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The Jewish Outlook March 2016

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Wednesday, March 9 | 6 PM www.shalomaustin.org/momentum

Monday, April 11 | 10:30 AM www.shalomaustin.org/mosaic

Austin, Israel & The Jewish World A Service of the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin

A Branch of Shalom Austin

ADAR I/ADAR II 5776

MAR C H 2016

FEATURES

Tribe Adjacent Navigates Interfaith Relationships Page 8

Jewish & Israeli Highlights of SXSW Page 6

OPERATION TEXAS: LBJ’s Secret Rescue Mission on the Eve of the Holocaust Page 18

INSIDE

R E M M U

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THE OTHER JEWISH AUSTIN

Meeting Critical Human Service Needs in a Booming Central Texas Economy Page 4

SUMMER CAMPS

DON’T MISS

Section B

ADL Torch of Liberty AWA R D

D I N N E R

March 6 | 9:30 AM-1:30 PM

March 31 | 5:30-10 PM

JCC Community Hall

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

www.shalomaustin.org/expo

www.austin.adl.org

Purim

The Great LatkeHamentashen Debate March 22 7 PM

Senior Adult Purim Party March 23 11:30 AM-1 PM

YAD Purim Party March 24 6:30-10 PM

2 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

FR O M T HE CEO & CO-PUBLISHER

Stronger Together

SHALOM AUSTIN DELL JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPUS 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, Texas 78731 512-735-8012 | FAX: 512-735-8043 www.shalomaustin.org/outlook [email protected]

By Jay Rubin

F

ormer Vice President Al Gore may or may not have invented the Internet, but crowdfunding, as a concept, originated in Sinai during the long journey of the Jewish people from slavery to freedom. Shabbat Shekalim ("Sabbath [of] shekels" ‫)םילקש תבש‬, the first Shabbat in March, commemorates God’s command that each adult male Jew contribute half of a Biblical shekel for the upkeep of the Tabernacle, or mishkan (‫)ןכשמ‬, the portable dwelling place for the divine presence prior to the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. (Exodus 30:11-16) Crowdfunding, the practice of funding projects by raising contributions from large numbers of people, typically happens today via the Internet, but other methods, including direct mail, phone-a-thons, benefit events, parlor meetings and even multiple face-to-face conversations are all variations on the original Jewish theme. We are stronger and more impactful together. The Jewish Federation of Greater Austin kicked off 100 Days of Impact last month with Milestone, our Young Adult Division (YAD) Annual Campaign event. More than 250 mostly Millennials and Generation Xers gathered at the JCC to celebrate their commitment to Jewish life and to honor the amazing Levy siblings. More than $60,000 has been raised so far in support of the 2016 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Our deepest thanks to Milestone Co-Chairs Molly Abrams and Brett Lipensky, YAD Coordinator Sarah Weisfeld and the entire Milestone Committee. Our next 100 Days of Impact gathering, Momentum, Austin’s Premiere Jewish Men’s Social Event, takes place on Thursday, March 9 at 6 PM at the Four Seasons Hotel. Rabbi Steven Leder of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, named one of the 10 most influential rabbis in

America by Newsweek, will address “More Money Than God: Living a Rich Life Without Losing Your Soul.” A special shout-out to our Momentum team led by Adam Loewy, Chair and Table Captain Co-chairs Sandy Dochen, Jonathan Levy and Stuart Wallock. Register at www.shalomaustin.org/momentum. Finally, there’s the Mosaic Luncheon on Monday, April 11 at the Hyatt Regency, the Women’s Division crowdfunding event that started it all in Austin 17 years ago. Margo Smith, our 2016 Woman of Valor, co-founded and co-chaired the very first Mosaic in 1999 and has had an extraordinary impact on Jewish philanthropy in Austin since then. Nancy Spielberg, our keynote speaker, an accomplished businesswoman, philanthropist and film producer will share her memories growing up in the film industry, where she worked on her brother Steven’s early films, as well as her experiences documenting historic events, such as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the search for Nazi war criminals, and the creation of Israel’s Air Force in the 1948 War for Independence. Register at www. shalomaustin.org/mosaic. Like our talented trio of Mosaic co-chairs Marcia Levy, Deborah Rudy and Robyn Sperling, we’re even stronger and more impactful together.

CO-PUBLISHERS Jay Rubin, Emily Cohen EDITOR Julie Zweig ASSISTANT EDITOR Tonyia Cone ADVERTISING MANAGER Diane Dusek CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rebecca Jarosh ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Kim Cottin

2015-2016 SHALOM AUSTIN OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS CHAIR Joan Swartz CHAIR-ELECT Dan Kraus TREASURER/SECRETARY Barak Epstein IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR David Brenner VICE CHAIRS Sandy Dochen, Diana Ginor, Wade Monroe, Abby Rapoport, Ian Spechler, Keith Zimmerman AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Liz Bronson, Brian Deitch, Pam Frager, Fran Hamermesh, Walter Kalmans, Mae Levitan, Michelle Lynn-Sachs, Billy Osherow, Keri Pearlson, Rick Rosenberg, Rob Rubenstein, Margo Smith, Scott Turner, Julie Waltzer EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Dana Baruch, Rabbi Daniel Millner, Linda Millstone, Sharyn Vane CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jay Rubin CHIEF PROGRAMMING OFFICER Shelly C. Prant CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Laurence Statman CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER Arlene Miller HOME DELIVERY Erick Walker [email protected] or 512-735-8056 NEWSPAPER RACK DISTRIBUTION Mike Carranco To subscribe, visit www.shalomaustin.org/outlook. Free for Austin-area residents. Non-resident subscription is $36 for 12 issues, payable to The Jewish Outlook.

Contents

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Contact Diane Dusek at 512-342-2550, 512-657-6656 (mobile), or [email protected]

Community News & Features....................................... 4 National News & Features.......................................... 22 International News & Features................................... 32 Special Events Calendar............................................ 44 Crossword................................................................. 47 Congregations........................................................... 50 Organizations............................................................. 52 Mazel Tov................................................................... 70 Summer Camp Guide ...................................Section B

SUBMIT STORIES, MAZEL TOV AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO

[email protected]

Advertising Deadline: Reservations due by the 10th of the month prior. Editorial Deadline: Submissions due by the 10th of the month prior. The Jewish Outlook reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at any time. Shalom Austin and The Jewish Outlook are not liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The Jewish Outlook does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. Signed editorials and letters to the editor do not represent the view of the newspaper or Shalom Austin, but rather express the view of the writer. All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Cover Photo Credit: iStock.com/PhotoEuphoria

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4 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY NE WS & F E ATUR E S

THE OTHER JEWISH AUSTIN

Meeting Critical Human Service Needs in a Booming Central Texas Economy By Rebecca S. Cohen

Credit: iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

Credit: iStock.com/David Sucsy

B

Jewish Family Service maintains the confidentiality of its clients. None of the people pictured are clients of JFS.

uying into the stereotypical image of a wealthy Jewish community is relatively easy and even comforting to some of us in Austin. We are, after all, the people of the book, professionals and academics, accomplished in business and with a history of helping our own. Yet despite Austin’s bustling economy and laudable unemployment statistics (3.4 percent in December 2015 compared to 5.0 percent nationally), we have in our midst, believe it or not, an ever-increasing number of coreligionists in need of food, housing and financial counseling. Forty-seven people reached out to Jewish Family Service, a branch of Shalom Austin, in 2014 and fifty more in 2015 asking for emergency financial aid. “A lot of the stories are the same, explains Katie Price, JFS Office Manager and long time employee of Shalom Austin. “People fall so far behind they don’t know where to go.” Asked if he keeps a pot of gold under his desk that he dips into to provide assistance, JFS Executive Director Gil Levy (LCSW) says, “Yes. But it’s a very small pot.” In his five months on the job (Levy joined JFS in October 2015) he has seen a definite uptick in requests. Among these are people who came to Austin with high hopes that the strong Texas economy would sustain them, but were unable to adjust quickly enough to

the rising cost of living and had no personal support system to lean on. There were others who had been here for years, but had fallen on hard times. “We’re seeing real people come forward who are not rich, not of means, who are struggling financially in various ways,” Levy says. He and Price work directly with applicants, inquiring about their future prospects and helping identify multiple resources that might be available to them. No funds are dispersed to individuals. Instead payments are made directly to cover a month’s mortgage or rent or utility bills, which, if not paid, would result in foreclosure or eviction. (By negotiating on the client’s behalf, JFS can occasionally get late charges waived.) These payments are not structured as loans; clients are not obligated to pay back the money. The hope is that they will benefit sufficiently from stop-gap aid to regain their economic footing and move forward. Frequently this has been the case, as with one family, homeless despite a good credit record, for whom a month’s rent payment allowed sufficient time for them to stabilize their financial situation and begin to cover future months’ obligations. Six months later they are still moving forward. Food insecurity as well as homelessness is an issue for some of Austin’s Jews. On an as-needed basis, JFS distributes fifty-dollar Continued on Page 10

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COMMUNITY NE W S & F E AT UR E S

Jewish and Israeli Highlights of SXSW 2016 FRIDAY, MARCH 11 AN ARMS LENGTH Midnight Shorts Competition Alamo Lamar A | 11:30 PM - 1:07 AM (Also playing at the Alamo Ritz 1 on Monday, March 14 from 9-10:37 p.m. and Thursday, March 17 from 10:00PM - 11:37 p.m.) God couldn’t be everywhere, so he created mothers. Leonard (Jamie Goldberg) is trapped between his yearning for freedom and his deep tie to his mother (Alexis Zegerman). A Jewish boy railing against his seductive mother he expresses comfort under her wing, but also a rage, a desire to cut loose. AN ARM'S LENGTH is a dark and unsettling British comedy about a Jewish mother’s relationship with her son. Steeped in the traditions of Jewish humor and folklore the surreal finale becomes a metaphor for the cliché of the castrating mother.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 SURVEILLANCE, SOUSVEILLANCE AND BODY CAMS Government and Policy JW Marriott | Salon 1-2 | 9:30-10:30 AM Smartphone cameras are transforming the balance of power between citizens and state. In this session, Oren Yakobovich, an activist distributing hidden cameras to individuals subjected to human rights abuses, discusses the implications of body cams with Omer Tene, a privacy expert. Both of the presenters are from Israel. BACON & GOD'S WRATH Documentary Shorts Competition Rollins Theatre at the Long Center | 11-12:30 PM (Also playing at the Topfer Theatre at ZACH on Sunday, March 13 from 1:45-3:15 p.m. and at Alamo Lamar B on Thursday, March 17 from 2:45-4:15 p.m.) In this short mixed-media doc, a 90 year old Jewish woman reflects on her life’s experiences as she prepares to try bacon for the first time.

(RE)MAKE THE WORLD: DESIGNING FOR DISABILITY SX Create Palmer Events Center | Room 1-2 | 11-12 PM “(re)Make The World” will explore and give further fuel to the growing community of Makers around the world using their hard earned knowledge and experience to design for people with disabilities. The third industrial revolution is upon us and with it an unprecedented ability to efficiently and cheaply make individually designed projects to empower people in their lives. This session will bring together leaders in the field of Design, Disabilities & Makers, and give practical guidance for realizing the greater potential of the Makers-Revolution around the world. One of the presenters, Josh Gottesman, who works as a partnership manager at MassChallenge Israel, is a Houston native and resident of Jerusalem. SXSW ACCELERATOR-INNOVATIVE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES (1) Startup Village Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon A | 11 AM – 12 PM SXSW Accelerator pitch event is a platform to allow early stage technology startups to pitch their product and/or services to industry technology experts, high profiled media personnel, and Venture Capitalists / Angel Investors. One of the companies, Engie, is from Tel Aviv. They offer a car repair and maintenance app that does everything from malfunction diagnostics to real time bids from mechanics.

HOW FAR SHOULD WE GO TO PROTECT HATE SPEECH ONLINE? Online Harassment Summit Hyatt Regency Austin | Zilker Ballroom 2 | 11 AM-12 PM As social platforms move to end hate speech on their forums, the U.S. and the world are beginning to redefine acceptable speech online - but what is it exactly? This panel will discuss hate speech, the First Amendment, counter speech, monitoring online activity, and what technology is available to protect us online. LESSONS LEARNED FROM EDUCATIONAL MAKERSPACES SX Create Palmer Events Center | Room 4-5 | 3:30-4:30 PM An educational makerspace can be anything from an entire building to a rolling cart. We'll hold a discussion with educational makerspace pros on what works and what doesn't, benefits of different kinds of workshops, how to integrate with other learning goals, and learning through discovery. Tim Ziegler, from the Austin Jewish Academy, will be one of the presenters. ISRAELI UNICORNS: BUILDING A BILLION DOLLAR BIZ Startup Village Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | 5-6 PM The sighting of mythical "unicorns", startups valued at over $1 billion, is becoming more commonplace. Israel, coined the "Startup Nation", has become a breeding ground, producing 10 in the past 3 years. Tom Bronfeld, Partner at Elevator, a Tel Aviv-based seed fund, will lead an intimate discussion with CEOs, Adam Singolda

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13 FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE: THE HUMAN ALGORITHM Government and Policy JW Marriott | Salon 5 | 12:30-1:30 PM How can governments “start with human need” through ethnographic research when faced with the complexity in serving “everyone? Dave Snowden’s Cognitive Edge links micro-narratives with human sense-making to create advanced decision support, research and monitoring capability. Gal Alon’s crowd consulting app Insights, turns the wisdom of clients, employees, and citizens into advice decision makers can use. Alon started Insights in 2010, after serving as an Advisor for Strategic Development in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. MENTORS - DISTRIBUTION: ORLY RAVID (FILM COLLABORATIVE) Finding Your Audience Austin Convention Center | Room 11AB | 2-3:30 PM Meet with industry professionals who can give advice and answer questions about distribution, distribution options, and more for your films. Orly Ravid has a 15-year career in film including acquisitions, sales, film festival programming, theatrical and festival distribution, and business affairs. She was born in Israel, raised in Manhattan and now lives in Los Angeles.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 IRON MAN INTERFACES: NEXT GENERATION UI (OR UX) Design and Development JW Marriott | Salon E | 11 AM - 12 PM Join pioneers Meron Gribetz, CEO and inventor of META Space Glasses and Jayse Hansen, the designer responsible for bringing us the Iron Man

Continued on Page 14

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8 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY N EWS & FEATU RES

Tribe Adjacent Navigates Interfaith Relationships By Tonyia Cone

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Melinda Young and Stacy Mendelson

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hile most programming at Temple Beth Shalom focuses on Jews, a new group formed in February, The Tribe Adjacent, was created specifically for those involved in the Jewish community with different backgrounds – those who are married to a Jew but are not Jewish themselves. Temple Beth Shalom members and The Tribe Adjacent co-founders Melinda Young and Stacy Mendelson, who met when their children were at the Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Program, have been through the gamut of Jewish life. Not only did they study and learn what the religion is all about, they are raising Jewish children, have experienced Jewish holidays and life cycle events, and have become involved members of Austin’s Jewish community. Young explained that in order to share what they have learned, the two wanted to create a group where people could connect with those who have been through the trenches. “We’ve been around for a while now,” Young said. “We learned that every interfaith family can look a little bit different – the way they incorporate both of the faiths or not, who takes charge of religious upbringing – and it’s all valid.”

Young and Mendelson exemplify both the diversity of interfaith families and some of the commonalities that exist. Mendelson, who has a 13 year old daughter and a 12 year old son, is originally from Alabama. She grew up Methodist, and her family attended their small, country church every week for services and classes. “We were more spiritual people but not very religious,” she explained. Mendelson met her husband through friends in 1997. They were engaged when they started talking about their religions. His side of the family, especially his father, is very religious, and raising their children Jewish was important to them. “It was hard in the beginning, especially giving up things I loved, like certain holidays. But I didn’t want to have a confusing household, and it meant a lot to him to make sure this was a Jewish household,” Mendelson said. She began learning about Jewish traditions through books when the couple was planning their wedding. Later, she learned about her daughter’s baby naming, son’s brit milah and the steps of raising a Jewish child by reading more books and talking with her in-laws and husband. When her children were in preschool, other parents became a resource. “My mother-in-law always said I know

more than her son, because a lot of times they forget things, just as I have in my own religion,” Mendelson said, adding that the more she learned and experienced Jewish traditions, she grew to love it. Mendelson is still Methodist, but the couple maintains a Jewish household, observing Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Her children went to the ECP and Mendelson has served as a volunteer in the community. Their family does not celebrate Christian holidays but, they often get a taste of what her upbringing was like. They do not have a Christmas tree at home, but when they get together with her side of the family during the holiday, there are stockings for her children. Mendelson has also brought in some of her traditions in a Jewish capacity, like having Passover baskets instead of baskets from the Easter bunny. She said the family joined Temple Beth Shalom when her daughter was five years old because she felt they had found a congregation where they belonged. “Everyone at Temple Beth Shalom is nice and welcoming. There are so many interfaith families now, you don’t feel like an outcast, and people understand,” she said, adding that service opportunities organized by the congregation also really appealed to her. Young, an Arkansas native, was raised Catholic but believes every religion is valid. In 1995, she and her husband met in Austin when their parents set them up. “When I got serious with my husband, I didn’t know anything about Judaism,” she explained, adding that she started learning about the religion and culture by reading books and talking with Rabbi Steven Folberg at Congregation Beth Israel. “I believed everything Judaism taught, but there were things in Christianity he didn’t believe. So it made sense to me that I’d raise my kids Jewish,” Young said, adding that her husband agreed to her request to include her Santa Claus and Easter bunny traditions. When her children were ECP students, Young volunteered in classrooms, served on the parent board, wrote for the school newsletter, met some of the people who are now her best friends, and chaired the Austin Jewish Book Fair. Young’s family joined Temple Beth Shalom when her oldest son was ready to go into kindergarten. The congregation was the right fit for her family because it was

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 9

welcoming, approachable and relatable. “I knew at Temple Beth Shalom I’d be as much a member as my husband and children,” Young said. Young believes her family is at an advantage because her children understand that every religion and person is valid. “I think that my kids, because they have a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother, that they’ve been raised to be much more open minded than some. Here we are, two completely different faiths, we love each other, we have a wonderful home, my husband’s involved in Christmas, I’m involved in all the Jewish stuff, so we’ve shown that it can work and it’s all good,” she said. When their kids were younger, both Young and Mendelson participated in Mother’s Circle, a Big Tent Judaism (formerly Jewish Outreach Institute) educational program for women raising Jewish children sponsored by the Jewish Federation. But, years later, the two women wanted to create a less structured environment for non-Jewish men and women with Jewish partners to connect, be resources for one another, and talk about things like how to celebrate holidays, what it’s like to be a non-Jewish parent at a bar or bat mitzvah, and other aspects of being in an interfaith relationship. “We wanted to start a group where we can find out specific needs of our contingent, and tailor it to the specific needs of non-Jewish spouses in our community,” said Young. “Stacy and I are at a point now where we could offer some help in that area, and some advice, and that others hopefully will join who have also been around who can help some of the younger parents. I think we all learn from each other,” said Young, whose sons are 15, 13 and 10 years old. The Tribe Adjacent will meet the first Sunday of each month at Temple Beth Shalom. In addition to conversation, Young and Mendelson hope to offer “Ask the Rabbi” forums and other events. “It’s really about support. When you find somebody and you can talk to them, it just helps so much,” Mendelson said. “It’s nice to know there are other people out there just like you.” The Tribe Adjacent will meet on March 6 at Temple Beth Shalom. For more information, contact Melinda Young at meliyoung@ aol.com.

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to make sure our capacity grows, whether that’s adding staff or engaging volunteers in the community in more meaningful ways.” Although the Jewish Federation, Shalom Austin’s philanthropic and community development branch, provides the lion’s share of JFS’s budget through the Annual Campaign, Levy notes that additional contributions and fee-based revenue will be necessary to grow both the size and scope of JFS programming. Technology and improved infrastructure will also serve to move JFS forward. Providing laptops for staff members and initiating cloud based storage of health records would allow team members to do more home visits and record notes in the field. “A team of five could do more, reach more people, if we had a better tool set,” says Levy. A large volunteer pool would also be an asset, asserts Levy, but only after a volunteer management system for recruitment and training is established. At present Jewish Family Service is located in an office building on Jollyville Road, nearly 7 miles from the Dell Jewish Community Campus. They are out of sight and presumably out of mind for many members of the community. The Generations Campaign now underway will therefore play an important role in increasing JFS’s ability to reach more people and provide more and better services. “Being located on the campus will be helpful,” says Levy. He envisions attracting the attention of would-be volunteers and clients through the physical presence of offices on campus and looks forward to having easy access to rooms large enough for group sessions. These are not available in their current facility. For some people, it may be hard to ask for help. For others, it may be difficult to face the reality that increasing numbers of Jews in this community need financial and emotional support. But Levy thinks both should be grateful that JFS, Shalom Austin’s social service arm, is poised to provide that assistance. For more information about JFS support services or volunteer opportunities, call (512) 250-1043 or email jfs@shalomaustin. org. To make a donation to the 2016 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign or Friends of JFS, call (512) 735-8034 or email jenifer. [email protected].

