Hamilton Jewish News SERVING HAMILTON WENTWORTH & AREA november 2005 VOL 20:2 kislev 5766

Dates to Remember

UJA Federation Campaign 2006

tm First night For a Live Generously. Chanukkah jewishhamilton.org Sunday, Dec 25 WORLD

last day of good. Chanukkah Mon, Jan 2, 2006

OnLine Donations UJA Federation of Hamilton is pleased “Live Generously” Campaign Off to A Late Start to announce that you can pay your 2005 or Results so far for the UJA they can still be reached. more than five donors during increased campaign goal is 2006 UJA Campaign 2006 Campaign are a little Every member of the the campaign. There is required to meet increased local pledges online at www. behind last year’s record pace, UJA 2006 team emphasized no obvious reason why our needs in the areas of assisting that the key to overcoming canvassers need more than jewishhamilton.org. but leaders hope to catch up by families in financial distress the end of November. the delayed start is for every two weeks to complete their and increased needs in Jewish Payment must be volunteer captain and canvasser assignments. I urge each of our received by According to UJA education. In terms of overseas in the campaign team to just valued volunteers to make the requirements, Hamilton has Dec. 31, 2005 Federation President Leslie Lasky “the campaign launch stay focused and to make their extra effort and make their calls been asked to participate for 2005 tax receipts was intentionally delayed to connections to donors during right away.” in “Operation Promise,” a cooperate with the Shalom the month of November. The campaign goal for North American commitment Village’s mid-September fund According to Men’s Division the UJA 2006 Campaign is to raise additional funds to raiser. We then ran into the chair, Larry Levin, $1.1million. This represents support increased immigration High Holy Day schedule “For the most part, no an increase over last year of from Ethiopia as well as to Inside which was unusually late this volunteer is asked to contact approximately 10%. The cont’d on page 3 year. These two factors were then exacerbated by issues in the JCC Building which JCC States Facilities Safe For Use houses the UJA Federation offices. UJA Federation staff by of Directors approved the mould was not identified. Three has been working extra hard in Larry Szpirglas engagement of Trow Associates areas were identified which trying to keep the campaign on Some speculation has been Inc. to conduct a comprehensive would require remediation, track, but is difficult without expressed in the community study of the facilities-specifically including the arts and craft fulltime access to records, concerning the health and to assess air quality, the presence room(underneath the exterior office machinery and campaign safety of the JCC facilities. The of mould , if any, which might deck), the gymboree room facilities have been assessed as lead to health related concerns, (underneath the meeting room Beth Jacob Open records.” The delayed start is being safe for use, based on and to ensure that the building at the front of the building), and For Business reports from Trow Associates envelope and the heating and the squash court located in the page 15 problematic for several reasons. Regardless of when Inc., the firm which the JCC ventilating systems had not northwest corner of the building. Board of Directors engaged to been adversely affected by water The JCC leadership closed the campaign is launched, it Complaints Against perform a mould assessment and penetration. these areas until remediation must be completed by the end Police Chief’s Trip a Building Envelope Condition By mid September the roof can be conducted; Trow will Dismissed of December so that donors Survey. over the northern and western be providing specifications for page 5 can make their payments and The JCC building parts of the building had been remediation of these areas. The receive their tax receipts. On experienced water penetration repaired and reshingled. No JCC leadership also closed all Mac Students Model a cash flow basis, cash reserves primarily through the roof at water penetration problems have squash courts, and the fitness Programming Excellence tend to diminish by the end of the front of the building. The been noted since the repair. rooms, and relocated children’s page 6 the summer and new campaign problem escalated at the end of The first preliminary report programming out of an payments are required now in August as a result of substantial from Trow, which was received abundance of caution and asked Remembering order to meet existing financial rainfalls. by JCC leadership October Trow, to conduct additional Concerns were raised by some 20th/05, indicated that with the testing. A subsequent report was Malca Litovitz obligations to our beneficiary communal staff regarding health exception of the areas outlined provided by Trow November page 10 agencies. As well, many donors leave town for the winter problems they experienced at below, no evidence of indoor 3rd which essentially supported months. It is critical to give or around the same time as mould growth was identified. their initial recommendations and much more “snowbirds” the opportunity to the water penetration occurred. The need to restrict access to noted above. As a result of the As a result, the JCC Board other areas of the building due to make their commitments while cont’d on page 3 Page 2 The Hamilton Jewish News November 2005 - Kislev 5766

Editorial Hamilton Jewish News POB 7258 1030 Lower Lions Club Rd., Making a Meaningful UJA FEDERATION TRIBUTE CARDS Ancaster, Ontario L9G 3N6 Community Decision 648-0605 EXT. 306

The Hamilton Jewish News by Leslie Lasky Jewish social services is published 5 times a year by President, UJA Federation of Hamilton In Memory Of Hamilton Jewish News Inc. and Daniel Kollek – in memory of father – Dora-Ann Cohen, Carol & Lester Wendy Schneider Krames. SYDNEY LEVINE – Jeff & Cindy Mark and Family. AARON The community is by and large aware STIGLICK – Ruth & Manny Fine. EVELYN COHEN – Helen Yellin, Publisher: that the JCC building is experiencing some serious problems Esther Alexander. ALBERT JOSEPH – Barbara & Izzy Abraham. HARRY Wendy Schneider SILVERSTEIN – Barbara & Izzy Abraham. Magda Guzner -memory of and that it requires a significant financial investment to make it Editor: sister in law – Barbara & Izzy Abraham. GERTRUDE ZIGELSTEIN – Paul right. As a corollary to the issues with the physical plant, there & Helen Hanover, Dennis & Mary Louise Beecroft, Paul, Susan, Leah, Jay, Wendy Schneider are equally significant issues that present themselves at times of Vered & Jordan Roth, Hilton & Shirley Silberg. MALCA LITOVITZ – Managing Editor: organizational change. We must work together to adjust to the Paul & Helen Hanove, Eve Finkelstein. HENRY SOKOLOWSKI – Gordon Gerald Fisher & Myrna Goldberg. ANNETTE HANDELMAN – Paul & Helen Hanover. Telephone: current reality and the paradigm shift we are experiencing in Allen Greenspoon – memory of father – Paul & Susan Roth. Birdie Smurlick (905) 628-0058 the life cycle of the JCC. – memory of grandson – Eve Finkelstein. Ira & Shelley Greenspoon – memory of father – Michele & Charlie Schneider. Francis Levy – memory Fax: Many of us who are directly involved in addressing these issues sometimes feel as if our situation is unique of father – Paul & Susan Roth. SHIRLEY SAUDER – Hilton & Shirley (905) 627-7099 Silberg, Myrna & Gordon Goldberg, Paul & Helen Hanover, Carol & Lester email: and that we are alone in facing it. One can’t help but feel Krames. MARILYN WASSERMAN – Andrea & Phil Zians, Carol & Lester [email protected] that it says something about our community that makes us Krames. ROSE GRADER – Hilda & Moishe Gold, Adele, Amiram Danielle uncomfortable. One the one hand, we cannot deny that we & Adam Zur. Jean Vertlieb – memory of mother – Brenda & Sol Sandberg, Circulation are facing serious and expensive problems. On the other hand, Irwin & Sandy Fuss. MILLIE GREENSPOON – Hilda & Moishe Gold. MAURICE WOLPERT – Sandy & Irwin Fuss. 2,000 a scan of communities of like size around North America Special Occasions reveals that we are not the only community facing problems MIRA ROSE BILLER – Bat Mitzvah – Jeff & Cindy Mark & Family. Canadian Publications like this. Changing demographics and a UJA Campaign that AARON SHIFFMAN – Special Birthday – Sid & Sonia, Alissa & Norman Mail Product Sales has not kept up with growing local needs create an especially Shumacher. PAUL & SUSAN ROTH – Marriage of son Jay to Vered – Agreement #40007180 Louise & Oded Klinghoffer and family, Judy & Lorne Rochwerg, Lorne challenging environment for decision makers. & Michele Finkelstein, Harry Kelman, Michele & Charlie Schneider. A scan of our own community history reveals that our SAM & GERRI SHAPIRO – 60TH Wedding Anniversary – Hilton & Editorial Policy JCC has gone through many changes during its long history. Shirley Silberg, Helen Yellin. RYAN LEVINE- Helen Yellin, Ada & Elmer When made well, decisions leading to changes in location, Farkas, Sam Yanover, Mollie Aron. DAVID & LIBBY GARSHOWITZ The HJN invites members – 50th Wedding Anniversary – Goldie Robbins. MR. & MRS. PETER focus, program and financial status allow the agency to meet ROSENBLATT – 65th Wedding Anniversary – Gwen & Harvey of the community to the changing needs of the community. The circumstances we Schwab, Ruth & David Magder. GERT GOLDMAN – Happy Birthday contribute letters, articles face now provide an opportunity for community leadership to – Barbara & Derek Mendes da Costa. SOL & SYLVIA JACOBS- birth or guest editorials. make decisions that will affect the future of the JCC and to of grandson – Helen Yellin. FRANCES & DAVID HOFFMAN – 60th Wedding Anniversary – Shava, Annette & Dave Siegel, Sylvia Livingston. Written submissions and a large degree, the future of our local community. Will those advertisements must be LAURIE ROSENFELD – Special Birthday – Sylvia Livingston, Alan & decisions be well made? Yael Livingston. ED & MILA ZALTZ – birth of granddaugher – Paul forwarded by the deadline A strong case can be made that the seeds of the current JCC & Susan Roth. CHERYL & JOSEPH GREENBAUM – engagement of indicated in each issue. This situation were sown right at the time of the purchase of the Moishe’s engagement to Ruth – Paul & Susan Roth and family. HARRY newspaper reserves the right MENDELSOHN – Happy Birthday – Hilton & Shirley Silberg. ADELE Lower Lions Club property. It would appear that at the time, to edit, condense or reject any ROTMAN – Happy Birthday – Helen Yellin, Esther Alexander, Renata there was no broad communal consensus around the decision Dablis. DEBORAH & MICHAEL GLOGAUER – birth of daughter – Paul contribution for brevity or & Susan Roth. FLORA & ALLEN RAMS – 40th Anniversary – Carol & legal purposes. to purchase the property. The campaign to raise money to purchase the property fell short, leaving the JCC with a Lester Krames, Hilton & Shirley Silberg. ADAM KUNDER – In honour of Bar Mitzvah – Hilda & Moishe Gold. MAX & JEANETTE NATHAN – Deadline for significant bank mortgage. The campaign did not provide any New Home – Hilda & Moishe Gold. JACK & GLORIA RODEN – 50th submissions resources for maintenance and capital replacement. The lack Wedding Anniversary – Hilda & Moishe Gold. JOHN & MARLA LEVY of significant growth in the UJA Campaign limited the annual – new home – Bessie Goldblatt. SUZANNE MENDELSON – Happy for the next allocation for operation expenses, let alone capital expenses. Birthday – David & Norma Wright. Ruth & Manny Fine, Elaine, Michael, Lauren, Zach & Shari Levine. ISABEL & LOU BURSTEIN – 50th edition of the These circumstances left the JCC with the need to take Wedding Anniversary – Shirley & Irving Levine. HJN is january 9, “creative shortcuts” in building repair and maintenance, Speedy Recovery 2005. staffing and operations. Given the fiscal constraints, they could FRAN HOFFMAN – Helen Yellin. IDA SHUMAN – Helen Yellin. EVE not be faulted for this. The question is “what are we going to FINKELSTEIN – Sonya Jeremias and Family. PHIL YANOVER – Sonya Jeremias and family. LESTER KRAMES – Ruth & Manny Fine, Dolly & UJa/Federation do now to address the cumulative affects of past decisions?” Ralph Cohen, Michael & Adalia Schweitzer. CAROL KRAMES – Andrea of Hamilton Regardless of the actual outcome, it is imperative that the community understand the full nature of the issues and that the the ralph travis israel experience President decision making process lead to a broader communal consensus Leslie Lasky In Memory of on the future of the agency. The issue isn’t just about repairing Randa Ruskin - memory of mother - Corinne Travis. MARILYN Past President a leaky roof. It is about providing a facility and a program that WASSERMAN - Corinne Travis. SHIRLEY SAUDER - Corinne Travis Special Occasion Bonnie Loewith the community truly wants, uses and can afford. It’s about having a center that attracts a larger Jewish membership that ROSE KAPLAN - 90th Birthday - Corinne Travis SUZIE & SHELDON GUREVITZ - birth of first grandchild, Ryan UJA campaign chair provides a program that reaches out to enhance a sense of - Corinne Travis. COREY & JACKIE GUREVITZ - birth of son Ryan - community and Jewish identity. It’s about having a facility in Corinne Travis. GLORIA WUNDER - birth of grandson, Teddy - Corinne Dr. Larry Levin which we can all take greater pride. Travis. ELAINE & CUPPY KATZ - engagement of daughter Caroline to JCC is an independently incorporated agency with its own Reuben - Corinne Travis Speedy Recovery UJA women’s division board of directors. Technically speaking, the JCC board is Morley Weinberg - Phil & Daphne Leon co-Chairs empowered to make whatever decisions it wants regarding the In Appreciation Sue-Ellen Gervais & future of the building and the agency. In my view, however, Jo-Ann Pomerantz now is the time for developing a framework for decision United Jewish Appeal making that will result in the broad communal consensus that Board Members In Appreciation SEYMOUR MORRIS - Bernice Crangle Sol Algranti, Howard Brown, is now needed for our community’s future. The Board of UJA Federation has offered to act as full partners with JCC for the Vivienne Epstein, Boris tEEF - The education endowment fund Eventov, Sue Ellen Gervais, purposes of addressing these major issues within a framework Michael Glogauer, Mark Gould, that engages all of the stakeholders; members, users, donors, Special Occasion Cheryl Greenbaum, Lawrence young families and others. ALLEN & FLORA RAMS - 40th Wedding Anniversary - Hindy & Hart, Michael Kam, Benjamin Murray Halpren. HY & SKIPPY CAPLAN - 50th wedding anniversary - We all know the adage “keep repeating the same behavior, Allen & Flora Rams. RINA SILBERG - 80th birthday - Allen & Flora Katz, Howard Katz, Lester you keep getting the same result.” Will we make a better Rams. ELI MOISHE STRUB - Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah - Allen & Krames, Leslie Lasky, Larry decision now than on the past? Given the current exigencies Levin, Bonnie Loewith, Tom Martin, Jay Morris, Sandy we can guarantee that every effort will be made by UJA Morris, Jason Ohayon Harold Federation leadership to engage the JCC and the community Pomerantz, Jo-Ann Pomerantz, in a process that will be truly inclusive and that can lead to a Audited statements of Hamilton Jewish Paul Roth, Louise Rotman, more fiscally sound and programmatically exciting center, the Federation, United Jewish Appeal and Legacy Mark Scholes, David Somer, result of a “better decision”. Endowment Fund for the fiscal year 2004/2005 Jay State, William Steen, David We will be seeking your input and support….and we will Streiner, Debbie Strub, Marty do our best. are complete and available by contacting the Strub, Harvey Waxman, Janet Federation office at 905-648-0605. November 2005 - Kislev 5766 The Hamilton Jewish News Page 3

