Aug - Jewish Federation of Tulsa

2021 E. 71st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
Vol. 80 No. 5
www.JEWISHTULSA.org
Jason Brimer
Editor, TJR
“There’s a bomb in the building.”
Click.
The receptionist at the Tulsa
Jewish Retirement and Health Care
Center, took the call around 3:45
p.m. on Tuesday, July 14th. Within
minutes, the police arrived. After
searching the common areas of the
center, the Tulsa Police Department
advised Jim Jakubovitz, CEO of
the Tulsa Jewish Retirement and
Health Care Center, that the threat
was probably a hoax.
“We agreed it was probably
nothing,” said Jakubovitz. They also
agreed it wasn’t necessary to search
private apartments of the residents.
Staff from all of the institutions
on the Zarrow Campus were
instructed to survey their building
areas and report to the Tulsa Police
Department if anything appeared
suspicious or out of place.
An hour later, something
Founded in 1930 by Jewish Section, National Council of Jewish Women
PUBLISHED BY THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF TULSA
We Are Prepared
suspicious did appear. “Karen,
the night guard, heard ticking,”
explained Jakubovitz. It was
coming from a recycling barrel
located in a utility closet 4th floor
of the retirement center. “There was
a definite ticking coming from the
barrel.”
The phone threat combined with
the discovery of a suspicious device
could have been the catalyst for
panic and chaos. It wasn’t. What
followed was a well-choreographed
chain of events that shows the Tulsa
Jewish community is prepared for
emergencies.
Within minutes, Camp Shalom
campers, pool attendees and
Museum and Federation employees
were evacuated. Residents of the
Retirement Center, at the direction
of the Tulsa Police Bomb Squad,
were moved to the Barbara and
Dave Sylvan Auditorium.
“It was handled extremely well
by the staff and police,” Retirement
Are You Prepared?
Center resident Richard
Roby said about the move
to the auditorium. “It was
amazing to see how fast the
police, the bomb squad and
the Red Cross were here. In
terms of a response, it all
seemed to go right.”
For Lori Frank, what
went right that afternoon
didn’t happen by accident;
it was the result of years of
evaluation, planning and
drilling. Frank, a member
of both the Federation
and
Museum
boards,
has helped develop a
Jewish community-wide
emergency response plan,
dubbed Safe & Secure.
The former owner of a
security company, a private
investigator, a member of
the Coast Guard Auxiliary
and a FEMA Community
Emergency Response Team
11 Av 5769
August 1, 2009
Police and Red Cross at the entrance of the Zarrow
Campus.
Tulsa Police Bomb Squad responds to bomb threat
on the Zarrow Campus.
continues page 7
David Harris to Deliver Frank Memorial Lecture
Our friends at FEMA recommend that every family have an emergency
David A. Harris, Executive
evacuation plan, as well as supplies in case of an emergency. This is not a Director of the American Jewish
bad idea for people who live in the middle of tornado alley. Your emergency Committee (AJC), will deliver
kit should include:
the first Irv and Sharna Frank
Memorial Lecture in Judaism and
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, Contemporary Issues. Harris’s
for drinking and sanitation
lecture, “Global Challenges for
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Jewish Diplomacy,” will take place
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
at the Sylvan Auditorium of the
with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Schusterman JCC at 7:00 PM on
• Flashlight and extra batteries
Sunday, August 30. The lecture will
• First aid kit
be followed by a reception.
• Whistle to signal for help
Harris has been a driving force
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and
in several historic achievements
duct tape to shelter-in-place
on behalf of the Jewish people,
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal
including the repeal of the infamous
sanitation
“Zionism is racism” United Nations
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
resolution, the successful campaign
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
to end Japan’s adherence to the
• Local maps
Arab economic boycott of Israel,
• Cell phone with chargers
the rescue of Ethiopian and Soviet
Jews, and the effort to end Israel’s
Additional items to consider include:
isolation at the UN. Director of
• Prescription medications and glasses
the AJC since 1990, Harris has
• Infant formula and diapers
been honored by the Bulgarian,
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
French, German, Latvian, Polish,
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies,
and Ukrainian governments for his
identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable
international work.
container
Harris received the first Lifetime
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
Achievement Award from the
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
Russian Jewish community for his
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
“lifelong dedication to the spiritual
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long
and physical rescue of Soviet Jews.”
pants and sturdy shoes
A prolific author and commentator
David A. Harris, Executive Director of
the American Jewish Committee
for the Jerusalem Post, Harris’s
weekly AJC radio broadcasts are
heard nationwide on the CBS Radio
Network.
Irv and Sharna Frank believed in
the power of human beings to mend
the world, and regarded the heritage
of Judaism as a precious source of
direction and meaning in confronting
the challenges of contemporary
life. The Frank Lecture honors Irv
and Sharna’s creative vision and
foresight by providing a forum for
the serious exploration of Judaism
and contemporary issues.
For more information about
the lecture, please call Mindy
Prescott at 495-1100 x3012 or
[email protected].
Executive’s Report
BARRY ABelS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
JEWISH FEDERATION OF TULSA
After a hiatus during July, the
August issue marks a new era for
the Tulsa Jewish Review. Ed Ulrich,
the editor of the Review for over
nineteen years, retired at the end
of June. After a thorough process
that involved a special editorial
committee and staff charged with
examining resumes and proposals
from several individuals, Jason
Brimer was chosen as our new editor.
Jason brings great qualifications and
experience to the role and I look
forward to what he will bring to the
Tulsa Jewish Review.
This transition was just one
of many challenges facing the
Federation and our community
this year. The financial crisis has
impacted many in our community.