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 11

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12 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

TALKING GENERATIONS WITH

Susan and Bobby Epstein

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Why is the Dell Jewish Community Campus (DJCC) and the Jewish Community Center (JCC) important to you and your family?

The DJCC is important to us for a myriad of reasons which have evolved throughout the life cycle of our family. When we were new to Austin and getting to know other families, it was a place to meet new friends. When we looked for a great early childhood program, the JCC was a terrific provider. As our family grew, the campus became a place where we celebrated many simchas and participated in numerous sports and educational activities. And meaningfully, the campus has given us the opportunity to make a positive contribution to others and our community.

2 A WORLD-CLASS CITY A WORLD-CLASS JEWISH COMMUNITY

Thinkery provides highly interactive and educational programs for kids of all ages. Learn more about special programs, workshops and exhibits, and get involved in the fun!

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What inspired you to make a major contribution to the Generations Campaign?

Our participation in the first campaign was somewhat driven by necessity, if not entirely self-motivated. This community needed a place to center itself, and we stood to benefit directly from its creation. It provided a preschool for our children, a new spiritual space for our congregation and a gathering place to play for adults and children alike. This time, our giving extends beyond our immediate family. Aptly named Generations, this chance to complete and extend the campus vision primes the JCC for the present as well as the future. We want the campus to meet the needs of today's families and hope one day our children's children, and even their children, will enjoy its many offerings.

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Which aspects of the Generations Campaign excite you the most?

This campaign will see the original campus vision mature into figurative adulthood. The DJCC is a multigenerational, tri-denominational place where our community can learn, play and grow together. There is one area that especially resonates with us, and that is its emphasis on fiscal responsibility and planning for the future. Ten percent of all Generations gifts go directly to the newly formed Jewish Community Foundation of Austin & Central Texas, creating an endowment for facilities maintenance that will provide funds for ongoing upkeep and renovations of the campus.

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Where would you like to see the Jewish community a decade from now?

We hope to see the Jewish community in Austin, and throughout the world, safe, healthy and vibrant.

www.shalomaustin.org/generations For more information or to attend one of the Imagine! Inside Generations Briefings in March or April Contact Harriett Kirsh Pozen | [email protected] | 512.735-8076

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 13

COMMUNITY NE WS & F E ATUR E S

Austin Symphony Presents Concert and Educational Forum Highlighting Jewish-Muslim Texts on Compassion

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ecognizing the power of music to build connections in often divided space, the Austin Symphony has reached out to leaders of both the Jewish and Muslim communities in Central Texas to co-sponsor, along with the Blanton Museum Lior Attar of Art, the University of Texas at Austin Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and the Salaam Cultural Institute, a musical performance and educational forum. Australian composer Nigel Westlake’s Compassion alternates Hebrew and Arabic prayer texts in a haunting and mesmerizing musical work for voice and orchestra. Israeli-born Australian vocalist Lior Attar will travel from Sydney to perform the U.S. premier of this timely work on April 8 and

9 at The Long Center Michael & Susan Dell Hall with the Austin Symphony under the leadership of Musical Director and Conductor Peter Bay. For ticket information, visit www.austinsymphony.org A little over a week prior on March 29 at 7:30 PM, the Blanton Museum will host “Compassionate Conversations, An Education Forum,” highlighting a musical documentary about the performance and bringing together diverse communities to explore what makes the two communities more similar than dissimilar. Pam Owens of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, an experienced facilitator of intergroup and interfaith dialogue, will lead the discussion. The program at the Blanton is free of charge and open to the public.

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14 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

SXSW From Page 6 interface, in a riveting discussion about designing these next-generation interfaces. Gribetz once worked in an elite technological unit in the Israel Defense Forces. CULTURAL APPROPRIATION IN RESTAURANTS SouthBites The Driskill | The Driskill Ballroom | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM In a culinary culture preoccupied with notions of authenticity, does the cultural provenance of the cook matter as much as the cultural provenance of the recipe? Is a white chef cooking the food of another ethnicity or region doing beneficial work of amplification, or is he taking credit for another culture's bounty? What about a Jewish chef cooking Italian food? VAADAT CHARIGIM Barracuda Backyard | Time: TBA (Vaadat Charigim will also be performing at the Hotel Vegas Patio on Thursday, March 17 from 8-8:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 19 from 12:30-1 a.m.) Vaadat Charigim is a shoegaze/dream pop trio consisting of Yuval Haring (guitar, vocals), Yuval Guttman (drums) and Dan Fabian Bloch (bass). The band formed in 2012 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 OF THE SUN The Hideout | 11-11:40 PM City of The Sun is John Pita, Avi Snow and Zach Para. Three guys from all around the world — Ecuador, Israel, Seattle — coming together on the streets of NYC with two guitars, a box, some bells, and a sound far greater than the sum of those parts. Their music has been called “tremendous,” “powerful,” “mesmerizing,” and “a re-invention of acoustic music.” It’s acoustic, but electric, instrumental, but lyrical. It’s worldly, running the gamut from wide-screen post-rock dynamics to gypsy jazz syncopations. The band's debut full-length, To The Sun And All The Cities In Between, comes out March 4 on Chesky Records.

SHI 360 Friends | Time: TBA Israeli born Canadian rapper, producer and performer. Being raised by North-African parents in the complex reality of Israel has influenced his music to reflect an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern melodies, North African Rhythms and thought provoking lyrics.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 A-WA Flamingo Cantina | 12-12:40 AM (Second show will be on Friday, March 18 from 1-1:50 a.m. at Russian House.) A-WA is a world music group consisting of three sisters who grew up in the small village 'Shaharut' in southern Israel, not too far from the Egyptian border. You can check out their music at www.a-wamusic.com. CHARLIE FAYE AND THE FAYETTES PRESENTED BY BLACK FRET Flatstock Austin Convention Center | Exhibit Hall 4 Flatstock Stage | 4:45-5:15 PM Charlie Faye & the Fayettes craft smart soulpop that merges the swinging, swaying sound and style of ‘60s girl groups with a vibe that’s so current, they’re already dancing to the forefront of the retro-revival movement. The trio’s shared height (they’re all within a half-inch of 5-foot-1) and distinct ethnicities (Jewish, Korean and African-American) just adds cute to their considerable charms. KOSHA DILLZ Sledge Hammer | Time: TBA The #1 Jewish Rapper in Korea Town that raps in Spanish, Hebrew, and English created a huge 2015 for himself, landing 41 dates of Vans Warped Tour, rocking crowds of 10,000+. Rza said it best about Kosha Dillz. "One of the rawest jewish kids I know, proving that hip hop comes in all shapes forms and sizes."

Confronting Cyberhate at SXSW

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he Internet is a magnificent, enormously powerful tool, and it has been a tremendous positive force for most of us. But it also has a sinister side. The decision by the organizers of South by Southwest Interactive to carve out time this year for a unique Summit on Online Harassment is therefore appropriate and timely. Today, all Internet users, including children who lack the critical judgment to recognize and understand hate, are regularly confronted with it. New technology has enabled terrorists and haters to spread their message more broadly. If the hate were contained within the virtual world, it would, of course, be a cause for concern. But even more alarming is how the dissemination of hatred on the Internet spawns violent real world behavior. The ability of Internet users to engage in cyberbullying and to spew hatred anonymously makes it especially difficult to challenge them. There is clearly some value in being able to use the Internet anonymously, but the scope and breadth of hate being transmitted is enormous, and may outweigh the positive arguments for it. Some have been tempted to look to the law to address the broad problem of Internet hate, but the international nature of the Internet makes that option largely impractical. Hate speech is hard to define, and any laws passed in an attempt to limit it online would be virtually impossible to enforce. Furthermore, such laws can promote underuse of other, more powerful

tools available to fight online hate. Most of the major Internet companies have provisions that empower them to remove offensive content from the sites they serve. They should be encouraged to pursue stricter enforcement of their Terms of Service and their Community Guidelines. These platforms usually depend upon their community of users to flag offensive content. For that reason, it is vitally important for people to flag hateful content they encounter online and to applaud positive messages. Finally, the Internet makes one thing abundantly clear. More than ever before, emphasis must be placed on the importance of critical thinking. Our children must learn to approach content they encounter online with the same careful consideration they would use in the “real world”—and they must be empowered with the tools they need to respond. The Internet is changing the world, mostly for the better. But it is also providing new vehicles for transmitting and fomenting hate. How we respond is critical, and ADL experts will be addressing various aspects of that question on multiple panels at the SXSW Summit. We will focus on industry innovation and social responsibility, legal issues, Internet best practices, and specific strategies for identifying and responding to the worst offenders. The constant theme will be how to find the right balance between maintaining freedom of expression and protecting society from cyberhate – one of the major challenges of our time.

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 15

“I am passionate about Judaism and Israel.” – Moriah Sonsino

Moriah Sonsino walked into Texas Hillel shortly after moving to Austin from San Antonio to start college. She was met by students from across the country, and they were all Jewish, so there was an immediate connection upon arrival. Your support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign helps open doors for college students to Jewish programming, Shabbat dinners, leadership and social opportunities through Texas Hillel, Chabad at UT, and Texas A&M Hillel. Moriah served as the co-chair of Israel Block Party, developing her leadership skills and bringing over 1000 students and community members together to learn about Israel, from innovations to democracy to the IDF, and even have fun with live camels. “It’s so important to have this event,” she says, “because a lot of students don’t know anything about Israel. This is a way for them to see what it’s all about in the region.” She also helped recruit volunteers, and proudly recalls, “We were able to engage them and have them enjoy planning an event in a Jewish and pro-Israel context.” As a campus engagement intern and later as a supervisor, Moriah has learned about the importance of engaging Jewish students who were not necessarily connected to their Judaism. She has made many new friends through the experience who have gone onto hold leadership positions themselves. “There just needs to be someone to reach out to them and say ‘hi.’”

OPENING DOORS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS LIKE MORIAH Support the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign and ensure vital programs for Jewish students at the University of Texas and Texas A&M continue to thrive in the year ahead. shalomaustin.org/campaign Contact Amy Hyman, Director of Annual Giving, at 512-735-8078.

Moriah wants everyone to know that the Jewish students coming out of UT are passionate and strong and will make an incredible Jewish community. “We are united on one front…we all care about issues that relate to Judaism… we have so many different strengths and want to make the world a better place together.”

STRONGER TOGETHER

16 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY NE WS & F E ATUR E S

Milestone Raises Record Amount for Annual Campaign By Sarah Weisfeld, Young Adult Division Coordinator 2

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he Young Adult Division’s (YAD) 7th annual Milestone event raised $59,337 for the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign with 154 gifts, a 24 percent increase from last year. Tribute gifts raised over $4,000 more, which was a 40 percent increase from 2015. The evening was filled with cocktails, havdallah led by Sam Siner, dinner, a program led by local Jewish leaders, music by Hot Sauce ATX and more. David, Rebecca and Arielle Levy,

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CELEBRATING

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 17

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Photos Credit: Josh Keller Photography

three siblings born and raised in Waco, TX and current Austin Jewish community members, were honored with the Hineni award. These young adults embody Jewish values and giving at their core. If you’d like to contribute to the Annual Campaign, there’s still time. Visit www. shalomaustin.org/campaign. If you are a Jewish young adult in Austin and looking to get connected you can visit www.shalomaustin.org/yad or find YAD Austin on Facebook. If you have any questions please email sarah.weisfeld@ shalomaustin.org. YAD is a division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin and is made possible by the Annual Campaign.

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1 Milestone Co-Chairs, Brett Lipensky & Molly Abrams 2 Jessica & David Laderberg dancing the night away! 3 Jamie Klazmer, Shira Klazmer, Katarina Ernestus & Martin Klazmer 4 Milestone 2016 brought an old Hollywood feel to this annual YAD event. 5 Brian Deitch, Sarah Weisfeld and David Bernay during Havdallah, led by Sam Siner 6 Hineni Award Recipients: Rebecca, Arielle and David Levy. L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation. Congratulations Levy and Hersch family! 7 Young Adults partying the night away at Milestone! 8 Jessica & Joel Levine 9 Sam Siner and Milestone Committee leading Havdallah 10 Shaina Forman, Elexa Antweil, Wendi Reichstein & Sarah Miller 11 Julie & Ari Franklin 12 Havdallah, led by Sam Siner 13 Brett Merfish, Gabbi Lewin & Daniel Firer

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18 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY NE W S & F E AT UR E S

OPERATION TEXAS:

LBJ's Secret Rescue Mission on the Eve of the Holocaust PART ONE

By Ivan Koop Kuper

O

At the personal request of his good friend Jim Novy, a political ally and a central Texas Democratic Party fundraiser, Lyndon Baines Johnson addressed the members of Congregation Agudas Achim at a dinner dedicating their new sanctuary, then located on Bull Creek Road. The dedication was originally scheduled for the evening of November 24, but the events that transpired two days before in Dallas, beginning with a motorcade through Dealey Plaza, prevented Johnson from fulfilling his original promise. This was Johnson’s first public speech since taking the oath of office to become acting president of the United States. However, before LBJ stepped up to the podium to address a grieving congregation, he was first introduced by Novy, a self-made Polish immigrant and chairman of the synagogue's building committee. Novy's remarks were recorded and later reproduced on a commemorative analog vinyl disc that was distributed as a souvenir to all who were in attendance that evening. In his Texas drawl with a slight Yiddish

accent, the diminutive and bespectacled Austin scrap-metal magnate greeted the congregation and thanked LBJ for his involvement in what has become a historical and political mystery, puzzling both academics and historians for more than 50 years. Jim Novy's introduction that night lit a fire of conjecture regarding a questionable and often disputed chapter of American history that has been steadily smoldering to this day. "I want to take you back as far as 1938 when I went to Poland and Germany with my son, Dave Howard," Novy began. "Naturally, I asked the advice of President Johnson. He had given me a letter for the [U.S.] embassy in Poland and went as far as calling them long distance to tell them to get as many people out of Poland and Germany that we possibly can and of course, through the efforts of the President, and with a recommendation to the embassy, we were able to take many, many people out." In July, 1938, LBJ, with Novy's help, allegedly set the wheels in motion to

Courtesy of the LBJ Presidential Library

n the evening of December 30, 1963, a little more than one month after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the newly sworn-in 36th President of the United States kept a promise he made to the congregants of a small Jewish Conservative synagogue in Austin, Texas.

President Lyndon Baines Johnson addressing members of Congregation Agudas Achim on December 30, 1963.

covertly rescue a group of Polish and German Jews, including Novy's sisterin-law and her three children. When Novy took a business trip to Warsaw with his young son that summer, in his possession were the necessary affidavits and departure visas, provided by Congressman Johnson, that enabled 42 Jews to leave pre-war Europe and circumvent the United States' existing restrictive immigration policy.

These refugees supposedly entered the United States several months later through the port of Galveston, and were then resettled in central Texas. In 1940, before Germany officially declared war on the United States, Johnson and Novy may have orchestrated another clandestine rescue of hundreds more. As a result, these Polish and German rescuees were saved from the imminent systematic annihilation of

Continued on Page 20

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 19

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016

I WA N T MY

SPECIAL THANK YOU AND GREAT APPRECIATION TO THE FOLLOWING FOR AN OUTSTANDING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING PROGRAM:

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Teacher Honoree Ilene Novy

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20 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

LBJ From Page 18

Jim Novy introducing his friend, President Johnson at the Congregation Agudas Achim building dedication in 1963.

Photos Courtesy of the LBJ Presidential Library

European Jewry by the hands of the Nazis. As Novy nervously continued introducing LBJ at Congregation Agudas Achim that evening, he moved two years forward in his story. He explained how after the second wave of refugees were brought to Texas, they were housed and trained in Depression-era NYA (National Youth Association) work camps. These "New Deal" camps, created for American citizens by the Roosevelt administration, were designed to teach new trades to America's unemployed youth, and reintroduce them back into the work force. Johnson was appointed state director of the Texas NYA by Roosevelt, and he hand-picked his successor, Jessee Kellam, after his election to Congress in 1937. "All I can remember is that we did get a lot of refugees here, and which the state didn't mind to lodge them and teach them trades," Novy told an attentive audience, "but they [NYA] wouldn't pay for their food. So, the Joint Distribution Committee at that time appointed me to get all the groceries and all they needed to eat while the State of Texas taught them how to get along in life and to get away from a country where they couldn't do anything [referring to Germany's Nuremberg Laws]." With Secret Service members standing at the back of the room and Lady Bird seated by his side, LBJ patiently waited for Novy to conclude his introduction before he stepped up to the podium to address the audience. Johnson then thanked the congregation for their continual support and only cryptically

alluded to the surreptitious episodes mentioned by Novy that purportedly transpired during the freshman year of his eleven-year-term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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As he read from the speech prepared by White House special assistant to the President Bill Moyers, LBJ never acknowledged the tale spun by Novy in his introduction, nor did he deny it. He did, however, make reference to the diverse cultural and demographic melting pot of Austin's 10th congressional district that afforded him his political career: "From many lands, from many cultures men brought their families here to escape oppression, to escape war, to search and seek their peace," he said. "I am grateful that my first nonofficial public remarks since November 22 can be made here in Austin and in conjunction with the dedication of a house of worship." At Novy's request, LBJ's pro-Zionist aunt, Jessie Johnson Hatcher, and her daughter also attended that evening, as were some of the aging, yet grateful members of the

congregation to whom Novy made reference in his introduction. Lady Bird Johnson also reminisced about the evening of the dedication of the new Agudas Achim sanctuary in her 1970 memoir, A White House Diary: "As we started out the synagogue, person after person plucked at my sleeve and said, 'I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for him. He helped me get out.' That both frightens you and makes you happy," Lady Bird wrote. Neena Husid, an Austin publicist and blogger who worked as an advertising sales rep at KLBJ FM in the1980s remembers being invited to a sales meeting and luncheon hosted by Lady Bird at her downtown Austin penthouse. "As she took me around the apartment showing me artifacts belonging to her late husband, she confided to me with a nod and a wink, 'The Jews were very good to Lyndon and Lyndon was very good to the Jews.' I always figured this comment had to do with the fact that Jewish political forces helped him get elected but in hindsight, I think she was trying to tell me something more." Read PART TWO in the April issue of The Jewish Outlook

Ivan Koop Kuper, a freelance writer and graduate student of journalism at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, is also a real estate broker and professional drummer. He enjoys writing about history, crime, the human condition, and popular and not-so-popular culture. Kuper can be reached at [email protected].

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 21

“You can make your Jewish life look like whatever you want it to…” – Lily Smullen

Michelle Green and Lily Smullen met each other when they took their babies, Zane and Jonah, to Shabbat ‘N Play at the JCC. They both had their own social circles, but not a lot of “mom friends.” Lily recalls how great it was to have a comfortable place to socialize for parents and kids, and a unique resource with programming for infants. Your support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign helps support programs for young families, setting a Jewish foundation for the rest of their lives. Lily grew up without traditional Jewish observances other than Chanukah. She says now, when she reads PJ Library books with Jonah, she’s introduced to holidays like Tu B’Shevat and feels “I’m learning right along with my son.” She is thankful to raise Jonah with a strong Jewish identity, which stems from having a strong community around him. Shabbat was a big part of Michelle’s upbringing, from dinners to lighting candles to the prayers. Jewish values have always been a part of her life, and she wants Zane to feel that being Jewish is just part of who he is — he will continue to be a part of the Jewish community in Austin no matter where he goes to school or where they live. And since the friends Zane and Jonah are making at Shabbat ‘N Play are the same age, it won’t end there – they will continue to grow and learn together. “I feel like we are the ones this community is being built for,” says Lily. “What a blessing is that!”

STRONGER TOGETHER

BUILDING COMMUNITY FOR YOUNG FAMILIES & NEW PARENTS LIKE MICHELLE & LILY Support the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign and ensure vital programs like Shalom Baby, Shabbat ‘N Play, PJ Library and PJ Power Hours continue to expand in the year ahead. shalomaustin.org/campaign

Contact Amy Hyman, Director of Annual Giving, at 512-735-8078.

