Charleston Jewish Voice | Fall 2014

KOSHER FOOD PANTRYC H A R L E S T O N J E W I S H

V O I C EFALL 2014

Charleston Jewish Federation 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSONVILLE, FLPERMIT NO. 2840

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCALLAHAN, FLPERMIT NO. 4

W W W. J E W I S H C H A R L E S T O N . O R G

A PUBLICATION OF THE CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION

www.jewishcharleston.org

FALL 2014 | 02

CONTENTS

New Beginnings. What does it mean to begin something new? Does it mean

disregarding the past and starting from scratch? Or, does it mean learning from the past to envision a new future? My personal beliefs

align with the latter, which is why this past year at the

Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) we decided to start something new based off past lessons learned.

This was the best thing that we did. We knew what had gone wrong in the past, and strategically identified gaps and improvement areas. This is why this past year was full of success and growth for our organization. We set realistic goals and surpassed them. We promised a bright future for Jewish Charleston, and delivered.

Rosh Hashanah is upon us once again, and this new year we will continue to do new things. We will continue to set realistic goals and exceed expectations. We will reflect on this past year and move forward into the new year in new and innovative ways.

If you're trying to figure out something new to do this year, first reflect on your past experiences, take away some lessons learned, and then consider getting involved in a new opportunities at CJF.

L'shana Tova,

Spencer Lynch Charleston Jewish Federation President

PRESIDENT’S LETTER By Spencer Lynch

COVER IMAGE: DOME OF THE ROCK Taken By Mark Swick in Jerusalem, Israel www.markswick.com

Scott A. CracraftManaging Director

360 Concord Street, Suite 210 // Charleston, SC 29401 // 843.720.3500 // 866.384.9891 // lynchcracraftwealth.com

©2013 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

Spencer J. LynchManaging Director

A premier wealth management team in Charleston since 1993

Put our knowledge to work for you. Call us for a complimentary retirement review.LOOKING TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS?

CJF MISSION STATEMENT To Build and Sustain Jewish Life in Charleston, Israel and Around the World.

President’s Letter & Contents ...................................................... 02

CEO Letter .................................................................................................. 03

Charleston Jewish Family Services ............................................ 04

Kosher Food Pantry .............................................................................. 05

Jewish Educational Loan Fund ...................................................... 06

PJ Library ....................................................................................................... 07

Shalom Baby and Shalom Charleston .................................... 08

Young Adult Division ............................................................................ 09

Max Kirshstein Youth Award and Israel Education Fellowship Program ....................................10

The REMEMBER program .........................................................11-12

Annual Campaign .............................................................................13-14

Jewish Endowment Fund and Allocations ........................... 15

Connecting Jewish Women ......................................................17-18

Israel Engagement Initiative ....................................................19-22

Jewish Community Relations Council .............................23-24

Community News ............................................................................26-30

High Holiday Services .......................................................................... 32

Resource Guide ........................................................................................ 33

03 | CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chief Executive Officer Judi Corsaro

CJF President Spencer Lynch

CJF President Elect Harry Goldberg

CJF Vice President Ellen Hoffman

CJF Vice President Stuart Tessler

CJF Treasurer Suzanne Lynch

CJF Secretary Eileen Chepenik

Jewish Endowment Fund President Jan Pearlstine Lipov

CJF Immediate Past President Jeffrey Buncher

BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGEAaron EngelHarold FoxMarilyn HoffmanLisa IsaacsonAva KleinmanEd KronsbergMichael MillsHilary Rieck Peter RosenthalIlene Turbow

Charleston Jewish Federation FULL TIME:

Judi Corsaro - Chief Executive Officer 843-614-6600 | [email protected] Hoch Stiefel - Senior Director of Communications & Community Engagement 843-614-6497 | [email protected] Sharnoff - Director of Charleston Jewish Family Services 843-614-6494 | [email protected] Stellrecht - Development Associate 843-614-6481 | [email protected]

PART TIME:

Carol Berlin - Connecting Jewish Women 843-571-6565 | [email protected] Sandra Brett - Special Events Program Director [email protected] Herrman - Administrative Assistant 843-614-6491 | [email protected] Klassy - Senior Graphic Designer 843-614-6480 | [email protected] Veronee - Accountant 843-614-6481 | [email protected] Smith - YAD Program Associate 843-614-6481 | [email protected]

www.JewishCharleston.org

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION

1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd.Charleston, SC 29407-3507

PHONE: 843-614-6600FAX: 843-556-6206

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION

We all wish that the Jewish New Year 5775 will be filled with peace and love and not overshadowed by acts of terror, a rise in anti-Semitism and the threat of an on-going conflict in Israel. Unfortunately, that is not a very realistic forecast of what is yet to come. This past year, we have witnessed horrific acts of brutality, an alarming rise in anti-Semitism and we have seen Jews in Europe and in the Ukraine leaving their homes because of a lack of security. The Jewish Agency for Israel (a Charleston Jewish Federation funded partner organization) received a 70% increase in requests from French Jews wanting to make Aliyah to Israel.

The Charleston Jewish Federation is working on many challenges both through our local work and the national and international agencies that we fund. This is not the time to sit back and pretend that the world situation is going to improve, because while I am a “half-glass full” person, there are simply too many indicators that circumstances for the Jewish people are only going to get worse.

Never before has it been so imperative for our Jewish community to take action. We need to raise money during our Annual Campaign to not only ensure that our local Jewish community is able to thrive

but to provide the vital support to our partner organizations that are dealing with all of these critical issues. Between the needs of Israel, the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and how the crisis in the Ukraine is impacting their Jewish population, there is just so much help that is required right now. This is not the time to be complacent and certainly not the time to say NO when asked to donate to the Charleston Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

It is important that we STAND WITH ISRAEL and STAND WITH THE JEWISH PEOPLE near and far. But it is also important that we hold onto our humanity. When you dehumanize people, it becomes easy not to care about their deaths, which is very reminiscent of Nazi Germany when Jews were not considered to be humans worthy of life. With the rise of anti-Semitism, our character will be challenged more than ever before in our lifetime.

Please get involved and give your time, your talents and your treasures. Our people are counting on you now.

L’Shana Tova,

Judi CJF CEO

FALL 2014 | 04

Greetings

CHARLESTON JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES

THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS

During the high holidays the Jewish community spends a lot of time contemplating forgiveness, but it is a concept that for many can take years, even a lifetime, to perfect. Judaism believes that strength is expressed by overcoming the instinct of revenge and being able to forgive. So how do you forgive someone who has hurt or angered you?

While forgiveness is a challenging process, there are steps that you can take to make the process more manageable. Psychiatrist Dr. Ned Hallowell provides the four step guide to forgiveness:

• The first step is to acknowledge the hurt and/or pain that we are feeling. This is not the time to hold back or apologize for your feelings. Talk to someone you trust who can allow you to express yourself.

• The second step is to ask yourself: What do you want this pain to turn into? Look for the hook. The hook is what is holding you back; it’s the portion of the misdeed that is causing you to hold on to your anger and resentment. Empathize with the person who hurt you. Remember that forgiveness is not the service of condoning.

• Dr. Hallowell says the third step is difficult, but you need to analyze your anger and put your life back into perspective. Praying and mediating can help. Take inventory and give thanks for all the things you do have. Think of your future. Know that you and your loved ones will be better off once you have rid yourself of any vengeful thinking.

• Lastly, you must make a conscious decision not to hold a grudge. If you’re in a relationship, this means not bringing up past transgressions. By letting go, you give up your role as the victim and become equals again. It’s a promise to yourself to stop ruminating and to fully move on. Dr. Hallowell uses the word “renounce” because your resentful feelings may never permanently go away. Try to teach others the skill of forgiveness in an empathetic way.

Remember that it is important to forgive yourself as well. Allow yourself to relax, to recover, to live, to laugh, to love, to flow, to be more present, and to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished despite life’s inevitable setbacks.

L’shana tova, Sara Sharnoff

$72.00 Ava and Bruce Kleinman

Carol Manheim, PT

Colonel Paul and Patricia

Sykes

Elisabeth and Spencer Lynch

Harry and Ellen Nadler and

Family

Jaclyn S. Berlinsky

Judi and Ted Corsaro

Judy and Marty Markowitz

and family

Linda and Maurice Krawcheck

Morris Hanan

Nancy and Bernard

Mendelson

Sally and Mickey Fischbein

$54.00

Barbara and Lenny Zucker

Harold Fox

Janice and Ellis Kahn

$36.00

Billy and Sydney Richman

Charles and Nancy Banov

Eileen and Stanley Chepenik

Laurie Beth Roshfeld

Sandra Rosenblum

Sunny and Samuel Steinberg

The David L. Cohen Family

$18.00

Les and Jane ( Banov) Bergen

Phyllis and Joel Doobrow

Rabbi Adam J. Rosenbaum

Ellen Miriam Brandwein

and family

The dollars from these greetings will go directly to individuals and families in our community who rely on Charleston Jewish Family

Services, a program of the Charleston Jewish Federation.


KOSHER FOOD PANTRY

DEAR FRIENDS,

We want to thank you for the food that you have so generously donated to the Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) over the last four years. We owe our success to your support and kindness. The KFP is entering its fourth year and is the only site west of the Ashley that distributes food to the community at large. In the past few months our distribution has increased dramatically- we are now distributing approximately 600 pounds of food every week. When we glean vegetables from the fields, we share our excess with the Sherman House, East Cooper Community Outreach, East Cooper Meals on Wheels Tricounty Family Ministries in addition to the many soup kitchens and shelters in West Ashley, the Peninsula and North Charleston.

Many people are surprisingly unaware of the hunger problem in our community and many don't realize how simple it can be to address this problem. We know how aware and generous you have been and wanted to let you know about other opportunities to help feed the hungry. We are asking everyone to please consider signing up for ONE day a year to bring food, preferably fresh vegetables and fruits, into the KFP. We are also always in need of brown rice, beans, oatmeal, coffee, bread, raisins or other dried fruit, tuna, boxed milk and spaghetti sauce amongst other items. For a full list, please visit www.charlestonjfs.org.

There are many opportunities to bring a bag of produce or other essentials of your choice to the KFP, to help feed our neighbors without expenditure of time and labor. You can sign up for specific days by going to www.charlestonjfs.org and clicking on the Kosher Food Pantry tab.

