Hundreds Stand with Islamic Community Unteers to Help Him

SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Y Community 1

B’nai Mitzvah See B’nai Mitvah section, pages 18-19. Published by the Jewish Community of Louisville, Inc. www.jewishlouisville.org

INSIDE And The Louisville’s Got Talent Winner Is STORY, CENTERPIECE . PG. 1

Communit■ ■ y FRIDAY VOL. 41, NO. 01 12 TISHREI 5776 SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Leon Wahba Wahba to Chair 2016 Federation Campaign by Shiela Steinman Wallace Dr. Muhammad Babar, at the microphone, called on the hundreds of people who showed up to repaint the River Road Mosque Hate Has No that had been defaced by vandals to make this day the start of long-term friendships based on love and compassion. Far left is Editor the mosque’s president, Dr. Waheed Ahmad; and next to him is Mayor Greg Fischer. So many people came out to help paint over Place Here the hate-filled graffiti that it was completely obliterated just minutes after the work began. Leon Wahba will serve as chair of the 2016 Federation Campaign and he knows he has a big job ahead of him that involves recruiting a strong team of vol- Hundreds Stand with Islamic Community unteers to help him. by Shiela Steinman Wallace Hebrew writing and other offensive ex- the two friends were interviewed by a Keren Benabou and Laurence Ni- Editor pressions. WAVE3 reporter. bur have stepped up and will chair the The Jewish community, standing in “Although we are sickened by this van- Young Adult Division; and Wahba is n Wednesday evening, Septem- solidarity with the Islamic community, dalism,” Goldberg said, “it provides us talking with other community leaders ber 16, the Islamic Center on responded immediately. Jewish Com- an opportunity to make our communal to ensure this year’s Campaign team has River Road was vandalized. munity Relations Director Matt Gold- ties stronger. Our already deep friend- the depth, strength and commitment it O The perpetrator spray-painted berg drove out to the Mosque as soon ship with the local Islamic community needs. messages all over the mosque, saying, as he learned of the incident where he will be deeper after this … the exact op- “I know from my past experience on “Moslems, leave the Jews alone” and embraced the Jewish community’s good posite effect of what the perpetrator of the Planning and Allocations Committee “this is for France.” The graffiti also in- friend Dr. Muhammad Babar and of- this crime intended.” that the needs of our community far ex- cluded Stars of David, the word, “Betar,” fered his help. Standing arm-in-arm, At the Islamic community’s request, ceed what we have been able to allocate,” the clean-up took place on Friday after- Wahba said. He’d like to raise enough noon and drew hundreds of participants money to increase funding for education INDEX from faith communities across Louis- and to send more money to Israel. JCRC Update...... 2 ville. The Louisville Jewish community He also sees a real need for addition- Standing with our Neighbors...... 2 was well represented including clergy al funding for the Jewish Community of Master Chorale Performs at AJ...... 5 from all of Louisville’s congregations, Louisville. He highlighted some of the Etgar Keret to Speak Here ...... 5 JCL professional and lay leaders, and varied resources the agency provides Hanukkah Helpers...... 5 many, many others. A delegation from for the community including all the LBSY Programs...... 5 Djibouti, including that country’s presi- programming at the Jewish Communi- POSTAGE Calendar of Events...... 5 KENTUCKY LOUISVILLE dent and military leader, who just hap- ty Center, from teen programming like PERIODICALS Sen. McConnel on Iran Deal...... 6 Rep. Yarmuth on Iran Deal...... 7 see MOSQUE page 3 see WAHBA page 10 Background on Iran Deal...... 8 Hershverg, Kamen Win Bell Awards...... 9 Cohen Named to Forty Under 40...... 10 Many Teens Experience Israel’s Magic Dror Biran in Concert...... 11 by Cynthia Canada of the Jewish people, but he really didn’t Chavurat Shalom...... 11 Simchat Torah...... 12 Special to Community know what was so great about it other Festival of Trees and Lights...... 12 than that. He wanted to better under- Lenae Price Promoted...... 13 A number of Louisville teens traveled stand the significance of the Jewish state Hadassah...... 13 this summer to Israel, and Community and form a real emotional attachment. Joyce Bridge, NCJW President...... 14 talked with four of them about their ex- By the time he returned home, he had Leonard Bernstein’s Mass...... 14 periences. All four were first-time visi- learned that it was possible to support Atherton Reunion...... 14 the people and the culture of Israel and Cohen Does Mitzvah Corps...... 15 tors to Israel, and they all said they were Review: Alexandrian Summer...... 14 deeply affected by the journey. connect to the place, whether or not he JFCS Calendar...... 17 Jonah Goodman, a senior at St. Fran- supported specific actions of the govern- It’s Not Cotillion Anymore...... 17 cis High School, wasn’t really sure what ment. Jonah said that the bonding expe- Teen Topics...... 17 to expect from the trip until he started rience with other travelers was great, just Newsmakers...... 20 writing essays for his scholarship ap- like any “summer camp kind of thing,” Around Town...... 20, 21 plications. He realized then that he was but he came away with a deep appreci- Lifecycle...... 22, 23 “blindly supporting” Israel as the home see ISRAEL page 17 D’var Torah...... 23 2 Community Y SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Communit y Community is published monthly by the Jewish JCRC UPDATE Community of Louisville, Inc., 3630 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205-3216. by Matt Goldberg, Director the United States are opening up new We must deepen our ties with our USPS #020-068 at Louisville, KY. Jewish Community Relations Council passages to friendship all of the time. Muslim neighbors. More of us need to Here in Louisville, we have cooper- participate in their annual Iftar dinner, The Jewish Community of Louisville is ated on so many occasions for so many and we hope to see more of them at our a nonprofit organization. $26 of your pledge Vandalism at Mosque is for a subscription for Community. projects, they are too numerous to men- Interfaith Chanukah Party and Yom Affects Us All tion … a sign of our growing friendship. HaShoah Commemoration. For more information, call his past week, our good friends 502-459-0660, fax 502-238-2724, Our Muslim brothers and sisters are our The heinous act, which sought to di- e-mail [email protected] or check out in the Islamic community were doctors, our lawyers and our community vide us, should bring us closer, and ren- the website www.jewishlouisville.org. Tforced to confront an act of pure leaders. We go to work with them, we go der these kinds of acts irrelevant hatred – the vandalism of their house POSTMASTER – Send address changes to to school with them and we invite their of worship. The content of this vandal- kids to our kids’ bar and bat mitzvahs. Happy New Year Community, 3600 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, This has been an event-filled year, as KY 40205-3216. ism is vile and repugnant, and I con- We share the common values of family, veyed that message to our friends at education, and good citizenship, the val- every year is. From a JCRC perspective, the mosque, the greater Louisville faith ues that all Americans aspire to share. we had murders in France, a visit by the COMMUNITY DEADLINES Israeli Prime Minister to Congress, and Deadlines for the next two issues of Community community and the media. The fact that That is why an attack on a mosque is so for copy and ads are: OCTOBER 16 for Stars of David were spray-painted on frightening because it could easily hap- an Iran nuclear deal that has divided publication on OCTOBER 23 and NOVEMBER 13 the building along pen to us. our community to an extent. Still, I am for publication on NOVEMBER 20. with Hebrew writ- Our answer to this attack is extremely a firm believer in the resiliency of our community and the continuing trend Community publishes Newsmakers and Around ing was especially vital and will have, I hope, positive and Town items at no charge. Items must be troubling. permanent repercussions. Of course we of our “rising to the occasion” when we submitted in writing. Please include your name I can under- must think of security, capturing the are faced with adversity. Yet, I hope that and a daytime telephone number where you stand why there perpetrator, being vigilant, keeping our these positive traits are not revealed in can be contacted in the event that questions is a sense of be- eyes open for suspicious activity. But the the coming year, that only positive devel- arise. Community reserves the right to edit all wilderment at our response of our Jewish community must opments face our community. submissions to conform to style and length wonderful rela- May it be a sweet and prosperous year requirements. also encapsulate the Jewish ideal of lov- tionship with the ing your neighbor as yourself. for you and your family. Muslim commu- ADVERTISING INFORMATION nity here in Lou- To advertise, please contact our sales Matt Goldberg isville. After all, representative at 502-418-5845 or e-mail Proud to Stand with Our Neighbors [email protected]. events in the greater world often show our communities in by Sara Klein Wagner and concern standing side-by-side with The appearance of advertising in Community conflict, and events in the Middle East our neighbors. does not represent a kashruth endorsement. President and CEO sometimes lead to violence between our Jewish Community of Louisville While we have been standing and beloved Israel and its mostly Muslim working together for many years with EDITORIAL POLICY neighbors. It is safe to say that the cur- members of the Islamic community, Community accepts letters to the editor Since taking office, Mayor Greg Fisch- for publication. All letters must be of interest to rent state of relations between Muslims er’s goal has been to establish Louisville there was a time we were not connect- the Jewish community or in response to and Jews around the world needs seri- as a forward thinking and inspiring ed. As we celebrate the compassion our an item published in the paper. They must be ous improvement. community that exemplifies compas- community has embraced, we should no longer than 300 words in length and signed. And yet there are so many examples sion. also respect and regard the strides we Name, address and daytime phone number must of our two communities coming togeth- In the wake of recent hate messages have made. be included for verification purposes only. er. Just this week, groups of Muslims painted on the walls of the Islamic Cen- I started my day at a press conference Community reserves the right to refuse to publish and Jews formed a coalition in Europe ter on River Road, I am proud that our standing outside the Mosque reflecting any letter, to edit for brevity while preserving aimed at defeating legislation that seeks Louisville community, including our that 25 years ago today I started my ca- the meaning, and to limit the number of letters to ban Kosher or Halal meat prepara- Jewish community, responded immedi- reer as the community relations direc- published in any edition. tion. Muslim and Jewish groups around ately, showing our respect, compassion tor at the Jewish Federation. I am in awe Email your comments to: Community, and grateful for Letters to the Editor, [email protected]. the relationship Community’s circulation has that has developed been audited by the Circulation between our two Verification Council. communities – a relationship we would not have en- Banking is your visioned 25 years EDITORIAL STAFF ago. Shiela Steinman Wallace choice. Choose easy. The agenda of Editor/Communications Director the Community 502-238-2703, [email protected] Relations Council Kristy Benefield Sara Klein Wagner and the Federa- Community Subscriptions tion 25 years ago 502-238-2739, [email protected] included building Easy Checking a stronger relationship with our public Ben Goldenberg school system; concerns that Chanukah Marketing Director  No Monthly Maintenance Fee would be compared to Christmas in 502-238-2711, [email protected] public spaces; the 25th anniversary of  No Minimum Balance Misty Ray Hamilton Nostra Aetate, the document in which the Roman Catholic Church recognized Sr. Graphic Designer & Web Manager  Unlimited check writing 502-238-2778, [email protected] the Jewish people are not responsible * for the death of Jesus; Operation Exo-  Free Mobile Banking and Mobile Deposit dus, which brought one million Soviet BOARD OF DIRECTORS  Free Republic Bank ATM transactions Jews from the former Soviet Union; and Board Chair a strong interfaith presence in Louisville Jay Klempner  Free Online Banking and Bill Pay that included, at that time, only members of the Jewish and Christian faiths.  $50 minimum opening deposit It took a lot of strong leaders to open JCL SENIOR STAFF the doors to each other, redefine inter- President & Chief Executive Officer faith relations and build true friend- Sara Wagner ships. Words can cause pain and fear, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer but words can also create hope and Ed Hickerson compassion. Over the past two decades, the commitment of our Jewish and Tax deductible contributions may be sent to Muslim communities to listen and learn Community, 3600 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205 from each other has strengthened both of our communities and the Louisville community as a whole. At the mosque last Friday, the Jew- ish community was a strong presence among the broad interfaith gathering. Together, our community of many faiths overpowered the message of hate left by vandals with an act of solidarity, com- 584-3600 munity and spirit. Louisville is indeed a © 2015 JEWISH COMMUNITY OF LOUISVILLE, INC. compassionate community. * Messages and data rates may apply from your wireless carrier. Usage and qualification requirements apply for Mobile Deposit. SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Y Community 3

