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December 2014 — Kislev-Tevet 5775, Volume 20, Issue 11

Rabbi Gordis Reveals Surprising Facts about Israeli-American Perceptions

BY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN

Guest Speaker Rabbi Dr. Daniel Gor-dis talked about Israel at Westchester Day School’s (WDS) Open House on Saturday, November 8, attended by over 100 citi-zens from Mamaroneck and surrounding communities.

Noting that students study Hebrew but do not speak it, Gordis stated, “First talk about the dream and convey the nu-ances of Israel and its social, political and economic complexes. Show them Israel’s arts, films and novels, such as Amos Oz’s Tale of Love and Darkness.”

Gordis reiterated the 1950 Ben Guri-on-Blaustein Agreement between Premier David Ben Gurion and American Jewish Committee President Jacob Blaustein, “that Israel speaks only on behalf of its own citizens and in no way presumes to represent or speak in the name of Jews who are citizens of any other country; that Jews of the United States as a community and individuals have no political attach-ment to Israel.”

Rabbi Gordis stressed that the Yom Kippur War of 1973 cost over 3,000 sol-

diers, but since then no standing Arab army has attacked Israel. However, Gordis was pessi-mistic about any peace prospects, since it is no lon-ger a conflict over territory but over religion. “Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS and Muslim Brother-hood want to ‘re-deem the land from the infidel.’”

C o n c l u d i n g the program, WDS Head of School Rab-bi Joshua Lookstein enunciated the WDS theme, “Open Minds, Open Hearts and Open Arms.”

“Open Minds—a First Grader apply-ing for Second Grade asked, ‘If G-d cre-ated the world, who created G-d?’ Open Hearts—developing children who can

Westchester Day School President Josh Trump (left) and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Gordis

feel each other’s pain. Their visits to a Senior Center are followed up, including diary writing. And Open Arms—our arms are open to the Town of Mamaroneck and State of Israel,” Lookstein concluded.

Night of Music and Joy Celebrates Kol HazzanimBY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN

Over 550 people were delighted dur-ing the 2nd Biennial Night of Jewish Music and Joy, held on Saturday, Novem-ber 15 at Temple Israel of New Rochelle, (TINR), presented by Westchester Jewish Council (WJC) and Kol Hazzanim—The Cantors of Westchester, with grant sup-port from UJA-Federation of New York/Westchester.

Kol Haz-zanim President Hayley Kobil-insky thanked TINR Cantor Tanya Green-blatt, for bringing the event to the Temple and in-troduced Master of Ceremonies, Temple Israel Center of White Plains Cantor Emeritus Jacob Mendelson, who in turn presented

Cantor Mark Lipson, with the ensemble, rendered an extremely moving Havdalah Service.

“I know you think Havdalah means two quarters (half dollar),” Cantor Men-delson quipped. “But really is separation

of Light and Darkness, farewell to Shab-bat.”

Other Cantors included Ellen Arad; Chanin Becker; Gerald Cohen; Melanie Cooperman; Ellen Dreskin; Gadi Elon; Adina Frydman; Jamie Gloth; Ethan Goldberg; Margot Goldberg; Randy Her-man; Robin Joseph; Fredda Mendelson; Tracey Scher; Alexis Sklar; Alan Sokoloff; Elizabeth Sternlieb; Meredith Stone; Star Trompeter and Sarah Zemel, accompa-nied by pianist Jonathan Comisar; Nor-berto Goldberg, percussion; Adrianne Greenbaum, Klezmer flute and Jared Mc-Inerney, violin. Mendelson performed the rousing “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof in stark contrast with “HaKotel

Shaar,” the Western Wall of the fallen Je-rusalem Temple, “stones made of tears—six million tears,” intoned by Elon, Stone and ensemble.

Contemporary life was represented by “The Baseball Game” from Falset-toland, “watching Jewish boys who can’t play baseball—play baseball” and nostal-gic look at life in Brooklyn by Mendelson from his upcoming show The Cantor’s Couch. Sephardic music stood side by side with traditional Ashkenazi favorites.

Westchester Jewish Council Associ-ate Secretary Gary Trachten summed it up by saying, “It was truly a Night of Joy the Westchester Jewish community will not soon forget.”

Havdallah Service in song.

Temple Israel New Rochelle Rabbi Emeritus Amiel Wohl

Leading Emissaries from Across the Globe Convene in NYC

In late November, 4,200 Hasidic rabbis from around the world came together in New York City along with 1000 communal leaders from over 80 countries, for the 31st International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissar-ies. Ten Chabad rabbis from Westchester and the Bronx joined including; Rabbi Velvl Butman, Chabad-Lubavitch of Westchester County; Rabbi Levi Shemtov and Rabbi Shlo-mie Tenenbaum, Chabad-Lubavitch of Riverdale; Rabbi Shneur Zalman Teitelbaum, Chabad of the Medical Com-munity (Bronx); Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz, Chabad of Yonkers; Rabbi Sruli Deitsch, Chabad of Bronxville; Rabbi Yehuda Bal-ashov, Chabad of Kingsbridge; Rabbi Levi Groner, Chabad Pel-ham; Rabbi Benjy Silverman, Chabad of the River Towns; and Rabbi Mendel Silberstein, Chabad-Lubavitch of Larch-mont and Mamaroneck.

At the conference, leaders announced initiatives aimed at reviving Jewish awareness and practice around the world. This year’s conference carried an added significance as millions around the world mark twenty years since the passing of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.

The emissary families con-tinue the legacy of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneer-

son, of righteous memory, who spearheaded a global Jew-ish revival after the Holocaust while expounding upon the Jewish teachings of Talmud and mysticism. Universally known simply as “the Rebbe,” Rabbi Schneerson is considered to be one of the most remarkable personalities of the 20th cen-tury. Although he passed away twenty years ago, the Rebbe’s legacy remains as strong as ever.

Renowned for its unique fusion of global activism and intellectual pursuit -- which fu-els the creation of at least one new religious or social-services institution someplace on the globe each week -- many con-sider Chabad-Lubavitch to be one of the most successful spiri-tual movements of all time. Its vast success is credited to its cadre of dedicated rabbinical emissaries whose families are willing to pick and move liter-ally anywhere in the world to bring their fellow Jews closer to Judaism.

The Chabad-Lubavitch movement has seen rapid growth and its impact continues to grow through its 3,500 insti-tutions. With a new presence in Mississippi, Chabad-Lubavitch is now in 49 U.S. states.

The conference ended with 5,200 rabbis and lay lead-ers enjoying the largest sit-down dinner in the area at The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

Rabbi Dovid Labkowski of Chabad of Briarcliff-Ossining. credit: Adam Ben Cohen / Chabad.org

2 • December 2014 — Kislev-Tevet 5775 • Westchester Jewish Life www.westchesterjewishlife.com

Annual Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast Builds Bridges “Piece by Peace”BY STEPHEN E. LIPKEN

With theme “Building Bridges: Piece by Peace,” celebrating diverse roots and shared values, the Annual Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast was held in Benzinger Hall, Man-hattanville College Purchase on Thursday, November 20, sponsored by American Jewish Committee (AJC); Hudson River Presbytery; Mamaroneck United Methodist Church; Man-hattanville College-Duchesne Center; Temple Sholom and Westchester Jewish Council.

Over 350 audience members from West-chester, Fairfield Counties and surrounding communities attended, with elected officials

Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont; Assemblyman David Buchwald; Natalie Hunt-Robinson, White Plains Common Council; Pat Keegan, representing Congresswoman Nita Lowey; New York State (NYS) Senator George Latimer; As-

semblywoman Shelley Mayer; Assemblyman Steven Otis; Village of Mamaroneck Trustee Leon Potok; Yolanda Robinson, representing State Controller Tom DiNapoli and Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum.

“Born in wake of horrific attacks of 9/11, Diversity Breakfasts brought us together,” Deputy County Executive Kevin J. Plunkett ob-served. “Two days ago we were reminded what hatred means in Jerusalem…But let us be grate-ful that in Westchester County, Muslim chil-dren join Jewish students in classrooms; black, white and Hispanic neighbors extend helping hands to one another.”

Honorees cited for exemplary community service included Reverend Paul Alcorn, West-chester Youth Alliance; Janice Lubin Kirschner, Jewish Community of Yonkers (JCY)/Westches-ter Community Partners/Family Service Society of Yonkers (FSSY) and Carolyn Kunin, Walking Together. Awardees also received Certificates from Congresswoman Lowey and Plunkett.