22 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

NATIONAL NEWS & FEATURES

How the Death of Justice Antonin Scalia Impacts 6 Cases That Matter Most to Jews and Texans By Ron Kampeas

Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

WASHINGTON (JTA) – With the sudden

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia waiting to be introduced to speak at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., Oct. 2, 2012.

passing last month of Justice Antonin Scalia, the Supreme Court is now split 4-4 between liberals and conservatives, throwing into doubt how the court will rule on a raft of cases – including several watched by Jewish organizations. Four of these cases directly relate to Texas. Scalia, who was 79, is being mourned by Orthodox Jewish groups, which embraced his robust originalist doctrine, as well as Jewish church-state separation advocates, who railed at some of his decisions but admired his sharp wit and dedication to upholding the Constitution. Jewish groups are also monitoring with concern the emerging political battle: President Barack Obama has pledged to nominate a replacement and Republican leaders in the Senate are vowing not to

consider a replacement until a new president takes office next year. “This was a person who looms large in American society,” Rabbi Jonah Pesner, who heads the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center, said in an interview. “It’s initially about mourning his death, but it’s also about affirming democracy.” Officials at Jewish organizations outlined six cases with implications for the Jewish community that may turn out differently absent Scalia's fifth conservative vote.

Zubik v. Burwell In 2013, the Obama administration allowed faith-based employers to work around the contraceptive coverage mandate in the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Under the system, religious nonprofits – for Continued on Page 24

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24 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

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“You’re talking about nonprofit chariinstance parochial schools – could refer table religious organizations,” Diament employees to outside insurance agencies said. “You could imagine it swinging the for such coverage. other way." A number of religious organizations have Trinity Lutheran v. Pauley since argued that the mere fact of filling in a government form that would allow This is the latest case to test the "Blaine employees to get contraceptive coverage Amendment" laws passed in 37 of 50 states elsewhere violates their rights. banning their governments from funding Zubik v. Burwell consolidates seven religious institutions. challenges to the mandate. Before Scalia’s Liberals tout the laws as necessary death, a 5-4 conservative majority seemed protections against religious encroachthe likeliest outcome based on the 2014 ment on public life. Conservatives note Hobby Lobby case, which allowed closely that the laws were passed largely owing held companies to reject the contraceptive to anti-Catholic bigotry toward the end of coverage mandate and split the court along the 19th century as conservative-liberal a means of keeping lines. parochial schools A split decision from being funded. would allow the In this case, a The Supreme Court is seven lower court Missouri Blaine decisions to stand. now split 4-4 between Amendment is That would be chaotic liberals and conservatives, keeping a church since they had a range throwing into doubt how from benefiting from of outcomes, some a state program that the court will rule on a favoring and some recycles tires into opposing the Obama raft of cases – including rubber used to repave administration. several watched by playgrounds, making “If [Justice Jewish organizations. them safer. Anthony] Kennedy On paper, it looks votes with conserlike a 4-4 split, vatives, we’ve got which would keep a mess,” said Steve the church from Freeman, the director accessing the program, as lower courts of legal affairs for the Anti-Defamation have ruled for the state. That would be League, which has filed an amicus, or “good news for the ADL,” said Freeman, friend-of-the-court, brief on the governwhich has filed an amicus brief on behalf ment’s side. of the state. Liberals are hoping that Kennedy, the But Marc Stern, the general counsel to conservative who most often swings to the the American Jewish Committee, which liberal side, may do so in this case. They cite has backed the church in an amicus brief, his opinion concurring with the majority in suggested Justice Stephen Breyer, the the Hobby Lobby case, in which he lauded Jewish judge who has at times broken with the very opt-out form under consideration fellow liberals on the court and decried in Zubik v. Burwell as “an existing, recogchurch-state separation overreach, could nized, workable, and already-implemented side with the conservatives here. framework to provide coverage.” Diament, whose O.U. is also planning Nathan Diament, the Washington an amicus brief, agreed that liberals might director of the Orthodox Union, which has cross over in this case. joined an amicus brief backing the plain“We would hope you could have more tiffs, said judicial flexibility could also go than five justices striking down that Blaine the other way. One or more of the liberal Amendment, ” he said. justices who bristled at the notion that private businesses had religious beliefs in Fisher v. University of Texas Hobby Lobby might not be so opposed to the charitable groups represented in Zubik The Supreme Court in 2013 sent this v. Burwell, he said. case back to the appellate court in a 7-1 SCALIA From Page 22

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 25

decision, saying the lower court's decision did not adequately take into account the high bar for allowing affirmative action set by earlier Supreme Court decisions. The appellate court reconsidered and came up with the same ruling: The university's affirmative action program is legal. The program works this way: The top 10 percent of any graduating high school class in Texas is automatically admitted to the university, making up 75 percent of a freshman class. The remaining 25 percent are admitted through what the university calls a "holistic" system that takes race into account. Abigail Fisher, the plaintiff, a white student who was not in the top 10 percent of her graduating class and did not qualify by "holistic" standards, says she suffered discrimination because of her race. Backed by groups that seek an end to affirmative action, she appealed again to the Supreme Court. The ADL, the AJC and a number of Reform groups have filed amicus briefs backing the university consistent with

Homework

the position long held by Jewish groups opposing race-based quotas, but favoring broad-based programs that advance diversity. Justice Elena Kagan recused herself in 2013 and is doing so again in this case; as Obama’s solicitor general in 2012, she filed an amicus brief favoring the university when the case was in a lower court. Without Kagan, when Scalia was alive, the university appeared headed for a 5-3 defeat. The court’s conservatives have long seemed to be itching to strike a blow against affirmative action, and Scalia made headlines when he wondered in December during oral arguments whether black students do better at “less advanced, slower track” schools. The conservative majority remains in place at 4-3, but the ADL’s Freeman said a shrunken seven-judge court might be reluctant to rule sweepingly and could favor a narrower ruling that would not have national implications.

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Evenwel v. Abbott The conservative activist plaintiffs in this case want Texas to apportion election district populations according to registered voters and not according to total population, which includes non-voters such as children, felons and non-citizen immigrants. The Reform movement, the AJC and ADL have all joined briefs on behalf of Texas, favoring apportionment according to total population – a system that boosts the influence of urban areas, where non-voters are likelier to reside, and favors Democrats.

“This was a person who looms large in American society. It’s initially about mourning his death, but it’s also about affirming democracy.” Rabbi Jonah Pesner Union for Reform Judaism Religious Action Center

“Just because someone can’t vote, it’s important they’re represented,” Freeman said. The judges seemed split during oral arguments in December along ideological lines. Scalia’s absence could mean a 4-4 vote, which would revert the decision to a lower court that has ruled in favor of apportionment according to total population.

U.S. v. Texas Texas led 26 states last year in filing lawsuits challenging the Obama administration’s plans in late 2014 to add parents to a 2012 program that indefinitely defers

the deportation of illegal immigrants who arrived in the United States as children. Federal courts, heeding Texas and the other states, have put a hold on the program, which would apply to about 5 million immigrants here illegally. The Obama administration has asked the Supreme Court to consider whether the states have standing to bring the suit. The Anti-Defamation League and the National Council of Jewish Women have joined an amicus brief defending the Obama administration’s prerogative in this case, and the AJC’s Stern said his group plans to as well. Stern also noted that because the lower courts have favored the states, this is one of the cases where Scalia’s absence is less consequential. “We’ll be supporting the administration, but if the court splits 4-4, the technical result is to affirm the Court of Appeals,” which has upheld the states’ right to sue to stop the program, he said.

Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt A federal appeals court has upheld a Texas law mandating regulations on abortion clinics that reproductive rights advocates say are onerous and aimed primarily at shutting down abortion access. Among these are requirements that the clinics establish formal relationships with hospitals within a 30-mile radius. Owing to the anti-abortion climate in the state, most hospitals have declined such relationships. An array of Jewish groups, including the Reform movement, the NCJW and the ADL, have joined amicus briefs backing abortion providers. Reproductive rights advocacy groups, before Scalia’s death, said the case could be as consequential as Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that expanded a woman’s right to an abortion. The NCJW had asked members to rally in Washington, D.C., on March 2, when oral arguments are scheduled. Ahead of oral arguments, it’s difficult to assess which way the justices are leaning. Should they split 4-4, the case would devolve back to the 5th Circuit Appeals Court ruling upholding the law. Unlike a majority Supreme Court ruling, a split decision would not apply nationally and would only affect states covered by the 5th Circuit: Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 27

NATIONAL NEWS & FEATURES

FEELING THE BERN? Why the Bernie Sanders Candidacy’s Not a Huge Deal for Jews NEW YORK (JTA) — Bernie Sanders had a

month of historic firsts. In New Hampshire, he handily won the Democratic Party contest, becoming the first Jew to win a presidential primary. In Iowa, he became the first Jewish presidential candidate — the first non-Christian, even — to win delegates in a major party’s caucus or primary. But that’s trivia. What’s more significant is that he’s the first Jew to mount a credible campaign for the White House. It’s not that credible Jewish politicians haven’t run for president before. There was Republican Sen. Arlen Specter in 1996 and Democratic Sen. Joseph Lieberman in 2004. But they were out of step with their parties and their candidacies went nowhere. (Both later quit their parties.) And if the prospect of Republicans nominating a pro-choice Jew in the 1990s or Democrats tapping a Jewish hawk in the Iraq War’s aftermath seemed far-fetched, the notion of a Jewish socialist with a thick Brooklyn accent giving Hillary Clinton a run for her money is really incredible. Yet one aspect of Sanders’ improbable candidacy is, remarkably, treated as mostly unremarkable: his Jewishness. Sanders doesn’t go out of this way to highlight his Jewish background, nor have his supporters or opponents made it an issue. The Jewish community has not rallied around him, nor has there been, until now, any Jewish groundswell of

public pride or anxiety over his campaign. We have not heard calls for Jews to support their fellow Jew. Contrast this with the prominence of gender in discussions of Clinton’s candidacy. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and feminist icon Gloria Steinem caused stirs when they seemed to rebuke younger women who back Sanders over Clinton. “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other!” Albright said. Meanwhile, American Jews are united in comparative nonchalance about Sanders’ Jewishness. Partly that’s because few expected he would do so well. But it’s also because Lieberman already broke the Jewish glass ceiling. His 2000 vice-presidential run proved Americans were prepared to put a Jewish candidate a heartbeat away from the presidency. Of course, Lieberman wasn’t just a Jewish candidate. He was a very Jewish candidate. He wore his identity on his sleeve: an Orthodox Jew outspoken in his support for Israel and other Jewish causes. Sanders is different. He describes himself as “not particularly religious.” He is married to a non-Jewish woman. He is aloof from Jewish communal life. A Sanders campaign ad described the candidate simply as “the son of a Polish immigrant.” Tellingly, last Rosh Hashanah, Sanders wasn’t in synagogue. He was in church — well, not church per se, but he was at

Credit: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

By Daniel Treiman

Liberty University, the conservative Christian educational citadel founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell. Sanders was there preaching his secular brand of social justice gospel. Democratic socialism, not Judaism, is his real religion. But Sanders is also, in his own way, a very Jewish candidate. Sanders cleverly acknowledged as much during his “Saturday Night Live” appearance alongside his comic doppelganger, Larry David. Playing a rabble-rousing socialist immigrant aboard an ocean liner bound for America, Sanders introduces himself as “Bernie Sanderswitzky, but we’re going to change it when we get to America so it doesn’t sound quite so Jewish.” To which David deadpans: “Yeah, that’ll trick ’em.”

Bernie Sanders making his victory speech in Concord after winning the New Hampshire Democratic primary, Feb. 9, 2016.

It’s not just Sanders’ Brooklynite bearing that marks him as inescapably Jewish. Nor is it the fact that he volunteered in Israel on a kibbutz. (After all, former Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann also worked on a kibbutz.) Rather, Sanders’ personal and political story is emblematic of a whole generation of Jewish idealists. Sanders was far from the only young Jew in the early 1960s to fervently embrace socialism, following in the footsteps of Jewish radicals from earlier eras. Like many Jews, Sanders was deeply invested in the black struggle for civil rights; he was active with the Congress of Racial Equality and attended Martin Luther King’s “I Have

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a Dream” speech. After college, Sanders was in the vanguard of the mini-migration to Vermont of socially conscious Jewish urbanites going “back to the land.” Today, Sanders invokes his Jewish roots to explain his passion for combating bigotry. In one of his campaign’s most memorable moments, a young hijab-wearing woman at a Sanders rally told the candidate she was worried about anti-Muslim rhetoric in American politics. Sanders beckoned her over for a hug. “I’m Jewish,” he said. “My father’s family died in concentration camps. I will do everything that I can to rid this country of the ugly stain of racism.”

Sanders’ disconnect with organized Jewry, his attenuated religiosity and his marriage to a non-Jew are not atypical for American Jews, plenty of whom are unaffiliated, secular and intermarried. Sanders fits comfortably into the growing category that Jewish demographers dub “Just Jewish.” At the same time, Sanders’ staunchly left-wing stances occasionally have taken him outside even the liberal mainstream of American Jewish politics. For instance, Sanders backed the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s historic presidential bids in 1984 and 1988, notwithstanding the black leader’s then-acrimonious relationship with the Jewish community.

On Israel, too, Sanders expresses positions that would put him at odds with Jewish communal leaders. He has strongly criticized Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians and suggested that as president he would “maintain an evenhanded approach to the area.” Yet he has come under fire from anti-Israel activists, as when he was heckled at a 2014 Vermont town hall meeting for expressing sympathy with the Jewish state over the threat it faces from Hamas rocket attacks even as he condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Iowa and New Hampshire can’t tell us much about how Sanders will perform

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with Jewish voters, and Clinton has plenty of Jewish devotees. But these early contests do indicate that Sanders’ Jewishness isn’t hurting him with Democrats. If anything, Sanders’ fans find his disheveled-old-Jewish-socialist-from-Brooklyn image to be a charming badge of authenticity. Still, there are those who think being Jewish can be a political liability. New York City’s former mayor, Michael Bloomberg, who is toying with the idea of jumping into the presidential race, once expressed doubt that America would elect a “short, Jewish, divorced billionaire.” Bloomberg may be correct that being a billionaire or short could be a liability, but is he right about Jewishness? Polling suggests that Jews may be America’s most popular religious group. Jews are warmly regarded by Democrats and Republicans, evangelicals and atheists. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center found that only 10 percent of Americans are less likely to vote for a Jew for president, compared to 20 percent who said they were less likely to vote for an evangelical Christian. Perhaps it's because everyone can seem to find something to like about Jews: To conservative evangelicals, Jews are the Bible's “chosen people;” to secular and liberal Americans, Jews are liberal, secular types. Sanders’ identity as a socialist may be much more problematic: 50 percent of Americans say they wouldn’t vote for a socialist. And the fact that he’s not particularly religious could be a liability: 51 percent of Pew respondents said they were less likely to vote for an atheist for president. If Sanders’ Jewishness is not an issue, perhaps it’s because Jews are so well-integrated into contemporary American life. Indeed, Sanders is not the only presidential hopeful with intimate Jewish ties. His rival for the Democratic nomination has a Jewish son-in-law who donned a yarmulke and tallit at his wedding to Chelsea Clinton. The winner of New Hampshire’s Republican primary, Donald Trump, has a daughter, Ivanka, who converted to Judaism and goes to an Orthodox synagogue. What’s remarkable is how unremarkable this is. Daniel Treiman is a student at the New York University School of Law. He is a former managing editor of JTA.

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 29

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JTA BRIEFS IDF Releases Attack Warning App

The Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command has released a mobile application to warn Israelis of local security threats. The application, detailed in a call with reporters, was developed by a staff of some 15 people in the Home Front Command, which oversees civilian preparedness. It was launched last month on Android and Apple devices. Called Home Front Command, the application aims to improve on several civilian-developed counterparts that alert Israelis to the warning sirens that blare ahead of incoming missiles. Those applications gained popularity during the 2014 war in Gaza, but alert users to every siren across the country. The IDF's alternative will track users based on their GPS location and alert them only to threats in their immediate area. It will cover a range of emergencies – from earthquakes to terror attacks to incoming rockets. In addition to warning users of the threat, the application will provide instructions on how to respond. It will be available in four languages – Hebrew, English, Arabic and Russian – though it will not be available for download outside Israel. In addition to the sirens spread throughout the country, the Home Front Command sends text message warnings to Israelis' phones and broadcasts them on the TV and radio. Lt. Col. Shlomi Maman, the Home Front Command's alert branch commander, said the army wants to localize warnings as much as possible -- even by neighborhood – so as to avoid needlessly worrying civilians. "We view a warning that reaches a citizen who didn't need to receive it just like someone who needed to receive [a warning] and did not," Maman said in the briefing. "This project is to make it more selective."

Report: Anti-Israel Campus Activists Shifting Strategies, Facing Internal Divisions

Anti-Israel campus groups in the United States are shifting their tactics, replacing BDS resolutions with “theatrics and disruptive tactics,” according to a report by a Jewish watchdog group. In its “Fall 2015 Campus Trends” report, released last month, the Israel on Campus Coalition also reported that anti-Israel groups have invested “significant efforts” in strengthening ties with other activist causes on campus, yet the movement overall has faced “considerable divisions.” While the number of anti-Israel events has dropped since the previous fall, when Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip “triggered an unusually high number,” more such events are enjoying co-sponsorship from “groups unrelating to Israel, reflecting the impact of coalition-building” among anti-Israel activists, according the report. Meanwhile, the report found an increase in pro-Israel activities on campus. “Disruptive tactics” observed in the report include “staging dramatic protests” at pro-Israel events and at campus lectures by Israeli speakers. In some of these incidents, the national Students for Justice in Palestine group filmed protests and then published “altered videos that generated vicious attacks against campus supporters of Israel,” the report said.

According to the report, anti-Israel student activists are divided over the efficacy of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel, the Syrian civil war and “other geopolitical issues.” In a news release, ICC Executive Director Jacob Baize said pro-Israel campus activists are “focusing on positive and proactive ways to express support for Israel on campuses across the country.” The organization issued a similar report in August documenting activities and trends from the 2014-15 academic year.

Advocates Brief White House on Barriers for the Jewish Disabled

Jewish advocates for the disabled briefed Obama administration officials on barriers to Jewish life for those with disabilities. The two-hour event on Feb. 18 was organized by the White House and held at the neighboring Eisenhower Executive Office Building as part of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, an initiative of a number of local and national Jewish organizations. Matt Nosanchuk, associate director and liaison to the Jewish Community at the White House Office of Public Engagement, and Maria Town, associate director and liaison in the disability community in that office, moderated the discussion. Judith Heumann, the special adviser for International Disability Rights in the Department of State, cited tikkun olam, the ancient rabbinical imperative to repair the world, and said: “The Jewish community has an obligation, I believe, to be leaders.” When a building is not accessible and there are no braille reading materials or sign language interpreters, those with a disability get the message they are not welcome, said panelist Ruti Regan, co-founder of Anachnu, a group promoting inclusion within the Jewish community. Along with Regan, the panel included Sheila Katz, vice president for social entrepreneurship at Hillel International; Aaron Kaufman, senior legislative assistant at Jewish Federations of North America, and John Winer, the executive director at the Jewish Association for Developmental Disabilities. In attendance among others were representatives of RespectAbility, an advocacy group that has been canvassing presidential candidates about how their platforms address the needs of the disabled. Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, RespectAbility's president, said the event was an opportunity for networking and sharing best practices for a cohort scattered throughout the country. "It's an ingathering of the leaders around the country doing exemplary work but who don’t get enough time to network," said Mizrahi, whose group advocates for greater inclusion within the Jewish community. The panelists addressed the need for inclusion not just in programming and services but also in Jewish social life. “No individual wants to feel like they are a chesed project,” Winer said, using the Hebrew word for charity.

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 31

Kaufman said inclusion is important, but added that events designed for the disabled can also be salutary. Kaufman, who is in a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy, said he had a great experience on a recent Birthright trip to Israel designed for disabled people. He urged everyone working on inclusion to include people with disabilities in their meetings. “Nothing about us without us,” he said. It is also important to realize the costs of making a synagogue, organization or event totally inclusive, he said. “Everybody can say, ‘Oh, we are all created in the image of God,’ and that’s wonderful, but if they are really serious, they have to be willing to put money to it,” Kaufman said. Katz of Hillel said she would like to see more Jewish leaders talk about their own disabilities and become role models. It’s important to reach out to those with disabilities and “meet you wherever you are on your Jewish journey. We have a responsibility,” she said. “The best mosaics are made up of the most beautiful pieces,” Winer said, noting, that should be “the fabric of our Jewish life.”

