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the best of 2010 bang for your book international honors the heroes’ trip

10 15 16 22 january 28, 2011 • 23 shevat 5771 • volume 87, no. 2 • $2

A Tribute
to Debbie

Page 20
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2 JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

Winter Family Calendar

For complete details about these and other upcoming JFS events and workshops, please visit our website: www.jfsseattle.org

For Jewish woMen Please save the Date For Parents

Programs of Project DVORA (Domestic PEPS
Violence Outreach, Response & Advocacy) New Group Starts in March
are free of charge.
PEPS is now offering a peer support group
Confidential Support Group experience for parents of newborns within a
Peer support, education and healing for culturally relevant context. Jewish and interfaith
Jewish women with controlling partners. Monday, May 9, 2011 parents are invited to join us!
Westin Seattle Hotel
m ongoing Contact Marjorie Schnyder, (206) 861-3146,
Chair: Donna Benaroya [email protected] or go to
Confidential location, dates and time.
To register, become a Table Captain or for http://www.pepsgroup.org/register-for-peps/jfs.
Contact Project DVORA, (206) 461-3240 information, please contact Gail Pollack:
or [email protected] (206) 861-3151 or [email protected] The Ever-Changing Reality of
All guests must pre-register the New Teen Economy
For couPles Learn how to balance the desires and wants of
your teens with the ever-changing reality of
“Can We Talk?” — Staying Close For aDults age 60+ your family’s economy.
& Connected as a Couple m tuesday, February 8

This workshop focuses on patterns of Endless Opportunities 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

communication that facilitate being supportive A community-wide program offered in Contact Marjorie Schnyder, (206) 861-3146
and accepting of each other. partnership with Temple B’nai Torah & Temple or [email protected].
m thursdays, February 3 – 24 De Hirsch Sinai. EO events are open
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. to the public. The Middah of Silence
Contact Emily Harris-Shears, (206) 861-8784 Part of the Parenting Mindfully: Drawing on
or [email protected] The Eternal Dream of Flight: Jewish Values through Musar Series
Aviation in Seattle and the NW m sunday, February 13

With Mike Lavelle, Museum of Flight 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

For the lgbtq coMMunity
Development Director Contact Marjorie Schnyder, (206) 861-3146
Learning About Adoption m tuesday, February 8 or [email protected].
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Part of the Exploring Paths to Emotion Coaching
Parenthood Series Outing to Hillel An Essential Part of Your Parenting Toolbox!
Learn where to find resources and what steps
to take during the process of adopting a child.
Pictures of Resistance: m Monday, February 28

The Wartime Photographs of 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

m Monday, February 7
Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman Contact Marjorie Schnyder, (206) 861-3146
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. or [email protected].
Contact Emily Harris-Shears, (206) 861-8784 m sunday, February 13
or [email protected] 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
For the coMMunity
A New Journey: The Voice of Jewish Washington:
The Jewish Transcript AA Meetings at JFS
The Parenthood Transition
With Joel Magalnick, Editor of JTNews
m tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Part of the Exploring Paths to
Parenthood Series m thursday, February 17 Contact Eve M. Ruff, (206) 861-8782 or
m wednesday, March 9 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. [email protected]
7:00 – 9:00 p.m Death & Dying
I Can Hear You, I Just
Contact Emily Harris-Shears, (206) 861-8784 A Series on Jewish Traditions and Practical
or [email protected] Can’t Understand What You Preparations
Are Saying! m wednesdays, February 2 – March 2
With Candace Kukino, Au.D. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
m thursday, February 24
Contact Emily Harris-Shears, (206) 861-8784
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. or [email protected]
RSVP Ellen Hendin, (206) 861-3183 or
[email protected] regarding all
Endless Opportunities programs. JFS services and programs are made possible
through generous community support of

1601 - 16th Avenue, Seattle

(206) 461-3240 • www.jfsseattle.org

to donate, please visit www.jfsseattle.org

friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews Opinion

the rabbi’s turn letters to the editor

The whole and the broken In defense of our defenders
David Shayne’s otherwise excellent column defending the IDF against the truly scurri-

rest together lous charge of war crimes has a statement that I strongly object to (“Dishonest message
could have promoted hate crimes,” Jan. 14). He writes, “If the IDF deserves to be singled
out, it is for having a remarkable absence of the kind of incidents that plague other mil-
Rabbi Jill Borodin Congregation Beth Shalom itaries engaged in warfare, including our own U.S. military, which has its own shameful
“Luchot v’shivre luchot how easy it was to dismiss record of war crimes against civilians (My Lai, Haditha).”
menuchim ba’aron” — “The what appeared as shards and I am a combat veteran of the U.S. military. Our record is not shameful, it is exem-
whole tablets and the broken brokenness. R. Yehoshua ben plary and every American should be proud. The attack on Poland in 1939, the bombing of
tablets rested inside the Ark Levi cautions his children: English cities and the Holocaust were war crimes, as were the Rape of Nanking and the
of the Covenant” (Babah treatment of captured combatants and civilians by the Japanese. These atrocities were
Batra 14b). The whole and the Be careful regarding how carried out on a national scale as a matter of policy and cannot be compared to an infin-
broken rest together in our you treat an elderly individ- itesimally small number of isolated cases of individual soldiers whose character was not
sacred covenant. ual who has forgotten his up to the stress of war.
This past week we read in learning due to an extenu- Shayne’s comment adds to the clatter on the left, especially in our educational system,
our Torah portion Yitro about ating circumstance (i.e., old to damn the U.S. as an evil empire and an aggressor nation. That is an intolerable revi-
the receiving of the Ten Com- age, sickness, accident, strug- sion of history and a complete loss of perspective. America is a nation with a moral pur-
mandments. And in a few gle, to make a livelihood, as pose that fights against war criminals to preserve freedom and peace in the world, and I
weeks, we will read in the Torah portion Ki opposed to where his learning may will not sit quietly while anyone slanders our military.
Tisa about Moses coming down the moun- have deserted him due to lack of inter- Robert Wilkes, Bellevue
tain, bringing from God the tablets. Before est, belief, or regular review). As we
the tablets can be given to the people of say, “The Tablets as well as the broken Clarifying the defense
Israel, they become broken, as Moses hurls pieces of the Tablets were placed in the Re: Mr. Wilkes’ letter (whom, for sake of full disclosure, I consider a dear friend) in
them in his anger as part of his response to Ark.” (Talmud Berachot 8b and Mena- which he took understandable umbrage at my remarks about My Lai and Haditha, I am
the building of the golden calf. chot 99b) truly sorry my words were understood the way he did. He states, “I am a combat vet-
This is one of our national low points — eran of the U.S. military. Our record is not shameful, it is exemplary and every American
having quickly lost confidence in our leader The ark’s contents are not complete should be proud,” and I could not agree more. The men and women who risked (and still
and having demanded an idol be built, and without both, and yet we so often fool our- do) their lives or actually gave their lives are, in my mind, forever enshrined in the roles of
Moses acting upon his anger to destroy selves into believing we are complete when the ultimate American heroes, as people who did the hardest thing any person can ever be
that which had been written by God. And we cut off or deny the brokenness within called on to do — fight and risk death and injury for our country. I certainly never meant
yet, our tradition teaches us to redeem this ourselves, and when we close our com- to cast dispersions of any kind on the U.S. military as whole.
low point, these broken shards, and to place munities to those who seem more broken, Having said that, it is a sad but undeniable fact that My Lai and Haditha happened —
them in our sacred ark with the new, whole, more in need, than we are. unforgivable mass murders carried out by U.S. soldiers — aberrations, very uncharacter-
unbroken second set of tablets. Experiencing brokenness does not make istic of the glorious and proud history of our armed forces when viewed in totality. Indeed,
I frequently reflect on this teaching of us less holy, less worthy, less the object of I’m sure many of the thousands of U.S. soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan
the broken and whole tablet pieces being God’s love. Our brokenness may enable us died as the result of policies of restraint intended to minimize civilian deaths.
housed together in the ark. I wonder about to reach higher than we ever did before. The IDF in its past history also has some events for which it should be ashamed, in
how the broken tablets made it into the ark. The Talmud’s discussion of Moses’ 1948 and later years. But, to the best of my knowledge, it has been many decades since
Did Moses pick them up himself, or was he broken tablets continues: “The broken any IDF unit carried out mass murders, and certainly no such thing happened in “Cast
too angry or disappointed that he could not tablets were set at the bottom of the ark, Lead.” As such, the IDF has, in my opinion, perhaps the “cleanest” record of any modern
help collect them? Was there one person or and the complete set was arranged right army facing actual combat conditions, at least in the last two or three decades, completely
a team of people working on it together? on top, the broken set forming a steady opposite of the impression Ed Mast’s group tried to convey (“Provocative bus ads go to
Did they get cut picking up the shards or base, a foundation for the new set.” highest levels of county government,” Dec. 24).
were they able to collect them without get- Not only are the broken and the whole So, again, I apologize to my fried Robert and any one else who thought I meant to
ting hurt? Were they aware of the sanctity together in the ark, but the broken form belittle the U.S. Armed Forces. I am very proud of both the U.S. Armed Forces, and of the
amongst these shards? the foundation for the new set. These Israel Defense Forces, and Americans and Israelis are all fortunate to be so well served
One of our greatest challenges today is broken tablets may even be allowing the by their fighting men and women. And to my friend Robert, thank you a thousand times
allowing the broken and the whole to live new tablets to reach higher than they over for your sacrifices and your service.
peacefully together. I see this problem on would have on their own, and bring with David Shayne, Seattle
two different levels — in the internal and them their own richness and importance.
the external. This teaching of the important roles XXPage 23
How do we enable the broken and the both broken and whole vessels play is
whole within our souls to coexist? How are shared by many cultures. Yosef Jacobson WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: We would love to hear from you! Our guide to writing a
we kind to the broken bits of our souls? tells the story of an elderly Chinese woman letter to the editor can be found at www.jtnews.net/index.php?/letters_guidelines.html,
How do we give them attention, attend to who owned two large pots: but please limit your letters to approximately 350 words. The deadline for the next issue is
them and see them as a source of growth February 1. Future deadlines may be found online.
and vision into our souls, rather than run Each hung on the end of a pole,
away from them or bury them deep. which she carried every day on her had been made to do. other pot’s side?  Every day while we
And how do we create sacred commu- shoulders to fill with water from the After six years of what it perceived to walk back from the stream, you have
nities to allow the broken souls and the stream located at the end of the vil- be bitter failure, the humbled broken pot the opportunity to water them.
whole souls rest side by side? It is so easy lage. One of the pots was complete and finally opened its heart to the woman at “For six years I have been able to
to label people who appear different as always delivered a full portion of water; the stream. “I hate myself,” the cracked pick these beautiful flowers to decorate
broken, overlooking their humanity and the other pot was cracked and arrived pot cried, “I am so useless and value- our home. Without you being just the
their wisdom, forgetting they too are cre- home each day only half full. less. What purpose does my existence way you are, we would have never cre-
ated in God’s image, and how our commu- Of course, the complete pot was have when each day I leak out half of my ated this beauty together.”
nities are richer when they welcome and proud of its accomplishments. The water? I am such a loser!”
treasure the diversity of our population, poor cracked pot, on the other hand, The old woman smiled and said, May we too see and be able to integrate
welcoming all and the gifts they bring. was ashamed of its own imperfections “Did you notice that there are flowers the holiness of both our fragmented and
The rabbis of the Talmud understood and that it could only do half of what it on your side of the path, but not on the whole pieces.

“Everything is very real — it’s a mystery, but there are vampires, ghosts and werewolves, etc., who play in.”
— Librarian extraordinaire Nancy Pearl, who is speaking at the Jewish Federation’s Connections event on Sunday, about what she’s reading these days.
4 opinion JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

Jewish delusions and the threat to the Jewish people

Robert Wilkes Special to JTNews
Robert Wilkes is a political columnist who bitter lesson and awakened to reality. They acceptance from the society at large. He can do nothing by themselves to reach a
writes from a conservative viewpoint. Robert’s are quietly supportive of Benjamin Netan- illustrates his thesis by charting efforts at formal peace with the Palestinians. The
column this week concerns matters of Jewish yahu’s wary but realistic policy toward peace assimilation (and, in many cases, abandon- Palestinians will not abide it short of anni-
survival and is not about American politics. negotiations. The American administration, ment of Jewish identity) among German hilation of Israel as a Jewish state.
we may hope, is coming to recognize its Jews in the century before the Holocaust. Those who think differently remain
If you think American politics is dis- own limitations after a bad beginning. Fast forward to the early 1990s. “Occupa- afflicted with the Oslo Syndrome. Many
cordant, Israel’s is a cacophony. Since the When events such as Oslo leave us bewil- tion fatigue” and an overwhelming hunger Americans do, and many of them are
beginning of the Zionist movement and dered, we ask, “What were they thinking?” for peace and security created a national Jewish. They support pro-Palestinian
continuing after independence, the loci of This is precisely the question answered in delusion during Oslo. Israel brought Arafat groups and the BDS movement (boy-
political philosophies regarding the mean- Kenneth Levin’s brilliant book, The Oslo and his 7,000 armed gunmen from Tunisia, cott, divest and sanction), and seek to
ing, mission and destiny of Israel have Syndrome: Delusions of a People Under hoping to make them peace partners. The delegitimize Israel. They employ tropes
been farther apart than our parties ever Siege. I discovered the book during a talk by Peace Now movement promoted its leaders such as “apartheid” and “Israeli-Nazi
have in America. George Gilder, author of The Israel Test. into the government, and Yossi Beilin, a lead- war machine” to create a smokescreen of
Herzl and his political heirs fought a In his speech, Gilder made three inter- ing dove and deputy foreign minister under twisted facts and history giving currency
fierce battle over the idea of a Jewish state esting observations: Palestinian negotiat- Rabin, held secret talks with Palestinian coun- to Lenin’s adage, “A lie told often enough
against factions that, among other visions, ing strategy can be explained in terms of terparts. Beilin offered everything and any- becomes the truth.”
wished for nothing more than an intellectual game theory; Israel’s obsessive pursuit of thing to the Palestinians, the Golan Heights, Among them are Seattle blogger Richard
and cultural center for the Jewish people. The peace to the point of jeopardizing its own East Jerusalem — even the Western Wall. Silverstein, Rabbi Michael Lerner of Tikkun,
debate was eventually won by David Ben- security at Oslo and after can be under- Arafat responded with suicide bomber Naim Ateek of Sabeel Institute, Noam
Gurion on May 14, 1948, when Jews became stood in terms of a psychological delu- attacks and continued incitement follow- Chomsky, Norman Finkelstein, the Inter-
sovereign over their land once again. sion; and finally, animosity toward Israel ing his “Plan of Phases,” a deception with national Solidarity Movement — the list
Founding arguments resurfaced in the can be understood as envy and resentment the goal of destroying the Jewish State. goes on. They hyperbolically depict Israel
late 1980s as Israel attempted a rapproche- of Israel’s success. I leave it to the reader The ruse was evident to a small number as a Nazi state inflicting a Shoah on the Pal-
ment with Palestinians in their midst to learn more about game theory and the of Israelis monitoring Palestinian media, estinians. Well meaning? I cannot assume
after the Six-Day War. The doves came to Israel test from Gilder himself. yet Israeli media, the American Jewish otherwise. Deluded? Without doubt.
power under Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Levin, a polymath, scholar, and psy- press, and the Israeli government publicly Now that we know what they are think-
Perez with high hopes for peace. Instead, chiatrist, elucidates the Oslo delusion this ignored it. Israel continued to educate its ing, the question remains, “Why are they
they gave the world Arafat, the debacle of way: Chronically besieged populations sub- schoolchildren to believe in the possibility doing that?” Dr. Levin’s keen psychoan-
Oslo, and all that followed — including ject to bigotry, denigration or assault suffer of a final and enduring peace. alytical paradigm has them pegged. They
the withdrawal from Gaza and subsequent delusions in which they believe their accus- Israelis have awakened with heavy adhere to far-left ideologies that despise
Hamas totalitarianism. ers are right, and believe they must accom- hearts from their delusion. They under-
The Israelis have since learned their modate and change themselves to win stand the self-evident reality that they XXPage 6

Fill Your Spiritual Toolbox...

Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer

Edwin L. Bierman
Scholar in Residence
February 4-6, 2011

Holy Arrogance…! The Spiritual Art of Brutal Honesty

Friday, February 4 from 8-9:00pm –A Program for Adults
Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 5:00pm, Dinner at 6:15pm
Dinner reservations & prepayment required by January 31st
$12.50/member. $25/non-member. Children 3 years and under free
Childcare available by pre-registration
Register at www.bethshalomseattle.org or call (206) 524-0075

D’var Torah
Saturday, February 5 at Shabbat morning services
Services begin at 9:30am. Kosher kiddush lunch at 12:15pm
Children’s programming during services

Your Spiritual Toolbox—

Bringing Jewish Prayer to Life
Saturday, February 5 from 1:15-2:15pm, Childcare available.

Texting, Technology and Torah: Spirituality

and the Digital Age
Saturday, February 5 from 7:30-9:30pm, Havdallah and Dessert
Supervised movie available for children in grades K-5 by pre-registration

Six Ways to the Seventh Day: Bridging the Ideal

and the Real—Making Shabbat Happen
Sunday, February 6 from 10:30am-noon

All events take place at Congregation Beth Shalom

6800 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 524-0075 www.bethshalomseattle.org
Lectures are open to the public and free of charge.
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews inside

Yiddish Lesson inside this issue

By Ruth Peizer The ads that won’t go away 6
The ads critical of Israel were cancelled from running on the sides of Seattle Metro buses, but that doesn’t
Az men hot gelt, iz men i klug, i sheyn, i men ken gut zingen. mean the saga is over. Last week, the ACLU filed suit against King County to have the ad campaign
If you’ve got money, then you’re smart, and handsome, and you can sing well, too. reinstated.

Teaching to the tech-savvy 7

Education directors from Reform temples will be in town next week for their annual convention. This year’s

Women, leave the control-tops at home theme: Teaching the iPhone generation.

How about a weekend on a quiet lake, with good food (that you don’t have to cook), The Best of Everything 2010 10
spiritual renewal, and a time to connect with other Jewish women? The men have had their You voted. We listened. And now the tallies are in. The best of everything Jewish, from corned beef to
Schechter weekend of poker and boating for years. Now it’s the women’s turn. For the first comedian, can be found here.
time, Camp Solomon Schechter is offering its Refresh, Renew and Reconnect women’s
retreat from March 25–27. The Gaza doctor 14
Activities will include a mitzvah project, ropes course and zipline, a chance to unwind Dr. Izzelden Abuelaish, who visited the area earlier this month, lost three daughters and a niece when his
with friends, a l’chaim or two, and, following Shabbat, a chick flick without snickers from house was shelled during the Gaza War two years ago. The book he completed after that tragedy, however,
your spouse and kids. Dish washing strictly prohibited. preaches not revenge, but peace.
For more information, contact the camp office at 206-447-1967 or visit www.camp-
schechter.org. A lifelong love of books 15
Librarian Nancy Pearl has long held celebrity status in Seattle, and she was just named Library Journal’s
2011 Librarian of the Year. Plus, she’ll be speaking at this Sunday’s Connections event. JTNews caught up
with Pearl in anticipation of the event.

Remember when
Regular life in Israel 17
Assaf Nisenboym is spending six months in Seattle as a fellow for StandWithUs Northwest, talking to
students and synagogues about life in Israel — and how there’s more to it than conflict.
Remember When
From the Jewish Transcript, Jan. 22, A tribute to Debbie 20
1993, Page 1 Debbie Friedman and her music are among the most influential contributions to the current generation of
The joy of bagels: A baker loads up Jewish liturgy. Her death this month inspired mourning and — in true Debbie fashion — poetry. We invite
the oven at the Bagel Oasis in Seattle’s you to add to the tribute that begins on page 20.
Ravenna neighborhood in a story about
the bagel craze sweeping the nation. Washington leaders head to Israel 22
Eighteen years later, Bagel Oasis is still Hope for Heroism, a local organization that helps injured Israeli soldiers deal with their physical and psy-
making the area’s favorite, as voters made chological wounds, took leaders from around the state to visit these soldiers in Israel and possibly create a
clear in the annual JTNews Best of Every- similar program at home.
thing 2010 survey, which can be found
on page 10. Washington’s first Jewish baby 31
Asher arrived last week, and his parents say he’s a keeper!

t h e v o i ce o f je w i s h w a s h i n g t o n
MORE
M.O.T.: A doctor hangs up her stethoscope 8
JTNews is the Voice of Jewish Washington. Our mission is to What’s Your JQ?: The Jewish tiger mother 9
meet the interests of our Jewish community through fair and Crossword 20
accurate coverage of local, national and international news, Community Calendar 24
opinion and information. We seek to expose our readers to The Arts 27
diverse viewpoints and vibrant debate on many fronts, includ- Staff Lifecycles 30
ing the news and events in Israel. We strive to contribute to Reach us directly at 206-441-4553 + ext. The Shouk Classifieds 29
Publisher *Karen Chachkes 267
the continued growth of our local Jewish community as we
Editor *§Joel Magalnick 233
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Assistant Editor Eric Nusbaum 240
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6 community news JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

ACLU sues county over bus ads WWwilkes Page 4

nationalism, especially within power-

Eric Nusbaum Assistant Editor, JTNews ful, advanced nations such as the U.S. and
The controversy over ads critical of “This case is about more speech, not groups such as David Horowitz’s Freedom Israel, whom they judge troublemakers and
Israel banned from King County Metro less,” said Bender. “People have compet- Center would be disruptive to Metro ser- oppressors. They adopt utopian universal-
buses last month became a legal matter ing views on this, strongly held. But that’s vice. The county is currently in the process ist prescriptions illuminated in Lennon’s
on Jan. 19. In conjunction with the Seattle the whole idea about the First Amend- of creating a new policy for dealing with dreamy “Imagine there’s no countries” to
Mideast Awareness Campaign, the ACLU ment; that people should get their ideas in non-commercial metro ads. assuage their particularist Jewishness.
of Washington filed suit in U.S. District the marketplace and let people talk about “The county sells advertising to raise The Oslo Syndrome is a threat to Jewish
Court requesting an injunction that would them.” revenue for the provision of bus service,” survival. Clarity on this point can be found
place the ads on buses as soon as possible. Rob Jacobs, director of Israel advo- said Frank Abe, director of communi- in the question, “What does it mean to be
The 12 ads, which read “Israel War cacy organization StandWithUs North- cations for King County Executive Dow a Jew?” For me, there are three pillars of
Crimes: Your Tax Dollars At Work,” were west, said he is concerned that the bus ads Constantine. “The escalation of this issue Jewish life: God, Torah and Israel. I am
slated to run for four weeks beginning on would not necessarily amount to a serious from one of 12 local bus placards to one proud of our history and our people, and
Dec. 27, 2010. On Dec. 23, King County dialogue. of widespread and often vitriolic inter- I find it difficult to imagine Judaism sur-
Metro announced the ads would not be “We had hoped that this would go away national response introduced a new and viving if Israel is defeated. A blow so dev-
run, and that an interim policy for non- and that there would be an opportunity legitimate risk of harm to or disruption of astating to Jewish identity must hasten the
commercial advertising would be imple- for dialogue and serious communication our bus system.” day Judaism slowly fades away, sharing the
mented. that’s more than slogans on the sides of If the injunction sought by ACLU and fate of cultures and religions over the centu-
At a press conference announcing the buses,” Jacobs said. the Seattle Mideast Awareness Campaign ries that have been overcome by raw power.
suit, SMEC spokesman Ed Mast cited A statement released by the Jewish is granted, then Jacobs said his group Will a child be called to the Torah (I pray it’s
other controversial bus ads run by King Federation reinforced the organization’s would run ads encouraging a focus on the not a Kindle) in 200 years? We don’t know,
County Metro, including one related to support for the Metro decision not run peace process. He also suspects that nega- but as Jews we must do everything we can
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza. the ads, calling them “inflammatory” and tive ads would be run by parties on both to preserve the religion and the people that
“We rejected stronger language,” said “destructive.” sides of the Israel-Palestine issue. gave the world the one God and the law.
Mast. “We abided by King County guide- “This kind of demonization of Israel Mast acknowledged the controversy Of 257 countries from Afghanistan to
lines for what was appropriate speech in a is contrary to reconciliation and does not surrounding the ads but explained that he Zimbabwe, many newer than Israel, many
public forum. What we want is not some contribute to furthering the peace process. would remain unsatisfied until they were egregious by any standard, scores of them
kind of punitive action. We want our Our core values direct us to seek ways to accepted by King County Metro as appro- theocracies, only one finds that it must
ads back up as they were approved and build bridges, not to destroy them,” the priate and finally run. defend its legitimacy. Only one is a perma-
accepted.” statement said. “Certainly the controversy spread the nent item of concern on the UN Human
Attorney Jeffrey Grant, who represents The case may rest on King County’s slogan wider than we had anticipated,” Rights Council agenda. Only one.
SMEC in the suit, said that legally the case claim that the running the ads and cor- Mast said. “But at the same time we need Stand with decency. Lose your delu-
boils down to free speech. responding response ads submitted by to stand by it as appropriate speech.” sions. Fight for Israel.

Make 2011
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friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews community news 7

The new Jewish education: Helping students

navigate a tech-filled world Buyer implemented a digital report So how can congregations afford to
card system at her temple with weekly upgrade their classrooms, make laptop
Janis Siegel JTNews Correspondent parent updates, and a 4th-grade distance computers and the Internet available
These days it is an act of sheer deter- information. It’s much more of a coach- learning program called iLearn, where stu- to students, and compete with some of
mination — engaging students who arrive ing-modeling role.” dents spend one day a week at the school, the best Jewish Web sites out there, like
at afterschool Hebrew and Judaic Stud- A pre-conference, one-day “boot and one day in a session via a Webinar JewishRockRadio.com, where music
ies classes each week absorbed in tweets, camp” will give education directors, day chat room. becomes a teaching tool?
text messages, and the latest iPhone apps. school teachers, and regional education “Many of our students have not known “The fact of the matter is that most
In the hopes of helping teachers shrink representatives who don’t feel completely life without technology and it is relevant of our students carry smart phones, and
the “tech” divide in the classroom, the comfortable with technology a chance to and ever-present in the lives of the next have small computers on their person,”
National Association of Temple Edu- have some hands-on experience with the generation of Jewish learners,” Buyer said. Buyer said. “It’s time to move away from
cators, an organization associated with basics. Darim Online, a national com- “While I don’t believe technology is the labs [and ask], ‘What more could we be
the Reform movement, will meet for pany that provides technical solutions for ‘magic bullet,’ I do believe technology can doing with mobile technology?’ That really
its annual conference at the W Hotel in Jewish organizations, will facilitate. help us rethink and reshape Jewish educa- doesn’t cost us anything except for the
downtown Seattle starting on Jan. 30. The Still, NATE executive director Rabbi tion and perhaps community.” training of our faculty.”
conference is titled “Imagineering Jewish Stanley Schickler cautions that Jewish edu- “I think people are being pushed by Fagin agreed.
Education in the 21st Century.” cators shouldn’t throw the baby out with what’s going on with the kids because it is “It doesn’t require that classrooms have
“The world of education is changing so the bath water. their world and we’re responding to their technology,” she said. “You can provide
dramatically, from moment to moment, “I believe that the use of technol- reality,” said Elizabeth Fagin, a longtime homework experiences with their families,
that the experience of youth growing up ogy definitely has the potential to attract supplementary school teacher who served as in the library, or in their schools, and send
today is fundamentally shifted,” Beth Jewish youth to Jewish learning,” Schick- director of education at Temple B’nai Torah kids on Web searches.”
Young, one of several certified Reform ler told JTNews via e-mail, “but technology in Bellevue for nearly 10 years. She said Largely, NATE conference organizers
Jewish education directors attending and a is only ‘the hook.’ If there is no substance she had to switch her own communication want the conference educators that attend
conference co-chair, told JTNews from her behind the technology, then I don’t believe strategies to students when she realized that to leave Seattle with something — any part
home in Coral Gables, Fla., where she is that the youth will stay.” kids just don’t read e-mail anymore. of a program they interact with here that
the director of education at Temple Judea. Rabbi Melissa Buyer, a NATE board “I started texting them,” Fagin said. “If they can bring back to their schools and
Young has been associated with NATE for member, conference co-chair, and the I was a director today, I would be using teach their teachers.
the last nine years. director of religious school, youth and Facebook or tweeting them.” “It’s a way of stretching the day and
“We no longer live in an age where the camp programs at Stephen S. Wise Temple Locally, more than 20 education direc- asking, ‘How can we expand the day by uti-
teacher is the person who has knowledge in Los Angeles, Calif., told JTNews that tors will be attending the conference, lizing technology that students and fami-
and imparts that knowledge to students,” more technology in the Jewish classroom thanks to a $2,000 grant from the planning lies are already using 24/7,’” Young said.
said Young. “The role of the educator really can forge increased bonds with and community services department of “We need to start to think of students’ cell
becomes one of helping students navigate today’s students and their parents. the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. phones as tools instead of distractions.”

Frances & Howard Keller, the Keller Family Lecture Series and Temple De Hirsch Sinai proudly present

America’s Preeminent Moral Philosopher

Cordially invites you to
Michael Sandel
Ethics After the Financial Crisis
Values, Leadership, and Moral Argument
January 31, 2011 • 7:00 pm

Kiku Adatto
Free & Open to the Public
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
Honoring Laurie Minsk & Jerry Dunietz 1441 16th Avenue, Seattle
For their extraordinary commitment to the JDS Community
www.tdhs-nw.org
America’s pre-eminent moral philosopher, Harvad Professor and best-selling
Sunday, March 13, 2011 author of Justice, Michael Sandel brings his “open-mike” style of ethical
7 Adar II 5771 problem solving to engage the Seattle community with a discussion of
moral values, ethics and leadership after the recent financial crisis.