We are not suffering as much as
other parts of the country, but we all
know people who have lost jobs or
taken major hits to retirement and
other funds. Yet with all of this going
on, our community is not standing
by licking wounds. Collectively, we
are continuing to offer a wide variety
of programs and opportunities for
our members. Over thirty of our
youth are attending Jewish summer
camps (despite the flu crisis), the
CSJCC’s Camp Shalom is busting
at the seams, and donors to the
Federation’s Annual Campaign
A HONEY OF A DEAL
FOR $10
recognize that their contributions
are needed as much now as in any
other time in recent history. In
fact, generous participation in the
Annual Tulsa Jewish United Fund
Campaign has currently put us 6%
ahead of last year’s contributions.
It is this generosity that allows
us to assist those who are in need
with rent and utility assistance,
help with replacing lost jobs, and
camp scholarships.
In Israel,
we can continue to help new
immigrants, including many newly
from Ethiopia, transition to life in
Israel. Your support of the Annual
Campaign ensures families in Tulsa
and in Israel will get through these
tough times.
Special
thanks
are
due
Leah Clayman, our Women’s
Chairperson, and Willie Burger
and Itzik Levin, our Men’s Cochairs, for their work to date,
and for accepting the challenge
of chairing our campaign during
these unusual circumstances. Our
continuous generosity makes Tulsa
unique. As a community we are
stepping up to the challenge, but
we are not finished. Your support
will provide programs and services
that will help those in need. When
you are asked to be a part of this
year’s campaign, please respond as
generously as you can. We are all
in this together and together we will
get the job done.
Commemorate the New Year's tradition of apples
dipped in honey, and help the Charles Schusterman
JCC at the same time.
Send your friends and family
a gift of honey. We do all the
work, you only have to supply
the names and addresses.
Each gift contains an 8 oz. jar of
delicious, golden, certied, pure
Kosher honey and your signed
gift card.
This
exceptional
value
This
exceptional
value
is is
available
until
August
7th
available for a limited time!
Contact Mindy at 495.1100 or e-mail
[email protected].
A social
A
socialclub
club
for
for singles
or
or couples
couples 55+
55+
Sunday, August 9th
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2009
DINNER & GUEST SPEAKER
DINNER & GUEST SPEAKE
R, PHIL GOLDFARB, TULSA G
PHIL
GOLDFARB
CSJCC
6:00 p.m.
Jewish
Genealogical
$10 CSJCC Members t $18 Non-members
Society of Tulsa
CSJCC
YOUR CHECK IS YOUR RESERVATION!6:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE “YOUNG AT HEART
DINNER”
ON YOURis
CHECK.
Your
Check
Your Reservation
ALL CHECKS MUST BE RECEIVED
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
All Checks Must BeBYReceived
By Wednesday, August 5th
Seeking The Hidden
Tulsan Andrea Horowitz spent a year in Israel, participating in
“Kivunim: New Directions.” — Editor
Andrea Horowitz
The summation of my year in Israel can only be described in one word:
bittersweet. Bitter in the sense that I was leaving my (new) home, (new)
family and (new) friends, and sweet in the sense that I was returning to the
familiar, to what I left behind. When packing my bags, I began thinking
about the past year and what it meant to me. I asked myself the question,
“How much have I learned/grown this year?” I was flooded with answers,
running through my head a mile a minute. That for me was the icing on the
cake. It was the confirmation that I have changed this year, even if I didn’t
realize it on a day to day basis. It’s often when we look back and evaluate
that we discover what’s really transpired.
Living abroad has not only shown me a new perspectives, but it has
broadened my horizons, taught me to ask questions and never accept an
answer for what it may seem, and most importantly, listen. Living in a
place of controversy has shown me that you can’t fully understand or grasp
a situation unless you really want to. Learning Arabic, having an Arab
teacher and participating in co-existence work with an Arab school and
Arab leaders has allowed me to peep into the window, if you will, of their
lives. The opportunity to do so is one that I
am most grateful for. It has diminished the
stereotypes that are often subconsciously
ingrained in us and taught me what they
feel about Israel and the many conflicts we
seem to find ourselves in. I was given the
opportunity to explore a culture that I knew
nothing about; a culture rich with humble(Above) My Arabic class with our teacher, Amal. Although Amal is an
Arab, she is the Associate Director of Academic Affairs for Kivunim. She
became a dear friend and mentor to all of us.
2 Tulsa Jewish Review August 2009
Andrea Horowitz
Andrea HorowitZ, Tulsa Jewish Review
Deep down, we’re all the same.
ness, hospitality and family values. Yes, you can say I only saw one side
of the spectrum. I never met for coffee with a Muslim extremist. However,
the Arab culture I’m describing IS the majority. Extremists only make up
a small percentage of the Arab culture and give a bad name to those Arabs
who, like Israelis, want peace.
While many young Jews travel to Israel on their “right of passage” most
of them are presented with a picture-perfect scenario; a scenario that seems
to forget the struggles both Arabs and Jews endure. Israel is a place full of
questions with no answers. It’s a place that everyone seems to have their
own opinion about and solution for. It’s a place I call my home and a place
that has made me a stronger, better and more thoughtful person.
Participating in Kivunim has cracked open a door for me. A door that is
the world; all its inhabitants, cultures, religions, conflicts, wars, diseases,
poverty, simplicity, happiness, everything. This year has sparked my
interest to discover, ‘Where do I lie in all of this? What’s my role?’ I’m
ready to kick in the door and find out.
The Authorized Medium for The
Community’s Jewish Agencies
THE TULSA JEWISH REVIEW
(ISSN # 1521-5482)
is published monthly by the
Jewish Federation of Tulsa
2021 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74136.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Tulsa, OK
POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to:
The Jewish Federation of Tulsa,
2021 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74136
Barry A. Abels
Executive Director
[email protected]
918-495-1100
Jason Brimer
Editor
[email protected]
918-852-3838
Marcia Weinstein
Advertising Representative
[email protected]
918-746-0478
www.JewishTulsa.org
Shaliach’s Report
ITAI LAVI
COMMUNITY SHALIACH, JEWISH FEDERATION OF TULSA
Dear friends.
