November 21

The Texas Gulf Coast’s Jewish Newspaper Since 1908

1908 2013

105 years

November 21, 2013 - 18 KISLEV 5774 � Volume CVI - Number 39 � Houston, Texas � jhvonline.com � $2 Per Copy

On Jan. 25, 2014, United Orthodox Synagogues Goldberg Montessori School will honor Cantor Irving Dean with the Rabbi Joseph and Juliette z”l Radinsky Chesed Award at the school’s annual Toast to Tomorrow fundraiser. For the past 52 years, Cantor Dean has been cantor for United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston, and he has

played piano three days a week for the children at UOS Goldberg Montessori School for 37 years. Working side by side with Rabbi Joseph Radinsky since the school’s inception in January 1977, he and the rabbi have been bringing the students Judaic

Beloved cantor to be honored

JHV: MICHAEL C. DUKE

Congregation Emanu El students Rachel Cominsky, Hannah Kay, Sarah Cominsky, Hanna Boucher and Larkin Boucher created mosaic tiles for a Mitzvah Day project Nov. 17 at The Gathering Place. Volunteers at the site also built an organic vegetable garden, planted trees and painted walls. The Gathering Place, part of The Menninger Clinic, is a community center for adults with mental illnesses.

JFK’s assassination reverberates today By JEANNE F. SAMUELS

It’s been 50 years since history was changed – and the assassination of the 35th president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, lingers in the minds of Americans.

Was the assassination the act of a single individual (Lee Harvey Oswald, an avowed Marxist) or was it a conspiracy? Did nightclub

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

Jewish neighbors of yours have three children. The family was doing all right until about six months ago when the husband was forced to close his business. Then, amid the loss of income, the wife fell ill. The husband still hasn’t found work and now they face the possibility of losing their home, never mind the difficulties they face with putting food on the table,

making the car note and paying for medicine.

This is a real story. There is a growing number of struggling – and poor – Jews in our community.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, in response, has launched a new, multi-million-dollar appeal – “Promise of Hope” – to provide economic aid to local Jews in need. Working in partnership with Jewish Family Service of Houston, Promise

of Hope is the first appeal of its kind, locally, and the only, nationally, for a community of Houston’s size, according to Federation leaders.

“In Houston, our Jewish community has a proud record of leadership in meeting the needs of those in need,” said Amb. Arthur Schechter, chair of the Promise of Hope appeal. “Now, we find that our own local community is

ADL awes audience in centennial celebration By VICKI SAMUELS LEVY

The Jewish people ask a lot of questions, and I have three of my own.

What do a rabbi, an archbishop, and a Texas legislator have in common with a local script writer and an owner of a well-known dress shop?

What kind of music do you get when rapper Bun B and the Lamar High School choir take the stage with the Houston Symphony?

What one request probably is the most asked of the Anti-Defamation League?

Federation appeal promises hope for Houston’s struggling Jews

Love, sweat & cheers

See Hope on Page 10

legislator have in common

Poor Jews in Houston? Who knew.

There is a crisis right in our own backyard that is quietly touching many in our community. Today in Houston, more than 1,500 Jews face joblessness, hunger, homelessness, unpaid bills and the mental and physical ills that come with poverty. That is why we are establishing the Promise of Hope, the first local appeal to address poverty here in Houston’s Jewish community. With this big goal and full hearts, we begin the appeal this Chanukah and Thanksgiving.

Because it is our tradition, our duty, our joy to lighten the lives of fellow Jews in need. Being Jewish Matters.

Keep the Promise: www.houstonjewish.org/poh

Ads_FullPage.indd 1 11/5/13 1:09 PM

ALICE BLOG

United Orthodox Synagogues’ Cantor Irving Dean

See ADL on Page 11

See JFK on Page 5See Cantor on Page 9

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Israel brings its experience in disaster relief to Philippines ..................Page 5What’s in a Jewish name? A reflection of cultural values .....................Page 6Super Sunday phone-a-thon still needs volunteers................................Page 8

Help needed for medical expenses!Houston parents are in desperate need of financial assistance to help care for their 6-year-old son’s medical needs. Any amount, large or small, send to: TORCH, Medical Fund, 10101 Fondren Rd., Ste 515, Houston TX 77096; call 713-721-6400, or email Rabbi Wolbe at [email protected].

Almost half of local

Jews in need are under the age of 60

UP CLOSEPAGE 2JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Imagine a World Without Hate®

Has touched 11,670 regional children with its Miller Early Childhood Initiative

Anti-Defamation League 713.627.3490 [email protected] www.adl.org/southwest

November 30th | 6pm–9pmNovember 30th will feature a special Hanukkah celebration that includes a themed showcase home, 12-foot menorah lighting up the park, along with a 3 foot dreidel, and Rabbi Brahms of Congregation Beth Shalom in The Woodlands tells the story of Hanukkah for all to hear.

Welcome to MainStreet America, the one-of-a-kind, one-stop shop for custom homes, furniture and remodeling. Come explore 12 Design Tech custom showcase homes on one amazing street. Imagine a place where everything you’ve ever dreamed about home building, decorating, and remodeling comes alive!

®

Rabbi Brahms of Congregation Beth Shalom in The Woodlands will tell the

story of Hanukkah

Delectable Jewish foods will add fl avor to the menus at the MAIN Restaurant

and the MainStreet Café.

Children who att end will receive a goody bag full of Hanukkah

themed prizes.

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JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

WASHINGTON (JTA) – Secretary of State John Kerry reportedly told U.S. senators to disregard Israeli reports of Iran’s progress in developing a nuclear weapon. Also, his spokeswoman dismissed an Israeli Cabinet minister’s account of a proposed deal with Iran as “inaccurate, exaggerated, and not based in reality.”

Kerry’s tense meeting Nov. 13 with senators and Jen Psaki’s unusually blunt dismissal of claims by Yuval Steinitz, the strategic affairs minister, were signs of increasing tensions between Jerusalem and Washington over how best to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Kerry met with senators privately in a bid to persuade them not to advance a U.S. House of Representatives bill that would intensify existing sanctions targeting Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favors enhancing the sanctions, as do a number of leading senators.

Afterward, senators attending the meeting said Kerry advised them to ignore Israeli warnings that Iran was on the cusp of being weapons capable.

“I was supposed to disbelieve everything the Israelis had just told me, and I think the Israelis probably have a pretty good intelligence service,” Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., told Buzzfeed.

Netanyahu and his government have intensified their advocacy for new sanctions since reports from talks between Iran and the major powers suggested that the powers were willing to ease sanctions on Iran should it agree to drop uranium enrichment to 3.5 percent.

Most experts say that level is well below weaponization, but Israel has argued that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is advanced to the point that even at that level, it could advance its weapons program.

The House Foreign Affairs

Committee on Nov. 13 held a hearing on the talks, which were to be resumed Nov. 20, and members of both parties said Iran should, at the minimum, abide by U.N. Security Council resolutions and suspend all enrichment.

“Let’s be clear – none of us here today were at the negotiating table, and as far as I know, none of us have yet been briefed on the details,” said Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the committee. “So, I think it would be wise for all of us to speak with some degree of caution until all the facts are known. Having said that, I’m deeply troubled by reports that the proposed agreement would not have required Tehran to stop all enrichment.”

The Obama administration has pushed back hard against reports it says are not based on the actual offer proposed at the Geneva talks, which has not been made public.

Steinitz said that the sanctions relief offered in Geneva could relieve Iran up to $40 billion of the $100 billion impact currently affecting Iran’s economy. Psaki was unusually blunt in

dismissing that number.“Without going into specifics about

what we’re considering, that number,

I can assure you, is inaccurate, exaggerated and not based in reality,” she told reporters.

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For all other departments, see About Us/Contact us at jhvonline.com.

Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Community Calendar. . . . . . . . 14Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Food and Dining . . . . . . . . . . 26Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28In other words . . . . . . . . . . . 13Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28MarketPlace . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32On Campus. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Shabbat Shalom . . . . . . . . . . 14Simchas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Singles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Synagogues . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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www.houstonjewish.org

being jewish mattersThere are hundreds of seniors in our community who would not have a daily hot meal without the assistance of their extended Jewish family. The Federation-supported Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s Meals on Wheels program provides daily sustenance

delivered by a friendly face to more than 500 homebound seniors. Nearly 100 seniors are still on the waiting list. Many of them appreciate the visit as much as the food. The ERJCC program is the only kosher home-delivered meal provider in Houston/Harris County. With 93 percent of clients at or below the federal poverty line, YOUR donations to the Federation Annual Campaign help ensure they receive the help they need.

Kerry quoted as telling senators: Disregard Israeli reports on Iran

-

Up ClosePage 4Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

Celebrate ThanksgivukkahGiving thanks and celebrating an

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JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

owner Jack Ruby murder Oswald in a fit of retaliation for the dastardly act, or was it a means to silence the assassin?

Theories proliferate surrounding the slaying. Books continue to be written, probing and purportedly substantiating so many assumptions. Accusations abound. Was Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson behind it all? (It has been reported that he and the president hated each other.) Could the head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover, have been involved? And, it is known that much of Texas, especially Dallas, was hostile to the young president.

Anyone who was old enough to remember Nov. 22, 1963, will recall exactly where he or she was when the news of the assassination emanated from the airwaves like bolts of lightning. The anguish of the nation was palpable. Television and radio broadcast and rebroadcast, counted and recounted, minute by minute, that fateful moment when Kennedy was struck down: Jackie distraught, Secret Service members dashing about, the wait for news outside Dallas’ Parkland Hospital.

Names like Dealey Plaza, “the grassy knoll,” the Texas School Book Depository, became familiar to everyone. It was the end of an era, the end of enchantment with Washington’s “Camelot.”

Images and sounds of Kennedy’s funeral cortege remain to this day: The solemn throb of the drums; the caisson bearing the fallen president’s body; the rider-less horse with boots turned backwards in the stirrups; and the poignant figure of a little John Kennedy saluting his fallen father.

“JEWRY MOURNS KENNEDY” was the bold front page headline of the Jewish Herald-Voice, dated Nov. 28, 1963. Beneath it, David H. White’s editorial read:

“It was Friday, November 22nd. The evening sky was ablaze with a blood red sunset as though recreating the events of hours earlier. Never was a Texas sky so livid, so sparkling with color. It was as though the falling night shadows were slashed by these reddish streaks which lingered the day in its close. Then there was night – a cloudless sky with a near half-moon and myriads of stars. So nature, in its most glorious moments, blended the day and night – as man blends his grief and his joy in one embrace.

“A President was gone – a new President had taken over the helm of state. As nature portends the darkened night and a bright tomorrow – so in death we must accept a brighter tomorrow for our country. The legacy of democratic traditions so nobly intertwined in the life of John Fitzgerald Kennedy was passed on to another great American – Lyndon. B. Johnson. …

“JFK pushed the American people into the realization that the past hundred years of American history were but a prelude to the century yet to come. He talked and acted and served as the president of all America, all Americans. He could not see the distinction of color or creed. He cut down the bogey men of the past. He incited the haters to greater hate – but he also gave a greater vision to the truly dedicated Americans and the American way of life. His was a great task. He was cut down without being able to fulfill a great portion of his program. Let us hope his legacy to America will be a better concept of democratic living in a most dangerous age.”

Today, the JHV reiterates White’s closing sentence: “We march on to eternity with hope and faith – with belief in a Divine safeguard to our most priceless heritage … freedom, understanding, appreciation, accomplishment and peace.”

Nov. 22, 1963, a day history was changed!

By MARCY OSTER

(JTA) – Obviously wanting to get back to work as the medical manager of the field h ospital set up by the Israel Defense Forces in the Philippines, Lt. Col. Dr. Ofer Merin spoke hurriedly about the three days his team has been seeing patients in the typhoon-ravaged nation.

He told of at least 12 babies the hospital has delivered, most of them premature, and the stabbing victim who may have died if not for the IDF hospital in Bogo City on Cebu Island, one of the areas hardest hit by last week’s Typhoon Haiyan.

By 5 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 17, Merin said at least 50 people had lined up in front of the field hospital to receive treatment.

“If we stayed here two months or even two years, we would have patient work,” he said during a phone call with the media from the Philippines, Nov. 17.

The field hospital began operating on Friday morning, Nov. 15, about seven hours after the team arrived on the island. The parents of the first baby delivered by the Israeli team that first morning named him Israel in gratitude to the volunteers.

Established adjacent to the local hospital in Bogo City, the Israeli field hospital is the only one located in a region of about 250,000 residents, Merin said. Representatives of other countries have visited to view its operation.

The 125-member Israeli team has been seeing about 300 patients a day who either were injured in the typhoon

or unable to care for chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, due to lack of running water or electricity. Others with untreated diseases, including those with advanced cancer, also have made their way to the facility.

Some 22 members of the team are medical doctors, 15 are nurses and the rest are technicians, lab workers and members of the Homefront Command who are coordinating logistics. The delegation brought 100 tons of equipment and supplies.

Merin said the local officials and residents, as well as the medical staff of the local hospital, “greeted us warmly.”

“We are working hand in hand with the Filipino people,” he said.

Merin, a cardiac surgeon and deputy director of Shaare Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem, said the Israelis also have performed surgeries in the local hospital in concert with local doctors “to give them some of our knowledge.”

Despite the death toll of more than 3,000, which is expected to climb thousands higher, and the nearly 2 million displaced, Merin said the wounded are not wandering the streets, as he saw in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. He also was part of the Israeli team that traveled to Japan in the aftermath of its 2011 tsunami; the Japanese infrastructure was better able to withstand a disaster, Merin said.

At about 4 a.m., Sunday, a man who

had been stabbed in the chest was brought to the Bogo City field hospital by friends. Doctors put in a chest drain, which Merin said was beyond the capabilities of the local hospital.

“I am not sure what would have happened if we had not been around,” he said.

Mobilizing and operating the field hospital has cost Israel millions of dollars, Merin said, as well as lost manpower. The medicines and much of the equipment brought in will remain when they leave in about two weeks, he added.

Merin, who is volunteering, believes the IDF is able to mobilize so quickly in the wake of natural disasters because it operates as an army unit, sending an advance team that allows the unit to deploy quickly upon arrival.

One of the logistics officers left with the team for the Philippines two days after his wedding, despite being on leave from the army for the occasion.

Israelis, Merin says, are “ready to drop everything and come and assist anywhere in the world that we need to be.”

His team in the Philippines, he added, is “really treating [the patients] with all their heart.”

An Israeli military person assists survivors of the typhoon that ravaged the Philippines.

Israel brings its experience in disaster relief to Philippines

JFK From Page 1

The first baby delivered was named Israel, in gratitude of

Israeli volunteers


NOVEMBER 21, 2013

By AARON HOWARD

In the beginning, to name was to define. When ancient Jews named a person or place, the appellation was intended to capture one’s personality. That’s the context when Moses asked G-d for his name before he went to the Israelites (Exodus 3:13). G-d answered, “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh,” which can be translated as “I Will Be What I Will Be.” It’s a definition beyond capture.

Contemporary anthropologists like Meyer Fortes say that the naming practices of any society “epitomize personal experiences, historical happenings, attitudes to life, and cultural ideas and values.” Modern Jewish naming practices here and in Israel reveal a wide variety in how we want to be Jewish and what we hope for our children.

In biblical times, both men and women named children. There’s even an instance of G-d as baby namer in the naming of Yitzhak/Isaac (Genesis 21:1-8). Jews named their children after desirable qualities or events. People often gave their children names that contain the name of G-d, or names that expressed praise and thanks to G-d.

“We believe that the times a person is born into and the person himself are interrelated,” said Congregation Torah VaChesed Rabbi Avraham Yaghobian. “Every person has a mission for self-perfection and rectification and social perfection. Therefore, the times one is born into and events that occur are connected to the soul that comes into the world.”

Sons traditionally are named at the bris (circumcision). Naming a girl has different customs, said Rabbi Yaghobian.

“Some name a girl on the day the Torah is first taken out after her

birth. Some, the first Shabbat after her birth. And, some will have a baby- naming ceremony, officially calling the girl by her name, at the baby naming.”

According to Halakha, no other person (besides the parents) has the right to name the child. Regarding which of the two (the father or the mother) has the first right to name their firstborn child, there are differing customs. Some say that if one names his first son after his father (the child’s grandfather), this practice fulfills the obligation of honoring one’s father. On the other hand, if he fails to name the child after his father, it denigrates his honor. Others say that if one gives a name after some member of his father’s family (not necessarily after his father himself), this also constitutes honoring his father.

According to another custom, the right to name the first child belongs to the mother. Some have the custom that the name of a daughter belongs to the mother.

“The rabbis said that when we came out of Egypt, we had only four merits: We did not change our names, our language, our clothing and we did not disclose each other’s secrets (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:21),” said Rabbi Yaghobian. “A Hebrew name identifies you with your culture. It reminds you that you have your own culture and essence. Also, Hebrew names, mystically speaking, carry a spiritual essence.

“About 1,800 years ago, we already find sources indicating the naming of newborns after the dead relatives. The plain reason was to give honor to the deceased and to indicate that the person lives on. The mystical reason was to bring that soul back into the world if that person had not finished their job here. Or, if they did finish, it

was a type of prayer or wish that the person will assist this new child in their mission in this life.”

The custom among Ashkenazim is not to name a child after a person who still is living. Some say that the objection specifically is to naming after one’s father who is still living, but there is no objection to naming after other living relatives. The custom among Sephardim is not to be particular about this. On the contrary, they consider it to be a form of honoring one’s father and a protective charm for long life if a grandchild is named after a living grandparent.

Most rabbinic authorities agree that one should not give his son the same name as his own. However, among the Yemenites, some do have the custom of giving children the same name as their own.

Some historians say that after the decline of Babylonian Jewry in the 10th century, Jews began taking secular names, especially in Europe. But, others argue that throughout the ages, Jews have taken secular names. For example, many Amoraim (about 200 C.E.) had non-Hebrew names, such as Mar Kashisha, Rav Z’vid, and Rav Papa. Most of the names of the Geonim (beginning in 589 C.E.) were Aramaic and not Hebrew. And Maimon, the father of Rambam, was a secular name.

According to JewishGen, most Jews did not have fixed hereditary surnames until the early 19th century. Before that, people were known only by their first name and a patronymic (their father’s given name): for example, “Yaacov ben Shmuel.”

Jews were required to take surnames at various times. In the Austrian Empire, surnames became required in 1787. Surname requirement followed in the Russian Pale of Settlement in 1804, in Germany beginning in 1807 and in the Russian Kingdom of Poland in 1821.

Surnames could be based on a parent’s given name, geographic place name, occupation, personal characteristics, religious status (Cohen and Levy) or for artificial reasons such as failing to pay a bribe to acquire a “nice” name.

In genealogical research, family names simultaneously are one of the most important pieces of genealogical information and a source of significant confusion for researchers,

emphasized Deena Gordon, former program chair of the Greater Houston Jewish Genealogical Society.

“You have a long list of given surnames when they were freely chosen,” said Gordon. “Experienced genealogists say there’s no such thing as an exclusive Jewish surname. For almost any name you consider Jewish, you can find somebody with the same name who is not Jewish. The perfect example is the American composer George M. Cohan. There’s a famous story about the time Cohan was denied a hotel room because the owners took him for being Jewish. He was so insulted that he said, as a good Irish Catholic, he wouldn’t stay in such a place. On the surface, what could be more Jewish than the name ‘Cohan’?”

The spelling of Jewish surnames is irrelevant. The consistent spelling of names is a 20th-century invention.

“With American Jewish surnames, if someone starts out in Russia or Germany before they migrate, every time you change languages, even if you stay with the same alphabet, the spelling changes. Every place under the jurisdiction of the czar, which included the Pale of Settlement, the names were written in Cyrillic. Many names that start off as Jewish are actually German, Polish or Russian because so many immigrant Jews came from those countries.”

In Israel, the trend among secular parents is to move away from traditional Jewish names, said Haifa University Prof. Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi. He has researched Israeli Jewish names, using Interior Ministry data.

“Among secular Israelis, traditional Jewish names, such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, will not be touched with a 10-foot pole. Names like Zachary (Zack) or Jeremy, which are popular in the U.S., would be considered strange in Israel. This does not apply to the ultra-Orthodox and many of the Orthodox. They are keeping Jewish traditions without reservations. Rejecting Jewish names is a measure of secularization.”

Many secular Hebrew names like Nimrod and Anat (a Canaanite goddess) defiantly are non-Jewish, continued Beit-Hallahmi. These names reflected the Zionist ideological rebellion against Diaspora culture.

In modern Israel, the Russians are one group who tend not to give up their secular names.

“The Enlightenment people in Russia rejected their Jewish names 150 years ago,” said Beit-Hallahmi. “Zionism adopted the notion that the Bible was central to Jewish identity. And, in the Bible, you have this distinction between religious and nonreligious role models. Names like Yoram became popular. In the Bible, there were two kings named Yoram who ‘did evil in the sight of the L-rd.’ So, that name was symbolic of a generation of rebels who didn’t follow the Diaspora tradition.”

In contrast, said Beit-Hallahmi, many in the Mizrachi community are traditionally religious people. They use new Israeli names for girls, less so for boys.

“One popular girls’ name is Orly (Or=light),” he said. “But, boys’ names are more traditional. In general, fashions for girls’ names change faster than for boys, which are more stable historically.”

What’s in a Jewish name? A reflection of cultural values

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Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

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Up ClosePage 8Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

On Sunday, Oct. 20, more than 50 families with young children met at Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism for the first PJ Library Story Time of the program year. The theme for the event was “Kindness to Animals.” Rabbi Steve Gross welcomed families to the synagogue and led everyone in singing several songs and making the appropriate animal noises. The chairs of the event, Jamie Weiner and Debbie Bernstein, read two PJ Library books about animals, and then the families were invited to a petting zoo on the patio.

PJ Library (“PJ” for “pajamas”) is a Jewish family-engagement program, which offers the gift of free, high-quality Jewish children’s literature and music each month to families across the continent, on a monthly basis. PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon

Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations.

Today, families in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada are able to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music. Currently, 185 North American communities are active in the PJ Library, with more than 100,000 subscriptions.

In Houston, the PJ Library is a gift from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, in partnership with generous local donors. More than 1,000 Houston-area youngsters, ages 6 months to 6 years, are enrolled in the program. Families who subscribe to PJ Library also receive a monthly e-newsletter with information about and ideas for celebrating Jewish holidays with their

children. A monthly PJ Library Story Time is held on the third Sunday of each month.

The next PJ Library story-time event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, in partnership with the ERJCCs Mishpacha & Me program.

Signing up is easy. To enroll your child, visit pjlibrary.org. For more information, contact Barbara Loeser, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Community Education coordinator, at 713-729-7000, ext. 321, or [email protected].

Volunteers are needed to help with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon on Sunday, Dec. 8, to raise money for the 2014 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Amy Krost will serve as head “coach” for the second year in a row.

“Super Sunday is an event for our entire community and the Jewish Federation needs you to volunteer!” said Krost.

Volunteers are needed to make calls from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from noon to 3 p.m. They also are

needed during Super Week on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Jewish Federation, 5603 S. Braeswood Blvd.

“Volunteer for Houston’s largest annual Jewish community phone-a-thon. Support and represent your agency, day school or synagogue. Volunteers of all ages are needed to help make calls, raise funds, and assist in a variety of other ways,” Krost explained. “Choose the time that works for you, then join us for a rewarding and memorable day.”

On Super Sunday, volunteers

reach out to community members to bring in dollars that support Jewish organizations in Houston, Israel and around the world. At last year’s Super Sunday/Super Week, the Federation raised more than $330,000 for the Annual Campaign from more than 400 donors.

“All funds raised for Super Sunday support the Annual Campaign, which funds a lifeline of vital programs and services in Houston, in Israel and around the world,” Krost said. “I can’t wait to see you all there for another year of success!”