Meydenbauer Center Michael Sandel challenges us to examine the moral and ethical
assumptions underlying America’s debated political and social
11100 NE 6TH Street, Bellevue, 98004 issues. The Washington Post called him “perhaps the most
prominent college professor in America,” and Kirkus Reviews
described him as “the professor we all wish we had.”
Co-Chairs Tamar Boden & Robin Castrogiovanni
Justi Me V rit
D u ty grity
tegr
ty Integr
Integrity
In t i
ty
Doors open at 4:00 PM
Dietary Laws Observed, No host bar
Fair
i ness VaValue essTTrruusst
lluue
ues st

Contact Elizabeth Goertzel at 425.460.0230 or [email protected]

Michael Sandel lecturing engaging students at his immensely
to request an invitation or to make a tribute honoring popular undergraduate course at Harvard University.
Laurie and Jerry or JDS. Visit www.jds.org for more information.
8 m.o.t.: member of the tribe JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

Temple B’nai Torah

Retired MD looks back on
invites You To a Seven Week Course on Judaism career • Also: An attorney
award
Judaism 102 Diana Brement JTNews Columnist

1
It’s become harder and “The American public is
harder to be a physician paying more and getting
Taught by our in private practice these worse outcomes than other
Senior Rabbi James L. Mirel days, especially in primary industrialized countries,” she
and guest scholars care, as Dr. Mindy Blaski adds.
can attest. We chatted on the Mindy’s unwillingness to
Sundays, 9:30–10:45 am phone last month about her give up the time she needed
February 6 and 13, recent retirement. It wasn’t to spend with patients to
March 6, 13 and 27, just about the challenges of provide the best care, “often
April 17 and 24 the current health-care envi- caused long waiting times
ronment — she admits she’s for patients and late nights
FREE and OPEN to all. reached retirement age. tribe for me.”
For those who are interested in exploring Judaism
Mindy didn’t always plan to be a Although the doctor is “out,”
and those who want a refresher course—
Holidays, History, Beliefs, Life Cycle & Philosophy. doctor. Born into an Orthodox family in Mindy is not completely retired.
Budapest just after World War II — her It takes time to close a practice and paper-
parents survived Auschwitz (separately) work is still being processed. She serves on
— she struggled against their expectation the board of the Western Washington chap-
15727 NE 4th, Bellevue, Wa 98008 to marry young to become the first in her ter of Physicians for a National Health Pro-
www.templebnaitorah.org 425 603 9677 family to go to college. She was majoring gram (www.pnhpwesternwashington.org)
in Poli-Sci at Brooklyn College with “only and continues to advocate for a single-payer
No need to register in advance—just come to first class.
one basic science class” on her transcript system. She’ll do fill-in work for other doc-
For more information: [email protected]
when she decided to go to medical school, tors, too.
adding two years of pre-med courses to From the perspective of retirement,
B”H her education. Mindy marvels at the trajectory of her life.
“Sexism in medical school was still “From the ashes of Auschwitz,” she
Congregation Shaarei Tefilah-Lubavitch strong” in the 1970s, she remembers, says, “that’s how I’m thinking of it.”
invites you to join us for our but she forged ahead, fueled by ideal-
ism and “the feminist idea
Although she left the ultra-Ortho-
dox lifestyle in which she
that women needed to be grew up, she says it was a

10th Annual
treated better in the health “grounding” Jewish expe-
care system.” Twelve years rience. Despite her father’s
of yeshiva education at Beth authoritarian nature, she was

Fundraising Dinner Jacob schools in New York

also shaped her sense of jus-
tice.
inspired by his determina-
tion to achieve a better life for
his family, and by the work
After medical school at ethic of both her parents.
SUNY Buffalo, and a three- Courtesy Mindy Blaski In addition to spending
year family medicine resi- Dr. Mindy Blaski, after decades winter hiking and drying
dency at the University of as a physician, has hung up her out in Tucson, and the knit-
California at Irvine, her hus- stethoscope from private ting she’s always enjoyed,
band’s love for the Pacific practice. Mindy is an active member
Northwest brought them to of Temple B’nai Torah, where
Seattle. Like many, “we came for a visit, saw she has found great support from the clergy
Mt. Rainier on a beautiful sunny day,” and and community, and learned to leyn (chant)
bought a house. Torah. Her husband Paul is the Northwest
It was hard, she says, getting her career regional rep for the International Union of
honoring esteemed community members on track in a new town, and after a few Roofers and Waterproofers. They have two
Michael and Lesley Weichbrodt years working for other practices, she grown daughters living in the Bay Area.
decided to open her own in 1985.
featuring live entertainment
2
Mindy loved seeing patients and help- Seattle attorney James Rogers was
ing people, but her practice became over- recently selected as “Outstanding
Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 8 p.m. whelmed dealing with multiple health
insurance companies and competing with
Plaintiff’s Trial Lawyer” by the
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers at the
Congregation Shaarei Tefilah-Lubavitch
larger organizations for staff recruitment. organization’s judicial reception in Oct.
6250 43rd Avenue NE, Seattle, Washington
“I tried to find alternatives to retiring, 2010. The WDTL’s members are 800 law-
$65 per person but I really couldn’t,” she says. yers statewide engaged in civil defense liti-
Hospitals and larger practices can hire gation. Jim was nominated by his peers
Register online at www.CSTLSeattle.org
full-time administrators to handle insur- — other members of the organization —
Rabbi Sholom B. Levitin | Dr. Josef Greenberg, President | Shprintze Kavka, Dinner Chair
ance paperwork “but most small groups and final selection was made by the WDTL
can’t.” She calls this insurance company- board.

www
imposed burden “way out of line… It’s all Jim is not only a JT reader (or “Tran-
about their huge executive salaries,” and script” as he wrote, and we fondly remem-
stock-holder profits, she says. ber), but a member of a multi-generational
She points out that health insurers Seattle Jewish family. His great-grandfa-

www.jtnews.net
made their largest profits ever last quarter ther Solomon Rogers was a founder of
while primary care doctors are working Temple De Hirsch in 1899.
harder to treat patients in less time.
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews what’s your jq? 9

Jewish tiger mothers

Rivy Poupko Kletenik JTNews Columnist
Dear Rivy, to the needs of the future, involves doggedly seeking answers, some- Fourth, Your Appreciation. Upon the
Are Chinese mothers the challenges of the pres- times from a Higher and Deeper place birth of Judah, matriarch Leah declares
elbowing out Jewish moth- ent while having lived in the than we may conventionally turn to. To joyfully, “This time I will thank God.”
ers in the “super-crazed, past? A composite sketch is raise Jewish children, a spiritual quest is in The name reflects a very special gratitude.
ambitious, drive-your-child” in order, as we peruse the order. What are your deep beliefs and how Rabbi Yochanan, quoting Rabbi Shimon
department? How did we let pages and pictures from the will you pass them on to your children? bar Yochai, says, “From the day that God
this happen? I thought that past to pinpoint Magnifi- When did you last set aside time for study created the world there was no human
Jewish mothers were firmly cent Moments in Matriarchal and contemplation? who thanked Him, as it says ‘this time I
planted in the top slot of Mothering; Four Foremoth- Third, Your Tears. The prophet Jere- will thank God.’”
wild parental determina- ers, with four big Jewish ideas miah depicts mother Rachel crying for her Leah is the first person to walk this
tion. Are we sliding? Do you in Jewish mothering. lost children. This is not an easy undertak- earth to turn to her Maker and say a
think Jewish mothering has
JQ First, Your Voice. As God ing. We may be tempted to make light of simple thank you. She teaches us grati-
changed? Is this a good thing? Is there an exhorts Abraham to follow all the mothering shenanigans, but this is tude. Her motherly “thank you” becomes
accepted model for Jewish mothering? the advice of his wife Sarah serious stuff. Raising up the next gener- the name Judah, the name of the Jewish
regarding a precarious domestic situation ation of Jews cannot help but be fraught people. It took a Jewish mother to teach
Amy Chua is grabbing headlines with — details of which we will not enter into with drama. Pictures of self-sacrific- the world appreciation — let its lesson
her shocking revelations of hours of com- here — God Almighty adjures Abraham, ing Jewish mothers be they, Hannah and not be lost on us. Through all the rush
pulsory, epic-long piano practices, harsh to shema bekolah, listen to her voice. The her seven sons of Hanukkah or mothers of carpools, bedtime bedlam and morn-
treatment for B+ grades, not to men- first tenet of mothering: Find your voice whose children were grabbed from them ing meshugas, don’t forget to slow down
tion ongoing merciless sleepover depri- and do not hesitate to use it. This new during painful moments in Jewish his- and say a quick thank you for all the bless-
vation meted out cruelly to her children. mothering upon which you are embarking tory, mothers who poignantly adjured, ings tumbling around you. In days of ours
Everyone’s got something to contribute must be an authentic expression of your “Gedenk du bist a Yid” — “remember, you where the life of rush and the tides of cell
in the way of Amy Chua’s instant notori- own deep beliefs; as such, they must be are a Jew” to their young sons as they were phone rings, texting and Facebook post-
ety. You’ve got the pro-Chua team, as in, voiced and not passive aggressively com- conscripted into the Tzar’s army, or moth- ings bring a feverish pitch to life, we need
“She knows what she’s doing! Why didn’t municated through folded arms over the ers who sent their children on the Kinder- to say a Leah’s thank you for all we have
I do that?” versus the con-Chua team — chest and side-swiping comments. transport rescue mission to Great Britain as messy and as complicated as it may be
“she is cruel and inhumane,” with varying Second, Your Search. From whence from 1938–1940, these loom large in our — it’s ours.
degrees ranging from “she is damaging her has come that voice, one might ask? As Jewish minds. Though we live in blessed
children” at one end to “she has denied her Rebecca experiences her challenging preg- 21st-century times we cannot help but Rivy Poupko Kletenik is an internationally
children real life experiences” at the other. nancy, she goes lidrosh et Hashem — to harbor uncertainties about our children’s renowned educator and Head of School at
What’s a mom to think? seek answers from God. This short narra- continued engagement in Judaism. It the Seattle Hebrew Academy. If you have a
And what then is the Jewish angle in tive teaches an important idea: Answers may take a leap of faith, but fear not, God question that’s been tickling your brain,
all of this? We are used to being the ones are not simply found. The action required assures Rachel, be comforted, your chil- send Rivy an e-mail at
grabbing the headlines in the area of psy- of us is lidrosh, a determined search that dren will return. [email protected].
chotic mothering. Do I hear Sophie Port-
noy rolling over in her grave? Is that
Marjorie Morningstar’s mom chuckling
up there in heaven, giddy with delicious
schädenfreude as the attention deflects
Northwest Yeshiva High School Dinner and Auction
from tomes dedicated to the demoniza-
Save the Date

faces future
tion of Jewish mothers en masse, shifted
over to a whole other ethnic group? Say it
isn’t so! I wish I could — but as with many
he
of the
th

other matters in this world, the Chinese

are pulling ahead. Woe are we.
On second thought, let’s be glad. The
glory days of Jewish mother mocking are
over — let the word go forth — no more
Jewish mother jokes! On to the next exploi-
tation of an immigrant stereotype! Thank
you, Ms. Chua, for dethroning us! Jewish
mothers of the world, it is safe to come out,
we have been relegated to the realm of the
HONORING Sunday, February 27, 2011
Doors Open at 4:30pm
Grand Hyatt Seattle
Photos by Debra Rettman

normal — it was only a matter of time.

Now would be a good time to pause
NEW
721 Pine Street
and regroup. Most of us were not thrilled
Seattle, WA 98101
VENUE
with the archetypal Jewish mother of pop-
ular culture. Its fading away gives us an
opportunity to recast ourselves. What is Auction Co-Chairs:
Jewish mothering? Is there such a thing? Bayla Friedman Treiger
Where would we go to find it?
Julie Varon
Let it not be left to the Ayelet Wald-
mans of the world to set the new Jew tone Moshe Genauer Ruben Owen Silent and Live Auctions
to mommy redux. It is time to hit the col-
lective refresh button and locate a work-
John Curley, Auctioneer
able image of Jewish mothering that will
resonate for the 21st century.
Who knows four? Four Jewish moth- Visit www.nyhsauction.com to
ers who can speak across times and con- www.nyhs.net check out and donate items!
tinents — four mothers whose lives speak
10 the best of everything 2010 JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

The Best of Jewish Washington 2010:

You ate, you prayed, you picked the best
Eric Nusbaum Assistant Editor, JTNews
The people have spoken. The results are in. Before we a wedding ring) said he’d head over to a BMW Best Florist gets the competitive juices (and competitive appetites)
get too wrapped up in 2011, let’s pause for one last look dealer: “I’d get a motorcycle If you saw this action flick The Town this year, you know flowing. Speaking of which, I think I’m going to go grab
back at the things we loved in 2010. The results of our instead.” how florists can pack a surprising punch. Anna Brandt, some lunch...
annual Best of Everything Survey might look familiar in however, reserves her talents for the task at hand,
some places — Island Crust pizza, anyone? — but they starting with a free consultation and working all the way Best Wedding Cake Baker
are also even more reflective of our Jewish community through the event. Nosh Away takes this one, too —with a nod to pastry
than ever before. How is that, you ask? It’s simple: More chef Rumi, who received special mention from a
people filled out the survey than ever before, shattering Best Hotel for a Simcha multitude of voters.
the record set just last year. But enough introduction and Why if it isn’t the old Seattle Sheraton again...
onto the best of Jewish Washington... DELI-cious
Best Corned Beef Sandwich
Mazel Tov! Some of our voters in this category reached beyond
Planning a Celebration Seattle with their choices, but if you want that New York
Best Place for a Wedding flavor, you can find it at I Love New York Deli, with
We’ll kick things off with a wedding celebration. This year r. locations in the Pike Place Market and the U-District. Pass
e Mille
the people said, “I do” to the Seattle Sheraton, located
h by J oan Lit the brown mustard!
right in the heart of downtown. Outdoor suggestions like tiful ketuba
the Arboretum and Ballard Locks were popular, but this A beau Best Knish
correspondent suggests that anybody considering those Best Ketubah Artist You done with that corned beef? Make room, but don’t
venues wait a few months for the weather to clear up. The voters expressed their own creativity with this vote, get up. I Love New York Deli takes it — though some
once again, for Joan Lite Miller, who designs classic and readers expressed their longing for the former storefront
Best Place for a Bar Mitzvah contemporary ketubot, incorporating calligraphy, collage, (and kosher) offerings of Leah’s.
Jon Jacobs of I Love NY Deli, with a fresh
Step right up, Congregation Beth Shalom. We’ll be and exotic papers.
brisket
hearing more about you soon. Best Smoked Fish
Best Photographer One reader suggested one location for whitefish and
Best Local Party Band or DJ In an upset pick....just kidding. Perennial winner Dani Best Extreme Party Space another for lox. But no matter how you smoke it, the
Mazel Tov to DJ Nicky B — aka Nick Barrat, a first-time Weiss Photography is the people’s choice. Go Dani! Our first tie is as extreme as this category: A three-way winner is Dressel Collins of South Seattle.
winner. draw between the Space Needle, Camp Kalsman, and
Best Videographer the Georgetown Ballroom. If it were me, I’d do all three: Tradition!
Best Place to Buy a Wedding/ Our winner for videography is Edit 1 Media based in a sunny afternoon at camp followed by dinner at the Best Rugelach
Engagement Ring Tacoma, but operating throughout the region. Also a Needle and dancing until dawn. Unfortunately, my grandmother’s rugelach was not a
Seattle’s most famous Jewish jewelers are at it again. special mention that bears passing along — one person nominee in this category. But it still may not have beaten
This category goes to Ben Bridge. Although one reader voted for Josh Isaac, not an event videographer, but a Best Caterer Nosh Away, whose pastries left the rest of the field in a
(obviously looking for something more dangerous than filmmaker and mensch who passed away this past year. The winner is Nosh Away, in a category that always proverbial twist.

Here’s to lusting after

that which is black and
white and read all over.
Join the Tribe now and
we’ll send you a copy
of one of the great books
we’ll be reviewing
February 11 in JTNews.
Hurry! This offer is only good through February 11, 2011.
Find out more on the back page. Call Becky at 206-774-2238 to join, or log on to www.jtnews.net
and click on the MOT button. Important! When you sign up online, be sure to include the word
“Connections” in the “company” field so we know to send you a free book!