You may also find that our gleaning program is something that you may enjoy. All you need to do is contact Sara Sharnoff at [email protected] to get started.

May your new year be sweet, as you bring health and happiness to those who are in need.

Your Kosher Food Pantry

HONEY CAKE

2 eggs ¼ cup honey ½ cup oil 1 cup strong coffee 1 cup sugar 2 cup flour 1 tsp cocoa 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, mix the eggs, honey, oil, coffee and sugar. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon together. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet and mix for 5 minutes.

Pour into two greased loaf pans and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done. These cakes freeze very well. Enjoy!

34 CLIENTS FROM THE SHERMAN HOUSE SERVED

WEEKLY ON AVERAGE

2042 LBS OF FOOD GLEANED IN 2014, 258 LBS TO GO TO BEAT OUR TOTAL

FROM 2013

32 FAMILIES WERE PROVIDED EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

THUS FAR IN 2014

FALL 2014 | 06

JEWISH EDUCATIONAL LOAN FUND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

For more information, contact Jenna Leopold Shulman at 770-396-3080.

JELF Names Jenna Leopold Shulman as Executive Director

The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) is pleased to announce that Jenna Leopold Shulman has become its executive director. Shulman will lead the 125 year old non-profit

organization, which provides interest-free loans to Jewish students in need who are pursuing secondary education. JELF, which maintains a 98 percent repayment rate, serves students from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

“For many Jewish students in need, JELF has become an essential partner in meeting the increasingly higher costs of secondary education,” Shulman said. “As the demand grows for JELF loans, we must widen our base of financial support within our communities, while continuing to operate an efficient and customer-focused organization.”

For more information about JELF, please call 770-396-3080 or visit www.jelf.org.

JELF partners with Jewish students in a five state region (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia) to fulfill their potential by providing last dollar, interest-free loans for post-secondary education.

You may be eligible for an interest-free, need-

based loan for your “last dollars” to attend

undergrad, grad school, profressional and/or

vocational school.

LOAN APPLICATION DATES: March 1-April 30 September 1-30

FOR MORE INFO AND TO APPLY VISIT WWW.JELF.ORG

Charleston Jewish Family Services adminsters the JELF program. For more

information please contact CJFS Director Sara Sharnoff at 843-614-6494

P.O. BOX 628108 Central Avenue

Suite 2Goose Creek, SC 29445-0628

Bus: 843-572-6555Fax: 843-576-0043

Email: [email protected]


PJ LIBRARY

RECYCLED AND NATURAL DECORATIONS FOR YOUR SUKKAHThe Jewish holiday of Sukkot celebrates the fall harvest, but it also celebrates nature and the environment in general.

This Sukkot, get close to nature and the environment by sitting, eating and sleeping inside a sukkah decorated with recycled and reused materials. It’s fun, it’s good for the Earth, and it presents the opportunity to be crafty!

GET ‘NATURALLY’ CREATIVETransform your sukkah into a unique place of meaning by turning plastic bottles into flowers or adorning it with leaves and pinecones from the yard. Invite your children to use their imagination in reusing materials found in and around the home to create a one-of-a-kind sukkah.

Teach your children the meaning of sukkot as they decorate. Help them understand the importance of connecting with nature. Chag sameach, and happy decorating!

GREEN DECORATING IDEASTo help inspire your sukkah’s ‘natural’ beautification project, here are handful of good (and green!) ideas:

Create a Nature Collage Use cardboard, sticks and other materials found in nature to create a framed collage to hang in your sukkah.

Hang Homemade Paper Chains Salvage and reuse otherwise wasted paper to create a paper chain for hanging.

String a Fabric Chain Add some color to your sukkah by reusing fabric scraps. One fun idea is to provide light in your sukkah by stringing lights through a chain of recycled fabric.

Make a Gourd Bird Make decorative and silly birds from gourds. Get your instructions form jfeds.org/gourd_birds.

Attach a Few Plastic Bottle Flowers Who would have thought plastic bottles could make beautiful flowers? Check out jfeds.org/plastic_flowers for flower-making tips.

Display Several Leaf Windows As leaves change colors and fall to the ground, round them up and showcase them in a waxy frame.

Add Some Pine Cone Pizazz Rake up and reuse those pinecones. Check out a few fun ideas on jfeds.org/pinecone_pizzazz.

Baby & Toddler Books (6 months - 2 years)

Apples & Honey: Joan Holub

Happy Birthday, World: Latifa Berry Kropf

Mitzi's Mitzvah: Gloria Koster

Today Is the Birthday of the World: Linda Heller

Preschool & Kindergarten Books (3 - 5 years)

Beni's Family Treasury: Jane Breskin Zalben

Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride: Deborah Cohen

The Hardest Word: Jacqueline Jules

It's Shofar Time!: Latifa Berry Kropf

Red, Blue and Yellow Yarn: Miriam Kosman

Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah: Sylvia Rouss

Sammy Spider's First Yom Kippur: Sylvia Rouss

The World's Birthday: Barbara Goldin

Early Elementary Books (6 - 8 years)

Even Higher!: Eric Kimmel

Even Higher: Richard Ungar

Gershon's Monster: Eric A. Kimmel

New Year at the Pier: April Halprin Wayland

The Secret Shofar of Barcelona: Jacqueline Dembar Greene

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?: Jonah Winter

What a Way to Start a Year: Jacqueline Jules

The High Holidays are a time of renewal and rebirth. What better way to get your kids or grandkids excited than with a great story? Here is a listing of PJ Library stories geared towards the holidays.

SHALOM BABY & SHALOM CHARLESTON

SHALOM CHARLESTONShalom Charleston, a program of the Charleston Jewish Federation, has been created to seamlessly welcome you as the newest members to the Charleston Jewish community. Think of us as your welcome wagon, and the ones to go to whenever you have a question. The diversity represented through programs, synagogues and activities here are guaranteed to foster opportunities for you to find others to share the Jewish experience with!

By arranging personalized one-on-one meetings, you will have the opportunity to meet with Shalom Charleston volunteers and receive community resources, get connected with community organizations and make new friends.

At your welcome visit, you will receive a Shalom Charleston welcome bag containing goodies to help you feel right at home in your new hometown. Welcome bags are being generously sponsored by Lynchcraft Wealth Management of Raymond James, www.lynchcracraftwealth.com

We welcome you to Charleston with open arms and warm Southern Shalom Y’all!

For more information, or to contribute a gift to welcome bag, please contact Lisa Isaacson at [email protected].

SHALOM BABY: TODDLER TIME Tuesdays, 11:00 – 11:45 am FREE and Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory.

At the Charleston Jewish Federation, 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd.

This Fall will have two sessions, six weeks each

SESSION 1 September 9, 16, 23 and 30 October 7 and 14

SESSION 2 November 4, 11, 18 and 25 December 2 and 9

Scott A. CracraftManaging Director

360 Concord Street, Suite 210 // Charleston, SC 29401 // 843.720.3500 // 866.384.9891 // lynchcracraftwealth.com

©2013 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

Spencer J. LynchManaging Director

A premier wealth management team in Charleston since 1993

Put our knowledge to work for you. Call us for a complimentary retirement review.LOOKING TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR RETIREMENT INVESTMENTS?

Join us for a weekly parent/child class. Designed for children ages 6 months through 3 years old and their caregivers, “Toddler Time” is an opportunity for families to meet and learn together. We will explore Jewish culture as we stimulate the senses through music, play and stories.

Each 45 minute session will include singing, creative movement, pretend play, story time, crafts and kosher snacks. Ellen Miriam Brandwein, will lead us through these activities that give the children an opportunity to grow and interact in a casual and fun setting. Shalom Baby is generously sponored by the Zucker Family Foundation.

For more information, please contact Lori Hoch Stiefel at [email protected] or call 843-614-6497.


YOUNG ADULT DIVISION

YAD HAS GOT YOU COVERED FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS

While it may seem like summer isn’t even over, we are already looking to the High Holidays - this year Rosh Hashanah starts the evening of Wednesday, September 24th. Luckily, once again Charleston’s local synagogues have warmly opened up their congregations to YAD members for the High Holidays, and all YAD members will be welcomed at services, regardless of whether or not they have a synagogue membership.

To view service times and details, please visit the Charleston Jewish Federation website, www.jewishcharleston.org.

Ticket reservations for High Holiday services must be made no later than Wednesday, September 10 so that the synagogues can plan for the YAD members who will attend!

Please RSVP to Anne Smith at [email protected]. The email should include the name(s) of the YAD member(s) who will be attending the service, which services you would like to attend and where.

Additionally, if you would like to attend a Rosh Hashanah meal in someone’s home, please also include the name of the person/people who will be attending, which meal you would like to attend (lunch, dinner, or lunch and dinner) and whether you would like to be matched with someone from BSBI, Dor Tikvah, Emanu El or KKBE.

yad signature shabbat at five loaveshappy hour at the

harbour

yad at happy hour

FALL 2014 | 10

ISRAEL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

PARENTS, DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN QUADRUPLE YOUR MONEY FOR YOUR CHILD’S TRIP TO ISRAEL!?

The Charleston Jewish Federation Israel Education Fellowship Program (IEF) quadruples the money you put away for your child so that they can spend it later on a meaningful experience in Israel.

The Israel Education Fellowship Program is a community program, jointly sponsored by BSBI, KKBE, Synagogue Emanu-El, Dor Tikvah and the Charleston Jewish Federation. We believe that a multi-week trip to the Jewish homeland enhances young Jews’ education and their sense of Jewish identity; the IEF program makes saving for a trip to Israel easy!

ELIGIBILITY:

Students are able to enroll beginning in 3rd grade and must complete at least 20 hours of approved Judaic study each year in order to qualify for matching funds. Judaic study includes Addlestone Hebrew Academy coursework, a congregation’s religious school or other educational program or organized Jewish youth group activity. To receive matching funds from the synagogue, families must be ‘members in good standing.’ To receive the Federation double match, each family must make a minimum contribution of $200 to the Charleston Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign the first year of enrollment in the program, and at least $100 to the Campaign each succeeding year.