We are in the middle of summer, and having a busy season at Camp Shalom! We have the best numbers ever,
great staff, and the best Israeli team ever. Liron Amram and Lital Hamzani, our two Israeli Summer Schlichim,
are outstanding. They are extremely busy and are loving every minute of their time in Tulsa.
The last two weeks of the Camp Shalom season we’ll be hosting two artists from Israel, Rivka Ricca Sina, and
Yona Tzemah. Join us for an exhibit of the art of Camp Shalom, on display Friday, Aug. 7th, in the CSJCC from
9:00 – 4:00 p.m..
In addition to record numbers of campers, Camp Shalom’s Counselor In Training (CIT) program has attracted
a banner number of teenage participants. Under the leadership of Miki Zohar, each week 20 to 25 teens work with
the campers, as well as attend leadership and development seminars. Many are in their third year as CITs and are
poised to become counselors.
Turning from camp to Israel, we must take a more serious tone. Gilad Shalit, who has been held captive by
Hammas since June 25th, 2006, will celebrate his 23rd birthday Aug. 28th. As we all pray for his health and
safe return, I'm asking you to share this day with Jewish communities around the world by going to the Web site
www.habanim.org/en/index_en.html. There you will find many links and different opportunities to show your
support. Don't ever forget Gilad Shalit please!
Comments? Do not hesitate to write or call: [email protected] 495-1100
Jason Brimer
Editor, TJR
• Ugg
• Mephisto
• Cole Haan
• Van Eli
• Brighton
• Sesto Meucci
• Donald J Pliner • Joel Parker
• Bernardo
• Prevata
Building on Success
Taking over a job that someone
has performed — and performed
so well — for almost two decades
is daunting. Fortunately, Ed
Ulrich’s support, and support from
the Federation and community
organizations, is making the
transition nearly painless. I
appreciate everything Ed has done
over the years, and all of the help
he’s given me over the last few
weeks.
Last April, the Tulsa Jewish
Review committee sent out a survey
to recipients of the TJR, hoping to
get a pulse on what readers think
of the publication. Almost 20%
of the households that receive the
Review responded — a phenomenal
response rate. And more incredible,
The Word is Out
heather Lewin
Retention, Recruitment and Marketing Director, GJT
The word is out. Grow Jewish
Tulsa is gaining attention across the
country, thanks to a recent article
in the summer issue of B’nai Brith
Magazine. One of our local families
even made the cover.
The perception that Tulsa’s Jewish
population is on the decline is being
countered with our early signs of
success. Whether it’s welcoming
newcomers, reaching out and selling
our community to those who’d
never considered Tulsa, or helping
someone make that final decision
to accept a
job offer here
from out of
state — we
are proud to
say, in our
first
year,
we’ve played
a role in the addition of 3 families
and 3 singles to our Jewish family
here in Tulsa. There are more
waiting in the wings, so be sure to
check the TJR for updates on our
progress.
Our online presence is increasing
with numerous followers on
both our Twitter and Facebook
pages.
Even as we continue
to receive positive feedback,
growjewishtulsa.org is undergoing
a complete renovation to better target
a younger demographic. Louisville,
KY is planning on modeling its
community growth effort after our
own.
We are working closely with
Eric Cohn, the new Hillel Director
for Northeastern Oklahoma, who is
doing a wonderful job of organizing
events to get students and young
there was a near consensus on what
readers wanted to see in upcoming
issues of the Tulsa Jewish Review:
stories about Jewish life in Tulsa,
features about local personalities
and local Jewish businesses, letters
to the editor and stories about
Tulsans who’ve found success in
other cities.
We’re responding to your requests
by changing some of the content of
the Review and the way some of the
news is delivered. Over the next
few months, we’ll be incorporating
new columns into the TJR, with
topics like food, books, movies,
music, prayer and art. We’re also
incorporating more first-person
reporting, telling the stories of the
people and events that make Jewish
Tulsa so special.
Because we’ve all become
professionals thinking about a future
in Tulsa. Along with Hillel and TU
Law, we will be hosting an event in
August to welcome the latest group
of Teach for America Volunteers—
recent college graduates from
all over the country, some of
whom are Jewish, who were
awarded coveted spots in
this program. They’ll
spend the next two years
at Tulsa Public Schools
and we certainly want to
show them the amazing quality of
life available in our city.
Retention continues to be a major
focus as well. While we have not
heard of any families leaving, we
want to make sure everyone is
able to stay employed here in
Tulsa. Community connections
are a vital part of this effort.
Please call 770-6471 if you know
of any job openings that we might
be able to fill with someone from
our Job Bank.
accustomed to the 24-hour news
cycle, many of you expressed on
the survey you’d like to see news
content delivered in a more timely
fashion. As a result, we’re going to
deliver international, national and
“hot” local news to you via email
and the Web.
If you are interested in
becoming involved in the
Tulsa
Jewish
Review,
as
a contributor, columnist or
photographer, please don’t hesitate
to contact me at 918-852-3838
or [email protected].
I hope I can build upon the
successful news source Ed Ulrich
has delivered for the last nineteen
years. I’m eager to tell the stories of
Jewish Tulsa.
If you’d like to write a guest blog
on our new website, contact me at
[email protected].
With continued and much
appreciated community support, we
hope to build on this success and
keep on growing.
Tulsa Jewish Review August 2009 3
AUGUST
CSJCC EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
For more information, call 495-1111 or visit www.csjcc.org.