Last Survivor Of Treblinka Revolt, Samuel Willenberg, Dies at 93

Samuel Willenberg, the last survivor of the Treblinka camp revolt, has died. Willenberg, who escaped the Nazi death camp in 1943, died last month at his home in Tel Aviv. He was 93. He was born in 1923 in Poland, to a Jewish father and a mother who converted to Judaism from Orthodox Christianity, and was taken to the Treblinka death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland in 1942, when he was 19 years old. At the advice of an acquaintance, Willenberg told Nazi guards when he entered Treblinka that he was a bricklayer, which saved his life; the rest of his transport was killed in the gas chambers. Willenberg was a leader of the August 1943 revolt at the camp, in which 300 prisoners escaped. About 100 of the escaped inmates survived, according to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C. Over 800,000 Jews from Poland and Greece were killed at Treblinka. Willenberg later joined the Polish partisans and took part in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. He moved to Israel in 1950 and spent the rest of his life teaching about the Holocaust, including visiting Poland and Treblinka with high school students. Willenberg wrote a memoir about his experiences called "Revolt in Treblinka." He had hoped to establish a museum at Treblinka, which had mostly been leveled by the Nazis at the end of the war. “Samuel Willenberg was a hero who defied the odds and risked his life during the darkest time in modern history," World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer said in a statement. "He dedicated his life’s work to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and to honoring the Jewish people. “As the number of living Holocaust survivors dwindles, it is our duty to continue their legacy and ensure that future generations remember their sacrifices and never forget the horrors that the Jewish people were forced to endure."

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INTERNATIONAL NE W S & F E AT URES

Western Wall Prayer Fight Ends with Historic Compromise By Ben Sales

TEL AVIV (JTA) – Israel's government

Anat Hoffman, leader of the Women of the Wall group, speaks with members of the media near the Western Wall on Jan. 31, reacting to the Israeli government's passage of a new plan on egalitarian prayer rights at the Jewish holy site.

on January 31 approved a compromise to expand the non-Orthodox Jewish prayer section of the Western Wall, putting to rest the decades-long fight between Women of the Wall and Israel's haredi Orthodox religious establishment. The deal achieves what had been an elusive goal: an interdenominational consensus on Judaism's holiest site with

official recognition. The non-Orthodox prayer section at the wall will become much larger and more accessible. But haredi control of the Orthodox section will also be solidified, though non-Orthodox leaders have long protested that monopoly. The deal, a copy of which JTA obtained ahead of the Cabinet vote, still contains a few unknowns. It is unclear how long construction will take. It does not say

whether clear signage will direct visitors to the non-Orthodox section. Nor does it say exactly when Women of the Wall, an embattled women’s prayer group, will move its monthly services from the Orthodox Jewish main prayer section to the non-Orthodox one. Still, the Conservative and Reform movements can declare victory. The size of the non-Orthodox section of the Western Wall will double to nearly 10,000 square feet – half the size of the Orthodox main section just to its north. A committee of non-Orthodox leaders and government officials will manage the non-Orthodox section. And a single entrance will lead to both sections. The Western Wall’s haredi Orthodox management, called the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, also safeguarded its interests. Non-Orthodox leaders had campaigned for a share of control of the Orthodox section of the wall, but the Heritage Foundation will retain full authority over it and the larger plaza behind the prayer sections. And when the plan is implemented, Women of the Wall will move to the non-Orthodox section, one of the Heritage Foundation’s long-standing demands. “They all came to the conclusion that they must make serious compromises because they want it to remain one Kotel for one people,” Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman Natan Sharansky told JTA, using the Hebrew term for the site. “lt's the place that must unite us more than anything else, and it turned into the most ugly war." Plans for the non-Orthodox section’s expansion, spearheaded by Sharansky, began in December 2012. In October of that year, police had arrested the Women of the Wall's chairwoman, Anat Hoffman, for wearing a tallit during the group’s monthly service – an act that at the time was illegal at the site. Talks on a plan to expand the non-Orthodox section of the wall, located in an archaeological park known as Robinson’s Arch, began in April 2013. Sharansky and outgoing Israeli Cabinet secretary Avichai

Credit: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP/Getty Images

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 33

The Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on a rainy day, Oct. 25, 2015.

Mandelblit led the negotiations, which included representatives of the Reform and Conservative movements, the Heritage Foundation and Women of the Wall. Nearly three years later, the new deal calls for the creation of an “official and respected,” 9,700-square foot prayer space in the non-Orthodox section of the Western Wall, running along a 31-foot segment of the wall, that Sharansky said will fit

approximately 1,200 people. It will have a government-funded staff, Torah scrolls and other ritual objects, and be open to all forms of Jewish prayer. Sharansky estimated its construction could take up to two years. Even after it is completed, the non-Orthodox section will remain smaller than its Orthodox counterpart. The Orthodox section measures some 21,500 square feet, Continued on Page 71

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34 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

INTERNATIONAL NE W S & F E AT URES

Will Syria and Natural Gas Push Israel and Turkey Back Together?

Credit: Moshe Shai/Flash 90

By Ben Sales

An oil rig in the Tamar natural gas field off the Israeli coast, June 23, 2014.

TEL AVIV (JTA) – After years of false starts,

Israeli negotiators went to Geneva last week for talks aimed at ending a long-running conflict with a regional adversary. It’s not the Palestinians. It’s Turkey. Once a key partner of Israel, Turkey in recent years has been a thorn in its side. It supports Israel’s foes, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often uses international forums as opportunities to slam the Jewish state – particularly its treatment of Palestinians. But in December, Israel and Turkey began negotiating a full restoration of ties after nearly six years of downgraded relations. Here’s what happened between the former allies, why things are improving now – and why some Israeli analysts are still skeptical the Turkey-Israel impasse will be resolved.

Turkey used to be Israel’s closest ally in the Middle East. Turkey recognized Israel shortly after its founding in 1948, and over the course of the 1990s the countries built strong defense ties. Both relatively secular, pro-Western democracies and minorities in an Arab-dominated Middle East, the two countries established regular dialogue between their defense ministries, conducted joint military training exercises and signed weapons deals. Israel sent assistance to Turkey after a massive earthquake in 1999.

Things deteriorated after Erdogan’s election and a crisis followed Israel’s killing of nine Turks trying to break the Gaza blockade. Relations started souring in 2002, when Erdogan’s Islamic AKP party won national elections and aligned the foreign policy of Turkey in favor of the Palestinians while cooling ties with Israel. Diplomatic relations broke down completely after the May 2010 flotilla incident, when the Mavi Marmara

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 35

ship manned by Turkish activists tried to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Israeli forces landed on the ship and killed nine activists in the ensuing melee. Turkey demanded Israel apologize for the incident, but Israel declined. Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador, withdrew its envoy to Israel, suspended military cooperation with Israel and excluded Israel from NATO exercises.

Now Turkey needs a friend in a disintegrating region. Netanyahu apologized to Erdogan in a 2013 phone call brokered by President Barack Obama, who was wrapping up a visit to Israel at the time. In December 2015, the sides entered talks aimed at restoring full diplomatic relations, and last week a delegation from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations met with Erdogan. The negotiations followed a bad year for Turkey. Syria's civil war has thrown the country into crisis, exacerbating its conflict with Kurds at home and leading some to accuse Turkey of supporting the ISIS terror organization, which is fighting Kurdish forces in Iraq. Turkey also has taken in some 2 million Syrian refugees fleeing the war in Syria. Turkey is also facing tensions with Egypt over Turkish support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, now outlawed in Egypt, and tensions with Russia following Turkey’s downing of a Russian plane in November. Restoring ties with Israel could give Erdogan a rare regional win. “The regional challenges Turkey has with Russia, from Egypt, with the Kurds,” said Alon Liel, Israel’s charge d’affaires in Turkey in the 1980s, is giving Turkey “second thoughts about the Israel issue.”

Israel wants someone to buy its natural gas. Israel wouldn’t mind strengthening ties with one of its few Middle Eastern trading partners. Patching the Turkey relationship also would reopen the door to military exercises with NATO. But Israel’s main motivation isn’t about war and peace, experts say; it’s economic. For months, Netanyahu has been pushing to enact a controversial program that would allow drilling in Israel’s giant offshore gas fields, which the prime minister says is

essential for the national security of Israel. A deal with Turkey could both restore it as an ally and make it a large buyer of Israeli natural gas. That would be a boon for Netanyahu – and a potential bonanza for the gas companies.

But Gaza could be the obstacle to a renewed alliance – again. Relations between Turkey and Israel collapsed over Gaza, and Gaza could keep them apart – natural gas or not. Turkey hosts part of the leadership of Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza, and has harshly criticized Israel for its blockade of the coastal strip.

As part of the deal, Turkey has demanded that Israel lift or ease the blockade. Israel, in turn, has demanded that Turkey expel Hamas' leaders. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, who has voiced pessimism about the deal, also demanded that Turkey convince Hamas to return the remains of two Israeli soldiers. Speaking in Greece in January, Yaalon also accused Turkey of buying oil from ISIS terrorists and said Ankara “enables jihadists to move backwards and forwards between Europe and Syria and Iraq and to be part of the ISIS terror infrastructure in Europe.” A Turkey detente also could backfire for Israel. In recent years, Israel has bolstered

ties with Egypt led by Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, who last week met with a Presidents Conference delegation in Cairo, as well as Greece and Cyprus – all Turkish rivals. Retaining Greek and Cypriot support is especially important, Liel said, because they act as Israeli allies in the European Union. It may not be worthwhile, he said, to risk those ties for a detente with a Turkish government that has spent the past seven years denouncing Israel. “Erdogan is an unpredictable player,” Liel said. “There’s a concern that if they sign with him today, and there’s a war in Gaza in four to five months, he’ll make trouble.”

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36 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY EVE N TS

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politics, literature, culinary experiences, Israel, history, Jewish living, Bible, and religious texts. This year’s featured keynote was Dr. Beth S. Wenger who spoke about the Search for American Jewish Heritage, reflecting on American Jewish history and the various methods of how Jews in the United States collectively wove themselves into the narrative of the nation.

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38 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

Harry Deitz Knows Austin New Wholy Bagel Owners Take W HAT JEW WANNA EAT

Your Favorite Bagels Up a Notch

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hen people learn that I am a Jewish food blogger, who previously lived in New York City, they inevitably ask the same question. Where can I get a decent bagel in this town? I always reply, without hesitation, Wholy Bagel. Yes, you may have to schlep south to William Cannon and Mopac. And yes, it’s worth the weekend lines. Since taking over the store in October, new owners Rich and Nicole Spiegel are giving Austin bagel lovers a lot to look forward to. The Spiegels were amongst the most excited patrons when Wholy Bagel first opened six years ago. During construction, Nicole peered through the window every day until they finally opened. Rich joked that she was their first customer. And the second. Having moved to Austin from the East Coast – Nicole is from a NYC suburb, Rich is from New Jersey – they loved the friendliness of the city, but missed their beloved bagels and pizza. The Spiegels fell in love with the bagels right away, and became friends with previous owner Scott Campanozzi. When Scott offered to sell, they jumped on it. In the past, they looked into opening a restaurant franchise, so this seemed like the perfect time to live out this dream. Rich has a passion Continued on Page 40

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 39

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for entrepreneurship, with a background favorites like rugelach and hamantaschen. in marketing and advertising. Nicole has But the business is more than just serving a love of food, she even watches the Food up bagels and schmear for the Spiegels. It’s Network while on the treadmill. a family affair and an opportunity for their Wholy Bagel fans don’t have to worry kids’ futures. Their kids love to help out in about major changes in the food. The the store on weekends, and their son even baker and bagel recipes are the same. But named their owl mascot “Big Al”. The team the Spiegels do plan is family too- a brother on improving operaand sister and another tions, work-flow and married couple work Wholy Bagel fans the quality of the lox, there. don’t have to worry eventually making it, What’s next for pickles and cured meats Wholy Bagel? They about major changes in-house. Little updates, plan to open multiple in the food. like a toaster that toasts locations, so you can the bagel tops only so get your bagel fix no The baker and bagel you don’t wind up with matter where in the recipes are the same. burned sesame seeds, Austin area you call make a big difference. home. And partnering They also want to partner with more local with more local business, add more lunch business – currently you can get Wholy options, and take the food choices up a Bagels at Summer Moon, Stouthous and a notch. Currently, you can special order few other locations. They also plan to offer challah. The Spiegels more catering options, so make sure to call hope to move them for your brunch, business lunch and into other even bris needs. Je w ish Now that you know where to get your bagel fix, what to order? The Spiegel's favorites include a whole wheat bagel with scallion cream cheese and egg, or the classic lox sandwich. Customer service is of utmost importance to the Spiegels. So come in and say hi, introduce yourself and treat yourself to one tasty bagel. Wholy Bagel is located at 4404 West William Cannon Drive. Visit www. wholybagelatx.com for more information.

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 41

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and draw under the guidance of volunteers. This creative energy culminates in the artists selling their work at an annual show and sale of the resulting work, with proceeds of sales going to the artists. Last year's 23rd Annual Show and Sale at the Austin Convention Center brought over 1200 people who purchased over $90,000 of art in 10 hours. Earnings have helped some participants move off the streets - a few permanently, others for shorter periods of time. Used cars and vans have been purchased which act as homes and studios for those without either. For most of the homeless artists, the monetary rewards are modest allowing them to purchase clothing, shoes, food, and other basic amenities. Through the process of creating and selling their art, participants gain access to their creativity and for some the determination and discipline necessary to explore it. There is also a feeling of pride and self-worth experienced at the annual show. The interest and appreciation expressed by the patrons gives the artists a sense that they have something of value to offer the world. All proceeds from AFTS art sales at the Gallery at the J support Art From the Streets safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit of homeless and at-risk people is nurtured through artistic expression.

• J IL L

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rt is community. In the Austin community where art is a way of life, Art From the Streets has, for 23 years, helped hundreds of homeless individuals improve their circumstances – literally and figuratively - by providing them the means to make art. Kelley Worden, Executive Director of Art From the Streets, says that the non-profit organization believes that anyone can make art and that making art is good for everyone. Art From the Streets on view at the Gallery at the J, February 29 through April 3, is a collaboratively organized Gallery at the J initiative involving Kelley Worden, Executive Director of AFTS, Daniel Doggett, Shalom Austin Membership Manager, Adam Roberts, Artistic Director of Austin Jewish Repertory Theater, and managing director of AJRT, Jenny Lavery. The artwork and artists will be recognized Thursday, March 3 at the free opening reception hosted by the J's Visual Arts League from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The program includes Daniel Doggett's 20-minute documentary in which several AFTS artists share their insights into their creative processes, the organization, and the impact art has had on their lives; and Adam Roberts speaking about facilitating a special workshop that introduced AFTS artists to techniques useful for engaging patrons in conversation about the art they've created. Art From the Streets holds open studio sessions 3 times a week where the homeless or formerly homeless can come to paint

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42 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

SENIOR ADULT PR O GR AMS

2

AARP Smart Driver Class

JCC Senior Adult Programs sponsors quarterly Smart Driver classes in collaboration with AARP. The next class will be on Wednesday, March 2 from 1-5 p.m. in the JCC Community Hall. AARP Smart Driver Course is the nation’s first and largest classroom driver improvement course designed for motorists age 50 and better. This condensed course format consists of one 4-hour session. The cost of the class is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-AARP members payable by exact cash or by check the day of the class (payable to AARP). AARP members are asked to bring your membership card, and all attendees must bring their driver’s license. Pre-registration is required by contacting Lisa Quay at [email protected] or 512-735-8086.

4

End of Life Program

Yes, it is time for the annual “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About End of Life But Didn’t Want to Talk About” program at the JCC on Friday, March 4 at 2 p.m. in the JCC Community Hall. This is your opportunity to take some time to think about your wishes and desires, ask questions of knowledgeable professionals in the field, and ensure that when your time comes it will be according to what YOU envision by having the needed documents in place. Sponsored by JCC Senior Adult Programs, this annual event has received rave reviews each year for motivating folks to (finally!) take action and take control in defining their wishes, understanding how to do that and what options there are. Program Director Lisa Quay has assembled a group of professionals with helpful resources for you, and there will be time for individual and private conversations with them if you have questions or concerns. The afternoon will start with a performance and discussion to get you thinking, talking and laughing, guided by Adam Roberts of the Austin Jewish Repertory Theater, and then breakout sessions will enable you to visit the experts on hand. Refreshments will be served and reservations are appreciated so we have adequate resources and space for all. For more information about this

program or to sign up to attend, please contact Lisa Quay, LMSW, MPA at 512-735-8086 or lisa. [email protected].

8

Historic Tour of B’nai Abraham

On Tuesday, March 8, meet at 10:30 a.m. at B’nai Abraham Historic Synagogue for an intimate tour to learn the history of the congregation, the building, and the story of relocating it from Brenham to Austin. Our tour of the oldest synagogue building in Texas, and the newest neighbor on the Dell Jewish Community Campus, will be led by Jack and Davie Lou Solka. Jack was instrumental in many aspects of bringing the synagogue to Austin, and Davie Lou is an active member of the Texas Jewish Historical Society. This program is free but an RSVP is needed as space is limited. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or annie.skelton@ shalomaustin.org.

Transportation is available to attend these and other events. For details and reservations, contact Julia Sparks, Transportation Coordinator, at 512-735-8024 or julia.sparks@ shalomaustin.org.

10

Mah Jongg and Margaritas

Scores of Jewish women (and some men!) have been playing mah jongg for over a century. “From the tenements of New York City to the bungalows of the Catskills and the vast American suburbs, Jewish women have kept alive a game that otherwise fell out of fashion in the 1920s,” according to author Meredith Lewis. In celebration of the connection between Jews, and particularly Jewish women, and this Chinese game of tiles, JCC Senior Adult Programs is sponsoring an evening of play at the JCC open to all in the community as part of celebrating Women’s History Month. On Thursday, March 10, come for the Mah Jongg and Margarita Night at the JCC from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Community Hall. The event is free but reservations are needed so

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there are enough tables and sets for all players. So bring your girlfriends, or join a new table, for an evening of mah jongg at the JCC. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or annie.skelton@ shalomaustin.org.

11

Trip to Blanton Exhibit

JCC Senior Adult Programs is sponsoring a day trip to the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin on Friday, March 11 departing at 10:30 a.m., for their new exhibit, “Come as You Are: Art of the 1990s.” This is the first major museum survey to examine, within an historical context, art that emerged in this pivotal decade. The exhibition showcases approximately 45 artists born or practicing in the United States—and features installation, video, painting, sculpture, drawing, prints, photography, and early Internet art. Organized by the Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey, the survey includes works created from 1989 to 2001, and explores a range of social and political issues as diverse as the decade from which they emerged. We’ll also have time to take a look at the Crusader’s Bible on display, featuring 40 unbound illuminated pages from this Gothic masterpiece. The cost of the trip is $7 for admission plus $2 bus fee, plus lunch on your own at the Blanton Café. Seating is limited so reservations are imperative. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-7358088 or [email protected].

15

Mars Geology Lecture

Astronomer Ken Van Lew returns to the JCC on Tuesday, March 15 for a 10 a.m. lecture on Mars Geology: Rocks, Rills, and Residues. The geology of Mars is being discovered bit by bit by rovers and orbiters. It has repeatedly surprised us by the evidence for the amount of water that was present in the past. Huge areas of ice exist, and minerals that could form only in the presence of water have been discovered. NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover is making its way toward Mt. Sharp where much of the geological history of Mars is exposed in an eroded face of the mountain. Enjoy

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Ken’s fascinating and fact filled lecture accompanied by beautiful large images, to be shown in community hall Room 150C. A $3 donation is requested at the door towards the cost of this program, and RSVPs are appreciated so there is room for all. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or annie. [email protected].

15

March Matinee Movie about Sophie Tucker

As part of the JCC’s celebration of Women’s History Month, join us for a screening of the documentary “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” on Wednesday, March 16 at 11 a.m. in Room 150D. The film delves into the 60-year career of this multi-talented vaudeville entertainer and entrepreneur, the ‘last of the red hot mamas.’ The movie matinee is free and popcorn and beverages will be served. You are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch of your own to eat during the movie if you like. RSVPs are appreciated. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-7358088 or [email protected].

18

Tech Talk on Apps

22

Music Scholars Lecture on Stephen Sondheim

Be a Tech Savvy Senior! Join us on Friday, March 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 150C when we will be learning more about Apps. Technology Educator Janice Friesen (im-notageek.com) will come prepared to introduce some of her favorite apps and discuss what other options are available for your consideration and amusement. Do you have a favorite app you want to share with others? There will be time for that discussion as well. Bring your devices and your questions. RSVP to Annie Skelton at [email protected] or call 512-735-8088.

“The Art of Making Art: Sondheim Reinvents the Musical” is the topic of Adam Roberts’ March Music Scholars Lecture, which will occur on Tuesday,

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MARCH

29

“April’s Fools” Show features Spring Simcha Readers’ Theater

M

ark your calendar so you won’t miss the spring show of the Simcha Readers’ Theater, a troupe of senior adults with a flair for the ‘dramatic.’ Simcha Readers’ Theater is a class of JCC Senior Adult Programs and is led by veteran performers and educators Sue Bilich and Dianne Dorman. The spring session culminates in a

show entitled “April’s Fools” which will occur on Friday, April 1 at 2 p.m. on the stage in the JCC Community Hall. The performance is free and open to all, and will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity to meet the cast. For more information or to sign up to attend, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or [email protected].