To learn more about how the Israel Education Fellowship matching process works and to sign up, visit www.jewishcharleston.org, or call Judi Corsaro, CJF CEO, at 843-614-6600 or [email protected]

All applications for new student enrollees must be submitted by November 3, 2014.

MAX KIRSHSTEIN COMMUNITY AWARD

The annual “Max Kirshstein Community Youth Endowment award” recognizes Charleston Jewish teenagers for outstanding community service. The Kirshstein family honors their father Max through this annual award, whose own life exemplified extraordinary dedication to others.

The “Max Kirshstein Community Youth Endowment” is now accepting applications for this $1,000 award. Applications are available online at www.jewishcharleston.org and hard copies can be obtained at the front desk at the Charleston JCC.

The application requires written references from two or more teachers, advisors, or other supervisors who can attest to the student’s impact on the community. All applications and recommendation letters are due by November 3, 2014.

The award will be presented at the Charleston Jewish Federation’s Annual Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. We look forward to honoring a Charleston Jewish teenager who serves the community in the same unselfish manner as Max Kirshstein did for so many years.

For more information, please contact Kelly Stellrecht at [email protected] or 843-614-6481.

YEARS OF PARTICIPATION

CUMULATIVE FAMILY

CONTRIBUTION

TOTAL AVAILABLE

FUNDS

3 $600 $2,400

4 $800 $3,200

5 $1,000 $4,000

6 $1,200 $4,800

7 $1,400 $5,600

The family’s synagogue matches the funds

The Charleston Jewish Federation doubles the match $2-to-$1

Parents continue to put $100-$200 into an IEF fund each year for up to 7 years

Parents put $200 into each child’s IEF fund for the first year of participation

Between the end of 7th grade and age 22, funds can be used towards an extended trip to Israel!

HOW IT WORKS


THE REMEMBER PROGRAM

THE REMEMBER COMMITTEE GEARS UP FOR HOLOCAUST PROGRAMMINGAs the year 5775 approaches, the REMEMBER Program for Holocaust and Genocide Education reflects on its goals for the new year. Chairwoman Eileen Chepenik explains, “our mission of remembering the history of the Holocaust as well as victims of all genocides remains paramount. We are committed to education

through programming for both adults and students.”

For our annual Kristallnacht program on Wednesday, November. 5, 7 pm at the JCC, we welcome Arthur Allen, author of The Fantastic Laboratory of Dr. Weigl, How Two Brave Scientists Battled Typhus and Sabotaged the Nazis. Allen’s acclaimed book recounts the harrowing story of two brave scientists, a Christian and a Jew, shattered by the war, who nevertheless put their training to the best

possible use at the highest personal risk. German doctors had already taken a wrong turn in terms of their understanding of race and disease in the late 1930s under Nazi rule. Allen, a writer for The Washington Post, Slate, and Science, deals with the variegated actions of Jewish, Polish and German doctors encountering typhus epidemics during the war.

Once again, we offer educational opportunities for Charleston area high school and middle school students through our Creative Arts Competition. Last year, we chose winning essays, artwork and multimedia presentations from over 200 entries. Finally, our Yom Hashoah program will take place on April 19, 2015. Stay tuned for the details of this meaningful community commemoration. The REMEMBER Committee is always seeking ideas and new members. If you would like to be involved in our planning efforts and join the REMEMBER program, please contact [email protected].

FALL 2014 | 12

THE REMEMBER PROGRAM

ENGEL STREET HONORS LOCAL SURVIVOR JOE ENGELWe often talk about remembering the Holocaust with our deeds and actions but do not always follow through with our intentions. However, a partnership forged between the city of Charleston and Ecovest Development LLC honors Holocaust survivor Joe Engel and demonstrates that actions do indeed speak louder than words.

The story behind Engel Street begins with a swath of dilapidated historic homes in Charleston’s Westside neighborhood, which is located between the I-26 off ramp and King Street and had been isolated by highway development since the Crosstown was created in the 60s, and then more so after the Ravenel Bridge was built. After years of failed attempts, Mayor Riley and Geona Shaw Johnson, the City of Charleston's Director of Housing and Community Development, convinced Jack Brickman and Jeffrey Roberts of Ecovest Development LLC to develop this blighted area. Through this public-private partnership, 21 units designed and overseen by architect Julia Martin now seamlessly mix subsidized and market-rate housing. The deal stipulates that twelve of these units will remain affordable.

A moving plaque at the development’s entrance connects Joe’s experience as a Holocaust victim, his subsequent success as a businessman and beloved member of the Charleston community and the revitalization of an area from blight to beauty and function. The Charleston Jewish Federation applauds these efforts and urges you to view the resulting neighborhood at the corner of King and Engel.

Joe Engel, born in Zakroczym, Poland, was twelve years old when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939. He was imprisoned at Birkenau, Buna and Auschwitz concentration camps, made a daring escape from a “death train, and became a freedom fighter until the end of WWII. He came to Charleston and opened Glamour Cleaners on King Street. He has impacted thousands of students by recounting his Holocaust experience. Joe said, “I am very proud of my accomplishments in the United States, to have lived through the Holocaust and come to a land where everyone has an opportunity for freedom.” Thanks to the City of Charleston and Ecovest for joining with Joe to ensure that the citizens of Charleston will remember the Holocaust.

Holocaust Survivor, Joe Engel


ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

The Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) puts our Jewish values of Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam and Chesed into action. CJF is a collaborative network of people who have a profound belief that it is our responsibility to improve the lives of those less fortunate.

Thank you to the following individuals who have donated to the annual campaign as of August 27, 2014. We hope you will take this opportunity to add your name to our list of donors. If we respond with strength and vision we will overcome the many challenges facing our community and the Jewish people.

Please send your donation to the Charleston Jewish Federation. Checks should be made payable to the Charleston Jewish Federation. The CJF Annual Campaign runs from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Donor Names Thank you to the following individuals who have donated to the Annual Campaign as of August 27, 2014.

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN FALL VOICE 2014

$100,000+Anita G. Zucker

$10,000-17,999Marilyn HoffmanJan Pearlstine Lipov

$5,000-9,999Susan Addlestone BerlijnNancy BanovGail BarzmanJackie Berlinsky Sandra BrettLinda CohenJudi CorsaroPhyllis Firetag HymanRuth GoldbergEllen HoffmanAnn Therese HymanAva KleinmanElaine KrellElisabeth LynchSuzanne LynchShirley MillsAndrea MuzinEllen NadlerRebecca NirenblattSusan Pearlstine Sandra Peskin Mindelle SeltzerSusie SheftelRoxann SpandorferSunny SteinbergCatherine Stuhr ToporekElaine TesslerSharon ToporekBarbara ZuckerLaura Zucker

$2,500-4,999Marlene AddlestoneShera Lee BerlinDebra S. Engel

$1,000-2,499Elza AltermanSusan AltmanJanet BergEileen ChepenikJody CohenLynda DenbergBarbara EllisonJulie EllisonSally FischbeinMarsha GolodJudy GrossmanSylvia HymanSybil KalinskyPam KaplanCharlot KareshMary KirshteinRose LevinCarol MyselEvelyn NeedleNeda NussbaumKaren PinoskySheran RittenbergSara SnyderFreida SokolSusie SteinbergIlene TurbowEllen Yampolsky

$500-999Marilyn BarronLinda BergmanDorothy CohenBarbara CohnHeather DawsonDebra EngelJohanna FeldmanVivian FriedmanSusan GarfinkelJanet GilstonMasha KalinskyJeanne LiebermanRachel LiptonSandra LiptonJoan LoebJudy LutzAnn MandelShirley PrystowskyDianne Ratner

Hilary RieckSheralyn RosenblumCarla SeitzCarol SeltzerDebra SistinoTheresa SolomonKaren StarkSharon StrickerAnn WalshBlanche Weintraub Wine

$100-499Roslyn BarkowitzJo Ellen BasileMargaret BenderAndrea BerendtCarol BerlinTraci BlackEllen Miriam BrandweinTsivia BrowdyFrances ChasePhyllis CohenRosemary “Binky” CohenAmy DavisEvaline DelsonJane DouglasShirley FeldmanCookie FinkelsteinAudrey FleishmanSharon FormanMarsha FreudenbergIbis GlassMissy GoldHarriet GoldbergJosine Gosschalk-ReavisSylvia GreeneGretchen GrossElaine HeckelmanMordenai HirschToby HirschLori Hoch StiefelJudy HolzLisa IsaacsonSusan JacobyJanice KahnRenee Kahn

2014 CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

FALL 2014 | 14

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

Barbara Karesh StenderNorma KareshSandra KatzEllen KayGloria KernLinda KrawcheckPeggy KrawcheckCindy KupfermanRita KurtzBetty LancerDorothy LancerTeri LashDoris LendLara LeRoyJeanne LichtmanTerry LinkerMarjorie LynchSharon MartinJanet MasonbergDoris MeyersEllen MintzChristine OlasovRory ParsleyBetty PearlmanCynthia PearlmanLeah PinoskyRachel RaisinLynn ReichlynYvonne RephanSydney RichmanPatricia Rones-SykesBrenda RosenJoan RothCathy RovikRaina RubinArlene RovickLynn RundbakenRochelle RutledgeTerry SchuylerBarbara SchwartzSandra SchwartzFaye SeigelJoann ShermanPhyllis ShoragoDunlap SilverRuth SilvermanNaomi SimonRita SolomonAnn SteinP.Z. StreitPhyllis TanenbaumIjo ToporekJudy VolkmanLaurie WatersRonneca Watkins

Margaret WeinbergPaige WilliamsElizabeth WolperRuth WurtzelLinda Wyland

$1-99Caitlin AdelsonShari AllenSharon Applebaum-HessRosalie ArnoffSheila AsherCarrie Ben-YisraelCharlye BerlinJoan BerlinskyFrieda BernsteinH. Sandra BregmanHarriett BrownJulia BrownJudy CarleBlanche CohenCaroline CohenDiana CohenTamara ConnerPam CoyleJayda DanielsJoan FeldmanLinda FinkelsteinSarah FinkelsteinEllan GenauerCarina GerscovichRoberta GiffordJudith GoldsmithNaomi GorsteinAdina Gross’Mindy HawkinsEstelle HeidenbergFlo HermanJoan HerrmanMadeline HershensonPearl HymanLora KratzokMarsha KronickCharlotte LevineAlice LevkoffCharlotte LibaterMillie MaierRosalyn Monat-HallerRachel MorleyCatherine MorrisSarah MyerBetty QuiatNina Rose

