Jewish Community Relations Council Celebrates Two Yearsrenowned Israeli speaker Neil Lazarus takes...

The Jewish CommunityRelations Council (JCRC) of theJewish Federation of GreaterCharlotte is proud to announcetwo full years in the CharlotteJewish community. Under theleadership of JCRC Chair JeffEpstein since its inception in thesummer of 2007, the JCRC hastaken on an immediate and activerole serving as the Jewish commu-nity’s collective voice and pro-moting the interests of our Jewishcommunity. During times of needthe JCRC has taken the lead,quickly organizing a communitysolidarity rally in the center ofUptown when Southern Israel wasbeing attacked with Qassam rock-ets from Gaza. On a daily basis,the JCRC is helping the GreaterCharlotte community to activelypartner with us, inviting guests ofall backgrounds to our Lunch atthe Park Series. JCRC meets regu-larly with leaders in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and UnionCounty Public Schools to assistwith programming and calendar-ing or to discuss diversity. Ourprimary goal is to work on behalfof the collective Charlotte Jewishcommunity to create a voice thatis well-respected and well-con-nected in Charlotte.

In two very short years ouraccomplishments include, but arecertainly not limited to, the fol-lowing:Y High caliber speakers on

Israel, the Middle East, and cur-rent events:

* Dennis Ross, Americandiplomat and author (9/07)

* Ari Fleischer, Former PressSecretary under President GeorgeW. Bush (10/07)

* Ambassador Reda Mansour,Consul General of Israel to theSoutheastern US (9/08)

* Neil Lazarus, Expert in IsraelAdvocacy (11/08)

* Sagi Bashan, Israel’s Channel

Two News Correspondent (2/09)Y Quality programming con-

cerning political elections:* 1/08: Doug Bloomfield: 2008

Elections from a JewishPerspective

* 5/08: Pre-primaries Presidentialcandidates’ forum with surrogateCongressmen

* 10/09: Mayoral debate be-tween Anthony Foxx and JohnLassiterY Community Solidarity Rally

with Israel (1/09), during the Warwith Gaza, where Israel neededour support. Charlotte cametogether to show our commitmentand our love for Israel.

Y Twelve Lunch At the Park(LATP) events, welcoming guestsfrom City Council, CountyCommissioners, Board ofEducation, State leadership,Leaders of the Arts, Charlottecommunity builders, and schoolprincipals from public and privateinstitutionsY Ongoing communication

with Charlotte mediaY Ongoing communication

with CMS and UCPSAs JCRC Month approaches,

we will be organizing some of ourmost engaging speakers and someof our best programming yet.Please make a concerted effort tojoin us for the Mayoral Debatebetween Anthony Foxx and JohnLassiter on Tuesday, October 20;for Neil Lazarus on Sunday,November 8; and for the passion-ate author and speaker DanielGordis on November 16 and 17.These are evenings that you willnot want to miss. See the calendaron this page for more inform-ation. Y

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PERMIT # 1208CHARLOTTE, NC

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Vol. 31, No. 10 Cheshvan-Kislev 5770 November 2009

An Affiliate of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Jewish Community Relations Council Celebrates Two YearsNovember is JCRC Month in the Charlotte Jewish Community

CELEBRATE JCRC MONTHNovember 8, 2009

with Neil Lazarus,

November 16, 2009

November 17, 2009

The Charlotte Jewish TeenCoalition (Charlotte B’naiB’rith Youth Organization,Te m p l e I s r a e l U n i t e dSynagogue Youth, Temple BethEl Youth, Consolidated HebrewHigh School, The Levine JCCTeen Department, the JewishFederat ion o f GreaterCharlotte, and Jewish FamilyServices) are teaming up to spon-sor an evening celebrating Israel.On Saturday night, November 8,Charlotte Jewish teens will spendthe night “Falling in Love withIsrael.” The reason? Because welove Israel. Instead of waiting fora time when there is a crisis, we

wanted to celebrate Israel simplybecause we are Jews and we wantto feel connected.

The event starts at 9 PM with aHavdalah service and will lastuntil the morning. The highlightof the night will be whenrenowned Israeli speaker NeilLazarus takes the stage. He is anexciting and inspirational speakerthat always stirs emotions whenhe speaks. Lazarus will be sure toignite our teens with passion forIsrael. The rest of the night will befilled with activities, movies,crafts, food, and a dance. Thisnight is sure to be one that youwon’t want to miss out on. Y

Fall in Love with Israel

Neil Lazarus

Saturday, November 8 at 9PM‘til Sunday, November 9 at

7:30 AMCost: $18*

*scholarships are available throughyour respective agency

Daniel Gordis

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4Uptowners: Nosh and Network 11:45 AM–1 PM, The LightFactory Guest Speaker: Eric Rowles,President and CEO of Leadingto ChangeTopic: Generational Crossroads

Uptowners: Nosh andNetwork is the Federation’s out-reach initiative for the Charlottebusiness and professional com-munity. Register online atwww.jewishcharlotte.org byNovember 2 if purchasing lunch($10). Free and drop-ins wel-come if no lunch is purchased.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Behind the Headlines:Effectively Advocating forIsrael 10 AM, Gorelick Hall atShalom Park

Guest Speaker: Neil Lazarus,an internationally acclaimedexpert in the field of IsraelAdvocacy and effective com-munication training.

MONDAY and TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 16 and 17JCRC Community Event Guest Speaker: Dr. DanielGordis (Senior Vice Presidentof the Shalem Center)Topic: Saving Israel - How theJewish People Can Win a Warthat May Never EndNovember 16: 7 PM at St.Albans Episcopal, Davidson,NCNovember 17: 7:30 PM atTemple Israel

Free and open to the commu-nity.

The Jewish CommunityRelations Council (JCRC) pro-

motes the interests of theCharlotte Jewish community bycreating working relationshipswith our neighbors and servingas the collective voice of theJewish community.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22Newcomer Schmooze11 AM– 12 noon, WeinbergCenter Learn about the CharlotteJewish Community while meet-ing new friends.

Newcomer Schmoozes areco-sponsored by the JewishFederation and the Levine JCC.Complimentary bagels, coffeeand juice are served. All agesare welcome. For information,contact the Federation office at704-944-6757.

Federation News ..............................................pp. 2-3

Community News........................................pp. 4, 5, 7

Schools............................................................pp. 9, 10

Women’s Page .............................................pp. 10, 11

Synagogues and Congregations ...........pp. 12, 16, 17

Project Noah ................................................pp. 14, 15

Youth ............................................................pp. 17, 18

Jewish Family Services...............................pp. 18, 19

Levine-Sklut Judaic Library .....................pp. 19, 20

Mazel Tov .............................................................p. 21

Jewish Traveler....................................................p. 21

Thanksgiving .........................................pp .22, 23, 25

Dining Out ...........................................................p. 24

Jewish Community Center ........................pp. 26, 27

CONTENTS

The Charlotte Jewish News - November 2009 -

The Charlotte Jewish News5007 Providence Road, Suite 112

Charlotte, NC 28226

Phone (voice mail after office hours)Office 704-944-6765FAX 704-365-4507

email: [email protected]

An Affiliate of theJewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Amy Krakovitz - EditorAdvertising Sales Reps:

Jodi Valenstein, 704-841-4040 & Rita Mond, 704-366-6632CJN Editorial BoardChair - Bob Davis

Members: Bob Abel, Evelyn Berger, Jeff Epstein,

Ann Langman, Linda Levy

The CJN does not assume responsibility for the quality or kasruth of any product orservice advertised. Publishing of a paid political advertisement does not constitute an

endorsement of any candidate, political party or position by this newspaper, theFederation or any employees.

Published monthly except July

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JEWISH FEDERATION NEWS

Friday, November 6, 5:07 PM

Friday, November 13 5:01 PM



SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING

FOR NOVEMBER 2009

November Events at the Jewish Federation

For more information about allof Federation’s Outreach

initiatives, please contact theFederation office at

704-944-6757 or [email protected].

Young Adult Events in NovemberSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1Shalom Baby Family PlaydateMy Gym Southpark, 5110 #2D ParkRoad 11:30 AM–1 PM – new timePlease join us for a fun-filled familyplaydate. Limited space available.

Call Kara at 704-944-6760. ShalomBaby is an outreach initiative of theJewish Federation of Greater Charlottehelping families with young children(three and under) connect with theCharlotte Jewish community. Siblingsare welcome.

Our thoughts and prayers arewith the family of MarvinGoldberg, 67, who passed awaypeacefully on Thursday,September 17. Marvin served asthe Executive Director of theJewish Federation from 1996-2001.

He leaves his wife of 40years, Renee (LeWinter)Goldberg; two daughters, HallieJohnston of London, Englandand Elana, wife of ScottMacGilpin of West Hartford,CT; a brother, Paul Goldberg ofToledo, OH and his two beauti-ful grandsons, Sam and DrewMacGilpin.

He was born in Cleveland,OH and was the son of Sol andMolly (Singerman) Goldberg.

He graduated from OhioUniversity and received hisMasters of Social Work from theUniversity of Pennsylvania.

Marvin began his career in1975 as the Assistant ExecutiveDirector at the original JewishHome for the Aged on PleasantStreet in Worcester, MA , wherehe orchestrated the move plan to

the present location of theJewish Healthcare Center. Heserved as the Executive Directorof the Jewish Healthcare Centeruntil 1996, where he left a 21year lasting legacy to the staff,its residents and their families asa loving and comforting place toboth work and live.

After his tenure at the JewishHealthcare Center, Marvin wasthe Executive Director of theJewish Federation of GreaterCharlotte (NC) from 1996-2001, and then moved on to bethe Executive Director of theJewish Federation of GreaterToledo, OH.

Five years ago, he returned tothe Greater Boston area, joininghis wife as the Co-Director ofEducational Options, LLC, asan Educational Consultant,where he continued his socialwork training by helping fami-lies with their children’s specialeducational needs.

Marvin proudly served in theUS Army during the VietnamWar era, and was awardedthe Army Commendation

Medal in 1970. Marvin was amember of Temple Emanuel,Independent EducationalConsultants Association, TheJewish Federation of CentralMassachusetts, NationalAssociation of TherapeuticSchools and Programs, and theAutism Association of NewEngland.

Memorial contributions maybe made to the Jewish Health-care Center, 629 Salisbury St.,Worcester, MA 01609. Y

Mourning the Loss of Marvin Goldberg

Marvin Goldberg

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17YAD Wine and Cheese prior to Dr. Daniel Gordis’sremarksTemple Israel, 4901 Providence Road6:30–7:30 PM reception, 7:30 PM remarks

Free. RSVP by November 12 for the reception. Join YAD to spend an evening talking about Israel.

Since moving to the Jewish state in 1998, Dr. Gordis haswritten and lectured in his conversational, American-focused prose about day-to-day Israeli society and thechallenges facing the Jewish state. He will be speakingon “Saving Israel – How the Jewish People Can Win aWar that May Never End,” which is the title of his newbook. Young adults 21-45 are invited to join us for wineand cheese prior to the remarks. RSVP to [email protected] or 704-944-6760.

The Charlotte Jewish News -November 2009 -

JEWISH FEDERATION NEWS

w Life Insurance w Health Insurance w Dental & Vision Insurancew Disability & Long Term Care Coverage w Annuities w HSA’s

7 0 4 - 3 7 6 - 74 3 4w w w . g r e e n s p o n . c o m

Local, Global, Eternal

Local, Global, Eternal

Sixty-five young adults toasted to the Jewish New Year at BlackFinn on September 17. The party wasco-sponsored by the Jewish Federation, the Levine JCC, Temple Beth El and Temple Israel.

New Years Eve in September

Nathan Winship, Teddy Weber, Adam Greene andDavid Belinkie.

YAD Co-Chair Amy Shapiro, Temple Beth El’sNextDOR Co-Chair Jena Coen, and Rebecca Ferry

Virginia Tech Men’s Head Basketball Coach Seth Greenberg (left) spoketo the Bernstein Leadership Group and BLG Alumni on September 13. Heis pictured here with his friend and BLG participant Ben Lincoln whointroduced the coach that night and helped bring him to Charlotte.

Off the Court withCoach Seth Greenberg

BGS is Federation’s recognition program for donors

25-45 contributing $1,000 or more per household to the

Community’s Annual Campaign.For more information, contact

Jodi Greenwald at 704-944-6759or Jodi.greenwald@jewishchar-

lotte.org.

BGS Goes Bowling

Ben-Gurion Society Chair Jen Algire and BGSMembers Jen Schwartz, Jason Schwartz andStephanie Brodsky take a break from bowling at theSeptember 24 BGS social at Strike City at theEpiCenter.

Yaron and Crystal Ben-Yohanan and Karen and JasonSpiegler at the BGS Social.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte thanks andacknowledges the following tributes which have been made to the2010 Annual Campaign during the months of August 20 throughOctober 5.

In honor of the birth of Arlene and Milton Goldstein’s twingrandchildren, Oscar and Ruby by Judy and Mel Morganstein.

In honor of Alan Kronovet’s 50th birthday by Karen Knobleand Barry Bobrow, Marcia Lampert, Julie Lerner Levine andHoward Levine, Risa and David Miller, Stacey and Ira Slomkaand Sintha and Tim Steward.