“My predecessor Ann Schaeffer organized the first Diversity Breakfast in November 2001 at Crowne Plaza, White Plains in response to the tragedy on September 11, 2001,” AJC Direc-

Temple Israel Center White Plains Rabbi Gordon Tucker (left) and TIC Executive Director Miriam Massen

AJC Executive Director Scott Richman (left) and Temple Israel of New Rochelle Rabbi Emeritus Amiel Wohl

tor Scott Richman noted. We were proud to have 20 Faith Leaders; now there are over 350. We expanded into Fairfield County and now have Diversity Breakfasts at many AJC branch-

es, nationwide.“Now more than ever we need to build

bridges of understanding, respect and apprecia-tion for each other.”

Left to right: Westchester Jewish Council Council Assistant Executive Director Pam Goldstein; Millie Jasper, WJC; WJC Program Director Donna Bartell; Co-Chair Haina Just-Michael

Left to right: Seth Berman, Family Service Society; Pearl Quarles; Bishop Martin Nelson, Bezer Holiness Church, New Rochelle; Mark Bench, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Left to right: NYS Senator George Latimer; Nasreen Hassain, American Muslim Women’s Association.

Jewish Community Center of Harrison Rabbi Eytan Hammerman (left) and Noel Vanek, Community Church of the Pelhams.

Left to right: WJC President Paul Warhit; Millie Jasper; WJC Executive Director Elliot Forchheimer

Edward Shapiro, [email protected]

Helene Pollack, Publisher, [email protected]

Cynthia Pena, Art [email protected]

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Westchester Jewish Life

Anti-Israel Activity on Campus after Operation Protective EdgeBY THE ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE

Student groups seeking to isolate and dele-gitimize Israel, to stifle dialogue and control the message about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have organized activities on college and uni-versity campuses for several years.

These efforts polarize campuses, inflame existing tensions and intimidate students. In light of the previous academic year’s significant anti-Israel activity and the organized anti-Israel reactions to this summer’s conflict between Hamas and Israel, the 2014-15 school year will likely be marked by another escalation in anti-Israel actions and events.

So far in this academic year, there have been more than 90 anti-Israel events scheduled to take place on U.S. campuses, double the 45 events scheduled during the same period last year.

Student groups that constitute today’s an-ti-Israel movement hurl a multitude of hateful accusations against Israel, falsely claiming that Israel is guilty of apartheid, ethnic cleansing, genocide, and a number of other war crimes in an effort to demonize Israel by portraying it as the embodiment of the world’s true evils. These claims are rarely, if ever, balanced with an acknowledgement of Palestinian terrorism against Israeli civilians, Israel’s continual ef-forts to make peace with the Palestinians and make no mention of the Palestinians’ failings

on security issues and their intransigence dur-ing negotiations throughout the years.

Not all criticism of Israel is anti-Israel in nature, and not all anti-Israel rhetoric and ac-tivity reflect anti-Semitism. However, anti-Is-rael sentiment increasingly crosses the line to anti-Semitism by invoking anti-Semitic myths of Jewish control and demonic depictions of Israelis or comparing Israel’s actions to those of the Nazis during the Holocaust. Such messages have been seen throughout the years on the fringes of the anti-Israel movement and appear to be moving more to the forefront of many anti-Israel protests.

The response to Israel’s military opera-tion against Hamas in Gaza this summer was

College of Staten Island SJP chapter’s vigil for Gaza (September 2014)

...continued on page 4

4 • December 2014 — Kislev-Tevet 5775 www.westchesterjewishlife.com

marked by an upsurge in anti-Israel rallies around the country, both on and off campus. These protests frequently featured rhetoric that devolved from legitimate criticism of Is-rael into hateful messaging about the Jewish State, its people and Jews in general. At least 30 of these anti-Israel demonstrations during Operation Protective Edge were sponsored or co-sponsored by student groups. Many groups sent representatives to speak at these demon-strations, including in Philadelphia, New York, and Louisville, Kentucky. In some instances, such as at the University of Michigan, students even organized demonstrations on their cam-puses to condemn Israel, even though classes were not in session.

This summer was preceded by an especial-ly tense period on college campuses during the 2013-14 academic year, when student groups hosted at least 374 anti-Israel events, about 40% of which focused on how to effectively ini-tiate Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns on campus. Additionally, there were at least 57 events sponsored by university aca-demic departments over the past two academic years that presented an extremely one-sided view of the conflict. This represented an in-crease from years past. Also, at 15 colleges, stu-

dent groups submitted divestment resolutions to their student governments. While most of these resolutions were unsuccessful, they con-tributed to an antagonistic environment for some on campus.

Additionally, this school year, Jewish stu-dents have been targeted with anti-Semitism seemingly unrelated to anti-Israel activity, ex-acerbating difficult situations on some campus-es. At Emory University, for example, a Jewish fraternity house was spray-painted with swasti-kas and other offensive graffiti following Yom Kippur.

While anti-Israel activity is certainly a challenge many students encounter on cam-pus, it must also be noted that for the most part, Jewish and pro-Israel students do not feel unsafe or insecure on their campuses. Further-more, while anti-Semitism does occur too often at colleges throughout the country, generally respect is the norm, and anti-Jewish bigotry is not openly tolerated.

If the recent past and the start of 2015 school year are any indication, pro-Israel stu-dents on campuses will need to empower and equip themselves with constructive and effec-tive responses to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias.

Anti-Israel Activity on Campus after Operation Protective Edge...continued from page 3Westchester Jewish Council Statement on Terrorist Attack

The Westchester Jewish Council board of trustees joins other national and inter-national organizations in unequivocally denouncing the November 18 murderous ter-rorist attack in Jerusalem. Westchester Jewish Council president, Paul Warhit, called for restraint stating, “Terrorist acts such as this are executed by extremists whose goal is to derail already tenuous short and long term peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. While Westchester Jewish Council leadership condemns the murderers re-sponsible for today’s attack, we also call upon leadership on both sides for restraint and cooperation in publicly condemning this action and in bringing the individuals and groups responsible to justice. The terrorists want to incite more violence from both sides and can only be defeated when reasonable people stand together to end the cycle of violence that has plagued the Middle East for too long.

“The political agenda for both sides has been hijacked by extremists long enough. Only when moderates on both sides of the conflict join forces and resolutely forge ahead in search of peace, can they marginalize the extremist element in their own camps. The Westchester Jewish Council leadership mourns with all the families who have lost loved ones in this conflict and pray that leaders from both sides will take the necessary steps to de-escalate the tension and resulting violence.”

In addition, Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino stated, “The murder of four rabbis, three of them U.S. born, in a Jerusalem synagogue is a cowardly act that must be condemned by the world. I join good people from every continent in mourning these deaths and standing up for all those who fall victim to anti-Semitism in all its forms.”

westchesterjewishlife.com


Former Enemies Join Forces in Peace to Develop a Memorial SiteBY JUNE GLAZER

They looked like a typical group of visi-tors to Ammunition Hill on a hot August afternoon. The site, in Israel’s capital city of Jerusalem, is a national memorial to the battle between Israeli and Jordanian forces that took place there during the Six Day War. Each year, some 200,000 people tour its pre-served Jordanian fortifications and visit its museum.

This was no typical tour group, how-ever. Its members, former enemies, are now cooperating on a project to tell the story of what happened at Ammunition Hill on June 6, 1967, when 37 Israeli and 71 Jordanian combatants died in one of the most decisive battles of the war. Israeli victory there led directly to the capture of the Old City and the reunification of Jerusalem after almost 2,000 years.

This past August, a four-man delegation representing the Jordanian Army met with an Israeli team at the site for two days to lay the groundwork for their cooperation.

“We invited the Jordanians because we would like to tell the story of Ammunition Hill from both sides and to show the whole picture,” said Nurit Levinovski, curator of the future exhibition. “We are in need of their photos, maps, documents, stories, and other materials they can provide us, and my understanding from our meetings with them is that they are willing to help.”

Members of the two sides met for inten-sive talks during the two days, but also took time to tour the stronghold and museum and to exchange stories and anecdotes about the battle from their respective viewpoints. “We were happy to learn, for instance, that the commander of the Jordanian troops at Ammunition Hill is still alive and that we may be able to secure a taped interview with

him,” Levinovski said.Perhaps the most poignant moment of

the tour for the visiting delegation came when the group stopped at a shattered Jor-danian bunker that had held out to the last and where 17 Jordanians died. Israeli troops buried the bodies in a trench at the top of the hill and marked it with a grave marker that read: “Defense Army of Israel—Here lie buried 17 brave Jordanian soldiers.”

