Size: 10 MB 2012 December

Transcription

An Affiliate of the Jewish Federation
of Greater Charlotte
Vol. 34, No. 11
Kislev-Tevet 5773
December 2012
A.J. Jacobs Headlines at Federation Main Event
WHAT IF YOU:
TRIED TO FOLLOW EVERY COMMANDMENT LISTED IN THE TORAH — ALL 613 OF THEM?
READ THE ENTIRE ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA — FROM COVER TO COVER?
HIRED SOMEONE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR YOU — LITERALLY?
DECIDED TO BE RADICALLY HONEST — NO MATTER WHAT?
ONE MAN HAS.
Best-selling author and Esquire
magazine editor-at-large A.J. Jacobs has built a life — and a
livelihood — serving as the
human guinea pig for his own
rather odd, yet intriguing, life experiments. His story, “I Think
You’re Fat,” reveals his immersion into the bizarre, entertaining,
and terrifying world of Radical
Honesty, which requires removing
the filter between one’s brain and
one’s mouth.
His article, “My Outsourced
Life,” divulges how he hired a
team of people in India to live his
life for him — to answer his
emails, call his co-workers, argue
with his wife, and read bedtime
stories to his son.
His best-selling memoir, The
Know-It-All, follows his year-long
quest to become the smartest person in the world by reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica from
cover to cover.
His best-seller, The Year of Living Biblically, covers his attempt
to follow every law in the Torah
— from the Ten Commandments
NCBT Shalom Park Bucks Raffle
In Conjunction with the Main Event
A.J. Jacobs
to stoning adulterers. Comedian
and talk show host Jon Stewart
has called A.J. Jacobs “hilarious.”
Jacobs’ work has also appeared in
The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and New York magazine — and, he has appeared on
Oprah, The Today Show, and
Good Morning America.
His newest bestseller took
1,200 miles to write. A.J. Jacobs
wrote his latest book while walking on a treadmill. At 0.7 mph,
he penned Drop Dead Healthy.
Nourish your mind, body and spirit with Shalom Park Bucks.
First Prize: $1000 Second Prize: $750 Third Prize: $250
Shalom Park Bucks can be redeemed for:
Mind:
Tuition for —
Charlotte Jewish Day School Y Charlotte Jewish Preschool
Y Hebrew High Y Jewish Preschool on Sardis Y Melton Adult
Education Y Tikvah Charlotte Y JLI: Jewish Learning Institute
Y Other Jewish Adult Educational Opportunities
Body:
LJCC Membership Y LJCC Personal Training or Pilates
Y Massages at LJCC Y Other fitness activities at the LJCC
Spirit:
Temple/Synagogue Dues Y Camp Mindy Y Jewish Family
Services Y Counseling Sessions Y Jewish Summer Camp and
Jewish Experience Opportunities Y Jewish Teen Organizations,
Conferences, and Kallahs Y Teen Israel Experiences
Y Mission Subsidies for Jewish Trips to Israel
Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. Tickets can be purchased online at www.jewishcharlotte.org or by calling the Federation office
at 704-944-6757.
Winners will be announced at The Main
Event.
You do not have to be present to win.
Shalom Park Bucks will be distributed
directly to the service provider selected by
raffle winners.
Because he learned, sitting is bad.
“Really bad. Like eating a PaulaDeen-doughnut-with-bacon bad.”
You won’t want to miss A.J. Jacobs when he talks about his reallife experiments. You’ll find A.J.
Jacobs chock-full of wit and wisdom.
Join us at the Jewish Federation’s Main Event on Thursday,
December 6 at 7:30 PM at Temple
Israel. Tickets are available at
www.jewishcharlotte.org. Y
Main Event
Featuring
A. J. Jacobs
December 6
7:30 PM
Temple Israel
Tickets $36 each
www.jewishcharlotte.org
Grand Menorah Lighting
Event at SouthPark Mall on
Sunday December 9, 5 PM
“Light up the Night” is the
theme of this year’s Charlotte
Menorah lighting event at SouthPark Mall. The annual Hanukkah
event which draws many hundreds will be held on Sunday December 9, second night of
Hanukkah, at 5 PM. The Menorah
will be located at Circle Court inside the mall with the actual
Menorah lighting at 5:30 PM.
Although the giant size Menorah is the center of attention there
will be an exciting array of activities both for children and adults.
The students of Ohr HaTorah Talmud Torah and of the Chabad of
Ballantyne Hebrew School will
join together as a holiday choir
and perform a number of holiday
songs dressed in holiday cos-
tumes. A juggler/acrobat will entertain the crowd with a high flying Hanukkah spiel.
Yehuda the Maccabee will be at
the event handing out chocolate
Hanukkah Gelt to the children.
There will also be Hanukkah arts
and crafts as well as delicious
doughnuts and apple cider to add
to the holiday cheer. Menorahs,
candles, and dreidles will be available for sale on location.
A grand car Menorah procession will bring many participants
to the Hanukkah event at the mall.
The Menorah parade will start at
Congregation Ohr HaTorah at
4:45 PM, and head straight to the
mall. Speaking of cars – a brand
new 2013 Chevrolet Camaro will
be displayed inside the mall near
Getting ready for eight days of
festive lights.
the Menorah courtesy of Hendrick
Chevrolet of Monroe, one of the
Chabad raffle sponsors. The new
Camaro is the grand prize of the
raffle campaign. raffle tickets will
be available for purchase at the
mall all day Sunday.
The event is free of charge and
open to the entire community of
greater Charlotte. For more information please visit our website at
www.chabadnc.org or call our office at 704-366-3984.Y
5007 Providence Road, Suite #112
Charlotte, NC 28226
Change Service Requested
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT # 1208
CHARLOTTE, NC
The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2012 - Page 2
JEWISH FEDERATION NEWS
Together, We Do Extraordinary Things
In order to meet the needs of
our Jewish community at home,
in Israel and around the world,
the Jewish Federation of Greater
Charlotte has set its 2013 Campaign goal at $3,300,000.
The 2013 Federation Annual
Campaign “Together, We Do
Extraordinary Things” will formally kick off on December 6 at
the 2013 Main Event when A.J.
Jacobs, humorist and journalist,
will share his humble quest for
perfection with the entire community. The 2013 Main Event is
Federation’s largest fundraising
event of the campaign. It will
bring the entire community together to learn about the great
work of the Federation.
The mission of the Jewish
Federation of Greater Charlotte
is to raise and distribute funds to
support and enrich the lives of
2013 Campaign Leadership
Stacy Gorelick, guest speaker Deborah Riegel, and Milton Goldstein.
Jews locally, nationally, in Israel, and worldwide. Through
education, planning and community building, the Federation’s mission ensures that
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAY CANDLE
LIGHTING FOR DECEMBER 2012
Friday, December 7, 4:53 PM
Saturday, December 8, light menorah after
5:53 PM
Friday, December 14, light menorah before
4:54 PM
Friday, December 14, light
Shabbat candles 4:54 PM
Jewish values, goals, traditions,
and connections are preserved
for current and future generations. That’s why the Jewish
Federation’s annual fundraising
campaign is so important. With
everyone’s support, the Federation can help people in need,
rescue people in danger and
keep our Jewish community vibrant and strong. As a generous
community we can do extraordinary things to make the world
a better place.
2013 Campaign Chair Stacy
Gorelick has assembled a strong
team of dedicated community
leaders. And to strengthen our
efforts, the Federation brought
nationally recognized trainer
Deborah Grayson Riegel to
Charlotte on November 1 to
share her expertise. Her dynamic workshop “Soliciting
Without the Tsuris” benefitted
Stacy Gorelick, Campaign Chair
Tracy Brown, Major Gifts Chair
Alison Lerner and Dale Polsky, Lion of Judah
Co-Chairs
Larry Schwartz, Supplemental Gifts Chair
Rich Osborne, Create a Jewish Legacy Chair
Kevin Levine, Men’s Philanthropy Chair
Fern Ingber Epley, Women’s Philanthropy Chair
Jill Balick and Jill Halverstam, Pomegranate
Society Co-Chairs
Ira and Stacey Slomka, Family Philanthropy
Co-Chairs
Elise Kosofsky, Communications/Super
Sunday Chair
Adam and Wendy Petricoff, Main Event Co-Chairs
Randi Lan and Stacey Schanzlin, Spring Lecture
Co-Chairs
Kelly Gaines and Vicki Parker, Women’s
Professional Network Co-Chairs
Brian and Glenda Bernhardt, Ben Gurion
Society Co-Chairs
Adam Greene and Zach Schwartz, Impact365
Co-Chairs
over 50 community leaders –
2013 Campaign team members,
solicitors, members of the Federation Board of Trustees; and
presidents, executive directors,
and board members of Federation’s beneficiary agencies.
If you would like to assist
the Federation as a solicitor,
please contact Sue Littauer, Development Director at [email protected] or
Tair Giudice, Director of Outreach and Engagement at
tair.giudice@jewishcharlotte.
org. Y
The Charlotte Jewish
News
5007 Providence Road, Suite 112
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone
(voice mail after office hours)
Office 704-944-6765
FAX 704-365-4507
email: [email protected]
An Affiliate of the
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Amy Krakovitz - Editor
Advertising Sales Reps:
Jodi Valenstein, 704-609-0950 or
Scott Moskowitz, 704-906-2474
Art Director, Erin Bronkar, 704-847-2185,
[email protected]
CJN Editorial Board
Chair - Bob Davis
Members: Bob Abel, Evelyn Berger, David Delfiner,
Jeff Epstein, Ann Langman, Linda Levy
The CJN does not assume responsibility for the quality or kasruth of any
product or service advertised. Publishing of a paid political advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate, political
party or
position by this newspaper, the Federation or any employees.
Published monthly except July
An affliate of:
CONTENTS
Federation News.......................................pp.1-4
Synagogues/Cong. .................................pp. 5-10
Schools..................................................pp. 11, 12
Women’s Pages....................................pp. 15, 14
Levine-Sklut Judaic Library .............pp. 14, 15
Jewish Family Services ......................pp. 15, 16
Community News .........................pp. 16, 17, 20
Jewish Community Center ................pp. 18, 19
Youth..............................................pp. 21, 23, 24
Dining Out...........................................pp. 22, 23
Hanukkah ............................................pp.24- 27
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Jewish Federation Women’s
Professional Network: Forging
Relationships, Building Community
of poverty, and responding
The Women’s Profesto emergencies.
sional Network presented
To learn more about the
by the Jewish Federation
Federation’s Women’s Proof Greater Charlotte offers
fessional Network and how
women the opportunity to
you can get involved, conengage socially and contact Sue Littauer, Developnect with a cause. Whether
ment
Director,
at
collecting books, bears,
sue.littauer@jewishcharand blankets for the Batlotte.org.Y
tered Women’s Shelter,
painting butterflies to remember the children who WPN Members participate in the Butterfly Project
died in the Holocaust, or during “Art, Heart & Soul” on October 25.
sampling fitness activities
at the Levine JCC, members are
creating new relationships and
adding deeper meaning to their
lives.
Join us for our next program
“Sensory Overload” on January
10. We’ll meet up for smooth
wines and spicy conversation at
Vin Master and the Savory Spice
Shop at Atherton Mill. At Vin
Master we’ll have a wine tasting
and learn how to pair wines with
specific foods; then we’ll sniff,
taste, and literally toss spices
Members of the WPN Steering Committee: (from left to right). First row:
onto the floor during our enClaire Krusch, Kelly Gaines, Laurie Smith. Second row: Mindy Kirshlightening “Spices 101” session
baum, Sharon Lachow Blumberg, Lisa Davidson, Joanna Lindenbaum
at the Savory Spice Shop. Sign
up early for this program which
is sure to be a huge hit. RSVP to
susan.stafford@jewishchar- keeps our Jewish community vibrant and strong. During natural
lotte.org.
There are no dues to belong disasters and humanitarian
to the Women’s Professional crises, the Federation is often the
Network; rather our member- first on the ground to provide
ship is open to those women aid, comfort and support. Our
who contribute a minimum of annual campaign reaches every
$180 to the Federation’s Annual corner of the global Jewish comCampaign. We connect under munity inspiring lifelong Jewish
the Federation umbrella, helping connections, breaking the cycle
Federation to fulfill its mission
that no child goes to bed hungry,
that every senior has the right to
live with dignity, and that all
Jews should be able to live without fear of persecution – anywhere in the world. The
Federation helps people in need,
rescues people in danger, and
Get ready!
Get excited!
Get connected!
2013 will be a year of engagement,
exploration, and celebration of the 65th
Anniversary of the birth of the State of
Israel. Special programs, lectures,
workshops, musical and cultural performances, and unique travel opportunities will
encourage all of us to examine and
celebrate the many facets of Israel.
For more information or to get involved,
contact Rachael Levine at 704-944-6751
or [email protected]
Luck doesn’t buy & sell homes...
Experience does!
Buying... Selling... Relocating...
Connecting people to the Jewish
Community Since 1972
w Life Insurance w Health Insurance w Dental & Vision Insurance
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THIS CHANUKAH, HELP US
SHARE THE LIGHT WITH
EVERYONE, YOUNG AND OLD.
Together we can ensure that community programs and
activities that build Jewish identity remain vibrant and
strong. And we can fight poverty, hunger and despair right
now. Share the light. Donate. Volunteer. Make a difference.
TOGETHER
WE DO
EXTRAORDINARY
THINGS
704.944.6757
www.jewishcharlotte.org
www.facebook.com/jewishcharlotte
SYNAGOGUES & CONGREGATIONS
Chasing Away the Chill of Winter: Rabbi Steve Sager,
Hospitality, and Hanukkah
December may bring plummeting temperatures and fewer hours
of sunlight, but at Havurat Tikvah
it also brings the warmth of community gatherings, lively discussions, and celebration.