UJA Federation Live Generously Campaign cont’d from p1 Hamilton Well-Represented at the GA address growing needs among fact, been doing rather well,” the elderly, remnant Jewish according to Co-Chair Jo-Ann populations of the Former Pomerantz. We are proud of Soviet Union. the focus and hard work of all UJA Federation executive our volunteer canvassers and director Gerald Fisher told captains and fully expect an HJN that the required increase increased campaign result.” is not only to address growing These feelings were echoed by needs at home and abroad. Jo-Ann’s Co-Chair, Sue Ellen “During my four year Gervais. Gervais told the HJN tenure in Hamilton, the that “Our combined opening UJA team has produced two campaign events - the UJA “record breaking” campaigns. Leadership evening with Israeli Nevertheless, we have never Broadcaster Dan Scemama gone into an allocations process and the General Campaign with sufficient funding to meet Opening double showing of the annual operational needs of the documentary ‘Paperclips’ our local agencies. The simple - were very well attended. We fact is that the entire system are all hoping that the messages is under-resourced and that conveyed in those events will be has been true for many years. internalized by every member I am hoping that this year’s of the community.” campaign will set the pace for a In closing, the Campaign quantum leap in our ability to Team as HJN to emphasize the provide the funds required to theme of t his year’s campaign. fully address the genuine needs “Live Generously!.... It of our schools, social service does a world of good. Your agencies, advocacy and overseas increased support of the UJA commitments. 2006 Campaign will allow our “The UJA 2006 Women’s community to demonstrate Campaign was launched the real meaning behind the earlier in the fall and has, in slogan.

JCC States Facilities Safe cont’d from p1 What does living generously rooms and middle squash The JCC Board of Directors court have been re-opened. is hopeful that the remediation As of the writing of this required on an immediate mean? article, the JCC leadership basis will be completed by is also examining building year end and hopefully prior envelope issues which have to that time depending on been identified by the Trow the availability of trades and report. These include an contractors. examination of the exterior PROGRAMMING cladding of the building to INFORMATION: determine if replacement Camp Winterland will be will be required, repair and/ offered offsite at the Hamilton or replacement of mechanical Hebrew Academy. Please see equipment to ensure proper air the JCC pages for information quality and flow, etc. Costs are regarding this and other currently being assessed. programs.

Our poor will not be marginalized. The Hamilton community has among the highest poverty levels of any Jewish population in the country. About one in five children in the Jewish community are poor. Already, our community struggles to provide services to help our poor make ends meet and retain their dignity and their basic needs. When you live generously and give to the annual UJA campaign you help in our efforts to provide dignity to the Jewish poor and vulnerable others by improving the difficult conditions under which they live. You do a world of good, one person at a time.

Save time by making your gift to the UJA campaign on-line. Simply visit www. jewishhamilton.org Page 4 The Hamilton Jewish News November 2005 - Kislev 5766