“It’s a moment of great symbolism,” said Alon Badihi, a member of the Israeli team and executive director of Israeli opera-tions for Jewish National Fund, which is as-sisting in the development and renovation of the memorial site. “Former enemies are coming together in peace on a spot where some of the fiercest fighting took place.”

Taking in the panoramic view of Jeru-

salem from atop the hill, Badihi noted that this is not the first time since 1967 that Jor-danians have visited the site. After Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994, other groups—including former battle par-

ticipants—have also visited. “However, it is the first time a research and education group has come to work with us to help build the museum and shape its content and mes-sage,” Badihi said.

The Jordanian delegation, led by Am-jad Jamal, a major general in the Jordanian Army and head of its History Research and Education Division, said he was pleased with the two-day talks. “We came to listen and to see how we could assist. But we also expected to obtain information to help us in our efforts to document our side of the battles [with Israel], and what we heard was very good,” he said during lunch with the Israeli team.

Dr. Baker Khazar Almajali, a history re-searcher and senior advisor to the Jordanian Army chief-of-staff, added that he was sure the two sides would hold further meetings in the future. “Continuous meetings mean continuous dialogue. We want the Israelis to understand us and we want to understand them. This is so we can maintain the peace, hope, and ambitions of our generation and our children’s generation. We need always to look toward the future and for symbols of hope so we can live together in peace,” he said.

Katri Maoz, CEO of Ammunition Hill Memorial Site, guiding Jordanian officers delegation at site


December 2014 Calendar of Events

UPCOMINGThe Chabad Jewish Center, Bronxville will conduct Chanukah Menorah Light-ings on December 16 at 5pm in Memo-rial Park, Eastchester and December 21 at 5pm in Depot Square in Tuckahoe. For more information, visit jewishbronxville.com.

The Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville will sponsor a Chanukah event called Drum Tales on December 14 at 3:30pm, making crafts and a Special Play Day on December 25. Call Jill Gold at 741-0333, ext. 26 for details.

AJC Westchester/Fairfield and the Con-sulate General of the Republic of Cyprus present a photo exhibit at the JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale through December. For information, call 948-5585.

Westchester Adult Jewish Education – A Program of Westchester Jewish Coun-cil is now accepting enrollment in their Winter Classes including Introduction to Talmud; Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship; Jewish Literature and much more. For further information, email [email protected] or call 328-7001, ext. 704.

Bingo will be played on December 7 and 14 at 6:30pm at Yorktown Jewish Cen-ter, 2966 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights. Call 245-2324 for additional in-formation.

From December 12-14, the Isabella Freed-man Jewish Retreat Center will host “Blues for Challah,” the 4th Annual Jew-ish Grateful Deadfest with Grateful Dead Photographer Robbi Cohn at 116 John-son Road, Falls Village, CT. Call 800-824-5991 for more information.

The JCC on the Hudson, 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown is offering a series of weekend STEM courses for grades K-3 and 4-6, running 10 Saturdays, from December 6 through March 7. To register, go to JCCo-ntheHudson.org or call 366-7898.

UJA-Federation’s Winter Family Mission to Israel will take place from December 24 to January 4, 2015. For further informa-tion, including cost and itinerary, contact Arielle Schack at [email protected] or call 212-836-1761.

The JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale announces the Academic Center has courses for the SAT’s and ACT

exams for 2015. Call 472-3300, ext. 275 to register.

The Helen Diller Family Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, a program that recognizes up to 15 Jewish teens with exceptional leadership. Visit dillerteenawards.org to nominate a teen before 12/14/14.

Bet Torah Nursery School, 60 Smith Av-enue, Mt. Kisco announces the continu-ation of their Bagels and Blocks classes for Caregivers, Moms and Dads and their babies and toddlers, Tuesdays and Thurs-days from 9:30 to 10:30am. Call 666-7595 for further information.

Volunteers are needed to deliver kosher meals to homebound individuals living in Mt. Vernon, Yonkers and New Ro-chelle. Sponsored by Westchester Jewish Community Services, the Kosher Meal Program operates Monday through Fri-day from Sinai Free Synagogue in Mt. Vernon where meals are picked up by 11:30am. Call 668-4350 to help.

DECEMBER2At 7:30pm, Dr. Mark Meirowitz will dis-cuss Turkey, Jews and Israel from the Holocaust to Gaza at the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center’s Dis-tinguished Lecture taking place at SUNY Purchase – The Red Room, 735 Anderson Hill Road (Park in Lot W1-W2) Purchase. For more information, call Millie Jasper at 696-0738.

Women of Reform Judaism’s Annual Holiday Boutique presents premier ven-dors, old favorites and new discoveries from 10am to 5pm at Westchester Re-form Temple, 255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale. Call 723-7727 for more infor-mation.

4From 7 to 9pm, Jewish National Fund and Westchester Reform Temple, 255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale will hold a community-wide reception to explore Israel’s wine revolution with speaker, Sha-har Sadeh and welcome remarks from Rabbi Jonathan Blake. Register at jnf.org/wcwaterwine or call 212-879-9305, ext. 510 for additional information.

7From 8:30am to 1pm, Beth El Syna-

gogue Center, 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle will hold a Blood Drive. Visit bethelnr.org/blooddrive or call 235-2700, ext. 223 to sign up.

From 10am to 1pm, join AJC as they visit the Scarsdale Friends Meeting of the Re-ligious Society of Friends at the Scarsdale Meeting House, 133 Popham Road, and participate in a worship service and learn about Quaker history. RSVP to 948-5585.

Dr. Nir Barzilai, Director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, will be the guest speaker at a breakfast meeting sponsored by the Brotherhood of Scarsdale Syna-gogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale. The talk is en-titled, “Figuring How to Die Young at a Very Old Age.” To RSVP, call 725-5175 or email [email protected] with “Barzilai Breakfast” in the subject line.

The JCC of Harrison, 130 Union Avenue will hold a Holiday Boutique from 10am to 3pm with women’s apparel, fine art, jewelry, scarves, gloves, children’s items and more. Call 835-2850 for details.

Temple Israel of New Rochelle, 1000 Pine-brook Boulevard will hold a Holiday Bou-tique from 9am to 2pm. Call 235-1800 for questions.

At 2:30pm, Congregation M’Vakshe Der-ekh in Scarsdale will hold a Games and Cards afternoon with dinner following at the Friends Meeting House, 133 Popham Road, Scarsdale. RSVP to Joan Silver at 789-8687.

9At 7:30pm, Westchester Region of Hadas-sah presents a Book Talk and Author Visit with Lucinda Franks, author of “Timeless: Love, Morgenthau and Me” at Schecter Westchester, 555 West Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale. RSVP to 937-3151 or [email protected].

At 7:45pm, Professor Smadar Rosens-weig, Yeshiva University Stern College for Women will present a free lecture on Levi’s Ascent from Outlaw to Religious Establishment at Young Israel of New Rochelle, 1140 North Avenue. Call 636-2215 for details.

10From 7:30 to 9:30pm, Westchester Jewish Community Services will hold a program entitled, “A Conversation with Jennifer Senior” in collaboration with The Jewish

Education Project, JCC of Mid-Westches-ter and the Jewish Book Council at JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale. Contact [email protected] for more information.

11From 11:30am to 1:30pm, UJA-Federa-tion of New York Westchester Women’s Philanthropy presents “Meet the Bala-boosta: Chef Einat Admony” at the Wil-low Ridge Country Club, 123 North Street, Harrison. To register, call 761-5100, ext. 107 or ameil [email protected].

The JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale will screen the movie, The Fifth Heaven at 11am and 7pm. Call 472-3300 for details.

14Join kiddie rockers Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights for Menorah Madness at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place, New York City at 2pm geared to-ward children ages 3 to 10 includes crafts and a mini-tour of the galleries. Crafts will take place from 1 to 4pm. The tour takes place at 1:30pm. Tickets are avail-able at mjhnyc.org or call 646-437-4202.

At 4pm, the Westchester Chamber Music Society, celebrating its 64th season, will present the Kalichstein-Laredo Robinson Trio at Congregation Emanu-El of West-chester, 2125 Westchester Avenue, Rye. Call 967-7399 for tickets.

At 7pm, Chanuka: Music and Light will be performed by Kol Rinah at Temple Beth Abraham, 25 Leroy Avenue, Tar-rytown. For tickets visit kolrinahchorale.org.

At 4pm, Larchmont Temple, 75 Larch-mont Avenue presents Dan Nichols Family Concert, co-sponsored by Temple Israel of New Rochelle, Congregation Kol Ami, White Plains and Westchester Re-form Temple, Scarsdale. Call 834-6120 for questions. Concert is free and open to the community.