Sun, Aug 2
Pick-up Co-Ed Softball 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Sports Complex
Thurs, Aug 6
Yiddish Buddies 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon CSJCC
Fri, Aug 7
Last Day of Camp Shalom
Sat, Aug 8
Farewell Pool Party for Summer Shlichim 6:00 p.m.
Aquatics Center
Sun, Aug 9
Pick-up Co-Ed Softball 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Sports Complex
Young at Heart Dinner 6:00 p.m. CSJCC
Wed, Aug 12
Retired Men's Club 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Karen York, Sherwin Miller Musuem
Sat, Aug 15
Camp Shalom Pool Party Time TBA Aquatics Center
Sun, Aug 16
Hebrew Marathon 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CSJCC
Pool Party 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Aquatics Center
Wed, Aug 26
Retired Men's Club 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. CSJCC
Eric Cohn, TU Hillel Director
Sat. Aug 29
Havdallah and Movie Sundown Aquatics Center
Sun. Aug 30
Hebrew Club 1:30 p.m. CSJCC
Frank Memorial Lecture 7:00 p.m. CSJCC
FUN & FITNESS at the Charles Schusterman JCC
ABS class is designed to strengthen and
tone your core with various exercises for
the upper lower and oblique abdominal.
12:00 Noon – Tues/Thurs
Intermediate to advance.
AQUA AEROBICS is an invigorating
fitness activity. Exercising in water provides
a safe, enjoyable challenge for people of
all ages, fitness levels and abilities.
10:30 a.m. – Tues/Thurs
All fitness levels.
BOOT CAMP is approximately 45 minutes
of high intensity exercises that will keep the
heart rate up and challenge your muscles.
12:00 Noon – Wed
Intermediate to Advance.
BRING IT ON YOGA is an invigorating,
non-impact, complete body workout that
builds strength, balance and flexibility.
6:00
p.m.­—– Thurs
Mon
6:30 p.m.
Beginners welcome but geared toward
intermediate.
CARDIO BURN combines strength
training and cardio (including a martial
arts section - ie. single leg kicks and arm
punches) for a great fat burning workout.
An ab-ripping bonus section is included in
the finish.
12:00 Noon – Mon
Beginners welcome but geared toward
intermediate.
CIRCUIT TRAINING is an efficient and
effective way to get a full body workout at
your own intensity level. A fun-filled hour of
muscular conditioning and cardiovascular
conditioning. This class is unique in that
no one in the room will be doing the same
exercise at the same time.
9:00 a.m. – Tues/Thurs
All fitness levels.
MUSCULAR ENDURANCE is the ability
to resist fatigue and to continue to exercise
over a prolonged period of time. The
class begins with a quick stretch session,
moves into continual free weight exercise
designed to work all muscle groups used
in day to day activities. The class has some
4 Tulsa Jewish Review August 2009
lower body work at the ballet bars and
finishes with a stretching session.
9:00 a.m. – Mon
All fitness levels.
SPINNING is an indoor bike ride that is
proven to achieve faster weight loss than
any other indoor exercise. The spinning
instructor plans a terrain, and sets the
ride to music. This class lasts for about 45
minutes.
9:00 a.m. – Fri
All fitness levels.
STRETCHING & AEROBICS is a
challenging workout that will prove to
increase ease of movement throughout
the rest of the day. This class begins with
a warm-up/stretch then moves into a lowimpact aerobic segment to make sure all
muscles are warmed up and the body is
totally prepared for what's ahead.
9:00 a.m. – Wed
All fitness levels.
YOGA FLEXIBILITY is cross-training
sessions designed to build solid upper/
lower body and core strength, balance and
flexibility. Empower and take the plunge!
9:30 a.m. – Tues/Thurs
All fitness levels.
REMEMBER - all the classes listed
above are free with your paid CSJCC
membership! Call 495.1111 for more
information.
Yoga with Dody
Yoga is an excellent means of stress
reduction. Individualized instruction
makes this class suitable for the participant
at any level. This yoga class features
stretching, increased flexibility, relaxation,
and stress reduction. NEW SESSIONS
BEGINNING SOON! NOTE: There is
an extra charge for this class.
Call 495.1111 for more information.
Tulsa Yeshiva: Is Bankruptcy Kosher? Chabad will once again be hosting “A Taste of Yeshiva”, Sunday, August
16, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 South
Peoria.
This year’s discussion explores the increasingly familiar
societal phenomenon of bankruptcy. Does Torah advocate, or even allow
for the “discharge of debt?” This leads to the even bigger question: What
are limits of Torah law in civil society, and vice-versa? Participants will be
paired with a visiting full-time yeshiva student and trace Talmudic texts
relevant to these issues. All texts will be in English, and no knowledge of
Hebrew is necessary.
Please reserve at 492-4499 or email [email protected].
The cost is $10, payable with your reservation. Sponsorships in honor or
in memory of a loved one are available at $100.
Synagogue Opening of School Picnic and
Auction Sunday, August 23rd
The B’nai Emunah Men’s Club and Sisterhood invite members and
friends to its annual Opening of Religious School Picnic in the Synagogue
Sukkah. All are welcome to attend at no cost. High-End Baked Goods
Auction begins at 12:30 p.m. with all proceeds also benefitting Mazon.
Hillel Dedication August 23rd
The new Hillel space will be officially dedicated on the evening of
Sunday, August 23, at 7:00 p.m. with a welcome to new students, a tribute
to supporters and friends, and the marking of the doorpost with a new
mezuzah. The facility is located in the complex on the TU campus at 315 S.
Delaware on campus. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Supreme Court Confirmation Update
Following a special Shabbat evening service at Congregation B’nai
Emunah on Friday Evening, August 28, Professor Robert Spoo, who
worked as a law clerk for Judge Sotomayor, and is now currently part of the
faculty at the University of Tulsa law school, will discuss the nomination
process and offer firsthand insights on Judge Sotomayor.