On Saturday, December 1, we
welcome Rabbi Steve Sager
(Rabbi Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue, Durham) for the second in
our ongoing series of discussions
on “hospitality.” Rabbi Sager
leads Shabbaton weekend retreats
at Wildacres and is the director of
Sicha, an organization that assists
congregations from around the
country in exploring Jewish traditions and incorporating them into
modern day life.
We invite you to join us at 6:30
PM for what we know will be a
stimulating evening of discussion
based on Jewish texts, traditions,
and our current understandings of
what it means to be “hospitable.”
Attendance at our first meeting
with Rabbi Sager is not necessary
to enjoy this upcoming event. For
more details, visit our website or
contact us via phone or e-mail (see
contact information below).
Our antidote to winter will continue on the first night of
Hanukkah when we’ll come together for our annual Hanukkah
party. We’ll meet at Avondale
Presbyterian Church (2821 Park
Road – visit our website for specific room information) on December 8 at 7 PM to light the first
candles of the holiday season.
Bring your menorahs, some treats
to share (kosher, parve/dairy, no
peanuts), and a willingness to put
a spin on a dreidel or two.
The warm spirit of hospitality
continues with Community Shabbat services on Saturday, December 15. Services begin at 10 AM
in the Aitken classroom on the
campus of Avondale Presbyterian
Church. A festive Kiddush follows.
This month we continue our efforts to extend hospitality to our
broader community as well. In
this case it comes in the form of
socks … men’s, women’s, children’s … earmarked for Urban
Ministries and their efforts to help
those in need. Bring a pair (or
more!) to any of our activities.
You can also contact us to find
out more about this month’s teen
group activities (“Mitzvahs in Action”), volunteer opportunities
with the Dilworth Soup Kitchen
(you can find the soup kitchen’s
facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=771341
94660 ), and the work of Project
Linus (where blankets are made to
help seriously ill, traumatized, or
needy children).
Finally, a hearty mazel tov to
Hannah Kinney-Kobre on being
called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah. We wish Hannah and her parents, Suz-anne Kinney and
Michael Kobre, health and happiness in the years ahead.
Havurat Tikvah is an affiliate of
the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, providing a comfortable,
family atmosphere where all Jews
can feel welcome. For those who
are interested, we invite you to
visit, get to know us, and to be-
come part of our congregation of
nearly 50 households.
For more information about
Havurat Tikvah or any of our activities go to our website
www.havurattikvah.org or contact
new member chair, Brian Feinglass through e-mail ([email protected]) or by
phone at 980-225-5330. You can
also find Havurat Tikvah and
Havurat Teens Charlotte on Facebook.Y
Chabad of Charlotte Offers 2013 Camaro in “Drive for Better Tomorrow”
Chabad of Charlotte, an organization that devotes its energies to
providing outreach and educational activities to Charlotte’s
Jewish community has embarked
on a fun and distinctive fundraising campaign. This campaign will
benefit the many programs and
services that include: The Jewish
Learning Institute, Friendship Circle of Charlotte, Talmud Torah
Hebrew School, Jewish Holiday
Programming, the Jewish Preschool on Sardis, and Congregation Ohr HaTorah. Chabad has
extended its arms for over 32
years to people from all backgrounds and affiliations through
various innovative programs.
“The Drive for a Better Tomorrow” is a unique raffle campaign
that gives a chance to every raffle
ticket holder to win one of three
spectacular prizes including: a
2013 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
LS, a seven day dream trip to Israel for two, and nice cash prizes.
the Torah through creative programming and classes.
Support for this campaign has
been amazingly enthusiastic. A
host of Charlotte area businesses
and private individuals have generously put up the seed money to
pay for all the prizes in advance.
This makes the raffle even more
striking, as the proceeds from
each ticket are directed to the
cause.
Corporate sponsors include:
Hendrick Chevrolet Cadillac of
Monroe, Carolina Premier Bank,
L. Gordon Iron and Metal,
BestSweet, Inc., Laxer, Long &
Savage, and Kuehne+Nagel. Individual sponsors are:
Steven Azizo, Harlan Brendel, Stuart
and Shari Goldstein,
Edwin and Leslie
Rusgo, and Dr.
Robert and Stacy
Selkin. There were
also six anonymous
donors.
Courtesy of Hendrick Chevrolet, a
Chevy Camaro will
be on display at
First prize is a 2013 Chevy Camaro.
Chabad’s Hanukkah
celebration at SouthPark on December
The raffle was initiated by a group 9. Participants in the Hanukkah
of Charlotte Chabad supporters celebration, as well as shoppers,
who are looking to raise the funds will have the opportunity to purneeded to operate all their pro- chase raffle tickets for holiday
grams, especially those geared for gifts.
Tickets are $100 each or 18 for
Jewish youth.
Chabad’s youth programs aim $1,500. Only 1,800 tickets will be
to inspire the upcoming genera- sold, making the chances of a wintion to become a force for good in ning a major prize 1 in 360, far
the world. Chabad offers many better than our state lottery. There
opportunities for children, teens, will also be mini-raffles each
and people of all ages to experi- month so the sooner tickets are
ence the pride of their Jewish her- purchased, the more chances to
itage and savor the knowledge of win a bonus cash prize of $100.
Winners of the mini raffle are still
eligible to win a major prize at the
conclusion of the raffle on June 2.
Tickets can be purchased by
mailing a check for $100 per
ticket to 6619 Sardis Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28270 or online at
www.chabadnc.org/drive. Look
for the brochure inside this issue
of The Charlotte Jewish News. To
order tickets by phone or for more
information, please call 704-3663984. Y
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Hanukkah
Party
December 13
6:00 pm
DILWORTH NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL
911 E. Morehead Street
$10 advance/$15 at door
(Includes appetizers & one drink)
REGISTER TODAY! www.jewishcharlotte.org
temple israel
judaism for the 21st century
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Perry’s will pay you for your silver-plated items.
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Special Holiday Store Hours: Dec. 17th-22nd: 0RQ6DW
Dec. 24th: Dec. 25th: &ORVHG
Temple Israel Welcomes Scholar in
Residence Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman
Saturday, January 26, 2013
During People’s Shabbat
During People’s Shabbat, we
will honor our auxiliaries of Temple Israel. Temple Israel will also
welcome our guest speaker, Dr.
Lawrence A. Hoffman. He was ordained as a rabbi in 1969, received
his Ph.D. in 1973, and has taught
since then at the Hebrew Union
College - Jewish Institute of Religion, in New York. From 1984 to
1987, he directed its School of Sacred Music as well. In 2003, he
was named the first Barbara and
Stephen Friedman Professor of
Liturgy, Worship, and Ritual. He
currently teaches classes in
liturgy, ritual, theology, and synagogue leadership.
For thirty-five years, Rabbi
Hoffman has combined research,
classroom teaching, and a passion
for the spiritual renewal of North
American Judaism. In that regard,
he is internationally known for his
lectures to lay audiences at synagogues and other venues. Y
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Temple Israel Wishes You and Your
Family a Happy Hanukkah
Hanukkah begins in the
evening of Saturday, December 8.
Every night during this joyous festival of Rededication, we will
have candle lighting at Temple Israel before Minyan begins each
evening, except for Shabbat.
Call Temple Israel at 704-3622796 or visit our website at
www.templeisraelnc.org for more
information other upcoming
Hanukkah events. Y
Hannukah Shopping
at Temple Israel
Sisterhood’s Judaic
Gift Shop
We have a wonderful selection of gifts for
the holiday season.
New merchandise
for your holiday shopping. Candles, gelt,
dreidels, and gift bags
too.
Extended
Hours:
9:30-AM-1 PM on
Sundays, December 2
and 9; 4:15-6 PM on
Tuesday, December 4.
Our regular hours: 10 AM-1 PM on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays,
and Thursdays. Fridays from 11 AM-1 PM.
Join us for Mitzvah Dayz on Sundays - 10% of profits to Sisterhood
Youth Fund. Credit cards accepted.
We are fully staffed and operated by Sisterhood volunteers. Y
Temple Israel Invites you
to Torah on Tap
Shabbat-Hanukkah Pot Luck
Dinner-Discussion
Join us on Friday, December
14, at 8 PM, at the home of Rabbi
Noam and Tamar Raucher for a
delicious pot luck dinner, refreshing libations, and a thought provoking
conversation
about
miracles. RSVP to let us know
what dish you will be bringing. To
RSVP/Questions please contact:
R a b b i R a u c h e r @ Te m p l e I s raelNC.org, or 704-362-2796.
Torah on Tap is Temple Israel's
doorway to Judaism for ages 21+
in North Carolina. Each month we
get together to hang out, learn
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something new, get to know one
another, and even celebrate Shabbat with a home cooked meal.
Show up for a good time and stay
for the friendships. For more information about Torah on Tap or
to get on the e-vite list contact:
R a b b i R a u c h e r @ Te m p l e I s raelNC.org, or 704-362-2796.Y
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Alternative Services
Are you looking for something
different on Shabbat? Temple Israel invites you to attend our Alternative services.
December 1 - Java & Jeans,
10 AM - Come get some coffee
and talk Torah with Rabbi
Raucher.
December 15 - Kavanah Service, 10 AM - Rabbi Noam
Raucher gives you some Shabbat
soul.
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December 21 - Rock HaShabbat Service, 5:30 PM. Rock out
with the TI Shabbat Band. Y
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Temple Israel Men’s Club News
The Trip of
a Lifetime
for
Charlotte
Women
Father/Daughter Family
Dance on December 15
Dads, get ready to shine your shoes and buy your daughters party
dresses for the third annual Father-Daughter Family Dance brought to you
by the Men’s Club. The dance is Saturday, December 15 from 6:30-9:30
PM at Temple Israel. The price is $25 per father/daughter ($10 each extra
daughter) and you can send an email to [email protected] to
reserve your spot or to get more information. Don’t miss the social event
of the season.Y
Children’s
Services
Temple
Israel Social Club
Torah Tots
December 8 at 10 AM and December 14 at 5:45 PM
Join us for music, singing,
dancing and prayer for your preschooler and the kid in you.
Mini Minyan
December 1, 8, and 15 at 11
AM
Join us for songs prayers and
stories for K-2nd graders. Y
We invite couples and singles,
affiliated with Charlotte area Synagogues, to join our group. Meet
friendly people and enjoy our interesting programs and trips. For
more information please call Irving Bienstock, 704-542-0094 or
Ruth Goldberg, 704-366- 8903,
co-presidents.
Upcoming Event:
Saturday, January 26, 2013,
9:30 AM
Dancing the night away at the dance in 2010.
The Social Club will join in the
People’s Shabbat Services along
with other auxiliaries of the
Temple. We will welcome
Scholar-in-Residence:
Rabbi
Lawrence Hoffman, Hebrew
Union College. Y
By Natalie Osman
On December 2, 19 women
from Charlotte will be embarking
on a dream trip. No, it’s not Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas or the Wakaya Club in Fiji;
it’s a trip to Israel. What makes the
trip unique is that that we’ll be
meeting up with another 190
women from the US and South
America. This local project is the
fulfillment of a vision that Sara
Oppenheim of the Charlotte Torah
Center has had since she moved to
Charlotte with her family a few
years ago. She believes that Jewish women are the bastion of the
community. If the women are passionate about being Jewish, everything else will follow.
One of the things that’s important to me is that there are women
from every sector of the Jewish
community with every shade of
Judaism joining us. It’s not just
the trip of one congregation; the
participants are from three continents, a variety of marital situations, some work, some are stay at
home moms — and some do both.
The common denominator is that
we are committed to raising our
families Jewish and look forward
to develop and grow from this Israel experience. It’s kind of a
Birthright for Moms trip.
The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project was established in
2008 with the mission of creating
a Jewish women’s movement that
inspires a renaissance of positive
values to transform ourselves, our
families, and our communities.
We will be part of the TAG
(Transform and Grow) program.
Due to the generosity of a few
American donors who wanted to
invest in the Jewish family,
women are being offered a special
gift: a highly subsidized nine day
action packed trip to Israel. The
one thing we all have in common
is that we’re moms with at least
one child under 18 living at home.
We travel as a group, tour, have
seminars about the challenges of
marriage and child rearing as a
group, and we hope to continue
our journey when we return as sisters who have shared an incredible
experience together. To date
JWRP has brought close to 3,000
women from 40 cities and seven
different countries.
We’ve already had a few fun
evenings where we’ve bonded as
a group. Once we made crafts for
Israeli soldiers (hosted by the
Levine-Sklut Judaic Library), another night we watched a film.
One great event was watching the
inspiring documentary “Israel In(Continued on page 10)
Hanukkah at Temple Beth
El for Every Age and Stage
You may RSVP for the events
below at www.beth-el.com/RSVP
or 704-749-3070 and all events
will be at Temple Beth El, unless
otherwise noted. For full details,
see www.beth-el.com/chanukah.
Entire Congregation
• Friday, December 14 – Latke
Dinner at 6 PM, followed at 7 PM
by our “Night of 100 Lights”
Family Hanukkah Service. Bring
your menorah, eight candles and a
festive spirit.
The Giving Tree
• Please pick a heart off the
Giving Tree and help us provide
less-fortunate families with food,
clothing and toys for the winter
holidays.
Tots
• Tot Hanukkah – Candle lighting, singing and Hanukkahthemed
activities
for
preschool-aged children and
younger, Friday, December 14,
5:30 PM.