30

Road Scholars Trip to Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Come enjoy a gem of Austin’s museums where nature and sculpture meet in beautiful serenity, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, for a trip on Tuesday, March 29 departing the JCC at 10:30 a.m. The Umlauf Museum and Garden is home to the dozens of bronze and stone pieces given to the city of Austin by noted 20th century American sculptor Charles Umlauf. This docent-led garden tour requires walking outside on unpaved and uneven ground. The cost of this trip is $3 admission plus $2 bus fee. Seating is limited so reservations are imperative for this trip. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or annie.skelton@ shalomaustin.org.

Brown Bag Lunch with Cast of Cabaret March 30

What good is sitting alone in your room? Come join the Cabaret! The JCC will be hosting cast members from the traveling Broadway production of the 50th Anniversary production of Cabaret on Wednesday, March 30 at noon in the JCC Community Hall for a brown bag lunch discussion. This annual event, a collaboration with the University of Texas Performing Arts Center, is always a great treat not to be missed. The program is free and beverages will be served, and your reservation would be appreciated so we have seating for all. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or annie.skelton@ shalomaustin.org.

March 22 at noon in Room 150C. Stephen Sondheim revolutionized the American musical with his scores to countless shows including Company, Into the Woods, and the Pulitzer-winning Sunday in the Park with George. Join us for a lecture, with sound and images, on the renegade Sondheim -- the composer/lyricist who broke with tradition and forever changed the sound of Broadway. Reservations are requested and a $3 donation is collected at the door. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or [email protected].

23

Senior Adult Purim Party

Memory Care Assisted Living

It’s a Dr. Seuss Purim! Join us on Wednesday, March 23 at 11:30 a.m. for the annual Senior Adult Purim Party in the JCC Community Hall, featuring Dana Baruch and Rabbi-Cantor Robbi Sherwin (also known as ‘Thing One and Thing Two’) leading a purimshpeil inspired by Dr. Seuss’ stories. Grab your grogger (noisemaker), don a costume, and sign up by March 16 to attend the party, which will include a catered kosher lunch and, of course, hamentaschen. A reservation is needed to attend and space is limited. For more information or to sign up, contact Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or [email protected].

28

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Knowing Neuropathy: Therapeutic Massage

At the monthly meeting of the Knowing Neuropathy program on Monday, March 28 starting at 1:30 p.m. in Room 150C, the topic is Massage for Neuropathy. Massage is one possible treatment to help alleviate the burning, tingling and numbing sensations people with neuropathy experience. Does massage help? Is there a specific type of massage that can bring back feeling or take away pain? Attend this session and learn more from licensed massage therapist Geri Ruane, LMT from the Oncology Massage Alliance. Knowing Neuropathy is a collaboration between JCC Senior Adult Programs and the Neuropathy Alliance of Texas. There will be time for questions and discussion, as well as sharing experiences and resources. RSVPs are appreciated. For more information about this program or to sign up to attend, please contact Lisa Quay, LMSW, MPA at 512-735-8086 or [email protected].

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SPECIAL EVENTS CAL E NDAR 3 Art from the Streets Reception Gallery at the J presents an exhibition of artwork by Austin’s homeless community. All proceeds from sales support Art from the Streets’ safe and encouraging environment of artistic expression. The exhibit will continue through April 3. Free and open to all. JCC Community Hall and Gallery at the J, 7300 Hart Lane. www. shalomaustin.org/gallery

3 NCJW Evening with Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen 7-9 PM Join National Council of Jewish Women for networking, schmoozing and Guest Speaker Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen. For more information and private home location visit www.ncjwaustin. org or contact [email protected].

3 AIPAC Austin Club Event 7:30-9 PM AIPAC Club Members and their guests are invited to a series of briefings on a wide variety of issues impacting the U.S.-Israel relationship. Members are always encouraged to bring special guests to attend these events throughout the year. For location and other information, contact Sam Kellner at [email protected] or 832-380-7714.

3 Moishe House’s 1st Birthday Party 7:30-10:30 PM March marks the one year anniversary of Moishe House coming to Austin. Join the celebration for a fun evening of delicious Russian appetizers provided by MoHo, a variety of featured drink specials, and a chance to snap a photo with Misha, the Russian bear! Russian House of Austin, 307 E. 5th St. www.moishehouse.org/houses/ austin or [email protected].

4 End of Life Planning 2-3:30 PM “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About End of Life But Didn’t Want to Talk About” is an opportunity to take some time to think about your wishes and desires, ask questions of knowledgeable professionals, understand your options, and ensure that you have the needed documents in place. The afternoon will start with a performance and discussion to get you thinking, talking and laughing, guided by Adam

MARCH

Roberts of the Austin Jewish Repertory Theater, and then breakout sessions with the experts on hand. Refreshments included. JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. Reservations appreciated. Contact Lisa Quay, LMSW, MPA at 512-7358086 or [email protected].

6 YAD Book Club 7-9 PM

4 Shabbat Across America Community Dinner 6:30-9 PM

Rabbi Steven Leder, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, will lead a thought-provoking and inspirational workshop on ethical wills (nonmaterial inheritance). Sponsored by the Jewish Foundation of Austin & Central Texas and the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Women’s Division. $15 lunch per person. Congregation Agudas Achim Social Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. RSVP by March 4 at www.shalomaustin.org/leder or Arlene Miller at [email protected] or 512-735-8096.

Join Congregation Beth El for a lovely, inspiring Friday night service, followed by a traditional kosher Shabbat dinner. Free and open to all in the Jewish community. Congregation Beth El, 8902 Mesa Drive. [email protected]

5 Saturday Night at the J 6-10 PM Children get to hang out, have dinner and tons of fun with other kids (Grades K-5) while parents get a night out! This month’s theme is Saturday Night Oscars. $30 JCC Members/$40 non-members/50% sibling discount. JCC Gym, 7300 Hart Lane. Register at www.shalomaustin.org/ saturdaynight. Jessica Ochs at 512-735-8036 or [email protected].

6 Simcha Austin Expo 9:30 AM-1:30 PM This is your one-stop shop for planning your next simcha. Meet all of your vendors in one place, under one roof, including caterers, venues, hotels, disc jockeys, photographers, entertainment, event planners, printers and more. Free and open to all. JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. www.shalomaustin.org/expo

6 Teaching About the Holocaust With Film 1-6 PM In this workshop for educators, Journey in Film’s Director of Education Eileen Mattingly will help explore the theme of arts as a means of resistance through the film Defiant Requiem. Participants will gain understanding of a unique chapter in Holocaust history, when prisoners used music and the arts to sustain their spirits and offer resistance to the Nazis. There will also be an opportunity to meet Murry Sidlin, founder of the Defiant Requiem Foundation and conductor of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin. Free. www.journeysinfilm.org/twfaustin or info@ journeysinfilm.org.

Join the Young Adult Division for dinner, drinks and discussion of The Nightingale. Contact [email protected] for location.

9 Leaving Your Legacy 11:30 AM-1 PM

9 Momentum Men’s Night Out 6 PM The premier Jewish men’s social event features Rabbi Steven Leder, Senior Rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, named one of 10 most influential rabbis in America by Newsweek Magazine. Registration and Reception with Craft Beverage Tasting begins at 6 PM, with Dinner and Program at 7:15 PM. $75 dinner plus minimum commitment of $180 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign. Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. www.shalomaustin.org/momentum or Jackie Mintz at [email protected] or 512-735-8014.

10 Mah Jongg and Margaritas 7-9:30 PM Come together for International Women’s History Month and play mah jongg with other community members. Tables of comparable players will be put together as needed. Please bring a set if you have one. Free. JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. Annie Skelton at annie.skelton@ shalomaustin.org or 512-735-8088.

16 The Outrageous Sophie Tucker 11 AM-1 PM International Women’s History Month continues with a free screening of this documentary about an amazing entrepreneur, entertainer, and innovator in American history. Popcorn and beverages provided. Brown bag lunches welcome. Discussion will follow screening. Free. JCC Room 150D, 7300 Hart Lane. . Annie

Skelton at [email protected] or 512-735-8088.

17 March Madness Party 6-10 PM Join the community for the first night of the March Madness tournament to view multiple games, pizza, snacks, beer and wine. Free for JCC Members/$5 Non-members. Free childcare available. JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. [email protected] or 512-735-8000.

20 Purim Katan Party 4-7 PM Enjoy a Purim Party for children! Hebrew Preparatory School, 2127 Parmer Ln. www.hebrewprepschool.com.

21 Know Your Worth 8:30 AM-3 PM JWI’s financial literacy program educates women with an eye toward long-term economic security. Created in partnership with Hadassah and co-sponsored by the JCC, Jewish Foundation of Austin & Central Texas and Sisterhood Agudas Achim, this interactive workshop covers a wide range of issues to help start planning and talking about retirement. $36 JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. RSVP by March 14. jwi.org/knowyourworth

22 The Great Latke-Hamentashen Debate 7 PM Choose a side and get ready to jeer, cheer and laugh a lot as clergy, academics and Austin Jewish Academy students go head to head in an effort to try and settle the question: Which is better, the Latke or the Hamentashen? Free and open to the community. Early Childhood Multipurpose Room, 7300 Hart Lane. aliza.orent@ shalomaustin.org

23-25 Purim Megillah reading is on the 23rd, Purim is the 24th, Shushan Purim is the 25th For details about the reading of the Megillah, check synagogue listings at shalomaustin.org/congregations

23 Senior Adult Purim Party 11:30 AM-1 PM Grab your groggers, don your costume, and come enjoy our annual Purim celebration and luncheon. The event features "Thing One and

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thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 45

SPECIAL EVENTS CAL E NDAR Thing Two"(also known as Dana Baruch and Rabbi Robbi Sherwin). $5 Donation requested towards cost of catered kosher lunch and party. JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. Reservations required. Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or [email protected].

MARCH

traveling show of Cabaret, playing at the UT Performing Arts Center at Bass Concert Hall. Bring your own lunch, beverages will be provided. Free. JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. RSVPs appreciated. Annie Skelton at 512-7358088 or [email protected]

30 Basics of Musical Theater Dance 6:30-9:30 PM

23 Beth El Community Purim Celebration 7-9 PM Join the community for a special Megillah reading with Chazzan Yitzhak Ben-Moshe, children's activities, karaoke, food and fun. Open to all in the Jewish community. Free. Congregation Beth El, 8902 Mesa Drive. info@ bethelaustin.org

23 The Art of Cold Readings for Auditions 7-9 PM Explore the art of cold readings with practical, easy-to-apply tips from Jenny Lavery, stage director and Austin Jewish Repertory Theater managing director! Participants will be given material from modern plays, classical texts, and current film/TV shows and led through strategies to approach text in an active, playable and timely manner. Every participant will have the opportunity to share his or her own work during the class. $20 JCC Members/$30 Non-members. ECP Multipurpose Room, 7300 Hart Lane. Jenny Lavery at 512-735-8408 or ajrt@ shalomaustin.org.

24 YAD Purim Party 6:30-10 PM

Dance auditions can be intimidating to even the most seasoned of musical theater performers, especially if you've never had any exposure to the terms, steps and stylized aspects of musical theater dance. Join choreographer and AJRT artistic director Adam Roberts in one of two levels, complete beginner or advanced beginner, to step up your movement skills for musical theater auditions. All participants should dress to move freely. Complete beginner 6:30-8 PM/ Advanced beginner 8-9:30 PM. $18 JCC Members/$25 Non-Members. JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane. Jenny Lavery at 512-735-8408 or [email protected].

31 ADL Torch of Liberty Award Dinner 5:30-10 PM Join the community to honor Jeanne and Mickey Clein and Jo and Jon Ivester. Celebrate ADL Austin’s many successes in its fight to end discrimination and ensure fair treatment and equality for all. Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. For more information, contact Erika Sumner at 512-249-7960. austin.adl.org

Celebrate Purim with the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin’s Young Adult Division. For location and details, contact Sarah Weisfeld at sarah. [email protected] or 512-735-8052.

29 Compassionate Conversations 7:30 PM This free education forum on compassion will bring diverse communities together to explore what makes them more similar than dissimilar. The Blanton Museum of Art will provide guided walking tours every 15 minutes that focus on 5-6 pieces in the collection that foster empathy and compassion. Then, there will be a 20-minute video about the making of Compassion, a haunting and mesmerizing musical work for voice and orchestra that alternates Hebrew and Arabic prayer texts. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. www.blantonmuseum.org.

30 Brown Bag Lunch with Cast Members of Cabaret! 12-1 PM

See SENIOR ADULT PR O G R AM S information on pages 42-43, for additional community opportunities.

Coming in the APRIL Edition of The Jewish Outlook DELIVERS MONDAY, APRIL 4 •

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For more information, call 512-735-8450

46 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY E V E NT S

Comedy Night at the J!

discover his soft side and feel at home with his playful sarcasm. Nog has been featured on MTV, MLB Network, in Talent in Motion magazine as one of NYC’s “top up-and-coming comics”, Nat Geo’s Brain Games, MSG Network, and as a guest host on AMC’s “Movie Date Night”. Nog has opened for national headliners Jim Florentine, Dom Irrera, Adam Ferrrara, Rich Vos and Patrice O’Neal. He was a writer for MTV2’s Guy Code, featured on AOL sports show 2 Point Lead, and is the man behind the viral video 5 Hours Walking around NYC as a Jets Fan. He is also the host of The Prank Call Podcast and co-hosts the live comedy show Paid or Pain with Lisa Ann. Tickets are $15 for JCC members and seniors and $18 for non-members.

N

eed some laughter in your life? Join the Jewish Community Center, located at 7300 Hart Lane, on Saturday, April 9 at 8:30 p.m. in Community Hall for some sweet treats, wine, and top notch comedians Modi and Jay Nog. Doors open at 8 and Will Call opens at 7:30 p.m.

Modi was voted one of the “Top 10 Comedians” in New York City. He is one of the comedy circuit’s hottest young comedians. Amelia David of BackStage raves, “Modi has a young Sid Caesar-esque talent for creating accents and characters, making him appeal to a diverse market.” Modi has had many television appearances including CBS's CSI: NY, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and much more. Modi also played the lead role in a pilot for Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor’s sitcom on CBS. He has played leading roles in two films: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film

Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film. Modi has also appeared in Our Italian Husband with Chevy Chase and Brooke Shields; The Perfect Christmas with Queen Latifah; National Lampoon’s One, Two Many; and Ira & Abby. Modi is a regular at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs and headlines around the country. The Emcee for the evening is comedian Jay Nog. Jay is a former elementary school teacher and has been entertaining audiences with his rambunctious stand-up comedy since 2004. At first Nog appears scruffy and blunt, but audiences quickly

For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.shalomaustin.org/ comedy. Not suitable for children under 17. For other inquiries, call 512-735-8098.

TOP: Modi BOTTOM: Jay Nog

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 47

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Solutions on Page 64 Wonder Years" 28. Set part for Ilan Rubin 29. Brilliant display, like a Chagall show 31. Foe of Harry 32. Talmud lengths (in English vernacular) 33. Go through a Bar Kokhba cave 34. String a tallit again 35. Take an uzi from 36. Levi to Dan 40. What Pharaoh did after each plague 43. ISIS inflicts it 45. Da ___ (city in Vietnam) 47. 1972 Bob Fosse musical 51. One Reese's in "E.T." 52. Pitching like Sandy Koufax 53. Make like Sarah Hughes 54. Actor Ed 55. What a moving service can give to the soul 56. Gehazi after he becomes a leper 57. Woody Allen's "The Curse of the ___Scorpion" 58. City in Southern Israel 59. Time Zone in Boro Park 60. Resort that might have Ahava products 61. ___ judicata

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48 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY E V E NT S

ADL and Hillel Empower Texas Students to Fight Anti-Israel Bias on Campus By Naomi Mayer

O

n January 17-18, the Anti-Defamation League initiated the pilot of a Words to Action peer training program at the University of Texas – Austin. Partnering with Texas Hillel, we brought together eight student leaders to participate in a two-day training so that they would be equipped to deliver the Words to Action program for their peers on campus. At the start of the training program, while participating in an activity which asked the students to consider the extent to which anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias were a part of their life on campus, many students shared that these were not major issues for them. Over the course of the training, however, as they explored their own experiences in greater depth and learned how to recognize the different manifestations of

anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias, they came to realize that there were in fact many challenges on campus that they had previously failed to see or ignored. For instance, one student shared how one of her professors made an insensitive comment about the Holocaust in class, and from then on she did not feel comfortable wearing her Jewish star necklace to class. Another talked about how a friend pretended to take off and throw a yarmulke that another friend was wearing. There had also been several anti-Israel incidents on campus, including a pro-Israel event that had been interrupted by anti-Israel activists the previous semester. As the students came to recognize these instances of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias, they realized that they lacked many of the tools to be able to respond. After one incident in which a group of guys drove by a Jewish sorority house and shouted anti-Semitic epithets, the women at the house, although scared, decided not to report the incident since they “didn’t know who the guys were anyway.” Through the training the students were able to identify a number of on and off campus resources they could

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 49

turn to for support if a situation like that were to happen again. They also considered different ways that they as students could be empowered to respond in the face of bias and bigotry targeting Jews and Israel. In addition to experiencing the Words to Action program, the students had opportunities to learn and practice facilitation skills so that they would be equipped to open up similar conversations among their peers. They will continue to receive ongoing support and guidance through the ADL Austin office to further strengthen their facilitation skills and to become more familiar with the program content. Each student will be responsible for organizing at least two Words to Action workshops in partnership with other Jewish students and groups on campus. In this way, the students will reach a broad spectrum of the Jewish community on campus to equip them with knowledge, strategies and skills to respond to anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias. By having students lead these workshops the potential for our reach and impact on campus will be much greater. The impact of the training can best be

summed up in the words of the students themselves: • “The most meaningful aspect of the training was the personal stories everyone shared about their experiences with anti-Semitism on campus.” • “I appreciated being able to hear others’ stories and share mine in order to feel comfortable around my peers and realize I am not alone.” • “The Pyramid of Hate was very effective. It really broke down the root of hate, beginning at jokes and escalating up. It is a great model with relatable examples.” • “The skills to respond activity was extremely valuable, especially when we broke up into three groups and did the hypothetical case studies.” • “I learned a lot. The training was very engaging and insightful, and I am excited to share my experience with others.” Austin is the first to try this pilot. If it goes well, the ADL Hillel partnership will be offered to other campuses.

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50 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

CONGREGATION DI R E CTORY CONGREGATION AGUDAS ACHIM Conservative Dell Jewish Community Campus 512-512-735-8400 Fax: 512-735-8401 www.caa-austin.org Facebook: Congregation Agudas Achim - ATX Rabbi Neil Blumofe Rabbi Gail Swedroe Director of Congregation Learning, Dr. Harvey Raben President: Caroline Legatt Shabbat services: 6:00 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. Saturday (P’sukei d’Zimrah); and 9:45 a.m. Saturday. (Shacharit Service) and Kiddush luncheon. Daily egalitarian minyan: 9 a.m. Sunday; 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 7:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; and 7 a.m. Friday; study, coffee and bagel nosh follow Friday morning minyan. Mincha or Ma’ariv: 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday Children services: Varies by week. Please check synagogue calendar for more information. Shabbat Limud (Torah study): 8:45 a.m. Saturday. Religious School (CAARS): By grade at 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and/or 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

SELAH

Website: www.selah-austin.org www.facebook.com/selahaustin Contact: Rabbi Gail Swedroe [email protected] 512-735-8420 Selah was born out of a desire to reimagine Jewish life in South Austin. The group seeks to create a living Judaism that is infused with the wisdom of the tradition and yet experienced in radically new ways. Selah yearns to create a South Austin community that is vibrant and meaningful, informal, soulful and committed to issues of social justice. The group is sponsored by Congregation Agudas Achim.