UJA Federation Study in Israel Seen as Life-Changing

by Wendy Schneider The goal of the initiative is to gradually increase the number In response to recent studies of participants in these programs 2005-2006 that show a weakening of the so that by 2008, some 20,000 affinity between Diaspora Jews young people will arrive each year. family israel and Israel, particularly among & bar/bat students and young adults, a new Speaking at a session devoted Missions initiative that is being described to MASA at the General Assembly mitzvah as the “next great idea in Jewish (GA) of Jewish Federations that life” and as a logical next step took place in Toronto earlier www.israelfamilytours.com canadian after a Birthright experience, this month, a vice-president of Nov. 26-Dec. 4/05 has recently been launched. Strategic Planning from UJA Limited Space Available For MASA, meaning, “journey” Federation of New York said This Unique Mission is a partnership between the that MASA “is going to be an Israeli government, the Jewish expensive proposition.” But, Agency and local Federations. she added, Federations have David and Rina Goldberg at the GA “Together for The rationale behind MASA long recognized that “high WINTER is that Israel has many rich quality Jewish educational Israel In testimony to the impact prague & israel opportunities for Diaspora experiences often become Jewish of a long-term Israel program, Dec 17/18 - jan 1/2 Led by Rabbi Joseph Kelman Dec 25 - Jan 8/06 Apr. 24 - May 8/06 youth, and that high-quality, people experiences,” and that a number of recent participants Call for Details!! long-term Israel programs “all of these experiences build in MASA programs, including 2006 strengthen Jewish identity, on one another.” There is also Hamilton siblings Rina and MARCH 8 - 20 and commitment to Israel. recognition that what may David Goldberg were present MARCH 16 - 27 Deluxe Winter Escape Described as a gateway to Israel be preventing young people at the GA session. David was from signing up for long-term a recent participant in Nativ, passover in Israel Israeli Resorts programs, MASA currently Winter Vacation has 100 different organizations study programs in Israel is a the Conservative Movement’s april 9 - 23 Led by Rabbi Wayne & Patti under its umbrella. Some, like combination of prohibitive College Leadership Program Summer Allen Israeli universities’ overseas costs and a lack of diversity in Israel, while Rina has July 2 - 16 July 9 - 23 Beth Tikvah Synagogue programs, have been in existence in the offering of programs. recently returned from a year July 16-30 July 30 Feb. 13-23/06 for many years, others are new; Currently, most Israel study at the Hebrew University of Aug 13 Aug 6-20 Jerusalem’s overseas program. Aug. 13-27 Aug. 17-31 A once-in-a-lifetime experience at some are large and growing, programs are geared to students others are small and intimate; with an interest in Jewish studies For more information on MASA some, like yeshivot, serve target or the arts. Organizers envision a programs visit www.masaisrael. populations, and others are more “radical expansion” in the variety org. secular in their approach. The of programs offered under overall message is there are many the MASA umbrella that will *Editor: Ralph Travis Israel 1-800-294-1663 paths to the “Journey” (MASA, give participants the option of Experience for semester and in Hebrew) and that Israel can tailoring their Israel experience year-long programs in Israel are [email protected] available locally. (see boxed ad, 7117 Bathurst St. #200, Thornhill, On be experienced in more than programs to their own particular one way. academic or professional needs this page) Before the MASA initiative, so that students majoring in approximately 4000 young science, math or economics will We Want to get you people came to Israel every also be able to find semester or year for long-term programs. year-long programs.. to israel this year! Bronfman Youth Fellowships Offer Unique Opportunity UJA Federation is pleased to announce by faculty and among the selected To my knowledge, I am the the availability of Aaron Orkin Fellows are educators from only Hamiltonian ever to win a Israel Experience all denominations. Debate is Bronfman Youth Fellowship, scholarship funds The Bronfman Youth vigorous but respectful and and I think that that needs to for recognized high Fellowships in Israel (BYFI) incredibly high-level. BYFI change. I have an application is an elite programme, which alumni go on to do great school and university package and some additional plays a vital role in developing things---from their personal information, as well as some level programs. These North American Jewish leaders, achievements in attending high posters about the program. You funds have been made is celebrating its 20th year of calibre colleges, receiving may also consult the BYFI’s underwriting a summer of available through The prestigious awards (like the website at www.bronfman.org. learning and experience in Israel Rhodes, Fulbright, and Wexner) Applications for Summer 2006 Ralph Travis Israel for outstanding Jewish students and engaging in tikkun olam. can be found online at www. Experience Fund now in their junior year (11th Their experience is broadened bronfman.org/summer.htm. and UJA Federation. grade) of high school. by the different perspectives The application deadline is My own BYFI experience they hear from on the trip Scholarships are January 31, 2006. Please feel in 1999 was vitally important and long after as life-long free to contact me directly at available up to a in exposing me to new learning members of an active alumni [email protected] if you maximum of $500 and ideas about what it means community. Six years after my have any questions. Of course, to be a part of the Jewish and are subject to a own BYFI experience in Israel, you can also contact the BYFI community. I still attend a BYFI shabbaton office directly at 163 Delaware number of criteria, BYFI is a pluralistic program nearly annualy, and find it to Avenue, Suite 102, Delmar NY outlilned on the application form. that sends 26 talented young be one of the most intellectualy 12054 to request a hard copy of people from the United States stimulating and personally the application (phone 518 475 and Canada for an all-expense exciting events in my calendar. I 7212 or fax 518 475 7207). • All candidates will be interviewed paid, six week programme of hope that other members of this • Applications will be considered only from lectures, learning and living community will take advantage families who have met their commitment for the together. Represented on the of this unique programme.

Proud sponsors of www.jewishhamilton.org Parkway & Upper James Toyota November 2005 - Kislev 5766 The Hamilton Jewish News Page 5

UJA Federation Police Chief Fiasco Draws Muslim and Complaints Against Mullan’s Israel Trip Dismissed Jewish Leaders Together by the community in respect of the by Gerald Fisher in the world must not adversely Board’s decision to sanction the Gerald Fisher affect the relationships between The long, tense and sometimes trip.” Hamilton’s Jewish and Muslim September 21st, 2005 may be ugly ordeal for Hamilton Police Held on September 21st, the and Arab populations. recorded in local history as the day Services Chief Brian Mullan meeting devolved into a tense With Dr. Finkelstein serving that Middle East tensions spilled and Police Services Board Chair shouting match between all as a catalyst, members of the into Hamilton with unexpected Bernie Morelli is now over. Final parties. Because of the highly ferocity. That was the date of the leadership dialogue group have recommendations regarding the confrontational tone of the “Special Open Meeting” designed received significant media two complaints filed against the meeting, it received extraordinary to receive verbal presentations in exposure. Dr. Finkelstein and Chief for participating in a training media attention. The chair of the respect to the Hamilton Police Mr. Mirza appeared on the Roy session in Israel were presented at meeting terminated the meeting Services Board (HPSB) decision Green Show; the entire group was the October 17th meeting of the after it was apparent voices of to sanction Chief Mullan’s trip interviewed on CHTV’s “Talk Chief Brian Mullan reason, on either side of the to Israel. That meeting unleashed Back” and were subsequently Hamilton Police Services Board debate, were unable to be heard. a tidal wave of emotion from all invited back to Roy Green (HPSB). The complaints were come together with the leadership The chair then indicated that sides in respect to the Chief’s to report on their progress. A filed by the Canadian Coalition of our Jewish community. (see Israel trip. It is also the date that Spectator article described the Against Racism (a self-appointed the Board would review written second article on this page) The local Muslim, Arab and Jewish coming together of these groups. “watchdog” group) and the submissions from each side. The intent is to establish a framework leaders decided that it was their Explaining the remarkable McMaster Chapter of Solidarity story remained newsworthy for for dialogue and communication responsibility to ensure greater media interest in the dialogue Dr. With Palestinian Human Rights several days, partly because its that hopefully will lead to greater mutual understanding and better Finkelstein explained that in the Campaign (SPHR). chaotic nature was so out of mutual understanding and the behavior from all of us. aftermath of the angry rhetoric The final recommendations character for Hamilton. The other easing of tensions between the To many, the events of the open demonstrated at the Police Board stated, in part, that “the Board reason is because it has lead to communities. meeting were truly frightening. hearing, the media seemed very re-affirm its original decision to the creation of a truly unique The group includes Ali Cheaib, Legitimate leaders on all sides of responsive to a group representing sanction Chief Mullan’s trip to opportunity for dialogue. president of the Hamilton Chapter the issue recognized that unless the city’s Jewish, Arab, and Muslim Israel and take no further action Commenting on the outcome of the Council of Canadian Arabs, they took responsible action, the citizens that could speak together in respect of all complaints arising of the complaint review process, Javid Mirza, president of the vacuum of leadership would be with reason and respect for each therefrom.” UJA Federation president, Hamilton Muslim Association, filled by extremist voices. Given other’s differing views. The group Bernie Morelli, chair of the Leslie Lasky, said “I agree with Hussein Hamdani, founder of the a taste of what that might cause, has met twice and communicates HPSB addressed the complaints the decision of the HPSB and Ahiyya Foundation, Dr. Lorne the leadership came together regularly by email. Their goal, with due diligence. The complaints I am grateful to HPSB Chair Finkelstein, Hamilton Jewish quickly. Within 24 hours Dr. according to Dr. Finkelstein, is to were originally heard on April Bernie Morelli for conducting Federation representative to Lorne Finkelstein contacted and “demonstrate that voices of reason 18th, referred to the Civilian a process which allowed for the SHC (Strengthening Hamilton arranged for an urgent meeting and understanding will collectively Commission on Police Services voices of moderation on both Community Initiative) and with Javid Mirza, president of the drown out those small groups who (OCCOPS) and responded to sides to be heard by their written Federation executive director Hamilton Muslim Association, advocate anger and hate”. in June. Unable to satisfy the submissions.” Gerald Fisher. Ali Cheaib, president of the The dialogue has sparked a complainants, the Chair took One positive outcome of the Hamilton Chapter of the Council flurry of gestures of good will. the unusual step of scheduling process is that the legitimate of Canadian Arabs, Hussein Leaders of UJA Federation were a “Special Open Meeting to leadership of Hamilton’s Arab Hamdani, founder of the Ahiyya invited to participate at the “Eid receive verbal presentations from and Muslim communities has Foundation, and Federation Il Fitr” feast following the end of executive director Gerald Fisher. the month of Ramadan. Arab and Within a few days of the Muslim leaders were invited to a event, while sitting together lecture by Aluf Benn, diplomatic at an SHC (Strengthening editor of Ha’aretz. All of the Hamilton Community Initiative) participants also attended the function, Mr. Fisher referenced Hamilton Gallery of Distinction the uniqueness of the fact that dinner honoring Dr. Finkelstein. the leaders of the Arab, Muslim According to Federation and Jewish communities were president Leslie Lasky, “the all sitting together - by choice - ongoing agenda for the group and comfortable in each other’s is now under construction. The company. “SHC provided the fundamental goal of the initiative forum through which we have met. is to ensure that our respective Our goal now is to cultivate this leadership groups are aware of each initial good will into a framework other, comfortable with each other of mutual understanding and and able to communicate with each respect. We won’t agree on other as circumstances require. If everything. But we can do a better we can accomplish this, we have job of communicating with each effectively filled the leadership other and not leaving the door vacuum that otherwise might be open to extremists who want to filled by voices of extremism. By Introducing … the JNF Tree Bank harm us all.” taking this small step, we stabilize Leaving that dinner early, Javid the environment and open the Plant a Tree to celebrateAccount! Mirza, Ali Cheaib, and Gerry door to more substantive dialogue Fisher met with Dr. Finkelstein in the future.” special occasions or to send condolences! at his office for the group’s initial meeting. They all agreed with certain basic principles, primarily, that events occurring elsewhere The price for a single tree is $18. But, as a JNF Tree Bank account holder, you can 10 plant trees in Israel for just $15 per tree. That’s a savings of $30 versus buying them individually. The Hamilton Police Service invites To open an account, you simply authorize JNF to charge a members of our Jewish Community tax deductible $150 to your credit card (or you can send in a cheque) which The Hamilton Police Service is hosting a series of Community fills your account with 10 trees. Then, every time you want to plant a tree for a Safety Forums in the next few weeks to get public input and special occasion or in memory of someone, you just call our office and we do feedback. A panel including Chief Mullan and other members the rest. of the Service will be present to answer questions and address concerns. Input gathered will be used in the police business planning process to improve service delivery. What could be more convenient? Call our office to set up your TREE BANK. Remember, trees symbolize and preserve life. Thursday Dec 1, 2005, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Be among those who think of Israel when they wish to give a Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Ave North meaningful gift. For more information contact: Sandra Wilson, Community Relations Co-ordinator at 905-546- Call the JNF office at 905 527-5516 and order yours today! Page 6 The Hamilton Jewish News November 2005 - Kislev 5766