Youth
• KATANTY K1 Hanukkah
Party (Kindergarten-1st grade) Saturday, December 8, 2-4 PM in
the Bernstein Education Building
• KATANTY 23 Hanukkah
Bash (2nd-3rd grade) - Saturday,
December 15, 3:30-5:30 PM in
the Bernstein Education Building
• KATANTY 45 Latkes, Dreidels and Gelt, Oh My! (4th-5th
grade) - Saturday, December 15,
3:30-5:30 PM in the Bernstein Education Building
• LIBERTY 67 Chanukah
Laser Tag (6th-7th grade) - Sunday, December 16, 2:30-4:30 PM
at Sports Connection-Ballantyne
• LIBERTY Llamas & Latkes
& Lock-In Oh My! (8th-12th
grade) - Friday December 14-Saturday December 15, 5:30 PM-8
AM
NextDOR – All Jews in their 20s
and 30s
• Vodka Latke – Saturday, De-
cember 15, 7– 11 PM
SPICE - Special Programs of Interest and Concern to Everyone
(50+)
• Monday, December 17, 11
AM - Rabbi Freirich will lecture
on “The Evolution of the Maccabean Revolution: The Changing
of Hanukkah.” Lunch will follow
at 12 noon and at 12:45 PM Cantor Mary will lead us in singing
Hanukkah music. RSVPs required
by December 13.
Discovered Traditions: The Gift
Shop at TBE
• Please consider doing your
Hanukkah shopping at Beth El.
The Hanukkah Room is now open
within the Gift Shop during regular store hours. Come in and spin
the Dreidel of Fortune for 10-50%
discounts. Proceeds support Religious School scholarships. Y
“After Life: A Beginning or
an End?” – Temple Beth
El’s 2013 Comparative Religion Series
The 16th annual Comparative
Religion Series, “After Life: A
Beginning or an End?” will be
held at Temple Beth El, 5101
Providence Road, Charlotte, from
7-9 PM on six consecutive Tuesdays, January 22 - February 26
(March 5 will be a snow date).
Join us as we explore an ageold subject which has prompted
fervent dialogue for millennia,
and yet still intrigues contemporary thinkers and provokes examination and study. Educators as
well as religious leaders representing Judaism, Islam, Buddhism,
Hinduism, Christianity, The
Larry Horowitz, CLU, ChFC
L2 Financial
5950 Fairview Road, Suite 608
Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 556-9982, Fax (704) 369-2918
www.L2financial.com
www.L2financial.com
MLK Shabbat to Feature Bishop Tonyia
Rawls, Kick off Beth El’s 70th Birthday
Celebrations
Temple Beth El will usher in
the MLK Weekend by celebrating
the life of the great Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and reflecting on
the ways in which we can collectively work to bring his vision to
life for a more just society. Beth
El’s MLK Shabbat, on Friday,
January 18 at 7 PM, will mark the
Charlotte community’s Fourth
Annual Interfaith Sermon Exchange and will also kick off Temple Beth El’s year of events
celebrating our 70th birthday.
This year’s MLK preacher will
be Bishop Tonyia Rawls of Unity
Fellowship Church Charlotte. She
will speak not only to issues of
African American inclusion but
also to areas of inclusion for all
minorities. Bishop Rawls, a powerhouse of vision and leadership
in our community, is the Founding
Pastor of Unity Fellowship
Church Charlotte, and in April
2008, was consecrated as one of
the first female bishops in the history of the Los Angeles-based
Unity Fellowship Church Movement (UFCM). She is prelate of
the Southern Jurisdiction and Vice
President of the National Board.
Bishop Rawls is a social, spiritual
and criminal justice activist committed to the liberation of those
who are on the margins of society.
A highlight of our MLK service
each year is the music. Unity Fellowship’s dynamic and moving
choir, directed by UFCC’s Minister of Music Reverend Leslie
Oliver and joined by our Temple
Beth El adult choir, will lift up our
service and prayers.
In a second component of the
Interfaith Sermon Exchange,
Rabbi Judy Schindler will preach
and the Beth El adult choir will
sing at Unity Fellowship Church
Charlotte’s service on Sunday,
February 3 at 10:45 AM.
Please join us. Both events are
All are welcome: Jewish or not,
member or not. Join us to explore
and learn the Jewish perspectives
on living in today’s world. Discussions include: spirituality, values,
community, and traditions. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Contact Janie Meyers at
Helping in the CREATION, PRESERVATION &
DISTRIBUTION of your Estate
Larry Horowitz is an Investment Advisor Representative of, and offers
securities, and investment advisory services through Woodbury Financial
Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor.
L2 Financial and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are not affiliated
entities.
MEG D. GOLDSTEIN
ǦǦ
Bishop Toniya Rawls
open to the entire community. For
more information, call 704-3661948 or see www.beth-el.com.Y
ǡ
ǡ
Ǧ
ǡ
ǡ
ǡ
͸ʹͲͳǡʹͲͲ
ǡʹͺʹͳͲ
ǣ͹ͲͶǤͷʹ͵ǤʹʹͲʹȈǣ͹ͲͶǤͷͷʹǤ͸͵͵ʹ
A Taste of Judaism –
Are You Curious?
Winter Session:
Wednesdays, Jan
2, 9, 16 and 23 at
Temple Beth El
7–8:30 PM.
No charge.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints, and Jehovah’s Witnesses will offer their perspectives
and respond to questions from
participants. For more information
on this free series, please visit
www.beth-el.com/comparativereligion or call 704-749-3054. No
reservations are necessary. Y
̷
ǤȈǤ
Ǥ
What’s The Very
Best Holiday Gift?
Serving Travelers Since 1979
Memories!
704-749-3051 or [email protected].
“Exceeded my expectations –
very thought-provoking. The rabbis were excellent speakers, engaging and straight forward.” –
past participant. Y
Travel is a great way to create memories.
Whether you want to surprise someone
with a vacation, or purchase a gift card
for future travel, we're here to help.
704.556.8322
Park Road
704.541.0943
Arboretum
704.892.9020
Lake Norman
704.542.4242
Blakeney
Hanukkah Party at Sports Connection
Join the Ballantyne Jewish
Center for our Annual Hanukkah
Bowling Party at Sports Connection. Family bowling, inflatables,
mini
bowling,
awesome
Hanukkah activities, latkes,
doughnuts, and a delicious dinner.
Play a game of dreidel while you
wait your turn, munch on some
latkes and doughnuts, and end the
evening with delicious food and a
menorah made out of bowling
pins. Hanukkah is a special time
for family and friends to get together and commemorate the victory of the Maccabees and the
miracle of the lights. Don’t miss
out on all the fun. Bring your
friends and family and have a ball.
Thursday, December 13, 5:30-
The menorah made of bowling pins.
7:30 PM, Sports Connection in
Ballantyne, 11611 Ardrey Kell
Road. $15 per person or $45 per
family (includes all activities and
dinner).
For more info or to RSVP
Let our family care for yours.
Whenever you need home care services for yourself
or a loved one, Homewatch CareGivers is here for you.
Affordable Care Solutions
Protecting independence
Preserving dignity
Providing peace of mind
Comprehensive personal care
Available 24/7
Charlotte: 704-503-4660 Cornelius: 704-987-1802
www.homewatchcaregivers.com/charlotte
email info@JewishBallantyne.
com or call 704-246-8881 or visit
us online www.JewishBallantyne.com.
Hanukkah Wonderland
Imagine a world where everything is Hanukkah. From the walls
to the windows, the music, the
games, the food, the smells, and of
course the fun. Welcome to
Hanukkah Wonderland.
Hanukkah Wonderland offers
children and adults an opportunity
to enter into a festive atmosphere,
where the holiday of Hanukkah is
not just celebrated, but experienced. Inside our funhouse,
Hanukkah virtually comes alive
with various unique centers including an intriguing hands-on
olive press demonstration, a creative crafts corner, and a dreidel
bounce house. Children are also
given the opportunity to meet
Yehuda Hamaccabi, build menorahs and dreidels in Legoland, and
experience the joys and traditions
of the holiday in our Hanukkah
multi-media room.
Sparkle
this
holiday
season
Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology
can help you get ready for all your
upcoming holiday events.
It’s not too early to schedule your
FREE cosmetic consultation. Call today:
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Our doors will be
open to the community
for three magical days.
Here is a glimpse of
what you will experience:
- Chanukah Sand Art
- Make your own
menorah
- Toddler area
- Dreidel arts and crafts
- Doughnut making
- Edible dreidels and menorahs
- Face painting
- Dance, Dance, Revolution Hanukkah style
- Olive oil press daily
- Dreidel bounce house
- Dreidel tournaments
- And much, much more!
There is something for
every
age,
toddlers
through teens.
Cost is only $5 per
child, two and up. We will
be open on these dates:
Sunday, December 9,
12:15–3:15 PM; Monday,
December 10, 1:30–3:30 PM;
Tuesday December 11, 3:30–6
PM.
For more information, call 704246-8881 or email [email protected] or visit us online
www.JewishBallantyne.com/wonderland.
Transform Winter Break into a
Fun and Exciting Jewish Experience
Are you looking for something
fun and educational for your kids
to do during winter break? This
year, The Ballantyne Jewish Center is offering Winter Camp. With
activities, games, exciting Jewish
themes, trips, crafts, and much
more. Your children will have a
blast every single day. In addition,
staff are experienced and fun-loving camp counselors who love
working with children and of
course have lots of energy.
Monday through Friday, December 24–28, 9 AM-3 PM. Extended care available upon
request.
A hot, nutritious, homemade,
Kosher lunch will be provided.
For children preschool through
5th grade.
Pricing per child: Sign up per
day or for the entire week, $35 a
day or $150 for the week.
Camp will be located at the
Ballantyne Jewish Center, 8632
Bryant Farms Rd.
To register or for more information contact Leah Levin,
[email protected] –
704-246-8881 or visit our website
www.JewishBallantyne.com.Y
Charlotte Torah Center Women’s
Mission to Israel
(Continued from page 8)
side: How a Small Nation Makes
a Big Difference.” We even had a
fun evening baking Challah together. For some of us it was the
first time, but there were some
veterans, too.
What are the participants saying? Stella Yukhaev, originally
from Baku, Azerbajan, says, “I am
really excited for the amazing opportunity to visit Israel; I have
never been there. I am sure this
trip will help me to continue my
journey of growing as a Jewish
woman, wife, and mother in my
mind and soul. I am looking forward to meeting all of the rest 190
women participants from around
USA and from other parts of the
world.”
Andie Taylor, originally from
South Africa, says, “Although I
fear leaving my husband and four
children for ten days, that fear
isn’t as big as the opportunity I
have to change my family’s life
with this trip.”
Nikki Sacks writes, “I went to
Israel a few times growing up, but
have not been as an adult. I have
such amazing memories of my
time there and am very excited to
re-experience it with a group of
incredible women.”
Debbie Weiss says, “The trip to
Israel is such a great opportunity.
I am excited to share with an
amazing group of women both
local and worldwide sharing the
same family values regarding a
Jewish home. The friendships and
experiences that we bring back
will prove to be invaluable. Although the trip has yet to begin,
the bonds and friendships have already begun and proven to last.
The group is a bit hesitant to leave
our family, friends, and our lives
for such an extended period of
time, but we cannot turn down the
chance of a lifetime.”
I have never been to Israel either or bonded with Jewish
women the way I am now. I look
forward to experiencing all that
Israel has to offer and I’m excited
to bring home all the knowledge
to share with my family and community. I am truly grateful for this
opportunity. Y
Kindle the taper like the steadfast star
Ablaze on evening’s forehead o’er the earth,
And add each night a lustre till afar
An eightfold splendor shine above thy hearth.
- Emma Lazarus, “The Feast of Lights”
The Charlotte Jewish News -December 2012 - Page 11
Schools
Election Day, November 6 -- At CJDS
The stage was set for the decision of who would be president of
the United States. Both conventions wrapped up so the games
began.
Although many adults still do
not understand all of the issues for
which both candidates claim to
have answers, it’s reasonable to
ask how we expect our children to
understand what is going on. This
year our challenge was to create a
learning environment that would
build a new generation of informed voters. Many of these students still have seven to eight
years before they are eligible to
vote, so you may wonder why we
think it is important for them to
learn about elections and government. Often the adults’ opinions
on the government or politics are
what the children see, hear, and repeat. Your political views become
theirs. Because they love their
parents and trust that they are
making an informed decision
based on beliefs, reasoning, and
desire for the greater good, the
opening question to our unit on
elections and government was
“Do you know what democracy
means?” The answers that the
fourth and fifth grade students
gave at CJDS were right on. The
responses ranged from “freedom
to say and choose what you think
is right” to “the freedom to choose
your own path.”
The students realized that in
order to choose the “right” candidate, they need to be informed citizens/voters and learned about the
many jobs of the president and
how strenuous it can be. Through
understanding what the president
has to do, the students began to
see what candidate would be right
for the job. Students had to learn
what the political views of the two
major political parties were and
the characteristics and strengths of
the candidates. They understood
that their voting decision should
be made based on who fits best in
that role.
A common misconception was
that anyone can vote. This quickly
led us to look into the evolution of
voting laws and amendments.
Many of the students did not
know that you had to be eighteen
and a United States citizen to cast
a vote. Most of the students did
not know that you can only vote
in the state that you live in. This
raised many questions about soldiers who are fighting in other
parts of the world. The questions
they posed were “Do soldiers get
to vote?” or “What if you are on
vacation in another state?” Naturally, the conversation about absentee ballots and early voting
ensued.
What does all that voting
mean? Students thought that when
you vote for President the vote
goes directly to the candidate.
Needless to say, the discussion of
the Electoral College proved to be
both challenging and rewarding.
For this discussion, we asked a
student to research and provide a
visual for the class on how the
Electoral College functions.
Lengthy discussions and supplemental resources have assisted the
students in gaining a better understanding of this process. This concept is difficult for many adults to
understand so we were happy as
educators that students grasped it
so easily.