In honor of Linda Seigel by Sue and Mike Littauer.

In memory of Mildred Sampson by Richard and Arlene Sweet.

If you would like to make a Tribute to the Jewish Federation,please contact the Federation office at 704-944-6761.

Tributes to the 2010Annual Campaign

SHALOM BABY NOW ON FSHALOM BABY NOW ON FSHALOM BABY NOW ON FACEBOOKACEBOOKACEBOOK

Are you a parent of a child 3 and under?

Are you looking to connect with the Jewish

community and other parents? If yes, please check

out the Jewish Federation’s new Facebook page!

(Find us at “Shalom Baby Charlotte.”) Please join our

group to receive information about

upcoming events and use our “wall”

to make plans with other parents and

share news and tips.

By Amy KrakovitzNone of the people

you are about to readabout ever imagined thatthey would be involvedwith the JDRF. Butbecause diabetes visiteditself upon the childrenof their households, theyfound a place that hashelped them and a place

where they can in turn tryto help others. But not oneof them would have cho-sen this path if it had notbeen thrust upon them.

Four years ago, whenhe was five years old,Noah Wilk was diagnosed withType I diabetes. Keith Greenspon,now a grown man who runs hisown local business, was diagnosedat age 8-1/2. And Benny Goldsteinreceived his Type I diagnosisbefore he even turned two.

But what each of these peoplehas in common is not just theirType I diabetes, or even the factthat they are Jewish; they alsohave their connections to theJuvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation.

Keith’s mother, Roz Greenspon,was instrumental in opening thelocal chapter of JDRF in the early1970s. “Keith gave me thecourage to step out on limbs thatwere cracking,” she says. “I was amother who was angry and fright-ened.”

In the 1970s, when Keith wasfirst diagnosed, there were noinsulin pumps or even blood test-

ing meters. He used a primitivekind of pill dissolving solution totest his urine several times a day,and – even as an elementaryschool aged child – injected him-self several times a day withinsulin. “I really didn’t want to bedifferent when I was that age,”Keith says. “I hid my diabetesfrom my friends and acted as nor-mal as I could.” About giving him-self injections starting at age 8-1/2, he says, “That kind of thingreally helped me to grow strongerand be more determined. It mademe grow in a positive way.” Now,as an adult, Keith wears an insulinpump, so self-injections are athing of the past.

Noah Wilk and BennyGoldstein wear insulin pumps,too. “We just changed his inset,”explains his mom, radio personal-ity Stacey Simms. “Benny wantedto make sure that his grandmaknew that it was no big deal. Hefaces these obstacles with a lot ofhumor. This disease has made himtough and smart and given him alot of strength.”

“Noah is terrific,” Jon Wilksays about his almost-9-year-oldson. “He tests his own blood 8-10times a day, gives himself insulin,and still plays soccer in a chal-lenge league.”

The huge leap in medicationand instrumentation used in deal-ing with Type I diabetes would beimpossible without the fundsraised by the JDRF. And most peo-ple involved would agree thatthere would be no JDRF inCharlotte if not for RozGreenspon.

With amazing determinationand a lot of chutzpah, Roz present-ed the case for opening the local

chapter of JDRF to every-one she knew. Before all thefunding was in place, theJDRF “office” was a box ofpapers she kept under herbed. “It was a very lonelytime,” she says. But hergratitude to Ed Karp, LeonLevine, and many others isobvious. It was their assis-tance that made the localchapter a reality.

The first gala, in 1976,was a roast (“We raisedabout $10,000,” Roz says).One of the first “roastees”was college basketball phe-nom Michael Jordan.

Fast forward to 2009: “Ourfund raising goal for the gala is$500,000,” says Jon Wilk, whocurrently serves as president of theboard of directors of the localJDRF.

Among the other fundraisingefforts of JDRF is the annual walk,where one can see the Got Wilk?family team. And Stacey Simmspresented the organization a checkfor $10,000 from the proceeds ofsales of her cookbook, “I Can’tCook but I Know Someone WhoCan.”

One thing about JDRF Roz isproud of: “People can see out-comes for their money. Theresearch being done with themoney we’ve raised has resultedin tangible leaps forward in dia-betes management. … These chil-dren are the living examples of theresults of the funds that have beenraised.”

Mitchell Feld, also diagnosedwhen he was in elementary school,and now currently an associate ina local law firm, has just receiveda new generation pump that testshis blood and dispenses the neces-sary amount of insulin he needscontinuously. “It’s like he has anartificial pancreas,” says his moth-er, Barbara Feld.

Any linkages to Jewish back-grounds and Type I diabetes aretenuous. Most statistics don’t bearit out. But there’s no denying acommonality and there’s no deny-ing a strong connection with com-munity when you need them.

Stacey Simms still relives theshock of the day Benny was diag-nosed. “We had an ice skatingevent with the Lake NormanJewish Congregation that week-end and I took Leah, though I feltlike I was still in a daze. … It waslike walking into my own family.… The congregation has been sosupportive.”

This year’s gala, November 14at the Charlotte ConventionCenter, will honor Al de Molina ofGMAC. Tickets are $250 each andtables and sponsorships are avail-able. Visit www.jdrf.org for moreinformation.

Whatever happens, RozGreenspon is ever grateful to thecommunity for their support. “Ithank you from the bottom of mypancreas,” she says, “it’s deeperthan my heart.” Y


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Community News

How Jewish People in Charlotte FoundOld-Fashioned Jewish Values at JDRFAnnual Gala to be Held November 14 at CharlotteConvention Center

The Wilks walk to support JDRF on their “got Wilk?”family team.

Benny Goldstein

The 2010 Charlotte JewishFilm Festival will be coming to aneighborhood theater near you,March 4-14, 2010. The Festivalcommittee is hard at work prepar-ing for another presentation of thebest in Jewish film from aroundthe world. As always, we have lis-tened to your feedback on the sur-veys. One update new this year isa dedicated phone number to callfor last-minute updates and ticketavailability – 704-554-2059. Morewill be announced in months tocome.

The Festival has been luckyenough to have the excellentgraphic design firm White Rhinoout of Boston, MA develop ourposter design the last two years.The poster from the 2008 Festivalactually won a prestigious indus-try award known as the BoNE(Best of New England). Theposter featured an orthodoxJewish man with his peyesreplaced by a film strip, and wasone of only 49 designs selectedfrom 500 entries. Mazel Tov toWhite Rhino on this wonderfulachievement. We look forward tocollaborating on what will hope-fully be many more award-win-ning posters in the future.

The Charlotte Jewish FilmFestival has grown every year, andlast year we reached an all-time

high of almost 1,500 attendees. Asyou can imagine, a lot of time andenergy goes into an endeavor likethis. The Festival is volunteer-driven, and we certainly appreci-ate all efforts made by our legionof volunteers in the months lead-ing up to the Festival as well as theweek of the big event.

If you are interested in helpingout with the 2010 Film Festival,please contact our VolunteerCoordinator, Ellyn Gross, [email protected]. Every littlebit helps.

Start spreading the word - theCharlotte Jewish Film Festival iscoming to town. See you at themovies.

The Charlotte Jewish FilmFestival is brought to you by theLevine JCC and the CharlotteChapter of Hadassah, and is made

possible, in part, with funding bythe Arts and Science Council andthe North Carolina Arts Council,an agency of the Department ofCultural Resources, and theNational Endowment for the Arts,which believes that a great nationdeserves great art. Y

By Phil Warshauer, executivedirector, Foundation for theCharlotte Jewish Community

I’ve been thinking a lot aboutthe word “anonymous.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ananonymous act as one made by anindividual that is not named oridentified. An anonymous face inthe crowd is one lacking individu-ality, distinction or recognizabili-ty.

In my profession I meet manygenerous people who wish toremain anonymous. They feel anobligation to give back, makingcharitable gifts with little care forrecognition. Maimonides writesthat an anonymous gift is “a com-mandment fulfilled for its ownsake,” rather than done in order toobtain honor.

Several years ago my daughterand I stopped for breakfast at afast food restaurant. After givingour order over the intercom weproceeded to the drive throughwindow to receive our food andpay for it. The nice woman at thewindow handed me our order andI handed her payment for the food.She informed me that my orderhad been paid for by a man whohad just driven off in the car infront of me. She explained that hewas a regular customer, and each

week he paid for the car behindhim. My daughter and I wereshocked! I asked, “Who was thisman?” The women told us thatwhile he was unidentifiable to herby name, the entire staff at therestaurant knew him as a regularcustomer. Each week he puts thesame smile on their faces as couldbe seen on the faces of my daugh-ter and me in the car that morning.

I have thought of that generousman quite often. He has motivatedme personally and professionally.On several occasions, but notnearly enough, I have followed hislead and returned the favor tounexpecting passengers at otherfast food restaurants. He taughtme that my smile is even broaderin the role as the anonymousdonor than the unexpecting andappreciative recipient. I havelearned to put money and trust inthe hands of others to follow myrequest that my gift be used toimprove the lives of others. I real-ized that if he could do that socould I. and that even a small giftaffects the lives of others. Asinspiring as this anonymous manhas been to me, I regret that I willnever have the opportunity tothank him for his gift and to lethim know how he inspired me andthe message I was able to passalong to my daughter.

In the philanthropic world, pro-fessionals are taught the power of

the words, “thank you.” There aremany ways to thank donors andvolunteers for gifts of their timeand financial resources. One ofthese ways is to list their namesfor others to see. We want to saythank you to these donors, makeothers aware of their generosityand inspire them to follow theirlead. Donors lead by example andlike to know that they haveinspired others to follow in theirfootsteps.

As a development professional,one must balance the wishes of ananonymous donor and the poten-tial that donor’s gift has to influ-ence others. When we see ourfriends and people in similar eco-nomic positions as us making gen-erous gifts, it is human nature forus think that maybe we can do thesame.

The Charlotte Jewish commu-nity needs gifts from our currentdonors to help support the futureneeds of our community. Thesegifts can be established and per-sonalized to match your resources,interests and the needs of the com-munity. There are no minimumamounts and we can help you toleave either a general (unrestrict-ed) gift or a more specific (desig-nated) gift. Many of these giftsrequire no current transfer ofassets.

If one of our Jewish institutionsis already in your will or estate

plan and you have decided toremain anonymous, I thank youfor your generosity. If not, I hopeyou will consider a gift of thisnature. I ask you to consider con-tacting either the Foundation forthe Charlotte Jewish Communityor the institution you would like tosupport to let them know aboutyour planned gift. We want to saythank you and let others in ourcommunity be inspired by yourgenerosity. Y

For more information pleasecontact Phil Warshauer at theFoundation for the CharlotteJewish Community at 704-973-4544 or [email protected].


Anonymous

Mark Your Calendars for the 6th AnnualCharlotte Jewish Film Festival


I am:HUNGRY

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IN DEBT

WORKING PART TIME

UNEMPLOYED

COLD

SICK

LAID OFF

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MARRIED

HOMELESS

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ADDICTED

ALONE

A FATHER

PROFESSIONAL

SCARED

AN IMMIGRANT

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ESTABLISHED

BROKE

JEWISH

Though the economic crisis may have affected each of us differently, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte isthe one place we can all turn to for help. In fact, more of us are relying on the services of Federation-funded agencies to help make ends meet, feed our families, and pay our mortgages than ever before. Yet,for every story of hardship and despair, there are countless stories of love and hope that you can be a partof. You can help. You can make a difference. You can make the world a better place.

Yes, I can help. I can make a donation or learn more at www.jewishcharlotte.org or call 704.944.6757


Charlotte Country Day School1440 Carmel Road Charlotte, NC 28226 (704) 943-4530Grades JK–12 / Tuition assistance available.www.charlottecountryday.org

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Chavurah Without Walls is anopen social group dedicated toexploring all things Jewish. Weare an extended group of friendsthat meets informally in memberhomes. We bring Jewish peoplefrom all aspects of the Jewishcommunity together to learn fromour differences and embrace oursimilarities. We host a wide vari-ety of activities with a Jewishtheme. There is always plenty offood and plenty of opportunity tomeet new friends.

The November event will be adiscussion of the political policiesof the American President andCongress toward Israel. TheAtlanta regional AIPAC represen-tative will discuss the Americanforeign policy under the Obamaadministration. The event will beheld in a private home onNovember 7 at 8 PM. Pleae seeinformation below for contactdetails.

Our December event is justaround the corner. It is a discus-sion on Jewish Tolerance. Jewsare tolerant of other people, butare we tolerant of one another?Should Jews be tolerant of otherJews with different beliefs, orwith different life styles? We willexplore the limits of tolerancewith Rabbi Micah Streifert ofTemple Beth El.

An Israeli Coffee House is alsobeing planned for December. Thedate is to be determined.

The Israeli Coffee House is afun way to experience the cultureof Israel through its food, music,dance and art. The communitycomes together to enjoy freshcooked Israeli food listen to liveand recorded music, see live per-formances of Israeli dance, andfor those who wish to participate,there will be an opportunity tosing and dance together also.There is also an old Jerusalem

style “shuk,” where arts and craftsand baked goods are sold.