Lynda SchwartzSara SharnoffEleanor Spicer ReubenTamar SternfeldJac TepperDeborah ToporekTara VeroneeTrudi WeinerMiriam WilchanovskyShelley Yonas

MEN’S CAMPAIGN FALL VOICE 2014

$18,000-24,999David Cohen

$10,000-17,999Jack BrickmanDavid DumasRandolph FriedmanSam Shapiro

$5,000-9,999Charles BanovStuart BarzmanDavid EllisonAaron EngelEli HymanKirshtein Family Larry LipovSpencer LynchHarry NadlerEdwin PearlstineMark TanenbaumStuart Tessler

$2,500-4,999Manuel CohenJoseph EngelHarold FoxRichard FriedmanHarry GoldbergWilliam GolodWilliam GrossmanCarl JacobsonBarry KrellJonathan KrellNorman NirenblattHoward PeskinMitchell ShermanAlan ToporekC. Leonard Zucker

$1,000-2,499Jonathan AltmanSamuel AltmanMickey BaggEdmund BarronEdward BerlinStephen BielskyHaskell EllisonMichael EngelDennis FeinbergJoseph FischbeinMitchell FischbeinDavid GilstonEllis KahnGerald KaynardBruce KleinmanEdward Kronsberg, IIYosef LevanonWalter LeventhalTheodore LevinAllan LiebermanPaul LynchBernard MendelsonWilfred NovitAlan NussbaumDavid PearlmanMark PinoskyThomas RatnerCharles RittenbergSamuel RosenA. Bernard SolomonMark Yampolsky

$500-999Scott BluesteinJoseph ChaseJeffrey CohenArmand DerfnerLeo FishmanLarry FreudenbergCharles GoldbergRam KalusBuddy KareshNewton KlementsMaurice KrawcheckMartin LazarusMorey LiptonMyron LutzSeth ManakerOwen MeislinBurnet MendelsohnJoseph MendelsohnRobert MillerMichael MintzRobert NewCarl Novit

Arnold PrystowskyIra RosenbergArthur RosenblumDean SchuylerDaniel SlotchiverStephen SlotchiverGary SnyderHarvey SparBernard StarkBernard SteinbergJonathan SteinbergSamuel SteinbergMichael StrickerMark WineMarty Yonas

$100-499Ross AppelMichael BaggSeymour BaronJan BasileJack BassStephen BaumrindSteven BerlinWayne BravermanCraig BrowdyBarry ClarkeGlenn CohenAlan ColemanTed CorsaroMark DeitchKenneth FoxPaul GarfinkelRichard GlassHerbert GoldbergDavid GrossmanElliott HalioMarc HaspelAl HawkinsAnthony HolzWarren HymanIan KayRichard KronickSeth KupfermanMurray LancerJeff LapinIra LashTerrill LeffScott LeRoyMeyer LipmanWade ManakerCarl MasonbergLarry MinkoffDurwood ParsleyHerbert RephanWilliam Olasov

Adrian ReubenHarold “Billy” RichmanJerry RobinsonHarry RogenAdam RosnerAlan RovickJay RovickPhilip RubinPatrick RutledgePhil SaulSidney SegalJeffrey SimonLawrence SimonIrvin SlotchiverAndrew SlotinPhilip SlotinEdwin ToporekStanley ToporekLyle WalshJulius “Skippy” WeilStewart Weinberg

$1-99Jordan AdelsonGary AllenBarry BreibartTim CarleGerald CohenEd CoyleStanley FeldmanGerald FiretagEmanuel GenauerThomas HeywardGerald KatzDavid KratzokScott Sternfeld


JEWISH ENDOWMENT FUND

THE CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION ANNOUNCES 2015 GRANTS

The mission of the Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) is to build and sustain Jewish life in Charleston, in Israel and around the world. The Charleston Jewish Federation fulfills this mission by helping those in need, connecting the community and facilitating Jewish programs and events.

To that end, CJF has re-envisioned the allocations process to maximize the effectiveness of granting dollars raised in its Annual Campaign.

Requests for funding are for programming (existing or new) that benefit our local Jewish community. All requests must demonstrate NEED and COMMUNITY IMPACT. Requests for funding for general operational support will not be considered.

NEED: To be considered for a need-based grant, an organization must demonstrate a funding gap between what it costs to run the program and expected revenue to run the program.

IMPACT: The committee will look for opportunities for collaborations among organizations along with programs that have a significant impact in the community.

Applications will be available beginning Tuesday, September 16th. Request an application by e-mailing Kelly Stellrecht, CJF Development Associate, at [email protected].

Applications are due Tuesday, October 14th by 5:00 pm.

For additional information please contact Judi Corsaro, CJF CEO at [email protected]

A GIFT THAT SUSTAINS GENERATIONS

What do you cherish most about Jewish life? The sense of belonging you feel at synagogue, temple or shul? The joy of Jewish learning? Maybe it’s music or culture or simply the warmth of holidays with family and friends. For some of us, it’s about fighting poverty or caring for those in crisis. All this and more inspired our parents and grandparents to leave a strong Jewish community for those who came after them. By creating a Jewish legacy, you continue their selfless work, and ensure that what you value about Jewish life sustains and enriches future generations.

Creating a Jewish legacy empowers you to support the Jewish causes you care about. Because all of us, regardless of age, wealth or affiliation have the ability to secure our people’s traditions, promote Jewish values and create a strong future for generations to come.

The beauty of a Jewish legacy is that it’s yours to create. You can leave a bequest to any program or institution that’s close to your heart. Chances are you already donate to these organizations.

But when you make a bequest in your will, you’re making a difference for generations to come.

As we welcome the new year, please consider creating a gift that will last beyond your lifetime and enable your memory to be a blessing!

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year, Jan Lipov Jewish Endowment Fund (JEF) President

Please contact Steffanie Dohn, Jewish Endowment Fund Development Director (JEF) at [email protected]

For information about legacy giving, please contact Steffanie Dohn, Jewish Endowment Fund (JEF) Develeopment Director at [email protected]


CONNECTING JEWISH WOMEN

Once again, the Charleston Jewish Federation is sponsoring the 5th Annual Connecting Jewish Women Conference. This experience has provided local Jewish women with the opportunity to come together for a unique day of relationship-building, collaboration and fun.

For more information, please contact Carol Berlin, CJW Director at 843 568 4450 or at [email protected].

You can also visit www.connectingjewishwomen.org.

EVENT AGENDA9:00-9:30 am Kosher Continental Breakfast / Registration

9:30-9:45 am Welcome Remarks and Sing - a - Long Cantor Lisa Levine

9:45-10:30 am Morning Keynote Speaker Taming Your Inner Wonder Woman Jennet Robinson Alterman

10:40-11:30 am Workshop One (choose one)• Everybody Eats - Hanna Raskin• Art of the Holocaust - Sandra Brett • Yoga Shalom - Cantor Lisa Levine

11:40 am-12:30 pm Workshop Two (choose one)• Reinventing Yourself - Sharon Becker• Ending the Mommy Wars

-Panel led by Lori Hoch Stiefel• Yoga Shalom - Cantor Lisa Levine

12:40 -2:15 pm Lunch and Keynote SpeakerSue William Silverman author of The Pat Boone Fan Club

Sunday, November 2, 2014 9:00 am - 2:15 pm

$36

Charleston Marriott 170 Lockwood Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29407

FREE PARKING

Includes kosher continental breakfast and lunch (catered by Black Bean Co.)

FALL 2014 | 18

CONNECTING JEWISH WOMEN

WORKSHOP TOPICS

Everybody Eats Hanna Raskin

Hanna Raskin, who really does dine out for a living, will use local menus to guide this participatory discussion of culinary trends. What's happening behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? What are the secrets openly hidden on every restaurant menu and the role restaurants have played in American Jewish culture? Bring your learning questions to this lively forum that's sure to enhance your future restaurant visits.

Experiencing The Art Of The Holocaust Sandra Brett

Art is a portal to the soul. By exploring the importance of art to the Nazi regime and viewing artwork created by concentration camp inmates, visual art becomes a way to understand both victims and perpetrators of the Holocaust. The workshop will conclude by imagining life in the camps and giving participants the opportunity to create their own visual images. No art experience necessary!

Yoga Shalom Cantor Lisa Levine

Enjoy a unique experience that combines the two powerful spiritual disciplines of Jewish worship and yoga practice. Cantor Levine transports participants to a new level of physical and spiritual awareness. Imagine your life on a higher spiritual plane while you open your heart, quiet your mind and nurture your physical well being.

Reinventing Yourself Sharon Becker

We might not want to admit it, but the old model of retirement just no longer fits. This workshop will focus on the process of growth and reinvention. The workshop will include experiential exercises and

interactive group discussion. Can you imagine your life where you want it to be?

Ending The Mommy Wars Carrie Ben-Yisrael, Ellen Miriam Brandwein, Anya Carpenter, Samantha Perlmutter and Lori Hoch Stiefel

Why does it seem that in today’s society, we can't celebrate one woman’s victory without hurting another woman’s feelings or making her feel guilty? Why do we pit mom against mom and constantly judge each other? Join us as we discover ways to surround ourselves with nurturing and supportive people and let go of the negativity. The workshop will include experiential exercises and interactive group discussion.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Taming Your Inner Wonder Woman Jennet Robinson Alterman

How often are women held back by the notion that they CAN do it all? In this lively and interactive presentation .participants will learn strategies for creating achievable expectations while sharing their own attitudes toward their life and work.

The Pat Boone Fan Club: My Life As A White Anglo-Saxon Jew Sue William Silverman

Ms. Silverman is an author and lecturer. Her book, The Pat Boone Fan Club, explores the confusion of identity among the “mishmash” of American idols and ideals, especially where Jews raised in WASP environments struggle to belong. Ms. Silverman found her way — “a gefilte fish swimming upstream,” and in the journey found her voice. You will enjoy her journey as we connect with our inner WASP Jew!

Tikkun Olam Project

Since its creation in the Fall of 2011, the Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) has provided a Jewish communal response to hunger in our community and reflects our commitment to the Jewish values of Tzedakah (justice) and Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) and to serving community members in need with Kavod (respect).