Besides making phone solicitations and handling administrative work, volunteers also help with door prizes and refreshments. Participants will receive a brief training before their shifts begin. Sign up at houstonjewish.org/supersunday2014.

To help defray the costs of this community-wide event, corporate partners, in-kind prize donors and phone sponsors also are needed. To volunteer or to become an in-kind corporate supporter, contact Barbara Eisenbaum at 713-729-7000, ext. 344, or [email protected].

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Women’s Philanthropy is getting ready for a fashion-forward Collage 2014 and will kick off in high style at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 at the David Peck USA Showroom. The kickoff co-chairs are Marcie Bluestone and Nicole Longnecker.

Collage is the premier women’s fundraising event of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, benefitting the 2014 Annual Campaign. This year’s Collage, set for Feb. 18, 2014, at the Westin Galleria Hotel Grand Ballroom, features New York Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis. Collage

co-chairs are Allison Leibman and Robyn Shkolnick.

The Kick-Off Event enables Collage chairs, vice chairs and table captains to build excitement for the upcoming luncheon. Fashion designer David Peck will share his industry knowledge with attendees.

“I’m thrilled about the kickoff and the venue,” Longnecker said. “I think David Peck is giving us a great opportunity to see some wonderful things going on in Houston that no one even realizes are here.”

Over the years, Collage has brought together thousands of women to show

their support for the Jewish community.“I am truly honored to be a part of

this year’s Collage kick-off event. Collage is critical to providing resources to a number of organizations that empower Jewish people in our community and abroad,” Bluestone said. “Collage means so much to me because I believe strong women equal a stronger community.”

Women’s Philanthropy makes up about 25 percent of the overall Jewish Federation Annual Campaign, and a large portion of those funds come from Collage participation. The 2013 Campaign raised more than $8 million for Jewish causes in Houston, Israel and around the world. Table captains still are needed to make Collage 2014 a success.

“I believe we are all responsible for giving back more than we take from this world, and Collage and the Federation offer an amazing opportunity to do just that,” Longnecker said.

For information about Collage or to become a table captain, contact Women’s Philanthropy director & Affinity Groups coordinator Meredith Segal at 713-729-7000, ext. 306, or [email protected].

Super Sunday phone-a-thon still needs volunteers

Party of 8 provides path into community for young adults

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s Jerome Robinson Family Young Adult Division is providing a way for young adults to mix and mingle in a more personal setting. The upcoming event, Party of 8, will be chaired by Ryan Steinberg and Alexandra Yudelevich.

On Dec. 7, groups of eight, put together by YAD, will meet for dinner at 7:30 p.m. at various restaurants and get to know each other. Following dinner, all of the Parties of 8 will gather for an after party at The Eighteenth Cocktail Bar at 9 p.m.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections with people you may have never had the chance to meet,” Yudelevich said. “If people can’t make dinner, we will all be meeting at The Eighteenth Cocktail lounge after dinner.”

The Party of 8 concept started in Austin, Texas, and YAD social chair Neil Kogut brought it to Houston in August 2011. This will be the fourth time YAD has hosted the event, which brought out more than 60 young adults last spring.

Kogut learned about Party of 8 from friends who were involved with YAD in Austin and attended an event while living there.

“I wanted to bring it to Houston because I remembered how cool it was to go and share a meal with seven other (mostly) completely random people. It certainly is one way to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people,” Kogut said. “The fact that, after dinner, it turns into a big party at some nearby bar makes it all that much cooler as you can reconnect with the people you already know and the people you have just met.”

Registration is required by Dec. 4. Participants must fill out a survey at houstonjewish.org/partyof8 for YAD to be able to place them in a group. Participants can request to be grouped with friends or to go as a couple, but the goal is to meet new people.

“Party of 8 is a great way to get to know other young adults that you have something in common with in a more intimate setting than our typical events,” Steinberg said.

YAD will choose the restaurants, which will be grouped in the Rice Village and Upper Kirby areas. A kosher option will be available. Participants pay for their own meals.

To learn more about Party of 8 or YAD, contact Young Adult associate Ilana Ellison at 713-729-7000, ext. 335, or [email protected].

Collage 2014 to feature fashion on Dec. 5

Brent Kamin enjoys PJ Library Story Time with his two sons, Dylan and Brandon.

HCRJ Rabbi Steve Gross welcomes families to the PJ Library kickoff event.

Michael Weiner

PJ Library, HCRJ partnerto kick off program year

2013 is a great year to buy or sell . . .

mattsamuels

Final

UP CLOSEPAGE 9

JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

songs and Shabbat melodies weekly. Cantor Dean received his secular

and Hebrew educations at Yeshiva and Columbia Universities. His career was delayed during World War II, when he enlisted in the Army. He turned down a chaplaincy position saying he “wanted to be a fighting soldier.” He served in the artillery and landed on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944, less than two weeks after D-Day. For two weeks he stayed only two miles from the beaches while German guns fired from cliffs into French towns. He saw action in five major battles in Europe, in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. One of his cherished memories is returning to the beaches of Normandy with his family 55 years later, where he met people who applauded him for his bravery during the war.

After his military service, Cantor Dean studied music at Columbia University and began his career in New York, appearing as a soloist on the radio for nine years. He also performed on the air with his wife, Millie, of blessed memory, an accomplished musician, as well. A special NBC television presentation featuring Cantor Dean was acclaimed as “one of the finest liturgical music programs ever offered on the air.”

Cantor Dean has composed a vast amount of music, organized and trained the former UOS choir, directed musical comedies and performed in concerts in Mexico City, San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans and Oklahoma City. He continues to compose music and has received numerous awards for his many cantoral accomplishments.

Many members still recall the musical comedies the beloved cantor and his wife produced. And, congregants are moved each year by his chanting of Kol Nidre. He continues to lead the Montessori music program three times each week.

At the Toast to Tomorrow, the Volunteer Recognition Award will be presented to Bernardo Fromer, Dr. Sharon Turboff Katz and Louise Lihn for their steadfast dedication to UOSGMS.

Fromer has been a volunteer at the school since 1996, serving hot lunches, making latkes for the children and teachers on Chanukah, and helping in the kitchen. A native of

Buenos Aires, Argentina, he and his wife, Silvia, have been married for 61 years. He also volunteers at Robert M. Beren Academy, Beth Yeshurun Day School, and prepares Shabbat meals at Goldberg B’nai B’rith Towers. A talented singer, Fromer is a solo vocalist in the Russian Activity Club, the Argentinian Restaurant, Saldivias, the Jewish Choir of Argentina and the Goldberg Towers Choir.

Fromer started volunteering at UOSGMS when his granddaughter, Natalie Johary, began attending school in the Purple Class. Two of his other grandchildren, Ari Johary and Daniel Johary, followed. “Today, my grandchildren are no longer in UOS,” he said, “they are already in college and in middle school, but still I feel the same warmth and welcome as before. I thank UOSGMS for giving me the opportunity to serve our Jewish kids, as they represent our future generation.”

Dr. Sharon Turboff Katz, a native Houstonian, has had a relationship with UOSGMS for more than 10 years, having six grandchildren, Rachel Feldman, Josie Feldman, Aaron Feldman, David Katz, Carly Katz and Annie Katz, as part of the Orange Class. She also has three grandchildren in Ann Arbor, Mich.: Hannah, Mia and Gil Rubenstein.

Dr. Katz, a well-respected dentist, has worked in private practice and as an assistant clinical professor at The University of Texas Dental Branch. She has served in volunteer positions at UOSGMS, The Gathering Place at Beth Yeshurun, The University of

Texas Dental School, Israel Bonds Houston board, American Israel Public Affairs Committee and Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. She is a past chair of the ERJCC Adult Senior Services Committee and the ERJCC Jewish Education Committee.

Her volunteer work at UOSGMS began with her weekly assistance with the school’s library. “Hopefully, my grandchildren will value the importance of volunteering. I am grateful to UOSGMS for giving my grandchildren an opportunity to fulfill their potential, to work independently, to assume responsibility and to

develop socially,” said Dr. Katz.Lihn has been a dedicated

volunteer at UOSGMS for more than nine years. She launched her relationship with the school when her granddaughter, Meg Rubenstein, began in the toddler class. She continued her work with the school’s library and hot lunch programs when her second granddaughter, Liv Rubenstein, entered as a toddler. Lihn continues to be a dynamic volunteer at UOSGMS long after her granddaughters have graduated. She stated that she wants to give back to the school that gave Meg and Liv “a love of reading, a love of science and math and a love of school.” She credits the school with “accepting each and every child as an individual and providing each and every child with a place to thrive and flourish.” She delights in her volunteer work, as well as spending time with her four grandchildren, Meg, Liv, Tripp and Case.

Toast to Tomorrow will take place at UOS at 8 p.m., with Channel 11 investigative reporter, Courtney Zubowski Haas, as the master of ceremonies. The event, co-chaired by Lisa Brown, Haley Finkelman and Dana Yudovich Katz, will be a festive evening of sushi, sake and Asian fusion. For ticket information or donation opportunities, call 713-723-3856 or email [email protected].

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The American Jewish Committee is calling for greater pan-European coordination in combating anti-Semitism, following the Nov. 8 release of an EU survey of Jews across Europe.

The survey of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency’s Discrimination and Hate Crime Against Jews in EU Member States was made public on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogroms in Nazi Germany. Comprised of responses from 5,847 Jews in the eight EU member states with the largest communities, it is the first such study to collect comparable data on Jewish experiences of anti-Semitism.

“Over the past few years, we have read report after report about the growing presence of anti-Semitism in Europe,” said Daniel Schwammenthal, director of the AJC Transatlantic Institute. “The FRA survey confirms

those troubling reports and truly gives voice to the concerns of Europe’s Jewish citizens.”

According to the survey, 21 percent of respondents have experienced at least one incident of anti-Semitic verbal insult or harassment and/or physical attack in the past 12 months (an increase from 7 percent in the five years prior to the survey). More disturbing, 82 percent of those who “felt discriminated against during the period because they are Jewish did not report the most serious incident” to the authorities or competent bodies. As a result, 23 percent said that they, at least occasionally, avoided Jewish events or sites. Another 29 percent have considered emigrating in the past five years. In Hungary, France and Belgium, the numbers are between 40 percent and 48 percent.

“Police protection has long been a sad necessity for Jewish schools and houses of worship throughout

Europe, but it is clear that current methods of protection are not sufficient,” said Schwammenthal. “The fact that the overwhelming number of anti-Semitic attacks go unreported and that almost a third of Jews have considered leaving Europe shows there is a lack of trust in the relevant authorities’ abilities to deal with the threat. That must change immediately.”

The survey findings underscore the severity of the threat of anti-Semitism to the Jewish communities: In Hungary, 92 percent of respondents felt it was among the top three social and political problems, while 80 percent of those in France said the same.

Moreover, it highlighted the prevalence of new forms of anti-Semitism – namely anti-Zionism. For example, 48 percent of respondents said they regularly hear people compare Israel to the Nazis. And,

around 60 percent of respondents in Belgium, Italy and France said that they are frequently, or all the time, blamed for Israeli actions. In the U.K., Germany and Sweden the corresponding proportion ranged from 40 percent to 50 percent.

“The EU already has a working definition on anti-Semitism developed in 2005 by FRA’s predecessor organization, which clearly spells out that such attacks, branding Israel as a racist entity or drawing comparisons to the Nazis, go well beyond the boundary of legitimate criticism,” said Schwammenthal. “This survey makes clear that it is now time for the EU to formally adopt this definition, so that there is clarity and uniformity in the fight against anti-Semitism.”

Founded in 2004, the Brussels-based AJC Transatlantic Institute engages European lawmakers on issues related to anti-Semitism in the European Union.

AJC urges EU to act on findings of anti-Semitism report

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NOVEMBER 21, 2013

in crisis.“We are biblically and morally

obligated as Jews to help and assist those in need,” he said.

The appeal aims to assist the chronically in need, those with temporary financial difficulties, including households hit hard by the recent recession, and those who are on the verge of crisis.

Promise of Hope is a $10 million appeal. Funds will establish a permanent endowment of $8 million that will generate some $400,000 a year in direct assistance, which is the approximate annual need, according to JFS. The appeal includes a matching component by The Mary L. and William J. Osher Foundation of Houston.

Campaign leaders said Promise of Hope embodies the lesson: Kol Yisrael areivim zeh lazeh – “All Jews are responsible for each other.”

Federation leadershipPromise of Hope brings Houston’s

Jewish community together to help those who are struggling to make ends meet. The appeal involves Jewish organizations, Jewish clergy and Jewish community members, themselves.

Heading the appeal, the Federation is tasked with mobilizing donors to raise the necessary funds.

“It’s a cornerstone of our mission to help Jews whoever they are, wherever they live, who are facing difficult times,” said Lee Wunsch, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of

Greater Houston. “If you look at the history of the Federation, we’ve done it in Israel; we’ve done it throughout the Former Soviet Union; we’ve done it in Buenos Aires. The fact that we haven’t done this in Houston is what makes this unique.

“We believe that the core piece of information that the community is unaware of is that there are poor Jews in Houston,” he said. “We hope that when people realize that there are Jews who are struggling to pay their rent, struggling to put food on the table, struggling to pay their medical expenses, they’ll respond in a way that they might not have before.”

JFS receives an allocation from the Federation’s Annual Campaign. That support began to increase over the past decade, as JFS experienced an escalation in the number of requests from community members for economic assistance.

When the recession hit Houston in late 2008, the number of needy households spiked and, for the first time, included not just the chronically in need, but also a significant quantity of middle-income community members who were losing their jobs and, in some instances, their health, as well.

More than 1,500 Houstonians have come to JFS since the recent

economic downturn, according to the agency. About half were under the age of 60.

In September 2009, the Federation announced the launch of an Economic Assistance Fund that mobilized more than $650,000 in aid. At the end of 2012, the Federation stepped up with $120,000 to help JFS get through the calendar year. This year, JFS received an additional $100,000 on top of its regular allocation. During this time, Federation and JFS leaders observed that local Jewish households facing financial crisis was a problem that wasn’t, and is isn’t, going away.

Promise of Hope is the response.

Stopgap, recovery partnerWhile the Federation is

spearheading the appeal, JFS’s role is to channel the financial aid to those in need.

The social services organization can assist with the cost of rent/mortgage, utilities, food, medications or transportation. The help from JFS also includes counseling services that empower struggling households to be partners in their recovery.

“We want to help be a stopgap to any kind of immediate problems, but we also need people to be successful on their own,” said Linda Burger, CEO of Jewish Family Service, Houston. “It’s a journey that we’re willing to take with them and to help them get from where they’re not able to make ends meet to a lifestyle where they can.”

The appeal’s chairman underscored the point. “Even a higher form of tzedakah than giving to others in need anonymously is giving to others in a way that helps them help themselves, wherever possible,” Schechter said.

Promise of Hope enables JFS to fulfill its mission to help families and individuals who come forward needing financial aid. When Burger arrived at JFS eight years ago, the agency gave help one time a year at an average of $50.

“Before now, we were trying to raise the money and do the work,” Burger said. “Because the Federation has stepped forward in such a generous way, it’s allowed us to focus on the work – to focus on helping members of our community.”

JFS has two case managers on staff for family and children and several more to assist single households and seniors in need.

The agency estimates the current, collective need at $400,000 per year. Over the past 10 months, nearly 300 families have asked JFS for some level of financial aid, according to the agency. Many needed help to carry them through a job loss or illness. Almost a fifth of those 300 were living at the 25 percent level of poverty.

The average five-person household in greater Houston is expected to get by on $71,000 a year, according to 2013 federal poverty-level reports. This includes a mere $478 for “other necessities” beyond food, housing, childcare, transportation, health care and taxes. An unexpected car repair or medical situation could easily tip a family toward crisis, Burger noted.

‘Best example’Rabbis play a key role in Promise

of Hope by identifying families and individuals who can benefit from the aid.

Equally important, local Jewish clergy are helping to educate the community about the acute and chronic needs of those members who are living at or below the poverty line.

“The [appeal] is the best example of tzedakah,” said Rabbi David Lyon, senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel. “We give because there is an injustice found in poverty, hunger, homelessness, personal distress and human indignity. Tzedakah often comes in the form of economic aid but, at its root, it’s justice through righteous deeds.

“We must resolve the injustice faced by Jews in Houston who seek dignity by way of economic security,” the rabbi said. “The measure of our Jewish community’s love of G-d and Torah is measured by the way we extend our hands to the neediest among us.”

Rabbis across greater Houston are championing the appeal.

Foundation matchPromise of Hope is a $10 million

appeal.Eight million will be used to

establish a permanent endowment that will generate the necessary annual funds. Two million will go directly toward financial assistance during the first five years of the appeal until the permanent endowment is established.

The Mary L. and William J. Osher Foundation of Houston has pledged a $1 million match toward Promise of Hope. The foundation also is putting $500,000 into the endowment.

“Our community should help [its own in need] because we can and because doing so fulfills our moral and religious obligations,” Schechter said. “We can and we must do all possible to assist and to help change the lives of our brothers and sisters, just as the lives of our [immigrant] parents and grandparents were changed.”

The appeal’s chairman concluded, confidently: “I believe that our community will respond to these needs as it has always responded to community needs in the past.”

For additional information and to contribute toward the Promise of Hope appeal, contact Federation senior vice president of Development, Suzanne Jacobson, at 713-729-7000 x311, and visit houstonjewish.org/promise.

Those in need of assistance should contact JFS case managers, Adele Croft or Monique Gamble, at 713-667-9336.

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1908 2013

104 years

March 7, 2013 - 25 ADAR 5773 � Volume CV - Number 53 � Houston, Texas � jhvonline.com � $2 Per Copy

Women’s Seder to celebrate 20th year

In celebration of the part women have played in the history of the Jewish people, the National Council of Jewish Women invites women, men and children in the community to participate in the 20th year of the Women’s Seder. The Seder will be held on Thursday, March 14, at Congregation Beth Israel.

Participants will celebrate the role of women in the Passover story, using the Haggadah, with original readings, as well as spirited music and food. Cantor Marilyn Ladin will conduct the

Program imparts counter-missionary advice to studentsBy MICHAEL C. DUKE

Students learned to rebuff attempts by “Messianic Jews” to missionize them to Christianity.

Teens from five Houston-area congregational schools met at Brith Shalom synagogue Feb. 27 for a local Jewish Federation-co-sponsored

Shlenker read-a-thon supports pet projectBy MICHAEL C. DUKE

Third-graders at The Shlenker School are conducting a read-a-thon to help train service dogs that assist Texans living with hearing and mobility challenges.

Held from late February to early March, the fundraiser is part of an action-based curriculum that promotes literacy and teaches core Jewish values, such as tikkun olam – “repairing the word.”

“I want to help people in wheelchairs, so they can have service dogs,” said Shlenker third-grader, Josh Siegel. “My goal is to read at least 25 books. I’ve been reading at least an hour every day.”

The money raised by the read-a-thon will be donated to

WHAT’S INSIDE

Meditations on the Aleph-Bet: Kuf ..................................................................... Page 2 Scholar lauds new Jewish museum opening in Warsaw ............................. Page 3 The video that brought down the dean of the White House Press Corps .... Page 5 A sneak peak at the JHV’s 2013 Passover Magazine .................................... Page 8 The best in Jewish cinema around the world at Jewish Film Fest ........... Page 23

Seven Acres CEO urges Legislature to fund nursing home

Medicaid fullyPage 16

Beren falls in 4 OTs at state semifinalsBy MATT SAMUELS

When it comes to the Robert M. Beren Academy boys basketball team, there is never any shortage of drama.

One year after drawing worldwide attention for their decision not to play on the Jewish Sabbath, the Stars played one of the most dramatic basketball games in TAPPS playoff history March 1, falling to Boerne Geneva in quadruple overtime.

See Beren on Page 34

SAMANTHA STEINBERG

Beren basketball coach Chris Cole huddles his team up during the TAPPS 2A state semifinal game on March 1.

Chili getsbetter with age

See Program on Page 7

PHOTOS BY JHV: GILLIAN REINGOLD

The Medallion-Seven Acres team won first place. Jane Shapiro, judge Ziggy Gruber, Annette Betz and Seth Malin. Inset: Amanda Gutierrez, Margo Karr and Marlyn Esparza from Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C.

Seven Acres wins 3rd annual Kosher Chili Cookoff

See Project on Page 8

See Seder on Page 8

REMEMBER TO SET YOUR

CLOCKS FORWARD AN HOUR THIS WEEKEND!

By GILLIAN REINGOLD

The day was hot, the music festive and the chili delicious, as white tents filled with folks and the air with the aroma of the festival food. Approximately 2,500 people showed up to the third annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff on Sunday, March 3, held in the parking

lot of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. The event was co-chaired by Dr. Steven Weiss and Jeff Friedman.

The 29 participating teams came from Orthodox, Conservative and Reform congregations, Jewish homes, day schools and organizations, Hillels, retail stores and funeral homes. Proceeds from the event

were earmarked for Aishel House, which won for Best Showmanship, Jewish Family Service Alexander Institute, ERJCC Meals on Wheels, and the establishment of a Joshua Berry Memorial Scholarship Fund.

First place went to The Medallion-Seven Acres team. Second place

See Chili on Page 4


1908 2012

104

years

January 17, 2013 - 6 SHEVAT 5773 � Volume CV - Number 45 � Two sections � Houston, Texas �

jhvonline.com �

$2 Per Copy

By AARON HOWARD

One of the earliest American

Jewish critics of Chuck Hagel’s

nomination as United States secretary

of defense has dropped his opposition.

“It’s the president’s decision,” said

Anti-Defamation League national

director Abraham Foxman. “I found

some of Hagel’s remarks troubling,

but by no stretch should anybody

consider him an anti-Semite.”

In Houston Jan. 7-9 to

attend ADL’s National Advisory

Commission, Foxman conferred with

some 40 top regional and national lay

leaders. The Southwest chapter of

ADL presented sessions that focused

on church-state relations in Texas

and immigration. Foxman also met

with Southwest ADL board members

and young leaders. The NAC meeting

kicked off plans that mark ADL’s

centennial theme, “Imagine a World

Without Hate.”

The ADL was founded in 1913

by Sigmund Livingston “to stop, by

appeals to reason and conscience,

and, if necessary, by appeals to law,

the defamation of the Jewish people

[and] to secure justice and fair

treatment to all citizens alike.”

In December, Foxman was quoted

in the Washington Post as saying that

some of the sentiments expressed

by Hagel about the Jewish lobby

in Washington “bordered on anti-

Semitism.” Speaking to the Jewish

Herald-Voice on Jan. 9, Foxman noted

that, although “many in the media

used and abused my quote,” he still

Abe Foxman speaks

in Houston: on Hagel

and anti-Semitism

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

Israeli diplomats posted in

Houston have cast their ballots

in the Jewish state’s upcoming

national election.

The Consulate General of

Israel to the Southwest, located

in Houston, served as an overseas

polling site Jan. 10 for Israeli government officials

and emissaries working in Texas, Oklahoma, New

Mexico, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Concern over a nuclear Iran was the foremost

issue on the minds of voters, said Israel’s top

diplomat in the region, Amb. Meir Shlomo.

Social issues, such as cost of living, housing,

education and the well-being of the younger

generation, were of great concern, as well, the

consul general said. The Palestinian issue, also,

was a determining factor in the vote.

Israelis in Israel go to the polls Jan. 22. In

the country’s parliamentary system of democracy,

voters select the head of government by casting

their ballots for a political party, rather than an

individual candidate, like the American system.

More than 30 parties are running in this year’s

national election in Israel. The right-wing-leaning

Likud party, headed by Israel’s current prime

minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is the frontrunner,

according to Israeli media reports.

WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share WE share

a dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dreama dream

WHAT’S INSIDE

Meditations on the Aleph-Bet: Lamed ............................