We also have an ongoing Torahstudy group called Torah WithoutWalls. We discuss the parshah ofthe week and relevant passagesfrom the Book of Prophets. This isalso an excellent way to learn a lit-tle Hebrew to better understandTorah and prophets. It is amazinghow a few words in Hebrew canenrich your life, make you smarterand better attuned with yourself,your family, your community, andyour creator.

There are no dues for ourchavurah. As one member put it,we are “Jews without dues.”

Explore Jewish culture with us.Come eat with us and make newfriends. If there are any questions,please contact us at [email protected] or callElana at 704-296-2752 or 704-236-6080. Y

November and December at ChavurahWithout Walls

Does your partner: hit, kick orpush you, your kids, your pets?Destroy your property? Isolateyou from family and friends?Control all your finances?Threaten you? Force you to haveunwanted sex? Put you down infront of other people. Just one“yes” answer may mean that youare in an abusive relationship.

In our Jewish community, thereis help: Informal support sessionsat private locations where past andcurrent victims can share and healin a safe and confidential setting.Facilitated by volunteer coun-selors, it is free of charge.

Contact Carol at 704-609-3120or Sally at 908-330-5623.

This service is offered byShalom Bayit-NC, an all-volun-teer group working to end domes-tic abuse in our Jewish communi-ty. Contact them at [email protected] or www.shalombayit-nc.org. Y

Women of the Jewish CommunityAre You Being Hurt by Someone YouLove?

“It’s Not Kosher to DoNothing”

Sunday, November 1, 7PM, Lerner Hall

featuringRabbi David Rose

the Jewish community’sresponse to domestic

abuse, sponsored by 19Jewish agencies n thegreater Charlotte area.

Call Jewish FamilyServices at 704-364-6594

for more information.

AUGUST FAMILY TEENPROGRAMS FUND

In memory of Mickey Liebfrom Judy and Stan August

DAVID SILVERMAN MEMO-RIAL FUND

In memory of Sarah Ostrowfrom Mattye and Marc Silverman

LJCC COACHES PROGRAMFUND

In memory of Harold Fishkinfrom Beverly and Michael Grey,Sandy and Alan Rosenberg

LJCC MACCABI GAMESFUND

In memory of Gerald Sinkoe,father of Beverly Grey and inmemory of Michael Schulman,

father of Lee Bierer from Roni andGlenn Fishkin

MINDY ELLEN LEVINE DAYCAMP FUND

In memory of Harold Fishkinfrom the Bobrow family

STUART OSTROW MEMO-RIAL ATHLETIC FUND

In memory of Harold Fishkin,Gene Goldberg, Donna Levin,Mickey Lieb and Gerald Sinkoefrom Debbie and Rory Vitale andfamily Y

JCC Tributes

staginghome beautificationgardens + outdoor spacesspecial occasion decoratingmitzvah planningtable settingprofessional organization

beautify + declutteryour surroundings

inside + out

Carol Shafranek704.999.2332

Many thanks to all who contributed to The Charlotte Jewish News.

We will publish our donation list in the December 2009 issue.

By Nancy ZolotorofeThis year, the Jewish Preschool

on Sardis offered parents theoption to extend their child’s daywith some rest and free play until3 PM (for 2s and up), and alsogave students in the 3s and 4s thechance to sign up for some funafterschool enrichment classes.These classes include: Kids in theKitchen (cooking with MorahPessie); My Gym; Fine Motor Funwith Pathways to Learning; Musicwith Ms. Patty; and Sports withCoach Dan. “Whether it’s becausethey work outside the home, jug-gle other children, or just needsome ‘me time,’ many parentssigned their children up and fromwhat I’m hearing, they appreciatethe flexibility that our new pro-grams offer,” says Jen Lahn, JPSdirector. Here’s what some of thestudents have to say:

“Ms. Patty does the best chickendance.”

—Oliver Halverstam “I like cooking because I get tosee Morah Pessie and makeyummy treats.”

—Trevor Lan

“I like to run and fall down onthe mat in My Gym.”

—Joshua Freedman“I like playing the instrumentsticks and dancing with Ms.Patty.”

—Taylor Wojnowich“Morah Pessie lets me mix theingredients all by myself.”

—Luke Zolotorofe“In My Gym, we do specialactivities that we don’t get to doin regular school.”

—Max Ganem“I like to play soccer in sportsclass.”

—Jake Mucatel

By Elka Bernstein, director,Charlotte Jewish Preschool

In my day, there was no suchthing as preschool. I played at mymother’s feet while she cookedand cleaned. I rode in the taxi withmy mother as she ran errands andwas amazed at the bigger worldaround me. In the afternoons, I ranaround outside as my motherdrank coffee and talked to neigh-bors. I guess you could say mymother was my first preschoolteacher. She read with me, coloredwith me, watched my dramaticperformances, taught me Judaicaas she cooked the holidays meals,shined the silver, walked to shuland lit the candles for Shabbat.My mother made me thankful forthe safe cozy world around me.

Fast forward 42 years and pre-school has become a part of theearly childhood experience.Families come to our preschool,so they can learn, grow and con-

nect with the community. It is truethat children learn everyday at ourschool, but it is equally true thatwe re-learn some very importantthings from the children.

Children innately know what tobe thankful for. There are no inter-nal struggles when asked by theteachers what they are thankful

for. Our Pre-K class leads the wayin reminding us of all the thingswe need to remember to be thank-ful for.

Colin, Lily, Eden and Mayaremind us to be thankful for ourparents and our siblings. Theyalready know how important fam-ily is and as adults, sometimes we

forget.Shad, Ethan D. and Joshua are

thankful for gorillas, sea turtlesand tigers. With “progress,” adultshave forgotten the delicate bal-ance of nature. Children remind useach day to be thankful andrespectful of God’s beautiful ani-mal creations.

Along the same lines, Aidan,Ethan S. and Mason are thankfulfor the creation of trees, the greengrass and the beautiful flowers.Through their young eyes, grown-ups stop and look at the beauty ofGod’s world.

Martin and Rebecca are thank-

ful for all the things that warm ourbodies and imaginations; the sunand rainbows.

As a child, I never went to pre-school. However, all I ever need tobe thankful for I relearn each daythrough our preschoolers’ eyes. Soas I walk the halls, I remember tobe thankful for what is trulyimportant; the beauty and impor-tance of God’s creations, thewarmth of the sun and our fami-lies in our lives.

The teachers and I are thankfulfor the laughter and the lessonsour 223 preschoolers give usevery day. Y


5800 Sardis Road • Charlotte, NC 28270 • 704.887.6000 • www.providenceday.org

Providence Day School exists to inspire in its students a passion for learning, a commitment to personal integrity, and a sense of social responsibility.

Nationally recognized for Academic Excellence • Leader in Global Education

College-preparatory • Co-educational • Transitional Kindergarten – 12

Admissions Open House Dates

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. | Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m. | Multicultural: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.

SchoolsAll I Ever Needed to be Thankful for I Learned in Preschool

Miss Lois and Miss Carol with their pre-K class.

JPS Afterschool Action A Big Hit

Esther Brooke Manoim moves to thebeat during music class.

Alison Rosenberg:Academic and ProfessionalSuccess; Thanks to CJDS

Since CJDS alumna AlisonRosenberg was our Open Houseguest speaker three years ago, shehas continued to take advantage ofevery opportunity that comes herway.

Last June, she completed hertwo-year commitment teaching 6thgrade at a school in the Bronx, NYwith Teach for America. Teach forAmerica recruits outstanding col-lege graduates from all back-grounds and career interests. Fortwo years, teachers provide aneducation for low income, urbanand rural public school children.Teach for America provides thetraining and support necessary toensure their success as teachersand helps eliminate educationalinequity by enlisting our nation’smost promising future leaders.While working full time, she alsoreceived her Masters in Education

from Pace University.Rosenberg’s Teach for America

commitment has now ended.Today, she is an English andsocial studies instructor, coinci-dentally, at the same public schoolin the Bronx. She continues todevelop curriculum and wasinstrumental in writing a largegrant that was awarded to herschool. Alison’s piece of the grantwriting related to parent educa-tion and child nutrition & health-care. She will be facilitating a pro-gram this year touching uponthese aspects.

Alison is the essence of our mis-sion statement because she is anaccomplished, motivated and life-long learner who recognizes thevalue of all people even when it’sdifficult.

(Continued on page 10)

Sunday, November 18, 2-4:30 PM

Join your Hadassah friends fora fantastic afternoon filled withfun and entertainment atCharlotte’s new hot spot, CosmosCafé, 8420 Rea Rd. Sample thedelicious delectables especiallyprepared at a cooking demo byCosmos renowned chefs, MichaelBlais and Jeffery Oliveri. Enjoythe beautiful artistry of our bellydancer. Enjoy scrumptiousrefreshments. There will be doorprizes. Cover charge is $10 withadvanced registration, $15 at thedoor.

In addition to all of that, plan topartake in our silent auction, raffleprize drawing, or (at a very specialcost for all of our Hadassah mem-bers and their guests) have yourcaricature sketched or enlist theskills of our massage therapistwho will be set up on premises foryour added enjoyment.

All proceeds to benefitHadassah.

RSVP by November 1 to [email protected] or 704-246-6964. Send your check to CathyBogus, 9525 Whitethorn Dr.,Charlotte, NC 28277.Y

We are proud to say that Alisonstarted her education from the“house on the hill” that was onceCJDS. Mazel tov, Alison!

My name is Alison Rosenberg,and I am a senior at UNC ChapelHill. I was a student at the DaySchool way back in 1996, when itwas a house on a hill, with the“big room,” a combined class often kids, and a homemade year-book consisting of collages andinside jokes from our graduatingclass. I have wonderful memoriesof my elementary school years,from putting on a play about Frogand Toad in first grade to travelingto Charleston in fourth, so whenMariashi asked me to speaktonight, I had no idea what to say.I did not want to disappoint her,this wonderful school, or you,parents who are creating anavenue for their children toreceive a stellar foundation, bothin Jewish and secular education. Iasked my roommates for theiropinions of what to say, and asmuch as they tried, I just didn’tlike any of their suggestions. Ithen called my mom, and ofcourse shot down many of herideas as well. I even did my home-work instead of preparing some-thing because I just didn’t knowhow to begin to describe how thisenvironment and education trulyformed the basis for my educa-tional and spiritual life.

I would like to think that Iwould have a pretty close connec-tion to Judaism regardless of theDay School because of my parentsand their involvement in the com-munity, but I honestly don’t know.I do know that the joy in Judaismand the Jewish culture that thisschool taught me is such a part ofwho I am and I cannot imaginewhere I would be without it. Aftergraduating and moving on to mid-dle school, I maintained a connec-tion with my culture through tem-ple religious school and my BatMitzvah. In high school, I was anactive member of BBYO, servingon local and state boards, as wellas participating in internationalconventions and programs. WhenI got to college, I did not immedi-ately join Hillel and again focuson this singular, though encom-passing aspect of my being; rather,I thought I would try to join cam-pus organizations that catered to

my other interests, such as publicservice and athletics. I stayed atschool for Yom Kippur my fresh-man year and was miserable;everybody else continued withtheir normal routines while Iwalked across campus all dressedup and pretty hungry, to say theleast. I took classes relating toJudaism and other religions,which eventually led to my secondmajor in Religious Studies, yet Idefinitely felt a void, that I wasmissing that camaraderie, thatinstant connection, that I had soenjoyed in the past. Don’t get mewrong—I adore my friends, Ienjoy the activities in which I par-take, and Carolina basketball defi-nitely rules my life for fivestraight months—but that verybasic understanding that generallyexists between two Jewish com-panions was not a part of my col-lege life, and I was not happyabout it.

I found a study abroad programthat would not only fit my aca-demic needs, but that would hope-fully exist as my outlet for Jewishlearning in my college career. Ispent last spring in Prague, thecapital city of the Czech Republic,and one of the major cities inCentral Europe, with 15 other stu-dents from across the country. Notof all these students were Jewish,but we shared a common interestin studying and experiencingJewish life and culture in EastCentral Europe. Throughout theseindescribable four-and-a-halfmonths, I traveled to Poland and

Budapest, attending synagogueservices, meeting and speakingwith members of the communities,and tracing the historical steps ofmy Jewish ancestors.

The characteristic of loving tolearn is undoubtedly a result of myformative years spent at theCharlotte Jewish Day School.Education here was made fun, aprinciple that I have carried withme to this day. We read tall talesdressed up like Paul Bunyan orPecos Bill, learned origami withSadako and the Thousand PaperCranes, and made our own Sederplates from start to finish.

This school’s personal touchalso enhanced this ideal. My thirdgrade teacher played dodgeballwith us almost every day on theplayground. Parent volunteersjoined with our teachers to driveus to the library every month. Myfourth and fifth grade teacher evencreated a classroom library fromher personal book collection,where she simulated a loan systemfor our enjoyment. Our regulargatherings in the “big room”allowed students and teachersalike to know each other acrossgrade divisions, and even recog-nize our parents, not just by face,but by car as well, when theydrove by the little ramp to pick usup each afternoon.