The KFP currently provides a minimum of 40 bags of non-perishable groceries per week to families, seniors and children, which totals around 1800 pounds of food each month. The shelves are depleted and replenished weekly. The KFP relies on donations to keep it running each week.

Because the need is so great in our community, the Kosher Food Pantry is the Connecting Jewish Women Tikum Olam project for 2014. Please bring as many non-perishable food items as you can to this year’s conference.

A collection bin will be provided. For a list of the most critical items needed, go to www.jewishcharleston.org or call Joan Herrman at 843-614-6491. Kosher items are preferred.

TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CONNECTINGJEWISHWOMEN.ORG


ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVEThere is no place in the world more meaningful for the Jewish people than Israel. While the ancient land of Israel has always been home to the Jews, since 1948, the modern State of Israel has completely transformed what it means to be a Jew. Because of the State of Israel, Jews have a national identity, wherever they live.

Here at the Charleston Jewish Federation we believe that Israel is one of the most effective ways to connect North American Jews of all ages to their heritage, and thereby strengthen our connections to the local Jewish community and the worldwide Jewish community. We also know that Israelis get more involved, more connected and more aware of their Jewish identity when they have relationships with Jews outside of Israel.

Through our allocations to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Joint Distribution Committee, the Charleston Jewish Federation answers social, cultural, economic, welfare and educational needs all over Israel. Our vision for the future is to capitalize on the rich and diverse Jewish foundation of our community to build living bridges and help create many encounters, connections and relationships across all generations and affiliations. We intend to develop diverse travel opportunities and programs based on the platform of partnerships, working closely with local Israeli leadership and geared toward the goal of connecting our people into one family with one vision for us all.

ABBY LEROYEarlier on this year I looked down at my phone and screamed with joy. My mom had texted me saying that she had signed me up for the United Synagogue Youth's Israel Pilgrimage trip L'takayn Olam. That meant that I would spend a month volunteering in the holy land, an experience that would not have been possible without IEF funds. I boarded the plane for Israel on June 29th. That same day the bodies of Naftali Frankel, Eyal Yifra and Gilad Shaer were found. If the summer of 2014 in Israel were to be a book, I believe this moment would be the rising action. Because let's be honest - after they were they found, things got a little messy. After that day, I heard sirens and walked through protests. If you follow the news or have the app Red Alert, you might have heard these sirens or about the protests. However, the news reporters that talk about "what's going on in Israel" are only partially correct. These reporters never tell of the beautiful moments that happen each day. I can only explain this by talking about Amir,* a sixteen year old special needs boy that I got to know while volunteering at the Geil School in Haifa.

When I first met the tiny boy - he's about the size of a six year old - he didn't like me. When I tried to talk to him, he would redirect me to a classmate or point at the door for me to go. This finally ended after three hours. A popular English song floated onto the radio and I stood up and started to dance. After some coaxing, he joined me. Hand and hand we jumped up and down. When it was time for me to leave that day Amir insisted on walking me out. He gave me a long hug goodbye and started to cry. I promised to return. For the next three days Amir would greet me at the door to his classroom with a hug. Together we would color, do puzzles, or - his favorite - explore the garden. As we played, Hamas - a radical Islam terrorist group - shot numerous rockets into Israel. Guess what? Amir, too, was a Muslim. His family was even celebrating Ramadan when I was there. But to Amir none of that mattered. He didn't care that we spoke different languages, had different hair, or were of different faiths. Amir only saw kindness. In the midst of a war-zone, two teenagers (of what may seem to be opposing faiths) got along peacefully. The next time you turn on the news and face the violence that appears to fill the country, think like Amir. Trust that there is kindness. Because I promise you that in Israel no matter what is happening, there always will be.

*name has been changed

abby leroy and friend

the western wall in jerusalem image taken by mark swick www.markswick.com

FALL 2014 | 20

MELANIE WEINTRAUBMy trip to Israel was unique. I spent three weeks with my best friends in a place filled with true happiness, history and zionism. Being there during such a critical time made my journey authentic and real. It didn't matter who was there, whether it be us Americans or Israelis, we were all living in this conflict together. This was new for everyone. I lived among Israelis who were calm, collected and simply living every day as if there was no conflict. The past years in BBYO I have learned what qualities make a leader and how to incorporate Judaism in my home town. However, this trip was special. I learned how to be a leader in hard times. As participants, we all stepped up and became comfortable with our constantly changing itinerary because of the rockets. Yes, the conflict is terrible, and yes, it's scary. But in Israel, I never felt unsafe for a second. I was surrounded by constant singing, praising and dancing. I connected to God and my people because of the unity and love found among the Jewish people. I witnessed first-hand the need for us to remember who we are, where we came from, and recognize that as Jewish people, we stand together, we stand up for what we believe in and we are not going anywhere. Those three weeks changed my perspective and gave me a foundation and knowledge about Israel and its situation with its bordering countries. I have come back a more mature, knowledgable and connected Jewish woman. Because of everything, I am able to full explain the conflict and the events that have happened in Israel. I now know what it is like to live not knowing what will happen next, but I know that as Jewish people, we will always look out for each other and keep each other safe. I will forever stand up for Israel and I pray that we will see peace soon.

TIFFANY DYEA trip to Israel is exciting for any Jewish American teen, especially when you get to experience it with 130 other teens and amazing group of staff, which is exactly what I got to do. But my experience along with my group was a little different. When we were in Israel the conflict had just begun, but it affected us in many ways. We were not able to go to Tel Aviv, had to spend an extra few days in Tsfat and we did not get to go to the Western wall on Shabbat as planned. Though these factors were disappointing, everyone made the most of it and we grew a deeper appreciation for having the opportunity to be in Israel. We had to take many safety precautions such as knowing what to do if a siren went off and where the bomb

shelters were located. Many people would think that this made us feel unsafe, but I never felt that way. When the conflict began, Israel immediately came together and was prepared for any and everything. We could tell from being there and seeing IDF soldiers and knowing that if anything did happen in a split second we were surrounded by people that were there to help us if we needed it. Overall, I loved my experience in Israel and am looking forward to returning soon

ETHAN COHENHiking Masadah, swimming in the Kineret, exploring the depths of both personal and Jewish identity - all over the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Southern Israel. BBYO’s International Leadership Seminar in Israel (ILSI) provided the perfect opportunity to explore Israel with a strong group of teens. BBYO created a program where over 130 teens could learn from each other, the incredibly knowledgeable and personable staff, as well as the land, culture and events of Israel, from the deep spirituality of the Western Wall to the unfortunate reality of life within range of Hamas rockets. I can attest that, without doubt, ILSI was, and will continue to be, one of the most influential experiences of my life.

Lastly, I would like to thank the Charleston Jewish Federation and the Jewish Endowment Fund for continuing to grant the opportunity for me and others like me to travel to Israel on life-changing programs.


tiffany dye, ethan cohen and melanie weintraub

melanie weintraub, ethan cohen and tiffany dye



MY BIRTHRIGHT EXPERIENCE Mark Swick, YAJSP Community Liaison

I never expected to be a Taglit-Birthright Israel alumnus – a club that as of this summer is 400,000 members strong and growing. That expectation dates back to my decision in the summer of 2005 to participate in the five-week NFTY L’Dor V’Dor teen trip; one week touring Europe, four transformative weeks in Israel. It wasn’t cheap (though in nine years the price has nearly doubled), and it was pointed out to me on multiple occasions (mostly by my mother) that should I hold off a year or two, a free trip awaited me in college. But my decision had been made, and off I went. The trip was unforgettable, to be sure, and reaffirming of my fledgling Zionist identity. It also disqualified me from a future Birthright trip, or so I thought. In January of 2014 Birthright expanded its eligibility requirements: 18-26 year-olds who went on an educational trip to Israel during high school can now go on Birthright after previously being ineligible. My loophole had opened and, knowing I was being afforded an opportunity too good to pass on, I signed up along with my girlfriend as soon as registration opened for a trip to take place June 22 – July 3. Those dates were insignificant when we chose them, not knowing we were to witness the beginnings of Israel’s most recent engagement in Gaza.

As I write this it’s been over a month since our return; my sandal tan has faded and my Israeli pop-rock chocolate stash has run out. The trip, though, is fresh in my mind, kept that way thanks to non-stop, often-polarizing tweets, Facebook posts and headlines. My personal Birthright experience, both while in

Israel and since returning, was framed by the conflict. Because I had visited in high school, and again briefly in college,

I saw the standard tourist sites through different eyes - more informed and more nuanced. This time, I was newly focused on how Israelis reacted to what felt like (and was) an impending war. I was most struck by this when, on an evening walking tour of Jerusalem with our Israeli soldiers in tow (a staple experience of every Birthright trip), we learned that Eyal, Naftali and Gilad, three teenagers kidnapped by Hamas terrorists, had been brutally murdered. Watching our soldiers process that moment, to process it with them and to share their pain, anger and hopelessness, was for me the most poignant instance of the entire trip.

Having been ineligible, and then (gratefully!) receiving the Birthright experience after all, my trip was fundamentally different from my peers who attended in college, or those who traveled with me this summer, but had not been before. That, I think, is the point. Israel means different things to each of us: we are connected to her in various, nuanced ways, and participants on the same trip can have significantly different experiences. That’s a good thing. If you are eligible, whether you’ve been to Israel before or have zero connection to it, this is an opportunity too good to pass on. Sign up now.

wwww.birthrightisrael.com

The Charleston Jewish Federation is proud to allocate our community fairshare to the Taglit-Birthright Israel Program.

ellen iroff and mark swick

FALL 2014 | 22


Note: In 2012, through the Charleston Jewish Federation, the Charleston Jewish Community raised $50,000 to refurbish a bomb shelter in the Abu Hoshi Seniors facility in Haifa. The facility is part of the Amigour, a subsidiary of the Jewish Agency and is Israel’s leading sheltered housing company and second largest public housing group.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS DONATE TO IDF SOLDIERS By Ilana Curiel, ynetnews.com

Thousands of elderly people, including Holocaust survivors, collected some 100,000 shekels for the purchase of equipment and food for IDF troops currently stationed in the Gaza Strip and for those who were wounded in action and have been hospitalized.