CONGREGATION BETH EL Traditional Conservative 8902 Mesa Drive [email protected] www.bethelaustin.org Spiritual Leader: Cantor Yitzhak Ben-Moshe

President: Kevin Koeller • 231-0266 Shabbat services: 7 pm Fri., 9 a.m. Sat. (Second and fourth Sat. of the month, with lunch) and on Jewish holidays; Tot Shabbat at 10 am Sat. (when services held that day) Adult education classes: Check website Hebrew school classes: Sunday mornings

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL Reform 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd. 512-454-6806 • Fax: 512-454-9493 [email protected] www.bethisrael.org Rabbi Steven Folberg Rabbi Sam Rose Executive Director: Jennifer Pierce Smith President: Michael Seay Education Director: Rabbi Rebecca Epstein Shabbat services: First Fri. Erev Shabbat Services at 6:30 pm, Fridays Erev Shabbat Services 7 pm, Second Fri. (Sept – May) Classical Reform Service at 6 pm; 10:30 am Sat.; 5:45 pm Wed.; and Tot Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Sat. Torah Study: 9:15-10:15 am Sat. Religious School: 9-11:30 am Sun. Post-B’nei Mitzvah Education: noon-2 pm Sun. Hebrew School: 4:30-6:30 pm Wed. Sisterhood: Leigh Perry 512-248-9905

CHABAD CENTER FOR JEWISH LIVING Chabad-Lubavitch of Austin 4413 Spicewood Springs Rd #106 512-977-0770 [email protected] www.chabadaustin.com Rabbi Yosef Levertov Rabbi Mendy Levertov Shabbat services: Fri. at sunset, Sat. at 10 am (followed by Kiddush luncheon) and at sundown daily (by request) Preschool and day school: 8:15 am-3:30 pm Mon.-Fri.

CHABAD HOUSE-LUBAVITCH Student organization at UT Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center 2101 Nueces St. 512-477-7770 [email protected] www.jewishlonghorns.com Rabbi Zev Johnson Shabbat services: Fri. 18 min. before sunset, followed by meal; 11 am Sat., Torah study at 10 am (followed by meal when UT in session)

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CONGREGATION HAVURAH SHALOM

Reform Dell Jewish Community Campus 512-735-8900 • Fax: 512-735-8901 [email protected] www.bethshalomaustin.org

Unaffiliated Georgetown www.chstx.org [email protected] [email protected]

Rabbi Alan Freedman, [email protected] Rabbi Educator Amy Cohen, [email protected] Cantorial Soloist: Abby Gostein Director of Religious School Education: Kathy Kurzman Director of Hebrew and B’nai Mitzvah Studies: Kelly Finkel President: Lynn Katz Shabbat services: 7 pm Fri. (except first Fri. at 7:45 pm), and 10:30 am Sat.; Tot Shabbat, 6:30 pm first Fri. and 10 am third Sat.; Oneg follows each service Torah study: 9 am Sat. Religious School: 9:30 am-noon Sun. Hebrew School: 4:30-6 pm Wed.

President: Linda Schaffer Services: Second and fourth Fri., at 7:30 pm, and during High Holidays, at Cowan Creek Amenities Center, Florence & Georgetown rooms Other activities: Religious, social and community

CONGREGATION KOL HALEV Independent/Progressive Dell Jewish Community Campus Office: 9300 South IH-35, Ste. A-500, PMB 513, Austin, TX 78748 • 512-419-0945 Rabbi Lev Baesh [email protected] President: Hal Weiner [email protected]

Amy Adler, Cantorial Soloist Rabbi-Cantor Robbi Sherwin Shabbat services: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 pm second Friday of each month, “Rock ‘n’ Soul” Shabbat, 7:30 pm third Friday of the month (all-music service with congregational band). Friday Night Tisch with short Shabbat Service and potluck dinner, 6:30 pm on first Friday of the month at individual homes. Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation: Structured to accommodate individual needs Other: Rabbi available for teaching, spiritual guidance, pastoral care and lifecycle events

CONGREGATION SHALOM RAV Reconstructionist sponsoring Jewish Jewish renewal in Austin 512-684-8158 or 512-401-9856 [email protected] P.O. Box 1562, Austin 78767-1562 www.shalomravaustin.org www.facebook.com/ congregationshalomrav Rabbi Monty Eliasov President: Michel Munguia Monthly Services: first Friday night of each month 7:00 p.m. in the JCC ECP Multipurpose Room; monthly Shabbat morning Torah Service, 11:00 a.m., major annual Jewish holidays celebrated at member homes; Havdalah ceremonies; members life-cycle milestones celebrated at Services. Education Programs: Parents Service monthly 10:30 a.m. with emphasis on creative education for our children (songs, Hebrew and Judaica with art, music and dance); monthly Study Groups on Sundays; Torah Service is both lay led and Bnei Mitzvah led; Conversion and Basic Judaism classes; Adult Bnei Mitzvah and Hebrew classes; home-school style Hebrew and Jewish education leading to excellent Bar and Bat Mitzvah levels of competence; Havdalah Potluck film programs; guest power presenter at each Kabbalat Shabbat service; individual Bnei Mitzvah instruction and training. Consult web site for specific monthly schedules.

CONGREGATION SHIR AMI Reform 3315 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park P.O. Box 3716, Cedar Park, 78630-3716 512-843-3539 • 877-715-1413 (toll-free) [email protected] www.shir-ami.net

Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi and Director of Education President: Jonathon Harris Shabbat and children’s services: 7:30 p.m. first Fri., followed by Oneg; Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study by announcement. Religious School: Sun., 9-11 am and Wed., 5-7 pm. Info: Heather Levinsky, Vice President Religious School at hblevinsky@ gmail.com. Shir Ami SALT (Shir Ami Little Torahs/ Tot Shabbat) Noel Gauny, Chair. noelgauny@ hotmail.com.

TEXAS HILLEL Student organization at UT Topfer Center for Jewish Life Abe and Annie Seibel Building 2105 San Antonio St. 512-476-0125 • Fax: 512-476-0128 [email protected] www.texashillel.org Rabbi Daniel Septimus, Executive Director Margo Sack, Director of Jewish Student Life Shabbat services: Fri., at 6 pm for Reform and Conservative; for Orthodox, call for time

CONGREGATION TIFERET ISRAEL Orthodox Dell Jewish Community Campus www.tiferetaustin.org [email protected] 847-612-3393 Rabbi Daniel Millner President: Rick Goldberg Shabbat services: Shacharit weekday services are at 7:05am in the B’nai Abraham Brenham Historic Synagogue. Sunday Shacharit and Shacharit during Federal Holidays are held at 8:30am. Shabbat morning services are held at 9:00am in the B’nai Abraham Brenham Historic Synagogue. Mincha: Daily, 10 minutes before sundown Kabbalat Shabbat: Summer, 7 pm; winter, 10 minutes before sundown; Shabbat day, 9 am/Mincha, 30 minutes before sunset Junior Congregation and Tot Shabbat are held bi-weekly.

Congregations provide listing information. Please contact: thejewishoutlook@ shalomaustin.org

Georgia’s Reputation Speaks for Itself! “Georgia went above and beyond to help us through a difficult time line. She is fantastic!” KK “You made our home buying process painless.” JG “Georgia is very knowledgeable, helpful, friendly & hard working.” MC Georgia Levin l 512-461-2051cell l [email protected] l www.sothebysrealty.com

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 51

COMMUNITY E V E NT S

Texas Hillel’s Israel Block Party Celebrates 18th Anniversary By Ruthie Nathan

T

he Israel Block Party has become Texas Hillel’s premier annual event and is highly anticipated on The University of Texas campus. The largest pro-Israel college event in a 19-state region, Texas Hillel’s Israel Block Party attracts thousands of students, faculty and community members. In addition to providing an exciting and interactive carnival experience, the party encourages a greater understanding in Texas of the rich cultural, religious, intellectual and political diversity in Israel. This year, Texas Hillel will celebrate its 18th Israel Block Party on March 30 on the East Mall of the UT Campus. The event will focus on Israel as the Start-Up Nation, highlighting the innovation and technology the country has become known for. It takes more than 200 student and community volunteers working together to plan and execute this ambitious program. Texas Hillel partners with dozens of

businesses and philanthropic organizations to sponsor the event, and the event provides an abundance of leadership roles for Jewish students, as Texas Hillel encourages students to become deeply involved in the planning and execution of the event. Jenna Conwisar, a sophomore at UT and co-chair of the event, said, “So far, it has been an amazing experience working with the dedicated students on our team and I can't wait for March 30 to see it all come together.” Texas Hillel’s Israel Block Party will

feature a Bedouin tent experience, a replica Tel Aviv beach, face paint, Henna tattoos, a dunk tank, and focus areas with educational activities designed to educate the students about diversity in Israel, Israeli education and innovation, democracy and shared values, Israeli pop culture, Israeli Defense Force, and Israeli government and politics. Israeli food will be available for purchase. Jacob Herstein, a freshman and fundraising co-chair for this year’s event, said, “My ultimate goal is to help collect the resources necessary to make this event a huge success, which to me, means creating a positive image of the state of Israel throughout campus. Israel Block Party hopes to educate the student body about Israel’s democracy and social diversity and showcase Israel in a positive light.” Alexis Prager, a member of the Israel Block Party team, learned about the event her first semester and looked forward to getting involved.

“As a member of the marketing team, I have been creating flyers to spread awareness about the upcoming event as well as designing a unique logo and a geotag. The branding for this event is especially important, and our goal is to reach out to on-campus organizations as well as the greater Austin community. We want to inform them of what Israel Block Party is all about and hopefully inspire and encourage them to come out to the event and get involved.” Student volunteers have spent many hours planning and organizing the event’s 18th anniversary. Those at Texas Hillel are looking forward to seeing the result of all their hard work and the collective effort of the UT community that continues to make Israel Block Party such a prominent and influential event on campus. The community is invited to join in the celebration of Israel on the East Mall of the UT campus on March 30.

PRESENTS

THE BEST MUSIC ON TV!

Go to klru.org for a complete list of what's on this month.

52 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

ORGANIZATIONS AUSTIN ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for everyone. A leader in the development of curriculum, programs, and services, ADL builds bridges of communication, understanding, and respect among diverse groups, carrying out its mission through a network of 28 regional and satellite office in the United States and abroad. Contact: 512-249-7960

AUSTIN JEWISH BUSINESS NETWORK The Austin Jewish Business Network (AJBN) provides a friendly environment for both social and business networking, plus educational speakers and/or happy hours at our monthly meetings. The focus of the AJBN is to help businesses and relationships grow and flourish. We are a supportive system for giving and receiving business referrals, finding jobs, employees and/or interns, learning and making friends. Participants are encouraged to bring business cards, promotional materials, resumes, door prizes, etc. Find us on Linked-In and sign up for our event notifications and see our line-up of speakers at http://www.meetup.com/ Austin-Jewish-Business-Network/. Meetings: Third Tues. Monthly, with some exceptions Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Location: Meetings, with speakers, will be at the Frisco Diner, 6801 Burnet Rd., Austin, 78757 other meetings TBA Cost: $3 per meeting Chair: Jody Lockshin 512-587-5824, [email protected]

AUSTIN SHMIRAH Shomrim are people who mindfully accompany the deceased between death and burial. Through Austin Shmirah, you can choose to serve as a shomer for the deceased of your own congregation only, or for those of the larger Jewish community as well. Sign up at http:// www.surveymonkey.com/s/GCJGW7N. Your information will be shared only with coordinators at the congregations you checkmark. Questions? Contact: Gail Tosto, 512-709-3990 [email protected]

capitals throughout the world. B’nai B’rith International is the largest nonprofit sponsor of nonsectarian, low-income senior housing, serving more than 8,000 residents in 43 markets in the United States. It is a leader in humanitarian missions to Cuba and other countries. Contact: Chuck Kaufman, [email protected] or 512-345-6144 Information: www.bnaibrith.org www.youtube.com watch?v=gsyFwuGxgk4&feature=youtu.be www.facebook.com/ bnaibrithinternational?fref=ts,

CONNECTIONS 40-PLUS Social group for Jewish singles age 40 and up. Meets at 1 p.m. on second Sun. at Central Market, N. Lamar Boulevard and West 40th Street. At least one social activity a month. Contact: Alan Gerhardt, 512-477-1708

DRIVE A SENIOR Coalition of congregations and organizations including Agudas Achim and Shalom Austin, offering services to older adults, including transportation, minor home repairs and errands. Flexible hours; training provided. Contact: Jeanie Teel, Executive Director 512-472-6339 Information: Ellen Sable, [email protected], 512-306-8239 www.driveasenior.org

HADASSAH/AUSTIN CHAPTER Founded in 1912, Hadassah is the largest Zionist and women’s organization in the U.S. Mark the centennial anniversary and support the organization’s work by purchasing its $212 individual lifetime enrollment available through December 31, 2014. Contact: Leslie Suez 512-301-3930, [email protected]. Local chapter info: Jenn Siegal, President 512-248-8926, [email protected] Facebook “Austin Chapter of Hadassah”

individuals in the Jewish community to help with housing, transportation, health care (including medical and dental emergencies) and other pressing needs. For more information on applying for a loan or to make a donation, visit hfla.org or contact contact [email protected] or [email protected].

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND JNF embodies both heart and action; our work is varied in scope but singular in benefit fulfilling the vision of a thriving state. Everything JNF does is for the land and people of Israel. JNF is your voice in Israel. JNFuture Austin is the Gateway for young professionals. www.jnf.org Contact: Arielle Levy, Director [email protected], 512-410-1438 x946

JEWISH RIFLE AND PISTOL CLUB OF CENTRAL TEXAS Day at the Range every first Sunday at 10 a.m. followed by optional lunch. Contact us for details. Facebook: Jewish Rifle and Pistol Club of Central Texas [email protected] 512-730-1223

JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES Austin Post 757 membership is open to male and female veterans who were regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned, and who were accepted for and assigned to active duty in the armed forces of the United States of America during of any of the nation’s wars, campaigns, conflicts. This includes the National Guard and Reserves. This includes all service service in or out of combat operations. Jews on active duty are eligible for free membership.Austin Post 757 meets at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month at the Dell Jewish Community Campus. Contact: Chuck Mandelbaum, Commander, 512-212-7393, [email protected]

J STREET AUSTIN

HADASSAH/KADIMA CHAPTER

B’NAI B’RITH INTERNATIONAL

Covers Sun City and Georgetown area; open to entire community. Contacts: Sarah Christiansen, Co-President, [email protected], 512-868-3504 Geri Scheer, Co-President, gerischeer@ gmail.com, 512-864-0212 Patti Maltz, Vice President/Membership, [email protected], 512-869-7003

B’nai B’rith is a community service, advocacy and humanitarian organization open to women and men. Dues support B’nai B’rith’s work as a Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations in New York, in Geneva and foreign

The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Austin provides confidential financial support. The mission of HFLA is to provide micro-loans to

HEBREW FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION (HFLA)

Local chapter of pro-Israel, pro-peace group. National grassroots field program aims to broaden and deepen presence of pro-Israel, pro-peace movement in communities across nation. Information: www.jstreet.org/austin

MO’ADON HASEFER/HEBREW BOOK CLUB Meets every few months to discuss Hebrew book and author. Potluck supper precedes discussion. Book can be read in English, if available, but discussion in Hebrew.

MOISHE HOUSE AUSTIN Located in the Hyde Park/North Loop area, Moishe House sponsors events to help Jewish young adults transition from campus to community life. Visit moishehouse.org/houses/austin for more information.

MOSAIC JEWISH OUTDOOR CLUB Variety of activities each month: Contact: Bruce Corman 512-636-6999 RSVP:http://www.meetup.com/judaism-124/ events/ltbqnypkbhb/

NCJW/AUSTIN SECTION National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization that has been at the forefront of social change for over a century. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW courageously takes a progressive stance on issues such as child welfare, women’s rights, and reproductive freedom. Contact: [email protected] Information: www.ncjwaustin.org or www.ncjw.org

PRIME TIMERS Prime Timers is a mature adults group sponsored by Congregation Shir Ami. Coordinator: Pearl Kopita 512-337-7515 Attendance: Events open to all in community Website: www.shir-ami.net or call for more information 512-843-3539.

REPUBLICAN JEWISH COALITION Voice of Jewish Republicans to Republican decision-makers and Jewish community. Contact: Louise Epstein, president 512-502-0300, [email protected]

SECOND SIXTY Seniors group at Congregation Beth Israel. Open to all in Jewish community. “Learn & Lunch”: third Thursday, September-May, in Smith Auditorium at Beth Israel. Reservations or rides: 454-6806. Information: Judith Helburn, 512-454-7229

TEXAS JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Collects, preserves, publishes and disseminates material about settlement and history of Jews in Texas and their participation in its social, economic, religious, political, professional and cultural growth. Information: P.O. Box 10193, Austin 78766-0193 [email protected] or txjhs.com; or www.txjhs.org

Contact: Iris Rempe [email protected], 512-327-5553

Organizations provide listing information.

Barak Benaryeh DVM, DABVP 4606 Spicewood Springs Road • (between Mesa and 360)

512.345.2727

• spicewoodanimalhospital.com

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 53

COMMUNITY E V E NTS

Shir Ami Honors Mensch of the Month Volunteers

17TH ANNUAL JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER AUSTIN WOMEN’S DIVISION

C

ongregation Shir Ami honored three volunteers as Mensch of the Month: Hettie Schultz, Amy Gelfand and Mark Wilson. Hettie Schultz has been quietly working in Shir Ami’s background for years but has been in demand more than ever recently. Schultz maintains all of the congregation’s membership data, including addresses, birthdays, anniversaries, yahrzeits, and special demographic information. She also maintains the Yizkor list for High Holy Days. During a recent transition period at Shir Ami, with the formation of new and newly active committees, along with the addition of a new rabbi, Schultz was frequently asked to pull up data and establish new distribution lists. She also completed the member directory for distribution. Schultz serves on the Membership Committee and Communication Committee. She also maintains Shir Ami’s Happy Bookers Club Facebook group and schedule, has been training others to work the various systems used, always organizing the chaos with a smile. Amy Gelfand and Mark Wilson do so much, with spirit and enthusiasm. They have spent hours on texts and emails to work on the website, a Union of Reform Judaism platform neither was familiar with. Both are prolific in terms of ideas

TOGETHER WE SOAR

Hettie Schultz, Mark Wilson and Amy Gelfand

and suggestions about almost everything web-based, and the congregation is going forward with explorations of some of their ideas, including investigating streamlining platforms, secure storage locations for passwords, lists, and sensitive information. Whenever anyone is needed to take on a task, Gelfand and Wilson are the first to volunteer. Gelfand actually had to be stopped from taking on another job out of concern she might be doing too much. They are willing to put in time to learn anything. Neither was familiar with the web interfaces they are working with but both were unreservedly willing to learn whatever was necessary to be ready to put out any announcement or newsletter needed. They simply epitomize the spirit of volunteerism and willingness.

Congregation Shalom Rav Hosts Lecture Series Featuring Rabbi Monty Eliasov Congregation Shalom Rav is kicking off a monthly Midrash as Kabbalah lecture series featuring Rabbi Monty Eliasov. Each lecture will be held on the second Saturday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The next lecture will be held March 12. The series is held at the Jewish

Community Center on Hart Lane. Suggested donation is $10 for Congregation Shalom Rav members and $12 for non-members. For more information and to RSVP, visit http://shalomravaustin.org/?tribe_ events=midrash-as-kabbalah-lecture- series.

MARGO SMITH Community Leader 2016 Woman of Valor

NANCY SPIELBERG Philanthropist & Producer Keynote Speaker

MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016 10:30AM-1 PM

HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, ZILKER BALLROOM 209 BARTON SPRINGS ROAD

Mosaic Co-Chairs Marcia Levy, Deborah Rudy & Robyn Sperling

$50 COUVERT $60 AFTER APRIL 3

PLUS A MINIMUM COMMITMENT OF $180 PAYABLE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO THE 2016 JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER AUSTIN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN.

Visit www.shalomaustin.org/mosaic for Table Captain information, complete event details, registration and tribute opportunities or call 512-735-8014. BENEFITING THE 2016 JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER AUSTIN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN.

54 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

MOSAIC JEWISH OUTDOOR CLUB OF CENTRAL TEXAS

FAMILY

F U N Day 2016 UNDAY, FEB. 21,

S

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

TRAPEZE ARTIST LEVEL ($500 AND ABOVE)

March TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 7:00 P.M. TRIANGLE-HYDE PARK WALK AND MONTHLY MEETING

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 18-20 CAMPING AT BENTSEN-RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK

Join Mosaic for a short walk around The Triangle neighborhood, followed by dinner while planning next month's events. Participants are invited to add thoughts or just relax and listen. Members and visitors are welcome.

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is part of the World Birding Center. Within this park there is a two-story Hawk Observation Tower, two enclosed bird blinds, a bird wall, butterfly gardens, hummingbird feeders, and over eight miles of trails that have bird feeding stations and water feeders. There are ample opportunities to encounter over 340 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies.

• WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable shoes and money for dinner. • LOCATION: Galaxy Cafe, in the Triangle, at the intersection of Guadalupe and Lamar.

The COHEN Family

RSVP at http://www.meetup.com/judaism-124/ events/2015-03

2[ERZ$GYLVRUV The LEVINE Family

For more information, contact Bruce at 512-636-6999 or [email protected].