A few years ago, I asked two ofthe girls I babysit for to show mearound the new facility, so I couldsee what my little house on the hillhad become. I was amazed withthe size, technology, and to behonest, authenticity, of this school.I went home and immediately toldmy sister that the Day School hadbecome a “real school with a cafe-teria and everything,” and wewere both instantly jealous that wecouldn’t go back to kindergartenand start all over again. As muchas I would just love to be fiveagain, I think we were also just soproud of what our alma mater hadbecome. I can sincerely say thatmy memories from that houseare positive and plentiful. Theyhelped shape me into the personstanding before you, a Jewish girlfrom the South, with a range ofexperiences, a love of learning,and an appreciation for herhistory. Y


Alison Rosenberg

Alison Rosenberg Speech(Continued from page 9)

WOMEN’S NEWSSerendipitous Sunday at Cosmos Café

The Levine JCC invites you tovisit the David Silverman FitnessCenter to meet our new GroupExercise staff. Lyn Ady, GroupExercise Coordinator, joins the Jwith over ten years of experiencein the fitness industry. Mostrecently, as the Group ExerciseCoordinator for the CornwallCenter (Myers Park BaptistChurch), Lyn was responsible forthe development, coordinationand scheduling of an extensivearray of group exercise classesand programs. Additionally, Lynis a certified instructor inZumba®, athletic conditioning,kick boxing and more.

Jenna Bertram, Assitant GroupExercise Coordinator, has aBachelors of Science inKinesiology and joins us follow-ing her internship as an AssistantFitness Coordinator at Penn StateUniversity. Jenna’s responsibili-ties included the creation, execu-tion and monitoring of theUniversity’s Fitness Center and

By Bunny Bramson, president,Charlotte Chapter of Hadassah

November corresponds to theHebrew month ofCheshvan, commonlycalled “Mar Cheshvan.”The Hebrew word“mar” means bitter ordisappointing. MarCheshvan contains noJewish holidays, which,in the wake of the fes-tive, holiday-filledmonth of Tishrei, canfeel like a letdown. In Israel, MarCheshvan is thought of as a timewhen, in place of special occa-sions and celebrations, Israelisreturn to their regular, everydaylife and routines.

Mar Cheshvan is also the timewhen a thousand Young Judaeancampers begin eagerly lookingforward to the summer, and whenparticipants of the Young JudaeaYear Course Program buckledown to their own daily routinesof studying and volunteering inIsrael. These students—who havechosen to postpone college andexperience living in Israel for ayear—have completed their initialweeks of orienting themselves inIsrael, and are settling into theirstudy/work routines that will con-

tinue for the nine months ahead.These nine months will be brokendown into three semesters—one

spent in the Negev, one inBat Yam, and one inJerusalem—each filledwith intensive Hebrewand academic study, com-munity volunteering,local field trips, andnumerous cultural andsocial activities.

And while it may seemlike just another year, it

actually marks the beginning of somuch more. Research studies haveshown that participation in long-term programs in Israel, likeYoung Judaea’s Year Course, isthe most effective tool for shapingthe next generation of Jewish lead-ers and for cultivating Jewishawareness and a sense of Jewishand Zionist identity.

This year, Young Judaea cele-brates its 100th Anniversary. Overthe last 100 years, Young Judaeahas brought together thousands ofJewish youth from across thecountry and around the world

through its Year Course and otherprograms in the U.S. and Israel.This month, as you settle into yourown daily routine, think of theYoung Judaeans in Israel. Sure,they will be enjoying themselvesand falling into their own day-to-day patterns and regularities. But

they will also be embarking on apath to becoming the next genera-tion of strong Jewish leaders whoare empowered to truly make adifference in their communities,and in the world. This month, thatalone is reason enough to cele-brate.Y


After one year in Charlotte, come celebrate our 100th anniversary.

Directions

5950 Fairview Road, Suite 12704.552.6010

www.southparkjewelers.comOpen Tues.-Fri., or by appointment

After 100 years, we’re still the maven haven.

Although we’ve been at our South Park location since late 2008, our family-run business can trace its beginnings to 1910 in Newark, New Jersey.

Come celebrate with us by redeeming the coupon above for 25% off our entire inventory of wholesale priced fine jewelry and diamonds.

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Bunny Bramson

A Month of Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Levine JCCWelcomes GroupExercise Staff

Jenna Bertram, Assistant GroupExercise Coordinator (left) and LynAdy, Group Exercise Coordinator(right)

(Continued on page 20)

“Let’s light up the night andhelp those in need” is the rallyingcry of this year’s fantasticChanukah event at SouthParkMall, where a giant coin menorahwill be kindled at 6 PM onSunday, December 13, which isthe third night of Chanukah.

The menorah, which is beingbuilt by Congregation OhrHaTorah, will grace the innercourtyard at SouthPark Mall nearNordstrom’s and Nieman Marcus.There will be lots of kid’s activi-ties and entertainment as well astraditional holiday treats in honorof Chanukah.

The entire community is invit-ed to partake in the community-wide Chanukah Coin MenorahTzedakah project here inCharlotte which will help ourJewish community come togetherfor a common goal, to celebratethe spirit of Chanukah with joy,while keeping our focus on help-ing those who are going throughtoday’s challenges of economichardship.

The idea is for Jewish organiza-tions in Charlotte to participate byenlisting their members to collectcoins, which will be used to createa spectacular coin menorah. Thecoins will be collected by the par-ticipating organizations andbrought to SouthPark for the light-ing ceremony on December 13.This beautiful menorah will bebuilt with sturdy transparentLucite materials so that the coinsused to fill the branches will bevisible with all their sparkle. Eachbranch of the menorah will repre-

sent one of eight Charlotte Jewishorganizations, which will beresponsible for filling its branchwith coins. The project isdesigned primarily to encouragethe involvement of students in thesynagogue religious schools,Charlotte Jewish Day School, andthe two Jewish preschools inCharlotte. It is a new way to bringan added excitement and a senseof fulfillment to the children inour community during the holidayof Chanukah.

The coins will be placed in thegiant Menorah at a special GrandMenorah Lighting ceremony atSouthPark Mall during which a

representative from each organi-zation will be called on to fill abranch with the coins collected bytheir organization. After the event,the collected coins will be donatedto Jewish Family Services andCrisis Assistance Ministry, to helpthose in need in our community.

A huge Car Menorah Parade,which will begin at the LubavitchEducational Center on SardisRoad at 4 PM, will lead off thefestivities, as the parade will pro-ceed to SouthPark Mall withmusic and with many of the par-ticipants. The event is free andopen to the public. For more infor-mation on how you can partici-pate, please visit our website atwww.chabadnc.org or call ouroffice at 704-366-3984. Y


ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS DUE:Friday, January 15, 2010

9502 Providence Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28277Admissions: 704.846.7207 www.charlottelatin.org.

Financial assistance is available. Please inquire about the Malone Scholarship for gifted students in 7th - 12th grades

…where teaching is valued and learning is celebrated

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&SYNAGOGUES CONGREGATIONSGiant Coin Menorah To Be Kindled atSouthPark Mall

With an abundance of notewor-thy Jewish literature on hand, itwas relatively painless for TempleIsrael Book Club members toselect two books to read and thendiscussed at the next two meet-ings.

Our first selection is TheHistory of Love by Nicole Kraus.Described as “A beautifully con-structed, frequently funny andultimately moving tale, TheHistory of Love unspools a num-ber of disparate story lines – abouta lonely Polish immigrant, ateenage girl, a grieving widow –and then delightfully pulls themtogether into a striking coher-ence.”

The novel spans a period ofover 60 years and takes readersfrom Nazi-occupied EasternEurope to present day BrightonBeach. The main characters are a14 year old girl trying to find acure for her mother’s lonelinessand an old man who is trying tosurvive a little longer. Althoughhe doesn’t realize it, this man whohas become invisible to the world,wrote a book many years ago inPoland. The book, which has sur-vived, crossing oceans and gener-ations and changing lives, is at theheart of the novel.

With The History of Love earn-ing the description “at least asheartbreaking as it is hilarious,”the discussion at the November 18meeting will be quite stimulating.

Our second selection, A Pigeonand a Boy, by award-winning

Israeli novelist Meir Shalev, cre-ates a mystical story of two loveaffairs, separated by a generationbut tied together by blood and his-tory. The novel moves from thepresent to a lifetime earlier, beforeand during the 1948 War ofIndependence.

Meir Shalev, “the Woody Allenof the desert … an Israeli authorone absolutely has to read,” washere a few years ago as the speak-er at an event sponsored by theLevine-Sklut Judaic Library andResource Center (JLRC). The TIbook club discussion will be ledby former JLRC Director AmaliaWarshenbrot. A graduate ofHebrew University of Jerusalem,specializing in Jewish literatureand Judaic studies, Amalia’s lead-ership will include what’s “lost intranslation”— from Hebrew toEnglish. This exciting, grippingand moving novel and the discus-sion an enjoyment.

Each book is available at theLevine-Sklut Judaic Library, thepublic library and at local bookstores or on line for under $15.

Temple Israel Book Club meet-ings are held at Temple Israel andopen to the entire community,even those who haven’t read theselections. The January date willbe selected at our November 18meeting. For additional informa-tion contact Linda Levy at 704-366-6362/[email protected] orSandra Hirschman at 704/867-7051.Y

Temple Israel Book ClubTwo Upcoming Selections

THE HISTORY OF LOVE BY NICOLE KRAUSS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 AT 7:30 PM

A PIGEON AND A BOY BY MEIR SHALEV

JANUARY 2010, DATE TBA

CMC-Mercy Seminar SeriesYou are invited to attend our free wellness seminars in the CMC-Mercy auditorium, locatedat 2001 Vail Ave. A light dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Lectures begin at 6:30 p.m. Toregister for these events, please call 704-512-3820.

Thursday, November 5 – The Flu and You Larry Raymond, MD, from CMC-Elizabeth Family Medicine discusses what the Centers forDisease Control & Prevention predict for the upcoming flu season. The first 10 people toregister will receive a FREE flu shot (CHS employees are not eligible). Additional flu shots willbe available for $25.

Thursday, December 10 – Healthy Holiday Eating Optimal nutrition is one of the cornerstones of good health. Join YMCA dietitian AliciaFogarty, MS, RD, LDN for a discussion on how to eat healthy during the holiday season.Learn tips for snacking smart at holiday parties and how to create a healthy yet appetizingholiday menu.

www.cmc-mercy.org

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR LONG TERM CARE?

s What long term care is and why you and your lovedones are at high risk for needing care at home or in afacility.

sWhy the limited benefits from Government (Medicareor Medicaid) are not a good choice for your long termcare needs.

s At what age should you consider buying long termcare insurance. You will be surprised to know why andhow buying at a younger age is better for you.

FindOut

Milton Goldstein, CLTCCertified Long Term Care Specialist

Charlotte, NC: (704) 442-5618Birmingham, AL: (205) 907-0670

E-mail: [email protected]

Visit my Web Site: www.goldsteinltc.com

If you don’t want to put the burden of long term care onyour family then contact me for alternative solutions.

eddington DentalW

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Member of Temple Beth El

The Charlotte Jewish News - November 2009 - Page 16

Sisterhood Rummage SaleSunday, November 22, 9 AM-4 PM

We are in need of donations forour Rummage Sale. All proceedswill be donated to Temple IsraelSisterhood. We will be acceptingyour donated items for theRummage Sale on Thursday,November 19, 3-8 PM; Friday,November 20, 10 AM- 2 PM; andSaturday, November 21, 6-9 PM.

For more information, pleasecontact Lina Newman at 704-773-3901 or [email protected].

Sisterhood Girls’ Night OutSunday, December 5, 7-9 PM

Join us for a night out paintingpottery at Dish it Out atStonecrest. Cost is $10 per personsitting fee in addition to the cost ofthe pottery. Space is limited. Formore information or to RSVP byNovember 29. Please call SheilaCoffey at 704-542-8011.

Community ThanksgivingInterfaith ServiceNovember 24, at Temple Israel, 7 PM

The 34th Annual InterfaithThanksgiving Service, organizedby Mecklenburg Ministries will beheld on Tuesday, November 24, 7-9 PM, at Temple Israel. Last year,the event attracted almost 1500people. The Interfaith Choir willbe performing. There will be par-ticipation by representatives of tenor twelve different religious com-munities, a demonstration of justhow religiously diverse Charlottehas become.

The Temple Israel Social Club Sunday, November 22 at 2:30 PM

Join us to see the psychologicalthriller, “Yankee Tavern” at

Actor’s Theatre.Tickets for members are $23,

non-members $25 (if tickets areavailable).

We will meet for dinner afterthe show. For further informationcall Ruth Goldberg, 704-366-8903.

Sunday, December 13, is theSocial Club’s Annual ChanukahParty.

The Temple Israel Social Club,for active couples and singles,invites you to join our socialgroup. Meet new people and enjoyour interesting programs and trips.Call Janine Rosner, 704-366-5631for more information.