Mayor Greg Fischer opportunity. “This should be the begin- temple and on a church.” MOSQUE ning of love, friendship, brotherhood Fischer explained that the Muslim Continued from page 1 and of fraternity among us people of dif- community has been a leader in acts pened to be in the city, were also present. ferent faiths. So, please, please, continue of compassion in Louisville, and their The speakers included Dr. Muham- this journey to the last day of our life.” response to this crime was “kindness, mad Babar, a leader in the Muslim He encouraged people who don’t know love, compassion,” and, he stated that community and a long-time interfaith much about Islam to talk with members their message to the perpetrator was, pioneer; Haleh Karimi, the executive of the Muslim community and learn. “We forgive you. We love you. We don’t director of Interfaith Paths to Peace; Dr. “There is a lot of extremism in the want you to go to jail. Just help us clean Waheed Ahmad, president of the Islam- world today,” Mayor Fischer began his up our mosque.” ic Center; Mayor Greg Fischer; Council- remarks, “and I have seen extremism Lassere read a statement from Mu- woman Angela Leet; Donald Lassere, of love and compassion here today and hammad Ali, deploring the violence and president and chief executive officer of I love it. letting the community know “that even the Muhammad Ali Center; and Sadiqa “I think I can speak for many of us,” if Muhammad cannot be here in person, Reynolds, president of the Louisville Ur- he continued. “The most important he is with all of you in spirit as we come ban League. thing was just to be here. Maybe we get together today to heal our community.” There was also a special presentation to paint, maybe we don’t get to paint, but It was truly coincidence that the com- to dedicate Louisville’s first compassion we are here giving testament to broth- passion bench was presented as the bench by Tom Williams, Martin Brooks erhood, sisterhood, to the values of our community came together to restore and Laura Haines. country, founded by some people that the mosque because the presentation While the pain of the Islamic com- did not want to be persecuted for their had long been planned for that after- munity at the desecration of their holy religion.” noon. The bench is a recognition of the place was evident, they turned the inci- “We need to recognize that a heinous Louisville Islamic Center’s commitment dent into a positive. Dr. Wahid said, “for act took place some 48 hours ago on to compassion. It is the first of several all the adversity, sometimes good comes this holy place,” he continued, “this holy planned for places around the commu- out and I see it right here.” While some place that’s been in our community for nity. people tried to sabotage the community, over 30 years, that’s the worship home he observed, he expressed gratitude for to members of our PTAs … neighbors, the outpouring of sympathy from the our friends. And it’s an insult to each community. and every one of us. This was an attack Dr. Babar viewed the incident as an on a mosque, but it’s also an attack on a

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Our Greatest Strength Is Our Ability to Act Collectively.

Because of your gift to the Federation Campaign, our Louisville Jewish community helps care for the vulnerable, build our Jewish future, and support Jews in need in Israel and around the world.

This year, our community provided support for:

Local Jewish Education High School of Jewish Studies Still, the needs exceed The Temple Hebrew School Louisville Beit Sefer Yachad our resources. Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning JCC Programs Give generously to Local Jewish Social Services Jewish Family & Career Services the 2016 Federation Chavurat Shalom JCC Senior Adult Program Campaign. Local Jewish Identity Building Donate Today! BBYO, Teen Connection, J45ers at the JCC JCC Summer Camp scholarships jewishlouisville.org | 502-238-2739 Hillel B’nai Tzedek at the JCC National and International Agencies and Programs Birthright Israel Partnership Together The Jewish Agency for Israel The Joint Distribution Committee “Every Dollar Does National Council of Jewish Women Hadassah a World of Good” Center for Leadership and Learning Foundation for Jewish Camp