Beneficiary Agencies Mac Students Model Programming Excellence

by Wendy Schneider Polish Society, the McMaster representing the different ethnic Catholic Student Association, and social groups singled out by Three McMaster Jewish Christians for Israel, the Anti- the Nazis for persecution. . students who collectively Violence Network and Zionists Highlights of the program organized a well publicized at Mac. included a lecture entitled, Holocaust Education Week at For each of the five days Lessons of the Holocaust for the university were singled out during which the program ran, Diversity and Democratic for praise by Jewish Student a display table set up in the Freedoms Today, delivered by Association (JSA) director, student centre was modified to Professor and human rights Judy Schwartz, for their’ reflect the theme of diversity: advocate Joanne Cohen, a ingenuity in making this year’s Day one focused on Gay men Kristallnacht commemoration annual program an especially in the Holocaust; day two for the entire community held memorable one. on Christians and Righteous at Temple Anshe Sholom, In previous years, e Holocaust Gentiles; day three on Roma an impressive display on the Education Week focused on the and Sinti; day four on People persecution of homosexuals six million Jewish victims of the with Disabilities and day five by the Nazi regime, prepared Shoah, however, this year, the Mac students, Matt Stein, Andrea Rowan and Michelle Rodak, are pictured here on Jews. by the GBLT; as well as committee chose the theme of holding a Holocaust chronicle given to the JSA by the daughter of Elisabeth The students’ enthusiasm interactive workshops. One Visser, honoured by Yad Vashem as a Righteous Gentile. the diversity of victims of the was matched by their superb of the workshops featured Nazi regime. organizational skills. Social a powerpoint presentation “We decided to recognize year sociology major and JSA a unique opportunity to Action chair, Andrea Rowan, designed by Mr. Stein, where an those people persecuted by the social action chair and Matt coordinate and work with other received professional help and individual experienced different Nazis who were not Jews” said Stein, 18, a second year major campus groups, Ultimately, a reduced fee from Cascade outcomes based on an initial Michele Rodak, 19, a second in Health Studies, and the JSA’s the committee was successful in International to produce a choice to identify either as Jew, year religious studies major, and webmaster and advertising enlisting the support of the Gay program brochure. JSA Christian, gay man, Roma or the JSA’s cultural chair.; The representative. Lesbian Bi-Sexual Transgender webmaster Matt Stein, designed disabled person. At another other members of the Holocaust Choosing the theme of Organization (GBLT) Wendy - an impressive brochure cover workshop, former March of the Education Committee include diversity had the added advantage check the order of these letters that depicted an image of a Living participants spoke about Andrea Rowan, 18, a second of giving the JSA executive of this acronym, the McMaster globe surrounded by symbols their experiences. Off-Campus Student House Sought

One of the major objectives the student dormitories where of UJA Federation’s Campus space is tight and a Shabbat-like Oversight Committee is to atmosphere is difficult to create. facilitate the funding and A house would also provide a purchase of an off-campus house more conducive environment in for Jewish students attending which to prepare and serve McMaster University. kosher meals. The committee, headed by The JSA, said Ms. Schwartz, Hanna Schayer, together with is a ‘home away from home’ Jewish Student Association (JSA) for many Jewish students at director, Judy Schwartz, is in the McMaster, who have come to process of drafting a proposal rely on the office for sustaining to Toronto’s Latner Foundation their connection to Jewish life with the hope of acquiring during their university years. funding which will enable the The purchase of a permanent purchase of a permanent home off-campus house would put base for Jewish students on to rest the fears that the time campus. may come when the university The current Jewish Student requires the current JSA office Association (JSA) office is too space for other purposes - which small to accommodate a growing did, in fact, occur two years ago, membership (approximately before they backed down due to 350 students) who currently a chorus of protest from students attend a variety of events such and Federation representatives. as lunch programs, lectures, Community members who workshops, and Passover meals. would like to assist in this . Ms. Schwartz explained that endeavour are asked to contact a larger and permanent facility, Hanna Schayer, chair of UJA would enable the JSA to conduct Federation’s Campus Oversight their programs such as Shabbat Committee, at 905-628-4320. dinners on-site rather than in November 2005 - Kislev 5766 The Hamilton Jewish News Page 7

Israel

Israel After Disengagement Wishing the Jewish Community a

by Economies need a stable she called the most distressing Wendy Schneider Happy Chanukah! environment and positive aspect of the Israeli economy At the recent General outlook for the future in – the growing inequity in Introducing...Hamilton’s best kept secret Assembly of Jewish Federations which to flourish, said the next income and standard of living held in Toronto in mid- panelist, Dr. Liora Meridor, among Israel’s population. November, a session entitled and during the years of terror The same process that has Dionysios Defining Ourselves After attacks, the Israeli economy allowed some aspects of Israeli Disengagement, featuring a suffered substantially. The society to flourish has had the fine Mediterranean Cuisine panel of speakers that included Israeli economy’s strength is opposite impact on those who Ha’aretz columnist, Ari Shavit, based on the combination have not been able to adapt Dr. Liora Meridor, chair of of its small size, the fact “to the rules of the game.” Bezeq International, Member that it is integrated into the And recent economic policies of Knesset, Rabbi Michael global economy, and that endorsed by the government Melchior and moderated by it has a “highly educated, have aggravated the problem by Jerusalem Post editor, David technologically advanced, allowing an increasing number Horovitz, attracted hundreds very creative and remarkably of families to drive more of of delegates. motivated labour force.” their income from welfare than According to Mr. Shavit, If disengagement becomes what is derived from work. Israel is immersed in an a first step towards a more Furthermore, the faster the existential dilemma of stable environment, then Israeli economy grows, the occupation versus survival. The the economy will continue higher the inequalities become, peace that had been on the to improve. However, should creating not only an unjust horizon during the Oslo years the Israeli government plan but a dangerous situation that was replaced by the anticipated to abandon more West Bank threatens the cohesion and Live Greek Music Dancing until Morning Hours disengagement, he observed. settlements, it would need solidarity of the whole society. Ideal Venue for Private Parties A Taste of Home But since the completion of considerable financing from Ms. Meridor said that future disengagement, Israelis are Western governments. Israeli governments must face 629 Barton St. E. in Hamilton “horizonless” and “being Ms. Meridor ended her the challenge of grappling horizonless in the Middle East remarks by highlighting what 905-547-9898 is dangerous.” cont’d on p 10 While he is of the opinion that Israel must end the occupation for reasons of morality, demographic realities and international legitimacy, he acknowledged that doing so is a very risky operation. What the Israeli left and international community don’t realize is that every significant Israeli withdrawal has resulted in a wave of violence, he said. “If we don’t withdraw we die. But if we withdraw in an uncalculated, incautious manner, we risk death as well.” As for the disengagement itself, an “elegantly executed” and impressive event that bypassed the existential dilemma by neither risking Israeli lives nor leading to the creation of a Palestinian state, Mr. Shavit said that it served to mirror for Israelis the many positive aspects of their society “The way we implemented the will of the people brought us back to the spirit of 67... of that determined, rational Israel that acts in a responsible manner in history”, he said. When the apocalyptic predictions about the fallout from disengagement failed to emerge, Israelis have succumbed to a mild form of escapism in an attempt to distance themselves from the conflict, a situation that Mr. Shavit calls “dangerous.” Mr. Shavit ended by advocating the search for an approach that neither accepts the status quo nor places its hope in an unrealistic peace process. If no new vision of where Israel should go from here is developed within a matter of months, he predicted that the situation will revert to violence. Page 8 The Hamilton Jewish News November 2005 - Kislev 5766

See below for programmingThe at the JewishJCC. Some programs inCommunity November and Centre Pages December are being offered off-site. Please contact the JCC reception for information on registration and fees for all programs. Please note the article on the front page regarding the JCC facilities investigation. camp kadimah Sunday Programs winter camp December 27, 2005 - January 6, 2006 Sunday JCC Bagel Brunches & Drop-in at the Yeshiva 235 Bowman Avenue, Hamilton at the Adas Israel Synagogue 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 60 Dow Avenue, Hamilton Come join your family and friends for a light nosh. Delicious items to choose from include bagels, lox and cream cheese, tuna, eggs, fresh fruit, coffe cake and gourmet coffee. All food production is Bring a dairy lunch, snowsuit, boots, hat and gloves and be supervised under the Va’ad Ha’ Kashrut. prepared to have lots of fun! There is also swimming everyday at Dalewood Recreation Centre so bring a bathing suit and towel Supervised Play in the Gym at the Yeshiva as well! Other activities include tennis with Frances Critchley, 235 Bowman Avenue, Hamilton gymnastics, computers, arts and crafts, music & drama, In-Line 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Have your kids supervised safely in the gym, while you have some brunch! Skating (elective), and outdoor play (weather permitting) Our Camp Kadimah counsellors will play games and sports with your kids and Kabbalat Shabbat program includes hot dog lunch. supervise them on our gymboree equipment. All ages, children under 18 months need to be supervised by one guardian. Limited space. Register early to avoid disappointment!