Myths and Realities: TempleIsrael and Dual Faith FamiliesNovember 19 at 7:30 PM

Temple Israel will host anevening of discussion about themyths and realities of dual faithfamilies within Temple Israel.Many misconceptions floatthrough the community. TempleIsrael will address the reality ofdual faith family memberships.Temple Israel has been involvedwith the Keruv movement withinthe Conservative Movement sinceit began in 2000. In fact, RabbiMurray Ezring provided thekeynote addresses at theInternational Convention of theFederation of Jewish Men’s Clubsin Toronto that year as the officialkickoff to create a new under-standing within the movement.

Since then, he has been on thefaculty for programs throughoutthe country from NY to CA andfrom FL to Canada.

Myths and Realities willanswer questions about member-ship, participation at life cycleevents and special services, andhow those about to create a dualfaith family receive the blessingsof our synagogue family. All arewelcome to come and learn aboutthe reality of life at Temple Israel.Please join us.

The program is open to theentire community and free ofcharge.

Men’s Club NewsArt Sale, November 1, with

new and exciting art at veryaffordable prices. Free gift for thefirst twenty patrons that spend$100 or more - a signed originalunframed oil painting valued at aminimum of $180. Early pur-chasers get first pick at which onethey want. Enjoy a deli brunch forthe unbelievable low price of $5per person with purchase of anyart. That includes your choice of aturkey, pastrami or salami sand-wich, potato and coleslaw, pick-le a drink and dessert.

Other upcoming events:December 12 Chanukah Dinner Dance with a

full buffet menu; $18 paid inadvance, $25 at the door.

For more information aboutany of these events, please emailBen Aizenman at [email protected]. Y

Temple Israel News

The New Year began at HavuratTikvah with activities for Sukkotand Simchat Torah and participa-tion in the annual Crop Walk. Thenew curriculum developed for ourSunday School by Reuven Greenis well underway and we’redelighted to see all of the newfaces among our continuing stu-dents.

This month our CommunityShabbat service is scheduled forNovember 14. As is our custom,Shabbat services are led bymembers of the congregation.The atmosphere is both relaxedand reverent; the welcome iswarm. Services start at 10 AM andare held at our Dilworth home, inthe Fellowship Hall of St.Andrews Presbyterian Church,2202 Springdale Avenue (atMagnolia). Services are followedby a potluck lunch - feel free tostay and mingle.

Congratulations to DanaHarwood on becoming HavuratTikvah’s latest bat mitzvah. Wewish a hearty mazel tov toDana and her whole family:Grandparents Cookie and GeorgeJohnson, mother DebbieHarwood, brother Dillon, and sis-ter Christine.

This month’s mitzvah andtzedakah projects continuewith participation in thetwice-weekly soup kitchenat First Christian Churchin Dilworth; the soupkitchen provides a “restau-

rant” atmosphere along with afamily-style welcome to those inneed of a good, nourishing meal.“Project Linus,” brings togetherHavurat Tikvah members andfriends to create “security” blan-kets for children who are seriouslyill, traumatized, or otherwise inneed; no experience – just willing-ness – is necessary. Interested inparticipating? Call the numberbelow for more information.

Havurat Tikvah is an affiliate ofthe Jewish ReconstructionistFederation. We provide a comfort-able, family atmosphere where allJews can feel welcome. Weencourage participation in thecommunity and in our services.Sunday School and B’nai Mitzvahpreparation are available for chil-dren. Feel free to visit, get to knowus, and become part of our grow-ing congregation of over 50households.

For an updated calendar orquestions about Havurat Tikvah,Sunday School, services, orcommunity activities, please visitour website at www.havurattik-vah.org or contact new memberchair, Brian Feinglass, [email protected] or at 1-877-203-5848.Y

Fall Activities are Underwayat Havurat Tikvah

The Talmud Torah students willbe embarking on a journeythrough the Ten Commandments.The Ten Commandments are real-ly so much more then command-ments; they are a framework forall Judaism. All mitzvot andJewish values are derived fromthese ten.

During this year, throughengaging minds-on, hands-on,souls-on lessons, the students willexplore the Aseret Hadibrot, howthey frame Judaism and how theyare a guide for meaningful livingtoday.

Here are some examples ofhow the Ten Commandments canrelate to each student individual-ly:

1. God is the One who took usout of Egypt. We should recognizethat God is always part of ourlives.

2. Using God’s name in theproper context of Torah andPrayer creates and preserves thereverence and awe in the relation-ship between us and God.

3. Torah mandates caution inthe way we live to protect the pre-ciousness of all life.

Through an interactive multi-media series, our students willventure through the practical les-sons of Judaism’s most crucialfoundation.

Talmud Torah is a Project ofLubavitch of North Carolina. Formore information, please visitwww.talmudtorah.net. Y

Have your lifelong Jewish adulteducational needs been met?Come enroll in our first mini-mester of exciting and stimulatingcourses. Classes start at $18.Promote Jewish Literacy to yourfamily and community.

Connect with your Jewish her-itage by exploring the Tanach in“Intro to Torah and Tanach.”Rediscover the texts that have sus-tained our people for 3000 yearsand find out why we are called

“People of the Book.” Introduce your self to Kaballah

and learn about where the expres-sion “Tree of Life” originates.Read the Zohar and visit Safed;Sit with “The Lion” Rabbi Ari andlearn of the splendor of Jewishmysticism. Torah contains manystories of mystical experiences,visitations by angels and prophet-ic dreams and visions; an“Introduction to Kaballah” mayhelp reveal the supernatural nature

of Torah. And finally, indulge in “Jewish

Top 10s!” Can you name the mostinfluential Rabbis in Jewish histo-ry? Do you know the differencesbetween Jewish priests andRabbis? What are the top ten mostmonumental Jewish events?

Laws? Activists? Customs?Come discover for yourself.

Temple Beth-El Universitywelcomes your feedback. Tell uswhat class to offer next. Visit usonline at www.beth-el.com andlook for TBEU. Classes beginNovember 4. Y


Beth El University

Our Interfaith and OutreachCommittee at Temple Beth El isthrilled to host Rabbi Jeff Salkindiscussing his book RighteousGentiles In The Hebrew Bible:Ancient Models For SacredRelationships. As Rabbi Salkinstates:

Jewish History is more than“they hate us; they tried to kill us;we won; let’s eat!” Some of ourbest friends in the Bible have beenrighteous gentiles – Ruth, Jethro,Hagar, Shifra and Puah, Rahav theharlot. Our gentile friends (andfamily members) deserve to meettheir ancient counterparts. Isn’t itabout time we met them?

Rabbi Salkin is a well-knowactivist in the Jewish world. He isa dynamic, humorous and chal-lenging speaker, and someonewho simply enjoys offering him-self and his wisdom to others. Heis currently the rabbi and execu-tive director of Kol Echad:

Making Judaism Matter, a trans-denominational adult Jewishlearning community in Atlanta,Georgia, as well as the visitingrabbi of Temple Israel inColumbus, Georgia.

Please join us in welcomingRabbi Salkin as our guest lectureron Friday, November 20 duringour 8 PM Shabbat evening serviceand he will also lead a workshopon Saturday, November 21 from 9AM–10:15 AM. Immediately fol-lowing our workshop we will havea congregational brunch (mem-bers $8/adult and $6/child; non-members $10/person) and then ourCongregational Shabbat morningservice. All events will be held inthe Sam Lerner Center forCultural Arts at the JCC. All arewelcome to attend. To register forour brunch and for more informa-tion on our program please visitour website www.beth-el.com.Y

Rabbi Jeff Salkin to Speakat Annual OutreachShabbat, November 20-21

Youth VisionsTalmud Torah “Hangs with the Ten”

By an Anonymous TeenWell, Talmud Torah’s Teen

Club has hit it off this year withsome incredibly cool activities,and we’ve got some awesome newdigs in a teen lounge whose freshcoat of orange paint is more thaninviting (thanks to the “WeissGirls Crew”).

Starting with an amazing ice-breaker auction, we’ve learned theins-and-outs of Sushi making,made duct tape wallets, visitedSunrise Assisted Living, andoffered our “profes-sional” manicureservices to the sen-iors. Honestly, mymanicure skillscould use some(major) help, butmy “customers”were more thanappreciative andtheir genuine smileswere awesome tosee. Of course thelearning is a majorhighlight for me aswell. Rabbi Gordon

is teaching some really unbeliev-able stuff about our ability tomake important choices in life,and now we’re starting the “JLI 4Teens” course which is all aboutthe Jewish take on those majormoral decisions we make all thetime.

If I were you, I’d come checkout this course, I have a feelingyou won’t want to miss it. Checkout the details at www.talmud-torah.net/jliteens or call 704-366-5983. Y

Talmud Torah’s Teen ClubKicks Off!

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This past Sukkot was a very special holiday. Over thecourse of just a few days, over 250 Charlotteans, from ourkindergardners to the Oasis Senior program, welcomed ourIsraeli Ushpizin. Ushpizin are traditionally biblical guestswelcomed into the Sukkah each night. Our Israeli Ushpizinincluded from Israeli basketball star Tal Brody to the founderof modern Zionism Theodor Herzl. Thanks to everyone whoparticipated!

From Asaf Shenhav, Israeli Shaliach

Meeting the Ushpizin- the Israeli Sukkah!

Sunrise residents show off their new manicures.

What do you want?Answering this question accu-

rately and wisely is a toughprocess. Through one-on-onecounseling, workshops and sup-port groups, JFS Career Servicescan help people figure out whatchoices they need to make so thatthey will be able to make employ-ment and career decisions that sat-isfy them economically and intel-lectually.

Whether you’re just beginninga career, searching for newemployment challenges or clarify-ing an existing career path, it helpsto have the advice and input of aprofessional career counselor. Ourcareer counselor, Stacy Baum, canhelp you determine career goalsand develop successful strategies

to meet those goals so youcan fulfill your careerpotential. And JFS hasmany other services to helpyou along the way whileyou are striving to reachthat potential.Fall Parenting PlaceWorkshopsWhen Should I BeConcerned: EarlyChildhood Red Flags

Presented by LibbyRains, MSW, LCSW –Jewish Family Services

Levine-Sklut Judaic Library,November 5, 2009

9:15 AM–10:15 AMCoffee, Free Babysitting &

ConversationFor more information, call JFS

at 704-364-6594 or [email protected]

Open discussion of the topicscovered in the workshop will fol-low on November 9, at 9:15 in theLevine-Sklut Judaic Library andwill also offer free babysitting.Preparing for Kindergarten –Presented by CMS ParentUniversity and co-hosted by JFS,Charlotte Jewish Preschool,Jewish Preschool on Sardis andthe Levine-Sklut Judaic Library.November 5 at 7–9 PM in theSam Lerner Center for CulturalArts.

Register at www.cms.k12.nc.usClick on the Parent Universitylink on the Parent section of thepull-down menu and click the linkto online registration. You mayalso register at the door on the dayof the event.

Visit the JFS website atwww.jfscharlotte.org for moreinformation on upcoming work-shops. Y


Larry Horowitz, CLU, ChFCL2 Financial5950 Fairview Road, Suite 608Charlotte, NC 28210704-556-9982, Fax: 704-369-2918

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Following are some highlightsof this year’s Hebrew High open-ing:

* The eighth grade class is thelargest in CHS history, with morethan 90% of available studentsregistered.

* A record number of parentshave joined our PTO. That meansthat we can offer more special pro-grams, enhance holiday celebra-tions and the quality of our class-es.

* New program – Jewish Lens –introduced in Post Confirmationclass. Students will view photosand discuss Jewish values por-trayed therein. In addition, stu-dents will take photos that illus-trate Jewish values in their envi-ronment. This program is ownedjointly by the Levine Sklut JudaicLibrary, Jewish Federation ofGreater Charlotte and HebrewHigh.

* More students than everexpressed an interest in being part

of our student council. These stu-dents are our ambassadors to thecommunity, helping at communityevents, spearheading Tzedakaprojects and leading the school inruach (spirit).

* Great pizza nights! Monthlypizza dinners that serve as thebasis of our Tzedaka program.Come eat pizza for a good cause!

* Scott Fried visit November 18– popular speaker, Scott Fried willtell his inspirational story of livingwith HIV. Scott had a traditionalJewish upbringing and shares the

story of how his life was derailedby one bad decision.

* Hebrew High is a proud spon-sor of the Up All Night For Israel

program! See Teen Coalition arti-cle on front page for details. Y

Hebrew Highlights

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES

JFS Career Services Help You StreamlineYour Job Search

Stacy Baum, Career and VocationalCounselor, and Jodi Hummer, SPHR.

On Hebrew High’sorientation night,students and parents imaginedwhat it would belike if the last Jew from thefuture came to try to saveJudaism.