MOT membership is only $15 for six months.

friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews the best of everything 2010 11

Best Challah Delicious food. Delicious wine. A stunning view. Ladies strong preference for Pabla. The Golden Samosa goes to sports, you could heed the advice of one voter and head
Once again, Nosh Away wins the day. It turns out that the and gentlemen, Canlis. the two locations, in Issaquah and in Renton. to Camp Kalsman where there will surely be room for
caterers are beloved for more than sweets. Although I spectators at the gaga and capture the flag matches.
give bonus points for confidence to the person who wrote Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant L’Chaim!
“my own.” Of course the best kid-friendly restaurant winner is a pizza Best Wine List or Wine Bar Sweet Tooth
place. It could also very easily be called the best “dude in The downtown location of Purple is an all-glass cube Best Bakery
Best Bagel his early- to mid-20s” restaurant. The winner here — no that looks like a giant fish tank. Except instead of water, The region’s best pastries are in West Seattle, says you.
In a battle that came down to two kosher titans, Bagel tie this time — is Island Crust Pizza in Mercer Island. To JTNews readers apparently prefer to swim in wine. The Head to Bakery Nouveau for delicious treats both sweet
Oasis of Ravenna repeated as champion in a very the reader who picked Camp Kalsman: Remember that café and wine bar, which opened in Woodinville a decade and savory, then take a walk along Alki Beach to burn off
close match-up over Noah’s at University Village. But a meals are only supposed to be a small part of the camp ago and also has locations in Kirkland and Bellevue, was a the calories.
contender has entered the ring. Up-and-comer Eltana, experience — and not even the best part at that! huge hit in this category. Pour me
serving their Montreal-style bagels up on Capitol Hill, will a glass of Cab, please. Best Chocolatier
be a force in next year’s vote. Best Sushi Our readership, whatever its
As a Wallingford resident, my heart is with the sushi Best Local political beliefs, has at least one
Dining Out (and the prices) at Musashi on 45th St. But the people Bartender thing in common with President
Best Burgers think otherwise; perhaps I ought to get in my car and What makes a good bartender? Obama: a love for Fran’s
Red Mill burgers are decidedly not kosher — but they roll (ahem) over to Lake City to try Toyoda Sushi — a Familiarity? Stiff drinks? Chocolates. But of course, Fran’s
are decidedly delicious, as voters chose them by a wide runaway winner. Theatrics? JTNews readers seemed makes high-end, delectable treats
margin. Especially popular was the Veggie Verde burger. I to find the right combination in that anybody can enjoy.
dig their onion rings and taste for playing nothing but the Best Mobile Food Truck Murray Stenson at Zig Zag and
Rolling Stones. Remember to bring cash. This category is hard to keep up with. One, the trucks always Andrew Friedman at Liberty. Best Ice Cream,
move around. Two, it seems like a new delicious food truck Gelato, or Frozen
Best Pizza appears every week. The winner is Marination Mobile, the Best Cocktail Joel Magalnick
Yogurt
We have a tie! Defending champion Island Crust Pizza Korean/Hawaiian truck you might have seen in Belltown, or When the Beatles came to Seattle Fran’s salted caramels are not only This wasn’t even close. If you’ve
and Seattle icon Pagliacci’s were all-even in this category in Fremont, or in West Seattle, or on Beacon Hill.... in 1964 they stayed at the seen the lines that form outside
your vice — they’re the president’s.
where the competition is stiff but the crust never is. Keep Edgewater Hotel on Pier 67. If I of the Molly Moon locations in
in mind, however, that Island Crust is the kosher option. Best BBQ had to guess, I would say at least Wallingford and Capitol Hill, you
Tutta Bella came in a close third. The Pacific Northwest has a wonderful culinary tradition, one of them probably wet his gullet at the hotel bar while know the winner. I’ve heard rumors of people who will
but other than the propensity for Seattleites to put on staring at the waters of Elliott Bay. avoid walking past altogether because the smell of fresh
Best Sunday Brunch shorts and start grilling when it’s 50 degrees in March ice cream and waffle cones is too overpowering.
And yet another tie! This one between Portage Bay because the sun’s out, we have no great barbecue Best Happy Hour
Café and Salty’s on Alki. In my book, Salty’s wins in the tradition. However, if you do want it, look south to Mona’s in Greenlake is a Mediterranean-style bistro. Best Cupcakes
ambiance and view departments, but Portage Bay gets a Columbia City’s Jones BBQ and SODO’s Pecos Pit. What better way to celebrate the Mediterranean lifestyle Trophy, with a location just two blocks from Molly Moon (and
nod for its organic and locally sourced ingredients. than by spending an afternoon eating and drinking? With at U Village and The Bravern in Bellevue) is the winner.
Best Middle Eastern drinks starting at $3 and food items for $5, count me in.
Best Foodie-Style Restaurant that Cedars in the U District offers a delicious Indian menu in Community Matters
Knocked Your Socks Off addition to gyros, hummus and baba ghanoush. Make a Best Place to Meet Friends or Best Local Jewish Organization
In a category that does service to the old “two Jews, three reservation — it gets crowded. Watch a Game Jewish Family Service, with its deep programming
opinions” joke, the foodie-style restaurant that knocked The winner here is Montlake Ale House. With 15 rotating options, counseling, food bank, and so many other
the most socks off was Jerry Traunfeld’s Poppy on Capitol Best Indian beers on tap, maybe this category could have been “Best services resonates across all parts of the community, and
Hill. Readers love their veggie options and their Thali Voters went the kosher route in this category, declaring a Place to Have a Beer.” If you’re into those less traditional once again takes the prize.
(small dishes served on a large tray) concept.

Best New Asian/Fusion

The Jewish Federation

The runaway winner is Bellevue’s red-hot Spiced: Truly
Chinese Cuisine. They focus on the Asian, serving up
authentic Szechuan recipes — loaded, as you might
guess, with spicy red peppers.

Best Romantic Dinner

I used to always wonder why there were always
limousines parked on the edge of the Aurora Bridge in
Congratulates All the Winners
Queen Anne. Then I realized, “Oh, that’s a restaurant.”
Then I realized that it must be popular — and fancy.
JTNews “2010 Best” Awards
You are what helps make our community
a great place to live, work and play.
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lations to C Y PEARL,
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eaker at the Ja
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11: Dis co ve
Connections 20 being named
en ’s Ph ila nt hropy Brunch on
Wom y Journal.
n of th e Ye ar ” by the Librar
“Libraria ay.
Nancy this Sund
Join us to hear hI nS eattle.org/Con
nections
w w w .J ew is
Reservations at

www.JewishInSeattle.org
12 the best of everything 2010 JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

Best Youth Organization Best Source for Local Cheap Rabbi Simon Benzaquen is an artist with a paintbrush —
The options for Jewish youth in this town are plentiful. Stuff to Do and more importantly for young Jewish boys in Seattle,
The close race between USY, NFTY, NCSY, and BBYO this The best source for cheap stuff is, of course, The Cheap he’s not bad with a knife, either. The Sephardic Bikur
year exemplified that all four organizations remain Bastard’s Guide to Seattle by local Jewish writer and Holim rabbi is also no stranger to this honor; this is yet
stalwarts. But this year, USY came out on top. humorist David Volk. It’s only $15, or if you’re really another notch in his toolbelt.
cheap, find the Cheap Bastard’s cheap deal of the day on
Best Jewish Camp Facebook. For free. Best Local Jewish Hero
And here it is. Garnering more votes than every other Beth Huppin is a hero on behalf of the people who say we
category, the meanest, toughest, scrappiest competition Religious should value teachers, doctors, and firefighters instead
of ’em all. In one corner: Camp Solomon Schechter. In Reflections of actors, athletes, and rock stars. She teaches at Seattle
the other: Camp Kalsman. The winner, after going eight Best Congregation Jewish Community School, Congregation Beth Shalom,
rounds is...Camp Solomon Schechter. In this category voter turnout matters more than any other. and based on her votes in this category, she certainly
That’s because most people — rightfully — think highly of makes an impact. A special shout-out to nominee Lea
Best Jewish Web site their own synagogue communities. This year, Congregation Hanan, who graciously donated a kidney to her father.
It makes sense that the Best Jewish organization would Beth Shalom takes home the prize. Mazel Tov!
also have the Best Jewish Web site, and that JFSSeattle.org
would be our winner. Check it out for anything you need to
know about the goings on at Jewish Family Service.
Joel Magalnick
Best Place to Volunteer Cheap bastard David Volk was so cheap he got
JFS is the pick for volunteering, not just because of all a likeness of his new book, The Cheap Bastard’s
the organization’s good work, but because it offers a Guide to Seattle, printed onto the cake at his
volunteer so many different ways to help. Be a mentor, launch party instead of putting on a real-live
tutor an English learner, help prepare holiday baskets, or version of the book. Then again, isn’t printing
lend a hand in the food bank. images onto a cake kind of expensive?

The reality
of the situation Best Vocational/Training
Best Local Food Bank Services
And speaking of the JFS food bank, it pops up again! JFS takes it again, but not all the way. Seattle Community
Thankfully, Seattle has a great deal of organizations Colleges rounds out the tie for first place. Each has its
helping feed the hungry, like JFS, Helpline, Hopelink, and advantages, depending, of course, on the specific nature
Northwest Harvest. of the training.

Best Counseling Services Best Free Activity for Kids

And the winner here, once again, is JFS. Their counseling Our favorite answer in this category was “being together
services were the clear favorite among voters. as a family.” Assuming that, the winning suggestion was
a walk around the Seward Park loop. Perfect for a sunny Shraga Eliav

day — and free all days except SeaFair. A demonstration of what the best synagogue does: At a Pajama Havdallah party at Congregation Beth
Shalom on Jan. 22, two of the 350 participants learn “Oseh Shalom” — in sign language.

Best Jewish Supplemental School Shop ’Til You

As Maimonides once said, where there is a strong Drop - And the
congregation, there is also a strong Jewish religious school. Relaxation After
Pike Place Market And this, perhaps, is why Congregation Beth Shalom is our Best Fitness Club
93 Pike St. #4 winner despite heavy competition from so many others. The voters kept things within the tribe, selecting the
206-381-DELI Stroum Jewish Community Center as a great place to
Best Adult Education exercise (and gossip). The lavish Pro Club came in a very
Once again, Congregation Beth Shalom is number close second, though I can relate to the voter who wrote:
u f o r v oting us st Knish! University District
one. With a full slate of classes with titles you’d never “Fitness? Are you kidding me?”
o e
Thank y ndwich and B
5200 Roosevelt Wy NE expect from your father’s shul, and a teacher who has
S a
ed Beef
206-523-0606 been recognized nationally for her work, of course Best Spa Experience
B est Corn readers chose Beth Shalom. After a long day at the gym — or for some of us, a very
Best Mohel short day — what could be better than a relaxing spa
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews the best of everything 2010 13

session? The top spot for spa experiences in this year’s poll Best Jewish-themed or Israeli Film anything wrong with that). Yes, JConnect takes the prize issues toward something more universal (though if you ask
goes to Olympus Spa in Lynnwood. But not if you’re a guy. of 2010 here as well. some people, not universal enough): Healthcare reform.
Regardless, it’s a far cry from the shvitz my grandfather Ajami tells the story of a Jaffa neighborhood of mixed Also checking in with high vote totals were, of course, the
used to visit in Jersey. Jewish, Muslim and Christian population. A collaboration Best Online Dating Site economy. And WikiLeaks? Not even a WikiSqueak.
between Christian and Jewish filmmakers, the film was The competition for Jewish dating sites is slim, so no
Best Destination When I’m critically acclaimed in Israel. surprise that JDate racked up nearly all the votes. And Best Local Sports Team of 2010
Shopping for Clothes for Myself who could deny the greatness of a dating site that asks This award goes out to the only Seattle sports team to win
The voters went with a classic in this category, naming Best Jewish Actor of 2010 right away if you keep kosher? a title this year, the Seattle Storm, starring Jewish point
Macy’s. But is it Macy’s they love or do they miss the old There is no shortage of talented, dramatic Jewish actors. But guard Sue Bird! The award for best Jewish team name
Bon Marché? this year, the people have chosen to go for funny. Grownups Best Jewish Pickup Line heads over to Rock, and the 613s of Northwest Yeshiva
star Adam Sandler wins here, although an awkward shrug My favorites range from the simple (“Nice kippah!”) to High School.
Best Kidswear goes out to the person who nominated Larry David. the hilariously Jewish (“Is that a bagel in your pocket?”)
Voters this year chose The Gap for their kids’ clothes. Or to the almost uncomfortably direct — though sure to What’s so Jewish about tea
as I call it, the number one destination for kids who dress Makin’ Friends...and appeal to mothers — (“Hi, I’m a doctor”). parties or flash mobs? Name
better than most adults. Maybe a Bit More the most stunning, amusing,
Best Place to Hang out and Meet Grab Bag thrilling, or otherwise
Best Independent Shoes and Other Fun Jews Best (or Worst) Political Antic of superlative local news of
Accessories JConnect wins here, which makes sense: One of the slogans 2010 2010. And tell us how it relates
The Shoe Zoo has been in business for more than two considered by the UW Hillel young adult organization was The winner squeaked in before 2010 ended. Readers Jewishly, if you can.
decades, outfitting the feet of Seattle’s youth. Located behind “A Great Place to Hang Out and Meet Other Fun Jews.” praised the effort to prevent bus ads critical of Israel from There are two winners in this category. The first relates
University Village, this is the place for everything from running on King County Metro lines. In other news, Sarah to the aforementioned 613s of Northwest Yeshiva High
miniature wingtips to popular Crocs. But remember, kids only. Best Place to Meet A Nice Jewish Palin elicits strong emotions from our readers. School, whose girls’ basketball team, as one reader noted
Boy or Girl “graciously forfeits a tournament that fell on the Fast of
Best Independent Toy Shop And by “meet other fun Jews” they really meant “meet Most Important Political Issue Esther.” The second goes to Beth Huppin, our local Jewish
Top Ten Toys is not your average toy store: for one, the other fun Jews of the opposite sex” (or for those with a of 2010 hero, who was honored with the 2010 Covenant Award
JTNews readers have chosen it (again) as their favorite different orientation, of the same sex — not that there’s Here our readership turned away from specifically Jewish for Jewish Education.
of the past year. But they also put some thought into the
products they offer — no toy guns, and for the sake of
parents, no toys that make annoying lights and sounds.

Best Outdoor Shopping

Yes, University Village is the winner for best outdoor
Thanks for voting us A Dynamic Home
shopping — and why wouldn’t it be? It has everything, Best Brunch for Judaism
from Fran’s Chocolates to Noah’s Bagels to Trophy cucakes
to the kosher QFC. So why not?
in Seattle!
Best Local, Little, Independent
Shop Open daily 7:30am–2:30pm
Seattle is blessed with many of these gems, and the in Ballard, South Lake Union
nominees ranged from clothing boutiques to tiny
bookstores. The winner is Cakespy, a new Capitol Hill and the U-District
storefront with a little bit of everything from art and gifts
to the newest dessert trends.

Congregation
Beth Shalom
Best Judaica
Rumor has it that the folks at Temple B’nai Torah’s
Judaica shop can get you anything you need, even if it’s
ou Keeping Healthy Play Alive
Thank y us
not in stock. Psst. Hey you. Yeah, you! You wanna buy a
mezuzzah? g
for votin Best Independent Toy Shop rs
Best Gift Shop
T N e w s Reade
you, J
Little independent shop that stands out
Thank
Light your sparklers! Fireworks — with five locations
ng
for voti lom
eth Sha
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g a t i o n B
and designers. Congre tion
ngrega
People of the Book Best Co
wish
(and Screen) Best Je ool
Best Independent Bookshop
p l e m e ntal Sch
Sup am
n Progr
Obviously the move to Capitol Hill hasn’t slowed the folks
u c a t i o
at Elliott Bay Book Co. down at all. If anything, it’s been a
ult Ed
boon as they edged out Third Place Books for the title of Best Ad
Seattle’s favorite. and
a
ace for
Best Pl h
t Mitzva
Best Jewish Book of 2010
Readers voted — and critics would likely agree — that
Bar/Ba
the best Jewish book of 2010 was David Grossman’s To
the End of the Land. The Israeli novelist’s story of a family,
meted out on an aimless hike through the Galilee, is his
most personal yet. Another popular choice was from local
rabbi Mark Glickman and his new book Sacred Treasure Congregation Beth Shalom
— The Cairo Genizah. An egalitarian, participatory community!