............................

....... Page 2A

French Jewry: A unique past, an uncertain future ............................

............ Page 3A

ADL program teaches teens how to confront anti-Semitism ..................... Page 11A

Dance Month to present X6 ............................

............................

.......................... Page 15A

Snow in

Jerusalem

Page 6A


Amb. Meir Shlomo placed his early vote on Jan. 10.

Nuclear Iran on the minds of early voting Israelis

SEE ALSO:

As Israeli

election heats

up, intense

focus on the

American

immigrant vote

Page 6A

See Foxman on Page 5A

Jewish Herald-Voice Section B

January 17, 2013

Jewish education is supported by local FederationSchools and teachers receive services and support throughout the year

Guide to Schools & Camps

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is a comprehensive resource for schools and teachers in the Houston community. Services include everything from professional learning, collaborative school programming, the Educational Resource Center, consultations, job placement services and more.

Professional learning is an important mission of the Federation, and staff work with day schools, religious schools and early childhood principals to help develop learning opportunities that will translate to improved student learning in all of our schools. Much is accomplished through ongoing team meetings, consultations, class-planning sessions, as well as school-based and community-wide seminars. The Federation provides funding to support professional learning, helping all teachers in Houston’s Jewish schools to improve their teaching practice, which directly correlates to improved classroom experience and higher learning potential for all of our children.

The Federation collaborates with school administrators to develop community-wide seminars and presentations that will meet their individual teachers’ and schools’ needs.

Annual professional learning programs include: • Yom Moreh: August back-to-school seminar for more than 200 congregational religious school teachers. • Early Childhood Teachers Seminar: in the fall; attended by more than 225 EC educators. • Yom Limmud or day of learning: Federation’s community day of learning; this year on Feb. 17. In addition to a teacher track, a new track for congregational school teachers, Yom Moreh, will incorporate schooteacher meetings and special professional development classes. Principals also submit requests to the Federation for school-based professional

development programs that meet their teachers’ specific needs. Funded by the Federation and planned collaboratively by Federation staff and school administrators, workshops and seminars are hosted by the various schools and presented each year on a wide variety of topics, including pedagogy, classroom management, curriculum development and secular and Judaic content areas.

Teacher training is provided annually to more than 500 teachers who work with 4,500 students in Houston’s seven accredited Jewish day schools, 17 congregational religious schools and 10 early childhood programs. Programs are accredited to provide certified teachers continuing professional education, and early childhood teachers can earn continuing education units at BJE programs accredited by Texas Southern University.

The Federation supports and helps to fund collaborative school programming among all the schools, bringing the students together to foster a sense of community. Building Blocks Workshops and Living Voices presentations (at 2012 ERJCC Book Fair), or the Joint Teen Religious School Program in the spring, offer opportunities for students of different schools to come together for shared experiences at programs that each school would not be able to afford on their own. These programs have become highlights of the year.

Collaboration among the Federation and our early childhood programs has resulted in Houston being selected as a new community in the PJ Goes to School program.

Seven early childhood programs are participating and will receive the following programming elements: each 3- and 4-year-old classroom will receive a set of PJ Library books; each teacher will receive curriculum to use with each book; teachers will experience two professional development opportunities to train, specifically, in using the PJ Goes to School materials in their classrooms. Look for a special launch of the program at this year’s Yom Limmud.

The Federation’s Education Resource Center is a specialized library, housing Jewish educational materials, including the latest books, VHS/DVDs, texts, teacher guides, curricula and hands-on materials, available on loan for teachers in the Jewish and general communities to use in their classrooms. Resource Center materials also are available for the general community to support Israel fairs and programs about Jewish life with hands-on display materials and resources. Also for school use are laminating and die- cut machines, as well as video-conferencing equipment for professional development, classes and meetings. An updated catalog, as well as Israel Materials catalog is located at houstonjewish.org>Educate.

The Federation staff also consults with teachers to help plan programs and select materials for their classroom. Curriculum consultations, goal setting and lesson planning are just a few of the services provided through the center.

“Our staff is always ready to consult with principals and teachers to evaluate resources and plan exciting programs for their schools. We operate as a team, with our staff, the principals and teachers working together to affect improved student learning in all of our schools,” said the Federation’s Bureau of Jewish Education assistant director Lisa Klein.

More information on these programs is available at the website (given above). Other features available for loan are the Attractive Land Map of Israel, Gather Us

Together Ethiopian Curriculum and the Archaeological Dig, all of which are popular around the spring to help celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel Independence Day. The Federation hosts trainings on how to use these materials.

In addition to these services, the Jewish Federation provides: • Professional placement service for teachers and schools: Teachers can send resumes to the BJE to be disseminated to the schools. Teachers also can receive information about school staffing needs and consultations on moving to a new teaching job. A new link on Federation website, EDUCATION JOBS, features job postings in the Jewish schools.• Grants for teachers, up to one-third of the cost, to attend Jewish educational experiences or conferences: Applications are on Jewish Federation website.• Chailights, e-newsletter sent to more than 600 educators, provides up-to-date information on educational programs and the latest news from the Jewish education community. • List of Hebrew tutors: Teachers may add their names, to be referred to families, and schools may find tutors for their children.For additional information on these programs, contact Elaine Kellerman, Federation

vice president of Community Partnerships & Education, 713-729-7000, ext. 310 or [email protected].

CAMP

GAN I

SRAE

L

TORA

H DAY

SCHO

OL

GREENE

FAMILY

CAMP ROB

ERT M.

BEREN

ACADE

MY

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

Great movements have great leaders. Those great leaders dream great things that achieve great

realities.

On Jan. 21, MLK Day, Americans will celebrate the greatness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and

what his civil rights movement achieved. Not just for blacks in this country, but for Americans of all

racial, ethnic and religious identities.

Part of King’s legacy is that he was a great admirer of the State of Israel. Speaking at the annual

convention of the Rabbinical Assembly – 10 days before his assassination on April 4, 1968 – King said:

“Israel is one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can

be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy.”

Five years earlier, from the footsteps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington,

Martin Luther King Jr., Theodor Herzl had similar visions

See Dream on Page 4A




Section B

WHITE BLOOD CELLS URGENTLY NEEDED

Leukemia patient from Puerto Rico is in dire need of white blood cell donations.

All blood types. Call 787-688-9306 or 787-642-4276.

Reform movement

head visits Houston

By AARON HOWARD

The leaders of

the classic Reform

movement, at the time of

the Pittsburgh Platform,

saw themselves standing

at the dawn of a new

modern era when “the

establishment of the

kingdom of truth, justice,

and peace among all


2013

105

years

April 25, 2013 - 15 IYAR 5773 � Volume CVI - Number 6 � Houston, Texas � jhvonline.com � $2 Per Copy

Susan Myers, executive director

of Holocaust Museum Houston

and a well-known figure in the

international Holocaust community,

will step down from that position to

retire, effective May 1.

A Pearland resident, Myers began

Internationally

recognized director

to retire from HMH

By AARON HOWARD

When the people of Israel walked out of Egypt into

the desert, they allowed themselves to be counted and

taxed a half-shekel in a national census (Exodus 30:11-

16). Commenting on this count, some rabbis have said

that the census was important, in that every individual

Jew had to be included. Every individual was included

as part of the community and every individual was

Take a short walk;

bring lots of joy

Susan Myers

JHV: GILLIAN REINGOLD

Rabbi Steve Gross led sixth- and seventh-graders in a silent walk on April 21.

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

Greater Houston’s Jewish

community has a unique

opportunity to help in the

fight against cancer.

The American Cancer

Society is launching an

historic study – the kind that

happens only once every 30

years – to find more ways to

prevent cancers. Called CPS-3, the study will help the

ACS better understand the genetic, environmental and

lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer, adding

Participants sought for

historic cancer study

ERJCC to host registration drive May 23

See Director on Page 4

See Cancer on Page 4

Texas Views on Texas Jews: Waves, chains and hubs .........Page 2

Contributions of Italian Jewish community celebrated ........Page 5

Pro-Israel groups respond to propaganda campaigns .........Page 6

Jewish Family Service honors Bridge to the Future families Page 10

See Reform on Page 6

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

Middle school students from Houston

Congregation for Reform Judaism participated

in a solidarity walk on April 21, in honor of the

victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

“We want to finish the marathon for those

who couldn’t,” said seventh-grader Lauren

Czarlinsky, who conceived of the mitzvah

project with Dylan Bishop, a classmate of hers

at The Emery/Weiner School.

The walk took place during religious school

Sunday morning on the HCRJ campus. HCRJ’s

Rabbi Steve Gross began with a prayer and,

afterwards, prompted the students for a group

discussion.

The rabbi praised the walk’s student

organizers by referring to a teaching in the

Mishna: “In a place where there are no men,

strive to be a man” (Avot 2:5).

Students ‘finish the marathon’ for victims who couldn’t

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

Houston’s Aishel House is expected to break ground officially

on its new facility in early fall 2013.

See Aishel House on Page 3

Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism honors Boston runners

See Students on Page 3

See Walk on Page 6

WHAT’S INSIDE

WHITE BLOOD CELLS, PLATELETS NEEDED

Out-of-town M.D. Anderson patient # 788900, Miriam

Greenberg, is in desperate need of white blood cells and

platelets. Potential donors can call 713-792-7788 or 713-792-

7777 or Cary Ferchill at 512-423-9800, [email protected].

New Aishel House to

be ‘portal of kindness’

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

A kosher residential community

for out-of-town hospital patients

is poised to embark on an $8

million construction project that

will greatly expand its facilities

and patient services, as well as

create greater opportunities for


1908 2013

105 years

May 2, 2013 - 22 IYAR 5773 � Volume CVI - Number 7 � Houston, Texas � jhvonline.com � $2 Per Copy

Houston concert to recognize Israel’s 65 years

On May 23, at 8:30 p.m., the Houston Symphony, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, will present a concert at Jones Hall, recognizing the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. Acclaimed Israeli singer, David D’or, will join the Symphony, conducted by David Zeva, for an evening of pop, classical and traditional Jewish music. Known for his four-octave range, D’or has thrilled audiences around the world with his ability to sing many styles of music.

DR. DAVID COTLAR

TALIA ELFEZOUATY


Children took to the stage during Yaakov Shwekey’s Houston debut.

Tahara as both mitzvah and passageBy AARON HOWARD

Death disorients the living. Death also brings disorientation to the deceased.

“A common cliché you often hear is that funerals are for the living,” said Rabbi Elchonon Zohn. “But, from a traditional Jewish perspective, the funeral preparations and the immediacy of the burial is all focused on the deeds of the person who died, allowing the soul to move on. Taking care of the body is not just for the family, but also for the person’s soul. The needs of the soul of the deceased, their consciousness, are really the essence of that focus of the customs related to tahara.”

Rabbi Zohn is director of the National Association of Chevra Kadisha, a resource for Jewish burial societies, rabbis and the public on issues relating to Jewish burial. Rabbi Zohn will be in Houston on Sunday, May 5, at 2:30 p.m., to

See Concert on Page 6

See Tahara on Page 6

WHAT’S INSIDE

Bonds reception to feature IDF soldier ............................................................. Page 2 Clergy urge support for immigration reform bill ............................................ Page 3 Two educators to receive Outstanding Teacher Awards ............................. Page 7 Former racist skinhead prompts hope for a world without hate............... Page 11 Rabbi Tarlow of Texas A&M Hillel to be honored ........................................... Page 22

Volleyball star commits to

Wake ForestPage 23 Texas Jewish Historical Society meets

Page 3

Rad B’Omer

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

The full spectrum of greater Houston’s Jewish community was represented among the more than 600 people who packed the grounds of Aishel House on Sunday evening, April 28, for the latter’s ninth annual Gala & Benefit Concert. The outpouring of support, and the event, itself, shown like a rainbow in the sky, following torrential storms the day before that flooded streets and neighborhoods across the city.

The benefit concert featured a Houston-debut performance by international Jewish

music star, Yaakov Shwekey, and came just as Aishel House embarks on an $8 million construction project that greatly will expand its residential facilities and services for out-of-town hospital patients who come to Aishel House for treatment at the nearby Texas Medical Center.

A colorful sign painted on the wall of Aishel House’s old apartment block, which will be torn down and replaced by a new four-story complex, read: “Planting seeds of kindness. Future home of the new Aishel

Hundreds attend benefit concert as Aishel House is set to expand

See Aishel House on Page 4

A high-flying BMX show was part of the festivities at Chabad

Outreach of Houston’s Lag B’Omer carnival,

April 28, in Godwin Park.

Children inspired by the stunt riders pedaled their way

through the park’s flooded playground,

left by torrential rains the day before.


1908 2013

105 y

ears

May 23, 2013 - 14 SIVAN 5773 � Volume CVI - Number 10 � Houston, Texas � jhvonline.com � $2 Per Copy

“Today is a crowning achievement

on behalf of the Seven Acres staff and

volunteers,” remarked Seven Acres

chaplain Rabbi Mark Urkowitz, as he

congratulated resident Gerald Jacobson

upon becoming a Bar Mitzvah on May

13. “We all take pride and joy in your

accomplishments.”

Jacobson is one of only a handful of

residents who have studied to become

a Bar Mitzvah after coming to live at

Seven Acres. “I never attended services

regularly until I came here,” Jacobson

said. “I moved here in July 2005 and

immediately started going to daily

minyan. My parents never encouraged

me to have a Bar Mitzvah when I was

growing up, but once I moved here, I

wanted to do something for myself.”

Jacobson was encouraged by a group

of volunteers and staff who were with

him every step of the way. Sandy Lusky

and Sandy Brochstein, volunteers

from Congregation Emanu El’s “Caring

Congregation,” visited him and

encouraged him to follow his dream.

“Gerald is quite a conversationalist

and a history buff,” stated Lusky. “He

expressed sadness over not having had

a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. We asked him

if he would like to work toward one, so

he began a lengthy time of study.”

Caring Congregation volunteers

visit Seven Acres residents who are

members or relatives of members of

the congregation. When it was time

for Jacobson to celebrate his simcha,

volunteers from the synagogue that he

attended while growing up joined him

in the endeavor. A group of Emanu El

Seven Acres resident fulfills dream to become Bar Mitzvah

WHAT’S INSIDE

Texas Views on Texas Jews: Schmaltz across Texas ................................... Page 2

Federation honors community leaders at 77th annual meeting ................ Page 6

Oklahoma City Chabad opens doors to tornado victims ............................ Page 8

Innovative youth Torah campaign to host scribe ...........................................

Page 12

ERJCC Volunteer of the Year ............................................

.................................... Page 14

UT soccer

star going

back to Israel

Page 24

Gerald Jacobson celebrates his

accomplishments with a big smile

and a cake.

See Dream on Page 21

Rice University has received

a $28.5 million gift from Houston

philanthropists Dr. Milton and Laurie

Boniuk to establish an institute that

promotes religious tolerance.

The Boniuk Institute for the

Study and Advancement of Religious

Tolerance will conduct research,

public outreach and educational

programming. Its mission is to foster

multidisciplinary research that leads

to innovative ways to understand

and achieve religious tolerance.

The institute will draw on Rice

University’s strengths in religious

studies and other humanities, as well

as social sciences, natural sciences

and engineering.

“Thanks to the vision and

generosity of Milton and Laurie,

the Boniuk Institute will have the

resources, leadership and academic

depth to become a leading center for

finding positive solutions to religious

conflict, especially welcome at a

time when misunderstandings and

tensions have led to problems around

the world,” Rice President David

Leebron said. “Drawing from its

home in the nation’s most ethnically

diverse city, the institute will seek

to provide a deeper understanding

of the nature of religious tolerance

and the pathways that lead to more New Boniuk Institute at Rice to study and advance religious tolerance

See Tolerance on Page 4

Synagogue bomb threat

suspect arrestedBy JHV STAFF

Houston police ar-

rested a known criminal

in connection with bomb

threats made against two

Houston-area synagogues.

Dante Dwayne

Phearse, 32, was taken

into police custody May

14 and subsequently

has been charged with

three counts of making

terroristic threats.

Responsa resolve wartime

conflicts between military

and Jewish customs

Editor’s note: This weekend, as we honor our

fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, the JHV looks at

the critical services provided by wartime rabbis.

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

World War II marked a seminal moment in the

coalescing of the American rabbinate, whose ranks

puts their denominational differences aside and

overwhelmingly volunteered as U.S. armed services

chaplains, together issuing a series of responsa

concerning the Jewish war dead that largely uphold

WALKING THE WALKWALKING THE WALK

JHV: VICKI SAMUELS LEVY

Inset: Robert M. Beren Academy senior and Friendship Circle

volunteer Sarah Grzebinski assisted her FC friend, Kayla

Schwartz, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to begin the Friendship

Circle Walk on Sunday, May 19. The entire community was well-

represented at the annual event, which began at Jewish Family

Service on South Braeswood Boulevard and ended with an indoor

carnival at Beth Yeshurun synagogue. See more photos on Page 4.

MEMORIAL DAY: Monday, May 27See Threat on Page 8

See Memorial Day on Page 5

HPD

Dante Dwayne Phearse

FEDERATION OPENS

TORNADO RELIEF FUND

The Jewish Federation of Greater

Houston has opened a special fund

to support relief efforts for tornado

victims in Oklahoma City. Donate online

at houstonjewish.org or by mail to the

Federation at 5603 S. Braeswood Blvd.,

77096, (attention OKC tornado relief).


1908 2013105 years

June 20, 2013 - 12 TAMMUZ 5773 � Volume CVI - Number 14 � Houston, Texas � jhvonline.com � $2 Per Copy

WHAT’S INSIDE

SchoolsPage 11Meditations on Prayer .......................Page 2

A millennial talks about millennials..Page 3

Need a job? Got a job? Set your sights

on Federation’s website ...................Page 5

Tzofim Friendship Caravanstops in Houston ...............................Page 8

Seeking nominations forJewish Sports Hall of Fame ..............Page 18

Rabbis deliver message on baseball field

In 1996, when Congregation Brith

Shalom began its weekday, 7 a.m.,

minyan, William Reingold was there

to help make a quorum. A pillar of the

Morning Prayer service every morning,

until recent health setbacks, Reingold

was honored by minyan members on

June 1 at Seven Acres.

A special tallit, embroidered with

the first names of regular minyan

members, was given to Reingold.

The ladies of Brith Shalom’s weekday

morning minyan purchased the tallit,

which was embroidered by Marcus

Stalarow of Southwest Silkscreen and

Embroidery.

Reingold was the official Torah

gollel (wrapper), and he davened

Shacharit beautifully, noted morning

minyan member Alan Winters.

“Every day, during the Halleluyah

prayers, he and [minyan member]

Morning Minyan pioneer honored at Brith Shalom

William Reingold

JHV: MATT SAMUELS

Rabbi Ranon Teller threw

out the first pitch on June 11.

JHV: MATT SAMUELS

Rabbi Mendel Feigenson waves to the

crowd after making his pitch.


Chiara Casiraghi, Haley Johnson and Analia Salomon performed on the Triple Lira during the Circus of the Kids Camp.

By MATT SAMUELSSUGAR LAND, Texas – Congregation Brith

Shalom Rabbi Ranon Teller is accustomed to

addressing large audiences from the pulpit.

Throwing a baseball in front of more than 5,000

fans, however, was a first for him.

Despite the different surroundings, Rabbi Teller,

along with Chabad of Sugar Land Rabbi Mendel

Feigenson, delivered their pitches loud and clear at

Constellation Field during Jewish Heritage Night

with the Skeeters on June 11.

“It was a pretty cool experience,” Rabbi Teller

said. “It is important for the community to get

together to have fellowship with ourselves and have

a presence with the greater community.” See Baseball on Page 18

See Pioneer on Page 4

By MICHAEL C. DUKEScuba diving and video game

design are among the new summer

camp offerings from the Evelyn

Rubenstein Jewish Community

Center, home to greater Houston’s

largest Jewish summer camp

program, J Camps.The pre-camp session made

a grand entry earlier this month

with Circus of the Kids Camp,

culminating in performances by

acrobats, tumblers and clowns.

Session I kicked off June 17 with

newly retooled sports camps, such as

soccer, and popular specialty camps,

like Cooking Camp, that are held

in partnership with other programs

New J Camps embrace technology, specialization in sports

See Camps on Page 4

Orthodox women ordained as clergy membersBy STEFFANNIE ALTERThe first ordination ceremony

for Orthodox Jewish women took

place Sunday, June 16, in New

York.Yeshivat Maharat, the first

Orthodox institution to train

women as spiritual leaders and

Jewish law authorities, held its

graduation ceremony with Jewish

communal leaders and Orthodox

Jewish rabbis present.Rather than using the title of

rabbi or rabba, these graduates are

known as maharat, an acronym

for manhiga hilkhatit rukhanit

toranit – “one who is teacher

of Jewish law and spirituality.”

Different title or not, many

Orthodox bodies remain opposed

to the ordination of women.The practice of Jewish

ordination, known as semichah,

dates back to biblical times. The

practice largely died out in the

fourth and fifth centuries, but

since has experienced multiple

attempts at revival. Until recently,

ordination was not inherently

required by many synagogues. In

the past few decades, many of

Israel’s modern Torah scholars

reached a widespread consensus

that ordination is necessary,

leading to the sixth and current

attempt to revive the practice.See Clergy on Page 4

Sensational start to summer

Jewish Herald-Voice | Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party Planner | October 2013 | jh

vonline.com | 1

1908

2013

105

years

2013

Bar/B

at Mitzvah

Party Pla

nner

Volume CVI • Number 34 • O

ctober 2013• $5

INSIDE:

BAR MITZVAH INHERITS

TEFILLIN, M

ERITS LEGACY

OF GREAT-G

RANDFATHER

IN THE BEGIN

NING:

THERE WAS A

PLAN

B’NAI M

ITZVAH IS A LESSON

IN HARD W

ORK, DETERMIN

ATION

DYSLEXIA DOESN’T S

TOP

SPECIAL D

AY

105th Anniversary Passover Edition

March 26, 2013 • 15 Nisan 5773

Volume CVI • Number 1 • $5 per copy

Rosh Hashanah Edition 5 September 2013 • 1 T ishr i 5774

Volume CVI • Number 27$5.00

1908 2013

105 years

VO

ICES

Volume CVI • Number 16 • 2013 • $5.00

On the cover: Farmers Markets promote sustainability, community and local business

Also:From Venezuela to Houston with love of food

Entrepreneurial spirit prompts growth spurt at The Gan

The little ‘Cashew’gets married

Jewish community rich in knowledgeable RealtorsEverything working out for personal trainer

Need a gift for your adult children or older parents?

Volume CV �• Number 47

January 2013 • $5

INSIDE: KEEPING SHOMER

NEGIAH: MODESTY

PRIOR TO MARRIAGE

WEDDING RITUALS

CONNECT COUPLES

TO G-D AND TORAH

PORTRAIT PERFECT:

A ROMANTIC BRIDE

IN 2013

Volume CV�• Number 47

Weddings To RememberLAST-MINUTE CHANUKAH IDEA

A gift card will be mailed, upon your request

Hope From Page 1

Help spread the wordBeginning Nov. 21, the Jewish

Federation of Greater Houston is mobilizing the community, via email and social media, to support local Jews in need through the Promise of Hope appeal.

Jewish community members are asked to help spread the word about the need and appeal by emailing information to friends and relatives and to post information on their Facebook profiles, linking to the Promise of Hope page – houstonjewish.org/promise – where people can learn more and donate to the program.

“The measure of our Jewish community’s love of G-d and Torah is measured by the way we extend our hands to the neediest among us.”

– Rabbi David Lyon

UP CLOSEPAGE 11

JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

By MICHAEL C. DUKE

A local artisan jams, jellies and marmalade duo has been named a finalist in a national good foods contest.