The donors, who live in Amigour sheltered housing facilities and live off allowance provided by Bituach Leumi (The National Insurance Institute) emphasized that “each of the soldiers could be our grandson.”

Frieda Plerdman (90) from Ashkelon, donated NIS 40 in hopes that she will “make the lives of soldiers easier and give them as much love and warmth as I can.” She tied between her deed and the time she donated blood during World War II in a military hospital in Tbilisi, adding that “now we must contribute to soldiers that are protecting us. My husband was a pilot, he fought for four years during the war and was seriously wounded. For me, donating is not a mitzvah but rather a duty.”

Seventy-three year old Liza Rosenberg, who was born in a ghetto in Ukraine, donated NIS 150 to the soldiers “to feel like I gave a part of myself, something small towards advancing and bringing peace.” Rosenberg, a grandmother of three, said that during World War II “we were housed in filthy shacks, without mattresses, so we slept on the floor. It was very cold and we were always hungry.

“My mother told me that all the adults helped her save me from death and shared their food and drink. Today, I feel the need to give at least a small part of myself to society and to the soldiers that are fighting for us in Gaza.”

“Each of the soldiers are my grandchildren, no matter what language they speak or what color skin they have. Every one of them is dear and beloved.”

“I know what it’s like being a mother of a combat soldier,” said 76 year old Sonia Balkin from Amigour’s Orot Sheltered Home in Be’er Sheva. She donated NIS 100 “to be part of this campaign,” explaining that her 40 year old son served in the Nahal Brigade on the border of Lebanon. “He was called up for reserve duty every year and served in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead. I want to give strength to all the mothers. It’s very important to donate to soldiers, so that they feel the love from the nation.”

Boris Kinzborski (76) from Be’er Sheva, donated NIS 40 “to give the soldiers the feeling that the people of Israel are thinking about them. I served as an officer and a military doctor in the Red Army in the Soviet Union. It’s the least we can do in this difficult atmosphere of war. As long as there’s a continued threat to Israel’s existence, we must all pitch in order to protect it.”

CEO of Amigour, Yuval Frankel, noted that “every half an hour, I get a message from a different senior center telling me of a collection of money. From Nahariya in the north to Be’er Sheva in the south, the elderly people are generously donating from their meager savings to support the soliders.”

‘No matter what language they speak or what color skin they have, they are

all dear and beloved,’


JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL

ON THE ROAD AGAIN... THE CHARLESTON JCRC IS BACK IN ACTION

As a part of our local Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) acts as a coordinating body among all of our community members and Jewish organizations within Charleston. The JCRC creates and nurtures positive relationships with all racial, religious and ethnic groups in Charleston. The JCRC has recently been reinvigorated with new co-chairpersons, Larry Freudenberg and Ellen Hoffman. Each Jewish organization within Charleston has an opportunity to appoint a member to be their liaison on the JCRC.

The role of the JCRC is critical at a time where anti-Semitism and anti- Zionism is rising at an alarming rate. By all of the Jewish organizations working together as one, we join together to develop a plan to promote an effective public voice and plan of action for our community. In times of crisis, the JCRC will work to unite all of our leaders to coordinate community action.

The JCRC has been busy informing the community about the kidnapping this summer of our Israeli teens in the West Bank, then finding that they were murdered and now with the outbreak of the new war in Gaza. It is also the charge of the JCRC to coordinate Jewish community response and programs when there is a crisis. This is accomplished by providing timely news that is emailed to all the community leaders, news outlets and the community at large from the extremely capable professionals at the Charleston Jewish Federation office as events unfold. We communicate trusted and accurate information that we are provided with by our partner organizations in the US, Israel and all points across the world. We then take this information and develop community events like rallies with speakers from the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta; the United States Congress, state government and local leaders.

The Federation is a vast international organization of some of the most gifted leaders who are available to all of the local Federations and JCRCs when we have an international crisis. The war in Gaza and the eruption of anti-Semitism in Europe are issues that we must address as a community. We have learned our lesson many times in the past that anti-Semitism that is not countered by a strong voice from the world’s Jewish communities is extremely dangerous for our people. There has never been a more appropriate time to support your Charleston Jewish Community Relations Council by attending our events.

In addition to the disturbing events in Israel and Europe, the JCRC will develop a strategy in regards to the recent vote by the Commissioners of the Presbyterian Church USA at their General Assembly in Detroit to divest in three US companies whose business practices they feel are “contributing to non-peaceful pursuits in Israel–Palestine”. The targeted companies are Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola Solutions. Naturally, those of us who support Israel took the passage of this measure critically. The JCRC will attempt to reach out to the local Presbyterian community to learn the origin of this measure and what we can do to educate their congregants and leaders here in the Lowcountry about Israel since Israel is the only country or power in the Middle East that shares our values and democratic principles. It is quite apparent from the actions of Hamas that they do not honor basic human rights. We are extremely concerned when a large religious organization, like the Presbyterian Church USA, calls for boycotts of any American companies.

We hope that everyone joins the JCRC when we have community forums and rallies. Your support at these events is extremely important. We will also be providing information regarding developments in our federal, state and local governments that affect our community. At times, we may be asking for your assistance by contacting your representatives. For instance, we need to reach out to Senator Lindsey Graham and commend him on a job well done in support of Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. Through Senator Graham’s leadership, the Senate approved $225 million funding for this system. SC Attorney General Alan Wilson is also leading the fight to support Israel on a state level and with other Attorney Generals across the country. Attorney General Wilson recently wrote in the Charleston Post & Courier, “there is no better friend to the United States and to South Carolina than the nation of Israel. South Carolina took action earlier this year to send the message that we will not support regimes that wish to cause harm on our friends and allies. The Palmetto State stands with Israel in prayerful solidarity and hope that their actions will soon restore peace to all peoples of the world.”

This is the type of action we applaud and hope that you will reach out to both Senator Graham and Attorney General Wilson to thank them for their support. If you have time, please write to their offices or call them directly in appreciation of the work they are doing for the country and state and especially for our country’s best friend, the State of Israel. They really need to know that we are standing with them while they stand for us.

It is essential that all of our organizations join to protect and

strengthen our rights as Jews.

FALL 2014 | 24

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL RALLYOver 400 people attended the “We Stand with Israel” rally sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Charleston Jewish Federation on Sunday, August 17th at Synagogue Emanu-El.

This rally was organized for three reasons: to support the State of Israel in its on-going conflict with the terrorist organization, Hamas, which has been sending rockets over the skies of Israel and digging tunnels under the soil of Israel with the intent of terrorizing and killing as many Israelis as possible; to provide the public with accurate information about the conflict from credible speakers; and to raise money to support respite services, psychological counseling and other humanitarian services to affected families in at-risk Israeli communities.

This program was open to the entire community, Jewish and non-Jewish, and featured speakers of diverse backgrounds, including SC Attorney General Alan Wilson, SC Rep. Alan Clemmons, Israeli Consul General Opher Aviran, Charleston City Councilman Michael Seekings, Earl Cox of Israel Always and SC-Israel Collaboration Initiative Chairman Jonathan Zucker. Melanie Weintraub, a Charleston teenager who recently traveled to Israel, shared her experience. Tiffany Dye, who also recently traveled to Israel, spoke with her sister Marissa on behalf of their grandfather Manuel Cohen on the importance of commitment to the Jewish homeland and donating to the Israeli people in their time of need. In addition, Senator Lindsey Graham and Mayor Joe Riley sent letters of support.

The response from the Charleston community was overwhelming and showed just how strongly this community stands with Israel. One hundred percent of these donations will go directly to services for people in Israel that have been affected by the conflict.

We want to again thank our event co-chairs, Ellis Kahn and Eli Hyman, for helping plan this important and successful event. We can always count on them to bring the community together in support of Israel.

All of the dignitaries who spoke were committed to Israel as a friend of the United States. SC Attorney General Wilson said in his speech, “it’s not an international or a national issue. It’s a personal issue. It’s personal because if the United States turns its back on Israel, it will no longer be the great nation that it is.” This was the common theme echoed by all of the speakers. Each showed such humility and compassion for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Jonathan Zucker spoke about his family’s ties to Israel and how he established the South Carolina-Israel Collaboration to develop and showcase companies of Israel and South Carolina and find common bonds to will fuel development between us.

Unfortunately, the article about the rally published by the Post & Courier was disappointing for a number of reasons. Besides stating that the current conflict in Gaza started because Israel destroyed tunnels on July 7th, the article went on to quote a member of the Central Mosque in Charleston who didn’t even attend the event. This person was not a credible expert and had no place in this article. The reporter had not taken the time to interview a single speaker or organizer at the program. The JCRC will remain vigilant to correct any and all inaccuracies whether unintentional or not when they concern our Jewish community or the State of Israel. It is negligent reporting like this that spreads misinformation across all channels once it is published online. In response, JCRC has submitted an op-ed to the Post & Courier in order to clarify the mistakes made by the reporter. The response was printed on Saturday, August 30, 2014. We encourage everyone to insist on non-biased and factual journalism.

JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL

earl cox, israel alwayscharleston city councilman

michael s. seekingellis kahn eli hyman

sc attorney general alan wilson sc representative alan clemmonsisrael consul general

opher aviranjonathan zucker, chairman of

sc - israel collaboration

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As we enter into our new year of 5775, we cherish our relationships—with everyone in the Charleston Jewish community including our synagogues, other Jewish organizations, our leaders, funders, families and most of all our children. Jewish education is always a group effort made possible through the support of all in the community. We are blessed to be constructing a new home that will enable us to take the quality program we currently have into a new setting that will only enhance our learning environment. Our primary goal is to nurture our children into strong, vibrant learners and leaders that exhibit positive examples of Jewish life.

The future for Addlestone and the Charleston Jewish Community is bright. As we look forward towards the construction of our new school, we see a vibrant, growing Charleston strengthened by its commitment to Jewish education and a continuance of the rich and varied tapestry that is Jewish life in our amazing city. Addlestone Hebrew Academy is the heart beat of Charleston’s Jewish community as it is our youth who will lead us into the future. Multiple studies have shown that Jewish day schools churn out future Jewish leaders in large numbers. They produce children with strong Jewish identities, who are connected both to their local communities and to Israel and the Jewish people. A Brandeis University study concluded: “Regardless of what facet of Jewish campus life is considered, day school students stand out in their strong engagement with Judaism.