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CALENDAR Master Chorale to Present Paulus Work at AJ OF EVENTS by Shiela Steinman Wallace mance will take place one week after his understanding of the Jewish struggle for SEPTEMBER 26 and 27 Editor yahrtzeit. freedom since biblical times It is a mov- Teddy Abrams Conducts The goal of this project is to recog- ing program that offers a setting for per- Leonard Bernstein’s Mass he Louisville Master Chorale nize and honor the Jewish struggle for sonal reflection and serves as a teaching 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Kentucky and Orchestra will present a freedom. For those within the Jewish opportunity for all. Center for the Arts. Tickets $75, $50, $36, piece of particular interest to community, it will provide an artistic The program will also include ex- $26. 502-584-7777 or louisvilleorchestra.org. T the Jewish community, To Be experience that explores the eternal is- cerpts from Handel’s Israel in Egypt. SEPTEMBER 27 Certain of the Dawn, by Stephen Paulus sues of humanity, tolerance and respect This program is made possible in part Community Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. at Con- through the lens of the Holocaust and by a grant from the Jewish Heritage 2:15 p.m., E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park. Join the gregation Adath Jeshurun. There will be the Exodus. Fund for Excellence. Jewish Louisville team and half of what a pre-concert lecture with John Hale at For those outside the Jewish commu- Editor’s Note: Some of the information you raise will go to the Janet & Sonny Meyer 2:15 p.m. nity it will bring a sharp focus on the sig- for this story came from a press release Food Pantry Fund. For more information or to The concert will feature soloists Mary nificance of the Holocaust and a deeper from the Louisville Master Chorale. register, go to www.thehungerwalk.org. Wilson Redden, Cantor Sharon Hordes, SEPTEMBER 30 Cantor David Lipp and Alexander Red- Pizza in the Hut den. In addition, the Louisville Youth Etgar Keret to Speak Here October 16 6-7:30 p.m. JCC. Make decorations for the Choir will participate. Sukkah and enjoy pizza. $10 per family; JCC To Be Certain of the Dawn is a memo- Renowned Israeli writer and filmmak- surreal world that members $5 per family. RSVP by September rial oratorio that was commissioned in er Etgar Keret will speak at the Universi- is at once funny 25 at jewishlouisville.org/event/pizza-hut-2/. 2005 by the Basilica of St. Mary in Min- ty of Louisville on Friday, October 16, at and sad. The Sev- SEPTEMBER 30 neapolis as a gift to Temple Israel syn- 3 p.m. about his recent critical success, en Good Years is Live from New York’s 92nd Street Y agogue in commemoration of the 60th the memoir The Seven Good Years. The described as a 7:45 p.m. reception; 8:15 broadcast. Adath program will be in Cochran Auditori- wise, witty mem- Jeshurun. Harold Kushner and Rachel anniversary of the freeing of Holocaust Cowan with Rabbi Peter Rubinstein: “Living survivors and the 40th anniversary of the um in Strickler Hall. Keret will also be oir, full of wonder the guest speaker at The Temple during and love, poignant Well, Aging Well.” Free and open to all. Vatican II declaration, Nostra Aetate. Questions? Deborah Slosberg at 458-5359 “We’ve wanted to expand our hori- Shabbat services at 7 p.m. the same day. insights and irre- or [email protected]. Hailed as the voice of young Israel and pressible humor. zons and diversify our repertoire,” said OCTOBER 2 the Louisville Master Chorale’s Conduc- one of its extraordinary writers, Keret is This program internationally acclaimed for his short is sponsored by School’s Out Days at the JCC tor and Artistic Director Mark Walker. Etgar Keret 9 a.m.-4 p.m., extended day options. Includes “About three years ago, we presented stories that capture the craziness of Israe- the University of li life and the human condition at large. Louisville’s Jewish sports, swimming, arts and crafts. Theme: Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and it was Music Mania. For more nformation and to brought up that maybe we should pur- Shot through with a dark, tragicom- Studies Program and the Division of register, go to jewishlouisville.org/event/ sue some Jewish repertoire and Hebrew ic sensibility, he offers a window on a Humanities. schools-out-day-music-mania/. texts. I was waiting for the right piece to OCTOBER 4 fit our group,” Walker said. Hanukkah Helpers Dreidels Available September 27 Songs in the Sukkah After finding and studying Paulus’ Warm winter clothing, books, arts Gifts should be returned to the offices 10 a.m. Adath Jeshurun. PJ Library presents work, Walker “decided it would be and crafts, toys and other items are be- of these synagogues by November 11, so Songs in the Sukkah. RSVP to Jennifer Tuvlin, perfect as the sequel to the Chichester ing collected so needy Jewish children in they may be distributed in a timely fash- [email protected]. Psalms.” Louisville can have a happy Chanukah. ion. OCTOBER 11 Walker is also looking for differ- Community members are asked to par- Tax deductible cash donations also are ent venues for the Chorale. “Up to this Teen Connections Lazer Blaze ticipate in the annual Hanukkah Help- being collected and should be made pay- 12:30-3:30 p.m. Leave from and return to point,” he said, the Louisville Master ers program by shopping for new items able to Jewish Family & Career Services. the JCC. $15; JCC Members, $12. Includes Chorale “had not performed in a Jewish for the children that their parents have Hanukkah Helpers is co-sponsored by transportation, Lazer Blaze and lunch. venue.” He worked through the Cho- requested. After September 27, paper JFCS and Temple Shalom. Register at jewishlouisville.org/event/teen- rale’s channels and consulted with the dreidels listing the requested items will Questions? Contact the Temple Sha- connections-trip-to-lazer-blaze/. librettist, Dennis Michael Browne, the be available at Adath Jeshurun, Keneseth lom office at 458-4739 and ask to be con- OCTOBER 11-NOVEMBER 17 retired chair of English at the Universi- Israel, Temple Shalom and The Temple. tacted by Sheilah Abramson-Miles. Patio Gallery Exhibit ty of Minnesota, who provided the text. Martin Rollins: This, That and the Other. Open- Browne thought performing at a syna- ing reception Sunday, October 11, 2-4 p.m. gogue was a wonderful idea. Walker then approached Cantor Lipp OCTOBER 16 at Adath Jeshurun and they agreed that Israeli Author/Filmmaker to Speak 3 p.m., University of Louisville, Cochran the synagogue would be a great venue Auditorium, Strickler Hall. Acclaimed writer for the piece. and filmmaker Etgar Keret will speak about “The composer of the piece tragically his new memoir, The Seven Good Years. died last year,” Walker said. This perfor- OCTOBER 16 Etgar Keret to Speak at The Temple Upcoming LBSY Programs 7 p.m., The Temple. Israeli writer, filmmaker On Sunday, September 27, LBSY Etgar Keret will read from and comment on families will be participating in special one of his books. Sukkot programs at their home con- OCTOBER 18 gregations. The emphasis for Sukkot J45ers Mega Quest learning for this year will be providing 12:30-4 p.m. Leave from and return to the shelter. In addition to learning about the JCC. $30; JCC Members, $25. Includes sheltering presence of the sukkah and transportation, aerial ropes course and pizza of God, students and their families will lunch. Register at jewishlouisville.org/event/ j45ers-mega-quest/. learn what we can do to help provide shelter for others. OCTOBER 18 LBSY will be partnering with Houses Klezmer to Kaddish for Change and Family Promise to raise 3 p.m., The Temple. Louisville Orchestra presents Jewish music and musicians from money and consciousness about home- Maurice Ravel to Irving Berlin. Tickets avail- lessness and poverty during this harvest able at 502-584-7777 or louisvilleorchestra. festival. The program at Temple Shalom org. See ad, page 11. will begin at 4 p.m., Adath Jeshurun at OCTOBER 18 4:30 and Keneseth Israel at 6. Live from New York’s 92nd Street Y On Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m., At Adath Jeshurun. 7 p.m. reception; 7:30 the school’s chug groups will make pre- broadcast. Dennis Ross in Conversation wtih sentations on the fall festivals at Anshei Ethan Bronner: The U.S.-Israel Relationship, Sfard. Using music, drama, art, video, from Truman to Obama. Free and open to all. animation, cooking, and more, students Questions? Deborah Slosberg at 458-5359 will present what they have learned or [email protected]. about the fall holidays. OCTOBER 22-NOVEMBER 8 On Sunday, November 8, LBSY will CenterStage and Physician’s Center be holding a fundraiser at 5 p.m. at the for Beauty Present Oliver Kentucky Science Center featuring Jon- JCC. Consider yourself at home with this mu- athan Wolff. Details will soon be avail- sical theater classic adapted from Charles able. Dickens’ Oliver Twist. $20 in advance; $22 at On Sunday, November 15, LBSY in- the door. CenterStageJCC.org. vites the community to join them for OCTOBER 25 the Global Day of Jewish Learning at Master Chorale Fall Concert 10 a.m. at Anshei Sfard Congregation. 2 p.m., Adath Jeshurun. $20. Pre-concert This year’s theme, “Love: Devotion, De- presentation at 2. Concert at 3 featuring To sire and Deception” will be featured in Be Certain of the Dawn and Israel in Egypt. For tickets, go to www.louisvillemastercho- a program for adults. Students will join rale.org or call 502-657-5248. See story, this the adults for a joint program at 11:30. page or ad, page 7. 6 Community Y SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 McConnell Presents Case Against Iran Agreement by Matt Goldberg, Director option, the U.S. cannot retreat from its Jewish Community Relations Council world responsibilities. The world does much better and has done much better n Wednesday, August 26, Sen. since World War I with American lead- Mitch McConnell, the U.S. ership. Senate Majority Leader who Our allies in the Gulf, like Saudi Ara- O has a long history of support bia, The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, for Israel as an important U.S. ally and and Qatar were strong-armed into pub- a strong interest in the Middle East, lically supporting the deal, but privately shared these thoughts with respect to are very much opposed. Saudi Arabia is the nuclear agreement with Iran: now reaching out to Russia for support While the President was opposed to because of the lack of American leader- sanctions, he did enforce them to such ship. an extent that it brought Iran to the ne- President Obama has tried to reshape gotiating table. Clearly sanctions were the Middle East, and his efforts have led working and if we had expanded sanc- to greater strife and uncertainty in the tions, it would have forced Iran to accept region. a deal that is more in line with world Israel has legitimate concerns about expectations, guaranteeing that Iran this deal, and it is not just bad for Israel, would never achieve a nuclear bomb. it is bad for America. While not advocating any military Iran will use the lifting of sanctions, and the $50 billion that will eventually Sen. Mitch McConnell Sen. McConnell and Leon Wahba come from it, to further destabilize the region by supporting Hamas, Hezbol- American support of Israel as an ally lah, and rebels in Yemen. It should also remains strong across this country. be noted that Iranian-made IED’s were Sen. McConnell’s discussion was part directly responsible for the death of over of an educational series of programs 500 Americans in Iraq. about the nuclear agreement with Iran It was a huge mistake not to consider presented by the Jewish Community Re- the four hostages currently held in Iran lations Council. Other speakers includ- to be an integral part of the deal mak- ed Rep. John Yarmuth (see story, page 5) ing. and Dr. Patrick Clawson from the Wash- The inspections regime will be inef- ington Institute for Near East Policy (see fective as it provides Iran the opportuni- story, page 6). The program took place at ty to police itself and report any infrac- the Jewish Community Center. tions.

Sen. McConnell and Steve Shapiro

JCRC Chair Becky Ruby Swansburg introduced Sen. McConnell.

Sen. McConnell and Debbie Friedman

David Weinberg and Sen. Mitch McConnell JCRC Director Matt Goldberg, Becky Swansburg, Sen. Mitch McConnell and JCL President and CEO Sara Wagner BASED ON THE PHOTOS BY TED WIRTH SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS THAT KIDS LIKE TO PLAY. Now Open

KYScienceCenter.org 502-561-6100

Please support our advertisers! They make it possible for us to bring Community to you. SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Y Community 7 Yarmuth Presents Case in Favor of Iran Agreement by Shiela Steinman Wallace 20 percent, which brought them much Editor nearer the level needed to power a nuclear weapon. n Wednesday, September 2, He also made a clear distinction be- U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth spoke tween a nuclear program for peaceful at the Jewish Community Cen- purposes, which the Nuclear Nonpro- O ter about the nuclear agree- liferation Treaty allows, and a nuclear ment with Iran. weapons program, which the treaty Rep. Yarmuth said there are two does not allow. Iran is a signatory to the things that virtually every member of Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Congress can agree on: support of Israel The nuclear agreement with Iran, and that a nuclear weaponized Iran is known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan unacceptable. of Action, Rep. Yarmuth explained, “will As background for the discussion, ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Yarmuth posited that until 2003, there Iran’s nuclear program” and in it, “Iran was general consensus that Iran was do- reaffirms that under no circumstances ing research that could lead to the de- will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire velopment of a nuclear weapon, but in- any nuclear weapons.” telligence reports show no further work The agreement does include some Bob Kohn and Rep. Yarmuth toward that goal after that date until the dates after which Iran will be allowed discovery of secret underground facili- to resume some of its nuclear activities, ties in 2009. Rep. Yarmuth explained, but “they all Rep. John Yarmuth While the Iranians denied using the relate to their civilian nuclear program. neath them, or they will have,” he con- facilities to develop nuclear weapons, Under this deal, he reiterated “Iran will tinued, “so if anybody tries to move the discovery led to an opening to begin never be allowed to have a nuclear weap- them everyone will know. Again, the discussion on how Iran could get the on.” level of detail in this enforcement mech- U.S. to lift sanctions the latter had im- The document includes some specific anism is beyond anything that I think posed in response to a variety of Iranian details about how some of Iran’s centri- most nuclear non-proliferation experts actions, including, but not limited to, its fuges will be disabled and how it will be had ever seen.” nuclear weapons research, that the U.S. verified by constant International Atom- Asked about the widely reported 24- found unacceptable. ic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring. day delay between the time an inspec- U.S. sanctions alone were not enough Rep. Yarmuth described the monitor- tion of a site is requested and when the Ron Abrams, Rep. Yarmuth and Marie Abrams to bring Iran to the negotiating table. ing in detail. “For all the nuclear facili- Iranians must grant access to inspec- It was the addition of sanctions by the ties that Iran has,” he said, “there is 24/7 tors, Rep. Yarmuth explained there are French, Germans, British, Russians and monitoring of everything that goes on. two kinds of sites. Declared sites are Chinese along with the cooperation of There’s electronic monitoring and cam- subject to 24/7 monitoring. The delay the Japanese, South Koreans, Vietnam- eras everywhere.” comes in with undeclared sites. ese and a few others that made the dif- Beyond that, the centrifuges that are If the IAEA “has reason to suspect ference. required to be taken out of service are that anything suspicious” is going on, it At the same time, Rep. Yarmuth ex- to be stored in a specific place where can “ask for access within 24 hours,” he plained, the Iranians had increased the they “will have sensitized wrapping and explained, and Iran can either agree to number of centrifuges they were run- they’ll be wrapped and sealed. If any- provide that access or not. ning from a couple hundred to 19,000; body tries to cut the seal, an alarm goes If Iran declines, the Joint Commission and they increased the level to which off. that is enforcing the agreement, made they were enriching their uranium to “They have motion sensors under- up of the six countries that negotiated Phyllis and David Leibson see YARMUTH page 9 PHOTOS BY TED WIRTH remarkaBle ConCerT aT aDaTh Jeshurun

Sunday, OctOber 25, 2015 at 3:00 PM Jake Wishnia JCRC Chair Becky Ruby Swansburg Dennis and Judy Hummel Pre-cOncert lecture with JO hn hale at 2:15 PM To Be CerTain of The Dawn & israel in egypT Louisville Master Chorale & Orchestra Mary wilSOn redden, Soprano | cantOr SharOn hOrdeS, Mezzo-soprano cantOr david liPP, Tenor | alexander redden, Baritone Louisville Youth Choir JCRC Director Matt Goldberg and Scott Weinberg asked a question. Rep. Yarmuth Michael and Phyllis Shaikun To Be Certain of the Dawn is a memorial oratorio by Stephen Paulus that was commissioned in 2005 as a commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the freeing of Shoah survivors. This is a lyrical and moving work that includes cantors, soloists, and a children’s chorus in addition to a mixed chorus and orchestra. It raises eternal questions of humanity, tolerance and respect while cautioning that the prevention of such horrors rests in the hands of today’s youth.