Elaine Lupovitch and Kirk O’Neal – two longtime teachers at The Emery/Weiner School, who run a part-time business, Garden Dreams Houston, making and selling preserves and salsas at local farmers markets – were selected among 1,450 entries as 2014 Good Food Awards Finalists. Hosted by California-based Seedling Projects, the contest recognizes “the best from America’s growing movement of talented and socially conscious food entrepreneurs.”

Garden Dreams’ Peaches N Dream preserve earned O’Neal and Lupovitch the recognition.

“Garden Dreams Houston is honored to be nationally recognized for our continuing commitment and expertise to the growing local food movement,” Lupovitch told the JHV. “We are grateful to the support our Houston customers have given us and to the local growers, who provide us with such an amazing array of fruits

and vegetables throughout the seasons.“We really appreciate the nonprofit

organization, Urban Harvest, which promotes and educates our community about the advantages of growing without chemicals and organizes the weekend farmers markets,” she said.

Garden Dreams focuses on creating small-batch, handmade jams, jellies, marmalades and salsas that

are made from top-quality ingredients, most of which are locally grown, using sustainable practices. Lupovitch and O’Neal sell their products weekends at Urban Harvest’s Eastside Farmers Market and through the online home delivery site, greenling.com, which specializes in organic and socially conscious foods.

“The 200 Good Food Awards

Finalists are leading a cultural shift away from business as usual,” said Sarah Weiner, co-founder and executive director of Seedling Projects. “They bring the dedication and integrity of true craftsmen to all they do. Their ever-stronger presence around the country proves that it can be done – there is a different way to feed our communities.”

Lupovitch said, “Preserving foods is a great way to capture the goodness of season and enjoy it all year long. Our award-winning jam, Peaches N Dream, is a great example of this delicious goodness. Texas Peaches are very special and our recipe captures this.”

The finalists emerged from a one-day marathon judging session this fall in San Francisco. The top scorers were vetted to confirm sound sourcing practices, good husbandry and transparency in all stages of the supply chain.

The awards, themselves, bring recognition and sales to the winners. “Good Food Award Winners report growing their businesses 15 percent-400 percent, increasing purchasing from local and responsible orchards, farms and ranches, accordingly,” Weiner said.

The answers to these questions may be found in a conversation following ADL’s “Houston in Concert Against Hate,” the Nov. 14 concert-event, celebrating the centennials of both the Anti-Defamation League and the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall.

Imagine attending an event honoring 1) Marvin D. Nathan, for his dedication to desegregation and civil rights; 2) four local Holocaust survivors who tirelessly educate young people on the dangers of hatred; 3) three clergy leaders, whose strength in numbers promotes civil rights; 4) a state representative, a state senator, and the family of a man brutally murdered, all who challenge hate and bigotry; 5) four local and renowned educators who advocate and profess inclusive and welcoming education for all.

In a span of a mere 90 minutes, ADL honored these 17 extraordinary individuals, in ceremonies that punctuated seven moving musical selections, orchestrated by the Houston Symphony and Associate Conductor Robert Franz, with stellar narration by Emmy Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard, and guest artist rapper Bernard “Bun B” Freeman.

If our dear readers are in a state of disbelief, consider the following:

The concert opened with “Fanfare for the Common Man,” and from that classic piece of American musical history, each selection was carefully chosen to illustrate the value of the contributions each of the honorees makes to humankind. From “Theme From Schindler’s List,” “Lincoln Portrait,” and “Overture to West Side Story” to “Where is the Love” (sung by Bun B and Lamar HS Choir), “Festive Overture, Opus 96” and “Imagine” (accompanied by Lamar choir) each number’s theme set up the introduction to its corresponding honorees.

Imagine, following the haunting melody of “Schindler’s List,” a spotlight beams on a Holocaust survivor honoree, who is presented with the ADL 100 Centennial Hero

medal around his/her neck. One by one, the spotlight reveals the other three survivor-educators. Or, following “West Side Story,” members of James Byrd Jr.’s family stand, then Sen. Rodney Ellis, then Rep. Senfronia Thompson, each illuminated in the audience with a floodlight and each presented with a medal by a family member or dignitary.

[See list of all honorees in inset.] The entire concert-event, from

start to finish, was magnanimously chaired by Jerry Axelrod and Sherry Bender Levy and magnificently developed, created and orchestrated by a team of local talent: Martin B. Cominsky, Southwest Regional director of ADL, and Steve Brosvik, Houston Symphony general manager, producers; Leah Lax, interviewer and scriptwriter; Talya Arbisser, documentary photographer; Marc Gessner, production manager; FROWbiz productions; and the Houston Symphony. Of course, as with all our Jewish galas, the ADL staff, volunteers and donors who made this event possible and seamlessly perfect would fill an entire Jewish Herald-Voice issue.

Suffice it to say, ADL’s centennial “Houston in Concert Against Hate” sold-out program left audience members (2,000 attended) inspired, elevated, yet speechless. The entire evening was magical. And, if it weren’t for all the standing ovations, all this really did take place within a span of 90 minutes!

Maybe the answers to all my questions at the top aren’t obvious, so let me fill in the blanks:

Rabbi Samuel E. Karff, Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza and Rep. Senfronia Thompson were among 17 honorees at ADL’s centennial event, which was put together by scriptwriter Leah Lax and Dimensions store owner Sherry Bender Levy, among others.

Beautiful soul-stirring music was created when rapper Bun B, the Houston Symphony and the Lamar High School choir shared the stage at ADL’s centennial event.

The Anti-Defamation League daily receives calls from victims of hate and bigotry, of anti-Semitism, of civil rights violations, and from those who are denied quality, inclusive education. The callers’ request: “Please help me!”

I have two more questions for our patient readers:

What do you teach your children that aligns with the vision for a world without hate? And, what do you do to further the Anti-Defamation’s mission “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all?”

We all can do more.

To all my patients and friends:I am proud to announce my new affiliation with

Bone & Joint Clinic of Houston, a well-established orthopedic group, now celebrating its 43rd year.

Effective November 1st, I will remain at the O’Quinn Medical Tower at St. Luke’s (in the Texas Medical Center) 6624 Fannin , but relocate to the 26th floor.

Thank you for allowing me to pro-vide your medical care, and for your patience and assistance during the transition period.

Please feel free to ask for assistance at our medical center office, 713-790-1818.

We look forward to continuing care for you, your family and your friends.

Ronald S. Lepow, DPMPodiatric MedicineBone & Joint Clinic of Houston6624 Fannin St., Suite 2600

713-790-1818

Ronald S. Lepow, DPM

New doctor at Bone & Joint Clinic of Houston

ADL From Page 1

ADL centennial honorees: FIGHTING ANTI-SEMITISMCelina FeinWalter KaseBill MorganNaomi Warren

PROMOTING CIVIL RIGHTSArchbishop Joseph FiorenzaRabbi Samuel KarffReverend William A. Lawson

CHALLENGING HATE & BIGOTRYSen. Rodney EllisRep. Senfronia ThompsonFamily of James Byrd Jr., including children Renee, Jamie and Ross

ENCOURAGING INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONEsther Campos, educational activist in HISD and Child Protective ServicesMichael Feinberg, co-founder of KIPP AcademyDr. Thomas Freeman, world-acclaimed debate coach at TSUCarol Shattuck, early childhood advocate

ADL SOUTHWEST REGION AWARDMarvin D. Nathan

An ADL 100 Centennial Hero medal was given to each of the honorees, as well as Alfre Woodard, Robert Franz and Bun B.

STEPHANIE MAIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Reverend William A. Lawson, Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza and Rabbi Samuel E. Karff were honored for promoting civil rights for all. The three “wise men” attended an Icon Dinner, prior to the “Houston in Concert Against Hate.”


Elaine Lupovitch and Kirk O’Neal sell their award-winning products at Urban Harvest’s Eastside Farmers Market.

Duo’s ‘Peaches N Dream’ preserve wins praise

EditorialPage 12Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

FOUNDING PUBLISHERS Edgar Goldberg 1908-1937

David H. White and Ida S. White 1938-1973Joseph W. Samuels 1973-2011

VICKI SAMUELS - President JEANNE F. SAMUELS - Editor and Publisher

MICHAEL C. DUKE - Associate EditorMATT SAMUELS - Multimedia Manager

ARNOLD ROSENZWEIG - Editorial ResearchLAWRENCE S LEVY - Editorial Team

AARON HOWARD - Staff WriterTHEODORE POWERS - Food Editor

SHARON STOPER-LIVITZ - Receptionist, ArtsHUONG TONNU - Accounts Receivable

MARY AINSWORTH - BookkeeperMAURENE BENCAL - Payroll Section

ColumnistsFELICE AND MICHAEL FRIEDSON,

ELLIOT GERSHENSON, PAM GEYER, ED REITMAN, Ph.D., BRYAN EDWARD STONE,

TEDDY WEINBERGER

ProofreaderJUDY BLUESTEIN-LEVIN

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advertisingVICKI SAMUELS - Advertising Manager

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aCCount exeCutives CHUCK GREEN

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Our community needs our helpIn the not-so-distant past, conventional wisdom held that there

were no poor Jews in Houston.Well, times and perspectives certainly have changed. It’s

now recognized that many – far too many – members of our community are struggling to make ends meet, especially in the wake of the recent economic recession. Crucially and thankfully, leadership in our local Jewish community has issued a call to action to address this growing crisis and to help our own in need.

“Promise of Hope” is a first-of-its kind, $10 million appeal by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Eight million dollars will be used to establish a permanent endowment to ensure that Jews in Houston will be taken care of for years to come. Two million dollars will go toward direct financial assistance for families and individuals immediately, as the permanent endowment is being established.

Jewish Family Service is the Federation’s partner in the appeal. The social services agency will have some $400,000 a year, generated by the endowment, to help struggling Jewish households cover the cost of rent or mortgage, utilities, food, medicine and transportation. As part of the program, JFS also works with struggling households to become self-sufficient.

Rabbis across the city are doing their part by encouraging those in need to seek help from JFS, while also helping to educate the community about this crisis. Community members can help spread the word through social media and by talking about the need.

Amb. Arthur Schechter is chairing the Promise of Hope appeal. He points out that many Jewish Houstonians have parents or grandparents who came to the United States fleeing from poverty and persecution. Most, if not all, needed assistance when they arrived. More than 1,500 Jews in Houston, over the past few years, have come to JFS needing help to fend off the financial challenges similarly faced by our forbearers.

It’s our community’s responsibility to take care of our own in need. It’s a mitzvah, a righteous deed, an act of social justice of the highest order.

The “promise of hope” for struggling Jews in Houston relies upon our support. Every donation – great and small – brings our Jewish neighbors, friends and family one step closer toward the security and dignity we want for ourselves. The security and dignity that we need for our community.

Donations can be made at houstonjewish.org/promise.

By RABBI JOSEPH R. RADINSKY

Why is it that the Rabbis always have arranged it that we will read about Joseph on the Shabbos of Chanukah? What does the life of Joseph have to do with Chanukah? Joseph was brilliant and, because of this, his father Jacob loved to learn with him but he had faults. He constantly was telling his brothers that they had to improve and even tattled about them to their father Jacob. The text even says how Jacob rebuked Joseph.

Jacob was not oblivious to Joseph’s faults, but he loved him anyway, just as he loved his other sons, in spite of their faults. Joseph’s brothers believed that their father Jacob’s love was finite and, therefore, they had to get rid of Joseph, so they could get their father’s love.

They, of course, were wrong. Jacob loved all his children. He rebuked them when they were wrong, but he always loved them. He loved them in spite of their faults. After the loss of Joseph, he hardly could love anyone. He was so overwhelmed with grief.

Chanukah teaches us why we Jews have been singled out for persecution. Many times, the nations of the world do not like the message which Judaism teaches. They do not like to hear the message that we all are not perfect, that there is no perfect society or people, that we all must try constantly to improve.

People hate to hear that message. They like to believe that they are perfect, so that they can feel that, one, they deserve the love of others and the love of G-d, and two, so that they do not have to make the arduous efforts needed to improve, and three, so that they can persecute and harm others who tell them they are not perfect, with a clear conscience,

Joseph, throughout his life, always was the target of hatred and envy, because he did stand out about others. He is the only one, who is known in our tradition as “HaTzadik,” the righteous one. He was not perfect, but he had a good mind and a compassionate heart. He was thrown into prison for no good reason, because the wife of his Egyptian master could not stand his goodness, and wanted to seduce him

and bring him down to her level.In prison, Joseph rose to high

position, again, because of his talents. He matured in prison and learned how to stress his compassion over his talents. He especially learned how to listen to the dreams of others, as well as to his own.

G-d’s love is not finite, and it is not true that we have to be perfect in order to deserve it. This doctrine that you have to be perfect in order to be loved has caused so many lies and so much injustice, because when people find out that they are not perfect, they immediately start to cover up, so that they will not lose the love they have. They deny that they have done anything wrong so that they will not lose their spouse’s, their parents’, their children’s and, especially, G-d’s love. G-d, though, loves us even if we are not perfect.

The symbol of Chanukah is the lit candle. We light candles five times in Judaism. The first time we light a candle is erev Pesach, when we search for chametz. Searching for chametz signifies not only a physical search, but also a spiritual search as well. We constantly are to look for the truth. We constantly are to recognize the truth that we are not perfect, the truth that destroying other people will not make us more perfect.

The second time we light a candle in Judaism is on Shabbos. Shabbos teaches us that we deserve to be loved (by others and by G-d), just because we exist, not because we produce. Even if we produce nothing, we still deserve to be loved, and on Shabbos, we do not produce anything.

The third time we light a candle is at Havdalah. Havdalah is a multi-wicked candle. This teaches us that light and love are infinite. From one candle, you can light thousands of candles and the original light is not diminished. So it is with love. Love is not finite. G-d can love us all. Just because He loves one person or people, does not mean He cannot love other people or persons.

The fourth time we light a candle is when someone dies. This teaches us that everyone has a role to play, that everyone is missed, that whether we have large talents or small talents, great compassionate

Joseph and Chanukah

See Joseph on Page 13

IN OTHER WORDSPAGE 13

JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

President Francois Hollande came for a three-day visit to Israel: some joked, in order to spend some time in a country where his approval ratings are respectable. The Israelis, indeed, were grateful. He and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are the lone stalwarts lobbying long and hard against easing the economic sanctions imposed on Iran – a position that improbably places the Jewish state on the same side as Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states; with distance between Jerusalem and Washington apparently growing as a deal nears.

When the Western powers (P+5) came close two weeks ago, Hollande was seen as the hero to Israel and the Gulf; the goat to Washington. Upon his arrival, Hollande wasted no time in reiterating that those same conditions demanded before remain on the table and no deal without them would be acceptable to the French. They include placing all nuclear installations under international supervision, ending 20 percent enrichment of uranium, reducing stockpiles of enriched uranium and halting construction on the heavy water reactor being built at Arak. Meanwhile, the Hollande visit, planned before the Iran standoff, actually is an economic mission, the focus of which is for the two countries to do business together.

The U.S.-Israel difference of opinion over the Iranian sanctions is being downplayed by both governments, but many pundits, while trying to avoid the appearance of being alarmist, nevertheless point out the ancillary woes that are emanating from the issue. First and foremost is the matter of trust. The illustration offered by the Iranian nuclear issue demonstrates the very significant gap between general phrases about “having one’s back” or offering “unshakeable support” and proffering a very specific list that defines such support.

To Israel, it’s not about “being there”; it’s about not allowing 20 percent uranium enrichment; not maintaining any stockpiles of enriched uranium in Iran at all; and getting rid of thousands of centrifuges. A less talked-about issue that seems to be growing legs is the U.S. administration’s recruitment of American Jewish organizational heads to come out for the administration’s Iran policy. There is no way to paper over the fact that doing so means sapping the Israeli government’s (read: Netanyahu’s) support in the U.S., clearly encroaching on delicate territory.

Making matter worse, in the opinion of many, is that it comes too soon after the administration tapped Israel’s American supporters to spearhead the rallying of public opinion in support of launching military reprisals against Syria after it used chemical weapons. At that time, there was a discernible uneasiness on the part of many in the pro-Israel world, fearing it would fuel the traditional allegations about Israel’s supporters in the U.S. usurping American foreign policy for its purposes.

Topping off the fear factors was the Buzzfeed report of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s testimony before the Senate Banking Committee, in which he apparently told senators to

“stop listening to Israelis on this,” and the State Department called Israeli concerns “exaggerated and not based in reality.” Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., was quoted as calling Kerry’s remarks, “anti-Israel.”

Speaking about Syria’s chemical weapons, Israel is prepared to act cautiously on its vastly reduced assessment of the possibility of an attack by Damascus, by ending the distribution of gas masks to the civilian population, a move the defense minister reportedly supports. The government began a redistribution of masks five years ago, but the program was halted out of budgetary concerns after only 60 percent of the distribution was complete. The proposed decision reportedly takes into account the intelligence assessment that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will attempt to retain some quantity of nerve agents.

Jerusalem’s newest attraction, the refurbished Ottoman-era train station that offers a selection of shopping and dining options and is attracting crowds, was the venue selected for a new photo exhibition depicting the lives of President Shimon Peres and the late Prime Minister Menahem Begin. The exhibit is sponsored by LimmudFSU (former Soviet Union), whose international steering committee chair, Matthew Bronfman, was on hand to kick things off, along with Peres and Begin family members. The hook to LimmudFSU was the exhibits’ themes: in the case of Peres, “From Vilna Street, Vishneyeva to President’s Street, Jerusalem; and in the case of Begin, “From Brest-Litovsk to the Prime Minister’s Office.” LimmudFSU opened an additional exhibit, Holocaust paintings by six artists.

Jewish worshippers will continue to be forbidden to pray on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount after Jordanian authorities, to whom Israel ceded control of Islamic holy sites, denied the latest Israeli request, according to the daily newspaper Maariv. The report claims that the Jordanian official, Abdel Nasel Nasser, envoy for Jerusalem’s holy sites, rejected the request based on the belief that it was an attempt to further what the Arab world calls Israel’s intent to “Juda-ize” Jerusalem; and because allowing Jewish worshippers would open the door to “extremists” entering the area. Despite the requirement in the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty that each side must allow the other access to holy sites, Jews who appear to be engaged in prayer on the Temple Mount are subject to arrest – a policy supported by Israeli authorities.

The bond between Israeli television and U.S.-based studios, Americanizing the Israeli product to commercial success, entered a new phase with the announcement of a new series set against a background of archaeology – the first to be filmed entirely in Israel. “Dig” is the creation of Gideon Raff, the creative force behind “Homeland” and Tim Kring of “Touch” and will air in six episodes on the USA Network.

Be sure you’re receiving The Media Line’s daily blast, the Mideast Daily News. To receive your subscription, send an email to [email protected] with your name and email address. It’s free.

Next week, we again will be “In Touch from Jerusalem.”

©2013. The Media Line Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Last week’s resultsIf you were to become kosher,

what would be the toughest challenge?

What is the most appetizing holiday fusion fare?Visit jhvonline.com to take part in this week’s poll:

Changing eating habits ........... 43%Eating at non-kosher homes... 22%Koshering the kitchen ............. 14%

Budgeting for kosher food ........ 8%Replacing the dishes ................. 8%Encouraging kids to keep kosher .. 5%

In Touch From

Jerusalem

FELICE and MICHAEL FRIEDSON

By BARBARA E. HANOVICH

From: “You are WHAT?” “Are you serious?” “I think you are nuts!”

To: “Congrats ! ” “Fantastic! ” “Mazel Tov!” “It’s about time!”

Those were some of the reactions when we told family and friends that we are making aliyah.

It’s so very hard to put into words the emotional roller coaster that we have been experiencing since we made our decision.

But, the bottom line is, Chuck and I are going “home.”

Chuck is a native Houstonian; I am a transplanted New Yorker. We have been to Israel on more than one occasion, and the last visit was the clincher. Being in a country that just feels like home, being with our kids and grandchildren (OK, I admit it, especially the grandchildren) forced us to question “when,” not “if.”

Is making aliyah doable? Absolutely! Even for old-timers like us.

I arrived in Houston Jan. 1, 1980, and was in awe of all the “Luv ya blue” signs – thinking they were about Israel! In 1992, I began what I thought was a part-time, short-term job at the Jewish Herald-Voice. Twenty-one years later, I guess it was not so part time, nor short term. The JHV has been my home away from

home – not only learning about new computer programs, but also learning about the Houston Jewish community.

There are many memories and events that are so important, at least to me. I will treasure them, the good as well as the questionably good.

We at the Herald are a family, and like all families, we share many life-cycle events: births, marriages, graduations, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, divorces, deaths. We have been through it all, together, as a family.

So, I will not say goodbye.THIS year in Jerusalem!

NOTE: To those who are thinking I will be able to take goodies to your loved ones in Israel, please accept our apology. No room!

L’hitraot

‘Movin’ on up to the [mid]east side’

Chuck and Barbara Hanovich

Hollande visit evokes Israelis’ gratitude

souls or small souls, we still are needed and still are loved.

Finally, we light a candle at Chanukah to teach us all that we never should put down others because they seem to exude goodness or because their lifestyles cast a doubt on their state of perfection. The Greeks could not stand us Jews because we questioned their ideals. We said beauty without goodness is nothing. We said that Greek society was not perfect.

The story of Joseph and his brothers and Chanukah teach us that G-d’s love is infinite and

that we do not have to be perfect to deserve it; we just have to try to improve, to try to do better. We always should remember this so that we will always want to nurture the brilliant sweet, gentle neshamas among us, and not try to destroy them.

We need the Josephs of the world and, even though we know that they are not totally perfect, we should never try to destroy them or bring them down to our level, just because we are afraid that if we do not destroy them, we will not be deserving of G-d’s love. G-d loves us all in spite of our faults, the good ones, the mediocre ones and even the bad ones.

Joseph From Page 12

Going out of town for the holiday?

Contact your

constable,

neighborhood watch

or other protective

service agent.

FRIDAY, NOV. 22Jewish Film Club, 12:45 p.m. “A Serious Man.”

Shabbat dinner, 6 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 2Chanukah lunch celebration, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4Book Club, 12:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 6Opera to Go, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 13Shabbat dinner, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 17Great Books discussion, 10 a.m.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR/SINGLES/SHABBAT SHALOMPAGE 14JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

The ‘wisdom’ of the EastParashat Vayeishev – Genesis 37:1-40:23

RABBI DR. TZVIHERSH WEINREB

Weekly Torah PorTion

RABBI DR. TZVIHERSH WEINREB

Weekly Torah PorTion

For more information or to RSVP, contact Esther Bethke, 713-595-8186.

Is there anything wrong with seek-ing tranquillity and inner peace? Are they not highly desirable components of a healthy and meaningful lifestyle? An answer can be found in the words of the Midrash Rabbah that appear in most contemporary editions of Rashi’s commentary, although they are absent from earlier manuscript editions.

The first words in this week’s Torah portion, Vayeishev, read: “Now Jacob was settled in the land where his father had sojourned. ... ” The Bible then nar-rates the story of Jacob’s son, Joseph, and how he is sold into slavery by his brothers.

Rashi, quoting the Midrash, com-ments: “Jacob wished to dwell in peace and tranquillity but immediately was be-set by Joseph’s troubles and tribulations.”

These words imply that it was some -how improper for Jacob to desire a calm and serene existence. The comment even suggests that Jacob was punished for his wish by suffering the disappear-ance, and supposed death, of his fa-vored son.

Why? What possible sin would Jacob have committed by hoping for tranquil-lity? Had he not suffered enough during his years of exile? Were the family crises described in detail in last week’s para-shah, Vayishlach, not sufficient torture?

The Torah’s ideal is a life of action and involvement in worldly affairs. The Torah rejects the attitude of detachment and passivity which

is implicit in the teachings of some Eastern religions.