16At 6:30pm, the JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale will host a Community Chanukah Candle lighting Ceremony. Call 472-3300 for informa-tion.

20At 7pm, Temple Sholom in Greenwich will sponsor a Connect Laser Tag Chanu-

kah Party at Fun for Kids, 370 West Main Street, Stamford, CT. Register to 203-869-7191.

24The Matzo Ball will be held at Capitale, 130 Bowery, New York City. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com/e/matzoball-nyc-2014-tickets-11887956197?aff=eorg

25The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust will feature Joshua Nelson and the Kosher Gospel Choir at 1pm and 3:30pm at 36 Battery Place, NYC. Call 646-437-4202 for tickets.

28At 8pm, Festival of Light – An Evening with Matisyahu will take place at The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT. Call 203-438-5795 for tick-ets.

JANUARY 20155From 6:30 to 8:30pm, JCC of Mid-West-chester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale will be the location for “An Interactive Cam-pus Event – Empower Students to Stand Up to Anti-Semitism on Campus”. For more details, follow notoantisemitismon-campus on Facebook or call 262-6497.

6The JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale will hold a Maccabi gen-eral information meeting at 7:30pm. Contact Steven Weisbrot at 472-7642 for details.

11At 10am, join Hadassah for an advocacy program and installation of the 2015 of-ficers by Ruth Gursky, Attorney’s Council Co-Chair and Hadassah National Board Member at Bloomingdales, La Provence Restaurant, 4th Floor, White Plains. Call 937-3151 for questions and to RSVP be-fore January 5, 2015.

27The JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilm-ot Road, Scarsdale will host Professor Bvultjens speaking on Middle East Tur-moil – Its Impact on America and Israel at 11am. Call 472-3300 for further infor-mation.

On December 13 at 7pm, Jewish Heritage Night will be celebrated at Westchester County Center, White Plains while watching the Westchester Knicks Basketball Team. Contact Isaac Rosner, Westchester Knicks at 559-6867 for tickets.

On January 24 at 7:15pm, join the Westchester Jewish Council as they host their 39th Anniversary Gala honoring Executive Director Elliot Forchheimer at Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle. For tickets, call 328-7001.

On December 14 at 3pm, Itzhak Perlman will host the American Israel Cultural Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street, NYC. Call 212-557-1600 for tickets.

JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale presents, “Jews in the News,” led by Joseph Berger of the New York Times on December 9 at 7:30pm with Rabbis Jonathan Blake of Westches-ter Reform Temple, Lester Bronstein of Bet Am Shalom, Jonathan Morgenstern of Young Israel of Scarsdale and Gordon Tucker of Temple Israel Center. Call 472-3300 for details.

The 21st Annual Judaica Craft Show will take place on December 6 from 8pm to 11pm and December 7 from 10am to 5:30pm at Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, 295 Soundview Avenue, White Plains. For details call 946-8851 or visit betamsha-lom.org/Judaica_craft_show


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Joe Lieberman Reflects on His CareerFormer U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman

may have retired from politics, but his eye hasn’t strayed far from the political scene. This fall at Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus, Lieberman addressed hundreds of YU students, faculty and staff in a lecture titled “Judaism and Public Service.” The lecture, the first of a three-part series, inaugurated Lieberman’s role as the Joseph Lieberman Chair in Public Policy and Public Service at YU, a position made pos-sible through a gift from University Benefac-tors Ira and Ingeborg Rennert.

“I do have faith in America, and in the whole constitutional premise of this country,” Lieberman stated, with the disclaimer that he could not say the same “with confidence” about countries other than the United States or Israel. However, he expressed concern about rising anti-Semitism on U.S. college campuses and uncertainty about the Jewish political situation 30 years or so from now. “This [openness] is not going to [continue to] be this way unless we fight to make it so,” he said.

Lieberman will be teaching one course at YU in the spring.

POINT is The Way to Independent Living for Young Adults with Disabilities

Young adults with intellectual and devel-opmental disabilities or autism spectrum disor-ders often face a challenge: after age 21, when community- and school-based services are no longer available, they may want to live inde-pendently yet still require supportive services. This transition time is fraught with challenges ranging from work readiness to self-sufficient life skills to social development among peers. Families want their children to conquer these issues in their adult lives while living within the context of a supportive community.

The POINT (Pursuing Our Independence Together) Program addresses just this need. Founded seven years ago by a group of 15 fami-lies who were seeking a solution for their young adults, the POINT Program currently has 43 thriving participants. Supported by Westches-ter Jewish Community Services (WJCS) and the Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA), as well as local foundation and family funding, the program enables participants to live fulfilling, independent lives while benefiting from a rich community and professional support services. Program Director Barbara Greene notes that this is truly a unique program in the country. “POINT participants come from far beyond the tri-state area, including, California, Maine, and New Hampshire, to join this innovative com-munity.”

Located in White Plains, the POINT pro-gram enables these adults to live within walk-ing distance of each other, their community center, and public transportation to their jobs. They are all employed, either as part of a group internship, an individual internship or in a paid position at a local business.

Outside of work, they have many oppor-tunities to socialize, volunteer, exercise and even travel. Thanks to funding from the Taft Foundation, WJCS has created the Taft Com-munity Center, a centralized place to host so-cial activities, Shabbat dinners, and vocational classes, as well as provide an opportunity for drop in time to hang out with friends. Plans for he recently enlarged Taft Community Center includes space to accommodate larger groups and additional social skills and health and well-ness programming.

Support services abound. Each participant is assigned a program specialist—a Master’s level clinician—with whom they meet one or more times a week for help with scheduling their work and social activities, developing so-cial skills, and resolving issues that may arise at work. They also benefit from assistance from community habitation trainers, who teach life skills such as cooking and cleaning in their apartments, putting together a food shopping list, managing money, and scheduling their work and social schedules. And, there is always 24/7 phone support available for any emergen-cies or unanticipated problems.

These busy young adults are truly living independently and are proud to discuss their self-sufficiency. MF, one of the first participants in the POINT program, loves the food service industry and has two part-time jobs: assisting the chefs in a high-end restaurant and working at Whole Foods in the specialty department. He loves the support he gets from the staff and the fact that he has the freedom to structure his day. Another program member, MG, is flourish-ing living on her own and working at Shop Rite 16 hours a week. What’s most important about the program to her? “Learning how to be an individual and working together as a team.” The support and camaraderie they gain from their peers is an essential component of the program. There are even two couples living in the POINT community.

One look at the monthly calendar or Facebook page shows the incredible breadth of options available: apple picking trips, stress management classes, pick-up basketball games, volunteering at a local nursing home, Jewish

holiday celebrations, performances organized by their popular “Theater for Action” program, and trips to Washington, D.C. and Philadel-phia. The opportunities are limited only by the vision of the participants and the support of their families and staff. Far more than a hous-ing solution, the POINT Program enables in-dependence, volunteerism, and the benefits of community. It couldn’t be a better example of the richness available within the WJCS family

of programs.For more infor-

mation about POINT, contact Barbara Greene, program di-rector, 914-761-0600 x175 or [email protected].


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Carmel Academy Students Win First Place in STEM CompetitionA team of Carmel Academy’s sixth grade stu-

dents excitedly captured first place in a national STEM competition for gifted math and science stu-dents. Carmel Academy’s E2K team answered every question correctly for the first place trophy.

E2K, the acronym for Excellence 2000, is an en-richment program developed in Israel that encour-ages advanced students to use logic, analysis, creativ-ity and teamwork to approach math and science. The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE), which runs the E2K and other STEM-based programs in the United States, organizes national and interna-tional virtual contests throughout the year. Teams compete in real-time, using the Internet.

Carmel Academy’s 14-member sixth grade E2K team studied high school chemistry concepts to prepare for the challenging contest, which explored the phases of matter and transitions from one phase to another. Concepts included sublimation (going directly from solid to gas) and deposition (going di-

rectly from gas to solid), said Carmel Academy’s E2K Coach and Middle School science teacher Rhonda Ginsberg.

During the two-hour competition, the students performed three experiments, observed results and answered questions based on the experiments. The sixth graders performed so well that the contest or-ganizers asked them to further explain four of their answers to the competitor schools, Ginsberg said.

“I am so proud of our E2K students,” said Gins-berg. “They voluntarily spent much of their free time preparing for the competition, and they did so be-cause they were excited to learn. Their enthusiasm is truly contagious.”