Dr. Robert Spoo, an expert in intellectual property, is frequently invited to
speak both nationally and internationally on topics related to entertainment
law, literature and contracts.
Members and guests are invited to join any or all of Sabbath dinner at
6:30 p.m., Evening Services at 7:30 p.m., and the discussion at 8:15 p.m.
Dinner for adults $12.00, children 12 and under $6.00. Free babysitting.
Reservations at 583-7121 or [email protected].
Salute!
In 1945, Temple Israel produced Salute! a tribute to the Tulsa Jewish
men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during
World War II. Now, veteran newspaper man Larry Levy is updating
Salute! and needs your help. Please send Larry the name of any Jewish
person who served in the United States Armed Forces while a resident of
the Tulsa area or whose parents/spouse were residing in the Tulsa area,
or who are presently residing in the Tulsa area. Information needed is a
brief bio – name, branch of service, years of service, notable assignments,
whether active, reserve or National Guard, highest rank, honors and awards
received. A photo in military uniform would be useful. Please send this
information to [email protected] or Temple Israel, ATTN:
Veterans Project, 2004 E. 22 Pl., Tulsa, OK 74114. Photos can be returned
to you if you will include a request with your submission. Contact is Larry
Levy, 492-4031 with any questions.
GENEALOGY MEETING TO HELP FIND LOST
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS
The next meeting of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tulsa will be
held in the Dan Room of the JCC
on Sunday, August 30th at 2:00
p.m. The topic will be: “Utilizing
the Social and Business Networks
on the Internet to find long lost
relatives and friends.”
Friday,
August
7,
LAST DAY OF CAMP
2009
Saturday,
August
8,
2009
FAREWELL POOL PARTY FOR CAMP
SUMMER SHILCHIM. 6:00 p.m. at the
Sharna and Irvin Frank Aquatics Center.
RSVP to [email protected]
Saturday,
August
CAMP
SHALOM
15,
POOL
Watch your mail for further details!
2009
PARTY
For more information, call 918.495.1111,
e-mail [email protected] or visit www.csjcc.org
Ann Smith, Executive Director of Neighbor for Neighbor presents Maynard Ungerman an
award for “Volunteer of the Years.”
Neighbor for Neighbor Honors Maynard
Ungerman as “Volunteer of the Years”
Involved with Neighbor for Neighbor since 1966 Maynard Ungerman
was honored on July 19th as NFN’s “Volunteer of the Years.” NFN is a
privately funded non-profit interfaith organization that provides basic
programs that assist the uninsured, low income, unemployed, seniors,
handicapped and the impoverished. Congratulations Maynard.
New Officers, Beau, Sweetheart for BBYO
As the back-to-school season approaches, new board members are in
place
for Tulsa BBYO. Julia Chasen was elected N’siah (president) of
Federation
Contributes After VFW 7/13/2009
Robbed
CS09_0809.indd 1
1:30:43 PM
When the Tulsa’s VFW hall was burglarized on July 2nd, David Nona Bloch Salomon (NBS) BBG, and Kenny Cohen was voted Godol
Bernstein, on behalf of the Federation through the Council for Holocaust (president) of Feenberg Rubin AZA (FRAZA). Also, during the youth
Education, responded the next day by presenting a check to the VFW. organization’s annual Beau/Sweetheart weekend last May, Caitlin Cash was
“Holocaust survivors are eternally grateful to the vets of World War II and chosen Sweetheart by the fine young men of FRAZA, and Ben Goldberg
consider them all to be liberators,” said Bernstein. “We donated to help was selected as Beau by the lovely ladies of NBS. Beau and Sweetheart
serve as honorary members of their respective chapters. these wonderful people recover from this robbery.”
Other BBG board members for the Fall 2009 term are: Natalie Charney,
S’ganit (vice president); Hillary Krisman and Lisa Marcum, MIT moms
Dr. Gary Tobin
(recruitment and retention); Anna Laskey and Jena Baratz, Mazkirim
Founder and president of San Francisco-based Institute for Jewish &
(recording and corresponding secretaries); Rachel Newman, Sh’licha
Community Research (IJCR), Dr. Gary Tobin, passed away on July 6th,
(Jewish heritage); Abby Dow, Gizborit (treasurer); and Hannah Newman,
2009 at age 59.
Orechet (editor). Dr. Tobin was an innovative teacher, writer, researcher, and community
New AZA board members include: Ben Goldberg, S’gan (vice president);
builder who worked courageously and passionately to help the Jewish
Ari Prescott and Oskar Singer, Morim (recruitment and retention); Ted
people grow and thrive.
Hyman, Shaliach (Jewish Heritage); Andrew Ross, Mazkir (secretary);
To read more about Dr. Tobin’s life and work, or to make a donation in
Seth Brock and Bryan Vecera, Gizborim (treasurers); and Josh Roubein,
his memory to the IJCR, visit www.GaryTobin.org.
Sopher (Editor).
Marsha Katz Rothpan Honored
Marsha Katz Rothpan (daughter of Helen and Henry Katz of Ada, OK)
was recently chosen by The Jewish Communal Professionals of Southern
California (www.jcpsocal.org) to receive its Mark Meltzer Award for
New and Innovative Programming. The Meltzer award was developed to
recognize the creativity and leadership prevalent in the Jewish communal
profession.
Marsha’s award is based upon her work as Senior Program Officer for
STAR (Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal), specifically for her
work as national director of its Synaplex™ Initiative. Under Marsha’s
management, Synaplex affiliation has grown in the past three years from
34 synagogues to over 200 congregations in the United States and Canada
representing all sizes and denominations and training curriculum has
expanded and deepened.
STAR was founded in 1999 by Charles Schusterman, Edgar Bronfman
and Michael Steinhardt and is funded by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman
Family foundation. To learn more about STAR visit www.starsynagogue.org.