The Torah cannot envision the good life, if that life is without challenge. Achievement of inner peace is not the ultimate value, especially not if it results in withdrawal from responsible action within society.

The author of the Sfat Emet led his flock and wrote his works in the latter half of the 19th century. But, the important lesson he taught was expressed about a century before, in the words of Rabbi Moses Chaim Luzzato, the 18th-century Italian mystic, whose work, “Mesilat Yesharim” (“The Path of the Just”), contains the following demanding passage:

“A man must know that he was not created to enjoy rest in this world, but to toil and labor. He should, therefore, act as though he were a laborer working for hire. We are only day laborers. Think of the soldier at the battlefront who eats in haste, whose sleep is interrupted, and who is always prepared for an attack.” “Man is born to toil” (Job 5:7).

The differences between the ideologies of Judaism and other religions sometimes are subtle and hard to define. But, in contrasting Judaism with religions of the Far East, the differences are quite clear. The latter promise inner peace and serenity and advocate detachment. Judaism makes no such promises. It tells us that life is all about struggle and challenge, and it demands that we actively be involved in improving the world.

To read more articles and essays by Rabbi Weinreb, visit his blog at ou.org/rabbi_weinreb.

C=Conservative � O=Orthodox � R=Reform � Rt=Reconstructionist � I=Independent

S Y N A G O G U E SCandle lighting for Sabbath: Friday, Nov. 22, 5:05 p.m.; Shabbat Torah reading: Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) – Joseph incurs his brothers’ envy after revealing his grandiose dreams to them; Haftarah (Prophetic Reading): Amos 2:6-3:8 – the prophet admonishes a sinful people; Sabbath ends Saturday, Nov. 23, 6:08 p.m. Chanukah celebration will begin Wednesday evening, Nov. 27; Thanksgiving will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 28.

Chanukah Happenings in the Houston area

Houston Adult Jewish Bowling: [Palace Lanes Bowling] Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 4191 Bellaire. Contact Jennifer at [email protected] or 713-569-8619.

Running Jewish Singles: Contact David, 713-621-6699 or [email protected].

Savvy Singles: senior ladies’ and gentlemen’s social club, for those who are60-plus. Call 713-772-5947.

The Mosaic Outdoor Club of Houston: Biking on the Bayou. Call Barry Laves, 713-510-6753. Visit mosaicoutdoor.org.

SUNDAY, NOV. 24Congregation Brith Shalom: (4610 Bellaire Blvd.), 713-667-9201; BrithShalom.org. Hazak presents The Tikunotes (plus latkes), 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 28 Happy Thanksgiving!

SUNDAY, DEC. 8Bellaire Jewish Center: BJC and Congregation Brith Shalom host Kalover Rebbe, 9 a.m-1 p.m. The event is free. Contact Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin, 832-971-3781; RSVP to [email protected].

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11Szold Hadassah: Installation of officers, 11 a.m., at Linda Levine’s home, 11 a.m. Lunch will be served. RSVP to Rachel Kern, 713-723-5300, or Dolores Klickstein, 713-988-2208.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12AIPAC: “Inside the Oval Office: How the White House Crafts U.S. Policy in the Middle East,” 7 p.m., at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd. Amb. Dennis Ross, former special assistant to President Barack Obama and the National Security Council, will be featured. The event is free and open to the community. Reservations required: aipac.org/houstondennisross.

BELLAIRE JEWISH CENTER [O]5200 West Loop S., Ste. 200, Bellaire 77401-2101832-971-3781; BJCHouston.orgCHABAD AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY [O]201 Live Oak St., College Station 77840-1923979-220-5020; JewishAggies.comCHABAD HOUSE AT RICE [O]1955 University Blvd., Houston 77030-1303713-522-2004; ChabadAtRice.orgCHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF THE WOODLANDS [O]25823 Budde Rd., Spring 77380-2009281-719-5213; JewishWoodlands.comCHABAD OF SUGAR LAND [O]4501 Cartwright Rd., Ste. 770, Missouri City 77459-3541832-758-0685; ChabadSugarLand.comCHABAD OF UPTOWN [O]4311 Bettis Dr., Houston 77027-443; 713-419-3960; ChabadUptown.orgCHABAD OF THE BAY AREA [O]Monthly Services – call for location; League City Area713-398-2460; JBayarea.orgCHABAD OUTREACH OF HOUSTON [O]11000 Fondren Rd., Ste. B104, Houston 77096-5525713-774-0300; ChabadOutreach.orgCHAI LEARNING CENTER [O]14133 Memorial Dr., Ste 1, Houston 77079-6800281-589-7188; WestChabad.orgCONGREGATION BETH EL [R]3900 Raoul Wallenberg Ln., Missouri City 77459-2225281-499-5066; CBEFortBendTx.orgCONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL [R]5600 N Braeswood Blvd., Houston 77096-2924713-771-6221; Beth-Israel.orgCONGREGATION BETH JACOB [C]PO Box 750, Galveston 77553-0750; 2401 Avenue K, Galveston 77550-4403409-762-4545; CongregationBethJacob.orgCONGREGATION BETH RAMBAM [O]11333 Braesridge Dr., Houston 77071-2327713-723-3030; BethRambam.orgCONGREGATION BETH SHALOM [R]101 N Coulter Dr., Bryan 77803-4831972-822-2738; CBS-BCS.orgCONGREGATION BETH SHALOM OF THE WOODLANDS [R]5125 Shadow Bend Pl., Spring 77381-4111; 281-362-1100; CBSW.orgCONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN [R]4525 Beechnut St., Houston 77096-1896713-666-1881; BethYeshurun.orgCONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL [R]3008 Avenue O, Galveston 77550-6898; PO Box 8060, Galveston 77553-8060; 409-765-5796; TBIGalveston.orgCONGREGATION BRITH SHALOM [C]4610 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire 77401-4299713-667-9201; BrithShalom.orgCONGREGATION JEWISH COMMUNITY NORTH [R]5400 Fellowship Ln., Spring 77379-8861; 281-376-0016; CJCN.orgCONGREGATION EMANU EL [R]1500 Sunset Blvd., Houston 77005-1899713-529-5771; EmanuElHouston.orgCONGREGATION K’NESSETH ISRAEL [--]PO Box 702, Baytown 77522-0702; 100 W Sterling St., Baytown 77520-4043; 281-424-5827; [email protected]

CONGREGATION OR AMI [C]3443 Wilcrest St., Houston 77042-4830713-334-4300; OrAmiHouston.orgCONGREGATION SHAAR HASHALOM [C]16020 El Camino Real, Houston 77062-4414 281-488-5861; ShaarHashalom.orgCONGREGATION TEMPLE EMANUEL [R]1120 Broadway St., Beaumont 77701-2199409-832-6131; EmanuelBeaumont.orgCONGREGATION TORAH VACHESED [O]9730 Hillcroft St., Houston 77096-3808713-721-3900; TorahVachesed.comHOUSTON CONGREGATION FOR REFORM JUDAISM [R]801 Bering Dr., Houston 77057-2105; 713-782-4162; HCRJ.orgHOUSTON HILLEL [--]1700 Bissonnet St., Houston 77005-1710713-526-4918; [email protected]; HoustonHillel.orgJEWISH COMMUNITY OF BRAZOSPORT (JACOB) [R]PO Box 443, Clute 77531-0443; 88 Flaglake Dr., Clute [email protected] KOL HALEV [RT]PO Box 35634, Houston 77235-5634; 832-378-7545; KolHalevHouston.orgTHE L’CHAIM CENTER [I]PO Box 3321, Bellaire 77402-3321; 5151 Buffalo Speedway, Houston 77005-4270; 713-705-7662; L-ChaimCenter.orgMEYERLAND MINYAN [O]9606 Chimney Rock Rd., Houston 77096-41029002 Chimney Rock Rd., Ste. G, PMB 186 Houston 77096-2509713-398-1566; MeyerlandMinyan.orgSEVEN ACRES JEWISH SENIOR CARE SERVICES [--]6200 N Braeswood Blvd. Ofc., Houston 77074-7599713-778-5700; [email protected]; SevenAcres.orgSHALOM CYPRESS [C]Northwest Houston/Cypress area; ShalomCypress.orgTEMPLE BETH TIKVAH [R]12411 Park Shadows Trl., Houston 77058-1215281-286-1717; TempleBethTikvah.orgTEMPLE BETH TORAH [--]320 Shallow Dr., Humble 77338-5273; 281-446-5611; TBTHumble.orgTEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL [R]604 N Main St., Victoria 77901-6511 361-576-5667; BnaiIsraelVictoria.comTEMPLE ISRAEL [R]211 Baumgarten St., Schulenburg 78956-2203PO Box 602, Schulenburg 78956-0602; TempleIsrael.webs.comTEMPLE SINAI [R]13875 Brimhurst Dr., Houston 77077-1883281-496-5950; Temple-Sinai.orgTEXAS A&M HILLEL FOUNDATION [--]800 George Bush Dr., College Station 77840-2951979-703-1856; TAMUHillel.org‘THE SHUL’ OF BELLAIRE [--]4909 Bissonnet St., Ste. 180, Bellaire 77401-4055713-839-8887; JewishBellaire.comUNITED ORTHODOX SYNAGOGUES [O]9001 Greenwillow St., Houston 77096-3514713-723-3850; UOSH.orgYOUNG ISRAEL OF HOUSTON [O]7823 Ludington Dr., Houston 77071-2501PO Box 710447, Houston 77271-0447713-729-0719; YIHouston.org

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27 Chanukah begins at sundown.

Robert M. Beren Academy: Program for grandparents and special friends of lower school students, 8-10:30 a.m.

Chabad: Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center. Ticket includes pre-game Chanukah party (across the street from the stadium). Meet and greet Omri Casspi.

FRIDAY, NOV. 29Temple Sinai: (13875 Brimhurst Dr.)Sisterhood sponsors latke-sharing event, 6 p.m. Free. 281-596-5950.

Congregation Beth Israel: (5600 N. Braeswood Blvd.,713-771-6221; beth-israel.org; Family Chanukah service, 6:30 p.m. Songs, menorah-lighting, refreshments.

Temple Beth Tikvah in Clear Lake: (12411 Park Shadows Trail) Chanukah family service; 7:30 p.m., followed by oneg and group lighting of chanukiah.

SATURDAY, NOV. 30Shalom Cypress (Northwest Houston) Chanukah party, food, games, music and more. Potluck dinner, 6-9 [email protected] or call Ben Federman, 832-795-2002.

SUNDAY, DEC. 1Bellaire Jewish Center: Barbecue, pony rides, moonbounce, food, music, games for the entire family, 3:33 p.m. Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin, 832-971-3781; bjchouston.org.

Congregation Emanu El: (1500 Sunset Blvd.) The Maccabeats 3:45 p.m. (free) followed by Chanukiah lighting and latke supper (small fee). For reservations, go to emanuelhouston.org.

‘The Shul’ of Bellaire: Bellaire Civic Center, 7008 S. Rice Ave., 4-5:30 p.m. Carnival, crafts, buffet dinner, menorah lighting. 713-839-8887; jewishbellaire.com.

ERJCC: Balloon Blast with Katie Balloons, 4:30 p.m. Meals from Café at the J Laykie’s Gourmet. Con-tact Nomi Barancik, [email protected].

Chabad of the Bay Area:WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27Chanukah on the Strand, 7 p.m. Saengerfest Park. Music, menorah lighting, food, raffle.

MONDAY, DEC. 2Pearland Town Center menorah lighting, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4Baybrook Mall, ‘Chanukah in Candyland.,” 6:30 p.m, intersection of Sears and Macy’s corridors.

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FRIDAY, NOV. 22Jewish Film Club, 12:45 p.m. “A Serious Man.”

Shabbat dinner, 6 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 2Chanukah lunch celebration, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4Book Club, 12:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 6Opera to Go, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 13Shabbat dinner, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 17Great Books discussion, 10 a.m.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Esther Bethke, 713-595-8186.

Chanukah Happenings in the Houston area

Houston Adult Jewish Bowling: [Palace Lanes Bowling] Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 4191 Bellaire. Contact Jennifer at [email protected] or 713-569-8619.

Running Jewish Singles: Contact David, 713-621-6699 or [email protected].

Savvy Singles: senior ladies’ and gentlemen’s social club, for those who are60-plus. Call 713-772-5947.

The Mosaic Outdoor Club of Houston: Biking on the Bayou. Call Barry Laves, 713-510-6753. Visit mosaicoutdoor.org.

SUNDAY, NOV. 24Congregation Brith Shalom: (4610 Bellaire Blvd.), 713-667-9201; BrithShalom.org. Hazak presents The Tikunotes (plus latkes), 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 28THURSDAY, NOV. 28 Happy Happy Thanksgiving Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving

SUNDAY, DEC. 8Bellaire Jewish Center: BJC and Congregation Brith Shalom host Kalover Rebbe, 9 a.m-1 p.m. The event is free. Contact Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin, 832-971-3781; RSVP to [email protected].

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11Szold Hadassah: Installation of officers, 11 a.m., at Linda Levine’s home, 11 a.m. Lunch will be served. RSVP to Rachel Kern, 713-723-5300, or Dolores Klickstein, 713-988-2208.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12AIPAC: “Inside the Oval Office: How the White House Crafts U.S. Policy in the Middle East,” 7 p.m., at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd. Amb. Dennis Ross, former special assistant to President Barack Obama and the National Security Council, will be featured. The event is free and open to the community. Reservations required: aipac.org/houstondennisross.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27 Chanukah begins at sundown.

Robert M. Beren Academy: Program for grandparents and special friends of lower school students, 8-10:30 a.m.

Chabad: Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center. Ticket includes pre-game Chanukah party (across the street from the stadium). Meet and greet Omri Casspi.

FRIDAY, NOV. 29Temple Sinai: (13875 Brimhurst Dr.)Sisterhood sponsors latke-sharing event, 6 p.m. Free. 281-596-5950.

Congregation Beth Israel: (5600 N. Braeswood Blvd.,713-771-6221; beth-israel.org; Family Chanukah service, 6:30 p.m. Songs, menorah-lighting, refreshments.

Temple Beth Tikvah in Clear Lake: (12411 Park Shadows Trail) Chanukah family service; 7:30 p.m., followed by oneg and group oneg and group oneglighting of chanukiah.

SATURDAY, NOV. 30Shalom Cypress (Northwest Houston) Chanukah Shalom Cypress (Northwest Houston) Chanukah Shalom Cypressparty, food, games, music and more. Potluck dinner, 6-9 [email protected] or call Ben Federman, 832-795-2002.

SUNDAY, DEC. 1Bellaire Jewish Center: Barbecue, pony rides, moonbounce, food, music, games for the entire family, 3:33 p.m. Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin, 832-971-3781; bjchouston.org.

Congregation Emanu El: (1500 Sunset Blvd.) The Maccabeats 3:45 p.m. (free) followed by Chanukiah lighting and latke supper (small fee). For reservations, go to emanuelhouston.org.

‘The Shul’ of Bellaire: Bellaire Civic Center, 7008 S. Rice Ave., 4-5:30 p.m. Carnival, crafts, buffet dinner, menorah lighting. 713-839-8887; jewishbellaire.com.

ERJCC: Balloon Blast with Katie Balloons, 4:30 p.m. Meals from Café at the J Laykie’s Gourmet. Con-tact Nomi Barancik, [email protected].

Chabad of the Bay Area:WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27Chanukah on the Strand, 7 p.m. Saengerfest Park. Music, menorah lighting, food, raffle.

MONDAY, DEC. 2Pearland Town Center menorah lighting, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4Baybrook Mall, ‘Chanukah in Candyland.,” 6:30 p.m, intersection of Sears and Macy’s corridors.

ERJCC ADULTS ON THE GO ... 60 AND BET TER

SINGLES SCENE

UPCOMING

ERJCC ADULTS ON THE GO ... ERJCC ADULTS ON THE GO ...

CommunityPage 15

Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013


There is a crisis right in our own backyard that is quietly touching many in our community. Today in Houston, more than 1,500 Jews face joblessness, hunger, homelessness, unpaid bills and the mental and physical ills that come with poverty. That is why we are establishing the Promise of Hope, the first local appeal to address poverty here in Houston’s Jewish community. With this big goal and full hearts, we begin the appeal this Chanukah and Thanksgiving.




Residents of Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services and The Medallion who served in the armed forces of the United States and other countries were honored in a special Veteran’s Day flagpole ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 10. Vicky and Michael Richker were sponsors of the Veteran’s Day program, which included a brunch for the Jewish War Veterans Post and a special patriotic concert presented by

the Gulf Coast Concert Band. The flag ceremony began as mem

bers of Jewish War Veterans Post 574 led the veterans, residents and their guests with a presentation of colors that included the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” Post Commander Jim McClain, who served in the U.S. Army in Europe, welcomed everyone and thanked all in attendance, remarking, “We are here today to honor all

those who served in defense of our beloved country, particularly those who served in World War II and Korea. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of you because, if not for your service, our country would not have survived, and many of us would not be here today. We are continually grateful to all of you and want to thank you for your devotion to our country.”

McClain recognized the residents who are veterans of World War II, PostWar, the Korean War and the Vietnam War and named their branch of service. Included were several veterans who served in the armed services of countries other than the United States. Seven Acres veterans are George Brassovan, U.S. Air Force, World War II; Robert Byers, U.S. Army stationed in Virginia; Sal Buzali, Argentinian Army; Charles Darouse, sergeant in the U.S. Marines; Gerald Fritts, U.S. Air Force pilot stateside; Joseph Gelfand, U.S. Army; Joe Heffler, U.S. Air Force, stateside and Italy; John Hopkins, U.S. Army, South Pacific; LeRoy Jackson, U.S. Army; Byron Jones, U.S. Army, France and Germany; M.T. Jones, Air Force, South Dakota; Ben Katz, Army Air Force South Pacific; Lionel Katzenellenbogen, South African Navy; Dr. Murray Klaff, U.S. Army; Samuel Levin, Army Air Corps; Meyer Lewis, U.S. Army; Irving Mey

erson, U.S. Navy, South Pacific; Yakov Mezhbein, corporal Russian Army stationed in Finland; Leamon Murray, U.S. Army Air Force; Roberto Ochoa, U.S. Army, Korea and stateside; William Reingold, U.S. Air Force, Mariana Islands; Clyde Shelley, U.S. Navy, San Diego; Judah Silberman, National Guard; Burl Smith, U.S. Air Force; Harold Wacker, U.S. Army; and George Wollenberg, Army Air Corps.

Veterans who reside at The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence are Leon Cooper, U.S. Army, U.S. and Germany, Korean War; David Ernstein, U.S. Army Medical Corps, North Africa, Corsica and Rome; Sam Feldt, U.S. Navy, South Pacific; Al Goldman, Army combat engineer WWII; Dr. Daniel Klaff, U.S. Army Korean War; Harry Portman, U.S. Army air transport command WWII South Pacific; Eugene Sampson, U.S. Army, Germany and Belgium; and Jacob Shoifet, Air Force, Pacific.

The final portion of the Veteran’s Day celebration was a performance by the popular Gulf Coast Concert Band, that played a medley of patriotic favorites, musical memories from the World War II era, and old standards. Michael Richker offered greetings to the crowd. “It gives us great pleasure, once again, to sponsor the Veteran’s Day Program and Concert at Seven Acres. We know so many of the residents through our many years of volunteering at Seven Acres and know that many of them played an important role in the military of this country.” During the concert, Richker led the audience in singing “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “God Bless America” and a Gershwin medley.

Members of the Jew-ish War Veterans Post 574 joined vet-erans from Seven Acres, The Medallion, and the Seven Acres Volunteer Auxiliary after the flagpole ceremony. Front row: Judah Silberman, Eugene Sampson, Leon Cooper, Joseph Gelfand and George Brassovan; (second row) Alan Goldman, R o b e r t O c h o a , William Reingold (partially obscured), Meyer Lewis, Robert Byers, M.T. Jones, Jacob Shoifet, Bernie Bootin, Shirley Shoifet and Gerald Fritts; (third row) Dr. Murray Klaff (partially obscured), Dr. Daniel Klaff, Samuel Levin, Joe Heffler (partially obscured), Ernie Meyerson (partially obscured), Sal Buzali (partially obscured), Charles Darouse, Leamon Murray (par tially obscured), Ben Katz, Lionel Katzen-ellenbogen (partially obscured), Samuel Rubin, Walter Heller (behind Rubin); (standing) Michael Richker, Vicky Richker, Sam Feldt, Junior Vice Commander Jack Schlossberg (with American flag), George Holp, Senior Vice Commander Dennis Richards, Walter Dubov (partially obscured), Bill Orlin, Commander James McClain, Chaplain Arwen Wilson, Ralph Wilson (with Post 574 flag).

CommunityPage 16Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

Seven Acres and The Medallion honor all veteransPresident

of the Residents

Club Meyer Lewis with

Vicky Richker, Michael

Richker and Gulf Coast

Concert Band Maestro

Ben Butler.

The concert included a short program by a group of children who made posters representing each branch of the military. The posters were displayed during the “Armed Forces Salute” medley by Michael Brough, Adriana Hernandez, Sugero Hernandez, Ethan Chow and Aman Baig. Behind them is Maestro Ben Butler.

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27, 2013 / 7PM713.677.0391

CommunityPage 17

Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

Chanukah in HoustonOLIVE OIL PRESS

PRE-CHANUKAH | SUNDAY, NOV. 24, 3 P.M.Olive Press at Chabad Outreach

11000 Fondren Rd., at PortalLearn the Miracle of Chanukah and

how to make your own olive oil!

HOOPS & HANUKKAHFIRST LIGHT | WED., NOV. 27, 7 P.M. (5 P.M. PREGAME PARTY)

Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta HawksPregame Chanukah Party at Root Memorial Square Basketball

Court (across from stadium)First 350 tickets sold: Free T-shirts

Halftime Menorah Lighting Exclusive Meet and Greet Omri Casspi

Post-Game Free Throws

GRAND MENORAH LIGHTINGFIRST LIGHT | WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27, 6:30 P.M.

Chabad of Sugar LandCity Hall of Sugar Land

2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Sugar LandJudah the Maccabee • Music • Dancing

Sufganiyot • Chocolate gelt & gifts

CHANUKAH ON THE STRAND(GALVESTON)

FIRST LIGHT | WED., NOV. 27, 7 P.M.Saengerfest Park (corner of Tremont and The Strand)

Live music, Menorah lighting, food

CHANUKAH FLOAT inTHANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

FIRSTDAY |THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 9-11 A.M.Downtown Houston • houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparadeAn historict fi rst: Magnifi cent Chanukah fl oat in the

64th annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade!

CHANUKAH PARTYFOURTH LIGHT | SATURDAY, NOV. 30, 7 P.M.

Chabad at Rice1955 University Blvd.

Havdalah • Menorah lighting • Chanukah Party

MENORAH LIGHTING AT HOUSTON CITY HALLFOURTH LIGHT | SAT., NOV. 30, 8 P.M.

900 BAGBY ST.Enjoy the lighting of Houston’s 2nd largest Menorah

Greetings by dignitaries, music & dancing, Chanukah gelt

MENORAH LIGHTING ATMARKET ST. IN THE WOODLANDS

FIFTH LIGHT | SUNDAY. DEC. 1, 4 P.M.9595 Six Pines Dr., The Woodlands

Menorah lighting • Live music • Sufganiyot• Crafts • Entertainment

BELLAIRE CHANUKAH FESTIVALFIFTH LIGHT | SUNDAY DEC. 1, 4 P.M.

Bellaire Town Square, 7008 S. Rice Ave., BellaireChanukah and Toyland Family Carnival

& Public Menorah Lighting

HOSPITAL MENORAH LIGHTINGFIFTH LIGHT | SUNDAY, DEC. 1, 4 P.M.

St. Luke’s Hospital Main Lobby6720 Bertner Ave.