“The CIJE E2K virtual activities foster a healthy sense of competition in an exciting and unique way,” said Linda Goldberg, the CIJE Math and Sci-ence Coordinator. “We congratulate Carmel for their first place finish and all participants as they gained both knowledge and a sense of sportsmanship from

this exciting and educational venue.”Carmel Academy, located in Greenwich, CT,

was one of the first Jewish day schools in the coun-try to implement E2K eight years ago, when it was invited by CIJE to pilot the program. Carmel Acad-emy has been so successful with E2K, the school was tapped by CIJE to implement an SET3 Science, Engineering, Teamwork, Technology and Training enrichment program, as well as an 8th grade engi-neering program.

“It is our intention to continue to be in the forefront of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education,” said Carmel Academy Head of School Nora Anderson. “At Car-mel we prepare our students to be leaders in our fast-paced, 21st century global economy. Starting from the earliest years, we offer cutting-edge curriculum, resources, facilities and tools so that our students have the learning experiences, the critical thinking skills and the foundation for future success in a com-petitive world.”

Bet Am Shalom Synagogue Hosts 21st Annual Judaica Craft Show

A dazzling array of crafts and jewelry will be shown and sold at the premier Judaica craft show of the Northeast. Now in its 21st year, the Annual Judaica Craft Show is hosted by Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, 295 Soundview Avenue in White

Plains, opening Sat-urday, December 6, 8:00-11:00 p.m., and continues through Sunday, December 7, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

The juried show features hundreds of unique works in all price ranges, created by 51 artists – nearly half from Israel, the rest from the U.S. and Canada. Fea-tured are one-of-a-kind items represent-

ing the finest in handcrafted Judaica ritual items and stunning jewelry, in original designs ranging from the traditional to contemporary. Visitors will also discover beautiful objects in ceramic, silver, fabric, wood, paper and other media, created for ritual, decorative and practical use in the home and synagogue.

The artists, who will be present to talk with visitors about their work, were selected from a large pool of applicants by a jury of Judaica art curators.

Funds from the show support the artists and Bet Am Shalom Synagogue and its vibrant role in the Westchester Jewish and wider community.

Admission to the Judaica Craft Show is $8 per person (Sunday re-entry free if paid Saturday night), or $7 with an invitation card or ad on page 8 of Westchester Jewish Life.

For additional information call 946-8851 or visit www.betamshalom.org.

Pendant by Sheila Beatty


First Hebrew Congregation Rededicates SanctuaryA standing room only crowd was

on hand for the recent ribbon cutting ceremony as First Hebrew Congrega-tion rededicated their sanctuary fol-lowing a $50,000 renovation. Proc-lamations, dedications and thanks were given by Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, County Legislator John Testa, Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina and Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi. Also on hand to help cut the ribbon were members of the Peekskill Area Pastors Association, currently chaired by First Hebrew Rabbi Lee Paskind.

First Hebrew, which has been serving the Jewish community in Northern Westchester for over 100 years, also announced the launch of their remodeled educational program to replace traditional Hebrew School. It’s now known as Jewish Learning Experience.

“We are celebrating the spiritual and physical rebirth of First Hebrew as we prepare for a vibrant future,” said President Marc Intriligator. “We have also recently doubled our efforts to provide activities for empty nesters, and our social action committee is creating events to better serve those in need. First Hebrew is committed to being a vital part of the culture and experience of all the communities we serve.”

The egalitarian Conservative synagogue provides education, programs and services for adults and chil-dren in Peekskill, Cortlandt, Croton, Yorktown and other surrounding communities in Westchester and Put-nam. First Hebrew also offers Orthodox services in their original 118 year old building in downtown Peekskill.

First Hebrew’s Jewish Learning Experience is an experiential program where students learn by doing. The project-based program combines a great deal more out-of-classroom activities to connect Jewish living and values with real-life experiences, such as doing good deeds known as “mitzvahs,” and mending the world known as Tikkun Olam.” Student activities and several Family Experiences will demonstrate the relevance of Judaism to every aspect of life. The program is tuition-free for the first two grades and entirely tuition-free for members; only a nominal book fee applies to all.

First Hebrew’s Jewish Learning Experience was developed with support from the Jewish Education Proj-ect, a beneficiary of UJA-Federation of New York. The sanctuary renovation was made possible, in part, by a generous donation from the Krantz family and support from First Hebrew’s Men’s Club and Sisterhood.

“First Hebrew has been a part of my family for nearly two decades,” said Jeremy Krantz. His father, Rabbi Abraham Krantz, set up a charitable foundation to create a legacy of giving. “My late father’s legacy lives on in numerous charitable donations chosen by his children,” said Krantz. “We are deeply committed to our congregation’s efforts to bring our community together and inspire pride in the Jewish heritage.”

L to r, front row: First Hebrew’s Phyllis Stern and Mindy Steinholz, Hudson Valley Gateway Executive Director Debbie Milone, First Hebrew President Marc Intrilligator with board member Robert Ru-benfeld, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Peekskill Councilwoman Kathy Talbot, First Hebrew’s Charles Newman; back row: First Hebrew’s Sandy Poritzky and Daniela Rosen, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, County Legislator John Testa, and Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina.

Hadassah Honors Dr. Dan Costin at 2014 Making Miracles Happen Gala

On Thursday, November 13, 2014, the Westchester Region of Hadassah hosted its second annual Making Miracles Happen dinner at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, honoring Dr. Dan Costin, Co-Director of the White Plains Hospital Cancer Program, for his significant work in cancer research and treatment here in Westchester and in collaboration with Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. The Westchester Region recognized Dr. Costin’s tireless efforts on behalf of patients as well as his commitment to the fight against cancer. Among the more than 180 attendees were Hadassah members throughout Westchester and Dr. Costin’s colleagues from White Plains Hospi-tal, family, friends and current and former patients and their families eager to demonstrate their

gratitude for his work and caring, personal style.

Dr. Costin spoke of Hadas-sah’s extraordinary history of healing in Israel and around the world over more than one hun-dred years. He shared his fam-ily’s connections with Hadassah, from the time he was a child and his father was a physician at Ha-dassah Hospital, to the present when he is working together with Hadassah on an important new protocol for the treatment of pan-creatic cancer. As part of the pro-gram, Jeremy Costin, Dr. Costin’s son, spoke about his father and his devotion to his family, and Diana Costin, Dr. Costin’s daugh-ter, sang a song she had written for her father. Guests were enter-tained by Mentalist and Magician David Levitan.

“We are delighted to have honored Dr. Dan Costin. Not only is Dr. Costin beloved by his many patients throughout Westchester, but he has also worked in collaboration with doctors at Hadassah Hospital in researching new treatments for pancreatic cancer,” said Deborah Wiskind, President of Hadassah’s Westchester Region. All proceeds from the event will benefit the extraor-dinary work of Hadassah in the area of breast cancer treatment and research.

Hadassah is changing the future of medical care in Israel and around the world. Whether unlocking the healing potential of stem cells, reversing symptoms of Parkinson’s, ALS (Lou Geh-rig’s disease), and multiple sclerosis, or eradicating cancers with new vaccines and personalized therapies, Hadassah is Making Miracles Happen every day. Here in Westchester, Hadassah shares healing through educational and public awareness programs and community health discussions.

For more information call their office at 937-3151 or email [email protected].

Top Row: Gretta Berenbaum (Scarsdale), Karen Everett (Larchmont) , Deborah Wiskind (Ardsley), Ilene Schwartz (Ossining), Carol Fassman (Larchmont). Bottom Row: Carolyn Schrier (Scarsdale), Donna Baer (White Plains), Pam Hoffman (Ossining)

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Steven Zelin Addresses UJA-Federation of New York’s Westchester Business and Professional Division

(From left)Westchester Business and Professional Division Chair Leslie Effron Levin of White Plains, Event Chair David Singer of Bedford Hills, speaker Steve Zelin of Larchmont, Event Chair Susan Slater-Jansen of Somers, Westchester Business and Professional Division Board Member Roy Stillman of Katonah, and Westchester Busi-ness and Professional Division Chair Budd Wiesenberg of Mamaroneck.

Celebrate Chanukah with Traditional Family RecipesEach year during the holiday season we

take the time to honor tradition and celebrate with family and friends. Traditional Chanukah foods (latkes and applesauce, brisket, Sufgani-yot, kugel, etc.) are symbolic and are prepared and served in order to remind us of the events associated with the holiday. A new book from a daughter of Holocaust survivors weaves to-gether family traditions with mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for any Chanukah cel-ebration.

FOOD, FAMILY AND TRADITION: Hun-

garian Kosher Family Recipes and Remem-brances (The Cherry Press/August 2014; Hardcover/$35.00) by Lynn Kirsche Shapiro contains more than 150 original, never-before-published recipes with full-color photographs and preparation methods updated for the mod-ern kitchen.