Arts & Crafts with Michelle Rodak UNITS: K’tanim: ages 2.5 years (as of December 25, 2005) to 3.5 235 Bowman Avenue, Hamilton Option 1: (1/2 day) 9-11:30am or 12:30 -3:00pm 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. (for 2-4 year olds); Noon - 12:45 pm Option 2: (full day) 9am-3:00pm (for 5-6 year olds) Binonim, Gadolim, Gadna: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Story Time and Drama LIT/CIT program available 235 Bowman Avenue, Hamilton (Binonim: entering Junior or Senior Kindergarten; Gadolim: entering Grade 1 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. for 1-3 year olds; Noon - 12:45 pm or Grade 2; Gadna: entering Grade 3 - Grade 6) for 3-5 year olds. Introduce your young children to the delights and wonders that reading has to offer. Fee Schedule Please contact the JCC reception for registration information and Session 1: December 27 - 30, 2005 fees. $90.00/week JCC members, $110.00/week non-members Other Fall/Winter Programs at the JCC $25/day, $12.50 per half day 1030 Lower Lions Club Road, Ancaster Session 2: January 2 - 6, 2005 Tennis with our Pro, Frances Critchley $110.00/week JCC members, $130.00/week non-members Frances possesses twenty-five years teaching experience. Currently the National $30/day, $15 per half day Champion, Masters World Team Competition placed 4th in the world; finished the highest of both the men’s and women’s teams competing for Canada. LIT/CIT Fee Schedule (ages 11-14) Current 2004 Provincial Champion Singles Masters. Most recently she competed in Perth, Australia in April of 2005, finishing seventh in the world. $12/day (members) $16/day (non-members) Youth Table Tennis Tuesday nights, 6:45 - 8:45 p.m. Applications are being taken now for Winter Camp Counsellors. Learn to play one of the world’s fastest indoor sports. Participants will be Contact the JCC Reception at 905-648-0605 for further information. encouraged to play at a competitive level with a focus on the 2006 Maccabi Games. Located in the JCC Gymnasium and instructed by Allen Harris, the sessions run from November 1st to December 20th, and Session 2 from January 10th - March 7th. The cost is $50 Members, $80 Non-Members jcc tribute cards

Tai-Chi In Memory Of Lil Cooper: Barbara Laskin. Mother of Lorne Gladstone: Barbara Laskin. Rose Grader: Tuesday Nights, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Trudi Sher, Edie Rochkin, Harvey & Shelley Waxman. Father of Allen & Nancy John Thibideau, SIFU has been practicing Martial Arts for 45 years. He is a well- Greenspoon: Barbara Laskin, Harvey & Shelley Waxman. Joseph Mandel: Rochelle known and respected teacher in the Hamilton area. John teaches at St. Joseph’s Waxman. Shirley Sauder: Rochelle Waxman Sister of Max Mintz: Steve & Sandy Silver. Hospital Wellness Clinic, as well as at various retirement and long-term care Marilyn Wasserman: Harvey & Shelley Waxman, JCC Board of Directors centres in the area. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. $40/month. Loose clothes and Mazal Tov Josh and Vicky Bach (Sarah & Andrew’s engagement): Harvey & Shelley Waxman soft-soles shoes. Contact JCC, 905-648-0605 Zehava Chaimovitz (prestigious award): Warren & Karen Waxman. Lorne Finkelstein (induction to Hamilton Gallery of Distinction): Fern & Larry Szpirglas, Shelley & Harvey Waxman. Bessie Goldblatt (engagement of grandson & granddaughter): Edie Rochkin. upcoming events Gwen & Michael Sherman(birth of granddaughter): Harvey & Shelley Waxman. Hilton & Shirley Silberg (opening of new drugstore): Gerri Shapiro JCC Annual General Meeting Best Wishes Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the JCC Cantor David Bercovici (speedy recovery): JCC Board of Directors, Fern & Larry Szpirglas, President: Howard Eisenberg Bert Frankel. Dorothy Adler (special birthday): Rochelle Waxman

Teen Casino Night Barry Foster Trust Fund In Memory Of Saturday, December 10th, 2005 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the JCC Marilyn Wasserman: Joy Foster

Morris Black Public Speaking Contest jcc youth maccabi games fund Sunday, February 26, 2006 In Memory Of Rose Grader: Lynda & Jerry Bromstein Maurice Wolpert: Amy Katz Martin & Tom More programs featured in the next issue of the HJN Martin, Jane DeZoete & friends at the gym, Maureen & Allen Harris, Mrs. Kepkiewicz Marilyn Wasserman: Lynda & Jerry Bromstein

For information about any JCC program call Lainie Tessier at 648-0605, ext 308 or follow the links on www.jewishhamilton.org November 2005 - Kislev 5766 The Hamilton Jewish News Page 9

Travel A Journey to Jewish Italy

by former ghetto. In Ferrara, where Temple Mount. It features a Irwin Feuerstein the group will celebrate Purim superb Romanesque Cathedral, After the success last February of with members of the local Jewish a Baptistry, a Gothic Cemetery, “Destination Sepharad: A Journey community, there will be a visit to and the famous “leaning tower”. Bob Hemberger to Jewish Spain”, I have designed the castle of the Dukes of Este, in Around the corner, just outside a tour to Italy, “Destination Italia addition to a walking tour of this the medieval city walls, is the Ebrea: A Journey to Jewish Italy”, beautiful city. Jewish Cemetery, which we plan fine catering March 4-17, 2006. This trip A place not often explored by to visit. focuses on central and northern tour groups is the industrial seaport This tour will be educational Corporate & Special Events Italy where many Jews lived after of Livorno; it was established in the in character, including discussions the expulsion from Spain in 1492. 16th century by the Medici Grand about Italian Jewish history, kosher catering At that time and until 1859, Dukes of Tuscany. A colony of Kabbalah and Mysticism Italian Italy was divided into a large Portuguese Jews was invited to style, synagogue architecture as number of locally controlled areas. settle here; they enjoyed freedom well as the lives and work of bar & Bat mitzvahs Southern Italy was controlled to worship and trade as well as several rabbis, scholars, physicians by Spain and its allies and Jews protection from the Inquisition, and writers. weddings were not generally welcome there. and were thus able to grow and Price for the tour March anniversaries Alas, the places where Jews were prosper during many centuries. 4-17/06: $3795 CDN from welcome were those where the We will visit the Synagogue and Toronto (land portion can be Italian Renaissance was flourishing the Jewish Museum, followed purchased separately for $3075 and here they became part of a by free time to enjoy lunch in CDN). Innsville: 905-643-1244 very special time. So, we shall be the quaint harbor district. In the For more information and Residence:905-664-1933 able to see and hear about the lives afternoon, we continue to Pisa, a detailed itinerary:Dr. Irwin of these Jewish communities and a city which during the era of Feuerstein, 905-528-9308, e-mail: also taste the art and architecture the Crusades aspired to become [email protected];or Pauwels of Renaissance Italy. a “Second Jerusalem”; its Piazza Travel Bureau: 519-753-2695, The history of the Jews in Italy dei Miracoli, was intended to e-mail: [email protected], goes back to the second century be a Christian version of the Website: pauwelstravel.com BCE, when Israel was under the leadership of Judah Maccabee. It was then that many Jews left Israel for Rome. Since then the fortunes of the Jews in Italy, depending on who was in control of the Roman Empire or the Catholic Church, have waxed and waned. Italian Jews have been enslaved, ghettoized, and excluded. They have also prospered, entered the learned professions, established rabbinical academies and schools of Talmudic studies, and built synagogues. In the early 19th Century Napoleon emancipated Magnolia silver jewelry from Israel is here!!! the Jews of Italy and a bright new era dawned. But in the Magnolia silver jewelry is the leading chain in Israel of fine sterling 1930’s Italian Fascist-inspired anti-Semitism reared its head. silver jewelry with 36 locations in Israel and more than 50 world wide. During the Second World War thousands of Italian Jews were The jewelry is designed and made exclusively for Magnolia by more deported to death camps. Today there are approximately 30,000 than 20 of the best Israeli designers. Jews in Italy. In 14 days, we will visit Florence, Siena, Livorno, Modena, Bologna, Ferrara, Verona, Padua and Venice - all cities with histories of Jewish settlement. There will be much to see - synagogues, Jewish museums, former ghettos, and cemeteries. But we won’t confine ourselves solely to Jewish sites. In Florence, for example, we will see the Uffizi art gallery, the Duomo, the bronzed doors of the Bapistry, the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. In the medieval town of Siena, we will take in the “musts” - the Piazza del Campo, the Town Hall and Cathedral in addition to the synagogue and the

DO YOU REMEMBER YORK STREET? I am looking for people who would like to share recollections of what it was like to live and work on York Street from the 1920s to the 1970s. This is in connection with a Visit our beautiful counter in Mapleview Shopping Center book on Hamilton history that is expected out in the (Level one towards “The Bay”) and buy the perfect gift for Hanukkah. latter part of 2006. If you would like to participate in this project, please phone Ron Berenbaum at 905 www.magnolia-silver.com 529-7890. Page 10 The Hamilton Jewish News November 2005 - Kislev 5766

Israel Israel After Disengagement Career Opportunity cont’d from p 7 with these serious economic which he describes as the Rabbi Melchior said that National Jewish Women’s organization seeks a realities, while maintaining “national, religious” narrative, the division between these membership/program development and administrative staff polices which allow it to stay perceived the disengagement communities, neither of which person. competitive in a global market. from Gaza “as a major understands the narrative of Speaking with great coercive step taken against the the other, has replaced the This position calls for a dynamic, innovative person emotion, Knesset Member, religious population”, and is traditional division in Israeli to conceive and organize programs for membership Rabbi Michael Melchior, the experiencing feelings similar to society between right and left. development and co-ordinate the administrative duties in Norwegian-born member those felt by secular Israelis What is especially worrisome is Hamilton. of Meimad, a left-leaning in the aftermath of the Rabin that this division, exacerbated We are seeking a creative individual with strong orthodox party, decried the assassination. At that time, by the polarization of the Israeli interpersonal skills who is self motivated, outgoing and fact that in Israel today there Israel’s secular community used education system – where resourceful. are two completely different the language of “mutilation, secular schools are “completely narratives. One, the narrative rape” to express its feelings of free of yiddishkeit” and If you are interested in a part time position that offers you of secular Israeli society, has being overtaken by an ideology religious schools have gone in flexibility, please send your resume prior to December 9, taken a stand against continued that demonized those in favour the opposite direction – goes 2005 to occupation of Gaza and the of the peace process. Today, much deeper, going to the very West Bank on demographic it is the national, religious nature of what constitutes a and moral grounds. The other, population that feels itself Jewish state. under siege, using language Rabbi Melchior concluded that Rabbi Melchior called by calling on Israel to focus “very difficult to hear” that its efforts on developing a compares the disengagement joint narrative that allows for policies to Nazism, with some differing opinions to help elements even proposing the reverse the phenomenon that institution of new customs has religion being the single such as breaking a second glass most divisive issue in its society. at weddings to depict the exile from Gaza.