THANKS & GIVING COIN MENORAH

FIFTH LIGHT | SUNDAY, DEC. 1, 5:30 P.M.Chabad of Uptown, 4311 Bettis St.

Help build a GIANT coin Menorah! • All-you-can-eat buffet

PEARLAND MENORAH LIGHTINGSIXTH LIGHT | MONDAY, DEC. 2, 6:30 P.M.

Pearland Town CenterLarge outdoor Menorah • Music• Chanukah Treats

CHABAD WEST HOUSTON MENORAH LIGHTING

SIXTH LIGHT | MONDAY, DEC. 2, 6:30 P.M.Chabad-CHAI Learning Center of West Houston

14133 Memorial Dr.Construct Can Menorah out of food cans, to be donated to

Houston Food BankMenorah lighting • Latkes • Crafts • Games

CHANUKAH IN CANDYLANDAT BAYBROOK MALL

EIGHTH LIGHT | WED., DEC. 4, 6:30 P.M.500 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood(intersection of Sears and Macy’s corridors)

Lighting of a giant candy Menorah • Candy Crafts• Latkes • Sufganiyot • Chocolate gelt

CHANUKAH IN LA CENTERRA (KATY)EIGHTH LIGHT | WED., DEC. 4, 6:30 P.M.

Central Green, La Centerra shopping center23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy

Join Chabad-CHAI Learning Center of West Houston in lighting public Menorah

THE GALLERIA LIGHTSEIGHTH LIGHT | WED., DEC. 4, 6:30 P.M.Light Houston’s newest & largest Menorah

The Galleria (next to the fountain between Macy’s and Nordstrom)

Details at www.ChanukahInHouston.com

B”H

#HanukkahFloatHOU

CHANUKAH FLOAT inTHANKSGIVING DAY PARADETHANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

FIRSTDAY |THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 9-11 A.M.FIRSTDAY |THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 9-11 A.M.FIRSTDAY |THURSDAY, NOV. 28, 9-11 A.M.Downtown Houston • houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparadeDowntown Houston • houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparadeDowntown Houston • houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparadeAn historict fi rst: Magnifi cent Chanukah fl oat in the An historict fi rst: Magnifi cent Chanukah fl oat in the An historict fi rst: Magnifi cent Chanukah fl oat in the

64th annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade! 64th annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade! 64th annual Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade!

#HanukkahFloatHOU

COMMUNITYPAGE 18JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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HAZAK presents what promises to be a delightful afternoon at Congre gation Brith Shalom, listen-ing to Broadway show tunes and Hebrew songs as interpreted by The Tikunotes. This group will perform on Sunday, Nov 24, at 2 p.m.

In addition to the entertainment, latkes with all the trimmings will be served.

Call 713-726-8745 for reserva tions. HAZAK programs for seniors 55 and over are free to members.

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Com munity Center of Houston induc-ted Alan S. Finger and Mark E. Silber-man, D.V.M., into the Ronnie Arrow Houston Jewish Sports Hall of Fame as the Class of 2013. This is the 19th annual induction ceremony at the ERJCC.

“We placed the 79th and 80th honorees on the Hall of Fame wall and what a proud accomplishment that is. We are glad to welcome the Hall of Fame’s namesake, Ronnie Arrow, back to Houston,” said Richard Stetzer, chair of the selection committee.

Bobbi Samuels, president of the ERJCC board of directors, recognized Arrow and his mother, longtime JCC staff member, Betty Arrow, who endowed the Hall of Fame in her son’s name. Ronnie was among the first inductees in the first class in 1995. Samuels also thanked Joe (of blessed memory) and Jeanne Samuels as well as Vicki Samuels Levy and

Matt Samuels for their continuous support and sponsorship of the annual program.

“When I was told Dad was to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, the first thing I said was, ‘What a stud ... and a pretty good, accomplished all-around athlete, too,” said Steven Finger about his father, Alan S. Finger.

Finger was a punter and all around back during his junior and high school years, and a two-year varsity letterman at San Jacinto High School. “During college, Dad found fencing to be a great sport ... and became the Ivy League Saber Champion during his junior and senior years,” said Steven. “In 1990, he accomplished his biggest victory to date after he took up sailing. Dad attracted an exceptional crew to sail in the Audi Yachting Boat Week in Key West. Dad’s boat won five-straight races and received the Boat of the Week Award.”

Accepting his Hall of Fame plaque, Finger stated, “My dad helped me love the outdoors like he did. Through all of my sporting events, it was the thrill of the competition and winning ..., and the heartbreak of losing. The 1990 Yachting Race with my friend and fellow sailor, Don Genitempo, was a thrill to be remembered always.” He concluded, “It’s a great honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with all of these great Houston athletes.”

Fred Sklar introduced Mark E. Silberman as a wide-eyed and curious, talented tennis player. Sklar explained that Silberman wanted to play tennis in high school and received permission to begin a tennis team at Westbury High School, where he lettered as a varsity member for three years. “He won singles and doubles championships in 1973 in the Junior Division of the Houston Open. He even played with George Mitchell at the Houston Racquet Club. Silberman was listed in high rankings in Texas in both Singles and Doubles. While at Texas A&M, he lettered in tennis all four years ... holding the Number 1 ranking in this senior year,” Sklar noted. “Mark not only was a winner in his sport, but in his profession as a veterinarian. He is a past president of the Harris County Veterinarian Medical Foundation and, in 1993, was named Vet of the Year and voted into the Hall of Fame for Veterinarians,” Sklar recalled.

“It is such an honor to be here. I wanted to play baseball as a youngster, but I couldn’t hit the ball. My dad took

me out to MacGregor Park and I learned from a real fine group of teachers ... but just was not a good hitter. My biggest win while at Texas A&M was playing against Trinity ... the top winning team of the country ... and I won that match! What a victory. I want to thank Fred for nominating me to the Hall of Fame and thank the committee for selecting me,” said Silberman.

The ERJCC and the Jewish Herald-Voice have co-sponsored the Hall of Fame since it was founded in 1995 by Jewish Herald-Voice sports editor Jerry Ribnick, along with Joe Samuels and “Slugger” Cohen.

The pictures of Finger and Silberman will be displayed in the Sports Hall of Fame, which is located in the hallway going to the ERJCC Health Club.

Visit erjcchouston.org or Facebook for information about programs and services at the ERJCC.

Ronnie Arrow Jewish Hall of Fame induction

Past honorees join current inductees of the Ronnie Arrow Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Back row: Ian Goldfoot, Vic Samuels, Charlie Laviage, Stanley Rosenblatt and Dr. Kenneth Horwitz; (front row) Fred Sklar, Jan Pasternak, Harry Pepper, Mark Silberman, Alan Finger, Melanee Kaplan Weiser, Mendel Laviage and Ronnie Arrow.

An afternoon with The TikunotesThe Tikunotes

CommunityPage 19

Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013


Today in Houston, more than 1,500 Jews face joblessness, hunger, homelessness, unpaid bills and the mental and physical ills that come with poverty.That is why we are establishing the Promise of Hope, the first local appeal to address poverty here in Houston’s Jewish community. With this big goal and full hearts, we begin the appeal this Chanukah and Thanksgiving.




For the third year, ‘The Shul’ of Bellaire will host the Bellaire Chanu-kah Festival on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. at Bellaire Civic Center in the city of Bellaire.

The event, which attracted 400 people last year, will feature a Chanu-kah in Toyland festival – fun for the en-tire family.

Children will help make a huge toy menorah. There will be a carnival and crafts for all ages. Older children and teens will enjoy Games2u, mobile video game theater. There also will be chocolate gelt, dreidels, doughnuts and hot latkes. Everyone will have the opportunity to take a picture with “Judah the Maccabee.” A dairy dinner-buffet will be served.

The toys that will be used to create the toy menorah will be distributed

through Aishel House to children suf -fer ing from illness. Parents and children are strongly encouraged to bring new toys (only) for the purpose of brighten-ing the life of a child this Chanukah.

Immediately after the carnival, parti -cipants will ignite the 9-foot Bellaire menorah in Bellaire Town Square, on S. Rice Avenue. The menorah lighting will feature recently re-elected Bellaire Mayor Phil Nauert, City Council mem-bers and other community leaders.

There will be a special musical performance by students of Bellaire’s Hebrew School of the Arts.

Chanukah in Toyland will begin at 4 p.m., and the menorah lighting will take place at approximately 5:30.

Mayor Nauert said, “I look forward to the Chanukah event each year, as it has become an essential part of the

Bellaire religious holiday calendar, and we welcome all Bellaire residents to join the celebration.”

The Bellaire Chanukah Festival and Public Menorah Lighting are organized by Rabbi Yossi and Esty Zaklikofsky, Rabbi Zaklikofsky, spiritual leader of ‘The Shul’ of Bellaire, remarked, “The menorah serves as a symbol of Bellaire’s dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G-d, freely, openly and with pride. Specifically in America – a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion, free from restraint and persecution – the menorah takes on profound significance, embodying both religious and constitutional principles.”

Bellaire’s menorah is one of

thousands of large public menorahs, from the White House lawn to the Eiffel Tower, all sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch centers throughout the world, including eight in Houston, helping children and adults, of all walks of life, discover and enjoy the holiday message.

‘The Shul’ is not a membership-based organization and welcomes every Jew, men, women and children, from every background, to come celebrate their Jewishness, all year-round and, especially, on Chanukah, in a festive and joyous atmosphere.

To RSVP for the event or for information about Chanukah and a schedule of classes and events in preparation for Chanukah, call 713-839-8887 or visit JewishBellaire.com/Chanukah.

COMMUNITYPAGE 20JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

A Hilarious Musical about 1 Girl’s Unorthodox Quest for Love

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Toy menorah takes center stage at Bellaire Chanukah f estival

For a second year, Chabad of the Bay Area will celebrate Chanukah on the Strand. The family Chanukah event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. at Saengerfest Park (corner of Tremont and Strand Streets) in Galveston. It will feature live Jewish and Israeli music, the ceremonial kindling of a large outdoor menorah, hot latkes, sufganyot, chocolate gelt and prizes.

Another event by Chabad of the Bay Area will be Chanukah in Candyland at Baybrook Mall on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m., at the intersection of the Sears and Macy’s corridors. Open to all ages, it will feature the lighting of a specially designed candy menorah, hands-on crafts, hot latkes, doughnuts and chocolate gelt.

A public menorah lighting will take

place, also, at Pearland Town Center's outdoor pavilion on Monday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature the kindling of a large menorah, music and delicious Chanukah treats.

“The holiday of Chanukah celebrates the victory of religious and national freedom in the face of oppression,” explained Rabbi Yitzchok Schmukler, director of Chabad of the Bay Area. “By kindling the menorah, we are reminded that – just as a little bit of light has the power to dispel much

darkness – so too, when we engage in doing even small acts of goodness and kindness, it helps to create a ripple effect that betters the world. We invite everyone to join with us in celebrating this universal message.”

All three events are free and open to the public, and organized by Chabad of the Bay Area in cooperation with the venues. For details, to RSVP (optional) or to contribute, visit JBayArea.org or Facebook.com/JBayArea; call 713-398-2460 or email [email protected].

Chanukah lights on the Strand

By VICTORIA LAZAR

Our hosts, Boris and Natasha (yes, these were their names), remained calm. Fifteen North American Jews came to Germany to explore “Jewish Life in Germany – Past, Present and Future.” We had lots of questions.

Boris was our “senior statesman,” who knew everything in Berlin. Natasha was our smiling socialite –and as tall as a Houston Rocket. We had academics, media stars (including a former Detroit Lions linebacker), children of Holocaust survivors, a rabbi, a Holocaust documentary producer and other American Jewish Committee members. After five minutes, we were instant friends.

We focused on Berlin, and spent a day in Dresden. We packed a lot into six days. We met cantors and rabbis in the local Jewish communities. We talk-ed with senior members of the Ger-man government – ambassadors, sec-retaries, Bundestag members and our Foreign Ministry host, which funded the trip. We met influential AJC staff.

We discussed pertinent issues with educational groups, the Jewish press and local artists.

We visited historic sites, a cathartic experience.

We soberly viewed the Memorial at Track 17. The train platform shows, segment by segment, the number, the day and the destination of the Jews transported from Berlin.

We visited Wannsee. Our blood chilled as we saw the document codifying the Final Solution – listing,

by country, the numbers of Jews the Nazis planned to eliminate.

We heard Israel Unger. He survived World War II in a flour mill attic with nine others. After the war, his parents sent him to France to survive. He got to Canada, married, had two daughters and became the dean of sciences at a prestigious university. We heard his story, “The Unwritten

Diary of Israel Unger,” at the Canadian embassy – a true inspiration.

Then, the Jewish high school: The school has 420 students, is 70 percent Jewish and is renowned for academics. All students take Hebrew, and all celebrate Jewish holidays at school (with parents). Only a few generations after World War II, a high school like this thrives in Germany.

We enjoyed plenty of German food, wine and culture. Berlin is Europe’s coolest capital.

I am still processing what we learned, experienced and felt. Progress has been made, but there is more work to be done. We want to believe that anti-Semitism in Germany is gone, but, unfortunately, pockets remain. But now, instead of implementing it, the state works to destroy it.

The German government deserves huge thanks for its hospitality and

On Sunday, Dec. 1, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Evelyn Ruben-stein Jewish Community Cen-ter of Houston, B’nai B’rith, Edward M. Gardner PC CPA, Temple Sinai Brotherhood and the Houston Chapter of the Tex-as Society of CPAs will partici-pate in a citywide clothing, toy and food drive. For eight years, Bellaire ROTC has helped load the truck in the morning.

This is Schlep Sunday’s 33rd anniversary. The community is asked to bring nonperishable food, clothing and toys that will be donated to the Star of Hope. An 18-wheeler truck at the ERJCC will hold the items.

Holidays are a time of joy, giving and love with families. There are many unfortunate individuals in the community. “It’s a great time

to clean out your closets and get that last-minute tax deduction. Your old clothes are a wonderful gift to someone in need,” said Gardner, founder and project chair.

Items are to be taken to the ERJCC, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd. Receipts will be issued for those who want to take a tax deduction.

Last year, the project helped approximately 15,000 people on this one-day event. The goal this

year is 15,000-plus. For the last 31 years, Schlep Sunday has helped more than 288,000 fellow Houstonians. Many families still need help. Join efforts to help neighbors.

To volunteer, call Gardner at 713-942-1040. Help is needed collecting items from donor cars and putting items in the trailer. A two-hour shift could go a long way in helping the less fortunate.

CommunityPage 21

Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

There are many ways to support Israel and its people, but none is more transformative than a gift to Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical response and blood service agency. Your gift to MDA isn’t just changing lives, it’s literally saving them, providing critical care and hospital transport for everyone from victims of heart attacks to casualties of rocket attacks. Save a life. Make a year-end gift to Magen David Adom today.

No charitable gift has a greater impact on the lives of Israelis.

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Schlep Sunday returns for the 33rd year

Shelly and Ed Gardner

A show by renowned comedian Tom Ryan will be presented at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, at Congregation Or Ami. This will be the third annual show at Or Ami, featuring acclaimed, seasoned and accomplished comedians.

Ryan has performed comedy for more than 20 years, at famous comedy clubs, on “Late Night with David Letterman,” Showtime, A&E, Comedy Central and NBC. He has appeared with or opened for B.B. King; Natalie Cole; Jeff Beck; Earth, Wind and Fire; Aretha Franklin; Tim Allen; Steven Wright; Jerry Seinfeld and Dennis Miller.

Having written for “Politically Incorrect” with Bill Mahr, Ryan is a popular headliner for corporate events. Making the ordinary and mundane funny, he draws on his research and knowledge of his audience.

The show will emulate an authentic comedy club setting. It will include wine and beer, snacks and, after the show, mingling with the comedian. For tickets, call 713-334-4300 or email [email protected].

Houston Comedy Night at Or Ami in West Houston

Tom Ryan

Exploring Jewish life in Germany

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See Germany on Page 22

CommunityPage 22Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013

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NEW YORK – Annual Israel bond investments in the U.S. domestic market exceeded $1 billion for the first time, as 2013 sales broke through the historic threshold in early November and continue to surge. With six weeks still remaining in the year, it is anticipated that domestic investments in Israel bonds will approach $1.1 billion.

By comparison, U.S. Israel bond invest ments for 2011 were $634 million. For 2012, they reached $816 million which, at the time, represented an all-time high for domestic Israel bond sales.

In praising the record results, Sigalit Siag, Israel’s chief fiscal officer for the Western Hemisphere, applauded the Bonds organization for “proving itself, once again, as a reliable source of funding for Israel’s economy.” She cited the organization’s “unique ability to raise capital,” as well as its success in securing sales

from “a strong, diverse investor base.”Bonds chair of the board,

Richard Hirsch, said the record sales “solidify the reputation of the Bonds organization as a dependable economic and strategic resource for Israel.”

Added president and CEO Izzy Tapoohi: “The $1 billion achievement dispels the notion that Israel bonds are bought in great numbers only when Israel confronts a crisis. Today, Israel bonds are perceived not only as a gesture of solidarity, but as an opportunity to become a stakeholder in one of the world’s most resilient economies.”

U.S. Israel bonds investments achieve historic sales

Shahar azranazran

Bonds president and CEO Izzy Tapoohi, Israel’s finance minister Yair Lapid and Richard Hirsch at a reception held in the finance minister’s honor in New York.

The Houston Chronicle pub-lished its Top Workplace Awards for 2013, and, for the second year, Congregation Beth Israel was among those named. The designation is based entirely on feedback from an employee survey, which asked for candid evaluations from those affected most. Criteria included management’s leadership and direction, ethics, values and how well the employees believe they

are valued and treated. The fact that the temple’s staff

responded in a fashion which earned Beth Israel this distinction reflects on the leadership by Rabbis David Lyon, Adrienne Scott and Mark Miller, Cantor Dan Mutlu and executive director Kathy Knott.

A celebration breakfast and announcement party was held to honor the wonderful staff of Congregation Beth Israel.

Congregation Beth Israel celebrates receiving Top Workplace Award

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transparency on this trip.To conclude: Germany now

tries hard to combat stereotypes and to promote respect for life and pluralism. Trips like this allow us to understand the past and forge relationships for a better future. There is more individual guilt than collective guilt with what is

happening now. But, there is more to process.

AJC has 26 U.S. offices and nine global offices. The Houston region actively explores immigration issues, energy policy, interfaith outreach and diplomatic outreach efforts.

Lazar is an attorney with GE Oil and Gas and is AJC Houston Region’s vice president for international affairs.

Germany From Page 21

‘Hoops andHanukkah’

Many of my friends are basketball fanatics: players on their school teams, Maccabi players and fans! This article is for you!

“Hoops & Hanukkah” at Toyota Center seems like an awesome celebration of the holiday – which will begin the night of Wednesday, Nov. 27 – and basketball. It’s our hometown Rockets vs. the Atlanta Hawks. Tickets may be purchased for $20, only available through Chabad Outreach at 713-774-0300 or online.

Here is what the ticket price allows you: ticket, pregame party

at Root Memorial Square Basketball Court across the street from the stadium, halftime on-court menorah lighting, first 250 tickets purchased will receive 2013 Hoops & Hanukkah T-shirt, first 250 tickets purchased will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive meet-and-greet with Omri Casspi, and the chance to do some post-game free throwing!

An email I received highlighted the evening’s schedule/times: 5 p.m. pregame Chanukah party at Root Memorial Park (corner of Clay and La Branch); 5:30 outdoor menorah lighting; 5:45 special appearance by Clutch; 6:30 guests will start heading to their seats; 7 is tip off; 8:15 (approximate) halftime on-court menorah lighting; 9:45 meet-and-greet and 10 post-game free throws.

There are many fun activities for kids, teens and families to celebrate Chanukah. If you are able to go to “Hoops & Hanukkah,” HAVE A BALL!!!

For any teen news, please email me at [email protected].

SCHOOLS/ON CAMPUS/TEENSPAGE 23

JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

BETH YESHURUN DAY SCH OOLFirst-graders

celebrated the 50th day of school at a

’50s Sock Hop. They learned about things that were invented in the ’50s, completed a ’50s activity book and made a Venn diagram

comparing children in the ’50s to children

today. They danced the twist, had a hula-hoop

contest and watched “I Love Lucy.” For their

mitzvah project, the children hosted a Sock

Drive for the entire school, donating the

socks to Jewish Family Service. Taking part

in the festivities were Raya Weinstock, Zev

Goetz, Adele Croft from Jewish Family Service,

Benjamin Berzin, Isabelle Berzin and

Emmy Brounes.

TORAH DAY SCHOOL

Under the direction of Judaic teacher Elisa Goldstein, first-grade students (Kita Aleph), including Reuven Donin, Meir Harosh, Menachem Cashman, Yosef Feigenson, Levi Lazaroff, Shalom Tur-Jman, Devorah Leah Gerlitz, Michal Camhi and Mussi Traxler, spent weeks perfecting their reading fluency, learning the cursive Hebrew writing and the grammar rules used to translate as they prepared to begin learning the Torah from within the Chumash text. They performed for parents and loved ones with song and presented a play about the five Books of the Torah. The children enjoyed a festive atmosphere of balloon decorations and a treat of cupcakes and candy-shaped Torah scrolls.

THE SHLENKER SCHOOL

Second-graders Abie Miller, Jason Shwartz, Andrew Newman and Donovan Shuster learned their states and capitals and practiced map skills through a United States of America puzzle. The students were excited when they completed the puzzle with the Lone Star State.

ROBERT M. BEREN ACADEMY

F ourth- and fifth-graders were able to explore beyond the four walls of the classroom and enjoyed a three-day excursion to Camp Young Judaea for their Nature’s Classroom Institute program. The students enjoyed a creative and challenging curriculum, where they learned about nature, teamwork and respect, all while having a fun and bonding time together.

Houston Hillel hostsSchool of Dentistry lunch

On Thursday Nov. 6, Houston Hillel held its first Jewish lunch at The University of Texas School of Dentistry. The speaker, Dr. Charles Moser, owned his own practice for many years and now serves as dental director at South Texas Dental. He spoke to mostly first- and second-year dentistry students about the business side of owning one’s own practice. Students learned what to look out for in regards to location of their future practice, as well as how to handle a staff of employees.

Michelle Blumenthal, Houston Hillel’s director of Jewish life, noted, “I was very pleased with our first lunch with UTSD! It gave me the opportunity to meet the Jewish dentistry students in hopes of them attending more Jewstontexas events. Everyone really enjoyed Dr. Moser’s talk as he shared some funny anecdotes from his life as a young dentist. The students in attendance learned a lot, and they look forward to more lunches in the future.”

Dr. Moser’s visit is the most recent in a regular schedule of

Houston Hillel lunches at the Texas Medical Center, featuring speakers of interest to students in the health professions. Other speakers this year have included Bennett Greenspan, who spoke on Jewish genetics, and Dr. David Eagleman, who spoke about his research.

Rabbi Kenny Weiss, Houston Hillel’s executive director, commented, “We had a wonderful number of students attend Dr. Moser’s talk. We consistently find that the students in the Texas Medical Center enjoy interacting with Jewish physicians in an informal environment. I am grateful that we can provide these forums for our Jewish students.”

Rabbi Weiss continued, “I am also grateful to the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation for sponsoring Houston Hillel’s 2013-2014 Texas Medical Center & Law School ethics lunches.”

For information about Houston Hillel’s programming and a free Birthright Israel trip during winter break, call the Hillel Student Center at 713-526-4918 or visit houstonhillel.org.

BERTHA ALYCE CENTER

Joshua Taylor, Isabella Adachi and

Simon Zamberk “fish”from the “ocean” to learnabout Day 5 of Creation.

Halle BrazdaTeen Column

Halle BrazdaTeen Column

Dr. Charles Moser addresses UTSD students during Houston Hillel’s lunch.