Try one of these recipes from FOOD, FAM-ILY AND TRADITION for your Chanukah feast: Hungarian Kosher Family Recipes and Remem-brances, By Lynn Kirsche Shapiro, The Cherry Press/August 2014.

4 medium russet potatoes 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper, optionalVegetable oil, as needed for frying Grate the potatoes into a medium bowl using the second finest side of a box grater. Or use the food processor fitted with the metal blade: Chop potatoes into chunks; grate finely by pulsing, but do not purée. Transfer potatoes and their juices to a medium bowl. Add the eggs and salt. Mix very well. Add pepper if using. In a 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat ¼ inch of oil. When a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the pan is hot. Drop latke batter by ¼ -cup ladles or large spoon carefully into the frying pan. Fry on one side until edges are crispy and golden about 3 minutes. Turn once and fry until cooked through and crispy on the other side. Transfer latkes to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat using remaining batter, adding more oil if necessary.

A medium russet potato is 2 ¼ by 3 ¼ inches. If the potatoes are very large, use 1 egg per potato.

Latkes - ParveMakes 8 to 10 Latkes

3 pounds apples, cored and peeled --Can use Granny Smith or Jonathan apples1/3 cup water, or as needed to cover the bottom of the pan 1/3 cup sugar, or to taste 1/2 cup raisins, optional 2 cinnamon sticks, optional A few drops of fresh lemon juice, optionalCut the apples into slices or chunks. In a heavy 3-quart pot or Dutch oven, pour the water. Add the apples and the sugar, and the raisins, cinnamon and lemon juice if using. Over me-dium heat, bring to a boil. Decrease heat and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally to make sure the apples do not burn, for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the apples have reduced to a thick sauce. If it is too watery, uncover and cook, for another 5 minutes, stirring to make sure the apples do not burn. Remove cinnamon sticks and discard. Let cool to room tem-perature, cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Cooked Applesauce - ParveMakes 4 Cups

ChanukahSpecials!


Mazel TovAJC Westchester/Fairfield Awards Judge Fredman and Jeremy Temkin at Dinner

AJC Westchester/Fairfield award-ed Westchester attorneys Hon. Sam Fredman of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman and Dicker LLP in White Plains and Harrison resident Jeremy Temkin of Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason and Anello PC in Man-hattan at the Judge Learned Hand Award Dinner at the Ritz Carlton, Westchester on November 13, 2014. This is the fourth year that AJC’s Westchester/Fairfield Region present-ed the award, which is the organiza-tion’s most prestigious recognition of excellence bestowed upon members of the legal profession. The award was presented by last year’s honorees, Andrew J. Entwistle of Entwistle and Cappucci LLP in New York and Geor-gia D. Kramer of Kramer Kozek LLP in White Plains.

AJC established the Learned Hand Award in 1964 to cite leaders in the legal profession for excellence and for their contributions to the legal community. The recipients of this award are people who embody much of what the Judge represented: the rights of the individual and the im-portance of democratic values in an orderly society. This philosophy also sums up a major thrust of the American Jewish Committee’s work and the programs it has promoted since its inception in 1906.

Hon. Samuel G. Fredman is one of the nation’s outstanding matrimonial lawyers. He has provided meaningful leadership to the religious, political, educational, charitable and legal worlds. He served with distinction as a NY State Supreme Court Justice, was Chairman of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, and was on the NY State Democratic Committee. Since retiring from the Bench, Fredman joined the Wilson Elser law firm and has been a private Arbitrator and/or Mediator. He is Past President of Temple Israel Center in White Plains.

Jeremy H. Temkin is a Principal of Morvillo Abramowitz and is considered an expert on crimi-nal tax matters. He has tried high-profile tax and securities fraud cases, conducted internal investi-gations for public corporations and employees including those of the NY Yankees and Muhammad Ali in litigation to recover stolen memorabilia. Temkin serves on the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society and is the author of numerous writings including the bimonthly “Tax Litigation” column in the New York Law Journal.

Jeremy Temkin (left) and the Hon. Sam Fredman

Arnold Wilson, MD, Honored by UJA-Federation of New YorkUJA-Federation of New York honored Scarsdale resident Arnold

Wilson, M.D., attending physician, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, at its Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine Division annual reception on November 16, 2014, at Wave Hill in River-dale. Edward Burns, M.D., executive dean of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, presented Dr. Wilson with his award in recognition of his commitment to philanthropy. Dr. Wilson has served as chair of UJA-Federation’s Montefiore-Einstein Campaign for more than a decade.

Dr. Wilson came to Montefiore Medical Center in 1994 when he joined the Central Bronx Orthopedic Group. In 2005, he established Wil-son Orthopaedics, specializing in joint reconstruction, sports medicine, and physical therapy. At the beginning of his career, he learned the most advanced, least invasive surgical techniques during a sports medicine and knee reconstruction fellowship at the Insall Scott Kelly Institute. Dr. Wil-son is a faculty member at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and New York University School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his orthopaedic residency at Catholic Medical Center.

Arnold Wilson, MD

United Hebrew of New Rochelle Conducts “Breaking Down the Walls” on Special Needs Assisted Living Residence for Seniors

United Hebrew of New Rochelle, a leading not-for-profit, non-sectarian senior living campus, conducted a “Breaking Down the Walls” ceremony for its latest con-struction projects, Willow Gardens, a unique assisted liv-ing residence providing care exclusively for residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and Meadow Lane, an independent senior housing complex with supportive ser-vices for low-income adults. This $26 million project is the renovation of United Hebrew’s vacant nursing pavilion and is scheduled for completion in November 2015.

“This project is in keeping with United Hebrew’s mis-sion and future direction to provide a rich array of health care services which embrace the changing needs of resi-dents in Westchester County and the surrounding areas” said Rita C. Mabli, President and CEO. “We are committed to the development of long-term care supportive housing and promoting access to aging in place. We hope to be a model for other facilities nationwide in preparing for the aging of the baby boomer population.”

New York City-based Perkins Eastman Architects, PC designed the four-story, 75,000-square-foot renova-tion, and Goldens Bridge, NY-based Andron Construction Corporation will oversee the facility’s construction.

United Hebrew of New Rochelle is Located at 391 Pelham Road, New Rochelle.

United Hebrew President & CEO, Rita C. Mabli with Senior Chair, Malcolm Lazarus, Chairman Michael Rozen, and Members of the Board of Directors Don Duberstein and Anthony Nardozzi


Real Estate Matters -- Ideas for easy and quick room updates

BY JOHN BAER, SRES

The winter months are a perfect time to engage in interior home improvement updates. Y

”Home interior experts know small decor tricks that take very little time can have a big effect,” says Elizabeth Sasso Smith from Liberty Hardware. “Homeowners can use these same strategies to make changes easily and quickly inside their own home.”

Perhaps one of the most overlooked ways to quickly and dramatically update a room is to replace the wall plates. Wall plates are the covers that go over the light switches and outlets. Decorative wall plates can complement any design scheme, and because they can be removed, are a great option for those who rent or others who might want to change them out from time to time with minimal effort.

Wall plates are the fashion accessory that every wall needs to add visual appeal. From modern, sleek designs that feature finishes like brushed nickel, to classic and elegant options with finishes like satin nickel and espresso, you can upgrade your room within minutes.

If you are looking for a big change with mini-mal effort, consider a fresh coat of paint. Dark and vivid colors remain popular and provide a focal point for the eye. Shades of green and gray are trend-ing right now, as well as hues of blue in every color of the ocean. (The only time to avoid dramatic colors on your walls is when you are planning to sell your home. Neutral colors, such as off-white, cream, pale yellow are safer to use at that time). Pick up some paint samples from the store and bring home to see how they will look in the natural light of the room.

Interested in trying a bold color, but not sure about how it will look in the entire room? Choos-ing a single wall to paint is a great way to add color without going all out. For example, if painting a bed-room, choose the wall where you put the head of the bed. If you are painting a living room, choose the wall where the couch or your largest piece of furni-ture goes.

Cabinet hardware changes are typically made

in the kitchen or bath, but knobs and pulls have multiple uses if you think outside the box.

“Consider coordinating the color and theme of your new wall plates into a clever curtain tie-back us-ing a knob or pull,” says Christina Hurley of Liberty Hardware. “A similar finish will add a design flow that creates character and pizzazz throughout the room.”

Some other ideas for coordinating knobs in-clude use on a wall or door to hold a coat, towel or bag. You might even decide to hang pictures using coordinating knobs and metals. Instead of simply nailing the frame to the wall, tie with a beautiful ribbon and hang on a knob that matches your wall plates and other hardware in the room.