HOWARD EPSTEIN, MBAPROVIDENCE RD & [email protected]

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GENERAL DONATIONFrom Mark Perlin and Mike

Van GlishHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

Michelle Goodman and SusanBruck from the Wednesday LunchBunch

Stacy Baum from LaurenSherman

David Kronovet from EliseMenaker

Ed Bograd from Ben, Lisa andSteve Bograd, Ted and MEHessber

Harriet Perlin’s birthday fromDeeDee and Gene Daumit, Franand Bill Schwartz, Suly andRichard Chenkin

Jonathan Brackis fromStephanie and Jonathan Simon

Robert Stoll from Rebecca,Moshe, Jake, Caleb and CharlieUsadi

Barbara Levin from Shirleyand Eddie GoodmanIN MEMORY OF

Gerald Sinkoe from Shirleyand Eddie Goodman, Jeff andKaren Turk, Evelyn Berger,Wendy and Jeff Kornegay,Maxine and Gary Silverstein,Susan and Max Greenman, Maryand Les Gordan

Louise Longworth from CeliaMandel

Mickey Lieb, father of BariGorelick and grandfather of GabiGorelick, from Shel and EllenGoldstein

Morris Samuel, the belovedbrother of Julius Farber, fromHelaine and Arnie Stone

Ann and Jack Scharfglass fromMarion and David Kronovet

Sylvia and Milton Kronovetand Sarah Finkel from Marion andDavid Kronovet

Ron Gordon’s sister and broth-er from Susan and Max Greenman

Rose Greenberg, mother ofRuth Brandt, from Mel and JudyMorganstein,

Stan Trost’s mother from Sheviand Don Herbstman

The beloved brother of SheilaSpeiser from Helaine and ArnieStone,

Alex Halberstadt from HenryHirschmann

Gloria Ershler from MariaHanlin, Mike and Sue Littauer,Audry Borgenicht, Cecile Rose,Celia Mandel, Miriam Valenstein,Eleanor Goldman, Ellen R.Goldman, Ellis Levinson, MarkMandel, Rosalie LevineBlumenthal, Jodi and StuartCohen, Myron and Lynn Slutsky,Doris and Irvin Cohen, SamuelEast, the staff of Crisis Assistance

MinistryHarold Fishkin from Jeff and

Karen Turk, Maxine and GarySilverstein, Ed and Jill Newman

Jules Buxbaum from HenryHirschmann, Thursday NightBridge Group, Jeff and KarenTurk

Lil Strauss from Bernard andJanice Patlock

Lorri Barman from HenryHirschmann, Mary and LesGordan, Florence Jaffa, Shel andEllen Goldstein, Susan and MaxGreenman, Evelyn Berger

Martha Kessler from HenryHirschmann, Evelyn Berger, Mrs.Ruth Hannes and family

Edith Cabot from HenryHirschmann

Eugene Martin Goldberg fromMary Virginia Federal, Shirleyand Eddie GoodmanBEST WISHES FOR A FULLAND SPEEDY RECOVERYTO

Carol Speizman from Marionand David Kronovet

Sharon Powell from Marionand David Kronovet

Marty Husney from EvelynBerger, Ed and Jill Newman

Mr. and Mrs. Stan Grey fromShirley and Eddie Goodman

Robbie Joyner from Henry

HirschmannMorty Turk from Shirley and

Eddie GoodmanHarold Weinstein from Bernice

and Nat RobertsMAZEL TOV ON

Amy Levine’s engagementfrom Susan and Max Greenman

Your daughter’s marriage andyour new grandchild to Renee andJoe Steiner from Shel and EllenGoldstein

Stuart Shapiro’s wedding fromEllen and Shel GoldsteinIN HONOR OF

The outstanding job Bea Gibbsdid in organizing the NisheiMitzvah from Henry Hirschmann,Ray Fagin

Barbara Feld and her NisheiMitzvah class from Susan andMax Greenman, Ray Fagin

Dr. Ed and Jill Newman withappreciation and love from Davidand Janet LefkowitzTHANK YOU TO

Bea Gibbs for her strength,compassion and knowledge dur-ing Lillian Strauss’ recent illnessand death from Helene and AllenRivlin Y


Charitable Gift AnnuityNow Giving Doesn’t

Have to Mean Givingit All Away...

A copy of the latest Financial Report and Registration filed by United JewishCommunities, Inc. may be obtained by contacting Joseph Stalbow at United JewishCommunities, Inc., 25 Broadway, Suite 1700, New York, NY 10004, 212-284-6500.You may also obtain financial information directly from the following state agency:North Carolina: Financial information about United Jewish Communities, Inc. and acopy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Section at 1-888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the state.

Let your tzedakah provide for youand the Jewish community

~ Low minimum amount of $10,000

~ Fixed, guaranteed payments for life

~ A portion of the payments may be tax-free

~ May receive a charitable tax deduction in year of gift

~ May benefit multiple charities of your choice

To learn more please contact Phil Warshauer, ExecutiveDirector of the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish

Community at 704-973-4544 or [email protected]

Current Rate:AGE RATE

65 5.3%70 5.7%75 6.3%80 7.1%85 8.1%90 9.5%

Donations to Jewish Family Services in September 2009

Bar Mitzvah baskets

were ordered in

honor of:

Jacob Platt,

Adam Scheinhaus,

Josh Dalli,

Harrison Culbreth,

Adam Box,

Bradley Urso

OctoberSusan Appelbaum,

Ida Berman, Althea Cole,

Janni Fishbein-Slotkis,

Ellen Fligel, Audrey Madans,

Eleanor Miller,

Linda Rothman,

Sara Schreibman

NovemberAnn Abel, Linda Babich,

Roberta Bograd,

Donna Emerson,

Iris Friedlander,

Ruth Goldberg, Linda Isser,

Linda Levy, Marilyn Lippman,

Roberta Malickson,

Helene Rosen, Carol Sandler,

Marcia Stern, Judi Strause

Levine-SklutLevine-SklutJudaic Library andJudaic Library and

Resource CenterResource Center

Thursday, December 10 at 7:30PM, Levine-Sklut Judaic Library

The Levine-Sklut JudaicLibrary and the Charlotte JewishFilm Festival are proud to present“ISreel: Cinematic Views ofIsrael.”

Join us on Thursday December10 at 7:30 PM as we kick off theCharlotte Jewish Film Societywith its first movie series dedicat-ed to Israel. Each film will exploredifferent aspects of Israeli societyand will be followed by discus-sion. All films are free and open tothe public.

Our first film will be“Yedidiah’s Collection,” a sweet,yet poignant look at the withdraw-al of Jewish settlers from Gaza(2005) as seen through the eyes often-year-old Orthodox boy namedYedidiah. This young boy’s col-lection is no ordinary collection.He collects spent mortar shells andlighting parachutes, all evidenceof the complicated reality of lifehe is facing. Asaf Shenhav, the

community’s Shaliach, will leadus in discussion on this intriguingtopic.

Save the date for our next filmpresentation on January 24.

For more information pleasecontact Tair Giudice at 704-944-6763 or [email protected]. Y

Charlotte Jewish FilmFestival Kick Off

Yedidiah

Mitzvah Maker Cooks

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Benyamin Cohen author of “MyJesus Year: A Rabbi’s SonWanders the Bible Belt inSearch of Faith”

This Thanksgiving, be thankfulfor being Jewish. Join us onSunday, November 22 at 7:30 PMin Gorelick Hall, as BenyaminCohen, Atlanta-born son of anOrthodox rabbi, talks about hishilarious journey that is “My JesusYear” — part memoir, part spiritu-al quest, and part anthropologist’smission.

One day Benyamin Cohen dis-covers that his enthusiasm forJudaism is flagging. He observesthe Sabbath, he goes to syna-gogue, and he even flies to NewYork on weekends for a series of“speed dates” with nice, eligibleJewish girls. But, something ismissing. Looking out of his win-dow and across the street at one ofthe hundreds of churches inAtlanta, he asks, “What would itbe like to be a Christian?”

Among Cohen’s many adven-tures (and misadventures), hefinds himself in some ratherunlikely places: jumping into themosh-pit at a Christian rock con-cert, seeing his face projected onthe giant JumboTron of anAfrican-American megachurch,visiting a potential convert withtwo young Mormon missionaries,attending a Christian “profession-al wrestling” match, and wakingup early for a sunrise Easter serv-ice on top of Stone Mountain — aConfederate memorial and formerbase of operations for the KKK.

During his year-long explo-ration, Cohen sees the best and the

worst of Christianity — frommegachurches to storefrontchurches; from crass commercial-ization of religion to the simple,moving faith of the humblebeliever; from the profound to theprofane to the just plain laughable.Throughout, he keeps an openheart and mind, a good sense ofhumor, and takes what he learnsfrom Christianity to reflect on hisown faith and relationship to God.By year’s end, to Cohen’s sur-prise, his search for universalanswers and truths in the BibleBelt actually make him a betterJew. Y

Jewish Book Month at theLevine-Sklut JudaicLibrary

After months of hard work andpreparations the newly remodeledand renovated Teacher ResourceRoom (TRC) is now open to thepublic.

Since its inception in the CAJEtrailer on the grounds of the JCC,the TRC has undergone manychanges before reaching its cur-rent incarnation in the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library. Built on thefoundation laid many years agoby Lenora Stein and HermanBlumenthal, the TRC continues tothrive and grow as it serves thegreater Charlotte community. “Forover 16 years, I have found count-less ideas and treasures to enhanceJewish education at the TeacherResource Center (formerly knownas CAJE),” says Temple Israel’sReligious School Principal,Debby Block, “from the traileroverflowing with information,books and tapes to the sleek new,user-friendly resource center, the

TRC has always felt like a homeaway from home to me.”

Thanks to the continued sup-port of the BlumenthalFoundation, the TRC contains acollection of text and referencebooks, audio visual materials andprovides specialized equipmentand supplies designed to helpteachers create projects and edu-cational aides. “One of the LSJL’score values is to empower ourcommunity’s educators throughprofessional development and avariety of educational resources,thereby advancing the skills andknowledge of those educators,”says LSJL chairperson, JennyStern, “and we are extremelyproud to house this valuable com-munity resource in our library.”

The Levine-Sklut JudaicLibrary & Resource Center is abeneficiary agency of the JewishFederation of Greater Charlotte. Y

Reopening of the TeacherResource Room at theLSJL

From left Susan Jacobs Temple Beth-El’s Director of Education, MariashiGroner, CJDS Director, Peggy Gartner of the Blumenthal Foundation, Seth &Robert Stein of the Lenora Stein Foundation and Elka Bernstein, CJP Director,visiting the TRC.

We acknowledge with grati-tude the following donationsto the Levine-Sklut JudaicLibrary and Resource Center.These donations allow us toexpand the collection ofbooks, DVDs, CDs, videos,maps, posters, games and var-ious teaching aids. The entirecommunity benfists fromthese thoughtful gifts.

Friends of the Levine-SklutJLRC Fund

Melvin and Caren Frank,Edward Pizer, Temple IsraelMen’s Club, Joel Josephs andFamily

In Honor of Sam BernsteinRuth, Alan and Jonathan

Goldberg, Stanley Greenspon,Michael and Beverly Grey,Donald and Susan Jacobs,Robert and Leigh Jacobson,Alan and Kate Kaplan, Garyand Karen Maniloff, Allan andMarcelle Oxman, Ed andDeborah Pizer, Robert andStacey Selkin, Julius and RuthSilverman, Lori Sklut, Herbertand Jenny Stern, Sam andAlene Strause

Donations to theLevine-SklutJudaic Library

Class Schedule. The facility wasutilized by the entire campus,serving a diverse population ofstudents, faculty and administra-tive staff. Additionally, Jenna is acertified cycling, circuit trainingand yoga instructor.

The Levine JCC offers over 40group fitness classes weekly todiversify and enliven your exer-cise routine. Lyn and Jenna lookforward to meeting you personallyin the fitness studios and in theDavid Silverman Fitness Center.To find out more about our groupfitness programs and other bene-fits of Levine JCC membership,please contact Susan Rubensteinat [email protected] or 704-944-6741. Y

New JCC Staff(Continued from page 11)

Benyamin Cohen

Deadline forDecember

2009Chanukah

issue:November 9.

Charlotte Magazine formed apartnership with CrescendoBusiness Services, an independentresearch firm, to identify the “bestin client satisfaction” wealth man-agers serving the Charlotte area. InJanuary, Crescendo surveyed, bymail and phone 38,250 high-net-worth residents in the Charlottearea and subscribers of CharlotteMagazine. An additional 3,500surveys were sent to leaders offinancial service industry compa-nies.

On the surveys, recipients wereasked to select only wealth man-agers whom they knew throughpersonal experience, and to evalu-ate them based upon nine criteria:customer service, integrity, knowl-edge/expertise, communication,value for fee charged, meeting offinancial objectives, post-sale-service, quality of recommenda-tions and overall satisfaction.

By February, stacks of surveyshad arrived and Crescendo begancarefully scoring each wealth

manager. Both positive and nega-tive evaluations were included inthe scoring. Only wealth managerswith five years of experience inthe financial services industrywere considered.

Next, each wealth manager wasreviewed for regulatory actions,civil judicial actions and customercomplaints as reported by FINRA(the Financial Industry RegulatoryAuthority) and other regulatoryagencies.

Then, before finalizing the list,wealth managers were reviewedby a blue-ribbon panel. The blue-ribbon panel was comprised ofknowledgeable individuals fromwithin the financial servicesindustry. Although panelist com-ments were incorporated into thefinal score, safeguards were builtinto the review process to reducethe ability of panel members toinfluence the composition of thefinal list on the basis of companyaffiliation.