Best Jewish Author of 2010

6800 35th Ave NE
For this category, the voters went local, selecting Noah
Friedland, a computer scientist whose first novel, A House Seattle, WA 98115
Divided, tells the story of an ambitious Israeli academic
206-524-0075
living in the United States who gets drawn back into the
politics of his home country when his brother dies. [email protected]
www. bethshalomseattle.org
14 community news JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

The Gaza doctor

Tim Klass Special to JTNews
To many in the Middle East and pair of recent Seattle-area book signings. “Killing can’t be
beyond, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish represents “It is important to feel anger in the solved by killing.
a triumph of faith, hope and determina- wake of events like this; anger that signals What’s important to
tion over squalor, suffering and frighten- that you do not accept what has happened, me is my daughters,”
ingly long odds. that spurs you to make a difference,” he Abuelaish replied.
The oldest of nine children, all born wrote. “But you have to choose not to “They will never
in the Jabalia refugee camp, he became spiral into hate. All the desire for revenge come back.”
known as “the Gaza doctor,” the first Pal- and hatred does is drive away wisdom, The Palestinian
estinian physician on staff at an Israeli increase sorrow, and prolong strife.” cause is “holy and
hospital, a globally respected obstetrician In an appearance before about 275 noble. We must use Tim Klass
and gynecologist specializing in human people at Temple B’nai Torah in Belle- the holy and noble Because of Temple B’nai Torah’s work in the interfaith community, Dr. Izzeldin
fertility with a master’s degree in public vue on January 17 and a presentation means … away from Abuelaish’s appearance was a mix of Jews, Muslims and Christians, including
health from Harvard. that drew 310 at Town Hall in Seattle two any hate,” he said. some in headscarves that greeted Abuelaish as he signed books.
Then his wife Nadia, the mother of their nights later, Abuelaish never wavered “Keep confident in
eight children, died of leukemia at age 45. from that theme. your cause with rationality, with wisdom.” acquaintances in the Israeli government
Four months later, on January 16, 2009, three In Seattle, where the audience appeared At the synagogue, a center of interfaith why his house was shelled, “people who
of his daughters, Bessan, 21, Mayar 15, and to be more sympathetic to the Palestinian efforts, the audience was predominantly know what happened,” and the response,
Aya, 14, and a niece, Noor, 17, were killed cause, he was berated by a middle-aged Jewish but included Christians and Mus- he said, has been “nothing. They turn a
when someone in an Israeli tank shelled the man who said he grew up in a refugee lims, including women in headscarves. deaf ear.”
family home during the Gaza war. No Israeli camp on the West Bank and served time Asked what he would tell Hamas about Before his appearance in Bellevue,
authority has asserted there was hostile fire or in an Israeli prison. justice and violence, Abuelaish said he Abuelaish was asked how trying to pro-
any other sign of resistance from the house. “How can you say don’t hate them?” would not single out Hamas, that his mote understanding and ease tension
Abuelaish, an observant Muslim, sub- the man said. message was the same to the Palestinian between the Israeli and Palestinian peo-
sequently completed a book he had been “For many Palestinians, we hate the Israeli Authority and the Israeli government: ples could be translated into government
contemplating for three years, I Shall Not army. They are our killers … they murdered “Violence will never win… words are and political action.
Hate, an autobiographical plea for peace your daughters,” he continued, raising his stronger than bullets.”
and human dignity that he brought to a voice. “You’re asking us to love them?” He has repeatedly asked personal XXPage 18

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friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews the arts 15

A novel approach: A conversation with If

you
the First Lady of literature go:
Nancy Pearl will headline the
Joel Magalnick Editor, JTNews Jewish Federation’s Women’s Divi-
First the bad news: Book Lust is finished. Book in 2004, is certainly The Nazis destroyed sion’s Connections event on Sun.,
Now the good news: Nancy Pearl, the not lacking for what to do. the family’s wealth, but its Jan. 30 from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. at
creator of the series of books that helps Aside from writing, she legacy, tiny Japanese carv- the Hyatt Regency, 900 Bellevue
hungry readers find the right book at the reads. A lot. On the morning ings called netsuke, was Way NE, Bellevue. Tickets cost $60
right time and Library Journal’s 2011 JTNews spoke with Pearl, retained by a maid and minimum. To RSVP, contact info@
librarian of the year, isn’t giving up her she had completed reading recovered after the war. De jewishinseattle.org or visit http://
personal quest to promote literacy — and a 19th-century fantasy novel Waal is now the keeper of jew.sh/O8D2.
the pure joy of reading. It’s just that she by Ben Aaronovich called these treasures.
has so many new channels to spread the Midnight Riot. “I thought that book was
word — her blog at www.nancypearl.com “Everything is very real wonderful,” Pearl says. Pearl disdains categorizations such
and a Twitter feed (@Nancy_Pearl) with — it’s a mystery, but there She also recommends as Jewish or African-American subject
recommendations that she updates on a are vampires, ghosts and The Lost: A Search for Six matter, for example, or specific genres,
regular basis. werewolves, etc., who play of Six Million, in which because doing so often keeps people from
“It’s so much fun to Twitter. I Twit- in,” Pearl says. Nancy Pearl author Daniel Mendelsohn finding great books they might truly enjoy.
ter every day about a book,” Pearl told Pearl also talks books recounts his journey in his “I think that ghettoizes books,” Pearl
JTNews from her home in Seattle. “I think on NPR, travels to various cities to train search for the truth about what happened says. “If you have your science fiction and
that’s an easier, maybe even more efficient librarians and readers to help them advo- to his grandfather’s brother’s family, all of fantasy separate from your mainstream fic-
way to do it.” cate for literacy and works with students whom died in the Holocaust. tion, you’re going to miss some great writers,
This woman who has spent so much in the University of Washington’s Library Incidentally, a look at either of these some great books, because you’re not going
time with other people’s words has also and Information Sciences program. two books on Amazon.com will find sug- to go over to the science fiction section.”
embarked upon something new: Her first But she’ll take a break from all of that on gestions for other books purchased by Speaking of books, Connections organiz-
novel. But Pearl is somewhat daunted by Sun., Jan. 30, when she’ll be the speaker at people who purchased these — several of ers are collecting them. Lots of them. Attend-
the thought of putting her own characters the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s which can be found on Pearl’s blog. That ees can bring unneeded books to the event,
on the page. annual “Connections” women’s event. as much as anything is a testament to but there are also drop-off spots around the
“It’s much scarier,” she says. “Even Pearl offers up two books for readers Pearl’s influence in the book world — and region where anyone can donate. The Fed-
though the novel that I’m working on is not looking for something Jewish: The Hare on the people who read them. eration will donate books to Friends of the
autobiographical at all, it feels much more with Amber Eyes: A Family’s Century of One item Pearl will be bringing to Seattle Public Library, and books with Jewish
personal than the Book Lust books did…. Art and Loss by Edmund de Waal is a the event is a list of 20 books, person- content will be given to local day schools in
It’s your characters and your ideas and your family history, “a wealthy Jewish banking ally chosen by her, that she hopes attend- the Seattle area. Visit www.jewishinseattle.
way of putting the words together.” family in the late 19th century to World ees will seek out and enjoy. The list, she org/Connections for drop-off spots.
Pearl, who retired as director of the War II, living in Paris,” Pearl explains. notes, is not limited to Jewish content or
Seattle Public Library’s Center for the “They were as rich as the Rothschilds.” by Jewish authors.

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Congregation Shevet Achim 18 Mercer Island Parks & Recreation 15
Creative Planning 15

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16 mercer island JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

Herzl-Ner Tamid youth group

wins international recognition

Chad Coleman/The Mercer Island Reporter

At front, Carrie Wernick-Newman, left, and Tana Senn, and behind them Jon Friedman, left, Aaron
Kornblum, center, and Aric Weiker were the five Jewish candidates of 17 vying to fill a seat on the
Mercer Island City Council vacated by Steve Litzow, the district’s new state senator. After five rounds
of voting by the current council, longtime island resident Jane Meyer Brahm won the seat.

Courtesy HNT

specializing in real estate on mercer island and the eastside The board of Herzl-Ner Tamid’s chapter of United Synagogue Youth.

It took three years to build from the accomplishment for this chapter,” said Briana
ground up, but the work has paid off. Last Goldstein Roberts, the group’s advisor.
month, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Focusing on programming that com-
Congregation’s chapter of United Syna- bines Jewish learning and fun activities,
gogue Youth was named international chap- such as a 35-part murder mystery Shabbat
ter of the year at its annual convention. dinner that cast the teens as different his-
“The international award is the entire torical and biblical characters, quirks and
Real Estate Broker
Residential Specialist Sandra Levin [email protected]
continental United States, so it’s a big deal,
and I think it just represents an amazing
all, Roberts said the current group of high
schoolers has allowed her and their parents
206.949.2845 Your Home, My Commitment www.sandralevin.com
to step back so they can put their own ideas
into practice.
“My teenagers are incredibly creative,”
she said. “The kids really step up to the
plate and take a leadership role.”

Guess who
In addition to their social learning activ-
ities, USYers meet each month with Rabbi
Jay Rosenbaum or other speakers to talk
about subjects pressing on their minds.

moved in
The group won regional chapter of the
year last year for the Pacific Northwest’s
Pinwheel Region, where Roberts said the

this winter?
teens could see how their chapter’s model
was successful. But they didn’t realize they
had been noticed at the top echelons of the
organization.
“On an international level, our kids had
no idea how much more we were infusing
Obviously frowny-face is stressed out from all the winter preparations. And smiley-face? into our programs,” Roberts said.
When the current board began rebuild-
He’s sipping cocoa while relaxing in front of a warm fire. Be a smiley-face, ing the chapter three years ago, they had a
move into The Bellettini Retirement Community before winter hits. All of your needs goal of 20 participants in each event. These
days that number tops 40, with new mem-
will be taken care of so you can just have fun. See, we’ve got you smiling already! bers coming in all the time. But as the cur-
Call (425) 450-0800 now to schedule your complimentary guided tour and lunch. rent board members begin to graduate,
Roberts said there could be some chal-
lenges ahead.
“Moving the chapter forward, we have
to make sure we don’t get complacent,” she
said. “We have to make sure we are build-
1115 - 108th Avenue NE | Bellevue ing more of our leaders and targeting who
(425) 450-0800 want to be involved.
“It’s a great thing to have this accom-
www.thebellettini.com plishment and be on a high, but we want
to keep going.”
— Joel Magalnick
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews community news 17

Traveling the Northwest to teach about Israel

Dani Hemmat Special to JTNews
One thing has followed Assaf Nisen- Nisenboym grad- lis face as a fact of life.
boym his entire life: The sound of sirens. uated in Septem- Armed with little more than a slide
These sirens come not from fire engines ber 2010 from Ben show and a smile, Nisenboym said when
or police cars, but from air raids. Accord- Gurion University he speaks at high schools, he always starts
ing to Nisenboym, when you hear those of the Negev with a off with a perspective shot of Israel.
sirens, “you know that missiles are head- degree in econom- “I ask them, ‘How big is Israel? Is it as
ing your way.” ics. Upon fulfilling big as Washington State?’ and they all say,
Nisenboym, 26, spoke to a large crowd his military service, ‘No, it’s much bigger!’” he told the audi-
at Congregation Kol Shalom on Bainbridge doing the requi- ence. “When I show them Israel and how
Island on Jan. 23, where he spent the after- site traveling, feel- it fits into the tiny space in Washington,
noon sharing his perspective on growing ing ready to embark they can’t believe it.”
up in Israel. Nisenboym is an Israeli fellow on his “real life,” Nisenboym said most teenagers don’t
from StandWithUs Northwest, where as a he decided first to know anything about Israel. He paints
volunteer he is traveling around the North- commit some time them a portrait of the Israeli population,
west for six months to present a picture to helping the North- showing images of a broad ethnic mix.
of Israel and its people not always repre- west’s residents — “When I ask kids what they think Israe-
sented in the international media. mostly youth — to lis look like, it gets uncomfortable; it’s not
“My intention isn’t political at all,” said Dani Hemmat an insider’s view of such a politically correct question here in
Nisenboym, “It’s only to give people a taste StandWithUs fellow Assaf Nisenboym addresses his audience at daily living and the
of Israel as I know it. This is how I grew up.” Congregation Kol Shalom on Bainbridge Island. struggles that Israe- XXPage 18

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18 community news JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

WWgaza doctor Page 14 covered that when it comes to politics, the organizers and the woman, Wafa He and his five surviving children now
you can’t always count on the people to do Samir Ibrahim al-Biss, 21, a former patient live in Toronto, where he is an associ-
“I hate politics. I hate politics,” he what you say they are going to do.” at the hospital, was published in the Jeru- ate professor at the Dalla Lana School of
exclaimed. His book also denounces suicide bomb- salem Post. Public Health at the University of Toronto,
Someone like Israeli Prime Minis- ings as a “disastrous weapon of terror.” He “Is this a reward for kindness? Is this an a position he had decided to accept before
ter Benjamin Netanyahu, he said, “cares describes repeatedly unfair, unreasonable, advertisement for Islam, a religion which the outbreak of the Gaza war.
only about staying in power, not about the arbitrary, dilatory, seemingly malicious respects and sanctifies human life? This is Proceeds from sales of his book, ini-
humanity, not about the people.” treatment he experienced at Gaza-Israel and aggression and a violation of humanity,” tially published in Canada and revised
Abuelaish ran unsuccessfully for the Gaza-Egypt border crossings but praises he wrote. slightly for the U.S. edition issued in Janu-
Palestinian parliament as an independent the “alert security guard” who caught a Abuelaish’s appearances in Seattle, ary by Random House, go to Daughters for
in 2006, when Hamas routed the Palestin- woman wearing 10 pounds of explosives sandwiched around a presentation in Life, a foundation he established to provide
ian Authority throughout the West Bank she planned to detonate at a hospital where Portland, Ore., were part of a 16-city tour scholarships for women in Jordan, Egypt,
and Gaza. He wrote in his book that he he worked in Beersheba in 2005. that began Jan. 12 in Los Angeles and ends Israel, Syria and other Middle Eastern
had never contemplated losing but “dis- His letter of outrage over the attempt, April 1 in Portland, Maine. countries (www.daughtersforlife.com).