Other eye-catching additions to a room in-clude hooks and hook rails. While they may have once been deemed for industrial or heavy-duty use, new contemporary and traditional designs along with complementary finishes like satin nickel and hazelnut allow hook rails to take a more prominent, decorative position in a room.

Installation is simple and quick, allowing for a modern appeal and instant coordination with wall plates and other hardware. Find a new place for items that often get tossed on the floor like book bags, belts or purses. A small hook rail placed in a closet or bathroom is perfect for hanging jewelry for easy access or spice up your garage with a decorative hook rail to hold sports equipment or umbrellas.

John E. Baer, SRES, DPA is a NYS licensed real estate salesperson associated with Pruden-tial Centennial Realty of Scarsdale and Larch-mont. He can be reached for questions at 914/600-6086 or emailing him at [email protected].. His website is www.West-chesterHomes.info.

WJCS Announces Autism Educational Advocacy Services Availability

Westchester Jewish Community Services an-nounces the availability of autism education advo-cacy services for families in Westchester. The services are offered through the WJCS Autism Center and help parents navigate the special education system.

“We are delighted to offer this service,” said Lee Englander, WJCS Autism Center coordinator, who has been a special needs advocate for more than 20 years. “It feels a great need. Families often feel over-whelmed and disenfranchised, not knowing their rights or how to be effective in meetings for their children with the school system.”

WJCS helps parents identify and understand their children’s needs, and enable them to be more empowered during the development of the indi-vidualized educational plan process. The advocacy services include an initial consultation as well as classroom observation and representation with par-ents at Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings at which plans for children are discussed.

The advocacy services are just one of the com-prehensive services for children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families that the WJCS offers. While the Autism Center’s other services in-clude groups for children, parents and grandparents

as well as Project Lifesaver, a program that provides a safety bracelet and monitoring system for children who may wander or get lost, WJCS also provides myriad services for people with developmental disabilities. They include therapeutic social skills groups, participation in the Spectrum Baseball Pro-gram as well as crisis response and parent behavioral management services.

Additional support for programs is provided through funds from UJA-Federation of New York. For more information about fees and services or to schedule a consultation, contact Lee Englander, Pro-gram Coordinator, WJCS Autism Center at 914/ 761-0600 x228.

WJCS is one of the largest non-profit, non-sectarian human services agencies in Westchester, serving 20,000 people annually at 70 clinic, school, community and home-based locations throughout the county. The agen-cy’s integrated network of services includes mental health treatment and counseling, child and youth development programs, residential and non-residential programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, home health and geriatric services. The highest level of professional development and training is offered through the WJCS Educational Institute. For more information on WJCS, go to www.wjcs.com.

Orthodox Union Convention to Focus on Global Jewish UnityBY BATYA ROSNER

Deeply understanding the issues facing the worldwide Jewish community and how they can work towards global Jewish unity, is the focus of this year’s Orthodox Union Conven-tion, taking place Friday, December 26 through Sunday, December 28 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Tarry-town.

“After war broke out in Israel this summer and the resurfacing of virulent anti-Semitism throughout the world, it’s been so troubling and painful. We have an obligation to discuss what’s going on with global Jewry. This is an 800-pound gorilla,” said Dr. Shimmy Tennenbaum, chairman of the OU Convention. “Jews in America have a comparatively easier and more pleasant diaspora, but do we have all the facts? What needs to be done on our part as Jewish Americans?”

OU President Martin Nachimson of Los Ange-les declared, “As the Orthodox Union convenes for its biannual National Convention, we face a world of virulent and undeserved hostility to Israel and to the Jewish people. At such a time, for there to be even a shred of disunity among the Jewish people is a terrible misfortune. With enemies on every side – including on college campuses where our own Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) pro-grams are located – can we be our own enemies as well? Our Convention will deal with global Jewish unity and when we leave late on Sunday, December 28, we should leave encouraged that the Orthodox

Union is doing all it can in the interests of promoting Am Echad – One People.”

To help put a human face on the plight of our brothers and sisters abroad, a plenary of rabbis will be the keynote speakers on Shabbat, including

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth (Great Britain); Rabbi Daniel Oppenheimer, chief Ashkenazic rabbi of Buenos Aires; and Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, M.D., who leads the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Manhattan.

Presented in two parts—a full Shabbat open to families, couples and synagogue delegates with a global per-spective and a Sunday morning pro-gram geared towards American Jewish challenges—the weekend will feature seminars, panels, Q&A sessions and classes.

Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, together with Rich-ard Stone, former chairman of the Conference of Presidents, will speak Friday evening.

“The OU plays a vital role in advocating for the particular and universal interests of the Ortho-dox Jewish community but also plays an impor-tant broader role in American Jewish life,” Hoen-lein said. “The OU Convention is an opportunity to showcase its involvements and accomplish-ments but also to discuss the critical domestic and international issues facing American and world Jewry.”

To register visit www.ou.org/convention.

Malcolm Hoenlein

rity between ages 62 and 65), your card will ar-rive automatically three months before your 65th birthday. When you get that card, you have seven months to sign up for Part A and Part B, choose your plan and select drug coverage.

Finally, keep in mind that Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care at home, in as-sisted living or in a nursing home. Another pro-gram, called Medicaid, covers that. However, in order to be eligible for Medicaid, you must meet very strict income and asset requirements.

Those are some of the basic rules (and things to watch out for). Medicare is complicated, though, and there is much uncovered here. There are special rules for people who are volunteering out of the country on their 65th birthday. There are new rules for same-sex spouses (expanding their coverage to match prior rules covering op-posite-sex couples). There are issues of overlap be-tween Affordable Care Act policies and Medicare. There are other benefits that help poor Medicare beneficiaries pay for their premiums, deductibles and co-payments. There is a high likelihood that one of the special rules has some effect on you. For more information, go to www.medicare.gov.

Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., is a founding part-ner of Littman Krooks LLP and has been honored as one of the “Best Lawyers” in America for each of the last seven years. He is past President of the National Academy of Elder Law At-torneys (NAELA) and past President of the New York Chapter of NAELA. Mr. Krooks has also served as

chair of the Elder Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. He has been selected as a “New York Super Lawyer” since 2006. Mr. Krooks may be reached at (914) 684-2100 or by visiting the firm’s website at www.elderlawnewyork.com.

everything that you would like in your new dream kitchen. Then make another list of what you really must have in case you need to trim things, if budget or space don’t allow everything from the first list.

Next step: pick up some kitchen maga-zines in town or go to www.Houzz.com or www.pinterest.com and look at what other people are doing. When you see something that interests you, tear it out or print it out or save it on your computer so that you can show it to your kitchen designer. It’s easier and safer to show someone a specific concept rather than trying to explain it, leaving less chance for misinterpretation of what you had in mind. This will ensure that your dream kitchen ends up looking like your dream kitchen and not your designer’s dream kitch-en.

When the magical, holiday season is over, if someone loved you enough to give you a new kitchen, or you decided to give one to yourself, you’re now ready to begin the actual project. Gather up your lists, your pic-tures, your iPad, and find a creative designer who understands you and will be able to com-bine all your ideas into a stunning, functional and affordable new kitchen just for you. But, whether or not you get a new kitchen this sea-son, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy new year.

Paul Book-binder, M.I.D., C.R., is president of DreamWork Kitch-ens, Inc. located in Mamaroneck, New York. A Master of Design (Pratt In-stitute), and E.P.A. Certified Remodel-er, he serves on the Advisory Panel of Remodeling Maga-

zine. A member of the National Kitchen & Bath Assoc., he is also a contributor to Do It Yourself magazine. He can be reached for questions at 914-777-0437 or www.dreamworkkitchens.com.


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The Kitchen & Bath Insider© – The Holiday Kitchen

BY PAUL BOOKBINDER, M.I.D., C.R.

Whatever your age, I hope that you still feel the special magic of the holiday season. Whether it’s Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Festivus or just celebrating the winter solstice, now more than ever it behooves us to take the time out of our busy schedules to enjoy this time of year. And, one part of the magic of the holidays is making up your holiday “wish list”, even if it’s only in your imagination.

Let yourself go. What would you really like? A diamond bracelet. A home theater. Maybe a trip to Maui. Or perhaps, something you could really use . . . like a new kitchen! After all, most of us spend more time in the kitchen than any other room in our house, and this is especially true throughout the holiday season, when the kitchen becomes the focal point of your home.