With the groundwork laid, we
began to apply what we know to
our own school student council
elections. Candidates understood
that they need to stand for something and revisit several characteristics that they feel most people
want. One of the biggest claims of
our school candidates was that
they are “honest, reliable, and respectful.” This topic spiraled into
a class discussion on why so many
candidates are trying to bad mouth
the other. “To win votes!” one student says. This led to the question:
“Is it okay to ask someone to vote
for you?”
Our students quickly divided
into two groups. Group one said it
was not right to ask someone to
vote for you because you could
hurt someone’s feelings. The majority of the students agreed with
this. Only a handful of students
defended their stance and said it
was okay to ask for votes. After
many back and forth discussions,
slowly group two began to win
votes and students were switching
sides. A respectful debate was
evolving. Many wavered several
times. In the end, students were
still divided on the answer to the
question. So they asked their
teachers what they thought. We
jumped in and shared the types of
Casting a vote on election day.
propaganda that candidates use to
gain votes. We decided not to answer and to let them keep their belief intact, echoing the beginning
of the unit that you have to vote
for what and who you believe in.
The children also contributed to
the election wishing tree with
some of these comments:
“America should be kind to Israel’s Jews.”
“If you are sick and poor, you
do not need to pay to go to the
doctor or get food.”
“How much longer till the elections is over?”
“More freedom to choose.”
“Make taxes lower because my
mother complains.”
The primaries took place in the
classrooms. Second thru fifth
grade each nominated two students for class representative,
fourth grade nominated two students for Vice President, and fifth
grade nominated two students for
President. Speeches were delivered on November 1 and the voting took place on November 6.
The question/answer session rivaled televised any press conference. The answers were off the
cuff, well-crafted, and on the ball.
Promises ranged from more recess, hash browns back on the
lunch menu, and snack shop in
business again. Very important issues. The students created flyers,
posters, and stickers to distribute.
One of the campaign managers for
vice president made a comment
that it pays to give stickers to the
Kindergarteners because they will
do anything for a sticker. Wonder
where she learned that!
On Election Day the school
was decorated in true form. Red,
white, and blue tablecloths
adorned the lunch tables and
lunch was appropriately prepared
with Constitutional Chicken
Parmesan with Presidential Pasta,
Swing State Salad Bar, and Star
Spangled Sun Butter and Jelly
Sandwich.
When filing to run, the students
were asked to write the reason
they wanted to involve themselves
in this process. Some excerpts of
their dreams:
“Three years ago I ran for class
representative and promised a
four square court and you got one.
Now I want to bring in another recess activity called corn hole.”
“I will work with the school’s
administration to make recess
every day. I will promote new programs that are fun.”
“Our class is small, but our
spirit is big. I will continue to be
a cheerleader for second grade
and CJDS.”
“I also am respectful and I listen to what other people have to
say.”
Creating and nurturing leaders
is one of our goals. We are well on
our way. Y
Elyssa Gorelick Tell Us “Why JPS”
By Dedee Goldsmith, director,
Jewish Preschool on Sardis
When people ask “Why JPS,” I
enjoy leaving it to our dedicated
family and alumni to tell their
story. Our first spotlight alumna is
Elyssa Gorelick.
Q: When did you attend JPS
and what are some memories you
have?
A: I attended JPS from the 2s4s. It’s been a long time, but I definitely remember being happy at
preschool. I remember how much
fun it was to learn Hebrew vocabulary and to sing Hebrew songs.
We also began to learn about the
various Jewish holidays and the
attendant rituals, foods, etc. Some
of my oldest friends were at JPS
with me.
Although I am told that I’m
quite outgoing now, my parents
like to remind me of how very shy
I was. Apparently, I was quiet,
easy to get along with, and I absolutely adored every one of my
teachers.
My mother remembers that my
favorite classroom “activity station” was the dress up bin of costumes. She says that I loved
spending time in the school’s outdoor play area, especially on the
swing set.
My father recalls fondly how I
“brought home” what I learned
about the various Jewish holidays
each year. He remembers crafts,
costumes, food, songs, and lots of
smiles, as I explained what I had
learned to my family. He says that
we both looked especially forward
to him visiting my classroom during Hanukkah every year for
“Dreidels with Dad.”
Q: Why did your parents
choose JPS for you?
A: My parents chose JPS for
me and my siblings, because it offered a uniquely nurturing and
loving environment, where we
could develop an educational
foundation which included both
Jewish values and first class secular programming. They considered multiple preschools before
making this very important decision.
WORK WITH A LEADER IN
CHARLOTTE REAL ESTATE
Elyssa with her friends in preschool
EXECUTIVE REALTY
704-926-2544 office
704-975-8500 cell
www.LepowRealtors.com
Q: Tell us where you are in
your life currently.
A: Ever since second grade, all
I ever wanted to be when I “grew
up” was a teacher. Believe it or
not, my favorite Hanukkah gifts
over the years were a huge dry
erase board, a chalkboard, numerous teacher’s workbooks, and my
own (small) overhead projector.
During elementary school (at
CJDS), my free time was consumed with “teaching” my
younger sister, Madeline (also an
alumna of JPS and CJDS). We
would play school, with me as the
teacher and her as the only student. Sadly for Maddie, she rarely
got to play teacher.
Currently, I am a sophomore in
the School of Education at the
University of South Carolina in
Columbia. My goals include obtaining my education degree, becoming a licensed teacher,
possibly obtaining a graduate degree in education, and teaching
until I get married and have my
own children to “teach.” Once my
kids are old enough, I hope to return to teaching full time. Of
course, one of my dream jobs
would be to teach at JPS or CJDS.
Q: How does JPS fit into your
life now?
After my final exams last May,
I returned home to Charlotte for
the summer. I offered myself as an
unpaid intern at CJDS. It was a
marvelous experience. I was able
to assist and teach at all grade levels, meet current CJDS parents,
speak to prospective CJDS parents, and work side by side with
my former teachers.
As the CJDS school year came
to a close, I was asked to consider
being a counselor at the JPS summer camp. It sounded like fun,
and it was a real paying job. What
I did not expect was to fall so
much in love with the preschoolers. I definitely got more out of
the experience than the campers
did. The kids are absolutely
adorable, and their parents are so
devoted to their well-being. How-
Come Get Warm at CJP
By Becca Weiner
There’s no doubt about it – the
winter months are upon us and the
weather is getting colder. Our students are coming to school bundled up in their warmest clothes,
Afternoon Enrichment
Classes for Jewish Students
Beginning in January, Temple Beth El Religious School
will offer afternoon enrichment classes for Jewish students,
both members and non-members.
Terrific Tales from the Torah !
Grades K-2; 4:45-6:15 PM
Mondays, January 7, 14, 28; February 4, 11
OR Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 30;
February 6, 13
Dumas Activity Center, Bernstein
Education Building
Cost: $100 TBE members,
$130 non-members
Hands-on Jewish Holidays
Grades 3-5, 4:45-5:45 PM
Thursdays, January 10, 17, 31;
February 7, 14
Dumas Activity Center, Bernstein
Education Building
$90 non-members
Shalom Chaverim ! Hello Friends !
Modern Conversational Hebrew
Grades 6-8, 4:45-5:45 PM
Thursdays, January 10, 17, 31;
February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21
D118, Bernstein Education Building
$165 non-members
Register at: www.beth-el.com/rsvp
their cutest hats, and the tiniest
mittens we’ve ever seen. But,
even though the temperature is
dropping outside, inside the walls
of the Charlotte Jewish Preschool
things couldn’t feel warmer. Here
at the CJP we are full of warm
fuzzies all winter long, from the
bright candles we light on Shabbat
and Havdalah, to the loving education of our students and the
warm community built by our
families - we are staying warm.
Each Friday at Shabbat, we
welcome in the Sabbath by lighting our two candles for Shabbat.
As we light each candle our students acknowledge that we light
the first candle so that we keep
Shabbat in our hearts, and we light
our second candle to remember
that Shabbat is special. Then we
all raise our arms and pull in the
light and warmth of Shabbat three
times before we recite the bracha.
Everyone covers their eyes as
Miss Patty leads us in chanting the
prayer, and when we uncover our
eyes and gaze at the light of the
Shabbat candles, we feel the
warmth of Shabbat in our hearts.
On Shabbat, we do things differently at the preschool. When
the kids are arriving at school they
enter their classrooms and in addition to their regular centers,
there are special centers pertaining
to Shabbat. Students are tracing
images of Shabbat at the art station and setting their Shabbat dinner table in the housekeeping
center. After our Shabbat service,
students enjoy challah and grape
juice during snack time. Even in
the coldest months of the year,
Elyssa today.
ever, I was truly impressed and
fascinated, as I watched these little people develop their social, behavioral, and intellectual skills at
such a rapid pace.
I was also able to babysit for a
few of the campers during the
summer. I am so deeply grateful to
JPS for embracing me and teaching me how to teach preschoolers,
albeit in a “camp” setting. It was
because of this experience that I
changed my major from Elementary Education (3rd thru 6th
grade) to Early Childhood Education (Pre-K thru 3rd grade.)
My summer spent at CJDS and
JPS was both remarkable and lifechanging.
It renewed and deepened both
my career and personal goals. And
I learn so much every single day.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Do you have a JPS alumni
story to share? Email [email protected] to schedule an interview, we can’t wait to hear from
you. Y
Shabbat remains the warmest day
of our week. On Mondays, we
begin our week by saying
“shalom!” to Shabbat with our
Havdalah service. Teachers light
the Havdalah candle and our students are in awe of how high the
flame climbs. Our week begins
with the warmth and light of the
Havdalah candle, and the warmth
and love of our classroom community.
As we welcome in Hanukkah
this month, the warmth of the CJP
will be felt even more as we light
the Hanukiyah. During the Festival of Lights each classroom will
be illuminated by the brilliantly
burning candles. But this
Hanukkah, it’s not just the candles
that will be keeping our hallways
warm. Throughout November, we
ran a toy drive for Jewish Family
Services for our monthly tzedakah
project. Our CJP families bought
toys and gifts for families at JFS
and gave selflessly to families in
need so they may enjoy the holiday season. This is in addition to
the constant giving of coins for
our weekly tzedakah collection at
our Shabbat service. Our students
(Continued on page 14)
Women’s News
Volunteers Make Hadassah Programs Happen
By Hadas Kasher, President,
Charlotte Chapter of Hadassah
Hadassah’s calendar offers a
variety of activities that reflects
the diversity of our members and
supports our mission statement.
This variety enables members to
find an activity that interests them
from hands on activities to study
groups, Jewish tradition and Israel, health and wellness, arts and
crafts, and much more.
As it happens many times in
life, the combination of a vision
and dedication leads to results.
In order for us to create a program, we need a passionate volunteer member or associate who will
step up and dedicate her/his time
and talent to make it happen.
Some will do it alone while others
will join together with other members to lead a program or event.
Many of our programs are initiated by members who have
never run a Hadassah program before. Some of them will run a onetime event while others will repeat
a program yearly.
The process of creating a program is exciting
and as enriching as the
program itself.
The empowerment to
dream, to perform, to
lead, to improve existing
skills, to create a new
it this year adding her vision and
creativity. Several of our Sun City
members initiated this year’s upcoming “Meals and Memories”
program.
Everyone has a role in Hadassah program. It can be from help-
created by the members and supporters like you.
Come and show your support.
Who knows? … it may be your
program next time. Y
Hadas Kasher
event, to mentor, to meet people
who are as different in age, skills,
profession but similar in values
and passion, means that the benefits of a program are above and
beyond its formal goal.
The most important ingredient
is the will power to do it.
Many of our programs this fall
are the vision of a member while
others are results of special interest group.
This is the case for the Fall
event “Celebrate the Tatas.” Our
Hadassah member, Talia
Goldman, had the vision
and ability to create this
unique program. Staci
Mond created the very
special mother and daughter event last year. Sheri
Zimmermann identified
the potential and will chair
Bams ‘n’ Brunch
What: Hadassah and the
LJCC’s 8th annual Mah Jongg
Marathon. You can enter as a
group of four and play only with
your friends, or enter as a single
and move to different tables. The
rules and prizes remain the same.
Where: Gorelick Hall, Levine
Jewish Community Center
When: January 20, 2013
Time: 12 noon-4:30 PM
Cost: $20 for Hadassah mem-
ing in the preparation, securing
sponsors, decorating the room,
photograph the event, writing
about the event and the list can go
on and on.
When you are attending Hadassah event please remember it was
bers, $25.00 for non-members;
your check (sent with the coupon
below) is your reservation and
must be received by Monday, January 9. Please send it to: Madeline
Aron, 4940 Hardison Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226, or you may
leave it at the J in the Hadassah
mailbox, with Mah Jongg
Marathon written on the envelope. Y
Group rates as low as $99
Mix & mingle in our
W xyz lounge
Located in the heart of
Ballantyne and only
a 15 minute drive
from Shalom Park
For group reservations or more information contact
[email protected] or 704.247.2305
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne
13139 Ballantyne Corporate Place
Charlotte, NC 28277
aloftcharlotteballantyne.com | 704.247.2222
facebook.com/aloftballantyne
Yes! I want to play in the Mah Jongg Marathon
on January 20, 2013
EXCLUSIVELY AT
Name...............................................................................................
Phone ..............................................................................................
E-Mail.............................................................................................
Level of Play (Please check one)
Experienced (timed): ............... Novice (untimed): ........................
Learner (untimed): ...................
Group of four. Please seat me with:
........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................
Check Enclosed: $20 (Hadassah member)/$25 (non-member)
payable to Hadassah
............. I promise to bring my 2012 mah jongg card (extras will
NOT be available)
............. I will bring my mah jongg set labeled with my name
(you will stay at the table with your set)
............. I have ____1 ____ 2 ____3 card tables Hadassah can
borrow. I will label them with my name before Hadassah picks them up.