Our vision for the future is one of a strong, vibrant, growing Charleston Jewish community. One where Addlestone Hebrew Academy will help to provide education for generations of Jewish youth. Our Addlestone children will help shape

the future and will not only have impact on Charleston, but on South Carolina and the greater Jewish world.

On behalf of Addlestone Hebrew Academy, may we all have a happy, healthy and sweet new year!

Why is Israel so important to BBYO?

That can be answered in one word…connections. For the past 90 years, BBYO has been connecting Jewish teens with their communities, with each other and with generations that have come before them. A huge part of BBYO has been to connect us with Israel over the years. According to Prime Minister Netanyahu in a speech presented at BBYO’s 90th International Convention, BBYO sends more teens to Israel than any other youth organization in North America. Creating meaningful Jewish experiences and creating connections to Israel is core to what BBYO stands for. Through our pluralistic approach to Jewish teen engagement, we hold Israel as one of the central points that ties us all together. Throughout the summer, BBYO teens at our summer immersives across the United States, South America and Europe followed the adventures and experiences of their friends and our global community in Israel. Through special prayer services, rallies, educational programs and even celebrations all about Israel, teens developed an understanding and a connection with Israel. Our Israeli staff shared their stories with the teens about their families back home, what their lives were like in the IDF and even what their thoughts are on the current conflict and the prospect of peace, bringing Israel just a little bit closer to all of us. Through our shared connection with Israel and our

shared connection with Judaism, a new generation of Jewish teens is now bound to one another, regardless of religious practice. As they and their fellow Jews the world over prayed for peace, their connections to over 5000 years of history and their Jewish heritage have been strengthened. Through our collective connections, we advocate, educate and pray together, joining us all together for life. As we say in BBYO at each and every meal, “may G-d who makes peace in high places make peace for us, for all Israel, and for all humanity.” As we head into the new year, may our connections to one another, our connections to Judaism and our connections to Israel bring us all closer to that peace.

Happy Birthday! Rabbi Moshe Davis

Fact or fiction – the world was created on Rosh Hashanah. Well, it’s a little bit of both. According to Jewish tradition, as recorded in the Bible, God created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh. While people commonly assume that the first day of creation is commemorated with our celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the truth of the matter is that the sixth day of creation corresponds to our Rosh Hashanah. Just like the birthday of a child is not the day of conception but rather the day of his/her actual birth into this world, so too the birthday of the world occurs when the world was completed, not the day that the creative process began.

Who cares?! There are two valuable lessons that we can glean from this. First, the finished product matters. In life, people often have grand visions and aspirations that are never truly realized,

ADDLESTONE HEBREW ACADEMY

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COMMUNITY NEWS

and we should always strive to set goals for ourselves and accomplish those goals. It was only when the world was complete that the initial days of creation became relevant. A half-baked world (say Saturn or Jupiter) doesn’t help us out too much.

Second, something very important was created on the sixth day of creation, which again, corresponds to Rosh Hashanah. You! As stated in the Bible, humanity was created on the sixth day of creation. So Rosh Hashanah is really our birthday, not the birthday of the world. The world without people would be like a body without a soul. We are the culmination of creation, which can either be incredibly inspiring (wow, god created a whole world just for me!), or incredibly scary (uh oh, I could mess up god’s whole plan!).

May we all be blessed with a year of goodness and prosperity, a year in which we maximize our potential and achieve our goals and a year of besurot tovot, only good news from our brothers and sisters in the Land of Israel.

L’Shanah Tova! As we begin a New Year, the Charleston Jewish Community Center is experiencing a “rebirth” to ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission for many years to come. Whether we become a “JCC Without Walls” or a smaller facility, the programs that we are known for such as Camp Baker, the Triple Raffle, KidsFair, our annual Golf Tournament and our Cultural Arts and Youth Programs will continue.

Our future as the Jewish Community Center has never looked better. The JCC will continue and strengthen its role by being the “CONNECTOR” for the Jewish Community of Charleston and the community at large.

The Charleston JCC staff continues to work diligently to meet the needs of the community by providing quality afterschool care through our ‘J’Care Program, hosting our Third Annual Jewish Bookfest and our 16th Annual Golf Tournament. We are also hard at work on our fundraiser of the year—the Ben Chase Roast. This fun-filled evening will be held on Sunday, November 23rd at the JCC. I hope that you will come out and Get REEL TIP SEA with Benny! Carol Berlin, JCC Staff member, along with Jerry Rothschild and Billy Olasov are leading a dynamic committee that has promised to provide an evening full of laughs and GREAT FOOD!

On behalf of the Charleston JCC Board and Staff we wish you and your families a sweet New Year filled with good health, happiness, joy and peace!

The Charleston Jewish Community Center is a diverse, inclusive, vibrant and secure common meeting ground where we build relationships through a Jewish lens for the entire community, and foster lifelong engagement for all.

Dancing on Yom Kippur

My favorite part of the High Holy Day season is the dancing on Yom Kippur. Dancing on Yom Kippur, you ask? When does that happen and how come I have been missing it all these years? I recall presenting this idea at the beginning of

Yom Kippur, Kol Nidrei night, this past year. “The real challenge of today is dancing after Neilah (the closing service of Yom Kippur).” One of my beloved congregants approached me afterwards and said, “Rabbi, that was a great metaphor.” I wasn’t quite sure to what he was referring.

Many people today don’t believe in Teshuvah (repentance); they don’t believe in forgiveness. We have dethroned the judge in favor of the best you can do. People create superficial selves that function in community because they believe that at the core there is a fraudulent, weak, evil person that, if the world ever discovered, would be rejected. The whole point of Yom Kippur is to not conceal. The whole point of the Al Cheit (the process of banging our chests in confession) is challenging Hashem in saying, ‘would You even love this person?’ and the answer is ‘yes!’ The goal is to believe that our core is worthy of honest love. The judge is not the jury of the world who we think would condemn us, but the Judge, our Father, sitting on the throne of glory.

The goal of Yom Kippur, of the entire High Holy Day season, is to be able and willing to come out the other end ready and proud. Ready to tackle the challenges that we will face in the coming year. Proud of who we have become in moving through this process and who we ultimately strive to be.

So we can sing at the conclusion of the Yom Kippur service, and we can dance. We can sing LeShanah HaBaah B’Yerushalayim (Next Year in Jerusalem) and join with so many who hope for a brighter future for our people, especially following such a difficult and trying summer. We can dance to Am Yisrael Chai (The Nation of Israel Lives) because we are here and we’re not going anywhere.

I, for one, am proud to be part of a Jewish community that is one of the oldest in the country. I am even more proud of the steps we are taking to continue to grow that community and take it to the next level. I look forward to the challenges that we will face and overcome in the

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coming year and I welcome all of you to dance with me as we tackle them and grow together.

EXTRAORDINARY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY OF CHAGALL’S ICONIC JERUSALEM WINDOWS

In an effort to raise the remaining funds to equip and furnish the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower, Hadassah is offering the opportunity to name Marc Chagall’s stained glass windows. Extraordinary gifts of $1 million to sponsor a window will be recognized on a plaque at the entrance to the Abbell Synagogue, and sponsors’ names will be linked to one of Chagall’s masterpieces.

The windows, each depicting one of the twelve tribes of Israel, are intimately connected with Chagall’s personal history and feature symbols of hope and vitality through scintillating blazes of color. To date, four of the twelve windows have been sponsored; one is on reserve. If you are in a position to create this meaningful connection to Hadassah, medicine and the State of Israel, let us know immediately at [email protected].

ASHER WINDOW

If you are only able to raise your eyebrows at the thought of a $1million gift, you’re in the majority. We are all incredibly proud of the major donors who make those astronomical sounding gifts – but we are also equally proud of our grassroots members, whose $10, $18, $36, $100, $180 and $1000 donations sustain our programs and our projects. Most of our donations come without expectation of something in return, but sometimes tangible recognition is very welcome. To

help furnish and equip our Tower, you can Open Your Heart with a tax deductible $100 donation and receive a beautiful sterling silver open heart pendant and 18” chain.

Whether you can make a donation today or not, you can show your support by being active in our local Charleston Chapter. Come to our Opening Meeting on Wednesday, September 10th, 7-9pm at the JCC. You’ll have a chance to hear what’s new and what we’re planning locally. You will have a chance to elect our 2015 Nominating Committee. You will also have a great chance to spend time with friends and to enjoy the film “Yiddle in the Middle.”

These are all great ways to welcome a new year – with renewed commitment to Hadassah and to your Jewish roots.

We wish everyone a Shanah Tovah. May you and yours be inscribed in the Book of Life for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

This Society, Abi Yetomin Ubne Ebyonim, or the Society for the relief of Orphans and Children of Indigent persons, was founded in 1801 by 12 Jewish men. Its primary objective will be as a charitable and service society which gives support and contributions to worthy causes and institutions as determined by a majority vote of the membership. This includes education, clothing, food, medical help and the general welfare of the community.

Today, the Society consists of no more than 36 members, men and women, who are Jews, and age 35 or older. They are elected into the Society based upon their record of services to the Jewish and secular community. Their election is for life.

As we enter the Jewish New Year, 5775, it is our membership’s sincere desire that the support we have provided the Jewish community at large will have brought a better future for those in need. For everyone, especially our brethren in Israel, may the coming year be filled with peace, happiness and joy.

L’SHANAH TOVAH TIKATEVU

The Hebrew Orphan Society does not solicit contributions but does accept voluntary donations for general or specific purposes.

M’dor l’dor – from generation to generation. It’s an oft-used phrase, perhaps the most common in all of Jewish custom. It refers to continuity, to the responsibility of passing on Jewish history, culture and knowledge from generation to generation in order to sustain the heritage and collective memory of the Jewish people. The Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston takes the phrase seriously: it is a part of our mission statement; inherent to the work we do day-in and day-out, and is central as we think about our hopes and wishes for Charleston’s Jewish community as it enters 5775.

Our Holy City has long prided itself on religious tolerance; so too has the Jewish community set a noble standard of dialogue, cooperation and unity between our Jewish communal institutions. We know we are stronger and our voice louder when we speak as one. In the coming year, we hope that our vibrant community will continue to come together in order to learn, to celebrate and to discuss, both within the walls of the Jewish Studies Program and outside of them.

