head. Trump’s second impeachment. with his hand before drinking water Capture from CNN live broadcast shared bemusement. Schoen was not the only Jewish David Schoen, one of Trump’s Even observant Jews expressed lawyer in the courtroom Tuesday, impeachment lawyers, already men (and in some opinions, women) thing and people stare at it.” confusion about why Schoen February 9. Leading the team asked (and then withdrew his re- should have their heads covered. While it’s true that most Ortho- repeated his hand motion every making the case for Trump’s quest) for Trump’s trial to pause Based on this fact, it’s likely that dox men regularly wear a hat or a time he drank. Religious law only impeachment was Jamie Raskin, for the Jewish day of rest. Was Schoen covered his head with his kippah (also called a yarmulke) at requires a blessing before one’s a Maryland Democratic congress- the fact that he covered his head hand while he recited a blessing be- all times, some elect not to wear a first bite (or sip) and after eating man and a constitutional scholar. while drinking also because he is fore drinking from his water bottle. head covering at work or in situ- or drinking is completed — and Also on the team is Rep. David an Orthodox Jew? So why wasn’t he wearing a ations where being identified as a using your own hand to cover your Cicilline of Rhode Island. We didn’t ask Schoen, but we kippah or another head covering, religious Jew could cause harm. can say: Almost certainly, yes. as many observant Jewish men do? In public courtrooms in par- Whenever observant Jews drink “I just wasn’t sure if it was ap- ticular, some observant Jews fear or eat, they typically recite a bless- propriate, frankly,” Schoen said that wearing a kippah could bring ing that includes the name of God after the hearing to a CNN reporter extra scrutiny from anti-Semitic before and after doing so. Jewish who asked him why did not wear jury members, judges, or in this law, known as halacha, stipulates a kippah. “I didn’t want to offend case, members of the public. that in order to say God’s name, anyone…It’s just an awkward Plus, the Senate bans head cov-

Benjamin Netanyahu, on trial for corruption, pleads not guilty and walks out of courtroom. Benjamin Netanyahu, on trial for corruption, pleads not guilty and walks out of courtroom By Ben Sales in the span of two years. JERUSALEM (JTA) — Is- Netanyahu affirmed that he raeli Prime Minister Benjamin was pleading not guilty, saying Netanyahu pleaded not guilty in “I confirm the written answer his ongoing trial for corruption submitted in my name.” Twenty charges, then left the courtroom minutes later he asked the three while the hearing was still un- judges hearing the case for per- derway. mission to leave the courtroom Later on Monday, February 8, and walked out with his security he dismissed the charges, as he has detail. (By Israeli law, any trial of in the past, as “fabricated.” a sitting prime minister is presided Netanyahu is on trial for fraud, over by a three-judge panel.) The bribery and breach of trust — the hearing continued without him as first time a sitting prime minister lawyers discussed the next steps has stood trial in Israeli history. with the judges. The hearing was The investigations of allegedly adjourned with no date set to begin illicit payments and favors stretch the evidentiary stage. back years. Later Monday, February 8, Ne- Netanyahu was officially in- tanyahu called the case against him dicted about a year ago, and his spurious and said the court should trial began in May in Jerusalem not view the evidence against District Court. Successive delays him until after the election. Over due to COVID-19 restrictions have the course of the investigations, drawn out the process. This was Netanyahu has chided the cases the second time he has appeared against him as “nothing” and a in person. “,” and called to “investigate Ahead of Monday’s (Febru- the investigators.” ary 8) hearing, Netanyahu urged “Everyone knows that the cases his supporters not to protest out- against me are fabricated,” Netan- side the courtroom. Hundreds of yahu said. “I don’t think they’ll protesters who oppose the prime rush to the evidentiary stage before minister did show up outside the the elections. In any case, even if courthouse. The hearing came this isn’t their intention, that would about six weeks ahead of Israel’s be seen as blatant meddling in the election, the fourth national vote election.”