The PATTEN Family

OTIS JONES’Family

LION TAMER LEVEL ($250 AND ABOVE)

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 AT 8:50 A.M. BRIGHT LEAF GUIDED HIKE Mosaic will be joining the guided hike at Bright Leaf that is held every second Sunday of the month. The hike is four miles long and lasts about two hours. The trail is rocky. Please note: People only - no pets allowed; no strollers; there are no bathrooms, just a Port-a-Potty in the parking area; the hike will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. No hiking is allowed without a Bright Leaf guide.

The Grossman Family

The Mamelak Family

The Rapaport Family

The Haney Family

The Marks Family

The Riemer Family

The Lupul Family

The Printz Family

The Zigler Family

ACROBAT LEVEL ($150 AND ABOVE)

More info is available at http://brightleaf.org/ index.html. Attendance is limited to 10. RSVPs are required. • WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING: Wear sturdy shoes – no sandals – and bring your own water. There is no running water on site. • LOCATION: Meet at the parking lot off 2222 and Creek Mountain Road. Address: 4111 Old Bull Creek Road, Austin, Texas 78731.

The Del Bove Family

The Gultz Family

The Nelson Family

Shiri Fein’s Family

The Lande Family

Eva & Joseph Shapiro

The Gottschalk Family

The Melrose Family

The Waltzer Family

The Gray Family

The Miller Family

OTHER SPONSORS

The Callahan Family The Gritz Family The Hendel Family

The Hyde Family The Jacobson Family The Lauer Family

Miles & Ari Lindauer’s Family The Lucas Family The Septimus Family

Susan & Arnold Levy (Brandon Patten)

For more information, contact Miriam at 512-284-6627 or [email protected]. RSVP at http://www.meetup.com/judaism-124/ events/2015-03

GRANDPARENTS Raquel & Leonard Holzman (Shiri Fein)

• DIRECTIONS: Drivers should use the following directions to the parking lot. Sometimes GPS can give people the wrong location. From Mopac: Go west on 2222 and go past the light at Mesa. Take a left on to Creek Mountain Road and go straight until the road curves to the right. Follow the road and on the left will be a green gate to the parking lot. From 360: Go east on 2222, go past Mt. Bonnell Road and turn right on Creek Mountain Road. Then, go straight on Creek Mountain until the road curves to the right. Follow the road and on the left will be a green gate to the parking lot.

Shelley & Gary Zausmer (Connor Lande)

Bar Bar & Pop Pop Laudenheimer (Miles & Ari Lindauer)

• COST: $5 Daily Fee. Camping Fee is $18 per night and will be evenly split among those who attend. • WHAT TO BRING: Your camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, clothes, flashlights and blankets. Susan, the host, will bring a camp stove, plates, silverware and related cooking gear and will also have the needed firewood for the trip. • LOCATION AND SITE DETAILS: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is about a five-hour drive south from Austin, located near Mission, Texas. They offer primitive campsites to which you will have to walk 3/4 mile. There are restrooms with showers located about 1,000 yards from the campsites. All trash must be carried out. On the bright side, this offers a ton of exercise. For more information, contact Susan at 512-565-5355 or [email protected]. RSVP required for all participants at http://www.meetup.com/judaism-124/ events/2015-03

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 AT 10:00 A.M. WALNUT CREEK BIKE RIDE The Walnut Creek Trail goes along the East Boggy Creek Greenbelt and then heads northeast to follow Walnut Creek before heading east to pass the north end of Decker Lake. Immediately after leaving the starting point, the city disappears, and cyclists are surrounded by the woods. The surface is smooth concrete so it is fine for bikes with skinny tires as well as mountain bikes. From the start to Decker Lake is approximately 10 miles and takes about an hour one-way at a moderate pace. There is always the option to return before the end of the trail. • WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable biking clothing, helmet, sunscreen and water and money for lunch. • LOCATION: Meet in the parking lot of Govalle Park, 5200 Bolm Road, Austin, Texas 78721. For more information on the location, visit http://www.austinparks.org/ our-parks.html?parkid=255. Stay for lunch afterward if you wish at Curra's Grill, 614 East Oltorf. For more information, contact Jenny at 512-415-3210 or [email protected]. RSVP at http://www.meetup.com/judaism-124/ events/2015-03

MARKETPLACE

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thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 55

ACCOUN T ING

Don’t mess with taxes!

APPLIANCES

AUCTIONS

For professional tax planning and return preparation, call DONALD R. GREENSPAN, CPA

Certified PubliC ACCountAnt

459-1803 4901 Spicewood Spgs Rd • Ste 200 www.greenspancpaaustin.com

Sales • Service • Parts 6717 Burnet Road Austin, TX 78757

512-452-5707 www.depewhomeappliances.com

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1943

ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW MARTIN J. CIRKIEL Attorney & Counselor at Law Licensed Master Social Worker

AUCTION

The smart way to sell your collections.

Laraine Lasdon & Associates 512-784-3657 • [email protected]

AUTOMOBILE

Don’s Paint and Body Shop, Inc.

CIRKIEL & ASSOCIATES

A Professional Corporation Attorneys and Counselors at Law

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION

1901 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Round Rock, Texas 78664 [email protected]

Phone: 512/244-6658 Fax: 512/244-6014 www.cirkielaw.com

Reservations accepted for local and long distance travel. Paul is a member of the Austin Jewish Community.

Advertise in The Marketplace Call Diane at 512.342.2550

ATHLETICS

1000 West 12th Street Austin, TX 78703 512-476-5536

DOLLINGER

SCHEDULED AIRPORT RIDES Paul Phillips Transportation 210.410.9243 cell/text [email protected]

Brad Caldwell Rick Caldwell

Automotive

“Award-Winning Mobile Service”

Adam Loewy 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78701 512.280.0800 • www.LoewyFirm.com

512.748.2587 [email protected]

Board Certified in Estate Planning & Probate Law Texas Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of Texas

Janice Pierce l Attorney at Law Scofield & Scofield, P.C. 1411 West Avenue., Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701 512.476.8371 • [email protected] Civil and Commercial Litigation Small Business Transactions Real Estate Investments • Estate Planning Injury Law • Employment Law Property Damage and Construction Defects

512.982.1510 • [email protected] • www.joelalevine.com

Kirk Duderstadt • Store Manager 3564 Far West Blvd. • Austin, TX 78731 • 512-345-6600

BABYSITTING SERVICES Austin’s premier in-home childcare service since 1986!

THE NEXT BEST THING TO

BUBBE!

512.345.4577 • www.austinscapitalgrannies.com

56 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY E V E NTS

Pinthouse Pizza Charity Event Benefits Drive a Senior – West Austin

D

rive a Senior – West Austin will partner with Pinthouse Pizza for a fundraising event on March 23, at Pinthouse Pizza’s Burnet location. That day, 25 percent of all proceeds from sales, plus 100 percent of proceeds from their special Charity Brew, will go to Drive a Senior – West Austin. Pinthouse Pizza, a locally owned brewpub, exemplifies Austin’s sense of community

by routinely sponsoring non-profit charitable organizations. Their philanthropy is coupled with food and craft brews from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Members of the Jewish community are encouraged to join with friends and stop by Pinthouse Pizza for lunch, afternoon snack, or dinner before hearing the Megillah Esther read for Purim. Costumes are welcome.

Shalom Austin is a sponsoring organization of Drive a Senior – West Austin, a network of 17 congregations working to provide a range of volunteer services to older adults in the community. An interfaith organization, Drive a Senior helps senior adults maintain and improve their quality of life by assisting in ways that enable independent living. Mitch Brown and Ellen Sable represent Shalom Austin on their board. Congregation Agudas Achim is also a sponsor, represented by Terry Milman and Steve Chodorow. For more information, contact Drive a Senior – West Austin at 512-472-6339, westaustin@ driveasenior.org, or www.driveasenior.org.

ON MAY 1 YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A SUPERHERO FOR THE JEWISH WORLD. SIMPLY ANSWER THE CALL AND MAKE A POWERFUL DONATION TO FEDERATION. YOU’LL CHANGE LIVES AND STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY AT HOME, IN ISRAEL AND WHEREVER JEWS ARE IN NEED AROUND THE GLOBE—ALL WITHOUT EVEN DONNING A CAPE. ANSWER BY PHONE OR ONLINE. MAKE A SUPERHUMAN DIFFERENCE.

#giveback

Volunteer opportunities are available May 1-5! For more information or to sign up, contact Amy Hyman at 512-735-8078 or [email protected].

MARKETPLACE

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thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 57

BICYCLES

HEALTH SERVICES

Individual, Pre-Marital, Marital & Family Counseling Child Play Therapy, Consultation

AUSTIN

12530 Research Blvd 512.250.9550

Donna David

ROUND ROCK 1830 N. Mays St. 512.255.8755

www.BucksBikes.com

LCSW, BCD, LCDC, MAT 8133 Mesa Drive, Suite 104 Austin, Texas 78759 512.222.5588

6500 North Mopac, Building 1, Ste 1200 • Austin, TX 78731 ph 512/451.0149 • www.txfertility.com • fx 512/451.0977

CLEANING SERVICES

Ira G. Lown, M.D.

Fellowship-Trained Hand Surgeon 3345 Bee Cave Road, Suite 101 l Austin, Texas 78746 Ph (512) 327-HAND l www.austinhandgroup.com Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Trigger Finger • Thumb Pain

FAMILY COSMETIC AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY

DRY CLEANERS

Michael B. Nussbaum, D.D.S. 3660 Stoneridge, Bldg. B-101

Randy L. Kunik DDS Specialist in Orthodontics

www.DrKunik.com

(512) 327-3631

512-327-8818 [email protected]

3637 Far West Blvd • Austin, TX 78731 512-338-0141 • www.starbritecleanerstx.com

Stan Friedman, Ph.D.

thejewishoutlook.com

2630 Exposition Blvd. #116 • Austin, TX 78703

FITNESS

(off Capital of Texas Hwy. between Bee Caves Rd. and Walsh Tarlton)

Psychologist

473-8464 • [email protected] www.stanfriedmanpsychologist.appspot.com Hours by Appt.

www.360dentalcare.com Psychotherapy with Adults, Children and Adolescents Board Certified Diplomate Advanced Clinical Practitioner

ROBERT

S E I D E L , M S S W, L C S W, B C D

(512) 473-8293

3355 Bee Cave Road Building 6, Suite 604 Austin, Texas 78746

Put your Feet in Good Hands! Arbor Foot Health Center 11824 Jollyville Road • Bldg 1 • Suite 101

512-335-1800

7119 chimney corners, austin, tx 78731 512.342.9277 • www.coachmofitness.com

Dr. Gary Prant, Podiatrist

Kimberly B. Loar, M.D. FACOG

Laser Ingrown Toenails

12201 Renfert Way, Suite 215 Austin, TX 78758 (512) 425-3835 www.rwgdocs.com

Complete Foot Care since 1982

Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology

MARKETPLACE

THE

58 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

HEALTH SERVICES

Richard A. Berkowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S Ophthalmologist, Cornea and External Disease Specialist

Carolyn M. Hyde MD • Darryl B. Thomas MD 7200 N Mopac Expy • Austin, TX 78731 200 Medical Parkway • Lakeway, TX 78734

512.346.4933 • AllStarOrthopedic.com

Dr. Robert Nason Adult and Pediatric ENT

“Dr. Berkowitz is an outstanding, caring doctor and a mensch.” Carol D.

AUSTIN LOCATION 720 West 34th St • #110 CEDAR PARK LOCATION 1401 Medical Pkwy • Bldg B #207

512.443.9715 • www.howertoneye.com

512.346.7600 • www.nasonmd.com

Howerton Eye Clinic • Three locations

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm

AUSTIN DERMCARE R. John Fox, Jr, MD • Dale G. Schaefer, MD Margaret K. Hart, MD • Tom R. Roark, MD Emily Prosise, MD, Mohs Surgeon Rachel Miller, PA-C 476-9195 • www.austindermcare.com Immediate Appointments Available

at the corner of Hart Ln & Spicewood Springs Rd

Dr. Barbara Coldiron Optometrist

343-0432

www.farwestoptical.com

3908 Far West Blvd @ Chimney Corners serving North West Hills since 1984

Melba F. Lewis, M.D. Disorders of Ears, Nose, Throat & Sinuses Special interest in Pediatric ENT

Soft Touch • High Tech Dentistry Francys Day, DDS 1301 West 38th Street • Suite 708 Austin, TX 78705 512.452.4495 www.austinsmilesbyday.com

Northland Dental Studio Dr. Katie Hadden • Dr. Angelica Holt 3307 Northland Drive, Suite 230 Austin, TX 78731 512.388.2220 www.northlanddentalstudio.com

Moe Freid Marble & Granite Residential & Commercial • Design & Installation Marble • Granite Moe Freid, Owner 11904 Old San Antonio Road Manchaca, TX 78652 512.282.9303 www.moefreidmarbleandgranite.com

“Danielle is an incredibly insightful clinician whose compassion and thoughtfulness transcends that of most colleagues.”

Danielle Brown, LCSW, BC-DMT

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Jason M. Feuerman, MD Specializes in Cornea, Cataract &

philip e. rudick, architect 3300 W. Anderson Lane

by appointment only 512.451.7435 urbankitchensandbaths.com

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 59

COMMUNITY E V E NT S

BERS Celebrates Tu B'Shevat with Yoga, Fruit

B

eth El Religious School celebrated Tu B'Shevat with an abundance of fruit skewers and a tree and nature themed yoga session with Mirit Solomon-Shimony, yoga instructor and caterer at Delish ATX. The group also read “The Giving Tree” in honor of the birthday of the trees. It was inspiring, infused with Judaism and thoroughly enjoyable.

JEWISH AUSTIN MEN DINNER & SPEAKERS FORUM

THE JEW IN THE UNIVERSITY Mark G. Yudof, President Emeritus, University of California and Former Chancellor, University of Texas

Monday, April 11, 2016 6-9 PM JCC, 7300 Hart Lane Mark Yudof, who served as the 19th president of

Are you or a loved one facing a life challenge? NEED A HELPING HAND?

the University of California, is a Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. He served as chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2002 to 2008, and as president of the University of

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OFFERS

Minnesota. In 2013, Hebrew Union College-Jewish

Counseling • Child and Adolescent Therapy • Geriatric Care Management • Emergency Financial Assistance • Educational Programs • Services for Individuals with Disabilities

Institute of Religion awarded him an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Yudof is a renowned authority on constitutional law, freedom of expression, and education law.

Gil Levy JFS Executive Director

Carlye J. Levine Senior Adult Services Director

Mary Axelrud Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator

For more information, visit www.shalomaustin.org/jfs.

Contact the JFS office at 512-250-1043 or jfs@shalomaustin. org for more information, support services, and to volunteer. JFS is funded primarily by contributions to the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin Annual Campaign.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

For JAMen membership information and event registration, visit www.shalomaustin.org/JAMen or call 512-735-8014.

60 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY E V E NTS

Jewish Women International Offers Finance Workshop

D

iane Radin, co-chair of the Jewish Foundation for Austin and Central Texas, did not need a Fidelity study to tell her what she already knows. That is, women are more comfortable discussing medical issues with a doctor than talking money and investments with a financial professional. The University of Texas mathematics instructor said, “Although I’m the one in our family who pays the bills, I’m not very knowledgeable about investments and finances. I know that many of my friends are in the same situation. I learned a lot in school, including higher mathematics, but not finance, investments and pensions.” Believing the information is important for her own long-term financial security, as well as her peers, Radin, a member of the Board of Trustees for Jewish Women International, has arranged to bring the organization’s “Know Your Worth: Own Your Future” workshop to Austin on March 21. “Know Your Worth: Own Your Future”

will explore how to ensure long-term economic security, including managing income streams; honing your financial and negotiating skills; investing and growing your money; all in the context of the Jewish values that underlie these decisions. As of February 10, the workshop is

co-sponsored by the Jewish Foundation for Austin & Central Texas, Jewish Community Center, Women's Division of the Jewish Federation of Austin and Sisterhood Agudas Achim. With more than two decades of experience empowering women to take control of their financial futures, JWI created “Know Your Worth” last year in partnership with Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of American, Inc. According to Marcie Natan, Hadassah’s immediate past national president, “Women today are confronted with an array of complicated choices and difficult decisions. This program was developed to educate and empower women to take control of their financial health and well-being and enable them to have a secure, comfortable and dignified retirement.” The workshop’s uniqueness lies in the comfortable atmosphere created for the women to talk and learn.

“We’ve taken the fear out of taking on what can be an overwhelming task,” explained Lori Weinstein, CEO of JWI. “Rather than attend a seminar put on by some financial institution at a large hotel, women can gather with their friends and be taught by peers. That safe environment is what makes this program so unique and ultimately, what will allow attendees to feel comfortable taking ownership of their finances.” “Know Your Worth: Own Your Future” will be held Monday, March 21, in the JCC Community Hall. Coffee and registration will be held at 8:30 a.m. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. A kosher lunch catered by CAA and all materials are included in the $36 registration fee. Checks, made payable to JWI, should be sent by March 14 to Sigrid Levi-Baum at 7601 Valley Dale Drive, Austin, Texas 78731. Your check is your reservation. All women are welcome to attend.

JCC Early Childhood Program

DROP-IN DAY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW! www.shalomaustin.org/alephbet

Tuesday, March 22 | 7 PM 7300 Hart lane | Early Childhood Multipurpose Room Free and open to the community. Hamentashen for all!

the Latke or the Hamentashen? For more information please contact Aliza Orent at 512-735-8030 or [email protected]

Aleph Bet is a structured, drop-in, day program for children 18 months to 3 years old. Open to both JCC Members and Non-members. Daily classroom themes include music, art, story time, C.A.T.C.H. (Coordinated Approach to Child Health), and much more, all centered around the Jewish calendar.

ECP VILLAGE Mondays – Thursdays | 9 AM – 12 PM $45/day for JCC MEMBERS | $55/ day for NON-JCC MEMBERS 10% discount when pre-paying for 4 days | No Registration fee To register or for additional information, please contact Pearl Kaplan at 512–735–8100 or at [email protected]. Initial registration paperwork required for first time drop-offs. Pre-registration always encouraged.

A

BRA N C H

OF

SHALOM AUSTIN

MARKETPLACE

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thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 61

INSURANCE

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Individual and Group Insurance Specialists

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62 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY EVE N TS

MARCH IS

WOMEN’S History Month!

JOIN US at any of these March events honoring the incredible women that add to our lives. 7300 HART LANE

Women's History Month highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.

Celebrating Broadway’s Jewish Divas Tuesday, March 1 | 12:15 - 1:15 PM | JCC Room 150D Contact Program Coordinator Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or [email protected] Free, reservations appreciated

Women’s Health: Injury Prevention and Post Rehab for the Active Monday, March 7 | 6:30 PM | JCC Community Hall Contact Virginia Lill at 512-735-8224 or [email protected]

Mah Jong and Margarita Night Thursday, March 10 | 7-9:30 PM | JCC Community Hall Contact Program Coordinator Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or [email protected] Free. Chips, Salsa, and Margaritas served

Women’s Rosh Chodesh Celebration Sunday, March 13 – Rosh Chodesh Adar (Adar 2) 1:45-4 PM | Congregation Agudas Achim Contact Ilene Gray at [email protected] In celebration of Purim we encourage you to bring Hamentashen (please label for traditional, vegan, and gluten free diets) and your favorite vegetarian finger foods.

The Outrageous Sophie Tucker: Matinee Screening at the J Wednesday, March 16 | 11 AM | JCC Room 150D Contact Program Coordinator Annie Skelton at 512-735-8088 or [email protected] Free, Popcorn and beverages served

During Women’s History Month we will be interviewing our JCC Members and sharing their stories!

AJBN Program Explores Turning Family Myths Into Jewish History By Jennifer Lava

A

ustin Jewish Business Network’s March networking and educational meeting, to be held March 15, will feature award-winning poet and author Debra Winegarten. In honor of Women's History Month, she will discuss "Turning Your Family Myths into Bona Fide Jewish History.” Winegarten is a third-generation Dallasite and award-winning poet and author. With six books under her belt, four of which are biographies, she is currently working on two more. As a publisher, Debra has published two books. One won the 2015 Best Poetry Book from the Texas Association of Authors. She will soon publish her first children's book, "Almost a Minyan." By day, she works in the University of Texas Astronomy Department and teaches sociology at South University. By night, she writes.