WWassaf nisenboym Page 17 missiles and the sirens, is pray they hit harbor ill will for the Palestinian people, to get people to dislike Israel, rather than
somewhere else,” he said. he said he doesn’t feel that way. get people to talk about the real prob-
the Northwest,” he said. “No one usually During his mandated military service, “I am from Israel, and I am pro-Israeli lems…that’s why we do this,” Jacobs said.
wants to answer, so I show them [images he found himself in another missile raid, and pro-Palestinian. I want both sides to “Presentations like Assaf’s are almost an
of several different ethnicities] and say this time near Haifa. As he shut himself have peace and a good life.” inoculation, in a sense, to open up a real
that it is a great mixture of people from all in a bomb shelter with other soldiers and Robert Jacobs, regional director of conversation, one that’s not filled with
over the world, from many different cul- civilians, he noticed a familiar face. It was StandWithUs Northwest, told the audi- emotionally laden language about Israel.
tures.” his sister, also serving in the military. ence that the easy, casual way Nisenboym Our hope is that people educate them-
A passionate surfer who loves the “Here I was, older, more mature, but presents the portrait of his life in Israel selves and are open to listening.”
water, Nisenboym recounted how, as a with the sirens, the missiles, and my sister furthers the organization’s mission. It was Nisenboym said his work with Stand-
10-year-old boy, the sirens would blare with me in this bomb shelter, it was like created primarily as a response to pro-Pal- WithUs reflects his hopes and dreams.
where they lived near Beer Sheva. He and 15 years earlier in the safe room,” Nisen- estinian speakers presenting murky view- “I do pray for the Palestinians to have
his siblings would be shut into their safe boym said. “Being older didn’t make it any points of Israel to high school assemblies. their own state, their own country, to live
room, a small room in their house with easier. I kept thinking of my mother, and StandWithUs seeks to catch young people side by side with us. I want them to be safe
plastic sheeting taped over the openings how two of her three children were there, before they form opinions about Israel with their families, and I want Israelis to
to prevent poisonous gases from getting on the front lines fighting for their coun- that might be fueled by the emotional lan- be safe with theirs. That is my hope. And
inside. He would huddle with his sister try, with missiles falling all around them. guage that often accompanies discussions my dream…my dream is to surf with a
and worry about his father, who was serv- It never gets easier.” on college campuses. Palestinian kid from the Gaza Strip. That’s
ing in the reserves. Though some might think it natural for “Legitimate criticism of Israel is valid… what I want.”
“All you can do, when you hear the a person with Nisenboym’s experiences to it’s when it becomes an over-the-top effort

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friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews 19

CONNECTOR 2 0 3 1 T h i r d Av e n u e | S e a t t l e , WA | 9 8 1 2 1 - 2 4 1 2 | p : 2 0 6 4 4 3 - 5 4 0 0 | I n f o @ J ew i s h I n S e a t t l e . o r g | w w w. J ew i s h I n S e a t t l e . o r g

Kiryat Malachi
CONNECTIONS 2011 Kiryat Malachi, one of the Federation’s partnership communities

Discovering Community ThroughBooks in Israel, was recently awarded the Israel Education Prize for the
significant improvements made in their school system.

Featuring NANCY PEARL

With the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and
the TIPS Partnership, the city has increased the number of students
passing their qualifying exams, from 33% to over 70%, in just four
National Public Radio (NPR) Commentator and Author years—a marked improvement that means more young people
are succeeding in their studies and that our work and support
of these communities is having a significant impact. Today, 97% of
the graduating seniors enter the army or national service.
Get Connected! At Connections 2011
Women’s Philanthropy Brunch Sunday, January 30 Your support means that we can continue our work in Kiryat
Malachi and the Hof Ashkelon region, improving the quality of
If you haven’t made your reservation yet, NOW is the time to act. life for the thousands of people who call this area home. For more
information on the TIPS Partnership and its important, Federation-
We are very excited about this coming weekend’s Connections 2011: Discovering Community funded work in Israel, visit www.JewishInSeattle.org/TIPS.
Through Books Women’s Philanthropy event. With a speaker called “…one Lusty Librarian” by the
Los Angeles Times, it is sure to be a lively program.

Our guest speaker, Nancy Pearl, is a local treasure. She is an acclaimed NPR commentator on books, a
Share Your Events with the
noted author and was recently named “Librarian of the Year” by the Library Journal. This is our major Jewish Community
Women’s Philanthropy event for the year and it is always amazing to see the power of women in our The new Calendar to Jewish Washington is up and running and
community to effect change and support our mission. it’s the perfect place to list your coming events. A joint program
of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and JTNews, the new
Register now at www.JewishInSeattle.org/Connections. online calendar is one central place to list events by and for the
And if you are coming, be sure to bring your donations Jewish community.
of new or gently used books for the book drive.
Your contributions will be shared with local Jewish With lots of new, easy search capabilities, and a simple listing
schools and Friends of the Seattle Public Library. mechanism, it’s easier than ever to reach the Jewish community.
For details, and to search for or list an event, visit
calendar.jtnews.net

Good News from Olympia Coming Events

Zach Carstensen, our Government Relations and Public Affairs Director, is hard at work in Olympia, January 30 • Connections 2011: Discovering Community Through Books
during what is sure to be a challenging legislative session. He strives to identify critical legislative Hyatt Regency, Bellevue • 10:30AM. Reserve your seat at
actions and articulate how they might affect the Jewish community, then provide us with opportunities www.JewishInSeattle.org/Connections
to make our voices heard to ensure our interests are considered.
January 31 & February 7 • Student-Centered Teaching Workshops
He recently issued an Action Alert regarding a series of potential early action budget cuts to help the for Hebrew Teachers • 6-9PM
state balance the budget for the rest of the fiscal year. One of the programs proposed for elimination Details at www.JewishinSeattle.org/DaySchool
was the Limited English Proficiency Pathway(LEP) Program. If this cut had gone through it would
have meant the end of LEP Pathway for the current fiscal year. It would also likely mean Jewish Family February 10 • Cardozo Society Immigration Pro Bono Project
Service would have lost its most effective program for helping refugees begin new lives. 12PM • Details at www.JewishInSeattle.org/Cardozo

Jewish Family Service is one of the state’s most successful LEP Pathway contractors. February 25 • CLE: Briefing on Refugees and the Law: Washington State
12PM • Details at www.JewishInSeattle.org/Cardozo
Because of your e-mails, the House Ways & Means Committee amended their supplemental budget
for the rest of the fiscal year and restored $1.5 million for the LEP Pathway. February 26 • Israel Philharmonic Orchestra with Zubin Mehta
8PM • Benaroya Hall • Details and tickets www.BenaroyaHall.org
Please take a moment to thank the House Ways & Means Committee for making this important change.
March 24 • Turn the Page: A fun-filled evening of learning for women
This is just one example of how Zach’s work in Olympia directly affects our Jewish community, and
how your actions make a difference. Thank you. 6PM-8:45PM • Details at www.JewishInSeattle.org/TurnThePage

TAGLIT-BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL TRIP NEWS: Registration opens on February 15 at 9AM EST for Summer Taglit-Birthright Israel Trips.
This year, Jconnect is offering a 21+ trip! For details on this free trip to Israel for Jewish young adults who are 18-26
and have never gone on a peer group, educational trip to Israel, visit: www.JewishInSeattle.org/Birthright
When you register, be sure to select “Hillel” as your trip provider.
20 a tribute to debbie JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

The Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle A Tribute to

Debbie Friedman
By David Benkof

Immortal Songs
By Jeffrey L. Weinthal

Today the voice is silenced

Tomorrow the silence will be sung all over the world
The voice spoke for our generation
And every generation to come
What was said was not only said to us
It was said for us
Across Down From the quietest whisper to the roar of a mighty stream
1. Carl’s partner in “Watergate” 1. Insider trading convict Ivan The voice touched us
journalism 2. Soothsayer SHE touched us
4. 1938, notably 3. Common synagogue name (literally, Through her we were led to the gates of prayer
10. Partisan and poet Kovner “House of God”) She opened a window letting us see the power of belief
14. Mittleman JCC’s st. 4. Kind of bagel The power of love
15. Pretentious 5. Noted Chicagoan
God’s love
16. Garden tools 6. Cheese choice
17. Enjoy latkes 7. It might be part of an eruv
With each single note of music played
18. President of Israel’s Supreme 8. Philosopher Theodor Each single word sung
Court, 1995-2006 9. Attempted to join the Knesset She touched the lives of millions
20. “Friend” David 10. ___ Ha’am (literally, “One of the The voice of all generations both now and yet to come
22. Politicos Rendell and Koch People”) Her songs brought love many
23. Fashion designer Calvin 11. Voice actress Alex (“Family Guy”) Love served up like a majestic banquet
24. Noodge 12. Actress Arthur (“Golden Girls”) A banquet of souls
26. “Over ___ Rainbow” (Harold Arlen 13. Recite the Four Questions Souls that we have willingly brought before God
song) 19. Command to a dog She was a visionary
29. Shriek 21. Anti-Semite Marr Her voice an ocean of heavenly love
30. High Priest in 2nd century BCE 25. Pollitzer and Diamant
Even though she has left this earth she will never be gone
33. Cholent ingredient 27. Chinese dynasty name
34. Play ___ (skip school) 28. Opposite WSW
Her voice
36. Aligned 30. “World’s Greatest Entertainer” Al Just one voice
38. The Balfour ___ 31. Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan ___ the Brought hope to the hopeless
40. Minuses Chofetz Chaim Brought comfort to the sick and dying
42. State where Moses Alexander was 32. Former holder of the Golan Heights Brought tears of joy to celebrations
governor 33. TV miscue Touched the hearts of the world
43. Part of a nuclear arsenal, for short 35. Sukkot mo. She is not truly dead
44. Kind of exam 37. U.S. wellness agency She will live on in songs
46. Apple alternative 38. Voice-overs into Hebrew Immortal songs
50. ___ Zalman 39. Hate-fighting grp.
51. Modeh ___ (early morning prayer) 40. Kind of tree
52. Jewish ___ A Capella (Brandeis 41. Air hero
Would you like to send in a tribute to Debbie? Send it to [email protected] and we’ll post it online
singing group) 45. Serial killer Joel
53. At Hadassah Hospital, perhaps 47. “___ Rock, Shout Shout!” with the tributes you see here. If you would like to make a donation in her name, you may do so
55. “Camelot” composer Loewe 48. Nook online at www.debbiefriedman.com or send it to: Renewal of Spirit Foundation, c/o Selwyn
59. “Radical” dancer-choreographer 49. Earn Gerber, CPA, Gerber & Co., 1880 Century Park East, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90067-1600
62. Almost-Veep Lieberman 51. Capp and Franken
63. Marshes 52. Not as many
64. Neglect 54. “The ___ of the Just” (Holocaust If
65. Agudath Israel spokesman Shafran Novel) you
66. ___ Jerusalem (contested area) 56. 20-Across’s character go:
67. Monologuist Eve 57. Month of self-reflection
68. Egg maker 58. Two tablets, maybe
On Saturday, January 29, from 6:45–8:15 p.m., a Seattle community kumzitz (gathering) in
59. Actor Vigoda (“The Godfather”)
honor of Debbie Friedman where you can sing, dance, pray, laugh, cry and remember will be
60. Yitchak Rabin’s granddaughter
61. Words of praise held at Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, 3700 E Mercer Way on Mercer Island. For
Answers on page 22 more information, contact Ruz Gulko at [email protected] or 425-747-9338.
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews A tribute to debbie 21

Her own journey of spirit

By Ann Coppel opened up to me.
Debbie believed that singing was life Debbie was always connecting with
giving. She loved people singing with her, people, always listening, always interested
participating. Singing is how I first met in creating a safe space for people to be
Debbie in the early 1970s — she was at a comfortable with themselves individually
NoFTY summer conclave in Oconomowoc, and in the context of community. Whether
Wisconsin as our songleader. We learned it was a joyful or serene melody, the poetry
the three-part harmonies for all the songs or wordplay of her lyrics, or her sense of
from her first album, Sing Unto God (which humor (often irreverent), Debbie had the
hadn’t yet been released), Being someone gift of connecting with each soul.
who loves to sing, I was transfixed by the Many people have written eloquently
music and transformed by the experience over the past weeks about Debbie’s con-
of singing the music with Debbie. tributions. You only have to look back at
This music — her music — reached down all the hundreds of musical compositions,
into my soul and grabbed me. Or maybe 22 albums, scores of concerts and services
now, upon reflection, her music and her soul and lifecycle events to know the tip of the
opened my heart. I’ve always said, “that iceberg. I believe the reverberations of her
was my first real spiritual experience.” contributions will be felt forever.
I’ll never forget my first of many conver- I am just so grateful that I persevered in
sations with Debbie. She came up to me producing A Journey of Spirit, a documen-
after one of our song sessions at that con- tary film about Debbie. And although there
clave and said, “I love watching you sing.” were many challenging moments during the
“Why?” I asked. seven years it took me to make the movie,
“Because you in the end Debbie was so

s h e d your
have such pleased with

ou pu self to t h e

Y give.
You wanted us to feel throu
gh you
r mu
sic a
a beautiful smile nd the li
on your face,” she replied. turgic
al words
That was the beginning of my nearly story I
h peace, assurance, faith,
40-year friendship with Debbie Friedman. told. I’ll never ope, e
nthus
Like many of my NoFTY compatriots, I forget when she said to iasm,
op acce ptance.
timism, fu
knew Debbie before she became famous in me, “Can’t you make this film and
n, self worth, involvement, and
the Jewish world. Not only was Debbie my have it not be about me?”
songleader, she was a good friend. I know many thousands are mourning
In 1976, I had the pleasure of working
creatively with Debbie on her third album,
Ani Ma-amin, playing my flute and pro-
her loss, but I’ve lost one of my best friends.
She would be so humbled and honored by
the outpouring of heartfelt expression hap-
Dearest Debbie coffin caused us to cry.
In our grief we want to listen to you sing-
viding the cover photography. I took a lot pening around the world in reaction to her Your incredible and amazing musical ing Mi Shebeirach — bringing healing and
of trips between Madison and Chicago in untimely death. And I also know she’d be gift to the world fills us all with awe — renewal. But you’re not here to sing it to us
those early years, and had an incredible telling all of us to use the gifts we’ve been music overflowing with inspiration, pur- any more.
amount of fun and laughter. given to partake in tikkun olam, in repair- pose, depth, spirit, spirituality, passion, Debbie, you were so much a blessing.
Debbie may not have realized the ing the brokenness in the world. Debbie and life. We just love love love to sing You are painfully missed; your precious
impact she had on my life. I remember lived her life knowing that she was an your songs! gift is eternal.
showing her some of my photography from instrument of God. We are the beneficia- You pushed yourself to give. You “Arise, Arise Devorah, Arise, Arise and
that period — mostly nature and scenics ries of her gift. wanted us to feel through your music and Sing a Song.”
— which she liked, but her question to me Thank you Debbie. I promise to keep the liturgical words peace, assurance, Oh Debbie! You so did!
was, “where are the people?” singing…. faith, hope, enthusiasm, optimism, fun, self
As was the standard with Debbie, she worth, involvement, and acceptance. You Ted Bernstein is a retired educator and music
would always get me to think, to be more Seattle filmmaker Ann Coppel is the creator composed your wonders tirelessly with teacher who led songs at Jewish summer
introspective. I took her question seriously of A Journey of Spirit (www.ajourneyofspirit. vision and with strength. You did so until camps around the country and created an
and started to shift my focus. I began to com), which followed Debbie Friedman over you couldn’t any more and the illness that anthology of religious school music, a large
connect with people and their stories and the course of three years. had affected you for so many years over- part of which is the music of Debbie Fried-
a whole world of documentary storytelling came you. Your sweet guitar draping your man. He lives in North Bend.