Handel’s magnificent oratorio, Israel in Egypt, is characterized by virtuosic choruses that fully exploit Bruce Blue and John Rothschild his lavish and sophisticated aural imagery. The excerpts being performed are dramatic tellings of Mike Steklof, Justin Smith and struggle and freedom through the Exodus as reflected in biblical texts. Alison Feit

Sponsored in part by a Jewish Community Excellence Grant.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Louisville Master Chorale with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Photo: Holocaust Victims, Pinchas Synagogue, Prague, ©2014 Øyvind Holmstad

Annette and Harry Geller Evie Topcik and Leni Sweet Marua Temes and Cantor David Lipp Tickets $20 | www.louisvillemasterchorale.org 8 Community Y SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Clawson Presents Background on Iran Agreement by Shiela Steinman Wallace to develop a nuclear weapon, but it is in the country resulting in more than Editor hard to determine exactly how far away 11 million Syrians who have left their a country is from attaining a nuclear homes.” n Thursday, September 10, Dr. weapon. It is bizarre to say the alternative to Patrick Clawson, the Morning- “We signed up for 15 years of intense the nuclear deal with Iran is war, he said star senior fellow and director squabbling,” he said, “but the agreement because there is a war going on now, and O of research at the Washington is a good basis for future negotiations.” more people died in this war than those Institute, where he directs the Iran Se- Those negotiations, he hopes, will lead who died in the Middle East during curity Initiative, spoke to a group at the to a “quiet understanding with Iran that World War II. And he blames the fight- Jewish Community Center via Skype. they have the right to produce highly en- ing on Iran’s revolutionary values. He had been riched uranium,” but if they do, we will There is a great deal of mistrust be- scheduled to come assume they are racing for the bomb tween Iran and the U.S. “Iran thinks we to Louisville, but and we will respond – maybe militarily. are working to overthrow the Iranian his flight was can- “There will be serious consequences,” he government,” he said, and that, too must celed. said. be addressed. Nathan Goldman Dr. Clawson While this agreement deals only with Dr. Clawson also said, the U.S. needs said the original Iran’s nuclear activity, Dr. Clawson said, to address the concerns of its allies – Is- objective of this the U.S. must work during the 15 years rael and the Gulf Arab states. “We have agreement was of the agreement “to reorient Iran away been more effective in negotiating with to prove that the from its current revolutionary ambi- Iran than with Israel,” he said. “It’s em- Iranian nuclear tions. barrassing.” program is peace- “Iran acts more like a cause than a He expressed concern that the Obama Dr. Patrick Clawson ful. “We couldn’t country,” he said, and the U.S. has no administration’s approach is to address do that,” he said, plan on how to deal with its aggressive, the grievances of hostile countries, “but so this agreement is designed to keep destabilizing activities in the Middle it shouldn’t do that at the expense of our Iran at least a year away from being able East. “The worst part,” he posited, “is no historical allies. We have to find ways to longer Iran’s support for terror, but how work with our allies and not abandon Iran has been stirring up sectarian war their interests.” The result seems to be in the area.” that we are abandoning the region and The vicious militias it supports are leaving Iran to be the regional power, he Marty Ruby and Bob Sachs undercutting Iraq, Yemen and Syria. contends. “Iran presents itself as a fighter against In the past, Dr. Clawson noted, when ISIS,” he said, “but it is also the arson- important agreements, like the arms ist.” By supporting the militias, it is forc- control agreements with the former So- ing people who are not sympathetic with viet Union, were brought to Congress, ISIS to align themselves with that group the debate produced a lot of “perfect- because it is the only one that can keep ing provisions.” These provisions didn’t their families alive. force the reopening of negotiations, but “We have to find a way to break the vi- they did clarify how the U.S. would in- cious cycle of sectarianism in the Middle terpret the provisions of the agreement. East,” he insisted. “Ten times as many With regard to the agreement with Syrians have died in this civil war than Iran, Dr. Clawson contends, the debate in all fighting between Syria and Israel.” that should have produced “perfection Elaine and Don Stern The Syrian government has destroyed provisions” never happened because the PHOTOS BY DEBRA ROSE more than one third of the housing debate immediately became partisan and neither side was willing to engage in the needed discussions. Melanie Pell Dr. Clawson expressed hope that after the current dispute, Congress “will

Judah Skolnick come back and clarify and establish the policies we need to take to enforce the agreement.” He also pointed out that the “U.S. has reserved the right to do a great many things to press Iran.” The agreement maintains almost all the sanctions on Iran, since they were imposed for reasons that don’t relate to nuclear weapons. Only those sanctions imposed because of Iran’s nuclear program will be lifted. Dr. Clawson also said that Ayatolla Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Iran’s current supreme leader, fears the U.S. will foment regime change in his country. He fears that young Iranians are at- tracted to Western ways and views Hol- lywood as much more dangerous to him than tanks. He also believes that Iran will cheat, testing the agreement, but that it will wait for the economic sanctions to be lifted before doing so. Dr. Clawson’s discussion was part of an educational series of programs about the nuclear agreement with Iran presented by the Jewish Community Rela- tions Council. Other speakers included Sen. Mitch McConnell (see story, page 6) and Rep. John Yarmuth (see story, page 7). SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Y Community 9 Hershberg and Kamen Are among Bell Award Recipients The WLKY Spirit of Louisville Foun- for Dare to Care Albany, IN, and, Lisa Groves travels through the U.S., dation announced 10 recipients of the Food Bank, which for more than 10 Canada and Mexico for The Veterans 2015 WLKY Bell Awards and 2 recip- has since become years, a volunteer Connection’s “No Veteran Left Behind” ients of the WLKY Bell Awards Youth an official chari- with the Clark and missions to assist homeless veterans. Service Honor. The Bell Awards pro- table organization Floyd County Spe- Groves, who served in the US Army for gram recognizes individuals who have under his leader- cial Olympics. eight years, connects with fellow veter- demonstrated the true “spirit of Louis- ship. In six years, Jim Clark has ans to distribute food, clothing, hygiene ville” through selfless volunteer efforts the team has done more than items and more. and seeks to inspire all residents to en- raised $58,000, 20 projects for the Nora Horecny, a retired nurse, vis- gage in community service. translating to Louisville Metro its the sick and home-bound members In addition to the 12 WLKY Bell 200,000 meals. Police Depart- of Our Savior Lutheran Church. She Award honorees, the Foundation and Team Food Chad Kamen Roberta Hershberg ment, renovating oversees the church’s cookie project, or- Mayor Greg Fischer will present the Chain began in and refurbishing ganizes funeral meals and participates “Mayor’s Spirit of Louisville” award to 2010 as Kamen’s their K9 kennels in the annual Lutheran World Relief, Con-way Freight and Brenda Frank for mitzvah project as he prepared for bar and Mounted Patrol stables, donating which ships homemade quilts to refugee their leadership in the Mayor’s Give a mitzvah at The Temple. When he con- materials and labor in excess of $200,000 camps and disaster scenes. For 17 years, Day community service initiative. tacted Dare to Care to find out what he in a span of four years. He’s also a faith- she has taught Braille and prepared Among this year’s honorees are two could do, the organization challenged ful volunteer for the Kentucky Humane Braille books that are shipped world- members of the Jewish community: Ro- him to become a Hunger Walk spon- Society and Operation Military Cheer. wide. berta Hershberg is a Bell Award recipi- sor by raising $10,000. He accepted the Todd Dunn organizes teams of volun- Cindy Kanning has been volunteer- ent and Chad Kamen is one of the youth challenge, recruiting corporate spon- teers, primarily from UAW Local 862, ing for more than 25 years and directs honorees. sors and working with the Jewish Com- to get many community projects done, the friend-raising program, “Giants in Hershberg is a global ambassador for munity Relations Council and Kentucky including building wheelchair ramps, Faith,” for Hope Southern Indiana and Louisville. The heart and soul of Sister Country Day. His parents, Abby and helping build a simulated city block for provides pro bono training programs Cities of Louisville, she has held various Craig Kamen and sister, Samantha, also children’s training for the Visually Im- for the organization’s volunteers and leadership roles in the organization for supported his efforts. paired Pre-School and more. staff. Kanning is a valued resource for more than forty years. She’s been host, After his bar mitzvah, he remained Dr. Manuel Grimaldi has given more One Southern Indiana’s Chamber & mentor and earth mother for countless committed to his project and continues than 700 hours of free medical care to Economic Development and volunteers international visitors from dozens of to fight hunger. the patients of the Family Community with Goodwill Southern Indiana, Ju- countries around the world, and has For three years, Kamen has been a Clinic, serving two days a week for the nior Achievement, the YMCA, and her served as a board member for the World student leader in Bridge to Fort Camp- last three years. He has provided 952 pa- church. Affairs Council. A faithful volunteer bell, an exchange between his school tient encounters including medical ser- JoAnn Orr started volunteering as a with the West End School since its start and the soldiers and families of the 101st vices valued at more than $180,000. He young girl serving as a candy striper. in 2012, Hershberg has also been instru- Airborne Division 5th Special Forces also sorts medical supplies at Supplies She served five overseas tours of duty mental in recruiting many others to as- group of the U.S. Army. He is a senior at Over Seas and has been an integral part as a senior non-commissioned officer. sist the school to fulfill its mission. Kentucky Country Day. of the GLMS Foundation/Hand in Hand She is a strong advocate for Sickle Cell Kamen is active in the fight against Other Bell Award recipients include: Ministries annual Medical Immersion Association of Kentuckiana, having lost community hunger and food insecurity. Bernie Begin, a volunteer mainte- Trip to Nicaragua from 2011 to 2015. see BELL AWARDS page 10 In 2009, he created Team Food Chain to nance and general handyman at St. participate in Louisville’s Hunger Walk Elizabeth Catholic Charities in New