Any questions, please call Sandy Hoagland, 704-543-6338. Once
again, Mary Gordan will be there selling mah jongg cards.
Two Doors Down from Crate & Barrel
in The Village at SouthPark
4310 Sharon Road
704-364-6543
www.davidsltd.com
Warming Up with The Charlotte
Jewish Preschool
Hadassah Ta Tas Event Concludes
Hadassah’s “Celebrate the Ta
Tas” had a fantastic onclusion to
their two-part Breast Cancer
event.
Awareness and Fundraiser
The first part garnered an impressive turnout of close to 100
models, painters, photographers,
doctors, and vendors who spent an
inspirational day creating the Celebrate the Ta Tas artistic photographs. The second part of the
Celebrate the Ta Tas event was the
sale and exhibition of the Celebrate the Ta Tas artistic photo-
graphs. The evening included an
attendance of hundreds of members of the greater Charlotte community, specialty drinks, door
prizes, an auction, and video messages from the art models who are
Breast Cancer survivors. Hadassah would like to thank the Charlotte community for coming
together and helping to fight
Breast Cancer. Please visit Charlotte Hadassah on their Facebook
page and on their website for future events. Y
are full of warm fuzzies when
they are able to give. They know
how special it is when they drop
coins into our tzedakah box at
Shabbat, and they know they are
performing a mitzvah when they
bring in toys and games for our
monthly tzedakah collection. It is
this generous spirit within our
families that helps to warm our
school.
This year, our CJP Open House
is on Friday, January 11. We’ll be
showcasing our world-class preschool to prospective families
who will be looking for the perfect
place for their children to build a
strong foundation for their secular
and Jewish education. At our open
house we will demonstrate to
these families that the CJP exemplifies the Jewish values we teach
to our children. Among the many
values we teach our students, our
actions demonstrate that we give
selflessly and often, however we
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can, for we live by the teaching
that tzedakah must be performed
by everyone, including the poorest
among us. We are able to achieve
this goal only through the frequent
support from our families. Our
school has built a warm community, thanks to the warmth and
love from our CJP families.
If the winter months start to get
to you and you feel like you just
won’t ever defrost, swing by the
Charlotte Jewish Preschool and
thaw out in our hallways. Allow
yourself to feel the warmth of the
loving education that happens in
our classroom, and observe the
generosity that emanates from
each of our students. Bask in the
light from our Shabbat candles
and gaze at the height of our Havdalah candle flame. While it’s
definitely winter outside, you
would never know it inside the
walls of the Charlotte Jewish Preschool. Y
Levine-Sklut Judaic Library
and Resource Center
The Story of Israel’s Most Famous Secret
Agent: The Impossible Spy
Films about spies have always
held a fascination in the hearts of
American movie buffs as witnessed by the 50th anniversary of
fictional character James Bond.
On December 2, the Jewish Film
Society of Charlotte will be
screening a powerful spy classic
that is based on true story of Israeli Elie Cohen, who had the impossible mission to serve as an
undercover spy in Syria. “The Impossible Spy is as fascinating
today as ever,” says film curator
Debby Block, “especially with
what presently is going on in
Syria.”
Eliahu ben Shaul Cohen was
recruited by Israel’s intelligence
agency, the Mossad. During the
1960s, Cohen provided Israel with
invaluable information on Syrian
military activities and their fortifications on the Golan Heights.
Prior to his arrest in 1965, Cohen
had infiltrated the highest ranks of
Syrian leadership.
Producer Harvey Chertok says
that the inspiration for this film
began when he and his wife where
visiting Israel in 1982. They both
were shocked and dismayed at
how close Jordan, Lebanon and
Syria were to Israel, but were assured “You really have nothing to
worry about because Israel has
spies in all those places.” Chertok
was then encouraged to read about
the best known spy named Elie
Cohen and soon became obsessed
with the idea of making a movie
about this Israeli hero. Independent producer Harvey Chertok and
a young writer, Marty Ross, based
their screen play on personal interviews with key Israeli officials,
newspaper reports in The
Jerusalem Report and New York
Times and then fact-checked
better than any other spy movie in
recent history is present both sides
of the story. Shea’s performance is
remarkably subtle and finetuned.” —Austin AmericanStatesman
Date: Sunday, December 2
Time: 5 PM
Place: Sam Lerner Center for
Cultural Arts, Shalom Park
Cost: $5 at door
Jewish Film Society of Charlotte is co-sponsored by the
Levine-Sklut Judaic Library & the
Charlotte Jewish Film Festival
2 logos CJFF and Levine Sklut
Judaic Library Y
John Shea stars in “The Impossible Spy” (Eli Wallach also stars)
everything with the help of the
BBC. “Finally,” Chertok recalls,
“the script was read and approved
by Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres,
and Meir Amit, the former head of
the Mossad, in charge of Elie
Cohen’s mission.”
“A real-life spy thriller cloaked
in spellbinding performances.
What The Impossible Spy does
Melton students enjoying each others company after a recent class.
To register for a graduate class, or to learn more, please visit
www.lsjl.org or call Talli Dippold at 704-944-6780.
Hanukkah Kits are Back
Have you been challenged to
explain Hanukkah to a whole
classroom of children, many of
whom are not Jewish? Don’t fear,
the library will come to your assistance. The library has created
Hanukkah kits to take into any
classroom situation. The kits include: Storybook, menorah, candles, latke recipe, dreidel and
directions, as well as lots of other
information. Kits are available
now. Please call to reserve yours
today — 704-944-6783 or contact
Debby Block at [email protected]. If you would like to
give each student in your child’s
class gelt and a dreidel to keep,
we conveniently offer nut-free
chocolate gelt and dreidels (in
packages of 25) for only $10.Y
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES
Please Make Your End of the Year
Donation to the Family to Family Campaign
One in nine members of our
Jewish community will come to
JFS for help this year. For over 30
years, Jewish Family Services has
cared for members of our community and worked to make a difference in their lives through
counseling, social services, outreach, and educational programs,
all inspired by Jewish values. Our
team of licensed therapists and
professionals provide vital support
to everyone from children and
their parents to the elderly and
families in crisis. When members
of our community are in need,
they find comfort in having a resource to turn to that is located
within the Jewish community.
Over 40% of our budget is derived from your gift to the Family
to Family Annual campaign! Your
gift:
* provides counseling to a family grieving the loss of their wife
and mother.
* ensures that every homebound Jewish senior remains connected to the Jewish community.
* gives free help to the newly
unemployed couple to set up a
budget and fill out food stamp applications.
* allows JFS to take care of
your friends, your parents, your
children … and everyone in the
community.
The 2012 campaign closes December 1, so please make your
pledge by calling 704-364-6594
or visiting www.jfscharlotte.org.
All gifts are 100% tax-deductible.
beat music from Viva Klezmer!
* Light the menorah
* Play dreidel games
The Jewish Family Services
Hanukkah party is one of the few
times each year when isolated
seniors living on their own or in
long term care communities can
come together and feel a sense of
togetherness and Jewishness.
Reservations required: Thelma
Wand, 704-847-0744. The costs
for the event are partially provided
through a generous donation from
Norman Steinberger.
Winter Programming
Support group for families of
children with special needs, Monday, November 26, 6-7 PM
When you have a child with a
special need, support groups can
be a lifeline. Interacting with others with similar issues can offset
the feeling that you are the only
one in your situation. Plus, other
parents can suggest coping strategies and offer tips on useful resources and skilled caregivers.
Love & Logic Workshops
Multiple workshops offeredfull schedule online.
* Raising the captain of the
debate team?
* Wondering if your kids will
ever listen to you?
* Feel exhausted at the end of
the day?
Join JFS and Wendy Petricoff
Last year’s Hanukkah party was a great for fun and easy-to-use parenting techniques to help put the
success.
fun back into parenting.
Celebrate Our Seniors This Bereavement Support Group
Hanukkah
Monday, December 3 and 7, 4–
Thursday, December 13, 10:30 5:30 PM, Teen Meeting Room
AM–1 PM, Gorelick Hall
Share your feelings with others
Celebrate the holiday of who have experienced similar
Hanukkah and the beauty of being losses and are facing the same
a Jewish senior in Charlotte by challenges. Led by JFS Clinical
joining JFS for our Ninth Annual Therapist Lynda Woodburn, this
Hanukkah Party. Every senior in new group is open to adults 18+
the area is invited.
who have experienced grief as a
* Meet your friends
result of the death of a loved one.
* Connect to your community
Through discussion topics and ed* Enjoy traditional holiday ucational materials, you will have
foods
the opportunity to share your story
* Sing and dance with live up- in a safe and non-judgmental en-
vironment, and learn ways to understand your grief and explore
avenues for growth and healing.
Caregiver Support Group
Tuesday, December 11, 6 PM
and Tuesday, December 18, 10
AM, JFS
Taking care of yourself is just
as vital as taking care of your
loved ones. JFS Clinical Therapist
Nicole Levine and Director of
Senior Adult Outreach Services
Natalie Tunney lead caregivers for
these confidential, safe meetings
to explore your feelings and concerns.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who
contributed their time in September. Your support and generosity
allow JFS to provide quality services and programming to our community:
JFS Matters of the Heart Volunteers: Ben Aizenman, Susan
Aizenman, Bob Abroms, Ira
Bukzin, Bobby Damsky, Myra Diuguid, Robert Friedman, Gail
(Continued on page 16)
In this season of miracles, The Jewish
Agency for Israel is proud to partner with
Charlotte as we work together to
secure the Jewish future for generations.
Donations to Jewish Family Services
IN HONOR OF
Amy Mullen from Jill and Ed
Newman
Bernice Roberts from Marilyn
Shapiro
Bob Speizman from Jill and Ed
Newman, Susan and Ben Aizenman, Harriet and Mark Perlin
Charlotte Longworth from
Celia Mandel
Cissy Gottlieb from Beth Folic
Karen Knoble from Tamar
Seigel and Adam Bernstein
Linda and Sam Levy from
Gene and Milt Poler, Susan and
Ben Aizenman, Maxine and Bob
Stein
Mr. and Mrs. David Abrams
from Ruth and Alan Goldberg
Mr. and Mrs. James Babb from
Gene Schaffer
Phoebe and Marvin Witte from
Helaine and Arnie Stone
Sheila and Jerry Fisher from
Jean and Walter Finkelstein
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO
Julius Goldman from Betty
Levin, Susan and Ben Aizenman,
Susan and Daniel Meier
Henry Hirschmann from Susan
and Ben Aizenman
MAZEL TOV ON
The birth of their new baby girl
to Michel and Craig Goldstein
from Laura and Barry Reich
The marriage of Andrew Terkel
to Hannah Rubin-Schlansky to
Amy and Arnold Terkel from their
friends
IN MEMORY OF
Bette Bayer to Cindy McManus and family from Ruth and
Alan Goldberg
Billy Ashendorf to Linda, Jay,
and Erin Ashendorf and Deane
Boxer from Anne and Robert
Yudell, Marilyn Shapiro, Jeri and
Susan Gertzman and family, Marion and David Kronovet, Jill and
Ed Newman, Lynn and Myron
Slutsky, Marvin Barman, Meg
Goldstein and Matthew Luftglass,
Paula Musler, Harriet and Mark
Perlin
Harry Besnoy to Ralph Besnoy
from Eleanor and Morton Turk,
Harriet and Barney Weinstock
Helen Badt to Nancy Bernstein
from her friends, Eleanor and
Morton Turk, Judy and David
Miller, the Spiegler family, Ruth
and Alan Goldberg, Staci and Darren Mond and family, Laura and
Barry Reich
Hilda Goldman to Claire Putterman from Becky and Scott
Goodman
Lorraine Oudin to Dr. and Mrs.
Alvin Goodman and Sheryl Oudin
from Carolyn and Stuart Hennes,
Elise Menaker, Ruth and Alan
Goldberg, Marion and David Kronovet
Marilyn Shapiro to Marla
Shapiro, Cindy Tracy, Jeffrey
Shapiro, Laura Sullivan, and family from Lori and Eric Sklut, Marion and David Kronovet, Jeri and
Susan Gertzman and family, Judy
Tager
Phil Bernake to Seth Bernake
from Phyllis Schultz and Matthew
Gromet, Craig, Robin, Matthew,
Jonathan and Dana Husney
The brother of Floyd and
Brenda Patten from Marion and
David Kronovet, Vera and Jack
Mendel
Wendy Block to Ellen Engelhardt from Brett Goodman, Staci
and Darren Mond and family Y
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Jewish Family Services
Halverson, Hanah Hawkins, Pete and Rachael Levine, Frada Mozenter,
Leah Naliboff, Jenny Rosenthal, Bill Schwartz, Amalia Warshenbrot,
Ronnie Zevon
JFS Behind the Scenes Volunteers: Nancy Bernstein, Jennifer Collman, Robert Friedman, Gary Lerner, Jill Lipson, Margaret Musa, Harry
Sparks
Holidays and Special Event Volunteers: Jennifer Collman, Laurie
Sparks
Mitzvah Baskets: Bat Mitzvah of Gabriella Catenazzo Y
Community News
Create Your Jewish Legacy
is Underway
Community Partners Establish
Legacy Teams
By Nancy Kipnis, Create Your
Jewish Legacy Coordinator
It is our hope that the phrase
“Create Your Jewish Legacy” has
some familiarity to you. If not, it
is our expectation that it soon will.
The CJL logo and brand can be
found on the websites of your favorite Jewish organizations. Each
one of them encourages you to
visit the CJL website to learn how
everyone can create a legacy of
their own, leaving a personal mark
while helping to sustain Jewish
life in Charlotte.