UJC taps Silverman as Chief Executive
NEW YORK (JTA) -- The umbrella organization of the North American
Jewish federation system has hired former Tulsan Jerry Silverman, a key
player in raising tens of millions of dollars for Jewish summer camps, as
its next president and CEO.
Since 2004, Silverman has served as the executive director of the
Foundation for Jewish Camp, overseeing the growth of the organization’s
budget from slightly more than $1 million per year to more than $22
million.
A former high-level executive at the Levi Strauss and Co. and at the
Stride Rite Corp., Silverman will succeed Howard Rieger on Sept. 30, a
month after Rieger’s term as chief executive ends.
Sasha Joseph Wins $10,000 Jeanette
Altman Frieden BBYO scholarship
While thanking her benefactor for choosing her for the award, Sasha
Joseph said, “This will pay for half my college.” Sasha was selected for
the Jeanette Altman Frieden BBYO scholarship, presented annually to a
graduating senior who represents the best of academic excellence, BBYO
involvement and citizenship. Sasha lived in India until her freshman year, when she moved to Tulsa
and became active in Nona Bloch Salomon BBG. She moved to San
Antonio for her sophomore and junior years, and there, she served her
BBG chapter as editor, vice president and Beau/Sweetheart chair. “But
Salomon is always where my heart was,” she said. Senior year was big for Sasha. She moved back to Tulsa, participated in
the March of the Living, and co-chaired Beau/Sweetheart weekend. “This
chapter made me connect with my Jewish identity,” she explained. “I was
not just Indian, I was Indian and Jewish. This is the sixth year the scholarship has been awarded. Jeanette Altman
Frieden initiated the scholarship because BBYO was important to her
and to her children, who “developed friendships that have followed them
through the years,” she said.
“With all the different experiences BBYO had to offer these young boys
and girls – all the conferences and conventions – they’re well-trained to
become future leaders,” she said. “I couldn’t afford to go to college, so to
give a scholarship is my greatest privilege.”
“Thanks to generosity like Jeanette’s, Tulsa BBYO participants have
an extra incentive to achieve academic excellence, participate in Jewish
life through BBYO, and be good role models, said David Finer, BBYO
sponsor. “What could be better?”
Tulsa Jewish Review August 2009 5
The Lighter Side
A Supplement Produced for the T
ulsa Jewish Retirement and Health Care Center
Luncheon Symposium August 19th
A luncheon symposium August 19 will feature remarks
by Dr. Jeffery Alderman, M.D., Director of Palliative
Medicine at OU School of Community Medicine.
Dr. Alderman will chair the event which will also include
a panel discussion with Dr. Chandine Sahrma, M.D., Dr.
Jean Root, D.O., and Dr. Karin Johnson, D.O., all of whom
specialize in geriatrics.
The invited guests will be introduced to the Meyer C. and
Ida Miller Hospice which began providing hospice service
last November. It’s an affiliate of TJRHCC.
The luncheon will take place on the Zarrow Campus at
the Charles Schusterman Jewish Community Center.
INDIVIDUALS FOR WHOM CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE
IN BLESSED MEMORY George Asahina Frank Gallagher Gerry Goldblatt Betsy Horowitz Martin Kallmeyer Herbert Kramer Dr. E. N. Lubin Jeff Oberon Jan Pastor Evelyn Rifkin Dorothea Rozen Donna Van Slyke Roberta Ruocco Stabiner Alexander & Alicia Urban Radka Woller BIRTHDAY Milton Lasky Mildred Oberon Richard Roby
PHYSICAL ED equipment was a gift of Tulsa Lodge B’nai B’rith
and was received by TJRHCC’s Wellness Director RANDY
COGBURN, left. Included were an exercise mat table, a moist
heat pack unit, and miscellaneous exercise equipment all of
which are used by the physical therapists. Present were lodge
members (l. to r.) from RANDY, TILLIE and GEORGE FEIN,
OLGA FUSICK, ERIC HAAKE (grandson of AARON MAISELL),
MARVIN MENCHER, AARON MAISELL and BILL FUSICK.
Terry and Madelyn
Rosenthal & Family
(918) 584-3323
(918) 584-7378
[email protected]
P.O. Box 471100
Tulsa, OK 74147-1100
7647 East 46th Place
Our 50th Year
1957-2007
6 Tulsa Jewish Review August 2009
CONGRATULATIONS A.J. Finer on high school graduation Ari & Tova Abramowitz’s marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Greenfield
Daniel Surchev on high school graduation
IN HONOR & APPRECIATION Barry & Karen Davis Lou & Marilyn Diamond Marty & Frieda Grossbard Don & Eileen Himelfarb Michael & Rhonda Kronley Howard & Phyllis Raskin Bryan & Patty Watt Andy & Nancy Wolov RECOVERY Philip Ashmore Sylvia Braverman Jim Hart Sherry Heller Rosalee Minsky Marjorie Singer
FATHER’S DAY HONORS
Julius Bankoff Curtis Green
ANNIVERSARIES Mr. and Mrs. Bernhardt’s 60th Harvey & Sandy Blumenthal’s 50th CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN
RECEIVED FROM
Julius & Joy Bankoff David & Gerry Bernstsein Vellie Bloch Harvey & Sandy Blumenthal Sanford & Irene Burnstein
Martin & Shirley Brody Iris Chandler Louis & Marilyn Diamond Herman Feldman Maye Fischer Jeanette Frieden Marty & Frieda Grossbard David & Sue Halpern Francis Kessler John & Judy Kilyk Myrna Lubin Marvin Mencher Malcolm & Paula Milsten
Rosalee Minsky Sylvia Oberstein Greg Raskin & Corey Williams Rae Roberts Coleman Robison & Barbara Brin Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family
Foundation Fred & Martha Strauss Daniel Surchev Susan Surchev Dave & Barbara Sylvan
Eva Unterman Barry & Carol Warshaw Gete Weisman Stevan Woller Jack & Maxine Zarrow
Joel & Betsy Zeligson
Prepared, continued
from 1
(CERT) member, Frank was an
obvious go-to person to develop an
emergency response plan.