Cynthia Williams Russ Katz, Realtor

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206-284-7327 (Direct)
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University of Washington Grad
22 community news JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

State leaders visit Israel to meet its wounded

Eric Nusbaum Assistant Editor, JTNews
Israel’s export economy is known for for Heroism founder Rabbi Chaim Levine
high-tech products, artisan foods, and and funded by local real estate developer
advanced military equipment. If a nota- Martin Selig. The delegation blended tour-
ble group of Washingtonians who recently ism, visiting sites like Jerusalem’s old city,
returned from Israel has its way, that list will Yad Vashem, and the Valley of Tears, with
also soon include something less tangible: Hope for Heroism activities such as meet-
A new model for helping disabled combat ings with wounded Israeli veterans and a
veterans recover from their wounds. tour of an Israeli special-forces base.
State Attorney General Rob McKenna, “It was just story after story after
Washington State Department of Veteran story of these men who were wounded in
Affairs director John Lee, and First Hus- combat,” said McKenna in an interview
band Mike Gregoire joined soldiers from with JTNews. “But then equally important
Joint Base Lewis-McChord to tour Israel were the stories about how they reached
and get a first hand look at the work of out to each other.”
Hope for Heroism, a nonprofit aimed at The Hope for Heroism model of sol-
giving disabled Israeli combat veterans diers helping soldiers has been successful
the means to help one another cope with in Israel because of the empathy bred by
their injuries. common experiences. Lee, who heads the
Known in Israel as Brothers for Life George Cavallo state’s VA, said he could see the same con-
and administered by the soldiers it once The Washington State contingent that visited Israel on behalf of Hope for Heroism and the soldiers in nections being made between the Israeli
assisted, the weeklong trip was led by Hope its Israeli counterpart, Brothers for Life. and American soldiers on the trip.
“To my great joy, watching those young
warriors from the U.S. interact with and
Vicki Robbins create a forever-loving, lasting relationship
with those wounded warriors, it was just
Robbins Travel at Lake City marvelous,” Lee said. “The youth, cama-
raderie, and compatibility — there were
no cultural barriers, there were no ethnic
barriers. It was soldier to soldier and it was
The most experienced agents in town for planning your trip to Israel. remarkable what we saw take place.”
Cruises and vacation packages, too! Levine echoed Lee’s sentiments. He
explained that the bond between wounded
(206) 526-5010 • (206) 364-0100 combat veterans crosses all cultures. An
Toll free: 1-800-621-2662 [email protected] unofficial motto of Hope for Heroism is
“same bullets, same blood, same tears,”
he said.
“What that means is strip away every-
thing else,” Levine said. “No one can
understand what they’ve been through
like they can. What they discovered was
this underlying brotherhood.”
To help bring what he has learned from
his soldiers since founding Hope for Her-
oism, Levine has sought to create links
between Israel and Washington lawmak-
ers and leaders. He first connected with
McKenna two years ago at a Shabbat
dinner at the Sephardic Bikur Holim syna-
gogue. He met Lee after his efforts to pitch
a Hope for Heroism-style program to the
Department of Defense and national VA
stalled.
The trip to Israel materialized after
Seattle supporters of Hope for Heroism
spent a day with the warrior transition
battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Selig was there that day and immediately
suggested a trip to Israel. According to
Levine, the trip took on two purposes:
Teaching the delegation about Hope for
Heroism, and deepening the connection
between Washington and Israel.
By all accounts it appears to have been
a success. Members of the delegation, both
soldiers and political leaders, are enthusi-
astic about the prospects for a similar pro-
gram to catch on in Washington State.
“What I took away from the trip in
terms of policy is that to help veterans, as

XXPage 23
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews letters 23

WWletters Page 3

Dear Grandma Weisberg Your tax dollars working against you

Did it occur to you that boycotting Israel means that you are wishing for your family to starve Are any of you, and by that I mean Jews and other members of the pro-Israel community, both-
(“Standing with her grandchild,” Letters, Jan. 14)? ered by the fact your tax dollars are being extracted from you to help fund Evergreen State College’s
If you read the “not-so-fine print” of the platform of Evergreen radicals you will see that the “two- virulently anti-Israel and personally threatening academic environment (“Evergreen: The hard con-
state solution” they are talking about are Jordan and Palestine, once all the Palestinian refugees versation not taking place,” Dec. 10)? Aren’t any of you upset by the fact that money you can’t
come back to Israel! When was the last time there was a demonstration against Hamas or Hezbol- afford to part with in the first place is going to fund a college your own children would be afraid to
lah allowed on campus? And who are you protecting? go and might actually feel physically threatened at?
Have you seen the hateful content in the Palestinian media? Did they ever actively take real cou- Don’t you think this demands some kind of response and investigation? Why aren’t you writing
rageous steps by their leaders to resolve the conflict? Step against their own extremists? Should and calling your state representatives and senators, asking them to hold hearings on what is happen-
Israel open the gates to those who want to destroy and kill? ing at Evergreen, where Jews who wear yarmulkes feel unsafe and people who simply support Isra-
If your bright granddaughter would study in Ashkelon, Sderot or Beer Sheva, and a Kassam mis- el’s right to exist risk being jeered at and intimidated in public?
sile would hit her classroom, that Kassam missile would not care that little Emily is a Hamas sup- If Jews faced this kind of treatment at Moscow University, we’d be all over it. So how about we
porter, liberal, conscientious Jew. start doing something now, and that something is contacting your state legislators and telling them
Your young bright granddaughter will be torn to tiny little pieces on the concrete floor just like we need to look at what is going on at Evergreen and doing something about it? Good grief, it’s your
any other Jew in her class. money and it is being used to fund a school your own kids would be scared to go to.
Ron Cohen Eric Leibman
Netanya, Israel Portland, Ore

travel for Ziva Shachaf

WWhope for heroism Page 22 happen in Washington — and perhaps
throughout the country — what they have
we try to do through the state VA program going in the state of Israel,” Lee said. “It’s
and the federal VA program, we need to
find more ways to empower veterans to
quite special.”
In May, a group of Hope for Heroism le$$ inc Over 20 years experience
Former Israeli
help each other,” McKenna said. “They soldiers will land in Seattle, as they have
relate to each other so well, and that peer- done each year since Levine founded the aIr car hOtel packages
to-peer contact is so valuable.” organization in 2007. Aside from speak- FOr IndIvIduals Or grOups
Such an organization would be, like ing to community members about their
Hope for Heroism, run by the combat vet- program and taking in the local sites, they 425-836-2615
866-591-2555
erans themselves. But McKenna expressed will meet with soldiers based in this state
an interest in serving on an advisory board to help get a local program off the ground. the Best Deal
and recruiting other community leaders
to get involved. Lee is also eager to further
After that, anything is possible, according
to Levine.
to israel [email protected]
develop a partnership between Washing- “I think it can go beyond Washington
ton’s and Israel’s veterans. State to other parts of the country, and and all your travel needs 5313 188th pl. ne,
“The rabbi and I have both commit- even potentially London,” he said. around the world sammamish, Wa 98074
ted that we need to work together to make

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24 community calendar JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

Ongoing Events 5 p.m. – The Ramchal’s Derech Hashem, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. – Women Only Torah 7 p.m. – Beginning Israeli Dancing for
Event names, locations, and times are provided Portal from the Ari to Modernity Study Class Adults with Rhona Feldman
here for ongoing weekly events. Please visit Congregation Beth Ha’Ari Beit Midrash Chabad of the Central Cascades Congregation Beth Shalom
calendar.jtnews.net for descriptions and contact 6:30 p.m. – Avot Ubanim 7–8 p.m. – Beginning Modern Hebrew
information. Seattle Kollel Tuesdays Congregation Beth Shalom
9:45 a.m. – BCMH Youth Services 11 a.m.–12 p.m. – Mommy and Me Program 7–8:30 p.m. – Modern Hebrew Literature
Fridays Bikur Cholim-Machzikay Hadath Chabad of the Central Cascades. Call for location. Congregation Beth Shalom (1st Wednesday)
12:30–3:30 p.m. – Bridge Group 12 p.m. – Torah for Women 7–9 p.m. – Teen Lounge for Middle Schoolers
Stroum Jewish Community Center Sundays Eastside Torah Center (at Starbucks Bellevue NCSY (at Congregation Bikur Cholim-Machzikay
12:30–3:30 p.m. – Drop-in Mah Jongg 10:15 a.m. – Sunday Torah Study Galleria) Hadath)
Stroum JCC Congregation Beth Shalom 7 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings 7:30 p.m. – Parshas Hashavuah
9:30–10:30 a.m. – SJCC Tot Shabbat 7:30–10:30 p.m. – He’Ari Israeli Dancing Jewish Family Service Eastside Torah Center
Stroum JCC Danceland Ballroom 7 p.m. – Teen Center 8:15 –9:15 p.m. – Resurrection, the After-
11 a.m.–12 p.m. – Tots Welcoming Shabbat 8:30 p.m. – Talmud, Yeshiva-Style Stroum JCC life & Reincarnation
Temple B’nai Torah Eastside Torah Center 7–8 p.m. – Hebrew I (Alef Bet) Congregation Beth Shalom
Congregation Beth Shalom.
Saturdays Mondays 7:30 p.m. – Weekly Round Table Kabbalah Thursdays
9–10.am. – Meditation Through Breath and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. – JCC Seniors Group Class 10–2 p.m. – JCC Seniors Group
Movement Stroum JCC Eastside Torah Center (call for location) Stroum JCC
Congregation Beth Shalom (2nd Saturday of month) 12:30 p.m. – Caffeine for the Soul 8:15–9:30 p.m. – Living Judaism-The 6:50 p.m. – Introduction to Hebrew
9–10:15.am. – Learner’s Minyan with Ron Chabad of the Central Cascades Basics with Mary Potter Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation
Schneeweiss 7 p.m – CSA Monday Night Classes Congregation Beth Shalom 7 p.m. – Junior Teen Center
Congregation Beth Shalom (2nd Saturday of month) Congregation Shevet Achim (at Northwest Yeshiva NCSY (at the Stroum JCC)
10 a.m. – Morning Youth Program High School) Wednesdays 8–10 p.m. – Teen Lounge for High Schoolers
Congregation Ezra Bessaroth 10 a.m – Jewish Mommy and Me 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Talmud Berachot Congregation Bikur Cholim-Machzikay Hadath
9 a.m.–10:30 a.m. – Temple B’nai Torah West Seattle Torah Learning Center (at Hiawatha Tullys Westlake Center 8–9:30 p.m. – Beth Shalom Beit Midrash
Adult Torah Study Community Center) 1:30 p.m. – Book Club at the Stroum JCC Congregation Beth Shalom (2nd Thursday of month)
Temple B’nai Torah 8:30 p.m. – Talmud in Hebrew Stroum JCC
Eastside Torah Center

Have you visited the new online Jewish community calendar?

Find it at calendar.jtnews.net!

Candle Lighting Times scientific methods to explore the authenticity of Sing, dance, pray, laugh, cry and remember — www.jewishinseattle.org/Connections
January 28...................... 4:46 p.m. Judaism and its relevance today. Cost includes honor the beloved Debbie by continuing her work. The annual signature outreach and fundraising event
February 5....................... 4:56 p.m. room/meals/conference costs. Childcare available No speeches. A little Torah, a lot of singing. Free. At for Jewish women in the greater Seattle area. Nancy
February 12..................... 5:08 p.m. upon request. $300/$200/$150/kids $60. At Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, 3700 E Pearl, NPR regular and noted author on books for all
February 19......................5:18 p.m. Sheraton Bellevue through the weekend, 100 112th Mercer Way, Mercer Island. ages, genres and stages, is this year’s event speaker.
Ave. SE, The Seattle Kollel, Bellevue. Register online. $60 brunch/$180 friend/$360
Sunday 30 January patron. At the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue
Friday 28 January Saturday 29 January 5–9 p.m. – ‘We Have a Dream’ Dinner & Way NE, Bellevue.
3 p.m. – Discovery Seminar Weekend 6:45–8:15 p.m. – Seattle Community Kumzitz Auction 1:30–3:30 p.m. – Theo’s Chocolate Factory

Marilyn Leibert at [email protected] or in Honor of Debbie Friedman

Kathy Gallagher at [email protected] or Tour (and lots of tasting!)

206-722-8289 or seattlekollel.org

Ruz Gulko at [email protected] or 206-547-3914 or www.kadima.org

Jodi at [email protected] or
With its crisp, entertaining style, Discovery uses 425-747-9338 Kadima’s annual fundraiser at the Little Red Bistro. www.h-nt.org/usjinfo.htm.
Adults $38/12 and under $12/4 and under free. At Tour the Theo chocolate factory with Herzl-Ner

Architects, Consultants & Contractors

The Little Red Bistro, 400 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle. Tamid’s Kadima group. Seattle’s local fair-trade
2–4 p.m. – Auditions for SJCC Center Stage chocolate company is certified kosher, and what
The Diary of Anne Frank could be better than an afternoon sampling
Construction Contact Information Now Online!

Deborah Jacoby at [email protected] or delectable treats with your friends? RSVP required.
Check www.kcls.org/buildings for information about KCLS 206-388-0824 or http://jew.sh/W83o Grades 6–8. $10. At Theo’s Chocolates, 3400
Audition for parts in the upcoming production at the Phinney Ave. N, Seattle.
construction projects. You’ll find the latest available details
Stroum Jewish Community Center’s Center Stage
on current and pending projects:
Production. At the Stroum JCC, 3801 E Mercer Way, Monday 31 January
• Requests for Proposals • Announcements of Finalists Mercer Island. 7–9 p.m. – I Don’t Know What to Say:
• Requests for Qualifications • Community Meetings 9–10 a.m. – Change Your Thinking Comforting the Dying and Bereaved
• Current Project Bid Listings • Contacts

Rabbi David Fredman at

Emily Harris-Shears at
• Calls for Art Proposals • News Releases [email protected] or [email protected] or 206-861-8784 or
206-251-4063 or seattlekollel.org www.jfsseattle.org/uploads/pdf/DeathDying_
• Site Selection Policy
Delve into some of the most fundamental original Jan11_1Page.pdf
The King County Library System recognizes strength Mussar texts from the founder of the Mussar Discuss hard questions about illness and death with
and value within our communities, and we encourage movement, Rabbi Yisroel Salanter. The Mussar Rabbi James L. Mirel of Temple B’nai Torah and
all interested and qualified service providers to review approach to kindness, faith in God, character Emily Harris-Shears, MSW, family life educator at
our public bid construction project opportunities. development. Learn in person or via the Web at Jewish Family Service. Participants are welcome to
www.projectsinai.org and type in “Fredman.” At the attend one, several, or all of the workshops in the
For additional information, contact Kelly L. Iverson, Seattle Kollel, 5305 52nd Ave. S, Seattle. series. Scholarships available. Advance registration
Facilities Management Services Department, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. – Connections 2011 required. $10 session/$45 all five sessions. At
King County Library System: [email protected]

Anna Vander Munnik at Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4th St., Bellevue.
425-369-3308 [email protected] or 206-443-5400 or
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews community calendar 25

7–9 p.m. – Is There One Israeli Society? in residence, speaks following kabbalat Shabbat 10th annual fundraising dinner, honoring community Shabbat has been called a “palace in time.” But

Roni Antebi at [email protected] or service at 5 p.m., and dinner at 6:15 p.m. Lecture members Michael and Lesley Weichbrodt. Live in our busy, chaotic lives, how do we find energy,
206-388-0832 or www.sjcc.org is free. Pre-registration and pre-payment required for entertainment. $65 per person. At Congregation opportunity or time to build that palace? Find out
Unexpected tours among communities, cultures and dinner. At Congregation Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Shaarei Tefilah–Lubavitch, 6250 43rd Ave. NE, more about Edwin L. Bierman scholar in residence
laws. $10 JCC members/$15 non-members. At the Ave. NE, Seattle. Seattle. Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer online. At Congregation
Stroum JCC, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island. 7:30–9:30 p.m. – Texting, Technology and Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle.
Saturday 5 February Torah: Spirituality and the Digital Age
Thursday 3 February 7:30–10 p.m. – Alexander Muss High School

Carol Benedick at carolbenedick@ Monday 7 February

7:15–9 p.m. – Tzafona Hadassah Meeting in Israel Diploma Ceremony and Alumni bethshalomseattle.org or 206-524-0075 or 7:30–9 p.m. – Iranium: A Documentary on

Pam Center at [email protected] or Reunion Dessert Reception www.bethshalomseattle.org the Iranian Nuclear Threat
206-525-8977

Kathy Yeyni at [email protected] or Lecture by Edwin L. Bierman Scholar in Residence

Randy Kessler at [email protected]

Join the Tzafona Group and Wendy Marcus as she 206-948-2030 or www.amhsi.org Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer. Havdalah and dessert. or 206-569-8743 or www.iraniumthemovie.com
leads songs from around the world. At The Summit All alumni, their families and friends of AMHSI are Supervised movie available for children in grades K-5 Iranium is a documentary on the Iranian revolution,
at First Hill, 1200 University St., Seattle. invited. Special guest speakers Jonah Geller, CEO with pre-registration. At Congregation Beth Shalom, ideology, and current nuclear threat. Post-film
and AMHSI teacher Reuven Spero. RSVP requested. 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle. discussion with the film’s director and an Iranian-
Friday 4 February Free. At Montlake Community Center, 1618 E American activist. Also playing Tuesday at Cedar
8–9 p.m. – Holy Arrogance..! The Spiritual Calhoun St., Seattle. Sunday 6 February Park Church, Bothell. $10 adult/$5 student/senior.
Art of Brutal Honesty 8 p.m. – Shaarei Tefilah 10th Annual 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. – Six Ways to the Sev- At Pacific Place Theater, 600 Pine St., Seattle.