The resulting list of 2009 Five

Star Wealth Managers representsthose wealth managers in theCharlotte area, that scored highestin client satisfaction. These wealthmanagers represent less than 5%of the wealth managers in theCharlotte area.

Included on this list are GeneMarx and Catherine HunterKloppenborg of UBS FinancialServices.

Gene is Senior Vice Presidentof Investments. He has beenfocusing on the Financial Planningand Investment Consulting needsof his clients for 19 years. Genereceived his undergraduate degreefrom UNC - Chapel Hill andearned his MBA from TulaneUniversity in New Orleans. Heand his family are members ofTemple Beth El.

Catherine is an InvestmentAssociate at UBS FinancialServices. She is a CertifiedFinancial Planning Practitionerand has worked with Gene forover eleven years. Catherine

received her undergraduate degreefrom the University of Georgia. About Marx Wealth Management

Marx Wealth Management is ateam of UBS professionals dedi-cated to offering a customizedapproach to wealth managementbuilt on a personal relationshipand shaped by an understanding ofclient needs and aspirations.Current and future assets can beanalyzed, liabilities weighed andestate planning strategies imple-mented. We offer periodic reviewsto determine if your investmentstrategies remain aligned withyour goals, and proactively pro-pose and implement solutions. About UBS

UBS is one of the largest fullyintegrated financial services com-panies in the world. It is theworld’s largest Wealth Manager

and Private Bank offering a widerange of products and services todeliver comprehensive solutionsto its clients. Y


404-634-7883 www.campjudaea.org

Jewish & Zionist Program

Kosher Kitchen

Shomer Shabbat

Caring staff members

2nd-10th grade boys & girls

Mazel Tov & Congratulations

Five Star: Gene Marx Selected Among the Best in Client SatisfactionWealth Managers

Gene Marx

I always wanted to visitPhiladelphia and this past OctoberI got my wish. Philadelphia iscalled the City of Brotherly Loveand it’s a good motto for itsJewish community. With its treas-ure of historic sites and myriad ofother attractions, America’sfourth-largest Jewish communityand fifth-largest city are worthgetting to know. With a wonderfulhistory reaching back to colonialtimes, Jews are inseparably linkedto the city. And PhiladelphiaJewry has been powerful innational Jewish affairs, both pastand present.

Jews visited Philadelphia asearly as 1707 but the first Jewishsettlement dates back to 1737. Theearly Jewish residents, ofAshkenazic and Sephardic back-ground, flourished under the liber-al influence of the dominantQuakers and played importantroles in colonial Philadelphia life.Today over 300,000 Jews reside inmetropolitan Philadelphia.

Mikveh Israel, which theytranslate as “The Hope of Israel,”

was founded in 1740 and is anunparalleled American JewishInstitution. It shares its quarters atone end of Independence Mallwith the National Museum ofAmerican Jewish History. Thesynagogue and museum are just ashort walk from IndependenceHall and the Liberty Bell. Themuseum is very interesting. It’sthe only institution of its kind ded-icated to telling the story ofJewish participation in the growthand development of North andSouth America. It houses manypersonal and religious items thatbelonged to colonial Jews. Thiswonderful museum was estab-lished in 1976 for America’sBicentennial. The museum’s col-lection has grown to more than20,000 artifacts, which resonatewith the history of more than 350years of America Jewish life. Wefound this museum to be incredi-bly interesting and educational.

Congregation Mikveh Israel isone of the first organized Jewishcongregations in this country. Italso so interesting that these twoJewish sites share their spacetogether. Congregation Mikveh isalso known as the “Synagogue ofthe American Revolution.”Mikveh Israel is the direct descen-dant of the original synagoguefounded in 1748.

Save some time to seeIndependence National HistoricalPark. This area encompasses sev-eral square blocks in the heart ofOld City. It is rightfully called“America’s most historic squaremile.” Many of Philadelphia’smost famous sights-including theLiberty Bell and IndependenceHall-are conveniently locatedwithin this compact and attractivearea.

This amazing vibrant city isfilled with wonderful museums,fabulous restaurants, amazingshopping and a first class zoolocated in Fairmont Park. We didget to visit the zoo which is thenation’s oldest and a child’s para-dise. Philadelphia intrigued meand I know that I will be back fora longer visit. It’s a city that is awonderful combination of the oldmixed with the new. Y

The Jewish TravelerBy Maxine Silverstein

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Maxine at the Liberty Bell.

Maxine visits the National Museum ofJewish History.

At the religious liberty monument.


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By Karen BrodskyThanksgiving, just a few weeks

away, is a time when we sit aroundour tables with family and friends.We talk about the different thingswe are thankful for. It’s hard toimagine anyone who does notknow of it. Also at Thanksgivingwe lament that certain relativesand friends could not be at ourtables for various reasons.Oblivious to this American tradi-tion, only a small number ofnewly resettled refugees get ataste of it is like to be a part of theholiday in the U.S.

Thanei Taithio, a HIAS NCcaseworker from Burma, remem-bers his first Thanksgiving inAmerica. His caseworker broughta large roasted turkey, still warmfrom the oven, to his home. Hehad never had roasted turkey, andhe recalls the experience and thetaste to this day.

As much as we bemoan emptyseats at our Thanksgiving table,there are refugees who have beenwaiting years to bring familymembers to the U.S. They, too,wish to fill seats at their tables.

For refugees, the process ofbringing family from their homecountries is long and complicated.It takes patience and persever-ance. If you are a U.S. citizen or apermanent resident, your closefamily members can immigrate tothe U.S. based on their relation-ship to you. Depending onwhether you are a U.S. citizen or apermanent resident, and the typeof your relationship with the fam-ily members, applicants fall intodifferent categories, and may haveto wait a number of years beforethey can immigrate.

U.S. law is very complex andthe complexities may cause longseparations, even for refugees and

their families. Getting familymembers here is fraught withcomplications. Family of theMontagnards from the CentralHighlands, for example, mustbribe local officials to providebirth and marriage certificates andpassports, all needed to come tothe U.S. Then copies of these doc-uments must be sent to theAmerican consulate in Ho ChiMinh City (formerly Saigon),where the family members areinterviewed by the InternationalOrganization for Migration(IOM). After that, one must makeapplication to the Vietnamesegovernment to leave.

Weh Ksor, a Montagnard, wasencouraged by friends to apply tobring his family here. He wasreluctant because he truly did notthink they would actually be ableto come. It was a hope and adream. He filed an application so

that his wife and two sons (underthe age of 21) could to come to theU.S., which was submitted to theU.S. Citizenship and ImmigrationServices (USCIS). After aboutthree years, they were approved tocome, and Ksor sent money to hiswife and children in his village. Ithad to be enough to bribe the offi-cials, to pay for the 24-hour busride to Ho Chi Minh City, and payfor two nights in a hotel beforetheir plane departed. All the stepswere very dangerous, includingthe walk to the bus, especially inlight of the tensions between theVietnamese and the Montagnards.Miraculously, his wife and chil-dren arrived safely in Charlotte.

Late in the 19th century,Eastern European Jews had onlyto have the money to bring theirrelatives to America. After work-ing long hours for many months toearn enough money for passage,

the next concern was the quotaimposed upon the number ofimmigrants the U.S. would accept.

Currently the numbers havenothing to do with quotasalthough there are limits to thenumber of refugees can come tothe U.S. It is a much more compli-cated process.

A case aid for HIAS NC,Rebecca Sangkim, is waiting forher husband to arrive. He leftBurma for Malaysia, where it isillegal for non-citizens to work.He lives in a rented apartment inKuala Lumpur, where he plays ina band and waits to hear about hisstatus. HIAS NC has made appli-cation, and sent letters and theirmarriage certificate. Now thatRebecca has been here with hertwo brothers for about three years,she is hoping that her husband willjoin them at their Thanksgivingtable, probably this year and mostcertainly by next year. Y

The Guests Missing from Our Thanksgiving Tables

By Edmon J. RodmanLos Angeles (JTA) — How

Jewish is Thanksgiving? With rel-atives flying in from eretz every-where, with drama in the kitchenand at the table, and a time to givemodim, thanks, and say she-hechiyanu for being able to cele-brate together another year, howcan we not think of Thanksgivingas an adopted Jewish day of fami-ly gathering?

Though Judaism is a religion offeasts, with a seudat mitzvah — afeast commemorating the comple-tion of a mitzvah — for circumci-sion, consolation, completing atractate of Talmud or preparing forPurim, there is no seudat forthanks.

Deuteronomy does tell us, how-ever, that upon being brought intothe land of olive trees and honey,“When you have eaten your fill,give thanks.”

Even considering a tough eco-nomic year with retirement fundsshrinking, and the cost of food andtuition growing, whichever calen-dar you follow, are there really

ever enough available days to givethanks?

With mainstream culture wherewe lie and rise, it’s a strugglebeing a religious minority inAmerica. Every so often Jewsneed — without the threat of iden-tity loss — an opportunity simplyto fit in. We need to bring homethe turkey like everyone else, thensit around after dinner sleepy,stuffed and watching football.

A national holiday since 1863,Thanksgiving for many Jewishfamilies is a time to meet, greetand eat between Sukkot andChanukah. It’s especially so forcollege students, who travel hometo show off new boyfriends andgirlfriends, hairstyles, beards andlearning. Even the dirty laundrybecomes part of the ritual.

The day can be a test, too.A non-Jewish publisher for

whom I once worked asked, “DoJews celebrate Thanksgiving?”

Surprised at first, not sure howto respond, I finally answered witha question: “It’s an America holi-day. We qualify, don’t we?”

It’s an American holiday withorigins in a persecuted religiousgroup who makes an exodus andfinds its way if not to a promisedland, then to a land of religiousfreedom. Ring any bells, dinner orotherwise?

Some think Thanksgiving feelsmuch like Sukkot. Both are har-vest holidays where thanks andpraise are given, and mass quanti-ties of food are communallyshared. Each involved a wilder-ness pilgrimage. Each has originsin makeshift living accommoda-tions.

So while we’re shopping fordecorative cardboard Pilgrims,perhaps we should throw in anIsraelite or two. Or while watch-ing the Macy’s Thanksgiving DayParade, just imagine a giant inflat-able etrog floating by.

As for the main course, it’s theJews who have the inside scoop onthe lifestyle and husbandry ofAmerica’s favorite Thanksgivingentree. Israel is a major turkey-producing country, with many kib-butzim specializing in turkey

ranching.Many who have visited Israel,

especially students, have had theopportunity to observe turkeysdoing more than gobbling. Mywife while in Israel tended aturkey co-op for a month — themonth that lasts a lifetime. EveryThanksgiving she regales us withstories of corralling, feeding, eveninjecting turkeys while on everyevening of her stay dining onturkey schnitzel.

Now how many other Americanhouseholds have an ex-turkeyrancher at their table?

Besides, kosher turkeys aregrown without hormones. Andaccording to Cook’s Illustrated, agourmet magazine that ran a tastetest, kosher birds, probably

because of the salt used in kosher-ing, are moist, flavorful and tastebest.

So, pass the turkey, b’vakasha!The Jewish community has also

found community-minded ways tocelebrate the day. Many syna-gogues as tzedakah activities con-tribute staffing along with materi-al and financial contributions toThanksgiving meal giveaways.

Thanksgiving is one of the fewdays in America where interfaithcooperation reigns, with manysynagogues and churches holdingcombined services. Rabbis, minis-ters, priests and pastors tryvaliantly to craft services that willbe meaningful yet not offensive totheir combined congregations.

As a child at such a service, thefirst time I went to a church, theservice ended with the congrega-tion singing a song of thanks thatbegan, “We gather together to askthe Lord’s blessing …” From ahymn book I sang along, reassuredto discover that other people sangabout God, too.

Jews have their own prayersand psalms of thanks. Modim, a

Pass the Turkey, B’vakasha!

(Continued on next page)

By Dr. Eric BrownThe main thing I’m grateful for

leading up to Thanksgiving is thatall I have to cook is the sweetpotatoes. The rest of the clan isdoing the hard labor, perhapsbecause I’m giving the familyChanukah party scant days later,but for now, I’ll appreciate thebreak.

An easy cooking day isn’t theonly thing I’m grateful for, thoughit’s a fine start.

I’m grateful for that wizard kidlittle Harry Potter. What a lovelydiversion to have just when thingsare getting so crazy. We swal-lowed the books with attentionand devotion. I think a few guiltyparties in our household read themtwo or three times each. These arethe very first books that one of ourchildren ever picked up eagerly,voluntarily, to read for fun.

I read them out loud to ouryoungest, but I have discoveredthat you cannot read a child tosleep with Harry Potter books.They are far too involving andexciting. The child clings to wake-fulness, unwilling to miss amoment. We’ve gone back to

more soothing bedtime reading,and are savoring Harry by day-light.

These wonderfully written fan-tasies, with their fully realizedparallel world of magic, are puregood vs. evil sagas, include scarybits kids love. It was wonderful tosee that they translated well into aG-rated movie that had plenty ofpersonal interaction, vividdescription and warmth to keepadults captivated. I am always alittle wary of ghost and goblin sto-ries for my kids, but Harry thewizard won me over completely inbook form. Now, I want a postalowl of my own. Then I’d be evenmore thankful.