Happy Chanukkah

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Special Mentschen Lives Remembered Please note the following corrections to the malca (halpern) litovitz 2005 Hamilton Jewish Telephone Directory: Born November 7, 1952; Died on July 18, 2005, at 52 years. Abram Szpirglas 1500-105 Main W., Ham L8N 1G6 905-527-2264 In the early 60s, the Hamilton Talmud Torah bus crossed the Dalton Timmis Insurance Anc 905-648-3922 city picking up a child or two at Prince Phillip School in the west Great Glasses 1025 Plains Rd. E., Burl L7T 4Kl 905-633-9398 end, stopping at Princess Elizabeth and Binkley Schools, then Halton Financial Group 3430 South Service Rd., Burl L7N 3T9 905-639-5115 heading to George R. Allen where I climbed on. The bus lumbered Helen Silver Yanover 1568 Main St. W. , Ham L8S 1E7 905-628-8284 over to Dundurn, filling up with children at Earl Kitchener, then it Jewish National Fund 908-105 Main St. W., Ham L8N 1G6 905-527-5516 sped along Charlton to the old JCC on Delaware Avenue. After a Acciaroli Shlomit 25 Mountain Ave, Ham L8P 3E8 905-522-3060 full day of school, we still had two hours of Talmud Torah. Aaron enid 30-5- Rice Ave, Anc L9C 7S8 905-318-8647 On this bus I first met sweet and cheerful Malca Halpern. Bay Limousine 624 Middletown Rd,Waterdown L0R 2H0 1-866-904-5466 We were 12-year-old young ladies in Rabbi Valinski’s class - the Balinson Morley & Joan 1-494 Mary St, Ham L8L 4X4 905-521-8023 graduating class of 1965. Our classmates went on to become a (Buchalter)Sobel, Davida 31-400 Ambleside Dr., London n6G 4Y7 519-645-7340 judge, an actor, a photographer, a doctor, and business people of Chaimovitz, Gabe 171 Bowman St., Ham L8S 2T9 905-529-8280 all sorts. Malca and I both became community college English Cohen raye 822 Montgomery Dr., Anc L9G 3H8 905-648-3905 professors and writers. We didn’t know this until 37 years later. Furman manny & Betty 904-120 Duke St. , Ham L8P 4T1 905-526-1725 In 2002, we met again at the Celebration of Jewish Writing and Kam marilyn 501-750 Mohawk Rd. W., Ham L9C 5Z5 905-389-3028 Writers at Temple Anshe Sholom and became close friends. In Levy John & Marla 42 Mayfair Crescent, Ham L8S 4E7 905-528-9779 fact through e-mail contact, Malca Halpern, now Malca Litovitz, Lonn Allan & Eva 10 Willowglen Ct., Dun L9H 6Z9 905-627-9710 suggested and helped me find many of the writers including Ron Mendes da Costa barbara 450 Queen St. S., Ham L8P 3V1 905-529-7455 Ruskin, Ron Charach, Jane Enkin, Allan Gould, Karen Shenfeld, Nathan, Dr. Max & Jeanette 802-1770 Main St. W., Ham L8S lHl 905-540-4884 and Ken Sherman who joined us in Hamilton that wonderful May Richter Pauline 10-230 Meadowbrook Dr., Anc L9G 4V2 905-648-1587 weekend. Rochwerg, Harold & Sara 37 Golfview Cres. , Dun L9H 6V1 905-628-5498 Malca began to feel ill during the festival – although you Rochwerg, Ken & Shelley 14 Lantern Lane, Dun L9H 6N9 905-627-7634 wouldn’t have known this from her inspiring readings and Rosen, Barry & Leslie Viner 11 Benvenuto Cres., Ham L9B 2J7 905-388-0329 workshop. Shortly afterwards she was diagnosed with cancer. Rosen I. W. 905-540-9100 During three years of surgery, remission, chemo, and more surgery, Siegel, Morris & Cheryl 10 WineGarden Trail, Dun L9H 7M2 905- Malca nevertheless managed to publish her second poetry book, 628-4628 teach creative writing to her students at Seneca College, and give Strohl, Jeff & Arlene 3 Jerome Park Dr. , Dun L9H 6G9 905- many readings at venues which included Hamilton’s Staircase 628-5982 Theatre, Blue Angel Gallery, and the Junction Café. Malca died Szereszewski Abe & Suzanne 103 Chancery Dr., Anc L9G 4M1 905-648-5064 on July 18, 2005. She leaves her husband, Allan, and son, Adam, Vertes Beata & Izzy Ferguson 36 Jerome Park Dr., Dun L9H 6H2 905-628-9260 as well as her mother and two brothers. Viner Leslie & Barry Rosen 11 Benvenuto Cres., Ham L9B 2J7 905-388-0329 Malca’s contribution to Canadian literature and the writing Waxman Robert & Debra 140 Chancery Dr. , Anc L9G 4M3 905-648-0023 community was outstanding. From 1970 onwards, she published Wright David & Norma 809-70 Macklin St. N., Ham L8S 3S1 905-572-9737 numerous poems and reviews in well-known Canadian journals. In Wunder Gloria 805-55 Prince Arthur Ave. Tor m5R 1B3 416-324-9484 the 1990s, she served as poetry editor for the journal of Canadian Jewish writing, Parchment. Malca published two books of poetry, To Light, To Water (Lugus, 1998), which was also translated into Be part of a great tradition...Come out for the Spanish, and At the Moonbean Café (Guernica, 2003). Her third collection, First Day, will be published by Guernica posthumously. Toronto commuters had the opportunity to read her hauntingly Hadassah-WIZO BAZAAR beautiful poem, “Rain,” which was posted in the city’s public Monday November 28 transit vehicles. Besides being a poet and critic, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Malca was a full-time teacher of at the literature and writing for 25 years, the last 17 at Seneca College. Her generous Renaissance B anquet Centre spirit, enthusiasm, and profound 2289 Barton St. E. at Nash knowledge of her craft inspired her many creative writing students and VOLUNTEERS needed Sun. Nov won their admiration and respect. 27 and Mon. Nov 28 to set up and Malca’s friends and colleagues wish to honour Malca by creating an sell. Feel free to bring donations to endowment for the Malca Litovitz the site on set up day. We have lots Prize in Creative Writing, which will be awarded in perpetuity by a committee of Malca’s colleagues at Seneca College. Donations Now we need YOU!!! are confidential and tax deductible and can be for any amount. A card will be sent to Malca’s family to inform them when a donation has been made. I am hoping members of Hamilton’s Jewish community will remember Malca and be interested in contributing to this endowment. Donations can be made by credit card or cheque. Credit card donations can be made by phone at 416-491-5050, extension 6414, or you may mail in a cheque to the attention of: Lisa Mills, CFRE,, Executive Director, The Office of Resource Development, Seneca College, 1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, ON M2J 2X5. Cheques should be made payable to Seneca fowler & associates College, Malca Litovitz Fund.

Rain Do you hear the rain? Private Client Financial Services I want to turn off the computer Complete Investment & Estate Planning and call you to tell you how it is raining Scott Thomson Dwight A. Fowler Shane Fowler in the green centre of the day, Investment Executive Director Investment Executive late afternoon thundering open like heartbreak - like what we imagine - Tel: (905) 570-7965 but you are another illusion - Toll Free: 1-800-461-5842 so I keep on typing. Fax: (905) 570-7989

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Shalom Village shalom village tribute cards Call 905-528-5377 Rosh Hashana Cards are available from Shalom Village for $5. Just send your list to [email protected] or call (905) 529-1613 ext. 265