Iranians, however, “look at is as support- YARMUTH ing the only sources of stability in some Continued from page 7 very unstable neighborhoods.” the agreement, Iran and the European “That argument or perspective is hard Union, has a procedure to follow. for Western world people to swallow,” he “They can vote immediately or they continued. “It certainly would be impos- can take up to 14 days to analyze it,” sible for the Israelis to swallow, under- Rep. Yarmuth said. “Then there’s anoth- standably. But that’s the way they look at er seven-day period that is totally at the it. That without Hezbollah, without As- discretion of the non-Iranians. They can sad, there is less stability in the region. either use those 7 days or not. So again there are different perspectives “And then, after that, if the majority on this. And there is nobody who stands of the joint commission votes that they up for Israel, who has empathy for the [Iran] need to allow access, it needs to be Israelis, who doesn’t understand how done within three days,” he continued, stupid that sounds and how impossibly “so if you played it all out, it could be 24 silly that sounds, but its just interesting days. But basically, if that were to hap- to hear different perspectives.” pen, we would know they were trying to When asked about concerns about cheat.” how Iran would use the tremendous Rep. Yarmuth said the procedure is amount of money they would get when reasonable because no country, includ- the sanctions are lifted, Rep. Yarmuth ing Iran, would ever open up all their pointed out that the Iranians have im- conventional military operations and mediate, pressing domestic needs that bases to other countries. He believes are estimated at around $2 trillion. Un- the intelligence operations, extensive der this deal, around $56 billion of their surveillance and the 24/7 monitoring of money will be released back to them. the entire uranium chain would make it While there are no guarantees that “virtually impossible for them to set up some of that money would not be used to an alternative supply chain without us fund Hezbollah or Assad, Rep. Yarmuth knowing it.” believes the Iranian people are counting When asked about the side agreement on the money at home. with the IAEA disclosed recently, Rep. Asked if they could purchase a nucle- Yarmuth said, “The IAEA has the re- ar weapon, Rep. Yarmuth said he con- sponsibility of monitoring every country sidered that unlikely. The Iranians could that has signed the Nuclear Non-Prolif- have done that before now had they eration Treaty. As part of their normal wanted to. “The question is what does a procedure, they will enter into agree- nuclear weapon get them?” he said. “It ments with countries on how they can doesn’t get them a deterrent threat for monitor their activities.” He insisted the Israelis. The Israelis have lots more that there is nothing out of the ordinary nuclear weapons than they have. They about this. [the Iranians] understand that if they With respect to Iran’s declarations were to use one for offensive reasons that threaten Israel’s existence, Rep. that they would be wiped out in a half Yarmuth said there is distrust between an hour. They’re not suicidal.” the U.S. and Iran and there is distrust Rep Yarmuth’s discussion was part between Israel and Iran, and he under- of an educational series of programs stands the Israelis’ concerns. about the nuclear agreement with Iran Based on a conversation Rep. Yarmuth presented by the Jewish Community Re- had with a former Iranian ambassador lations Council. Other speakers included to Germany, he said, “The Iranians fund Sen. Mitch McConnell (see story, page 6) Hezbollah” and Assad, but there are dif- and Dr. Patrick Clawson from the Wash- ferent ways of looking at it. The U.S., he ington Institute for Near East Policy (see said, sees this as funding terrorism. The story, page 8). 10 Community Y SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776

paign effort on the Week of Giving, he WAHBA pointed out, the community raised half Cohen Named to Forty Under 40 List Continued from page 1 of its goal before the end of the year and by Shiela Steinman Wallace Louisville Bar Association’s Tax Section Teen Connection and BBYO to summer then was able to celebrate at the dinner. Editor and chair and an officer of the Kentucky camp and the Senior Adult nutrition The key to making this happen is vol- Bar Association’s Tax Section. program. unteers, he said, and he’s eager to wel- oss Cohen has been chosen as As a teen, Cohen and his family be- The Jewish Community Relations come everyone who would like to be one of Business First’s 2015 Forty longed to The Temple. He was involved Council is close to Wahba’s heart, as he part of the team. He’s already talking Under 40 honorees. He was cho- in BBYO and attended the High School is a former chair of the group that serves with past Campaign chairs and other sen for this elite group of up and of Jewish Studies. as an advocate for the interests of the community leaders, and he’s looking for R Jewish community and Israel and the new team members who are ready to coming young business leaders from When he returned to Louisville, he among more than 500 nominations. began volunteering with the Jewish Fed- interface for the Jewish community with step up and make a difference. Cohen said he was a bit surprised. eration. “I helped with the merger of the other faith communities and the general Ed Cohen, Ralph Green, Doug Gor- “It’s a great hon- Federation and the Jewish Community community. The JCRC, he said, is a crit- don, Bob Sachs and Ben Vaughan have or. … It validates Center,” he said, “and was involved in all ical program that deserves full funding. already stepped forward and agreed to the work I’ve been the legal aspects of it and preparing the Another program that Wahba believes help. Wahba is counting on many more doing. The people documents.” needs greater support is Hillel, the place to help as well. who have been He also worked on the JCL’s bylaws, where Jewish students at the Universi- He is also excited about working with selected before and continues to review the language ty of Louisville, Bellarmine University JCL President and CEO Sara Klein Wag- me are significant whenever the Board amends the docu- and other metroversity campuses can ner. Her depth of experience, energy and contributors to the ment. “It was a big job,” he said, “but it be comfortable being Jewish, meet oth- enthusiasm will be great assets to the community and I was rewarding … helping a great orga- er Jews and deal with issues that affect 2016 Campaign. want to follow in nization.” Cohen also serves on the JCL’s them as Jews that they encounter on Wahba is a member of the JCL Board their footsteps. Finance and Foundation Committees. campus. of Directors and served on the steering In May, Cohen Helping the JCL is really just an ex- He also anticipates an influx of ref- committee for the Israel@60 celebra- Ross Cohen also received the tension of what Cohen does in his job, ugees as the United States steps up to tion. He also served as treasurer of the Jewish Communi- where he works with many nonprofit or- help with the crisis in Europe today, and Jewish Community Federation. ty of Louisville’s Lewis W Cole Memori- ganizations “trying to apply for tax-ex- Wahba knows Jewish Family & Career One of his strongest interests is the al Young Leadership Award. empt status with the IRS and I advise Services will be in the forefront of Lou- JCRC. In addition to his service as JCRC A Louisville native, Cohen is an attor- them on general best practices,” he said. isville’s resettlement effort. Chair, Wahba has chaired the Jewish ney with Bingham Greenebaum Doll. “It’s a rewarding part of my job.” It takes the entire community work- community’s participation in the Com- He earned his undergraduate degree in “I’ve done pro bono work for many ing as a team, because we are “stronger munity Hunger Walk, worked on im- economics from the University of Ken- nonprofits,” he continued. “I helped together,” he said, emphasizing the 2016 proving Muslim/Jewish relations. He tucky, his law degree from the Univer- form and get tax exempt status for a Campaign theme. is also a passionate advocate for Israel sity of Louisville, and a masters in tax legal-medical partnership” that brings Wahba plans to build on some of the and actively supports Yom Ha-atzmaut law from New York University. “I’m a doctors and lawyers together to help the successful elements Doug Gordon, who (Israel Independence Day) activities and partner in the firm now,” he explained, underserved. chaired the last two year’s Campaigns, the Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial “and I recently became the co-chair of Cohen and his wife, Shannon, have a introduced. “We do want to replicate the Day) community commemoration.. the federal tax team within the firm.” one-year-old daughter, Elin. His parents Million Dollar Dinner and the Week of Wahba is truly a success story for the Cohen has also served as chair of the are Joe and Trish Cohen. Giving,” he said. By focusing the Cam- Louisville Jewish community. He was born in Egypt to a Sephardic family with roots that stretch back generations. activities and visits sick patients at Ko- and tutors at her school, North Oldham When the State of Israel was established, BELL AWARDS sair Children’s Hospital. Orr delivers for High School, where she is a senior. “it became very uncomfortable for Jews Continued from page 9 Meals on Wheels twice a week and has In addition, Mayor Greg Fischer, in to remain in Egypt” or in any other also volunteered with Susan G. Komen, partnership with the WLKY-TV Spirit country in the Arab world, he explained. her son to the disease in 1989, and leads Dare to Care, NAACP, American Red of Louisville Foundation, will present Nearly a million Jews fled from Arab their fundraising efforts, participates Cross and more. Con-way Freight and Brenda Frank with lands, making new homes in many plac- in health fairs and other educational Bill Roby is a fundraiser for USA the Mayor’s Spirit of Louisville Award es around the world. Wahba’s family Cares, an organization devoted to assist- for their leadership role with the 2015 scattered to Israel, Brazil, Venezuela, ing post 9/11 military families in crisis. Give-A-Day week of service. Achiev- Costa Rica, Belgium, France, Italy, Ar- As chairman of their national board, he ing the goal of keeping Louisville “the gentina, Uruguay and the United States. is directly involved in their overall oper- most compassionate city,” there were With HIAS’ (Hebrew Immigrant Aid ation. With 12 chapters across the coun- more than 166,000 volunteers and acts Society) help, Wahba’s family obtained try and 70,000+ requests for help, more of kindness in action community-wide a visa and was sponsored by Louisville’s than 11.5 million dollars has been grant- from April 18-26, 2015. Conference of Jewish Organizations (a ed to date. This past June, Mr. Roby The WLKY Bell Award recipients predecessor to the Jewish Communi- spent a week as a mentor at the “Save a will be honored at a banquet at the Galt ty Federation and the Jewish Commu- Warrior” camp, created to serve suicidal House Hotel on Friday, October 9. Res- nity of Louisville). They arrived at the veterans. ervations to the dinner can be made by L&N Station in October 1959, where the Hailey Simpson is the other Bell contacting WLKY, 893-3671, by October family of four, his parents, Marcel and Award Youth Service honoree. She 1. A special one-hour telecast of The Rebecca, Leon, and his sister, Arlette, planned and organized book drives for WLKY Bell Awards will air on WLKY were met by National Council of Jewish the Children’s Reading Foundation of Saturday, October 24, from 8-9 p.m. Women representatives Selma Kling, Appalachia. Over the past three years, Celebrating its 38th year, the WLKY Claire Judd and Frances Wolff. she collected 10,000 new and gently Spirit of Louisville Foundation was Conference Director Al Erlen, Jewish Peking City Express used children’s books. She volunteered formed to oversee the annual Bell Vocational Service Director David Dob- 4000 Dutchmans Ln at Reading Camps as a counselor for Awards program. The 2015 Execu- son, Boris Pressma and Mrs. Kleinman (next to Senor Iguanas) two years and was invited to return tive Committee of the Spirit of Louis- were also very helpful. this past summer to the Pine Mountain ville Foundation are Jill Bell/Passport “The first few weeks we were here, Settlement School Reading Camp. She Health, Nancy Davis/Stock Yards Bank, they were so kind and attentive,” Wahba (502) 891 0388 has organized two shoe drives to bene- Sue Stout Tame/Civic Volunteer and said. “We had no idea what to expect.” Order online at fit Water Step, volunteers with Salvation Glenn Haygood/WLKY-TV. The family was given a small furnished www.pekingcityexpress.com Army, St. John United Methodist Church see WAHBA page 11 $2 off $20 dinner purchase One coupon per person Not valid with other offers Expires 12/31/15