Schedule of Speakers and Events TUESDAY | MARCH 15 Debra Winegarten Turning your family myths into bona fide Jewish history

TUESDAY | APRIL 19 Keri Pearlson, Ph.D. Five things not to do if you want to be a successful leader

TUESDAY | MAY 17 Erga Atad, Ph.D. visiting scholar

Israeli Society and the National Media

Austin Jewish Business Network’s monthly networking and educational meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Frisco Diner, 6801 Burnet Road, in the glass atrium on the Burnet Road side of the building. AJBN is a supportive system for giving and receiving business referrals, finding jobs or employees and interns for members of the Jewish community. Monthly meetings feature a speaker focused on a topic of interest, as well as plenty of time for networking and social interaction, all designed to help businesses grow and develop lifelong relationships. AJBN’s monthly networking and educational meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Frisco Diner, 6801 Burnet Road in Austin, in the glass atrium on the Burnet Road side of the building. Attendees may dine and drink while enjoying an evening of networking, education, camaraderie and door prizes. All Jews, those partnered with Jews and members of Shalom Austin are welcome. Bring business cards, promotional materials and resumes to share. Cost is $3 cash per person, payable at the door. The Frisco is an Austin original, has a great menu and serves alcohol. Attendees are asked to order food or drinks to defray the room fee. There will be table service and separate checks, and please generously tip the staff. To RSVP and for complete details of all AJBN meetings and events, visit www.meetup.com/Austin-Jewish- Business-Network. Participation in the Austin Jewish Business Network allows members access to a database of job listings and a business directory listing. For more information, visit: • www.austinjbn.org • www.meetup.com/Austin-Jewish- Business-Network • www.linkedin.com/groups/Austin-JewishBusiness-Network-Austin-92799.

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thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 63

PARTY NEEDS CONGREGATION AGUDAS ACHIM CENTENNIAL GALA

HANDMADE TRUFFLES & FINE DESSERTS

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SOUTH: 512.292.3900 NORTH 512.870.8552

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64 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY EVE N TS

p Kee

C am p

d r i e W

S

NCSW Hosts Evening with Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen

S & TRY RIEND MER EW F IS SUM N H T E W MAK ING NE H T OME

T

REGISTER NOW! www.shalomaustin.org/camps Go to shalomaustin.org/camps for session dates and more info.

MULTIPLE SESSIONS | JUNE 6 – AUGUST 17 CAMPS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES | Age 2

to Grade 10

JCC Austin has Summer Camps for kids of all ages, from toddlers to tenth graders, offering enthusiastic counselors, professional staff, a swimming pool, nature trails, a low ropes course, playgrounds, awesome activities, special events and more! Located at the Jewish Community Center on the Dell Jewish Community Campus in Northwest Austin on 40 beautiful acres, it’s the perfect place for an incredible day camp experience and to build lifelong friendships.

Q uestions? JCC Youth & Teen Office 512-735-8050.

Jewish Community Center | 7300 Hart Lane | Austin, TX 78731

NE W for SUMMER 2016! Transportation School-Aged Summer Camps are excited to announce that we will offer satellite transportation for Sessions IA-IIB. The satellite drop-off/pick-up location will be located at Lakeline Mall. Avoid traffic and traveling to and from the JCC. Camp staff will meet campers and their parents at 8 AM for Drop-Off and 4:25 PM for Pick-Up. $75 MEMBERS / $85 NON-MEMBERS

he community is invited to join the National Council of Jewish Women for "An Evening with Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen" Thursday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m. Hausman-Cohen will discuss "Micronutrient Deficiencies: Vitamins and Minerals to Know." Kelly Finkel is hosting this event at her home. The address will be provided to attendees when they RSVP. Hausman-Cohen obtained her master's and medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She enjoys staying current in the medical field and spends a tremendous amount of time reading medical literature to keep the office up-to-date. Some of her favorite topics include nutrition, cardiac health, osteoporosis and mental health. She also enjoys office orthopedics, seeing patients with musculoskeletal complaints, and endocrinology, including thyroid issues and stage of life hormonal changes. Although dedicated to science and evidence-based medicine, HausmanCohen and all the Balcones Woods Family Medicine providers place a special

Balcones Woods Family Medicine presents

Probiotics: “Good bugs” for digestion, allergies, mood and more Sunday, February 7 1:30-2:45 PM JCC Early Childhood Program Multi-Purpose Room Free

Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen

emphasis on patients' emotional and personalized needs. Hausman-Cohen also has a strong interest in alternative and complementary medicine, which she shares with the practice as a whole. Light appetizers, desserts and beverages will be served at the NCJW event, and a donation of $5 is recommended. To RSVP, email [email protected] by March 1. Solutions from Page 47

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thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 65

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66 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

COMMUNITY E V E NT S

JCC Early Childhood Program Offers STEM Education Every Day By Kathy Gray

A

t the JCC’s Early Childhood Program (ECP), there is an underlying philosophy that children are “constructivist” or natural learners innately inspired to question their world and actively engage in research. This is the foundational definition of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – STEM – education at its earliest level. Children co-construct knowledge with their educators and, as such, are agents of their own learning. They are deeply invested in the entire process of learning and subsequently build life-long critical thinking skills. Through the use of vocabulary and language, open-ended questioning, and variety of sensory-rich play/discovery opportunities, the ECP gives children a sense of wonder that

includes hypothesizing, data collection, trial and error, variable factors, measurement, and conclusions. They work individually and as teams to engineer new ways to look at problems and to concretely develop imaginative ideas. ECP educators also receive professional development based on neurological research and STEM ideas. For example, infant educators review studies from the Yale University’s Infant Research Labs on cognitive and moral development and adapt some of their classroom activities around those findings. Whether helping infants explore discovery boxes about light, prisms, and mirrors or using puppets and songs to count, STEM research and learning begins at the youngest age.

Students in Pre-K participate in the annual Austin Jewish Academy Science Fair and daily have a multitude of STEM activities in their classrooms. For example, students in Tracy Luna and Gloria Davis’ Bear class regularly conduct chemistry experiments and recently finished classifying and sorting animals that migrate, hibernate, and adapt. These are standard occurrences in all of the classrooms at the ECP to support the early development of critical thinking STEM skills. The ECP serves children from the ages of six weeks through five years of age through the SHEVA model based upon a Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy. To learn more about the ECP or to schedule a site visit, please call 512-735-8100.

Audition This Month for AJRT’s

Summer Musical Workshop!

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 | 8:30 PM JCC Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane

Y BACK B R POPULAD DEMAN

MODI MODI was voted one of the “Top 10 Comedians” in New York City, and is one of the comedy circuit’s hottest comedians.

JAY NOG, EMCEE Nog has been featured in Talent in Motion Magazine as one of NYC’s “top up-and-coming comics”

2015-2016/5776

www.shalomaustin.org/comedy

Auditions will be held on

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 from 6 - 9 PM by appointment only

JCC Community Hall 7300 Hart Lane GRADES 3-12 $650 MEMBER $750 NON-MEMBER

Join 76 trombones in the big parade as AJRT’s Summer Musical Workshop for Youth and JCC Senior Adult Programs present The Music Man! Now in its twelfth year, our workshop productions have become a summer tradition for the entire community. So don’t miss out on the fun; call today to schedule your audition appointment!

For more information or to register your student for an audition, please contact AJRT Managing Director Jenny Lavery at [email protected]. www.shalomaustin.org/ajrt

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thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 67

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68 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

LEGACY

LUNCHEON & WORKSHOP with RABBI STEVEN LEDER

WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 11:30 AM - 1 PM CONGREGATION AGUDAS ACHIM SOCIAL HALL 7300 HART LANE Jews are taught to leave more than objects to our children; we’re taught to leave words. Join us for a thought-provoking and inspirational workshop with Rabbi Steven Leder on ethical wills (nonmaterial inheritance). Rabbi Leder was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of ten most influential rabbis in America, and will be the keynote speaker at the Momentum Men’s Night Out.

LUNCH $15 PER PERSON RSVP BY FRIDAY, MARCH 4 AT WWW.SHALOMAUSTIN.ORG/LEDER QUESTIONS? Please contact Arlene Miller, Chief Philanthropy Officer, [email protected] or 512-735-8096.

SPONSORED BY:

WOMEN’S DIVISION

The Anti-Israel Trend You've Never Heard Of By David Bernstein

NEW YORK (JTA) — If you want to understand why the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, or BDS, has gained so much ground in the past two years, look no further than intersectionality, the study of related systems of oppression. Intersectionality holds that various forms of oppression — racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and homophobia — constitute an intersecting system of oppression. Muslim students at an anti-Israel protest at the University of In this worldview, a transcendent California, Irvine in 2006. white, male, heterosexual power structure keeps down marginalized groups. Mondoweiss recently declared that “since Uniting oppressed groups, the theory goes, Mike Brown was shot by police in Ferguson strengthens them against the dominant ... solidarity between the Black Lives Matter power structure. and Palestine movements has become an As you might have guessed, the BDS increasingly central tenet of both struggles.” movement has successfully injected the Other examples of groups and causes anti-Israel cause into these intersecting intersecting with BDS supporters abound, forms of oppression and itself into the inter- both on and off campus. locking communities of people who hold While anti-Israelism has long found a by them. So it’s increasingly likely that if sympathetic ear among segments of the a group sees itself as oppressed, it will see far left, it has not, until recently, enjoyed Israel as part of the dominant power struc- much popularity among ethnic minorities. ture doing the oppressing and Palestinians Moreover, until recently, BDS supporters as fellow victims. That oppressed group will probably weren’t organized enough to do be susceptible to joining forces with the the necessary outreach to and stewardBDS movement. ship of fellow marginalized groups. Now, At Columbia University, Students for evidently, they are. Justice in Palestine managed to form While he never uses the term intersecan alliance with No Red Tape, a student tionality, Mark Yudof, president emeritus group fighting sexual violence. What does of the University of California system and opposing sexual violence have to do with chair of the recently established Academic Israel and the Palestinians? Engagement Network, which aims to fight “The way that No Red Tape conceives of anti-Israel sentiment on campus, ominously sexual violence is a form of oppression that describes efforts to “connect the dots” and is related…to other forms of oppression,” “co-opt the language of human rights.” The said one group member. BDS movement is “moving to integrate “Sexual violence is a deeper political issue, itself with nearly every progressive campus and it cannot be divorced or separated from cause,” Yudof said. other oppressed identities,” said another No In other words, intersectionality with Red Tape member. anti-Israel forces is not just some faddish Intersectionality with the anti-Israel academic theory bandied about by radical cause, unfortunately, has not been limited academics and sociology majors. BDS to groups working against sexual violence supporters are building alliances, and using at Columbia. The anti-Israel website those relationships as an opportunity to sell

Credit: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

LEAVING YOUR

OTH ER OUTLOOKS

thejewishoutlook.com | March 2016 | 69

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHALOM AUSTIN TRIBUTE FUND DONATIONS their cause. Much more than a theoretical framework, intersectionality is a comprehensive community relations strategy. Nor will intersectionality remain primarily a campus phenomenon for long. Yudof worries that “future leaders of America will be viscerally anti-Israel because of the distorted discourse on today’s campuses.” He points out that “what happens on campus never stays on campus.” Indeed, the growing acceptance of intersectionality arguably poses the most significant community relations challenge of our time. Ultimately, how popular — and threatening — intersectionality becomes depends on the degree to which the far left, constituting about 10 percent of society, is successful in inculcating its black-and-white worldview, simplistic perspectives and resentment toward those perceived as powerful with the mainstream left. But we can influence the direction of this discussion. Publicly attacking intersectionality and its adherents is not likely to do much damage. To the contrary, calling out Israel’s detractors can paradoxically have the effect of popularizing their views and bringing them further into the mainstream. Rather, the Jewish community and especially, the Jewish community relations movement, must do more to establish our own intersectionality with groups on the mainstream left, which is not nearly as prone to radical currents. Strengthening ties to these more moderate groups will erect a firewall between the far left and mainstream left on Israel, making it far less likely that the latter will ever take the bait from the BDS movement. To do this, we need to understand the various issues and causes of the groups that make up this segment of the population, and make common cause whenever possible. Promoting Israel alone is not going to cut it because the various groups will have no reason or incentive to join forces with us. Just as BDS supporters embrace the agendas of the groups they seek to persuade, we must work on issues our key partners deem important. We may not be able to discredit intersectionality with Israel across the board, but we can limit its reach. David Bernstein is president and CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the representative voice of the Jewish community relations movement. Follow him on Twitter @DavidLBernstein.

Thank you to all of the donors who made gifts January 12 - February 13, 2016 to Tribute Funds in recognition of the occasions noted below.

Tribute Fund

Donor

Recipient

Occasion

JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER AUSTIN Margo & Arthur Smith Jennifer & Brad Greenblum Margo & Arthur Smith Marcia & Bruce Levy Margo & Arthur Smith Laura & Andy Pastor Meryl Wasserman Kilventon & John Kilventon

In Memory of Beth Kahn In Memory of Carol Maflan In Memory of Scott Pastor In Memory of Jacqueline & Seymour Wasserman

JEWISH FOUNDATION OF AUSTIN & CENTRAL TEXAS Leslie & Marvin Brittman

Keith Zimmerman

Special Recognition at 2016 Philanthropy Day Luncheon

Daniel Samuelson Daniel Samuelson

His 90th Birthday His 90th Birthday

Arielle, David & Rebecca Levy Molly Abrams & Brett Lipensky Sarah Weisfeld Arlene Miller Dana Epstein

In Honor of Milestone 2016 2016 Milestone Hineni Award Recipients 2016 Milestone Co-Chairs An Incredible Job at Milestone 2016 In Her Honor In Her Honor In Honor of Milestone 2016

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE Lea Isgur Esther Rosenberg

MILESTONE Heather Abzug Dana Baruch & Mike Krell Dana Baruch & Mike Krell Dana Baruch & Mike Krell Sarah Craemer Neil Kogut Jenna & Benji Rabhan

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING DONORS WHO MADE GIFTS IN HONOR OF ARIELLE, DAVID & REBECCA LEVY RECEIVING THE 2016 HINENI AWARD: Denise Bookatz Carol & Sandy Dochen Sadie Flynn, Victoria Millner & Jennifer Vasquez Karen Frost & Charles Levy Alissa & Bobby Goodman Valerie & Joel Granoff Deborah Hersh

Florence & Stanley Hersh Judy Hersh Betty Levy Max Marschark Janet Marz Arlene & Lawrence Maze Terry & Steven Millman

Jackie Mintz & Brad Rabin Kim & Matt Schocket Michele Schwartz & Jesse Gordon Jackelyn & Zach Silverman Stuart Slicis Tracy & Rob Solomon Nancy & Bill Taute

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING DONORS WHO MADE GIFTS IN HONOR OF CO-CHAIRS MOLLY ABRAMS & BRETT LIPENSKY: Irene & Steven Lipensky

Arlene & Lawrence Maze

Jackie Mintz & Brad Rabin

MOSAIC Lisa & Tommy Friedlander Janet & JP Newman

Marcia & Bruce Levy

In Memory of Carol Maflan In Honor of Mosaic 2016

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING DONORS WHO MADE GIFTS IN HONOR OF MARGO SMITH, 2016 WOMAN OF VALOR: Liz & Erick Bronson Sherrie & Bob Frachtman

Lea Isgur Vicki & Billy Osherow

Susi & Aron Singletary

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING DONORS WHO MADE GIFTS IN HONOR OF CO-CHAIRS MARCIA LEVY, DEBORAH RUDY & ROBYN SPERLING: Sherrie & Bob Frachtman

Vicki & Billy Osherow

WOMEN’S DIVISION F.A. & Maury Midlo F.A. & Maury Midlo

Jennifer & Brad Greenblum Marcia & Bruce Levy

JEWISH FA M I LY SERVICE

In Memory of Beth Kahn In Memory of Carol Maflan

If you would like to honor someone you care about while making a difference in our community with a tax-deductible gift to a Shalom Austin Tribute Fund visit www.shalomaustin.org/tributes. Questions? Contact Jenifer Thompson at (512)735-8034 or [email protected].

70 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

B'NOT MITZVAH Ashley and Emily Rosen, daughters of Craig and Allison Rosen, became b'not mitvah at Congregation Agudas Achim.

BAR MITZVAH Jonathan Postelnik, son of Alla and Igor Postelnik, became bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom.

BAR MITZVAH Eric Uffelman, son of Stacey and Brad Uffelman, became bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom.

BAR MITZVAH Daniel Albert, son of Mark and Suzanne Albert, became bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Israel.

BAR MITZVAH David Greenberg, son of Mark and Laura Greenberg, became bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Israel.

BAT MITZVAH Amanda Krasoff, daughter of Molly and Steve Krasoff, became bat mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom.

BAR MITZVAH Noah Linkin, son of Robert and Stacy Linkin, became bar mitzvah at Congregation Agudas Achim.

BAR MITZVAH Lance Snelson, son of Kara Salmanson and Gene Snelson, became bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom.

BAR MITZVAH Zachary Burnett, son of Lea Garey and Christopher Burnett, became bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom.

BAT MITZVAH Lily Sherwood, daughter of Shannon Sherwood and Walter Sherwood, became bat mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXTEND A MAZEL TOV OF YOUR OWN? Please send any submissions regarding family or other simchas you’d like publicized to [email protected].

BIRTH Griffin Chapman was born to Jeffrey and Robin Chapman.

HONORED Rabbi Cantor Marie Betcher was chosen as speaker for the iACT Fifth Annual Friends in Faith Luncheon.

HONORED Joe Levy, a resident at Autumn Leaves of Northwest Austin, was selected as the featured artist for February’s Art Walk at City Councilman Don Zimmerman’s office. Levy’s artwork was displayed at Zimmerman’s office throughout the month of February.

BIRTH Pearl Levertov was born to Rabbi Mendy and Mussy Levertov, directors of Chabad Young Jewish Professionals – Austin. Grandparents are Rabbi Yosef and Rochel Levertov.

BIRTH A baby boy was born to Mauricio and Adriana Ancona.

HIRED Attorney Gary Zausmer has joined the firm Enoch Kever, PLLC, as a partner.

WESTERN WALL From Page 33

adjacent to a nearly 200-foot segment of the wall, and has some 27,000 visitors on an average day. The area is divided into two sections: a larger one for men and a smaller one for women. The rules prohibit women from reading from Torah scrolls in the Orthodox section. A committee composed of two Reform leaders, two Conservative leaders, two non-Orthodox women representatives, the Jewish Agency chairman and six government officials will run the non-Orthodox section. The Orthodox and non-Orthodox sections of the Western Wall will share an entrance near the Old City of Jerusalem’s Dung Gate, one story above the Western Wall plaza’s current entrance. Currently, the path to the non-Orthodox section is long, narrow and accessible only through a gateway tucked in a back corner of the plaza. The deal will create a wide and visible walkway to the section. The deal does not specify, however, whether there will be signs at the entrance informing visitors of the non-Orthodox section or anything else notifying visitors of its existence. "The vision of the new section of the Kotel is a physical and conceptual space open to all forms of Jewish prayer," a statement from Women of the Wall read. "Instead of splitting up the existing pie into ever more divided, smaller pieces, we are making the pie much larger and sharing the new space." The Western Wall’s haredi management, headed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, has long pushed for Women of the Wall to leave the site. Under the deal, the women's group has agreed to move to the non-Orthodox section only once the deal is implemented. And a faction of Women of the Wall has vowed not to budge from the Orthodox section – regardless of what the deal says.

MODERN TO TRADITIONAL HILL COUNTRY TO HIGH RISE

The Western Wall’s religious status has been under contention for decades. Women of the Wall was founded in 1988 to advance women’s prayer at the site, which is prohibited under haredi Orthodox Jewish law. Until 2013, much of the group’s activity contravened the Heritage Foundation’s regulations and thus was illegal. Police regularly detained members of the group. Non-Orthodox groups also suffered persecution at the site. In 1997, an egalitarian Conservative Shavuot celebration behind the prayer section was attacked by protesters throwing bottles, diapers and refuse at the worshippers. The incident led to the establishment of the non-Orthodox prayer section at Robinson’s Arch in 2000. Following an international backlash to Hoffman’s 2012 arrest, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tasked Sharansky with forging a compromise solution to the dispute. An outline Sharansky proposed in April 2013 called for the non-Orthodox section to be equal in size and elevation to the Orthodox section, but it proved unworkable due to objections from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Waqf, the Islamic body that governs the Temple Mount. In August 2013, Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett tried for an interim solution by building a 4,800 square-foot platform that created more space in the non-Orthodox section. Women of the Wall rejected the platform, calling it a "sundeck." Now the architects of the compromise hope that all sides of the debate will be able to put their differences behind them for the sake of the Western Wall’s symbolism. “This contains the hope that the Western Wall will no longer be an arena for disputes, and will regain the uniting character that befits its special place for the entire Jewish people,” the agreement reads. “May this also bring peace among us.”

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72 | March 2016 | The Jewish Outlook

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