“We started with the basics,”
said Frank. “We assessed all of the
Zarrow Campus’ facilities for fire
extinguishers, AEDs (automated
external defibrillators) and fire
hazards.” Contingency plans for
different scenarios — fire, tornados,
intruders and bomb threats — were
developed, with the help of security
consultant Ron Van Voorhis. The
process led to a comprehensive
emergency response plan manual
that was distributed to all of the
CHARLES P. SHERMAN, D.D.
RABBI, TEMPLE ISRAEL
Last semester someone in the
Institute of Adult Jewish Studies
asked me about why rabbis have
beards. Obviously he was referring
to Rabbi Fitzerman, Rabbi Weg,
and myself, and hadn’t come across
Rabbi Beroll yet. I explained that all
male rabbis do not have beards. But
the question sent me to do a little
research and this is what I have
learned, which may be more than
many readers want to know. But I
found it interesting.
The long tradition in Judaism
for men to have beards is based
on the Torah’s prohibition against
shaving facial hair with a straight
razor. Because of this prohibition, it
became customary for Jewish males
to wear beards and, in many circles,
to also allow their side locks – peyot
– to grow uncut. Archeological and
historical evidence indicates that
the non-Jewish world also had the
fashion of male beards. This was
certainly true until the time of the
Greeks and Romans when men,
especially nobility, were cleanshaven. One of the marks of the
Hellenist assimilated Jews was to
be clean-shaven which, of course,
only reinforced the practice of
observant, traditional Jewish males
directors and key staff on the
Zarrow Campus. All employees are
instructed on emergency procedures
and participate in regular drills.
“This is an on-going process that
always needs to be re-evaluated,”
said Frank. “We’re using this bomb
threat as a learning experience,”
she continued. “We’ll never get it
perfect. If we did, we wouldn’t need
to plan and practice.”
That attitude is echoed by
Synagogue Administrator Betty
Lehman. “I want to have a plan, but
never use it,” said Lehman, who
heads up the security efforts at B’nai
Emunah. In addition to ensuring
that all of the staff are trained
and practiced in the synagogue’s
emergency response plan, Lehman
also acts as the community’s liaison
at Homeland Security’s Terrorist
Early Warning (TEW) monthly
meetings. There, the FBI, Tulsa
Police, EMSA and a host of security
professionals share information
and alerts. “It is important to
build a relationship with the first
responders,” said Lehman, who
has gone as far as hosting the TEW
at the synagogue, “Just to make
sure they’re all familiar with our
building.”
The story is the same at Temple
Israel, Chabad House and the
Sherwin Miller Museum. All of
our Jewish Tulsa institutions are
prepared for “incidents”. Security
of members and guests is not an
afterthought. Access to buildings
has been limited. Doors with buzzers
and security cameras are the norm.
Congregants, members and staff are
reminded to be vigilant.
We are fortunate the bomb scare
was a hoax and the caller was
identified and jailed. The institutions
on the Zarrow Campus have had a
chance to debrief, to discuss what
went right, and what needs work.
Through the efforts of many in
our community our institutions
will remain secure, yet remain
welcoming and comfortable.
to wear beards.
The rabbis of the Talmud
described a man’s beard as being
hadrat panim – the glory of one’s
face. The Talmud describes the
great third century scholar Rabbi
Yochanan as being an immensely
handsome man. The only flaw they
could find in his appearance was that
for some reason he had no beard.
After the Roman Empire became
Christian in the fourth century,
the Eastern Orthodox Church
retained the fashion of their clergy
wearing beards. The Western
Roman Catholic Church, however,
soon had clean-shaven and even
purposely bald monks and priests.
The fashion of the Catholic clergy
to be clean-shaven was so universal
that throughout the Middle Ages and
even later, Jews referred to them as
being galachim – the clean-shaven
ones.
During the Renaissance and
Reformation in Western Europe,
beards were again in style for
nobility and the intelligentsia.
However, by the time of the
Enlightenment, powdered wigs
replaced beards as the fashion of the
noble and the wealthy. During this
time Jews persisted in the wearing
of beards and not using a straight
razor to trim their facial hair.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, with
the advent of Reform in Germany
and France, “modern” Jews became
clean-shaven. Eventually even
observant Orthodox Jews in Western
Europe stopped wearing beards.
In order to avoid transgressing the
biblical commandment prohibiting
the use of a straight razor on facial
hair, these Jews used a sulphuric
compound which served as a
depilatory to remove their facial
hair.
In the late 19th and the first
half of the 20th centuries, Yeshiva
students in Lithuania also used
this depilatory and were cleanshaven and without beards – at
least until they married or assumed
communal leadership roles. This
was somewhat ironic since some
of the famous maskilim — modern
enlightened Jews of Lithuania —
sported great luxurious beards. For
example, Theodor Herzl is easily
recognizable because of his great
black beard. In the Chassidic world,
however, appearing clean-shaven
was unacceptable. This was partly
based on kabalistic reasons not to
cut one’s facial hair, and also as a
sign of its refusal to accept the everchanging fashions of modernity as
any sort of substitute for Jewish
custom and tradition. In Eastern
Europe, rabbis always wore beards.
In 20th century America, many
Orthodox rabbis were cleanshaven. The advent of the electric
shaver, which allowed one to shave
facial hair with a scissors action
as permitted by traditional Jewish
law, provided the means by which
observant Jews could appear as
clean-shaven as the rest of American
society of the time. However, by the
last third of the past century, most
American Orthodox rabbis wore
beards. However, their congregants
were and still are -- in the main –
clean shaven.