$1 off any dinner entrée One coupon per person Not valid with other offers Expires 12/31/15 Luncheon Special Starting at $6.50 Mon-Sat: 11:00am - 3:00pm Served with rice, soup and a spring roll Mon-Sat: 11:am - 9:00pm Sunday: Closed SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Y Community 11 Biran’s Concert Series Helps Fund Music Scholarships The University of Louisville School of the scholarship fund. our community.” money that Louisville’s talent will con- Music is giving listeners the chance to A major highlight for the series, which Luvisi had many students in Louis- tinue to thrive.” hear works of some of the world’s best features a mix of esteemed guest artists ville, nurturing many generations of Born in Israel, Biran came to Lou- composers while helping fund Louis- and UofL faculty, is a concert by Lee teachers and students. “I’m still enjoy- isville as a graduate student and chose ville’s next generation of great musi- Luvisi and Dror Biran on Sunday, Octo- ing the fruits of those students,” Biran to remain. He is a top prize winner of cians. ber 18. Luvisi, a world-renowned pianist added, “because they are sending me serveral national and international pia- The Music eX and Louisville native, has played at Car- students today.” no competitions. He is a graduate of the Series, which be- negie Hall and performed with respect- The remaining two concerts are Givataim Conservatory and the Rubin gan September 20, ed musicians and orchestras of the 20th March 6, featuring Brittany MacWil- Academy of Music at Tel Aviv Universi- features four clas- and 21st centuries. He retired from a liams on violin, and Biran on piano; and ty. He received his doctorate from the sical concerts that four-decade career as a piano professor April 3, featuring Patrick Rafferty and Cleveland Institute of Music. celebrate piano at UofL and infrequently plays public- MacWilliams on violins; Paul York on All shows begin at 3 p.m. at Comstock and strings music. ly, so the October appearance has been cello and Biran on piano. Concert Hall in the School of Music at Dror Biran, a UofL called a special treat by organizers. Biran believes the Jewish community the corner of First Street and Cardinal piano professor “Luvisi is the perfect example of should attend because of its strong focus Boulevard. A season subscription to all and artistic direc- what we’re trying to perpetuate with on education. “If there were Olympics four shows is $50. Individual concerts tor will perform in the scholarship fund,” Biran said. “He in music,” he said, “the Jewish people are $15, with a student ticket rate of $5. all of them. Biran is from Louisville, he came back here would have taken first place. … This se- Tickets are available by calling 502-852- Dror Biran founded the series and helped establish several new gen- ries will support the next generation of 6907. For more information, visit Louis- in 2011 to raise erations of musicians. We want to sup- musicians. That is the core mission of ville.edu/music/music-ex-series. money for scholarships for music stu- port and nurture musicians who will this series to reate enough scholarship dents. All funds from ticket sales go to become the future musical life blood of

Chavurat Shalom meets at the Klein October 22 Center at The Temple, 5101 U.S. High- Hannah Parker, pianist. Lunch in way 42, unless otherwise designated in the Heideman Auditorium, perfor- the listing. It is a community-wide pro- mance in Waller Chapel gram and all synagogue members and Jewish residents are welcome. October 29 + Music and fun with the Silver Notes October 1 … Halloween costumes are welcome, Astral Duo – Dr. Stephen Mattingly, if you dare. University of Louisville assistant gui- A healthy and nutritious lunch is tar professor and director of its available at noon for $5, followed by the Community Music Program along program at 1 p.m. Kosher meals are with Kathleen Karr, principal flutist available for $5 upon request in advance. for the Louisville Orchestra. Lunch Walk-ins welcome, but to ensure that a in the Heideman Auditorium, perfor- lunch is available for you, RSVP by Mon- mance in Waller Chapel day of the week you plan to attend to Charlaine Reynolds at 502-992-0749 or KLEZMER TO KADDISH October 8 email [email protected]. TEDDY ABRAMS, Conductor Bus trip to Huber’s. Lunch on your Transportation to Jewish events, such own. Transportation fee: $10. For as Chavurat Shalom, can be scheduled Oct 16 | 7:30pm Central High School reservations, call or email Charlaine by calling Jewish Family & Career Ser- Reynolds; contact information below. vices’ Joy Ride at 502-333-8342. The Oct 17 | 7:30pm Ogle Center, IUS October 15 website is www.joyridelouisville.com. Rabbi Rapport, “Mitzvah: The Abid- Transportation to Chavurat Shalom Oct 18 | 3pm The Temple ing Jewish Value” through Joy Ride is $5 round-trip. Funding for Chavurat Shalom is Maurice Ravel’s Kaddish to the swing of Irving Berlin’s Alexander’s October 18 (Sunday) provided by the Jewish Community of Ragtime Band, Jewish composers have had a remarkable impact 3 p.m., Louisville Orchestra, Music Louisville, National Council of Jewish Without Borders, Teddy Abrams, con- Women, a Jewish Heritage Fund for Ex- on music. Come listen and learn as the Louisville Orchestra ducting. At The Temple – a limited cellence grant, The Temple’s Men of Re- presents the beauty and brilliance of Jewish music and musicians. amount of discounted $17 general form Judaism and Women of Reform Ju- admission tickets are available for daism, and many other generous donors. Chavurat Shalom attendees. Call or email Reynolds. TEDDY ABRAMS After working in international bank- CONDUCTS LEONARD WAHBA ing for 35 years and traveling overseas Continued from page 10 extensively, he retired as head of the apartment on Sherwood Ave., and a re- International Department at Sun Trust BERNSTEIN’S MASS frigerator full of food. in April 2005 and headed back to Lou- Within a month, Wahba’s father found isville, to be closer to Helen’s family and+ a job as an accountant for Universal where they could enjoy the more tem- Sept 26 | 8pm + Sept 27 | 3pm Container. “It was the one and only job perate weather. he ever held in America,” Wahba said. Wahba still maintains some ties with Kentucky Center | TICKETS: $75, $50, $35, $26 His mother, although she spoke no En- the Egyptian Jewish community, too, Leonard Bernstein’s musical masterpiece, created around the glish, worked in the perfume depart- which now numbers less than 30. All of ment at Stewarts. those who remain are elderly women, he framework of the Roman Catholic liturgy, also reflects the Jewish Wahba attended Seneca High School, said. tradition of “wrestling” or argument with the Almighty. was active in Rauch AZA, and, with his Helen Wahba is a member of NCJW family, belonged to Anshei Sfard. Wah- and volunteers with Jewish Family & The elements of the liturgy are sung in Latin and interspersed with ba also singled out Rauch adviser Phil Career Service. thoroughly nontraditional elements including Broadway songs, Schechter and Mrs. Kleinman as being The Wahbas have two adult children, very influential in his life. Marcie Wahba, married to Josh Eppert, blues, hymns, narration, scat singing, Hebrew prayers and more. He went on to the University of Lou- and Jeffrey Wahba and his significant isville and graduated with a degree in other, Rachel Parks. business in 1967, then enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! In 1970, he returned to Louisville and got into international banking. That led to an assignment in Brussels, Belgium and later to a job with a bigger bank in 502-584-7777 Cleveland. LOUISVILLEORCHESTRA.ORG “Somewhere in between,” Wahba continued, “I got married to wonderful a young lady, Helen Wirth, from New Al- bany, IN, who was a nurse in intensive care unit at Jewish Hospital.” 12 Community Y SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776