Our ten CJL Community Partner Organizations have established their own legacy teams.
These teams, comprised of the 47
volunteers and staff listed below,
will reach out to each one of you
and ask you to consider something
significant and simple.
Have you ever considered leaving a bequest to support those
Jewish organizations that have
played a significant role in your
life and the lives of your family
members?
They are off to a great start
having received 28 legacy commitments; however, their work is
just beginning. As you review the
list, please look for names of people you know, seek them out,
thank them for their commitment
and ask them to share with you
why they are committed to this
important community-wide effort.
Charlotte Jewish Day School
Mariashi Groner - Executive Director
Gale Osborne - CJL team leader
David Epstein, Risa Miller
Charlotte Jewish Preschool
Elka Bernstein - Executive Director/CJL team leader
Brian Bernhardt
Congregation Ohr Hatorah
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen CJL team
leader
David Cantor, Rabbi Yosi Groner,
Philip Stark
Foundation of Shalom Park
Jeff Gorelick, CJL team leader
Steve Menaker
Hebrew Cemetery Association
Sandra Goldman Director/CJL
team leader
Jill Blumenthal, Kevin Levine,
Paula Musler
Jewish Family Services
Stephanie Starr Executive Director/CJL team leader
Beth Cupp, Karen Knoble, Milton
Goldstein, Debbie Porter
Jewish Federation of Greater
Charlotte
Sue Worrel Executive Director
Sue Littauer CJL team leader
Stephanie Brodsky, Tracy Brown,
David Miller, Rich Osborne,
Louis Sinkoe
Levine Jewish Community Center
Phil Berman Executive Director
Mark Perlin CJL team leader
Andy Cohen, Roni Fishkin, Karen
Maniloff, Larry Schwartz, David
Van Glish
Temple Beth El
Sara Schreibman Executive Director
Marshall Lindner CJL team
leader
Jonathan Howard, Anita StraussLaRowe, Lee Pesakoff, Marcy
Dumas
Temple Israel
Anne Weiss Executive Director
Alan Raznick CJL team leader
Barry Bobrowm Michael Koss,
Josh
Loewensteiner,
Allan
Oxman Y
Judy Goldman will
be reading from her
memoir, Losing My
Sister, at Park Road
Books on Sunday,
December 9, at
2 PM.
Making a Lasting Impression
By Sandra Goldman
Cemeteries are complex. They
require commitment for eternity.
They are an important part of the
community as a place for the living to visit the final resting place
of their loved ones. They are
places of natural refuge and are
distinctive centerpieces, giving
character and uniqueness. They
are landmarks memorializing history, events, and people.
British writer, Neil Gaiman,
writes in his acclaimed history,
The Graveyard Book, “Wander
any graveyard long enough and
you will find it - water stained and
bulging, with cracked or broken
stone, scraggly grass or rank
weeds about it, and a feeling,
when you reach it, of abandonment.”
We at the Hebrew Cemetery are
very proud of our holy grounds.
Although not much more than a
decade ago, some of Gaiman’s
wording might have fit, today the
Hebrew Cemetery is a well-manicured landscape with a master
plan. Our board transformed the
land into a statement of serenity,
honor, and community.
I believe that it is crucial that
cemeteries need to be well-cared
for in order to insure that they are
comfortable places to visit. The
bottom line is that those who are
looking to choose their final resting place will make their decision,
in part, based on how they embrace the property.
With this in mind, I am extremely grateful for the way the
community has embraced the current expansion of the Hebrew
Cemetery and the construction of
a Memorial Building. We are
pleased to announce that over
75% of the project already has
been funded. The Leon Levine
Foundation presented us, at the
Annual Memorial Service in Sep-
tember, with a surprise grant challenge: It will match, dollar for dollar up to $100,000, for new
pledges made between now and
December 31. The pledges are
payable over five years.
In the past, the board purchased
adjoining lots, added new fencing
around the property, opened a new
entry on Statesville Avenue and
did some extensive landscaping.
Now we are in the process of
nearly doubling the number of
plots available to the Greater
Charlotte Jewish community.
As some of you have already
seen, construction has already
begun on the grounds. In less than
a year the Memorial Building
should be completed, housing a
chapel big enough to hold midsize
funerals and unveilings, a family
room for privacy, bathrooms, and
maintenance storage. The focal
point of the chapel will be the former marble ark from Temple Beth
El. A touch screen will help visitors locate graves.
If one googles “shabby and unkempt cemetery,” one can find
nearly a million references in the
United States alone. What a sad
statement. Curb appeal is the exterior look of a property. It is the
first impression the land makes on
families and visitors as they drive
up. Many people look at a cemetery to see how much care is given
and how well the cemetery is
maintained. The looks exemplify
the feeling a cemetery wishes to
convey. And once in a while (in
this case, only the third time in
145 years) the cemetery needs the
community to step up and continue to complete this task.
Of course, the difficulty with
fulfilling the vision of a professional, beautiful cemetery is the
cost. It is not as simple as budgeting for lawn care and machinery.
If not planned accordingly, budg-
ets deplete. Access roads fall into
disrepair, trees want for trimming,
and structures suffer. But with
careful planning and funding, the
beauty of the cemetery can be preserved. For this reason, all funds
raised in excess of the construction costs will go into an endowment to care for the cemetery in
perpetuity.
I am delighted that, thanks to
the generosity of this Jewish community, our Hebrew Cemetery
will be neither a sad statement nor
part of a gloomy statistic. Your
commitment will ensure that
Gaiman’s dire description will
never apply to the Hebrew Cemetery and that these holy grounds
will always be a distinctive landmark within Charlotte. We are
making a lasting impression.
To learn more about the new
memorial building, pre-planning
or to arrange a personal tour of the
cemetery, please contact Sandra
Goldman by phone at 704-5761859 or by email at [email protected]. If you wish to
hear more about the expansion
and how to make a five year
pledge, please contact Bill Gorelick at 704-996-7776 or [email protected]; or
Marc Silverman at 704-362-0400
or [email protected].
Donations may also be mailed to
the Hebrew Cemetery Association, 5007 Providence Road, Suite
113, Charlotte NC 28226.Y
Visit us on the web:
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JCC Tributes
BUTTERFLY PROJECT
FUND
In honor of Stan August’s birthday from Shellie and Harvey
Barer, Aleen and David Epstein,
Tammy and Ken Golder, Haley
and Jonathan Hirschmann, Jodie
and Michael Iagnocco, Mindy
Kirschbaum, Phil Armstong, Andrea and Adrian Mesoznik, Jill
and Ed Newman, Anne and Mike
Sinsheimer, Robin and Michael
Stier, Jodi and Greg Valenstein
In honor of Irving Bienstock on
his LJCC Volunteer of the Year
Award and Suly Chenkin on her
LJCC Presdient and Executive Director Award from Ruth and Alan
Goldberg
In honor of Phil Armstrong’s
birthday from Judy and Stan August
PAUL SPIL MEMORIAL
SOFTBALL FUND
In honor of the baby naming of
Yael Goldstein from Linda and
Morris Spil
In honor of Linda and Morris
Spil from Rachel Putterman and
Jonathan Friedman Y
Jennifer Sperry, CFP®
FI NANCI AL ADVI SO R
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Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28210
704-553-7220 x127
[email protected]
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Member SIPC
BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY
To advertise in the Business Card Directory, contact one of our sales representatives:
Jodi Valenstein, 704-609-0950 or Scott Moskowitz, 704-906-2474
Hebrew Language Expert
Amalia Warshenbrot
Teacher w Translator w Interpreter
Like us on
Facebook:
Charlotte
Jewish News
Over 30 years experience
in teaching modern and
prayer-book Hebrew,
includes Bar-Mitzvah
704-365-3313
[email protected]
LJCC Annual Meeting: New Officers Elected; Awards Presented
The 26th Annual Meeting of
the Sandra & Leon Levine Jewish
Community Center was held on
the evening of October 10. The
event, featuring elections, honors,
desserts, and a delightful video,
was co-chaired by Elise Kosofsky
and Roni Fishkin.
Elise delivered the D’Var Torah
to over 100 guests and staff members, encouraging them to continue to find the passion and light
which will allow them to give
more and receive more from their
life experiences.
Three long-time members of
the Board of Directors have
stepped down from their positions. David Van Glish, President
of the LJCC Board of Directors,
recognized and thanked David
Berger, Roni Fishkin, and Jill
Newman, for their many years of
committed service. Each was presented with a beautiful mezuzah,
created by Gwen Orland in the
LJCC Ceramics Studio. Gwen is a
very talented artist, and the LJCC
is privileged to have her as our
Fine Arts Coordinator.
The 2012-2013 Nominating
Committee - Larry Schwartz,
Michael Baumstein, Wendy Petricoff, Chantal Rubin, and Michael
Sinsheimer - were recognized and
thanked for their diligent efforts.
David then presented the proposed slate of Officers and Directors to the general membership.
The 2012-2013 slate, including
four new Directors, was unanimously approved as noted below.
Officers: David Van Glish
(President), Michael Baumstein
(Vice President), John Box (Vice
President), George Cronson (Vice
President), Elise Kosofsky (Vice
President), Mark Lerner (Vice
President/Treasurer), and Larry
Schwartz (Past President).
Directors: Judy August, Glenda
Bernhardt, Andy Cohen, David
Cohen, Gene Daumit, Jeremy
Davids*, Justin Lan*, Stuart
Goldstein*, Staci Mond, Elaine
Moody, Mark Perlin, Chantal
Rubin, Jon Simon*, Peter Smul,
Robert Valenstein, Kim Wojnowich. (*New Directors)
In giving the President’s annual
speech, David referred to
past year and for their conthe sermon he had heard
tinued commitment to the
during Yom Kippur. In that
LJCC.
sermon, Rabbi Murray
Program Service Awards
Ezring spoke about the imwere then presented to the
portance of interacting
following outstanding volwith people face-to-face.
unteers:
Rabbi Ezring had read the
Sharon Taubman (Butterlyrics of Harry Chapin’s
fly Project)
song, “Cat’s in the Cradle,”
Andrea McCleary and
to illustrate his point.
Barry Sherbal (Oasis)
Though communication
Esther Thompson (Soctoday is often in the form
cer)
of emails, tweets, and Phil Berman, CEO of the LJCC; Judy August, member
Marissa Brooks, Lori
texts, here at the LJCC, it’s of the LJCC Board of Directors; Irving Bienstock, Vol- Handler, Tina Rogovin,
all face-to-face. We pro- unteer of the Year; David Van Glish, president of the Marlene
Rosenzweig,
vide opportunities for in- LJCC
Michelle Rusgo and Stacey
teraction with our friends,
Slomka (Theater)
loved ones, and other community bonds between friends and within
Irving Bienstock received a
members. David emphasized that families. New friendships are built standing ovation as he was named
the personal relationships that de- on the tennis courts and in the pot- Volunteer of the Year for his devovelop each day at the “J” make it tery studio. Each program and action to the Butterfly Project. Irva very special place. Members are tivity succeeds in building the ing, who survived the Holocaust
always coming together at the strong families and lasting friend- as a child, has displayed courage,
pool, summer camps, Oasis, and ships that make up a thriving Jew- strength, and commitment in rethe fitness center. The Butterfly ish community.
counting his story to a new generDavid thanked Phil Berman, ation.
Project, theatrical performances,
JTribes and JTeam, among other CEO of the LJCC, the LJCC
Suly Chenkin also received a
programs, provide priceless op- Board of Directors, and the LJCC standing ovation as she accepted
portunities to form and strengthen staff for all their hard work this the President’s and Executive Director’s Award. In presenting the
award, Judy August reminded us
that Suly could have been a butterfly - one of those 1.5 million
children murdered in the Holocaust who are memorialized
through the Butterfly Project. Suly
was honored for her passionate
and tireless support of the Butterfly Project and for her eloquence
and sensitivity in presenting her
story as a Holocaust survivor.
Phil Berman, CEO of the
Levine Jewish Community Center, fondly recognized the five
year anniversaries of staff members Shellie Barer, Linda Dabak,
Jessica Myers, Tim Whitener, and
Jodie Iagnocco.
Daphne Williams was honored
for her extraordinary 20 years of
Lee Hirsch,
service at the LJCC.
critically-acclaimed
Lyn Addy, Linda Dabak, and
documentary film
Kristi Fallowes were singled out
director, will speak
as outstanding employees for
candidly about his
2012.
The highlight of this wonderful
movie, Bully, using
evening
was a video of our Oasis
clips.
film
20
over
seniors hard at play. Incredibly,
they staged a Flash Mob performance at the Morrocroft Harris
Teeter on a sunny September
morning. The seniors, many of
whom rely on walkers, canes, and
oxygen tanks, sang and danced
their way into the hearts of all who
were watching as they performed
their “You Make Me Feel So
Young” routine. Many thanks to
Jodie Iagnocco, Ilana Levin, and
the management of Harris Teeter
for making that whole event possible.
The evening ended on this
happy note. Everybody exited
humming, “You Make Me Feel So
Young.” Y
Get your tickets today!
Location for Jan. 16: Levine JCC @ Shalom Park
5007 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226
Purchase Tickets & More Info:
Online at: www.joinedineducation.org
By email at: [email protected]
By visiting participating
schools (checks payable to
Joined in Education)
The Leon Levine Foundation
Strong Girls Club
Youth Visions
Hebrew Highlights -- Monthly T’fillah
Hebrew High students and
teachers are a close knit community. Our T’fillah (prayer) program helps to strengthen our ties
with the Jewish people and each
other. Each month a different
group or faculty member leads the
entire school in an innovative and
meaningful brief prayer experience. In October, Rabbi Klirs, the
new Director of Education at
Temple Israel (and proud Hebrew
High teacher), helped us explore
the meaning of the 19 blessings
that make up the Amidah. Following is some of the interpretive
rewritings for each bracha.