In Memory Of WILLIAM GREENSPOON: Lew & Evelyn Ross, Vivienne, Raefie, Daryn, Danna & Natalie Epstein. ADAM SMURLICK: Lew & Evelyn Ross. FRANK DORSEN: Joan Soble & Family. Pat Morden SISTER OF MAX MINTZ: Freda & Seymour Rosenfeld. NATHAN SILVER: Gary & Ieta Waxman & Family. BROTHER OF MAX BEER: Heather & Len Ritter, Harold & JoAnn Pomerantz. ROSA ROSENSTRAUCH: Jack & Barbara Katz & Family. DELLA JEAN STONE: Pat Morden, Lori Schindel Martin. A.J. PACK: Jack & Barbara Katz & Family. LIL COOPER: Board of Directors & Staff of Shalom Village, Lily Silverstein, Steve & Linda Moffatt, Kirk & Shirley Kaplansky, Ruth & Sam Rosenblatt, Neil, Elizabeth, Jay & Elaine Cooper, Shelley & Kenny Rochwerg, Jerry & Dina Adler, Donna & Fred Webber, Bess Goldblatt, Bernice, Naomi & Steve Zacks, Norma & David Wright, Joseph, Max, David & Ami of Joseph & Co. SHIRLEY SAUDER: Board of Directors & Staff of Shalom Village, Gerri & Larry Bromberg, Edie Rochkin, Congregation Ohav Zedeck, Freda & Seymour Rosenfeld, Ruth & Sam Rosenblatt, Frances & Sharon Leuchter, Stanley & Harvey Cooper, Norma & David Wright, Marvin Goldblatt, Cheryl & Stephen Quitt, Shelley & Kenny Rochwerg, Sally, Ted & Bonnie Lax, Joan Epstein, Joan Silverman, Lil Cohen, Mollie Beube Schweid, Bess Goldblatt, Michael, Pam, Anna & Robin Taylor, Pearl Waxman, Jerry & Elena Goldblatt, Didie Dulberg & Family, Jack & Barbara Katz & Family, Ethel Levy (Kessler), Margaret & Harry Kelman, Lotti & David Redner, Gert Goldblatt, Sheldon & Marlene Gains & Family, Les & Gloria Roefe, Blanche & Norman Levitt, Soula Dionissopolous, Larry & Jay Rosenberg, Dotti & Ernie Mason, Sophie Buchalter. FATHER OF DANIEL KOLLEK: Gloria Mostyn & Arnold Rose. WILLIE STARKMAN: Jack & Barbara Katz & Family. MARILYN WASSERMAN: Gary & Ieta Waxman, Mickey Ossea, Leon & Vivian Price, Lily Silverstein, Heather & Len Ritter, Cheryl & Stephen Quitt, Sadie Feldman, Didie Dulberg. ROY NICHOLLS: Barbara & John Nicholls, Bill & Doris Montgomery, Mr. & Mrs. Ken Bell, Marilyn Copeland, Joan Silverman, Miriam Lebow, Diane Green, Margherite Baker & Family, Les & Lois Murphy, Ruth Pierce, Wray Marshall, Donald & Vera Gowland, Beverly Stewart, Marion Jensen, Caistor Hunt Club, Aki Yoshi & Chiyedo Kitagawa, Joan Switzer, Dalton Timmis Insurance Group Inc., Andres Wine, Harold & Louise Fawcett, Luella A. Book. HARRY CHAIM WOLFE: Gail, Les, Marnie & Sameth Wolfe. JOSEPH MANDEL: Suzi & Sheldon Gurevitz, Jack & Barbara Katz & Family, Sophie Buchalter. MOTHER OF JEAN VERTLEIB: Dorothy Adler. ROSE GRADER: Board of Directors & Staff of Shalom Village, Merle Cwitco, Thelma Shore, Gail & Les Wolfe, The Marks Family, Linda & Bernie Betel, Ricky Shore, Robby Rochkin & Family, Ruth & Sam Rosenblatt, Didie Dulberg, Stephen, Frances, Ryan & Sari Kraft, Joan Silverman, Bob & Barbara Raphael, David Grader, Flora & Norman Bergstein, Ted & Elaine Cole, Dorothy Rosenthal, Residents & Staff of Kensington Place, Henry & Donna Vine, Lee Cohen, Florence Fenwick, Jennie Bogomolny, Irma & Philip Perelgut, Gwen & Harvey Schwab, Ruth & David Magder, Newton & Claire Marcus, Stanley & Ellen Markin & Family, Marilyn & Al Foreman, Carol Shogilen, Sharon, Serena, Sonni & Nathan Beber, Simmie & Al Rain, Marilyn & Jim Lewis, Shelley, Mark, Michelle, & Jen Kudlats, Harry & Libby Kraft, Alex Borman, Sol, Jen, Howie & Sari Grossinger & Family, Norma & David Wright, Henry & Ruth Mulstein, Morris & Esther Langer, Merle & Jack Brown. EARL KEE: Board of Directors & Staff of Shalom Village, Marion & Edward Clementi, Jim Kennelly, Roy Pearce. MAZEL TOV / CONGRATULATIONS HILTON & SHIRLEY SILBERG: Heather & Len Ritter, JoAnn & Harold Pomerantz. MR. & MRS. GEORGE CZUTRIN: Edythe Rochkin. GWEN & MICHAEL SHERMAN: JoAnn & Harold Pomerantz. BEV & RALPH ORMAN: JoAnn & Harold Pomerantz. SUZI & SHELDON GUREVITZ: Freda & Seymour Rosenfeld. HENRY & PAULA SHEDLETSKY: Peggy & Alan Swartz. SANDY & STEVE SILVER: Peggy & Alan Swartz. LILY BUCHULTER: Harry & Suzanne Mendelson. ARTHUR & MARGARET WEISZ: Anne & Len Gooblar, Margaret & Harry Kelman. FLORA & ALAN RAMS: JoAnn & Harold SHALOM VILLAGE TRIBUTE CARDS Pomerantz. ANNIVERSARY Remember Shalom Village Tribute Cards for acknowledging BRIAN & IRENE ALBERT: Harold & Eleanor Segalowitz. RACHEL & CLAUDE life cycles and milestones ~ birthday, anniversary, bar and bat mitzvah,get well, special occasion and memorial cards are available. BILLINGHEIMER: Aaron Shiffman. HAROLD & RAYELLA GOLDBLATT: Linda Rosen GET WELL When a loved one passes away, honour their memory LESTER KRAMES: Heather & Len Ritter. ELLEN REINKE: Minna Loewith. ANNE by having memorial donations made to Shalom Village PRITCHARD: Sadie Feldman. HAROLD SUTIN: Pearl Waxman in lieu of flowers. THANK YOU / IN HONOUR OF LEN GOOBLAR: Seymour Rosenblatt. TOM WEISZ: Shirley & Randal Slavens. SUZANNE Funds from our Tribute Cards enable us to provide our MENDELSON: Edith Feldman. AARON SHIFFMAN: Sharon Levy, Bonnie Seigel, Allan many programs and ensure quality care and services: Levy, Murray & Lena Roth. DR. LORNE FINKELSTEIN: Harold & JoAnn Pomerantz Bubbi Bessie’s Café, The Club Fitness Centre, Goldie’s Place, BIRTHDAY levysolutions@shalomvillage, Samuel’s Bistro, the Millimobile...and the list goes on. DOROTHY ADLER: Yetta Krakower. EDIE ROCHKIN: JoAnn & Harold Pomerantz.

SOLLY ADLER: Jules & Bea Spiegal. MOLLIE LEWIS: David & Norma Wright. RAYELLA Thank you for donating to Shalom Village GOLDBLATT: Linda Rosen. HARRY MENDELSON: Sally Praiser & Sylvia Katz, Yetta and supporting life and living A.T.H.O.M.E. at Shalom. Krakower, The Poker Group, Edythe Feldman, Gert Price, Sadie Feldman, Helen Goldstein, Edie Rochkin, Millie State & Family, Jamie Steinbock, Bertha Ortman, Harvey & Shelley Why not make giving to Shalom a part of your holiday celebration? Waxman, Elaine & Michael Levine & Family. ROSE CAPLAN: Jack & Barbara Katz & Hannukah Cards are on sale for $5.00. Just send us your list and we Family. IRWIN STRATHMAN: Didie Dulberg & Family. ADELE ROTMAN: Natalie Strub will do the rest. A charitable receipt will be issued for your donations. NEW YEAR / SHANA TOVA FROM LARRY, JAY & MORGAN ROSENBERG To: Mrs. Frances Silver, Mr. Jeff Call Kathleen Thomas, (905) 529-1613 ext. 265 order on-line at www.shalomvillage.on.ca Gold, Mr. Irving Liberman & Family, Mr. Sam Liberman & Family, Drs. Mark & Audrey Or e-mail your request to: [email protected] Rosenberg, Mr. & Mrs. Ken Rosenblood & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Rick Cappe & Family, Ms. November 2005 - Kislev 5766 The Hamilton Jewish News Page 13 Page 14 The Hamilton Jewish News November 2005 - Kislev 5766