During the holiday season kitchens are not only filled with the immediate family, they’re also cluttered with welcome (and unwelcome) guests as well; helping, visiting, kibitzing, snoop-ing, etc. With all the time spent in this oasis in the middle of your home, and all the people mill-ing around, folks have a tendency to notice what doesn’t work well, in terms of design and func-tion, so it’s no wonder that more people start to think about remodeling during the holidays than any other time of the year.

Unless you’re very fortunate, no one is go-ing to buy you a new kitchen for Christmas, Cha-nukah or even Festivus. It’s just not considered a romantic, holiday type gift, but it should be. What could say “I love you” more than a gor-geous new room to prepare meals for the family? Okay, maybe the “preparing meals” takes some of the romance out of it, but work with me on this.

Wouldn’t it be great to have enough room to prepare next year’s holiday delicacies without bumping into everyone else? And enough stor-age space for all your spices, as well as places to put away all the dishes, glasses and silverware after the shiny, new dishwasher has made them spotless.

If a new kitchen is on your holiday gift list, (or you wish it was), you can get the pro-cess started by making a “wish list” that includes

Medicare Eligibility at 65: What You Need to KnowBY BERNARD A KROOKS, CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY

Roughly ten thousand Americans turned 65 today. In fact, every day for the next 19 years 10,000 baby boomers will reach age 65. Almost all of them will be eligible for Medicare coverage. Those who are new to Medicare will need to make some decisions about whether to sign up for Part B, what to do about Part D, whether to choose Medicare Advantage or “traditional” Medicare, and

whether to purchase a “Medigap” policy.There are a number of common Medicare

mistakes new 65-year-olds make. It is important for you to learn about your options and how to avoid those mistakes. Some of the things to watch out for:

When you sign up for Medicare, you have the option of skipping Part B coverage. Very, very few new Medicare beneficiaries should skip that coverage — even if you feel that you just

don’t need it (or can’t afford it) now. Generally, the only people who should skip Part B are those who have current employer-provided health cov-erage (including active-duty members of the mili-tary). Covered by COBRA, Tricare or other private insurance? Get Part B coverage. What happens if you don’t? Later, when you do sign up for Part B (and you almost certainly will), the premiums will be high enough to essentially recapture your “missed” contributions. And don’t assume that your existing coverage qualifies to avoid the in-creased premiums in the future — check with your local area Agency on Aging, Medicare and/or your employer.

You get coverage for medications one of two ways: either you sign up for a“Part D” plan or drug coverage is part of your Medicare Advan-tage plan. Make sure you sign up for Part D one way or the other. As with Part B, failure to sign up now just means your premiums will be higher later. Don’t think you need (or can afford) Part D coverage? Consider signing up for the cheapest plan available in your community, primarily so that you don’t pay a penalty later when you do need medication coverage.

Don’t think you qualify for Medicare be-cause you haven’t worked for 40 quarters? Get more information. You might want to sign up for Part B and Part D coverage now. You might be better off getting Medicare coverage even if you have to pay a premium (it might, for example, be cheaper and better than your current coverage). You might qualify under a spouse’s work history.

Still working at 65? You still qualify for Medicare. It’s not tied to your work status, and the eligibility age hasn’t increased to 66, as Social Security already has — and Social Security’s retire-ment age is headed to 67. But not Medicare.

Are you already receiving Social Security benefits? If you are on Social Security Disability, your Medicare card will automatically arrive in the mail after you’ve had two years of SSDI ben-efits. If you’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits (because you signed up for Social Secu-


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New Project Aims to Build a Chain of Worldwide Jewish Giving

The Natan Fund, a giving circle of young professionals in New York, recently announced the launch of Amplifier, a global network of giv-ing circles inspired by Jewish values. Amplifier is the first concerted effort to unite Jewish giving circles into a field, catalyze the creation of new circles, educate circle members on best practices in philanthropy, and connect giving circles to each other and to grantseekers of all types effi-ciently and effectively through an innovative new web platform.

Giving circles are groups of people who pool their charitable donations and de-cide together where to allocate their money. Research shows that members of giving circles give more, give more strategi-cally, and are more engaged in their communities than non-members. This past summer’s Connected to Give: Commu-nity Circles report (Jumpstart, 2014) demonstrated that giv-ing circles are also particularly strong among affinity groups, such as those connected by religion, ethnicity, gender, sex-ual orientation, or age.

Supported by a pilot grant from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Natan convened dozens of partners from across the Jew-ish philanthropic and nonprofit sectors over several months to co-design Amplifier’s web platform and in-person training and mentoring programs. More than 30 giving circles and over 100 nonprofit or-ganizations have registered on the web platform during its beta phase, and the number is growing every day.

“People are craving a meaningful experience with giving, and giving circles can provide just that,” says Felicia Herman, Natan’s executive direc-tor. “So much of giving is reactive - we give because we get a solicitation in the mail or our friends ask us to donate to their favorite cause. Giving circles, by contrast, are proactive: they enable members to discover their giving passions and then to give in

way that is transparent, intentional, hands-on, and social – no matter how much money they have or what types of causes they want to support.”

Amplifier’s in-person and online resources make it as simple as possible for anyone to start, grow, and sustain a giving circle and to connect with excellent potential grant recipients and with other giving circles. Trainings, coaching, confer-ences, and events complement a unique interac-tive web platform, www.AmplifierGiving.org, that offers searchable directories of giving circles and

nonprofit organizations, giv-ing circle management tools, a growing Resource Library, and a Common Grant Application for grantseekers.

“Giving circles are for everyone,” says Lynn Schus-terman, chair of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Fam-ily Foundation. “They inspire people at all levels of giving to come together with a commu-nity of friends or family and to wrestle with how to bring Jewish wisdom to bear on con-temporary issues of all kinds. We are investing in Amplifier because we believe that giving

circles can be a powerful pathway for engaging with Jewish life and values, as well as for ensuring a vi-brant future for Jewish philanthropy. ”

Amplifier is also intended to benefit nonprofit organizations, to make it easier for them to raise funds from giving circles and even to start their own circles. “The Common Grant Application and Organization Directory make spreading the word about our work and connecting to potential sources of support incredibly efficient,” says Rachel Ishofsky at Innovation: Africa “Submitting one ap-plication on Amplifier’s site not only saves us time but also showcases our work to a broad landscape of potential supporters.”

For further information on Amplifier, guid-ance on starting or joining a giving circle or sub-mitting a Common Grant Application, visit www.AmplifierGiving.org.

J-Teen Leadership “Life after Sandy” Service TripForty Westchester teens from J-Teen Leader-

ship and Westhab’s Elm Street Youth Center joined together for a collaborative interfaith overnight Vet-eran’s Day service trip to Far Rockaway to provide hands-on assistance in re-building homes destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

J-Teen Leadership and Westhab’s Elm Street Youth Center meet regularly to develop and plan joint interfaith service programs. Past collaborative events have included Midnight Run, building a gar-den in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day in an abandoned lot in Yonkers and sorting medical sup-plies for the Afya Foundation in honor of MLK Day. This was the first overnight collaborative interfaith trip for the organizations and created the opportu-nity for the teens to bond and come together as one group. As one teen on the trip remarked, the shared experience “helped show that community is greater than religion and to put our beliefs aside while try-ing to accomplish the same goal.”

While in Far Rockaway the teens had dinner with three of the families whose homes they helped repair. The dinner took place at West End Temple, which is still struggling to rebuild, two years after the storm. Rabbi Marjorie Slome introduced a teen from the congregation who touchingly retold the story of how, even in a space without heat, lighting or floors, he felt compelled to hold his Bar Mitzvah, three months after the storm. Other guests at the dinner were AmeriCorps workers from Friends of the Rockaways and NYS Assemblyman Phil Gold-feder.

During their stay, the teens heard stories from the local residents, delivered food to the United Methodist Food Pantry and presented gift cards to the Food Pantry for upkeep and supplies. House

repair included house and roof insulation, drywall installation, yard cleanup, mudding and sanding.

Through the “New York Says Thank You Stars of Hope” program the teens created stars to attach to poles and buildings in the Far Rockaway com-munity as a way to let the residents know that they are not forgotten. The goal of the program is to get children and teens to create lasting inspiration in communities throughout the country recovering from disaster.

In honor of Veterans’ Day Jewish War Veteran, Merv Berryn, joined the teens for the day of service and spoke to them about his experience in the Ko-rean War.

This is the third year that J-Teen Leadership traveled to Far Rockaway. Thanks to a generous grant from UJA-Federation of New York’s Jewish So-cial Action Month initiative to provide meaningful programs during the month of Cheshvan, J-Teen Leadership has been able to aid in the relief efforts needed to support those still affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Felicia Herman

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