1. The original- “God, You remember goodness of our ancestors”
Student interpretations - Be
nice to your family, elders
Have respect for people older
than you are
Never forget where your roots
are
2. The original-“God, you are
awesome”
Student interpretations - God
is amazing
God does everything so well
3. The original - “God’s name
is holy”
has done many things for us, so
we all should honor that.
God is one, you should cherish
God
God is special and different
from normal people
4. The original - “Grant us
knowledge, wisdom, and understanding”
Student interpretations - I
would like to understand human
nature better
Let us be able to comprehend
the magnificence of your Kingdom
Give us the strength we need to
learn
May I be able to make good
choices with a clear conscience
5. The original - “Help us correct our mistakes”
Student interpretations-Make
our wrongs into rights
Help me to become better
Let us learn from our mistakes
6. The original - “Forgive our
sins”
Student interpretations-Ask
the people you wrong to forgive
you
Don’t live in the past
7. The original - “Please save
your people”
Student interpretations-Save
people from war
Do the right thing for people in
need
8. The original - “Heal all the
sick”
Student interpretations Adonai, heal those who are sick in
mind and body
Provide us with the strength to
help ourselves and the compassion to help others who cannot
9. The original-“Make the
earth fertile”
Student interpretations Make our earth flourish along
with all of its inhabiting creatures
May people learn to take care
of the environment
10. The original - “Please reunite our people”
Student interpretations - Dear
God, let the Jews be happy together
Peace and love for Jews together as a family
In essence, praise Zionism
11. The original - “You love
justice”
Student interpretations - Justice is a right all Jews should have
God, please support justice,
mercy, and fairness
May the world find the peace it
so desperately needs
12. The original - “Destroy
evil and evil doers”
Student interpretations Make evil into peace
Destroy all evil with your
blessings
13. The original - “Reward the
faithful”
is faithful to us, we should be
righteous and faithful in return
Treat those who believe in you
well
14. The original - “Restore
Jerusalem and let your presence
dwell there”
Student interpretations Please allow Jerusalem to be the
Rabbi Tracy Klirs
capital of Israel
Allow Jerusalem to live as a
great city
15. The original - “Bring salvation to your people”
Student interpretations Please bring joy to those who
need to be saved
Bring kindness to everyone.
16. The original - “Hear and
answer our prayers”
Student interpretations - Understand what we need and give it
to us
If you see someone in need,
help them
Listen to everyone who may
ask a question
God, please don’t send me to
voicemail
17. The original - “Accept our
prayers”
Student interpretations Bring us all together, extinguish
differences, and make connections
I’m hoping that you are listening to my prayers
18. The original - “Thank you,
God, for everything”
Student interpretations Thank you for the life I have been
given
Thank you God, for the gift of
the universe
19. The original-“Grant Israel
and all the world peace”
Student interpretations Make this a happy world
Let everyone live without
being bullied.
At Hebrew High, our students
are given freedom to express their
thoughts about Judaism, prayer,
Israel, and much more. If you
have an 8th-12th grader who
hasn’t enrolled for the 2012-2013
school year, please contact Roz at
704-944-6782 to find out more
about our dynamic program. Y
DINING OUT, CATERING
& HOSPITALITY
To advertise in the Dining Out, Catering
& Hospitality section of The Charlotte
Jewish News, contact one of our sales
representatives:
LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT
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704-541-6668 or 704-541-6666
Fax: 704-541-6661
Happy Hanukkah
and a Happy
2013 to our
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Jodi Valenstein, 704-609-0950
Scott Moskowitz, 704-906-2474
$2 OFF
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with this ad
Only 1 coupon per transaction.
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Featuring 124 beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites
Complimentary amenities include:
Hot breakfast, internet access, transportation to Shalom Park
Pamper your guests during this special moment in time at the closest hotel to Shalom Park
Contact [email protected] to learn about our special group rates or
booking the Great Room* for your Friday night dinner or other gathering.
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What is Happening in Charlotte BBYO?
Charlotte BBYO is having a
great year. The teens in our four
local chapters have been busy participating in weekly programs and
activities. In October, 48 Charlotte
BBYO teens attended our sold out
new member (MIT-AIT) convention in Greensboro. The teens enjoyed learning all about BBYO
from our senior teen leaders. The
teens were divided into “mock
chapters” and came up a chapter
name, t-shirt, banner, and song. It
was inspiring to see how creative
a group of teens could be in a
short amount of time. Our special
guest for the weekend was Mikey
Pauker, a professional song leader,
who helped our youth leaders to
create and lead Shabbat services.
The teens enjoyed Shabbat electives, which included yoga, a
community service PB&J-a-thon,
and a program on inclusion and
hurtful words. That evening a
dance was held after havdallah.
The convention ended on Sunday
with lots of hugs and goodbyes
and many new friendships created
across NC and VA.
In November, the two Charlotte
BBG Chapters partnered to celebrate BBG Shabbat. Shabbat services were coordinated by the
chapter shlichim, Lydia Safir and
Diana Turk. A Shabbat dinner was
enjoyed by all who participated.
The theme of BBG was “The
Tune of Sisterhood” and
was celebrated by B’nai
B’rith Girls all over the
country.
On December 1,
Charlotte BBYO held
its annual Sweetheart
Beau Dance at the
Levine JCC. The theme
for this year’s dance was
“Candy Land” and the
teens were dressed to
impress. A special cereCharlotte BBYO’ers headed for MIT/AIT Conmony honoring Char- vention
lotte BBYO’s senior
class was held as well as
the crowning of this year’s sweethearts and beaus.
As soon as school lets out for
winter break our teens will be
heading off to Regional Convention in Raleigh from December
21-23. This convention brings together our NC and VA members
for three days of creative and
thought provoking programs. This
year our special guest speaker will
be Bobby Petrocelli, an inspiraThe Foundation of Shalom Park is seeking a highly qualified Executive Director.
tional speaker who will share his
The Foundation is a non-profit Jewish agency that owns and manages the
story about “How 10 Minutes Can
properties and facilities for the 12 independent Jewish organizations that are
Change Your Life.” We hope
located at this spectacular 54 acre site in Charlotte, NC.
many teens will take his important
message to heart.
It’s never too late to get inThe Executive Director, who reports to the Foundation’s Board, is primarily
volved in BBYO – come join
responsible for all the property’s management functions including: maintenance,
the fun. For more information
custodial landscaping, safety and security, signage, parking, facility coordination,
call 704-944-6834 or email
IT services, etc. In addition, the Executive Director is responsible for managing
[email protected]. Y
Executive Director
Charlotte AZA Chapters
Learn Basic Rugby Skills
and More
the department budget and a staff of approx. 25, and maintaining the aesthetic
standards expected by all Shalom Park tenants. The Executive Director, interfaces
with other lay and professional leadership at the various constituent agencies, on
a regular basis.
The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree and have extensive
managerial and leadership experience, an understanding of Jewish values, with
at least 5 years of facilities management experience. Most importantly, the
candidate will have a variety of personal skills (successful communicator, proven
collaborator, relationship builder, etc.) that will help assure his/her success in this
position.
Hank Greenberg
AZA and Mickey
Barak Aberman AZA
had an exciting event
learning rugby on
Tuesday November
13 at a rugby clinic
For consideration, please submit a detailed and updated resume, in confidence,
with The Charlotte
to: [email protected]
Royals Rugby Football Club. The Charlotte Royals are a
non-profit organization and their mission
is to foster a support- Charlotte's AZA chapters join the Charlotte Royals
for some lessons in soccer and life.
ive
environment
where gay and bisexual men and
their straight allies can learn and
play the sport of rugby. The team
is open to all men regardless of
their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, age, size, or
whether or not they have ever
played sports before. The Charlotte Royals came to the JCC to
teach basic rugby skills to our
AZA members. The AZA members that participated got to engage in learning to ruck and maul,
scrum and learn line outs. At the
end of the program several of the
rugby players (both gay and
straight) shared personal experiences on the importance of inclusion on sports teams and how
OPEN 7
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second dish of equal or lesser value Free,
second Entree of equal or lesser value Free,
A few AZA leaders mentioned
December
Value up to $6.25.
Value up to $9.95.
that they never thought about how
24 & 25
hurtful it can be for a gay peer on
3 PM - 10 PM Mon- Thurs w Fri 3 PM - 10 PM
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their sports teams to not feel inSat 4 PM - 11 PM Sun 2:30 PM - 10 PM
12 Noon - 4 PM Sat
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AZA. You can find more informaComplete Catering & Take Out Service w Delivery on Request
tion on The Charlotte Royals at:
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Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards Expand Nationally
Ten Socially Conscious Teens
Will Be Awarded $36,000 Each
by Bay Area Philanthropist
Dedicated to Empowering the
Next Generation of Jewish
Leaders
Call-for-Nominations from
Across the United States: Know
a Teen Who is Helping Repair
the World?
San Francisco — The Helen
Diller Family Foundation is expanding the Diller Teen Tikkun
Olam Awards, issuing a national
call-for-nominations to identify
Jewish teens whose volunteer
service projects demonstrate a determined commitment to make the
world a better place.
Up to ten selected teens, five
from California and five from
other communities across the
country, will each be acknowledged for their visionary actions
with an award of $36,000, to be
used to further their philanthropic
work or their education. Deadline
for nominations is January 6.
What started as a simple idea
for Bay Area Philanthropist Helen
Diller in 2007 has grown tremen-
Gearing
dously over the last six years. The
Helen Diller Family Foundation
has given more than one million
dollars to 30 teens to further their
vision of tikkun olam – a central
precept of Judaism meaning repair
of the world.
“It has been a joy to celebrate
so many incredible Jewish teens
over the past six years, and to support them in their efforts to repair
the world,” said Helen Diller,
president of the sponsoring foundation.
“This opportunity to empower
and nurture teens throughout the
entire United States is a dream
come true, and a simple way to
foster the spirit of tikkun olam
among our future leaders.”
The Jewish Federations of
North America (JFNA) and their
network of 155 Jewish Federations throughout the country will
collaborate with the Helen Diller
Family Foundation, a supporting
foundation of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco,
the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma
Counties, to inspire and encourage
Jewish teen volunteer service na-
tionwide.
“We applaud those who
demonstrate such dedication to
Jewish values and service at a
young age,” said Jerry Silverman,
president and CEO of JFNA. “The
Helen Diller Family Foundation is
known for its commitment to providing enrichment opportunities
that truly do change lives. We are
delighted to collaborate with them
on this innovative program, which
will help create a vibrant future
for the Jewish People.”
Past recipients of the Diller
Teen Tikkun Olam Awards have
gone on to create a non-profit that
helps terminally ill high-schoolers
attend their prom, a soccer-focused social media fundraising
campaign (praised by David
Beckham) that supplies water to
third-world communities, and a
wide range of projects that support
causes such as education, tolerance issues, autism awareness,
anti-poverty efforts, environmental responsibility, wildfire safety
and others. Recipients have gone
on to engage with world leaders,
celebrities and internationally-
known sports figures, while attracting public and media attention including CNN, The New
York Times, National Geographic,
MTV and The Today Show.
Now in its 13th year of giving,
the Helen Diller Family Foundation has granted more than $200
million to support education, the
arts, medical research and development, leadership training programs for teens, and many other
charitable endeavors.
Qualifications for nomination:
* Teens may be nominated by
teachers, community leaders, rabbis, or anyone who knows the
value of their volunteer service
and commitment —except family
Simple Latke
Recipe
1. Grate (in food processor
or by hand) equal parts
white and sweet potatoes
(optional: 1 small zuchhini
for every two potatoes.
2. Parboil grated potatoes
(and zucchini), put aside to
drain and cool.
3. Mix with eggs and flour
(1 egg and 1/4 c. flour for
every 4 potatoes)
4. Season with salt, garlic
powder, and freshly ground
pepper to taste
5. Prepareolive oil in a skillet till hot
6. Form potato mixture into
balls with ice cream
scooper (or by hand). Put in
skillet and flatten to form
pancakes
7. Fry until golden brown
on both sides
Serve with apple sauce,
sour cream, or plain yogurt.
suggestion: top each latke
with yogurt and spoonful of
salmon caviar.
h!
anuka
h
C
r
o
f
up
d
Lexi & her da
ith Dad
w
s
l
e
d
i
e
r
D
at
Open
House
Tuesday, January 8th
9:30 – 10:30 am
Half day Full day Camp
6619 Sardis Road
Charlotte, NC 28270
members. Teens may also nominate themselves.
* Each candidate must be a
U.S. resident aged 13-19 years old
at the time of nomination, and
must self-identify as Jewish.
* Community service projects
may benefit the general or Jewish
community.
* Teens compensated for their
services are not eligible.
To enter: Complete the simple
online nomination form at
www.jewishfed.org/teenawards/
process.
For
more
information:
w w w. j e w i s h f e d . o r g / d i l l e r /
teenawards;
415-512-6437;
[email protected]. Y
RSVP to
[email protected]
The miracle, of
course, was not that
the oil for the sacred
light – in a little
cruse – lasted as
long as they say; but
that the courage of
the Maccabees
lasted to this day:
let that nourish my
flickering spirit.
–Charles Reznikoff,
“Meditations on the Fall and
Winter Holidays”
Hanukkah CD ‘Tis a Seasonal Antidote for Excessive Bell-Jingling
By Andy Altman-Ohr
San Francisco
(j. weekly) — “I
have a warped
mind,” Lauren
Mayer replies
when asked to
describe how she
wrote some of
the biting lyrics
Andy
on
“Latkes, Altman-Ohr
Schmatkes!,” her
CD of original
comedy songs for Hanukkah. “My
mind just goes there.”