Organizations Hamilton Hebrew Academy Anshe Sholom’s Sha’ar Program gets families involved Creating and maintaining a kind and caring community by is a hallmark of the Hamilton Jamie Abram the result is a much more Hebrew Academy. This year meaningful Bar or Bat Mitzvah students and teachers are all At Temple Anshe Sholom we experience for both,” said Laura engaged in the school-wide, are very excited about our Sha’ar Wolfson. All of the work done year-long theme- We’re Looking (Grade 7) Program and what on this day is essential for the Great! -that encompasses we teach our students. This student to begin working on the environment , social program is focused on preparing their D’var Torah during the interactions and academic them to become b’nei mitzvah following months. pursuits. Interwoven into - responsible Jews who have Our next family program their quilt of looking great are the commitment, information was held on Oct 22 and was a a series of monthly pitgamim and skills to navigate their lives Tallit Workshop. Parents and (sayings from Jewish sources). both Jewishly and in the larger students in attendance discussed Each month, through a wide world. It also prepares them the history and the purpose variety of activities, tzedakkah for the actual Bar/Bat Mitzvah of a tallit, and learned how to projects in the Jewish and wider ceremony. Throughout the make one. Some of the families communities, and discussions year, our students learn how to attending may now choose to teachers highlight with their chant Torah and Haftarah, how make their child’s special Bar/ students experiences that to lead a service, the order of Bat Mitzvah tallit. illustrate the pitgam and enhance HHA grade eight class standing proudly at their Seder Kriyat haTorah, how to Coming up in December, their ability to act according to collection of pitgamim banners. study a Torah portion, how to the families will learn all about these all important precepts. write a D’var Torah, and more. the history of the “wimpel” “Give a person the benefit was particularly meaningful. The Respect, Get Respect!”- has However, we have found that (Torah binder) that for many of the doubt” (the pitgam from Hamilton Hebrew Academy is sharpened their understanding a Bar or Bat Mitzvah doesn’t centuries, Jews from Germany September)- is often quoted by now participating in Out of the that a person is deserving of just happen to the child; it is and Italy made from hand- children as they work through Cold by making bag lunches to honour and respect when he/she a transformative experience for decorated scarves fashioned out social situations and as they learn share with those in need each is respectful of every living being the whole family. Therefore, of the wrapping worn by an to listen carefully to each other week and the student council in our environment. on 5 occasions throughout the infant during their brit milah both at work and in play. During is launching a hat and glove year, we invite the parents of our (circumcision) ceremony. Each the busy weeks of October, as drive for children in Hamilton students to participate and learn Sha’ar student, with the help of they moved through the High who are in need of warm winter along with their child. his/her parents, will design and outerwear. Holiday season, the pitgam- On September 24, we held make their own wimpel. This November’s pitgam - “Give “helping others brings peace”- the first of our family programs will be used to wrap the Torah Jewish Geneological Society in which our students and scroll on the day of their Bar/ their parents engaged in a Bat Mitzvah. guided study of the students’ In the new year the parents There are many roots in Sussex, Ted immersed Genealogy for Everybody”. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Torah and students will continue misconceptions commonly held himself in genealogical pursuits Connecting genetics with portions. Laura Wolfson, the learning and together will explore about the pursuit of Jewish by transcribing many Parish genealogy has many facets and Temple’s Educator and Dora- their personal family histories. Family History. One of these Censuses for publication by the is probably the fastest growing Ann Cohen, Sha’ar Program “One of the goals of the Sha’ar is that family members perished Sussex Family History Group. tool in use by Family History Teacher, began the session by program is for the students to in the Holocaust so there is no Having taught 7 years in England researchers. DNA analysis can giving an introduction on the understand their own family’s point in trying to trace that and over 23 years in Hamilton, be used to identify male family organization of the 5 books of Jewish journey, in order to take family line. On November 2nd he is uniquely prepared to lines as in the Y Chromosome the Torah. Both students and their own steps along that same the Jewish Genealogical Society understand the problems we Cohanim line or for female parents learned that the entire path and add their own chapter - Hamilton & Area was blessed might face in making use of this line identification as in the Torah is read each year, starting to the story. When we do this by a fascinating presentation favoured tool of genealogists. mitochondrial European family at the beginning of Genesis on as a whole class, both students given by Michael Goldstein. Ted’s plan is to lines. This is one presentation Simchat Torah, and ending with and parents gain an appreciation Michael had arrived early that 1) give an overview of the you won’t want to miss! the end of Deuteronomy the for the community that we have morning from Israel but was seven censuses. All meetings of the Jewish following Simchat Torah. They become together,” said Dora- well rested by evening and gave a 2) talk about the way the Genealogical Society - Hamilton also learned that every Shabbat Ann Cohen. very enjoyable talk detailing the censuses were taken. & Area are held at Temple we read one paresha, going in As a parent of a child that resources available for searching 3) reference a census entry. Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline order from beginning to end. has gone through the Sha’ar one’s family in Israel. Some of 4) give practical uses of the Avenue North, Hamilton. We Once this overview was program, I can tell you that these resources related directly censuses for family history begin at 7:30 with our Meet and completed, together, they it was a privilege and a joy to to the Holocaust and Holocaust research. Greet followed by the evening’s identified the name of their participate in my child’s Jewish survivors. It was clear from the 5) show the best ways to speaker. paresha and which book of education and to learn alongside stories told that many families access information from the We encourage one and all to the Torah it was in. This is of her. For more information have been reunited because of censuses. join us in pursuit of our collective when the real work began as the about Temple Anshe Sholom’s access to sources previously On January 18th, 2006, we family histories. Membership students and the parents began education programs please call unavailable but now accessible. will welcome Dr. Malgorzata in JGS - H&A is open to all to study the Torah portion Laura Wolfson at 905-528- together. “When students and Before Michael spoke President Nowaczyk who will offer a regardless of religious affiliation 0121. parents explore the text together, Hazel Sandow Boon gave a presentation on Genetics and or level of experience. We have visual demonstration of the Genealogy. Dr. Nowaczyk is an members who are just beginning Members Only portion of JGS Associate Professor of Pathology their journeys as well as some - Hamilton & Area’s website and Molecular Medicine at who are published genealogists. which currently houses a McMaster University and is also For more information “Virtual Library” of which the a Paediatrician and Geneticist. search our website at www. group is quite proud. Mrs. She is, herself, an avid jgsh.org and/or contact Hazel Boon told the group that the genealogist pursuing research on at [email protected] or phone “Board developed the Virtual her own family and is the author 905-524-3345. Library as a stopgap measure of a book (written in Polish) until we are able to develop a entitled “Seeking Ancestors: physical library for members’ use.” “There are already about 80 books and other resources listed in the Virtual Library and we’ve only just begun!” On December 7th, 2005, JGS - Hamilton & Area will welcome Ted White whose topic is Victorian Censuses in England and Wales. Ted is a man who knows his way around the censuses of Britain. With his November 2005 - Kislev 5766 The Hamilton Jewish News Page 15

Organizations Beth Jacob Open for Business Kehila Jewish Community School

by Well the High Holy Days Wendy Schneider are behind us now and so much has happened in such a short A renewed spirit of time at Kehila. Kicking off our optimism has arisen at Beth brand new school year was our Jacob coinciding with a new traditional opening ceremony leadership team and the recent where we welcomed returning hiring of rabbinic intern, Julia and new students, faculty and Andelman as the synagogue’s staff. part time rabbi. During the ceremony, a The format for the first two representative from the Heart & of Ms. Andelman’s weekend Stroke Foundation presented our visits included Carlebach-style school with a plaque to honour our fantastic achievement as Friday night Kabbalat shabbat highest per capita fundraising services followed by sold-out school for last year’s Jump Rope congregational dinners, as well Julia Andelman facilitates a discussion at Beth Jacob for Heart Campaign. This is a as Shabbat morning services remarkable feat and one that and Sunday morning breakfast/ 522-1351. When calling please we hope to duplicate this school Kehila students celebrate Simchat Torah. study sessions. Ms. Andelman’s let the office know if you will be year! beautiful chanting of the attending the Sunday morning Kehila would like to thank Rabbi Itkin come to Kehila meal with residents and extended liturgy, her instructional talks breakfast/study session. all those many families who with his Sukkah-mobile and family and were entertained with and her warm personality are Everyone in the community purchased one or more of our help us celebrate Sukkot. Julie some wonderful singing by our contributing to an increase in is invited to participate in beautiful Rosh Hashanah baskets. and Michael Dembe hosted a choir and Israeli dancing by involvement and positive feeling whatever Beth Jacob activity This effort was a huge success wonderful Sukkah party at their Kehila students. about the synagogue in the they’d like, whether it be and we were so pleased to get home for Kehila students and As we mentioned, the High such tremendous support from Hamilton Jewish community. attending our weekly Friday their families as well as many Holidays are behind us, but we the broader Jewish community other members of the Hamilton have already started to prepare Ms. Andelman’s next visit Night Live Carlebach-style in Hamilton. Jewish community. for Hanukkah. Usborne Book will occur on Friday, December services or Shabbat morning During the High Holy Days, Continuing our close Sale will run at Kehila from 16, when the synagogue will services led by Cantor Kehila students were pleased to relationship with Shalom Village, November 22 - 25th inclusive. be holding a pre-Chanukkah Ben Sharpe, or attending have Laura Wolfson come to Kehila students and families This sale is a great opportunity to dinner with a special children’s congregational dinners or study speak about the significance and eagerly participated in a fantastic purchase high quality, story and program to which the entire sessions coinciding with Ms. meaning of Yom Kippur. Shabbat Dinner recently held reference books for children of all community is invited. Ms. Andelman’s monthly visits. We were excited to have there. We enjoyed a fabulous ages just in time for Hanukkah. Andelman will also lead services New (and former) members and deliver a sermon the are welcome to take advantage following and lead a workshop of a new and favourable flat- on How to Deliver a D’var rate membership fee available Torah at a breakfast/study until March 31. For more Beth Jacob Synagogue session on Sunday, December information call Norma invites the entire Community to its 17, following morning services. Mishkel at 905-577-1165. Reservations for the Friday night Pre-Chanukkah Dinner dinner can be made by calling the synagogue office at 905-

Adas Israel Launches Zionist Youth Group Chapter

by heritage, (Torat Yisrael). Marc Schwartz The Adas Shabbat Morning The Adas Israel proudly Youth programs (that begin at Friday, December 16, 2005 announces the launch of a 10:45 am) will be infused with new chapter of the Bnei Akiva new activities and curricula in Kabbalat Shabbat Services officiated by youth movement here in our order to achieve these ideals. rabbinic intern, julia andelman begin at 6:00 pm community. With over 130,000 More excitingly, as an official members worldwide, Bnei Akiva chapter of Bnei Akiva our youth Dinner & Special Children’s Activities at 7:15 pm is the largest religious Zionist will be able to participate in youth organization in the world regional Shabbatons and partner Limited Seating; ReserveTODAY by calling the shul office at 905-522-1351 or email bethjacob@ with chapters in more than with the highly successful execulink.com 35 countries spanning all six chapters based in Toronto. continents. The Hamilton In addition, to the new Bnei *** chapter will include elementary Akiva Chapter, the Adas is students (grades 3 to 8) and high beginning a Parent and Child school students. Learning Program on Sunday Under the leadership the Mornings at 10:00 am. The new Adas Israel Youth Director, innovative program, called Rabbi Golan Amar, who recently ‘Mibereshit,’ has become a relocated to our community worldwide phenomenon. Over from Israel, this new program 160,000 parents and children will add depth and meaning are currently participating in the to the already expanding youth program utilizing the progressive activities at the Adas. With six materials developed in Israel for Israeli youth workers on staff, English speakers. this new Hamilton chapter is The new chapter will be poised to make its mark on our officially launched at a Grand What better way to start your weekend than a spiritual ‘pick me up’ at Beth Jacob’s community in short time. Opening Shabbaton Weekend dynamic egalitarian carlebach-style Kabbalat Shabbat services Join us Friday nights at The primary objective of to take place in December at 6:00 pm in the Beth Jacob Chapel the new Bnei Akiva chapter the Adas. Please keep posted will be to provide our children for more details. For further with a strong attachment to information on how to get Judaism and the land of Israel. involved, please contact the FLAT RATE MEMBERSHIP FEE Through a wide variety of Adas office at 905.528.0039 or informal educational programs, visit www.adasisrael.ca. AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH 31, 2005 the movement inspires Jewish for new and returning members. Youth with a deep commitment call norma mishkel at 905-577-1165 for details. to our people (Am Yisrael), our land (Eretz Yisrael), and our November 2005 - Kislev 5766 The Hamilton Jewish News Page 16