SIMCHASPAGE 24JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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GABRIELLA SARA DANZIGER

Gabriella Sara Danziger will become a Bat Mitzvah on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at Chabad TMC and Saturday, Nov. 23, at Congregation Beth Yeshurun. She is the daughter of Paul and Susan Danziger. Her proud grandparents are Avril and Julius Danziger of Houston, and Jane and Howard Kramer of Rye, N.Y. She is the sister of Emma, Julia and Joshua. Gaby is a seventh-grader at The Emery/Weiner School, where she enjoyed being on the volleyball team. Gaby graduated from Beth Yeshurun Day School. For her mitzvah project, she will be volunteering at Aishel House. She and her family are thrilled to be celebrating this simcha with so many family and friends from near and far.

Bat Mitzvah

ANNIE BURR CORDRAY

Annie Burr Cordray was born on Oct. 23, 2013. She is the daughter of Leslie and Jay Cordray. She is the granddaughter of Tim and Kathy Cohn Knott of Houston; and Burr and Barbara Cordray o f Fort Worth, Texas. She is also the great-granddaughter of Hildegarde “Bugger” Levy Cohn and the late Burton Cohn.

Births

ZANE PHILLIP FEINMAN

Andrea and Blake Feinman of Houston proudly announce with love, the birth of their son, Zane Phillip Feinman. Zane was born on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at 10:22 a.m., weighing 5 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 19 inches in length. He is the first grandchild of Pamela and Randall Zane, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Paula and Ronald Feinman, of Houston.

Zane is very fortunate to have three great-grandparents to share in the joy of his birth: his great-grandmother, Edith Kligman of Houston and his great-grandfathers, Alan Zane of Houston, and Irving Braslau of Corpus Christi. His great-grandparents, of blessed memory, are Florence and Louis Feinman, of Massillon, Ohio, Audrey Zane of Corpus Christi, Marilyn Braslau of Corpus Christi and Phillip Kligman of Houston. Zane’s Hebrew name is Eliezer Feivish, in memory of his paternal great-grandfathers: Louis Feinman and Phillip Kligman.

JACQUELYN, ISABEL and NICOLE KRAMER

Jacquelyn, Isabel and Nicole Kramer celebrated their B’not Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at United Orthodox Synagogues. They led the Mincha and Havdalah services that day. They are the daughters of Ilene Trepel Kramer and Dr. Donald Kramer. They are the granddaughters of Anita Trepel of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and the late Jerry Trepel of Rockaway, N.Y. They also are the granddaughters of the late Shirley and Ralph Kramer of Philadelphia. They are the younger sisters of Rafaela Kramer. The sisters have attended the UOS Goldberg Montessori Preschool and Robert M. Beren Academy. They currently are in the seventh grade at The Emery/Weiner School, where they are very active.

Jacquelyn and Isabel play soccer and volleyball for EWS; Jacquelyn also plays basketball and tennis. Isabel plays polo at the Houston Polo Club and runs for the EWS track team. Nicole is the manager for the middle school football team.

Jacquelyn, Isabel and Nicole are thrilled to be celebrating their simcha with friends and family from across the nation.

B’not Mitzvah

Page 25Jewish herald-Voice

NoVember 21, 2013SimchaS

EPSTEIN – SOLLS Miss Marissa Dayle Epstein

and Mr. Robert Michael Solls were united in marriage on June 2, 2013, at 5 o’clock in the evening, at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, Neb. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Paul Drazen of New York, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Rabbi Stephan Weinberg of Dallas.

The bride is the daughter of Harriet and Ronald Epstein of Omaha. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Nathan N. Wald of Houston, the late Mr. and Mrs. Willis Epstein of Omaha, and Mrs. Audrey Epstein of Austin. The groom is the son of Nancy and Mark Solls of Dallas. He is the grandson of the late Myrna and Robert Stadtman of Dallas, the late Joan and Joseph Solls of Peoria, Ill. and Mrs. Georgia Solls of Peoria.

Escorted to the chuppah by her parents, the bride wore an elegant gown of ivory silk tulle, designed especially for her. The trumpet-like silhouette featured a strapless sweetheart neckline and hand-embellished floral appliques, which swept gracefully across the fitted bodice to the crystal buttons adorning her back. Ribbons of tulle draped delicately along the fluted skirt to the chapel-length train of the gown. To complement her ensemble, the bride wore a silver comb of Swarovski rhinestone crystals attached to a soft illusion, two-layered, elbow-length veil outlined with Swarovski crystals, which she borrowed from her sister. The bride carried a bouquet of white ranunculus, white dove roses, Queen Anne’s lace, white peonies and hydrangeas accented with soft peach spray roses and stock.

Serving as matron of honor was Brittany Epstein Schackman of Plano, Texas, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids included Miss Michelle Solls and Miss Jessica Solls of Dallas, sisters of the groom; Mrs. Erin Dula Busch of Houston; Miss Samantha Finkelstein, Miss Stephanie Perkins, Miss Lauren Robbins, and Miss Sara Scher, all of Dallas; and Miss Jenna Morris of Denver.

The groom was escorted to the chuppah by his parents and was joined by his best man, Matthew Abel of Dallas. Groomsmen included Scott Bagan and Jason Feldgreber of Chicago, Andrew Gardner, Richard Girson, Justin Glass, Daniel Greenberg, Zachary Horn and Alex Prescott, all of Dallas. Ushers included Jonathan Birnbrey of Atlanta, Jonathan Gerber of Houston, Michael Schackman, brother-in-law of the bride, and Kyle Siegel both of Dallas. Masters Zachary and Jesse Spain of Palo Alto, Calif., cousins of the bride, were ring bearers for the ceremony. Misses Hannah and Charlotte Hoffner of Dallas, cousins of the groom, were flower girls.

The bride graduated cum laude from The University of Texas at Austin. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in corporate communications, with a minor in business. Marissa was an active member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, Communications Council and the Distinguished Speakers Bureau. Presently, Marissa is a regional sales representative for KidKraft Inc. in Dallas.

The groom received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics with a minor in business from The University of Texas at Austin. He was affiliated with Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and The University of Texas Silver Spurs. Presently, Robert is director of leasing at Leon Capital Group in Dallas.

The couple took a honeymoon to Hawaii and Maui and now is residing in Dallas.

FINKELMAN – ORANSKY

Sandra and Steven Finkelman and Fern and Robert Oransky joyfully announce the engagement of their children, Jordan Finkelman and Andrea Oransky. Jordan is the grandson of Rose Gordon Finkelman and the late Solomon Gordon and the late Ruth and Wolf Finkelman. Andi is the granddaughter of Roda Oransky and the late Phillip Oransky and the late Don and Barbara Tilzer.

Jordan is a graduate of the University of Miami with a dual Bachelors of Arts degree in economics and international studies and a minor in finance. He currently is employed by Kaufman Rossin Fund Services. Andi is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work and a master’s degree in social work. Andi currently is employed by the Department of Education of Florida, Division of Blind Services as a rehabilitation counselor for the blind. Jordan and Andi met four years ago at Chabad on Campus, a Shabbaton in New York.

Jordan and Andi will be married May 2014 in Miami.

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FOOD AND DININGPAGE 26JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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“ABC Hanukkah Hunt”(Tilda Balsley, 2013, ages 3

and up, 32 pages)Who’s frying latkes in the pan?

And, who’s the biggest latke fan? Look, learn and eat latkes. This is a colorful, interactive, rhyming search for Chanukah foods, gifts and symbols.

“Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah”

(Jamie Korngold, 2013, ages 2 and up, 24 pages)

When Sadie runs to show her mother the Chanukah menorah she made in preschool, she trips, the menorah shatters and she is devastated. But, when

she fi nds that the shamash is unbroken, a new family tradition is born.

“Esther’s Hanukkah Disaster”(Jane Sutton, 2013, ages 4

and up, 32 pagesWhat kinds of gifts does a gorilla

give on Chanukah? It’s hard to pick the perfect gift, and Esther the gorilla’s choices seem all wrong at fi rst. The problems get sorted out when she invites her friends to a joyful Chanukah party.

New chef de cuisine at Tony’sHouston native Kate McLean, who

has been working with Tony’s for nearly three years, is the fi rst woman to hold the position in the nearly 50-year history of Tony Vallone’s fl agship restaurant, Tony’s. Chef Grant Gordon will continue in his role as the restaurant’s executive chef, and McLean will be working under his supervision as he spends his time between Tony’s and the soon-to-be-opened Vallone’s.

“Kate has wonderful energy, she’s intelligent and creative, and she’s been a pleasure to work with,” says Vallone.

“From the fi rst time I tasted her cooking, I knew she was a perfect fi t for Tony’s. We’re thrilled to have her in the kitchen.”

“His knowledge of food is endless,” says Kate of Vallone, “the ultimate mentor,” as she likes to call him. “His critical eye in the kitchen has helped to make me the chef that I am today. I’m so proud to be working with such a talented and devoted team of people here at Tony’s.” Tony’s is located at 3755 Richmond Ave., 713-622-6778.

Feast with the BeastsHeld on the fi rst Friday in November,

this is one of the great foodie events of the year. It takes place outside at the Houston Zoo, and you literally are eating alongside the animals. The dining area is spread throughout the Zoo, so if you want to eat near the giraffes or alligators or big cats, just look on the map and pick your favorite restaurant and location.

For this year’s event, there were 64 restaurants serving generous samples of delicious food, and you couldn’t ignore the animals – the sound effects were real. Other musical sounds were provided by Smash Mouth on the H-E-B stage.

I overdid it on the food, but how could you not, with restaurants like NOE at the Omni Houston Hotel, Haven, Sorrel Urban Bistro, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, Hard Rock Café, and Truluck’s. In between eating, you could watch animal presentations and feedings (by animals and humans). More than 4,000 people attended this event. Money raised helps support the care and feeding of the more than 6,000 animals that call the Houston Zoo home.

Central Market for the holidaysI sampled a bunch of new dishes for

the upcoming holidays, as well as new items around the store. Most would be perfect for Thanksgiving and Chanukah. Here are a few:

Roasted leg of lamb – very lean and stuffed with dried Turkish apricots, dried cranberries and mint.

Quinoa salad, with sweet potatoes and apple – a great vegetarian dish.

Swiss chard and leek gratin – delicious dairy side or vegetarian main dish.

Beet and goat cheese terrine – perfect for adding color to your plate.

For Chanukah: potato latkes, sweet potato latkes with ginger, lemon ricotta pancakes, kreplach, matzah ball soup, carrot tzimmes, noodle kugel.

For dessert: pumpkin cream cheese pie, deep dish pecan pie, salted caramel apple pie and a spectacular four seasons pie, divided into blueberry, apple, peach and cherry – perfect for guests with different tastes.

– Ted Powers, [email protected]

Tony’s chef de cuisine, Kate McLean

FOOD AND DININGPAGE 27

JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Dining Outwith TED POWERS

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First, I have to tell you, this is not a Chinese restaurant. Well, kinda, sorta. As Daniel Wong says, this is “Chinese cooking with a Texas fl air.” Did you ever hear of gumbo in a Chinese eatery? I never did. How about Rio Grande Valley Beef, South of the Border Turkey, Texas Satay Beef, Hermann Park Duck or, catch this, Dragon Beard Chicken. You get the picture? This kitchen turns out fi rst-class food items, regardless of the recipe’s origin (or what he calls them).

Chef Daniel tells the story of the Chinese railroad workers of the 19th century. When crews were laying track for the new railroads, they needed good, tasty protein to keep up their strength and cowboy steak was created. He calls it Railroad Beef,

and you can get a taste at Daniel Wong’s Kitchen. Another unusual but delicious dish is House Stuffed Chicken. It is stuffed with mushrooms and preserved turnips. I love it! Lots of chicken on the menu. My favorite appetizer is Sparkling Chicken Tenders. They are drenched with honey, lightly seasoned and garnished with green onion shreds. Six pieces are wrapped in foil packets before quick cooking. Nice to share.

Other poultry dishes I often order are Drunk Chicken in a gin-

based sauce; Good Morning to You is sliced chicken breast and okra; and Hermann Park Duck, with all the bones removed.

Daniel Wong’s also has a nice selection of fi sh. My current favorite is Sweet-and-Sour Fish made with red snapper, topped with fresh pineapple and served with snow peas. I like that the sauce is not overly sweet. You also can get snapper sautéed in black bean sauce or stir-fried in garlic sauce. Salmon comes two ways – in garlic sauce and hunan sauce.

A stunning dish from Northern China is Sliced Lamb with Ginger and Onion. The taste was fabulous, and the lamb could not have been leaner. A perfect vegetarian treat is Eggplant with Garlic Sauce, made with thin Japanese eggplants.

Chef Daniel carefully preps his food. Fat is trimmed from meats, and fresh vegetables carefully are scrubbed before cooking. He uses no MSG. If you have special dietary needs, let him know, so he can prepare

the dish exactly as you require it. If you want brown rice, he’s got it. He also suggests that you not be limited by the menu. If you have a favorite dish that’s not on the menu, just ask for it. If you prefer more vegetables than meat, chicken instead of beef, steamed instead of stir-fried, or a vegetarian meal, he will do it for you.

End your meal with one of Chef Daniel’s fresh-baked almond cookies or take home a jar for later. He also has honey-coated pecans, cashews, walnuts and almonds in jars.

For Thanksgiving, Daniel prepares traditional roasted turkeys with cornbread dressing and natural gravy. I have been buying these 10- to 12-pound birds for years. Since we always eat Thanksgiving dinner out, at the request of my kids, this becomes my “leftovers.”

Daniel Wong’s Kitchen is open every day for lunch and dinner. It is located just inside the 610 Loop at 4566 Bissonnet St., in Bellaire, 713-663-6665.

Daniel Wong’s Dining Room

RecipesEasy Roast Chicken

A terrifi c dish that serves 3 to 4, depending on the size of the chicken used. It is especially terrifi c, because it tastes great and is so easy to prepare, you may want to keep it a secret.

1 whole chicken, “Broiler” size: about 3½ lbs. to serve 3 to 4 adults

2 scallions, cut into 1-inch sections

1 piece star anise3 slices ginger root, each about

the size of a quarter (coin)1 bay leaf

Seasoning:1 Tbsp. salt1 Tbsp. sugar1 Tbsp. black pepper1 Tbsp. cornstarch1 Tbsp. garlic, peeled and

minced

Rinse chicken thoroughly in hot water. Dry inside and out. (I use paper towels.) Mix seasoning ingredients and dust thoroughly over chicken, inside and out. Put scallion, anise, ginger root and bay leaf inside chicken.

Heat oven to 450°F. Put the chicken in a foil-lined roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes. Then, turn the chicken and continue to roast for another 30 minutes. Serve hot.

(From Daniel Wong’s Kitchen, Chinese Cooking with a Texas Flair, 2005)

Mou Shi (or Moo Shoo) VegetablesI’ve substituted spicy cooked vegetables for the meat. No animal

fat. If you can’t get the Chinese pancakes, (they’re called “bing”), you can substitute thin fl our tortillas, or just enjoy the fi lling, without the pancakes, over rice or noodles.

½ cup bamboo shoots, drained½ cup fresh mushrooms, rinsed½ cup carrot, peeled½ cup bean sprouts½ cup snow peas½ cup cabbage2 Tbsp. oil8 mou shi pancakes or thin fl our

tortillas

Dip or table sauce:3 Tbsp. hoisin sauce½ tsp. sesame oil

Seasoning:2 Tbsp. ground bean sauce 2 Tbsp. soy sauce2 Tbsp. wine1 tsp. sugar2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce½ tsp. hot sauce 2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Wash and dry all vegetables. Cut or shred into matchstick-sized pieces. Mix 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce and ½ teaspoon sesame oil and set aside. Mix all seasonings well and set aside.

Heat a wok or pan to high heat and add oil, then all vegetables. Stir cook for two minutes, then add mixed seasonings and stir until the sauce bubbles. Remove from heat and serve with pancakes, tortillas, or over rice or noodles, or alone on a bed of lettuce leaves. Guests put about 2 teaspoons of fi lling in the center of the pancake and roll it up like an enchilada. If pancakes are served, provide individual sauce containers for each diner so they can dip their stuffed pancakes or they can spoon some over the cooked vegetables if they don’t want pancakes.

(From Daniel Wong’s Kitchen, Chinese Cooking with a Texas Flair, 2005)

HealtHPage 28Jewish herald-Voice

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It’s almost Thanksgiving, the holiday that I most look forward to every year. It’s a time for families and friends to gather together, forget about diets, break bread and not only take time to appreciate what they have, but to share it with others. This year is even more special. Thanksgiving and Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, will occur at the same time, an event that won’t happen again for many years because of the differences between the Jewish and Gregorian calendars.

So, it’s not only a time to give thanks, it’s also a time to celebrate by giving to others. Some religious scholars say that the giving of gifts on Chanukah symbolizes the giving of light to others. It’s a gift every one of us can give. Let me explain.

Several months ago, the private line at my office rang. It was a friend, who stated he was extremely concerned about a mutual acquaintance I’ll call Alex. He hadn’t seen Alex for three months, and when he did, he was shocked. The normally well-groomed, nattily dressed man was disheveled, he hadn’t shaved for several days, his clothes were unkempt and, in my friend’s words, “It looked as though he’s hit rock bottom.” He said Alex lost his job, began drinking and eventually

had to vacate his apartment. When he did, he left all his possessions behind. A longtime friend was providing room and board but, at that point, Alex was down to his last $84. He totally had given up on himself. My friend asked if I would see Alex for several appointments and I agreed.

Despite my friend’s description, seeing Alex made his words pale. It’s difficult to describe fully the aura that surrounds a human being who has given up any shred of hope, any ambition, dream or thought that their life is worth living. It goes beyond the physical picture – the clothes the individual wears or the tone of his voice. In Alex’s case, his body barely supported itself in the chair. He wrung his hands, clenched his fists, and never looked me in the eye. He was the picture of a man who knew everything was downhill from where he was. Surprisingly, he agreed to see me for three sessions, but said that it was a waste of my time and that no one could really help him. Most of all, it was evident that he wasn’t about to help himself.

At the end of the first session, I had doubts whether he would return, but three days later, he did. When I told him of my concern regarding his making the appointment, he stated that he was surprised he was there, as well. He added that he had left my office recalling only every third or fourth word, but somehow, it caused him to feel just a little bit hopeful, only that made everything hurt worse,

because he knew, in his heart, he wouldn’t follow through. He said, “I feel like a freeloader who will never be able to repay the kindness anyone shows me or the financial support they give me.” Nevertheless, he said he wanted to come back again, to see whether, if he listened harder, he might discover a way out.

Before he left, we outlined three small but positive steps he could take that would point him in the right direction.

On his third visit, he walked into my office looking worse than he had the first time. He hadn’t taken one of the steps, which wasn’t surprising to me, but it was terribly self-defeating, in his eyes. I was about to suggest that he consider taking an anti-depressant, but he still was drinking and I felt medication mixed with alcohol would only make things worse. The time went by very slowly and he repeatedly tried to leave the office early. Finally, he said, “I don’t know why you’re wasting your time. I appreciate you, but there’s nothing out there. It’s all black. Maybe it would be different if there was one shred of light, but there isn’t. If there is, I can’t see it.” He rose to leave once again.

I knew that if ever I was going to say something that might give him some hope, it was then. In desperation, I pulled out my desk drawer and looked for a promotional item that had been sent to me several weeks earlier, a flashlight that didn’t require batteries. I turned it on and said “Look. No light. But, bear with me a moment.” I began shaking it up and down, rhythmically, causing friction to occur inside the flashlight. After less than two minutes, I turned the switch on again and brilliant blue light emanated from the end of the flashlight. I said to him, “Do you see this? There wasn’t a shred of light, until I caused sufficient internal friction in the flashlight, which created an electrical charge that provided light. I just put out a little effort and, after a short amount of time, the shred of light you’re

searching for was there. It can be the same for you. Sometimes, things can look pretty bleak. Hope can dwindle and it looks as though there’s no way to survive. What inevitably occurs is, you stop trying. You put out no energy, no effort, all the while hoping for a miracle. But, as you can see in this example, by putting out some minimal energy for a brief period of time, I created my own light. You can do the same, but not if you’re lying in bed, drinking and thinking about dying. But, if you lift yourself up, get rid of the bottle, attend AA, reach out to others in the world, or get any kind of job and begin to be productive, one day at a time the light will shine on and around you.”

Alex walked out of the office slowly. He said he’d call for another appointment, and I thought “I’ve lost him.” Two hours later, my phone rang and a voice said, “I’m going to try to create some light. The first step I’ve taken was to make this phone call.”

I’m not saying that every effort you make to reach out to someone or to show them the light, will work. But, I am saying that it’s worth the effort, and that every one of you has the wherewithal to assure someone that they can reenergize their lives and needn’t live in the dark. Even more, I’m suggesting that if you’re that someone, you need to do it for yourself. The first essential step you have to take is to determine what direction you want to follow. Then dream, hope and pray for the energy to actualize your desires. Everyone has that power inside them, including you. It just requires that you recognize that light is available to you if you’re willing to expend the initial energy to create it.

Keep that thought in mind, and let me wish all of you a once-in-a-lifetime Happy Thanksgiv ing /Chanukah holiday.

To learn more about Dr. Reitman, to read his articles or to obtain copies for family or friends, visit his website, dredreitman.com.

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WORLDPAGE 29

JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

By BEN SALES

JERUSALEM (JTA) – It is a cause that elicited cheers from a roomful of participants at the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly. Leading politicians have long championed it and are now trying to push it through a divided Knesset. Nearly two-thirds of Israelis support it, and activists say it’s crucial for ensuring Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state. Opponents say it could augur the downfall of Israel, as we know it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance is hard to read.

It’s not peace with the Palestinians or a military strike on Iran’s nuclear program. It is the institution of civil marriage in Israel.

Under current law, the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate in Israel controls marriage for Jews, which leaves Conservative, Reform, civil or same-sex marriages – not to mention interfaith marriages – unrecognized by the state.

Responding to growing calls for change, a bill proposed last month by the centrist Yesh Atid party would institute civil unions with the same rights as the marriages now permitted by the Chief Rabbinate.

The Jewish Federations, which held its annual General Assembly in Jerusalem this week, soon may join that fight. CEO Jerry Silverman told JTA that the federations are “studying the issue” without a definite goal in mind.

But, advocating for religious pluralism in Israel was a recurring theme at the assembly. Susie and Michael Gelman, the confab’s North American co-chairs, laid out that goal on opening night.

“We look forward to the day when Israel will realize the dream of being a Jewish, democratic and pluralist state,” they said.

A panel discussion, moderated by Susie Gelman, specifically addressed the issue of civil marriage, with five of six panelists advocating before an enthusiastic crowd.

“The panel charged those of us who attended to get involved and to raise our voices,” Susie Gelman told JTA. “In terms of civil marriage, this is an issue that touches all of us. It is not just an Israeli issue.”

Labor Party Chair Shelly Yachimovich said her party is planning to introduce its own civil marriage bill. “We support civil marriage and gay rights, including same-sex marriage,” Yachimovich said. “We currently have a unique opportunity. Parties in the coalition and opposition are capable of joining forces to pass this law.”

Her speech followed calls by Finance Minister Yair Lapid to “equalize” the Jewish denominations. “It’s very important to us that Israel would be pluralistic,” Lapid said.

Civil marriage would not be the first religious pluralism fray that the Jewish Federations has entered.

The umbrella group of American Jewish federations stridently was opposed to the 2010 Rotem bill, which would have consolidated authority over conversions in the hands of the Chief Rabbinate. Silverman called it a “betrayal” and Netanyahu suspended debate on the bill, which three years later has not come to a vote.

More recently, the Jewish Federations advocated for a plan formulated by Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman Natan Sharansky to expand Robinson’s Arch, a non-Orthodox prayer site immediately south of the Western Wall plaza.