We also share our wishes for and our intent to help create a strong, positive future.

Trusting in our idiom of choice, m’dor l’dor, we hope to create a reality where future

HADASSAH

HEBREW ORPHAN SOCIETY

YASCHIK/ARNOLD JEWISH STUDIES PROGRAM


generations of Judaism want to connect with their history, culture and religion. We see that as a choice our students and community will make, and we must do all we can to foster that reality. Jewish Studies will do so by organizing valuable community programming, classes, lectures and film series, completely free of charge; we will do so by ensuring our students feel comfortable engaging with and expressing their Judaism inside our walls and during JSU/Hillel programming; and we will do so by continuing to offer first-rate academic courses in Jewish history and culture, Hebrew language, Holocaust studies and much more.

This year, as in years past, we invite the community to join with us and one another in creating the Jewish future we desire. May it be a robust, peaceful future, for our generation and those yet to come.

L’shanah tovah u’metukah – best wishes for a good, sweet year, from our family to yours.

A first day of school, a first car, a first time being called to the Torah. Each time we have occasion to thank God for enabling us to reach a new milestone in our lives, we say Shehecheyanu. This prayer helps us mark a moment of achievement and growth, and it affords us time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. The High Holy Days are the biggest milestones in the Jewish calendar, and as we approach Rosh Hashanah 5775, we are thrilled to be looking ahead to a year

of new programs, events and even new staff members.

KKBE is celebrating several firsts this year, including the hiring of the first Assistant Rabbi in the history of our congregation. We welcomed Rabbi Andrew H. Terkel and his wife, Hannah Rubin-Schlansky, officially into our temple family on July 1st, and are excited about having a clergy team to work together on pastoral care, education, programming, services and music. Rabbi Terkel comes to KKBE from the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, California, and has a background in summer camps, songleading and family programming. His wife, Hannah, is also a trained Jewish educator, and they are quickly making Charleston and KKBE their new home.

We are implementing a new strategic vision of adult education at KKBE, and our fall offerings promise to provide engaging and exciting learning opportunities to the Charleston community. We’ll have speakers, films and great classes on topics like How to be a Mensch, Yiddish Curses and more. Come learn with us on Thursday nights, where you’ll have the opportunity to study something different each week, in addition to a multi-week class that will build over 8 sessions.

We might have 265 years of history behind us, but KKBE also has a lot to celebrate in the new year ahead, and we look forward to sharing many Shehecheyanu moments with you too. All of our best wishes and blessings for a sweet new year of 5775.

Summer is coming to an end, with all the heat and humidity, and is bringing thoughts of the upcoming High Holy Days in September. Our thoughts rummage through our heads with what to have for Holiday dinners, who to have for Holiday dinners, what to wear to synagogue; it will be fall but still 85 to 90 degrees. Who will be coming into town for the Holidays, who needs help getting to Services for the Holidays, if we pray hard and long

enough will it make for a better New Year? If we eat enough apples dipped in honey, will our year be a sweeter one? It is the beginning of a New Year, of course it will be a better year, we personally will do better with our families, friends, synagogues, attending Shabbat Services, helping our Jewish Community grow and reach its goals supporting the Kosher Kitchen Pantry that helps so many others, and isn’t that the best we can do is to help others! We pray for Israel and its people to have Peace for the new year. The new year always gives a feeling of coming together, whether it be as a family, a work place, with friends, or as a community. This is something we should all work towards, that feeling of renewal and energy to have happiness in our lives, and share that with others. We work hard all year as advocates for women to have a better life, to educate about Domestic Violence, Freedom for Contraceptions of our choice, the growing of awful kidnappings and sex trafficking that is growing so rapidly in South Carolina, the right to stand up and be heard and educate the world what is happening with women and children. The comin Fg new year gives us hope that we all can once again take part in important issues in our lives, issues that don’t go away with one meeting, issues that take commitment to get results. I hope you will find within yourself a wonderful feeling of renewal that can be spread throughout the community giving that feeling of being a part of something wonderful.

As a Jewish Community over the past year, we’ve loved, cheered, wept, bled, mourned, danced and lived. We remember those who have blessed our lives, our children without whom we would be less, our spouses who make

COMMUNITY NEWS

KKBE

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

SYNAGOGUE EMANU-EL

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us complete, our family who frames who we are and even those crazy friends who make us laugh. Our community strives for success, supports each other in need and works toward the pursuit of ethics, integrity, morality, tradition and honor.

In reflection and hope, if in the past year we have failed, caused regrets, disappointments (big or small) or dissatisfaction; if we didn’t help a neighbor, didn’t support a loved one, didn’t honor the deceased, didn’t uphold integrity, neglected to commit to our community; or if we simply have been less than what we should be, the New Year is another opportunity to get it right. In 5775, strive to be stronger, to be more loving and supportive, to volunteer, to think of others first, to forgive, and to repair the world by one act of random kindness – one act at a time.

At Synagogue Emanu-El, we are given a forum for worship, community, education and self-understanding. We grow, we love and we pass on valuable lessons and our

heritage to future generations. These are freedoms that are non-negotiable and cannot and must not be watered down or minimized. Just as our parents fostered these attributes to us, so must we pay it forward.

To our Synagogue youth, whether you have transitioned from a Jewish boy or girl to a man or woman or not, continue to embrace your heritage with the energy and vibrancy that will plunge you into leadership roles. Some of you have taken this plunge already, and for that we say Mazel Tov!

To our longtime members, thank you for anchoring Emanu-El. Thank you for your steadfast commitment and devotion to Temple. We couldn’t exist without you!

To those who have joined our congregation recently or are looking for a spiritual home, we invite you to get to know us, and to partner with us in upholding our Synagogue’s mission.

To the rest of the Charleston Jewish community, we are blessed to be surrounded by congregations and organizations who cooperate with us to make us greater than the sum of our parts.

And as we move forward into the new year, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention our brothers and sisters in Israel. Let us continue an unwavering campaign of thought, prayer and support to those who are under constant pressure, missile attacks, piercing sirens and the daily unrest. Let us continue to pray for the safety of the state of Israel and for the IDF soldiers who put their lives on the line every second of every minute of every day protecting our homeland. Let us continue to uphold the unrelenting character, indefatigable perseverance and resistance to intimidation that our brethren there display every day.

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENING OF DINNER, PROGRAMMING AND HONORS.

6 PM AT THE CHARLESTON COUNTRY CLUB

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RESOURCE GUIDE

Addlestone Hebrew Academy Abby Levine [email protected] | 843-571-1105 www.addlestone.org

BBYO Tamar Sternfeld [email protected] | 843-619-3613 www.bbyo.org

Brith Sholom Beth Israel (BSBI, Orthodox) Rabbi Moshe Davis [email protected] | 843-577-6599 www.bsbisynagogue.com

Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry Rabbi Yossi Refson [email protected] | 843-884-2323 www.southernspirit.org

Charleston Jewish Community Center (JCC) Ronneca Watkins [email protected] | 843-571-6565 www.charlestonjcc.org

Charleston Jewish Federation Judi Corsaro [email protected] | 843-614-6600 www.jewishcharleston.org

Charleston Jewish Family Services Sara Sharnoff [email protected] | 843-614-6494 www.charlestonjfs.org

Kosher Food Pantry Joan Herrman [email protected] | 843-614-6491 www.charlestonjfs.org

Charleston Jewish Voice Lori Hoch Stiefel [email protected] | 843-614-6497

Connecting Jewish Women Carol Berlin [email protected] | 843-614-6495

Israel Education Fellowship Judi Corsaro [email protected] | 843-614-6600

Israel Engagement Committee Lori Hoch Stiefel [email protected] | 843-614-6497

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Judi Corsaro [email protected] | 843-614-6600

PJ Library® Lori Hoch Stiefel [email protected] | 843-614-6497 www.facebook.com/PJLibraryCharleston

The Remember Program Sandra Brett [email protected] | 843-571-6565

Shalom Baby Lori Hoch Stiefel [email protected] | 843-614-6497

Young Adult Division (YAD) Lori Hoch Stiefel [email protected] | 843-614-6497

Congregation Dor Tikvah (Orthodox) Rabbi Michael Davies [email protected] | 843-410-3230 www.dortikvah.org

Hadassah Sharon Hox | Ilene Turbow | Sandi Archambault [email protected] www.hadassah.org

Hebrew Benevolent Society Norman Berlinsky [email protected] | 843-556-3903

Hebrew Orphan Society Dr. Alan Nussbaum [email protected]

Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina Marty Perlmutter [email protected] | 843-953-3918 www.jhssc.org

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE, Reform) Rabbi Stephanie Alexander [email protected] | 843-723-1090 www.kkbe.org

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Linda Krawcheck [email protected] www.ncjwcharleston.org

Synagogue Emanu-El (Conservative) Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum [email protected] | 843-571-3264 www.emanu-el.com

Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program, College of Charleston Marty Perlmutter [email protected] | 843.953.5682 | jewish.cofc.edu

At my school, all our elected o�cials are girls. I am Jennifer, and I am Ashley Hall.

My independent, yearlong senior project focuses on the lack of women in political o�ce. Research shows the overarching reason women don’t run for public o�ce, or vie for other leadership positions for that matter, is a lack of self confidence.

At Ashley Hall, we take risks. Who knows, maybe one day I'll ask for your vote to get to Capitol Hill.

For over 100 years, Ashley Hall has championed the power and importance of an all girls’ education. Come see the difference. To learn more about Ashley Hall, contact us at (843)965-8501 or [email protected]

Now accepting girls 2 years–11th grade and boys 2–5 years.

*Taken from a recent UCLA study.

JENNIFER BARON ‘15Senior Project Participant, Senior Class Treasurer, Golf Team

Captain, O�shore Leadership Program Participant and Volunteer for Ginny Deerin Campaign for SC Secretary of State

THE ASHLEY HALL ADVANTAGE:Graduates of girls’ schools are more politically engaged *

www.ashleyhall.org

Possunt quae voluntGirls with the will have the ability

SWEEM AY Y O U R N E W Y E A R B E G O O D A N D

Charleston Jewish Voice | Fall 2014

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