ing for my physical heart gave me back Simchat Torah: Toward a Torah of Joy another piece of my heart as well – not only am I alive, but my brother is back by Rabbi Dr. Nadia Siritsky we wish for a past that is no more and Nothing is ever static. So many of our in my life too.” Vice President of Mission refuse to engage the present? Some- holidays and rituals are designed to He shared how he and his brother KentuckyOne Health times our most difficult learning is the teach us how to move and grow, to tran- had fought many years previously, and lesson of acceptance – being able to find sition – to find the sacred in the midst of by the time they made up, they could he word “Torah” means teach- joy and blessing, even in the challenges change. Yet, in life, all too often, we fight barely remember what had happened. ing. We generally use it to mean that face us. change. We fear it and allow our fear to They only remembered the different the scroll of Torah that contains On the holiday of Simchat Torah, we define our future, rather than allowing versions of the story that they had told T the five books of Moses: Genesis, finish reading the faith and hope to define us. themselves about what had happened. Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deu- book of Deuteron- And so it is that we are commanded to Those stories became larger than the teronomy. But Torah is broader than any omy, and we im- be joyful on Simchat Torah. Sometimes, two brothers and louder than reality. book that we can write. When we read mediately begin we need to be pushed into joy, because Eventually, their stories became what the written Torah, we recite the blessing once again with the well-worn grooves of our psyche kept them from each other. It took the “notein hatorah” – we give thanks for Genesis. We are have gotten used to worry and grudges. reminder of life’s fragility to finally con- the Torah that we are being given, in the never done learn- We never know where we will find To- vince them to let go of the past, and represent tense. ing. rah, but with the right intention, we can member that they were family. He told This brings us to the question: What is Simchat Torah learn to find blessings, even in our chal- me: “I never thought that almost dying the Torah that we are being given in our teaches us to see lenges. would teach me how to live.” own present day? What are we learning every ending as Not too long ago, I was reminded of We all have stories that we carry with about how we are supposed to live? Do the doorway to a this lesson by someone that I met at the us, old beliefs, old hurts and old assump- we fight the lessons that we receive? Do Rabbi Dr. Nadia Siritsky new beginning. State Fair, where we were connecting tions. How many of these are outdated? people to life-saving screenings, which Can our biggest challenges also become is just one of the countless ways that our biggest teachers? Can we find bless- we, at KentuckyOne Health, serve our ing in the things that seem the hardest broader community and fulfill our mis- to accept? What in our life is pushing us We’re CPA strategists! sion to bring wellness, healing and hope into joy, if only we could allow ourselves to all, including the underserved. to see it? I met a man who told me that he is As we begin a New Year, and prepare When you put Welenken CPAs on your team, you alive today thanks to the screening he for Simchat Torah, we have the oppor- gain a partner that is focused on your overall received at the fair, one year ago, which tunity to think about which of our own led him to discover life-threatening stories are helping us to live with joy and financial well-being. blockages. He came to Jewish Hospital hope in our hearts, and which ones are emergently, and underwent extensive keeping us from what truly matters. May Specializing in personalized accounting services surgery. we, individually and collectively, recog- During this time, his estranged broth- nize and celebrate Torah, in all its forms. for businesses, associations, and individuals, er came to visit him, and they were able May this year be a sweet and healthy we are ready to go to work for you. to reconnect. He told me: “This screen- one, filled with blessing and healing. Festival of Trees & Lights Call for Volunteers The Lights Committee of the Festival Children’s Hospital is so important, of Trees and Lights is looking for volun- Richard S. Wolf, M.D., retired medical teers to help with this year’s Jewish Her- director of Kosair Children’s Hospital itage display. said, “Children are only 20 percent of the People are needed to help in setting population, but they are 100 percent of 502 585 3251 www.welenken.com up the Lights display on Tuesday and our future.” Wednesday, November 10 and 11, and to Donations (tax deductible) are needed take it down on Sunday November 15, to help offset the expenses of this year’s from 6 -9 p.m. Lights exhibit in order for more monies to Volunteers are also needed to explain go to the pediatric cardiology program. the display and hand out pamphlets The late Jerry Berman founded the on Chanukah and gifts of dreidels and “Lights” portion of the festival in 1989 chocolate gelt on Thursday, November to include the Jewish community and to 12, from 5-8 p.m.; Friday November 13, provide an educational aspect about the from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and on Sunday, rich Jewish heritage for festival guests. November 15, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In Last year’s 25th anniversary Festival of addition, volunteers are needed to be a Trees and Lights showcased dozens of “dreidel mascot” during those times and menorahs and dreidels, and thousands to work the Jewish activities in the chil- of educational handouts, dreidels and dren’s area. gelt were distributed. All the funds raised by the Festival of More than 6,000 guests visited the Trees and Lights will go to the pediatric event last year, with every person walk- cardiology program at Kosair Children’s ing past the Lights display. Hospital, improving the care of children For more information and to with congenital heart disease by ex- volunteer, please call, Honi Marleen panding cardiac intensive care unit and Goldman, 502-451-4564 or hmgold- helping recruit top pediatric physicians. [email protected]. When asked why supporting Kosair SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Y Community 13 Price Promoted to Development and Special Events Director by Shiela Steinman Wallace Now, Price has been promoted to De- 2008. Her passion for the non-profit cial recognition from Congressman Editor velopment and Special Events Director world began in college as she developed Steve Israel for her work in the commu- for the Jewish Community of Louisville. and managed various initiatives and lob- nity. ver since Lenae McKee Price She will use her talents to enhance pro- bying efforts as the project coordinator Price never left her passion for theater joined the staff of the Jewish grams throughout the JCC and the Fed- for Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. behind. In New York City, she served Community Center in 2012, Cen- eration. After graduation Price moved to New on the Board of Directors of Roots and E terStage has benefited from her “I will work closely with all program- York City where she worked for Action Wings Theatrical and continued to par- energy, enthusiasm and creativity. She mers, committees and volunteers to Long Island. Initially hired as director ticipate in numerous productions as a has developed and implemented com- cultivate new interest and contributions of development, she greatly increased performer, director and producer. prehensive fundraising, marketing and to support all the good things we’re membership, board participation, cor- Price has returned to the stage last outreach campaigns to engage program doing here,” she said. “One of the first porate sponsorship and brought the year, performing at the Bard’s Town in participants, community partners and initiatives will be expanding our camp organization a surplus of media atten- Collected Stories and Other Desert Cities. donors for CenterStage’s main stage scholarship program. Let’s rally the tion, new and renewed interest from the Price met her husband, Jordan Price, shows and educational programs. community to help those families with community and support from elected in New York, and in 2011, she brought limited means to experience one of the officials. Within one year, she was pro- her Yankee husband down South so she best things our JCC has to offer, our tre- moted to executive director of Action could take a position as director of de- mendous summer camp.” Long Island. velopment and marketing at Kentucky She’ll also be working to “focus some Price founded the Young Adult Al- Shakespeare. effort on those who participate in pro- liance, a coalition of organizations, Jordan Price, who is also an actor, has grams on a daily basis, but are not being companies, and individuals working to become a regular member of the Center- asked to help.” engage, educate, and mobilize young Stage company. To handle her new responsibilities, professionals in the region. The Prices have a daughter, Billie, Price is turning some of her responsi- In 2011, Price was honored at the “30 who is enrolled in the JCC’s Early Learn- bilities with CenterStage over to Joanna Under 30” Celebration of Long Island’s ing Center. Blieden. “Joanna will be great,” Price Young Professionals and received spe- said. “I’m delighted to hand the reins over to someone who has lots of energy and great ideas for CenterStage and the agency. She’ll be able to pick up on outreach right where I left off.” Earlier this year, Price received the Arthur S. Kling Award in recognition of her dedicated work for CenterStage. She also participated in the JCC Associa- tion’s Israel Enhancement program, and when she returned from Israel, she was energized and full of ideas about how to incorporate more about Israel into many aspects of the programming at the JCC. Price graduated Summa Cum Laude Lenae Price from the University of Tennessee in Hadassah Explores the Bundt Cake Legacy by Michelle Elisburg Hadassah President