In Israel the rabbinate is pretty
uniformly bearded, though there
are some notable exceptions (not
just the females). The custom in the
Lithuanian Yeshivot remains that
most of the students are not bearded,
though after marriage the trend is to
grow a beard.
One’s appearance is an important
matter in Jewish life and therefore
this issue of beards was always
treated seriously, even independent
of the questions of halacha – Jewish
law. Beards have been seen in
Judaism as a mark of Jewish identity
and as a physical link to Jewish
tradition and its lifestyle.
Beards
FREE and ONLY at the Circle Cinema:
1959 Academy Award Winner
The Diary of Anne Frank
Celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary
Sunday August 9 at 2pm
12 South Lewis, Tulsa OK, 74104
www.circlecinema.com, 592-FILM
On Facebook, Twitter, & MySpace: /circlecinema
Tulsa Jewish Review August 2009 7
Hebrew Club
Let’s meet and talk Hebrew
Sunday, Aug. 30th, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m
At he CSJCC
We’ll meet and talk and have programs,
ONLY IN HEBREW!!!!
We’ll have some Turkish coffee and cakes,
Talk about different issues,
Read some “light” Hebrew newspapers,
Do some cooking, Watch some short films…
Please join us.
You must RSVP by Friday, Aug. 21st.
CSJCC members are free.
All others $10.00 a meeting.
The meetings will take place
every last Sunday of the month!
Pamela Edwrads – Chair • Itai Lavi - Shaliach
Miki Zohar – Guide and teacher
THE HEBREW MARATHON IS BACK!
JOIN US FOR A “RACE TO LEARN”
The Tulsa Jewish Community, led by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa,
Congregation B’nai Emunah, and Temple Israel, is sponsoring the Hebrew
Marathon, Sunday, August 16th from 9:00 – 4:00 at the Charles Schusterman
Jewish Community Center. The Hebrew Marathon, an internationally
renowned program prepared by Rabbi Noah Galinkin, was developed in
order to provide adult learners with the tools necessary to become Hebrew
readers in just a few hours.
Registration for the program is $25.00 for affiliated members and $80.00
for unaffiliated, and includes the cost of all program materials, text books,
administration and lunch. The Marathon will be led by Helen Winoker,
former Educational Director of Congregation B’nai Emunah, a gentle,
patient and exceptionally skilled teacher.
Receipt of your payment no later than August 10th will fully enroll
you in the Hebrew Marathon. Send your payment to: CSJCC, Hebrew
Marathon, Att: M. Prescott, 2021 E. 71 St., Tulsa, OK 74136. Questions?
Call Mindy @ 495-1100 x 3012 or [email protected].
The Dance And Performing Arts Academy
Now in its 19th year at the CSJCC, The Dance And Performing Arts
Academy is Tulsa’s premiere performing arts school. Featuring instruction
by ten professional instructors, our students, ages 3 through pre-professional
excel in their chosen arts of dancing, singing and/or acting.
Let your child’s artistic abilities grow with some of Tulsa’s most
talented professionals. For more information or a brochure please
contact the director, Matthew Bridwell at 749-2180 or e-mail
us at [email protected]. For more information visit
www.thedanceandperformingartsacademy.com.
Digital Wagon Train Social Media
Does talk of Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn cause you to circle the
wagons and defend yourself against techno-geeks? Pioneer the Social
Media wilderness to arrive at a more successful business, non-profit and
maybe even a closer-knit family.
Join Digital Wagon Train™, on August 24 at 9:00 a.m. at the Jewish
Federation of Tulsa for a 3-hour customized workshop to build careers,
business and community. This Digital Wagon Train event will introduce
you to social media networks and their millions of users, help you adopt
and adapt to various social media platforms and show you how to improve
your current marketing efforts. Grow your business and/or nonprofit and
explore the benefits, risks and etiquette of social media.
To register, visit www.digitalwagontrain.com and click on “Workshops.”
Payment can be made by PayPal or credit card. $150 per person. $125 for
the 3rd or 4th registrations from the same organization.
Contact
David
Zemel
at
(918)
521-5594
or
at
[email protected] with questions.
Welcome Judah LEIV Siegel Eglash!
The newest member of the Tulsa Jewish community, Judah Leiv Siegel
Eglash, arrived in the early morning July 23rd, weighing in at 8 pounds, 3
ounces. Congratulations to Ari, Joe and Cantor Kari!
Th e p e r f e c t s e t t i n g f o r yo u r
fa i ry ta l e b e g i n n i n g .
Y
Your wedding day should
be magical—a once-in-alifetime celebration in
a remarkable setting.
There are few places as
perfect as The Mayo Hotel.
The venue is stunning. Our
legendary Crystal Ballroom has been
restored to its original grandeur with
intricate details and terrazzo flooring.
Its 16th floorsetting offers unparalleled
views of the city. Other beautiful
function rooms include the Penthouse,
the Parlor and Terrace rooms, the
Mayo Museum and the Grand Lobby.
From your first dance
to your first breakfast as
newlyweds, everything
will be flawless. From
catering to confections
to accommodations for you and your
guests, the staff at The Mayo Hotel
pride themselves on surpassing all
expectations.
To make your day perfect, you
can rest assured every detail will be
handled beautifully and tastefully.
We promise to make your wedding
day, be it opulent or intimate, a
fairy tale come true.
Captured by Bradford Photography – bpimages.com
C A L L T O B O O K YO U R
WEDDING EVENT
S TA R T I N G FA L L 2 0 0 9
8 Tulsa Jewish Review August 2009
w w w.themayohotel.com
9 18 . 5 8 2 . 6 2 9 6
macy @ themayohotel.com