And “there” could be anywhere. Absolutely anywhere.
One song, sung in Cuban chacha style, predicts that your
friends will give you a dreidelshaped potholder because “you’re
their favorite token Jew, or the
only Jewish person they knew.”
Another song, sung in rap style
purportedly by Dr. Dreidel (it’s
Mayer, actually), proclaims
“Eight is better than wuh-one,
Hanukkah is more fuh-un.”
And in the klezmer-sounding
title track, the resident of San
Mateo, CA, sings about making
latkes: “Oil on the ceiling, oil on
the wall, all around the stove and
sink, and even down the hall.”
And the payoff for all that
work? “They still look and taste,
like deep-fried dirt,” she sings.
If there’s an overriding theme
to the 12-track CD, it’s how Jews
feel about getting buried by a
yuletide avalanche every year.
Songs such as “Don’t They Know
(Not Everyone Does Christmas)?”
and “The Jew-In-the-GentileWorld Blues” get the point across
with humor, some subtle, some
biting.
It’s no surprise that Mayer, a
53-year-old married mother of
two teenagers, grew up listening
to “The Dr. Demento Show,” a
syndicated radio program that
crested in popularity in the late
1970s. The weekly broadcast included comedy songs, parodies
and novelty records, and helped
launch the careers of “Weird Al”
Yankovic and others.
Mayer sent Dr. Demento, who
is still doing his show via podcast,
a copy of “Latkes, Schmatkes!”
and received word via her publicist that “he loved it” and was
going to play parts of it during his
December holiday specials.
“I’ve never done any comedy
that is this edgy or in your face,
but I think all great comedians
come from a place of a little bit of
anger,” says Mayer, a Yale graduate who went on to become a
cabaret writer and performer in
San Francisco for many years.
“My hope is that Jews will listen
to this and laugh instead of pound
their heads against the wall during
Christmastime.”
Mayer crafted each song on
the CD in a different musical
style. “Down Home Country
Hanukkah” is a bluegrass/country
tune. “I Hate Holiday Music”
sounds just like a cheesy,
jingle bell-laden Christmas song. Other styles include Calypso and gospel.
First and foremost,
Mayer says, all of the
songs are “just fun,”
marked by off-the-wall
lyrics, creative rhymes
and occasional inflections
of Yiddish and Brooklyn
accents. They are breezy,
too, as nearly all of them
are less than three minutes.
Mayer dedicated the
CD to her father, who was
diagnosed with brain cancer last
year.
“I completely get my sense of
humor from him,” Mayer says,
noting that he opened her eyes
(and ears) to comedy pioneers
such as early TV star Ernie Kovacs and 1950s and ’60s novelty
records stars such as Tom Lehrer,
Spike Jones, and Alan Sherman.
Mayer grew up in Irvine and
had a bat mitzvah at the city’s
Harbor Reform Temple Shir HaMa’alot in 1971 - kind of a rarity
for girls at that time. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Yale,
she went to New York City, but
with “rats in my apartment, getting my wallet stolen, and flashers
on the subway, I figured if I was
going to be a struggling songwriter and singer, I should go
somewhere that was a bit nicer.”
She became a mainstay of the
then-popular 1980s cabaret scene
in San Francisco, which included
a mix of piano bars and flamboyant, drag-show productions. She
nabbed three straight wins (for directing and writing) in a local
cabaret version of the Tony
Awards.
After 1989, she turned to a
more sedate career as a corporate
entertainer, voice coach, and director and writer of children’s musicals. She also has some other
CDs on the market, including
“Psycho Super Mom” and “Return of Psycho Super Mom.”
Many of her recent gigs have
included jobs for and within the
Jewish community, such as writing a Purim play and also some
songs for a Hanukkah choir. She
and her family - including sons
David, 18, and Ben, 15, who sang
and played drums on the CD and
helped her produce a video for
“Eight Is Better Than One” (now
on YouTube) - are members of
Peninsula Temple Beth El in San
Mateo. Scott Grinthal - “Husband
2.0” she calls him - is a big-band
singer and also the cantor at St.
Agnes Catholic Church in San
Francisco. Yes, that is his official
title, not musical director, but cantor.
“My parents said, ‘Lauren married a cantor! How wonderful!’ ”
Mayer jokes. “I had to explain it’s
not what they thought.”
The genesis for “Latkes,
Schmatkes!” occurred last year,
when National Public Radio
played Mayer’s recording “The
Fruitcake that Ate New Jersey” (a
slight takeoff on the old Dr. Demento favorite “The Cockroach
that Ate Cincinnati”) as an example of a bad holiday song. During
an ensuing interview, Mayer suggested that maybe she should
write a funny Hanukkah album,
which NPR host Liane Hansen
thought was a great idea.
So Mayer set off on a whirlwind 10 months of writing, editing and recording.
Mayer says she’d often “crack
up out loud” when writing the
songs. Now she’s hoping that people will have the same reaction
when they listen.
(“Latkes, Schmatkes!” Information at www.laurenmayer.com.
$15.99. Also available at iTunes,
Amazon, and other sites. $9.99 to
download.)
Giving the Gift of Tikkun Olam
By Suzanne Kurtz
Washington (JTA) — If the
thought of spending too much
Hanukkah gelt on lavish gifts for
friends and loved ones seems a little dim this year, adding a little
tikkun olam to the presents can
give your Festival of Lights a
memorable glow.
The Religious Action Center of
Reform Judaism has assembled a
Social Justice Hanukkah Gift
Guide with gift-giving ideas suitable for all the do-gooders on your
list. Buying fair trade products,
adopting a U.S. serviceman or servicewoman, donating blood or
joining the National Bone Marrow Registry are just a few of the
suggestions that can be found easily on their website.
There’s an idea for each of the
eight nights of Hanukkah.
Naomi Abelson
The organization created the
guide two years ago, says Naomi
Abelson, the social action specialist at the Union for Reform Judaism, “when we realized no such
resource existed” to help those interested in giving gifts for
Rabbi Cookie Olshein
Hanukkah with a social justice
bent.
Some rabbis and synagogues
go even further in aiding their
congregants with non-commercial
gift-giving ideas.
Congregation Beth Israel in
Austin has been hosting a
Hanukkah Mitzvah Bazaar for the
past 15 years, says Rabbi Cookie
Olshein, as an alternative to gift
shopping for the holiday.
A philanthropic cause is chosen
each year - like hunger, aging, Israel, or the environment - and
several charitable organizations
devoted to the cause are invited to
come to the bazaar and introduce
their work, services and mission
to the holiday shopping congregants. The shoppers select an organization that they would like to
support, and purchase a donation
for friends and loved ones in lieu
of buying them an actual present.
A beautiful, personalized card is
included.
“Hanukkah isn’t Yom Kippur,
it isn’t a major holiday,” Olshein
says. “It is a celebration of Jewish
identity, and small acts can make
a big change in the world.”
And unlike Purim, says Rabbi
Sari Laufer of Congregation
Rodeph Shalom in New York,
there is no religious commandment instructing us to give gifts
on Hanukkah.
Still, every year, Laufer compiles an “8 Nights, 8 Ways” list
for her congregants with suggestions for them to “Bring Hope on
Hanukkah,” she says. For families
who want to bring a social action
spirit to their holiday celebration,
Laufer encourages parents to have
their children pick out a toy for a
child in need instead of receiving
one themselves or volunteering as
Rabbi Elyse Frishman
a family at a soup kitchen one
night instead of making latkes at
home.
Since gift giving is probably
not what the Maccabees had in
mind for celebrating the
Hanukkah miracle, Rabbi Elyse
Frishman of Barnert Temple in
Franklin Lakes, NJ, says the
home-based aspect of the holiday
lends itself to an ideal opportunity
for families to also reinforce tra-
ditional values like learning, humility, and acts of loving kindness.
During the lighting of the
menorah, Frishman encourages
families to take the time and ask
questions: Who are these candles
for? What matters to us as a family? Who might we think of
tonight?
If children in need of books
come to mind, Reading Village, a
nonprofit organization that promotes literacy in impoverished
villages in Guatemala, has created
a family discussion guide geared
to Hanukkah.
With its Light Up Literacy program, children are encouraged to
forgo a toy on the seventh night
and instead give tzedakah to
Reading Village. Guided learning
material for having a discussion
about the importance of books
and literacy are also part of the
program, along with a special
blessing to be recited over the
Hanukkah candles.
The program, says Linda
Smith, founder of Reading Village, not only “helps to lessen the
consumerism angle” of Hanukkah
but creates a shared bound between Jewish families and the
families in Guatemala, since candle-lighting rituals are also symbolic in Mayan culture.
Rabbi Isaac Jeret, of Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay in
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, however, says the Hanukkah candles
should ultimately serve as a reminder “of our unique Jewish
light.
“We won’t be able to be there
for anybody else if we don’t ensure our own sustainability,” Jeret
says. “We teach the world by way
of example, but we are the miracle
of Hanukkah and we must preserve that light.” Y
Making “Old Country” Latkes on This Side of the Atlantic
Jamie Geller
By Jamie Geller
New York (JTA) — My grandparents really knew how to cook.
It seems to me that everyone born
in the “old country” - in this case
Transylvania - was born with
built-in cooking intuition.
Somehow they could create the
most scrumptious meals using no
fancy equipment, or even measuring spoons.
They hosted every holiday
humbly, I recall, turning out the
expected delicacies with what
seemed like the simplest, most relaxed effort. No exotic flavor profiles nor food combos or wine
pairings; no attempts at reinventing the wheel, because when the
food is that good - make that superb - there’s no need to find a
“twist” on the recipe.
On Hanukkah, we were treated
to their potato pancakes, latkes
that were classic and simple. My
grandfather, a professional chef,
wore a manly white waist apron
that suited him perfectly. His
latkes were made of eggs, onions,
potatoes, oil, salt, pepper, and a
little matzah meal to make them
crunchy.
“Corn meal, that’s also good, if
you don’t have any matzah meal,”
he would say reassuringly, though
you knew that he secretly wondered what kind of kitchen would
not have a handful of matzah meal
somewhere.
The potatoes were hand-grated
so fine - almost to a pudding-like
consistency - then lightly fried in
a pan that looked as though it, too,
had just come over from the old
country. Applesauce and sour
cream traditionally accompany
latkes, but who needed them?
Crispy on the edges, with a fluffy,
buttery smooth center, Grandpa’s
version of this Hanukkah delicacy
could stand alone.
Born on this side of the Atlantic
- Philly, to be exact - I lack the
natural cooking instincts of my
forebears. It’s a long way from
Transylvania to Pennsylvania, and
somewhere en route centuries of
culinary know-how evaporated.
When I married, I was “the bride
who knew nothing” about cooking, and I do mean nothing. I had
a kitchen twice the size of
Grandpa’s boyhood cottage, fully
loaded with waffle makers, woks,
crepe pans, panini presses,
espresso brewers, food processors, and two ovens - and no idea
what to do with any of them.
The first Hanukkah after my
wedding, I called my grandfather
for his latkes recipe. He gave it to
me with “measurements” like “a
sprinkle of salt, a few spoons of
matzah meal, some oil …” All the
while, I wished I had watched him
in action when he was in his
prime. I could have taken notes,
measured out the
amounts he used, studied his grating technique.
But I was on my
own. Tasked with recreating
Grandpa’s
latkes, I tried and
failed, tried and failed until I finally produced
something that is reminiscent of his glorious,
crunchy potato perfection. The recipe went
into my first published
cookbook, “Quick & Kosher:
Recipes from the Bride Who
Knew Nothing.” It’s reprinted
here, in loving memory of my
grandfather.
My husband and kids say these
latkes are the best in the world.
They are very good - but they’re
not Grandpa’s. Maybe it’s my
food processor and that fancyshmancy skillet.
Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
Prep: 12 minutes
Cook: 18 to 24 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
4 med. Idaho potatoes
6 T. canola oil or olive oil
3 eggs, beaten
2 T. matzah meal
2 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. coarse black pepper
Applesauce or sour cream (optional)
Preparation:
Prepare a large bowl filled with
cold water. Peel potatoes, and as
you finish each, place in cold
water to prevent browning. Heat
oil in a lg. skillet over med. heat.
Cut potatoes lengthwise into
halves or quarters so they fit into
food processor feed tube. Process
potatoes using the blade that creates thin, shoestring-like strips
and transfer to a lg. bowl. Add
eggs, matzah meal, salt, and pepper; mix well. Drop 6-8 spoonfuls
of mixture into hot oil. Using the
back of a spoon, pat down each
latke to flatten it. Put as many as
you can in the skillet without
crowding. Putting them too close
together will make them soggy.
Fry 3-4 min. on each side, till
golden and crisp around the
edges; repeat procedure till finished with all the batter. Blot excess oil with paper towels. Serve
warm with applesauce or sour
cream, if desired
Tip: Corn meal is a great substitute for matzah meal and also
will make your latkes nice and
crispy.
About the recipe: Just like they
used to do it in the old country.
These latkes are not loaded with
potato starch, flour, baking powder or other non-essential ingredients. My grandfather shared this
recipe with me when I told him
that I thought his were the
crunchiest, lightest, and most
perfect potato latkes I’ve ever
eaten. Y
(Jamie Geller is the author of
the best-selling “Quick &
Kosher” cookbook series and creator of the Joy of Kosher with
Jamie Geller magazine. Follow
These are Jamie’s classic potato
latkes. Photo from her
joyofkosher.com website.
more of Geller’s Quick & Kosher
cooking adventures on Twitter
@JoyofKosher
and
on
facebook.com/joyofkosher.)
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