As far as gratitude goes, by theway, I’m always grateful for somenew conveniences: a hot water tapin the kitchen, a laptop computer,and — as I tumble as slowly as aLuddite into the new century — atlast, a cellular phone of my own. Iresisted a cell phone for ages,afraid to be becked and called Isuppose, but now I love it. Mykids can always reach me, and socan the other moms in the carpool.If I need to ask my Mom a ques-

tion or to check with my husbandfor directions, the little silverphone is right at hand. I’m sure Ihad a reason for resisting this, butI can’t imagine what it was.

I’m thankful for the old institu-tions and the new ones. One oldstandard keeps getting better andhandier: my neighborhood library.Right now, I’m particularly grate-ful to it because of my new addic-tion to books on tape. I can’t driveanywhere any more without a cas-sette spinning in the tape player,as one clear-voiced narrator afteranother weaves a tale that makes

the miles fly by. I only listen to thetapes when I’m alone in the car,anything else would be child neg-lect. However, I’m lots more will-ing to go pick the kids up at thehomes of geographically-incon-venient friends than I used to be,because all the great authors are inthe car with me. I’ve always lis-tened to Judaic studies classes andlectures on tape in the car, so thisis an expansion of an old avoca-tion, but now I’m catching up notonly on the Torah classes I missed,but on classic novels I missedalong the way as well.

But as any newspaper writershould be this time of year, I’mmost grateful for editors and read-ers with empathy, senses of humorand a few moments to spend withme. So, thank you all. I’ll see youat the Quidditch match. Y

Dr. Erica Brown is the Directorfor Adult Education at ThePartnership for Jewish Life andLearning and the Scholar-in-Residence for The JewishFederation of Greater Washington.She resides with her husband and 4children in MD.

The Charlotte Jewish News - November 2009- Page 23

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prayer included morning, noonand night in the daily liturgy,includes the words, “We thankyou and praise you for our livesthat are in your hand.”

This year at my Thanksgivingdinner I plan to break bread withthe motzi and end with the BirkatHamazon, the grace after mealthat begins, “Let us thank the Onewhose food we have eaten.”

Guests also must give thanks

— that is, if they ever want to beinvited back. Praise all who makeThanksgiving possible. Selah: Towhoever had the culinary wisdomto menu plan and cook, the skill tochop and blend and simmer, thepatience to test, time, taste andseason. Praised on Turkey Daythey all should be; thanked andpraised. Y

Edmon J. Rodman is a LosAngeles writer and designer.

Pass the Turkey, B’Vakasha!(Continued from previous page)

Temple Beth El has selectedSamet Corporation as the generalcontractor for its renovation andbuilding project.

Based in Greensboro, Samet isa midsize contractor ranked #72 inthe Southeast based on revenue.Among its extensive portfolio ofwork, the company has built manyprominent Jewish institutionalfacilities in the Triad, includingTemple Emanuel, Beth DavidSynagogue, Greensboro JewishFederation, B’nai Shalom DaySchool, and American HebrewAcademy, as well as the UNC-Chapel Hill Hillel House, CampRamah in Clayton, Georgia andthe soon-to-be-built JewishCommunity Center in Durham.

Other notable Samet projectsinclude data centers for Google inLenoir and Charleston, theGreensboro GrasshoppersBaseball Stadium, ChildressVineyards Winery, and the Villageat High Point University.

Arthur Samet, CEO, said hiscompany “is excited to be a part-ner (with) Temple Beth El. It is anhonor to add this project to a listof Jewish landmarks we have builtin the North Carolina.” NormanSamet, Arthur’s father, foundedthe company in 1961, and Arthur

became CEO in 2000.Ben Benson, Temple Beth El

Building Committee chair, saidthat among a strong field of con-tenders, Samet distinguished itselfwith a combination of experi-enced personnel, depth of similarexperience and competitive bid-ding. The company also sees theproject as a major factor in build-ing its client base and profile inthe Charlotte region. “Samet stoodout in the bidding process. Theyare well respected and a growingpresence in their industry, and itwas an added benefit that theyhave so much experience workingwith Jewish institutions in ourstate and region. We could not bemore pleased with having them onboard,” Benson said.

The Temple celebrated agroundbreaking for its project onOctober 18. Look for picturesfrom the event in next month’sCJN. Y

TBE Chooses a BuildingContractor

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By Linda MorelNew York (JTA) — How does

an award-winning chef finessetiming Thanksgiving dinner, theshopping, the chopping,the planning ahead?

“With so many thingshappening onThanksgiving, such asfootball on television andpeople descending onyour kitchen, I suggestbeing organized,” saysrestaurateur MichaelSchlow, who holds theJames Beard Award ofExcellence for Best Chefin the Northeast, among other dis-tinguished culinary awards. “Taketen or 15 minutes and make aschedule. Decide what can bemade days ahead, two hoursahead, that day, and at the lastminute.”

Thinking of the home cook,Schlow has analyzed how foodpreparation fits into the equationof a 24-hour day. In his cookbook,“It’s About Time: Great Recipesfor Everyday Life,” he explorestime as an ingredient in decidingwhat to cook. There are recipes —some of them are for non-kosherdishes — for when you’re in arush, as well as recipes for dayswhen you have the luxury of time.

“My cookbook sets about notonly to teach you how to cook andeat well when you’re busy,” saysSchlow.

“But it also works in reverse,for when your soul cries out for alittle bit of culinary therapy.”Ideally Thanksgiving should beone of those days.

“I can’t think of a better way tounwind than by spending a coupleof hours in the kitchen with a glassof wine, good music on the stereoand some delicious things sim-mering on the stove,” he adds.

Born in Brooklyn, Schlow isnow the executive chef and ownerof three of Boston’s best restau-rants: Radius, famous for modernFrench cuisine; Via Matta, spe-cializing in regional Italian food;and Great Bay, serving sophisti-cated seafood. Schlow credits hisparents for a lot of his success.

“I grew up in a householdwhere food was important,” hesays.

But isn’t that typical of mostJewish families?

“I mean food was really impor-tant. Not for its basic nutritionalsustenance value. I’m talkingabout people who were real foodfreaks, a family completely con-sumed with the experience of eat-ing and dining. We would be atbreakfast and the conversationwould be about what we weregoing to have for dinner.”

Yet mealtimes were sacred, notonly for the cherished food but forthe time they spent together, talk-ing about their experiences sincethey’d last sat at the table. Thesedays nothing has changed. WhenThanksgiving rolls around,Schlow heads to his mother’shouse to celebrate the holidaywith 25 or 30 family members andfriends. “Everybody is welcomethere,” he says, describing thetumult and the fun.

“The nice thing aboutThanksgiving is that everyonegets involved in the cooking,” he

says. For instance the holidaywouldn’t be the same without hismother’s red wine-braised brisket.Not the usual Ashkenazi variety,

this brisket derives anItalian accent from gar-lic, rosemary, tomatoesand porcini mushrooms.

Schlow attributes hissense of adventure in thekitchen to his mother,whom he calls the cul-prit behind his fascina-tion with food.

In school, I was anavid jock and really onlycared about sports, pret-

ty girls and getting into trouble,”he says. “However, I know for afact, in 1978 I was the only kid onthe block whose mother kepthomemade garam masala in thecupboard. Back when most peoplethought Chinese food meant pu-pu platters, lo mein and egg rolls,she was making hot-and-soursoup from scratch. She even hadfresh mozzarella in the fridge justwaiting for the tomatoes and basilfrom her garden.”

From this background, Schlowdiscovered all kinds of flavors,stirring his passions. In this spirit,the recipes in “It’s About Time”draw from a wide range of ingre-dients, some of which veer fromthe laws of kashrut.

It’s not surprising that Schlowhas developed a repertoire ofrecipes that both shakes up andenhances the standardThanksgiving menu: the sweetpotatoes with melted marshmal-lows, stuffing, cranberries andpumpkin pie that people adore.Working wonders with olive oil,he’s developed sumptuous dishes,relying on seasonal produce.

Easy roasted vegetables withwalnuts are the essence ofautumn, a colorful combination ofbeets, turnips, baby carrots,Brussels sprouts, onions and fen-nel. Sauteed broccoli rabe isSchlow’s favorite vegetable.Prepared with garlic, this piquantside dish receives its kick from apinch of crushed red pepperflakes. Crunchy string bean saladderives its zest from lemons, rose-mary and red onions, which add aMediterranean twist.

“In my family, Thanksgiving isa balance between tried and truerecipes and new dishes,” saysSchlow.

“Most people expect turkey, sokeep that on the menu, but don’tbe afraid to experiment. Justremember, any dish you introducehas the potential to become a cher-ished tradition by next year.”

If you’re seeking to branch out,Schlow recommends sticking toan 80 percent to 20 percent formu-la. Retain 80% of your family’sfavorites, so no matter what, theywon’t be disappointed.

Although turkey is as tied toThanksgiving as matzah balls areto Passover, the “big bird” isknown to wreck havoc with tim-ing the meal, an issue that is closeto Schlow’s heart. To control thecooking time – and because heprefers the taste — Schlow slowroasts the turkey at 250 degrees.But first he cuts the bird intopieces. He gives the legs andthighs a lead of about an hour overthe breast and wings. This takes

some of the guesswork out of tim-ing turkeys, which like Jewishholidays, are often late or early,rarely on time.

While he believes timing iseverything in kitchens and in life,there’s a lot of Jewish soul inSchlow’s approach to cooking andthe meaning of meals.

“Jewish families revolvearound sharing food and sharingstories,” he says. “CelebratingThanksgiving is what the Jewishfamily and the Jewish table are allabout.”

Recipes from: “It’s about Time:Great Recipes for EverydayLife,” by Michael Schlow

Easy Roasted Vegetables WithWalnuts (Pareve)Prepare that day.8 baby turnips, peeled and halvedlengthwise2 golden beets, peeled and cutinto 8 wedges a piece8 whole baby carrots, peeled8 Brussels sprouts, halved andblanched for 2 min.8 pearl onions, peeled and halvedlengthwise1 head of fennel, cut lengthwiseinto eighths6 T. extra-virgin olive oilSalt and pepper to taste

1 pinch sugar1 sprig rosemary, leaves removedfrom stalk, but not chopped4 sage leaves, coarsely chopped1 c. coarsely chopped walnutsJuice of 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.Place an ovenproof roasting pan inthe oven for 15 minutes. Combineall of the vegetables and the oliveoil in a large mixing bowl and sea-son generously with salt and pep-per. Add a pinch of sugar to helpthe vegetables caramelize, andtoss well to coat evenly with oliveoil. Remove the heated roastingpan from the oven, add the vegeta-bles and shake the pan a few timesto keep the vegetables from stick-ing. Roast uncovered for 20 min.,stirring the vegetables occasional-ly to prevent sticking or burning.Add the rosemary and sage, andstir to combine. Check the vegeta-bles — they should be almost ten-der. Continue to roast until thevegetables are cooked, but notmushy. Then add the walnuts andadjust seasoning. Squeeze thelemon over the vegetables, stir tocombine, and serve.Yield: 4 side dishes

Sauteed Broccoli Rabe With HotRed Pepper Flakes (Pareve)Prepare at the last minute.1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil1 clove garlic, thinly slicedSalt, pepper and crushed red pep-per flakes2 heads broccoli rabe, trimmed1/2 c. water

Place the olive oil and garlic ina sauce pot and cook over medi-um-high heat until the garlic startsto turn golden brown. Add 4pinches of salt, 2 pinches of blackpepper and 2 pinches of crushedred pepper flakes. Add the broc-coli rabe and saute for 2 min. Addthe water, turn the heat up to high

and saute 2 more min., or till ten-der. Taste for seasoning and serve.Yield: 4 side dishes

Crunchy String Bean Salad withRed Onion (Pareve)Start one day ahead.3 pounds fresh string beans, endssnipped3 T. salt1-2 small red onions, thinlysliced (about 2 c.)3/4 c. extra-virgin olive oilJuice of 2 lemons1 T. chopped fresh rosemarySalt, pepper and crushed red pep-per flakes to taste

Bring a large pot of water to aboil and add the salt. Fill a largebowl with ice water and set itbeside the sink. Blanch the stringbeans in the salted water for 1-2min., till cooked but still slightlycrunchy. Then strain and plungeinto ice water for 2 min. Strainbeans, transfer to a bowl, andrefrigerate. (The beans can stay inthe fridge for up to a day.)Remove beans from fridge 1 hr.before serving. Add the onions.(This can be done in advance orwhen you dress the salad.) Justbefore bringing the salad to thetable, mix in the oil, lemon juice,rosemary, salt, pepper and crushedred pepper flakes. Taste for sea-soning, add more oil or lemon, ifnecessary, and serve.Yield: Makes a big bowl, enoughfor a small crowd Y


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Son of Jewish “Food Freaks” Shakes up the Holiday Menu

Chef MichaelSchlow

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Jewish Community Relations Council Celebrates Two Yearsrenowned Israeli speaker Neil Lazarus takes...

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