The plan has received support, in principle, from Women of the Wall, the women’s prayer group whose monthly services at the wall brought global attention to the issue. Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz also has given the plan his tacit approval.

Netanyahu endorsed the idea to raucous cheers in his Sunday night speech at the G.A.

“The Kotel is in Israel, but the Kotel belongs to all the Jewish people,” the prime minister said, using the Hebrew term for the wall. “We have to consult together and reach a solution together.”

The G.A. ended with hundreds of delegates walking from Jerusalem City Hall to Robinson’s Arch, where they participated in an egalitarian prayer service. Speaking afterward, Sharansky praised the service as an example of Jewish unity, though he acknowledged that the current temporary platform erected there is only a first step to a solution.

“We’re not fighting to defeat the other,” Sharansky said. “We’re fighting to see how we can be one people with one G-d, one prayer and one Kotel.”

Regardless of whether the federations support it, Yesh Atid’s civil unions bill likely will fail in the Knesset. The Jewish Home party is expected to block the measure – a prerogative it enjoys as a member of the governing coalition.

Yesh Atid ran for Knesset on a

platform opposing Orthodox privileges in Israeli law. But, while the party has won Jewish Home’s support in ending the Haredi Orthodox exemption to Israel’s mandatory military draft, Jewish Home opposes any change to the religious status quo.

A Jewish Home bill, passed last month, allows Israelis to register for marriage anywhere in the country, not just in their home districts – a move that eliminates one of the more onerous restrictions of the current marriage laws but leaves the Orthodox-controlled system intact.

But, judging from the tenor of this year’s G.A., such changes won’t satisfy North American Jewry. While he emphasized that the Jewish Federations had not made a decision on whether to engage in the civil-marriage debate, Michael Gelman said he felt that American Jews should be assertive in advocating for marriage reform in Israel.

“When it comes to things that affect worldwide Jewry, we need to get involved,” he told JTA. “There needs to be a lot of noise coming out of North America on this issue.”

Fight for religious pluralism at Federation’s confab

JFNA

Delegates to the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly conducting an egalitarian prayer service at the Western Wall, Nov. 12.

France’s Hollande, in Israel, vows to stay vigilant on Iran nukesJERUSALEM (JTA) – France will

uphold economic sanctions on Iran as long as necessary, French President Francois Hollande said in Israel. Hollande arrived in Israel on Sunday, Nov. 17 for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials. It was his first trip to Israel since becoming French president more than a year ago.

The meetings come as Western powers prepare for another round of negotiations with Iran over its alleged nuclear weapons program.

“France considers [Iran] to be

a threat to Israel, and it is clearly threatening to the region and the world,” Hollande said upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. “France will not give up or compromise on nuclear proliferation, and as long as we are not completely sure that Iran has given up nuclear weapons, we will continue to maintain our position.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a welcoming ceremony for Hollande that Israel views France as a true friend.

“France, like Israel, aspires to a

stable, moderate Middle East in which the peoples live in peace with each other, in security and mutual respect,” Netanyahu said. “You, Mr. President, have taken a resolute stance regarding Syria, and in the face of Iran’s relentless attempts to arm itself with nuclear weapons, which would endanger not just Israel, but regimes and countries throughout the Middle East; it also would endanger France, Europe and the entire world.”

It has been reported that France was the one country that stood in the

way of the P5+1 world powers signing an agreement last week in Geneva with Iran. The agreement reportedly would have offered an easing of economic sanctions in return for Iran halting high-level uranium enrichment.

“The citizens of Israel are full of gratitude to France for standing by our side in times of difficulty; we will never forget it,” Israeli President Shimon Peres said during a welcoming ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

Publisher apologizes for map without Israel

(JTA) – Scholastic Inc. apologized for publishing a map of the Middle East that omits Israel in a popular children’s series.

On Nov. 13, hours after the Times of Israel reported about the Israel omission in “Thea Stilton and the Blue Scarab Hunt,” the book publisher, in a statement on its website, said it was stopping shipment immediately of the title, revising the map and reprinting the book.

The book, part of Scholastic’s “Geronimo Stilton” series, was published in June 2012. It tells of a journalist mouse who travels to Egypt to participate in an archaeological excavation.

“We regret the omission, which was in the original version of the book published in Italy and was translated by our company for English-language distribution,” the statement said.

Under the comments section, readers thanked Scholastic and asked how the mistake could have passed through editors and proofreaders.

Some complained about the vitriol shown by some commenters and offered their full support to Scholastic.

“What bothers me most are these questions: What about the books already sold? What exactly caused Scholastic to react?” one reader wrote in the comments section.

Several booksellers’ websites, as of late Thursday, Nov. 7, were allowing the purchase of the book, new or used.

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SPORTSPAGE 30JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

By MATT SAMUELS

Over the past four years, Emery High School senior Sarah Friedman has grown in many ways. Physically, she has eclipsed 6-foot, 5-inches tall. Mentally and emotionally, she has grown even further.

On Nov. 13, all of Friedman’s hard work paid off as she signed a scholarship offer to play volleyball for Southeastern Louisiana University.

“I’ve been working since eighth grade for this moment,” an emotional Friedman said. “It’s very overwhelming, but it is a good feeling.”

Friedman, who earned TAPPS all-state and all-district honors the past two seasons, made her commitment official with a ceremony in front of friends and family at Emery/Weiner School.

“Sarah has been a model to other aspiring athletes of what it really takes to achieve your dreams of playing a sport beyond high school,” Emery athletic director Angie Gubitz said.

“She put in the hard work to get where she is today. She knew what she wanted, she went after it, and I am proud of her for that.”

Friedman has been the Jaguars’ team captain the last two years and

has earned first-team all-state and first-team all-district honors. She also has been the District Player of the Year, among other honors.

“She’s completely changed from a young girl to a young woman, and it has been a wonderful process to watch,” EWS volleyball coach Lauren Cowan said.

“It’s all about hard work and it is beginning to pay off. I can’t wait for her

to kick some butt and take names in college.”

Friedman is excited about the opportunity to play on the next level, but understands the challenges will only get tougher.

“It’s going to be a little more even matched. I know I won’t always be the tallest girl on the court,” she said. “I think I’m a strong player. I’ve grown a

lot mentally and I’ve definitely learned the game more and what it is all about.”

Friedman’s signing also is a big statement for EWS athletics.

“Sarah has helped to put Emery athletics and Emery volleyball on the map,” Gubitz said. “She could have played anywhere. She chose Emery, and we are a better place after having Sarah as a student-athlete at our school.”

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The Passy fileCity born in: DallasSchool: Robert M. Beren AcademyYear in school: JuniorSport: Flag footballPosition: Offensive linemanIf I’m not playing flag football, I’m working on my Eagle Scout projectFavorite food: PizzaFavorite movie: The MatrixFavorite music: RockFavorite book: Catch 22Favorite TV show: Doctor WhoNon-sports hobby: Boy Scouts Best thing about Beren: I’m taking 5 APsFavorite class: MathFavorite teacher: Dr. ZSports hero: Drew BreesThree things I can’t live without: Internet, Math, PlumbingThe best thing about being Jewish: ShabbatI’d love to trade places for a day with Albert EinsteinWhen I finish school, I want to become a patent attorney

Photo by JHV: MICHAEL C. DUKE

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Sarah Friedman signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at Southeastern University. She is joined by Emery athletic director Angie Gubitz; her parents, Jeff and Tammy Friedman; her coach Lauren Cowan; and Emery/Weiner head of school Stuart Dow.

High school volleyball stars sign college scholarships offers

Ciara Appelbaum made her commitment to Wake Forest official with (standing) her parents Carol and Marty Appelbaum and (seated) grandparents Dora Varnes and Maryln Appelbaum. The JHV featured Ciara in the newspaper earlier this year when she first committed to Wake Forest.

M A R K E T P L A C E PAGE 31JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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MR. ALEX JUCKERc/o LARRY P. SMITH, Attorney at Law9660 Hillcroft, Suite 554Houston, Texas 77096

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66All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being admin-istered are required to present them within the time and in the manner pre-scribed by law.

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HILDEGARDE “BUGGER” LEVY COHN

Hildegarde “Bugger” Levy Cohn, third- generation native Houstonian, was born on March 16, 1921, in Houston, and passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at The Houston Hospice after a brief illness. Bugger attended Montrose Elementary, Johnston Junior High and graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1938.

Bugger was the fourth child of Ben M. and Mabel Lipper Levy who predeceased her. She grew up in a lively household on Sul Ross Street with her siblings Florence “Big,” Hortense “Tee” and Ben M. Jr., “Bubba,” who later became Michael Laurence, a professional opera singer.

Bugger married Burton Cohn of St. Louis on Sept. 23, 1940, and they moved to Kansas City, where Burt was in the retail business. There, they had their first daughter, Carol Lee. The Houston retail scene brought them back to Houston in 1944, when Burt joined Palais Royal and then Foley’s. They were blessed with two more girls, Kathryn Ann and Constance Louise.

In their later years, they traveled extensively, preferring cruises with close friends. They socialized constantly with friends from the “Old Braeswood” neighborhood. Their home, at 2410 Bluebonnet, became a hangout for many generations.

Bugger was predeceased by family members, whom she loved and adored. Her parents, Mabel and Ben; her sisters and their husbands, Big and Bubba Efron, Tee and Sol Leff; brother Michael Laurence; and her handsome husband, Burt Cohn, who died in 1993.

She made a new life for herself when she met Ernie Goldschmidt on a synagogue “singles” trip in 1995. They were together for 18 years until Ernie passed away at the age of 98, just a few months ago. Ernie, his children, Diane and Stanley Novy, and their children, truly were family to Bugger and her girls.

Bugger is survived by her loving daughters and their husbands, Carol and Ken Sugarman, Kathy and Tim Knott and Connie and Bud Pollon; adoring grandchildren, Michael Sugarman, Andy Sugarman, Dan and Amy Sugarman Weingart, Jay and Leslie Cordray; precious great-grandchildren, Ethan, Claire and Lindsay Weingart, and Annie Cordray, who was born three weeks ago and who was able to meet Bugger six days before her death.

Bugger also is survived by her nieces and nephews, the Leff and Efron children, their spouses and their own children and grandchildren. Thank you to each of them for making her feel so very special every single day.

A memorial service, to remember Bugger, was conducted at half-past 11 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd. in Houston, where Senior Rabbi David A. Lyon was the officiate with Cantor Daniel Mutlu assisting.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one’s choice. – Geo. H. Lewis & Sons

Ex-chief rabbi Metzger arrestedfor allegedly receiving bribes

JERUSALEM (JTA) – Former Israeli chief rabbi, Yona Metzger, was arrested on suspicion of bribe taking and other offenses during his decade-long tenure. The rabbi was arrested Monday, Nov. 18, following an investigation of several months. A Petach Tikvah court remanded the ex-Ashkenazic chief rabbi to police custody for nine days.

Rabbi Metzger is accused of accepting monetary and material bribes in exchange for advancing the interests of several nonprofit organizations. The amount of the bribes equals several million shekels, according to reports.

According to the Israel Police National Fraud squad, Rabbi Metzger also tried to silence witnesses and interfere in the investigation, according to reports.

He was questioned about the alleged offenses in June, at the end of his stint as chief rabbi, and was placed under house arrest.

Rabbi Metzger served as chief rabbi from 2003 until earlier this year.

Hollande calls for shared Jerusalem,halt to settlement building

JERUSALEM (JTA) – French President Francois Hollande, in a speech to the Israeli Knesset, advocated a two-state solution with Jerusalem as a shared capital for Israel and a Palestinian state. On May 18, during a visit to the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Hollande urged Israel to stop building in West Bank settlements.

Hollande, in his Knesset address, praised the lawmakers and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I’m not here to lecture you about the Palestinian issue,” he said. “I understand how difficult it is to release prisoners, and it was important your prime minister stood by his promise to reignite negotiations with Palestinians.” Hollande called Israel the “creation of unstoppable will.”

“You turned your tragedy into a crane to build your country. You were forced to fight so much to protect your country. Israel exists and continues to exist only because of your efforts,” he said.

During the special Knesset session to honor Hollande, Netanyahu urged Abbas to come to the Knesset, and the prime minister volunteered to go to Ramallah, in order to advance the peace process.

In a joint appearance with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, Hollande said France is against building in the settlements. “France demands a full and complete halt to settlement activity, since it complicates the negotiation so much,” he said. “I’ve said this frankly to the Israelis.”

The French leader also called for “efforts” on the part of the Palestinians.

LILLIAN NELKIN

Lillian Nelkin of Houston, beloved wife of the late Harold Nelkin, mother of Ted and Todd Nelkin, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013. Born to Solomon and Jospa Nelkin in Houston on June 21, 1941, she is survived by daughters-in-law, Rynda and Ula Nelkin, and nieces and nephews, David and Sharon Gurin; and Norma Lesser; and Judy Neyer of New York.

Always a lifelong animal lover, she loved helping strays and took in and found homes for her share. A lifetime of dogs named Whitey, Frisky, Chubby, Ruff-Ruff, Bark and Curly Sue. Her current Havanese, Daisy, was a constant companion to her.

Lillian attended Johnston Middle School as well as San Jacinto High School class of 1957 and also the University of Houston.

She would help out at her parents’ grocery/liquor store, EP, on the corner of Holman and Dowling. She met Harold in 1957, and they last celebrated an anniversary of 54 years together. Always political, she worked locally for the Lyndon Johnson campaign of 1964 and the Ted Kennedy campaign of 1980. Lillian played more than a major role; she was a driving force in the everyday running of H.L.T.&T. Sports, which still operates to this day, but her greatest joy came from her true love of being a mother. She overcame everything that life could throw at her; it seemed, from beating colon cancer in 1992, it was her asthma that she could not beat back, having a long, hard two-year battle with the illness, having her senses to the last moments of her life.

Memorial services will take place at Congregation Emanu El at noon on Sunday, Nov. 24. The public is invited.

Europe’s first state-run Jewishdivinity program opens in Germany

BERLIN (JTA) – Europe’s first Jewish divinity program at a state university opened in Germany at the University of Potsdam outside Berlin. The School for Jewish Theology, which launched Nov. 18, is being called a groundbreaking development in the German university system, which until now only has subsidized Catholic and Protestant theological training programs. Islamic programs also were introduced recently.

“The light of history now shines on Potsdam,” Johann Hafner, dean of the Faculty of Arts at Potsdam, said in a statement, “because it is the first time that confessional studies of Judaism at a state university are possible at an academic level.”

With 47 students enrolled in its first class, the program is oversubscribed, Rabbi Walter Homolka, rector of the Abraham Geiger College and chair of the Leo Baeck Foundation, told JTA.

The academic program, which is part of the Faculty of Arts, is open to students of all backgrounds pursuing bachelor’s and advanced degrees in Jewish theology. All the instructors are Jewish.

Rabbi Homolka told JTA the state is investing “easily 2 million euro [$2.7 million] annually” in the theology school to cover six new professorships and the refurbishing of its own building on the university’s Neue Palais campus. Funding is coming from the German federal government and the state of Brandenburg, along with the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

Jewish students can pursue ordination as rabbis or cantors at the other programs associated with the university: the Reform, or Progressive, Abraham Geiger College, launched in 1999; and the Conservative Zacharias Frankel College, which opened to applicants this week.

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OBITUARIESPAGE 33

JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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ELLEN KAMEN KLEIMAN

Ellen Kamen Kleiman, 75, of Houston, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. She had spent the last few days surrounded by family and embraced in love and laughter. Her funeral was held on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013, at the Beth Yeshurun Cemetery (Allen Parkway), officiated by Rabbi Ranon Teller of Congregation Brith Shalom.

Born on Nov. 20, 1937, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Ellen attended the University of Miami in Florida. After getting married, she then moved to Dallas, to begin her journey of raising four kids, all born in different cities. From Dallas to New York to Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Ellen balanced raising her kids, while also being an active member of Hadassah. Her involvement and

support of Hadassah and Young Judaea included sending two of her children, Eric and Pam, to Camp Young Judaea-Texas in Wimberley, which then resulted in a wonderful legacy, as two of her grandchildren have attended CYJ-Texas, as well.

Ellen’s passion was travel, and she spent many years in the travel industry as a travel agent, ultimately specializing in selling luxury cruises around the world. She was the consummate professional, even asking colleagues during her last days to be sure to take care of her clients.

A strong, independent, graceful and stylish woman, Ellen had a positive impact on countless people, from good friends to her doctors, to home contractors, friends of her children, and just about anybody she met. She will be missed dearly, but her legacy of strength, passion and honesty will live on in her children and grandchildren.

Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Lee and Benjamin Kamen, aka Big Nana and Li’l Pop, and her granddaughter, Jenna Michelle Kleiman.

Ellen is survived by her children and their families, Eric and Amelia Ribnick Kleiman, and their children Brett and Jacklyn of Houston, Pam Kleiman of Houston, Carolyn Kleiman of Dallas, and Stephanie and Jerry Robinson and their children, Alex and Allyson of St. Mary’s, Ga.

Ellen also leaves behind many dear cousins and family, as well as extraordinary caring and special friends, most notably Ellen Stapleton of Houston, and her best friend of more than 50 years, Linda Goldner of Phoenix, Ariz. Special thanks go to the medical professionals at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, especially her PA, Lindsay Law, and to the wonderful team of dedicated staff at the Hospice Houston for their kindness in caring for Ellen in her final days.

The family requests donations to be made in Ellen’s memory to: Houston Hospice-Texas Medical Center, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030-4123 or Weimaraner Rescue of North Texas, Inc., 4347 W. Northwest Hwy., Suite 120, Box 184, Dallas, TX 75220 (weimrescuetexas.org).

Unveilings

YVETTA SCHWARZ

The unveiling for Yvetta Schwarz will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, at the Beth Israel Cemetery Mausoleum on West Dallas, at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi David Lyon will officiate. Family and friends are welcome.

LAWRENCE (LARRY) RICE

The unveiling of the headstone honoring the blessed memory of Lawrence (Larry) Rice will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery (Allen Parkway).

Friends and relatives are welcome to attend in remembrance of Larry.

Chevra Kadishaoffers mitzvahopportunities

Houston Chevra Kadisha is looking for men and women who are interested in performing taharas and/or finding out about this ritual. For information, contact Lester Sternberg, president of Houston Chevra Kadisha, at 713-776-2438.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTPAGE 34JEWISH HERALD-VOICE

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Producing color photographs was a technical challenge until the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, invented the Autochrome process, a color screen made of minute colored particles of potato starch. Each grain of potato starch, which was dyed blue-violet, orange-red and green, separated colors as light traveled through the camera lens to the light-sensitive potato emulsion plate. After the picture was taken, the plate was developed, using regular black-and-white chemistry to produce a positive transparency. The Lumière brothers called their process Autochrome.

If Autochrome marked the beginning of color photography in 1903, why would it take nearly seven decades until color photography was recognized as a legitimate art form? That’s one of the major questions answered in “Color: American Photography Transformed” (University of Texas Press), the coffee-table catalog that accompanies the photography exhibit of the same name, now on display at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth through Jan. 5.

There were technical problems with Autochromes. Their colors faded on extended exposure to light. The photographer had limited control over how each color was rendered. But, most importantly, Alfred Stieglitz declared that black-and-white photography was art, color wasn’t. Stieglitz probably was

America’s leading photographer, by dint of his writings on photography in relation to painting as an art. Stieglitz declared color photographs weren’t art and the future of the medium, as an art, was with black and white. Most of the leading American photographers of the day followed his lead. Typical of Stieglitz’s followers was Paul Anderson, who proclaimed that artist-photographers should not work in color because color was purely sensual, whereas artistic photographs were, by definition, about line, mass and gradation.

By the 1920s, improved cameras, lighting and printing processes made color photographs stunningly vivid. High-end magazines and advertisers first embraced color photography. Gorgeous color photographs, seen in the catalog and exhibit, sold silverware and swimsuits.

Eastman Kodak Company’s introduction of Kodachrome roll film in 1935 changed the landscape. Would artist-photographers embrace the possibilities, essentially learning to think in color, rather than copying black-and-white photography? A few photographers such as Laszlo Mohol-Nagy, Eliot Porter and Edward Weston saw color as a new visual language.

Others, like Ansel Adams, formally renounced color photography, saying that the expressive abilities of black and white vastly exceed those of color. Magazine and advertising photographers were proving Adams wrong on a weekly basis. Yet, that was part of the problem. Critics saw color as nothing more than a gimmick to satisfy popular appeal. Black and white was for art.

Movies shifted to color. Television networks began broadcasting

entirely in color. And, by 1970, nearly 80 percent of all photographs taken were in color. But, someone like New York Times photography critic A.D. Coleman could write, “Of all the color photographs I see … very few achieve anything for me beyond a momentary gratification of the retinal synapses.”

The exhibition and catalog argue that it wasn’t until 1976, when New York’s Museum of Modern Art opened the exhibition, “Photographs by William Eggleston,” that color photography entered the realm of art. MoMA director of photography and curator John Szarkowski gave over the museum’s prime first floor galleries to a color photographer, for the first time. And, he had MoMA publish a catalog book celebrating Eggleston’s work as “perfect.” Although some critics like the New York Times’ Gene Thornton called it “the most hated show of the year,” Szarkowski got critics talking about color with the same wit, passion and analysis that previously had been reserved for black and white. The exhibition also “legitimized” dealers, collectors and photographers to see color photography as a saleable commodity and a collectible medium.

To turn color photography into an accepted art form, you needed museum acquisition, display and publication. Szarkowski achieved all three.

Within three years, major American museums were exhibiting important color-photography retrospectives. Books on color photography, including one from Ansel Adams, appeared. And, a distinct market for color-art photography, with its own aesthetics, began to grow. Color photography, as a major art form, officially had arrived.

AARONHOWARD

AARONHOWARD

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Music

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A tribute to Sweden’s most famous band, “ABBA The Concert” will come to Houston for one night only, Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m., in Jones Hall, presented by Society for the Performing Arts.

“ABBA The Concert” is a live, two-hour musical extravaganza that follows the quartet through songs from its Eurovision beginnings in 1974 with such hits as, “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All” and more.

Formed in 1996, “ABBA The

Concert” always has featured an original member of the ABBA rhythm section, including bass guitarist Mike Watson, guitarists Mats Ronander, Lasse Wellander and Janne Schaffer and drummers, Ola Brunkert and Roger Palm. The music of ABBA has proved its staying power through the Broadway musical “Mamma Mia!,” which was made into a feature film starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan in 2008.

Tickets can be purchased at spahouston.org, at 713-227-4772 or

at the courtyard-level ticket office at Jones Hall, located at 615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

RON ELKMAN

Cast members from ABBA The Concert

Musical extravaganza coming to Jones Hall

Give us those nice bright colors

Beethoven’s Pastoral SymphonyConductor Laureate Hans Graf ReturnsNovember 29, 30, December 1, 2013Hans Graf, conductorIngrid Fliter, pianoGrieg: In AutumnMozart: Piano Concerto No. 23Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, Pastoral

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4November 21, 23, 24, 2013Andrey Boreyko, conductorColin Currie, percussionWagner: Overture to The Flying DutchmanRouse: Der gerette Alberich (Alberich Saved) – Fantasy for Percussion and OrchestraTchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4

houstonsymphony.org | (713) 224-7575Official AirlineOfficial Health Care ProviderOfficial Television Partner

Colin Currie, percussion


NoVember 21, 2013

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Premier Passover Program

There is only one Paradise ... and there is only one PrimeOne Destination: Prime at The St. Regis Monarch Beach, California April 14-23 2014

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Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn

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Supernatural EntertainerLior Suchard

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NoVember 21, 2013

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

A holiday with your family gathering and favorite foods from Kroger.

Thursday 11/21 Jewish Herald Voice 1342

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