On May 17, the Louisville Chapter of Hadassah hosted a Bundt Cake Baking Event in the kitchen of Keneseth Israel. Dara Cohen, who earned a “Baking of Pastry Certificate” from the Califor- nia Culinary School, began the program with a demonstration of Bundt cake baking. She gave several baking tips and shared several “from scratch” rec- ipes while commenting that her grand- mother sometimes used cake mix, and “it is okay.” The program concluded with a sampling of several varieties of Bundt cake. The significance of the Bundt cake to Dara Cohen Hadassah is the result of the Minneap- olis chapter. In 1950, Rose Joshua and Fannie Shanfield approached H. David ADVERTISE Dalquist, the founder of the kitchenware company, Nordic Ware, asking for a Next Issue lighter version of their Austrian ceramic in Community’s Special Section Kugelhopf cake pan. Dalquist designed the Bundt cake pan out of aluminum, October 23, and Hadassah women sold the pan with proceeds benefitting the Hadassah Hos- Deadline October 16 pital in Israel. Robin Wolff promoted Hadassah’s Heart Healthy Initiative – Every Step Counts. Women are encouraged to sign up at Hadassah.org for a virtual walk to HOME Jerusalem, by counting steps and pro- IMPROVEMENT moting a healthy, active lifestyle. Hadassah’s Heart Health Institute in Ein Kerem is leading the way in docu- menting and raising awareness about how heart disease and heart attacks present differently in women. It is also reaching out to Haredi and Arab women, who have heightened risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes and obe- sity, and limited exposure to health information and a healthy lifestyle. For more information, go to Hadas- Contact our sah.org or contact louisvillehadassah- advertising manager at [email protected]. 502-418-5845 [email protected] 14 Community Y SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Joyce Bridge Is NCJW Louisville Section President by Lisa Hornung plished something.” dent Donna Hargens, entrepreneur and great, and she really loves living here, Communications Specialist Two years ago, she was nominated as motivational speaker Barbara Sexton she said. vice president of the organization. She Smith, Pediatric Forensic Pathologist About NCJW, she added: “It’s a great oyce Bridge was elected president reminded the nominating committee Melissa Curry and many others. The group of women making a difference in of the National Council of Jew- that she wasn’t Jewish, but they told her meetings have gotten attendance up to the lives of other people.” ish Women, Louisville Section, in it didn’t matter. After her two years in about 60 people. For more information on NCJW, Lou- J May, and is now looking forward that role, she was asked to be president. Her 10 years in Louisville have been isville Section, visit ncjwlou.org. to her two years in office and helping “I turned it down twice,” she said. implement change in the organization. She wasn’t sure if she and her hus- LO to Perform the Work September 17 NCJW is a grassroots organization of band were going to move back to New volunteers and advocates who help pro- Jersey, but after they talked, they agreed Abrams, Lipp, Sanchez Presented vide funds and volunteers to improve the to stay through her term as president. lives of women, children and families, as She accepted the position with the cave- Panel Discussion of Bernstein Mass well as lobby to protect individual rights at that she not have to give up her other by Bob Sachs Attempting to bridge theater and lit- and freedoms. volunteer work. urgy is fraught with danger and the Bridge, who is Bridge said the Nearly New Shop has Special to Community panelists discussed the extent to which not Jewish, joined always been NCJW’s major source of people might be offended. Abrams said it NCJW when she fundraising, but due to an increase in Composer Leonard Bernstein is depended on how the piece was present- moved to Louis- competing thrift shops over the years, known for helping to bridge the gap be- ed. “It’s a theatrical mass, not a liturgical ville 10 years ago. it’s not making the money it used to. So tween popular and classical music. West one,” he said. Fr. Sánchez agreed, calling In the early 1980s, the Louisville Section has had to find Side Story comes to mind, as it did ear- it drama rather than a sacrilege. she had run a so- new ways to raise funds. ly in a panel discussion on Bernstein’s Cantor Lipp pointed out the irony that cial service agency Bridge’s challenge as president is to Mass held on Thursday, September 17, this piece, set as it is as a Catholic mass, in New Jersey that forge new alliances to find new ways at the Kentucky Center for the Perform- was the product principally of three helped victims of to help people in need. One initiative is ing Arts. Jews: Bernstein; Stephen Schwartz, the domestic violence. working with jails to give unsold cloth- The discussion, before a capacity Joyce Bridge lyricist; and Paul Simon. The irony was While there, she ing from Nearly New to those recently crowd in the Mary Anderson Room, probably not lost on Bernstein and may said, NCJW helped her and the agency released from jail who have nothing to was hosted by the Center for Interfaith have been among the issues the complex a great deal. wear. NCJW supports social service Relations and the Louisville Orchestra, piece presents. When she came to Louisville because agencies, including ElderServe, Mary- and was moderated by Daniel Gilliam, Lipp talked about struggling with con- of her husband’s job, she said, “when you hurst, Jewish Family and Career Ser- director of radio for Louisville Public cepts of God. Abrams, calling himself a have no children coming with you and vices, and many more. Media. It featured Cantor David Lipp of “Lennyistic” Jew, saw peace as common no schools to visit, you end up looking Engaging volunteers is a constant Adath Jeshurun, Fr. David G. Sánchez of to all religions. Sánchez felt that religion for other ways to meet people and form challenge. Bridge said most volunteers St. Joseph Catholic Church, and Teddy brought hope to people. friendships.” in the community are older women, and Abrams, music director for the Louis- The human struggle Mass depicts Since she already knew a lot about the NCJW would like to find ways to entice ville Orchestra. Asked what their first leads to a dramatic breakdown, a shock organization, she decided to join NCJW, younger women so that the organization exposure to Bernstein was, both Can- to some. The grand scale of the piece, along with other service organizations can be passed down to the next genera- tor Lipp and Fr. Sánchez said West Side Abrams explained, allows one to see it where she gave her money and time, in- tion and it will be left in good hands. Story. Thus began this “conversation on in various ways even as it can lead one cluding Gilda’s Club and the Speed Art “My goal is to move this into a way meaning.” to question his own values. Cantor Lipp Museum, where she is a docent. that younger people can start taking this Mass was a work commissioned by saw the various elements of the piece “It’s always good to think that some- over because we all aren’t getting any Jackie Kennedy Onassis for the open- as a “scaffold” to theological challeng- how you helped somebody in the course younger,” she said with a laugh. “That’s ing of the Kennedy Center 44 years ago es, a view enthusiastically embraced by of your life,” Bridge said. “You’ve made what I’m here for. That’s what I hope to this month. Its original title was Mass, Abrams. Mass opens with “Simple Song.” a difference. And it’s really what it’s all do.” A Theater Piece for Singers, Players and Sing God a simple song, lau da lau de. about. To me it doesn’t matter what re- Bridge has helped the organization Dancers. make it up as you go along, lau da lau de. ligion you are or what color you are. If host meetings with speakers, such as Abrams pointed out its enormous This very simplicity, Cantor Lipp you’ve done that, then you’ve accom- Jefferson County School Superinten- scale, which includes a full orchestra, diverse singers, a full choir, and a pointed out, portends the complexity of “street” chorus, among other elements, building a religious structure, with its makes it difficult to present. Indeed, laws, customs, heroes, adherents, etc. the Louisville Orchestra presentation, Clearly, Mass was shocking in 1971, which opens the Classic Concert Series but can audiences be shocked in the on September 26, omits the dancers same way in 2015? Abrams said yes. “If simply because there is no room on the we do it right, it’s a timeless experience.” stage. Abrams likened the production to Cantor Lipp was less sure about its pres- working with a giant set of Legos with ent-day shock value. He found it more no instruction sheet. moving than shocking. Initially, some classical music critics dismissed Mass as a vulgar exercise in Atherton Class of ’65 Reunion antiestablishment pandering. Its ulti- by Honi Marleen Goldman mate survival and its continued pop- Special to Community ularity a full generation later, Abrams pointed out, highlights the singularity Atherton’s High School’s class of 1965 of Leonard Bernstein as a composer. No recently had its 50th Reunion. Over composer, he said, now has the kind of 130 class members attended the events, connection with the public that Bern- which included a golf outing, Twilight stein had. Racing at Churchill Downs, “Find Your Asked by the moderator what he Help ensure that CenterStage Acting Out Locker” at Atherton and a banquet at would say to a parishioner who came to Big Spring Country Club. him offended by Mass, Fr. Sánchez said can visit the neediest children in Louisville, This class had about 400 members he would tell them what he tells his flock and was the first to go all three years in at the end of any liturgical mass: “The donate to the CenterStage Acting Out Match the newly built Dundee Road building. mass has ended. Go in peace.” Some of the 1965 graduates are Lor- Whether one sees it as a product of an- Campaign. raine Abrams, Art Davis, Mark Fine, ti-Viet Nam war sentiment or a remark- Elaine Goldberg, Debbie Goldstein, Bar- able attempt to use music to test our bara Gould, John Klein, Linda Krupp, religious values, Abrams felt Mass was Marla Levy, Judy Mazin, Barry Morgue- especially suited to Louisville audiences CenterStageJCC.org/Acting-Out lan, Diane Pressma, Rachel Pollock, Bruce and urged us to see it more than once. Prizant, Juliet Ringol, Arthur Schneider, Teddy Abrams will conduct Lonny Schuster, Cheryl Sivak, Michele Leonard Bernstein’s Mass on Saturday, Slung, Jo Ann Tanehaus, Annette Win- September 26, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, kler, and John Yarmuth. September 27, at 3 p.m. Both perfor- The 1965 Reunion Committee includ- mances will be at the Kentucky Center ed Honi Marleen Goldman and Janet for the Arts. Pearlman Levitan and the class reunion The Louisville Orchestra will also Facebook page is www.facebook.com/ present a Klezmer to Kaddish concert athertonreunion1965. featuring music from Maurice Ravel’s The class is still looking for contact “Kaddish” to Irving Berlin’s “Alexander’s information for about 70 of their class- Ragtime Band.” There are three perfor- mates. Please send any current informa- mances, including one on Sunday, Octo- tion for any 1965 Atherton graduate to ber 18, at 3 p.m. at The Temple. Honi Goldman, [email protected] For ticket information for both pro- or 2727 Lamont Rd., Louisville 40205, grams, see ad, page 11. or call 502-451-4564. SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 Y 12 TISHREI 5776 Y Community 15 Nathan Cohen Spends Summer in Nicaragua with Mitzvah Corps by Nathan Cohen much easier to create a connection with Special to Community teens who have a similar background. As a team, we were able to accomplish This summer, I was fortunate enough so much in a very little time. to go to Nicaragua through a mission When we weren’t working, we visited program called Mitzvah Corps. Spon- all kinds of places in Nicaragua like the sored by NFTY (North American Fed- rainforest, a volcano and all around the eration of Temple Youth). Our mission village square. Granada was a very nice took place in a small town called Grana- town, when you weren’t being bombard- da, which lies southeast of its capital ed by beggars. Managua. There we worked through It was nice to go outside my comfort an organization called “La Casa de Mu- zone and push the limits that I have set jer” (The House of Women), which is an myself. I was able to expand my view of equal rights group who provides aid to life and see firsthand how the Nicara- families all around Nicaragua, whether guans live. Even though I only stayed in it be poverty, domestic issues, etc. Nicaragua for 10 days, the experiences I It was our job to help mix, mold, and had and the lessons I learned, will stay stack adobe bricks, which was a difficult with me for the rest of my life. and time-consuming process that took There I discovered what it is like to around six days to complete. With 20 live in a third world country and saw people on our mission trip, we were able the hardships that they have to face ev- to create over 400 bricks, which is only ery day. It has truly made me thankful enough to complete about one wall of a for the privileges that I have because I house. live in America, and the experience has I chose to go with this group main- made me a better person. ly because it was for Jewish teens. It is Book Review: Alexandrian Summer by Dr. Ranen Omer-Sherman spiced with words and expressions lifted Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence Endowed from French, Italian, Arabic, Ladino, Chair of Judaic Studies Turkish, Greek, English, and whatever University of Louisville else came by.” Compact as it is, Alexandrian Summer Alexandrian Summer goes far in delivering that “multi-every- Yitzhak Gormezano Goren; Yardenne thing” to us in unforgettable language Greenspan, trans. that lingers long after the final page. With an introduction by André Aciman Throughout this riveting family drama, New Vessel Press, 2015 Goren often pauses to capture Alexan- PPB. 171 pp. $15.99 dria’s singular ambiance. ISBN: 978-1-939931-20-7 And today, 36 years after its publication, the impossibility of conceiving ward-winning novelist and such a reality in today’s violently tribal playwright Yitzhak Gormezan Arab world adds another poignant di- Goren’s Alexandrian Summer, mension: “A pleasant breeze blew from A a memoiristic novel about the the sea. The tumult of bathers sounded vibrant Jewish Egyptian past, received from afar: Muslims, Christians and Jews very strong critical acclaim when it was desecrating the Sabbath. On the street, first published in Israel in 1978. Yet only cars honked hysterically. The entire city now has it been published in English, rumbled and roared; nevertheless a Sab- and anyone cu- bath serenity was felt all around.” rious about that Yet even at this time, Goren hints, the rich heritage will seeds for future enmity were only dor- likely be grateful. mant, and to be fair, he does not spare Goren was born us the naked class contempt for the in Alexandria, Arabs by the Sephardic Jewish fami- Egypt in 1941 (he lies nor the dangerous xenophobia and immigrated to hyper-nationalism that erupts when a Israel as a child) Jew dares to best a Bedouin “son of the and, for anyone desert” in a horse race; the chilling cry who has ever won- of Maut al yahud! (Death to the Jews), dered why that foreshadows the revolution to come. city arouses such Dr. Ranen Omer Sherman Though resistant to sentimental nos- fierce nostalgia talgia, Goren provides many moments among the tens of thousands who em- so appealing that readers will often igrated in the years following Israel’s feel thoroughly seduced by its vanished establishment, this short yet expansive charms: “An hour of siesta in the midst novel offers an indelible answer. of an Alexandrian summer, a summer of While its richly descriptive language the early 1950s. An hour in which every- is often as appealingly breezy and in- body floats above ground, in which every souciant as the seaside promenades word is uttered as a whisper, so as not to where much of its action takes place, the desecrate the serenity of the moment.” novel ultimately takes us deep into the And yet, even in this idyll, the Jew is sorrows and passions, past and present, always in exile from elsewhere, it seems. of two Jewish families just prior to the For the passage continues: “Only the military coup that toppled King Farouk antique grandfather clock in the dark- in 1952. It helps to understand what a ened hall keeps swinging its pendulum polyglot and multicultural environment patiently, and every 15 minutes it erupts Alexandria was at the time. in sounds from a faraway world, laden As fellow expat writer André Aci- with yearning.” man points out in his introduction, this Some readers may already be familiar was “a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, with two excellent memoirs published multi-sexual,