Marjie Cogan at Fundraising Dinner enth Day: Bridging the Ideal and the Real 7–9 p.m. – Learning About Adoption: A
[email protected] or

Shprintze Kavka at [email protected]

Carol Benedick at carolbenedick@ Workshop Series for LGBTQ Couples and

206-524-0075 or www.bethshalomseattle.org or 206-730-2764 or cstlseattle.org bethshalomseattle.org or 206-524-0075 or
Shawn Fields-Meyer, Edwin L. Bierman scholar Join Congregation Shaarei Tefilah Lubavitch for its www.bethshalomseattle.org XXPage 26

Camps & Summer Plans

Camp Miriam
Camp Miriam, on beautiful Gabriola Island, offers a diverse Jewish camp-
ing program for children completeing grades 2–11.
Through creative experiences and in a supportive community, camp-
ers receive a vale-based education and, at the same time, gain knowledge of
Israel, Jewish history, Hebrew, social justice and the environment.
The program is enhanced with swimming, sports, arts and crafts, drama,
camping trips, conoeing, kayaking, Israeli dancing, and music. A Jewish expe-
rience not to be missed!
Four options include sessions for those finishing grades 3–9, two weeks for
grades 3–4, first-time camping for grades 2 and 3, and Leadership Training
for grade 11.
604-266-2825 • www.campmiriam.org

Camp Solomon Schechter

“Where Judaism and Joy are One”
Sessions for campers entering grades 2-11.
Our age specific sessions ensure a unique experience catered to their age
group. Campers will enjoy boating, swimming, archery, zip line, challenge
course, hiking and more! Friendship, Fun and Adventure! Financial aid is
available.
206-447-1967 • www.campschechter.org

Foundation for Jewish Camp

The JWest Program provides up to $2,500 over two or three years for first-
time campers entering 6-8th grades to attend camp at one of 24 Jewish over-
night camps throughout Western North America. JWest is an initiative
through the Foundation for Jewish Camp. It’s not too
Visit www.onehappycamper.org to learn more!
late to join us for
URJ Camp Kalsman To All!
Situated on 300 acres, our state-of-the-art facility is just over an hour THE SUMMER OF A Save the Date

LIFETIME
north of downtown Seattle in the foothills of the Cascades. Sessions range in Camp Kalsman’s
length from one to three weeks and are staffed by mature college students 5th Anniversary
under the guidance of experienced senior staff members and faculty from July 10, 2011
across the country.
Camp Kalsman is proud of its commitment to providing campers with
strong and encouraging Jewish role models. Your child will never forget the
joy of living in a close-knit community and developing new skills under the
guidance of a dynamic staff—and the Jewish values and identity developed
in camp will last a lifetime!
425-284-4484 • www.kalsman.urjcamps.org
26 community calendar JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

WWcalendar Page 25 “Chanah: Eat Pray Live,” a search for unity of personal 206-388-0824 or http://jew.sh/2vIU Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company present
and collective fulfillment. For women only. Cost Join the SJCC and JConnect to grab drinks and Rosie the Riveter. Savor the last few moments of
Individuals includes materials. $75 for series. At the Community dinner at Blue C Sushi, then see Rock of Ages, an Shabbat, enjoy dinner, and watch this original and

Emily Harris-Shears at eharris@jfsseattle. Center at Mercer View, 8236 SE 24th St., Mercer arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, lively musical. $45. At the Stroum JCC, 3801 E
org or 206.861.8784 or http://jew.sh/9sET Island. face-melting hits of your ’80s music heroes. $32. Mercer Way, Mercer Island.
What are the unique considerations for LGBTQ 7–9 p.m. – Preparing for the End of Life: At the Stroum JCC, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer 5:45 p.m. – SJCS Gala 2011
couples and individuals during the process of Documents, Laws and Finances Island.

Karen Friedman at development@

adopting a child? Hear from adoption social worker

Emily Harris-Shears at 7–9:30 p.m. –Race to Nowhere seattlejcs.org or 206-522-5212 or

Jill Dziko, LICSW and family law attorney Barbara J. [email protected] or 206-861-8784 or

Dana Weiner at [email protected] or www.sjcs.net/gala.php

Wechsler. $10/person. Scholarships available. At www.jfsseattle.org/uploads/pdf/DeathDying_ 206-388-1992 or http://jew.sh/unGi Seattle Jewish Community School celebrates its
Jewish Family Service, 1601 16th Ave., Seattle. Jan11_1Page.pdf Join the Stroum JCC for this movie appearing one 20th year by honoring Julie Lyss and David Loren.
Learn about end-of-life preparations from elder night only in hundreds of schools and theaters across David Korch will be presented with the Kaplan award.
Tuesday 8 February law attorney Karen Treiger and Jane Relin, LICSW, the country. $10-$15. At the Stroum JCC, 3801 E Light cocktail reception begins at 5:45 p.m. $90 per
10–11:30 a.m. – The Eternal Dream of Flight clinical director at Jewish Family Service. Participants Mercer Way, Mercer Island. person. At Seattle Jewish Community School, 12351
Aviation in Seattle and the Northwest are welcome to attend one, several, or all of the 8th Ave. NE, Seattle.

Ellen Hendin at [email protected] workshops in the series. Scholarships available. Saturday 12 February
or 206-861-3183 or www.tdhs-nw.org?about_ Advance registration required. $10 session/$45 all 7–11 p.m. – Hooray for Herzlwood Sunday 13 February
su/facilities.php3 five sessions. At Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE 4th

Nadine Strauss at [email protected] or 2 p.m. – The SJCC Jewish Touch Lecture

The world changed with the introduction of flight. Mike St., Bellevue. 206-232-8555, ext. 203 Series: “The Three Cantors plus One”
Lavelle, director of development at the Museum of Flight, 9:45–10:30 a.m. – Stay and Play in Hebrew Fundraiser for Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative

Roni Antebi at [email protected] or 206-388-

will recount the history of aviation in Seattle and the

Kim Lawson at [email protected] or congregation featuring red carpet entrances, dinner, 0832 or http://jew.sh/ga9G
Northwest, including the Boeing story. Free. At Temple 206-232-7115 or www.sjcc.org awards, and more. At Herzl-Ner Tamid, 3700 E Enjoy heartwarming performances by Cantors David
De Hirsch Sinai, 3850 SE 156th Ave. SE, Bellevue. Parents and children learn Hebrew together by playing Mercer Way, Mercer Island. Serkin-Poole and Brad Kurland, Hazzan Isaac Azose,
games, dancing and singing. Wear comfortable 6–9 p.m. – Rabbi James Mirel Tribute Event Rabbi Simon Benzequen and emcee Rabbi Bob
Wednesday 9 February shoes and be ready to roll up your sleeves. No

Temple B’nai Torah at Maslan. $5-$10. At the Stroum JCC, 3801 E Mercer
7:30 p.m. – Heroines of the Bible – Her Story, Hebrew knowledge necessary. Ages: 18–36 months [email protected] or 425-603-9677 or Way, Mercer Island.
My Story . At the Stroum JCC, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer www.templebnaitorah.org 9 a.m.–4 p.m. – Young Jewish Snowshoeing

Devorah Kornfeld at Island. Celebrate with Temple B’nai Torah as they pay tribute trip to Snoqualmie Pass
[email protected] to Rabbi James Mirel for his commitment to 36 years

Aaron Mass at
Presented by the Jewish Learning Institute’s Rosh Thursday 10 February in the rabbinate and 25 years as senior rabbi of [email protected] or
Chodesh Society, discuss six celebrated personalities 7:30 p.m. – Rock of Ages for Young Jewish Temple B’nai Torah. Festive attire requested. RSVP 206-719-5204 or http://jew.sh/EuTe
in Jewish history in this monthly series. Connect with Professionals 21-32 by Jan. 28. $100. At Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 NE Seattle Jewish Singles Outdoors Group leads a
these women and enter their stories. For February:

Deborah Jacoby at [email protected] or 4th Ave., Bellevue. snowshoeing trip to Commonwealth Basin Moderate
5–7 p.m. –Family Fun Night Performance difficulty, 4-5 miles, 1,000’ gain, 4,000’ high point.

Deborah Jacoby at [email protected] or Meet at Nordic Rental Equipment Center, 1001 State
Camps & Summer Plans 206-388-0824 or http://jew.sh/2vIU
The Stroum JCC and The 5th Ave. Theatre’s
Route 906, Snoqualmie Pass.

Camps & Summer Plans

Habonim Dror

Camp Miriam 2011 Gabriola Island, BC

Community  Ruach (spirit)  Lifelong Friends

Arts & Crafts

Creative Programming
Interest Groups
Singing
Kayaking & Canoeing
Hebrew
Session One Israeli Dancing
July 5–26 Shabbat at the Point
Session Two Overnight Hiking Trips
Connection to Israel
Check our July 31–Aug 21 Theme Days
website or call 1 and 2 week sessions available and so much more…
206-447-1967
www.campschechter.org
campmiriam.org
[email protected] [email protected] 604 266-2825

where judaism and joy are one

JEW-ISH.COM
Become a FAN on Facebook EVENTS REVIEWS
www.facebook.com/campschecter BLOGS FORUMS
NEWS MORE
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews the arts 27

arts

January 30, 7:30 p.m. January 31 at 7 p.m.

Itzhak Perlman Michael Sandel
Violin Concerto Author discussion
Itzhak Perlman is one of the Michael Sandel is an
world’s premier violinists and author and Harvard pro-
has performed everywhere from fessor who can be best
the “Ed Sullivan Show” to the described as America’s
inauguration of Barack Obama. foremost moral phi-
He will perform a concerto by the losopher. He will discuss
German-Jewish composer Moses the ethical challenges
Mendelssohn. At Benaroya Hall, brought on by the finan-
200 University St., Seattle. cial crisis in this lecture. At Temple De Hirsch Sinai, 1441 16th Ave., Seattle.
Free.

February 9, 7:30 p.m.

Ethan Bortnick
Entertainer
February 5 at 8 p.m. and February 6 at 2 p.m. Nine-year-old sensation Ethan Bortnick
“The Melody Lingers On: The Songs of Irving Berlin” performs tunes from a repertoire that
Show Tunes ranges from classical to classic rock.
Seattle Theater Group and Broadway Across America bring the songs of Jewish The young pianist, who has appeared
American songwriter Irving Berlin to the stage. His standards include “Cheek on “The Tonight Show,” Martha Stewart,
to Cheek,” “Blue Skies,” and, of course, the timeless “White Christmas.” At the and Oprah will also perform some of his
Moore Theater, 1932 2nd Ave., Seattle. Tickets cost $25. Call 877-784-4849 or own songs. He performs the day prior
visit www.stgpresents.org for tickets. in a fundraiser for Friendship Circle at a private home in Mercer Island. For
information on that performance, contact [email protected] or 206-
525-5011. At Benaroya Hall, Recital Hall, 200 University St., Seattle.

Camps & Summer Plans

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 professional directory 1/28
to jewish washington 2011
Care Givers College Placement Dentists (continued) Graphic Design Mohelim
HomeCare Associates College Placement Consultants Wendy Shultz Spektor, D.D.S. Spear Studios, Graphic Design Rabbi Simon Benzaquen
A program of Jewish Family Service ☎☎ 425-453-1730 ☎☎ 425-454-1322 Sandra Spear ☎☎ 206-721-2275 • 206-723-3028
☎☎ 206-861-3193 ✉☎ [email protected] ✉☎ [email protected] ☎☎ 206-898-4685 Fastest Mohel in the West
 www.homecareassoc.org  www.collegeplacementconsultants.com  www.spektordental.com ✉☎ [email protected] Certified Mohel
Provides personal care, assistance with Pauline B. Reiter, Ph.D. Emphasis: Cosmetic and Preventive • Newsletters • Brochures • Logos
daily activities, medication reminders, Expert help with undergraduate and Dentistry • Convenient location in Bellevue • Letterheads • Custom invitations Photographers
light housekeeping, meal preparation and graduate school college selection, • Photo Editing for Genealogy Projects
companionship to older adults living at applications and essays. Financial Services Dani Weiss Photography
home or in assisted-living facilities. 40 Lake Bellevue, #100, Bellevue 98005 ☎☎ 206-760-3336
Hamrick Investment Counsel, LLC  www.daniweissphotography.com
Hyatt Home Care Services Linda Jacobs & Associates Roy A. Hamrick, CFA Photographer Specializing in People.
Live-in and Hourly Care College Placement Services ☎☎ 206-441-9911
ThouSAnDS oF
Children, B’nai Mitzvahs, Families,
☎☎ 206-851-5277 ☎☎ 206-323-8902 ✉☎ [email protected] Parties, Promotions & Weddings.
 www.hyatthomecare.com ✉☎ [email protected]  www.hamrickinvestment.com reADerS
Providing adults with personal care, Successfully matching student and Professional portfolio management Physician
medication reminders, meal preparation, school. Seattle. services for individuals, foundations and in PrinT
errands, household chores, pet care nonprofit organizations. Vision Improvement Center of Seattle, PS
and companionship. Counselors/Therapists AnD online Joseph N. Trachtman, O.D., Ph.D.
Mass Mutual Financial Group = Thousands of ☎☎ 206-412-5985
Jewish Family Service Albert Israel, CFP ✉☎ [email protected]
Individual, couple, child and family therapy ☎☎ 206-346-3327 prospective clients 108 5th Avevue S, Suite C-1
ConneCTinG ☎☎ 206-861-3195 Seattle, WA 98104
✉☎ [email protected]
ProFeSSionAlS  www.jfsseattle.org Jamison Russ Serving the Central District.
Expertise with life transitions, relationships ☎☎ 206-346-3266 Vision improvement and rehabilitation.
wiTh our and personal challenges. Jewish knowledge
✉☎ [email protected]
and sensitivity. Offices in Seattle and Retirement planning for those nearing Senior Services
jewiSh Bellevue. Day and evening hours. retirement • Estate planning for those
CoMMuniTy Subsidized fee scale available. subject to estate taxes • General investment insurance Jewish Family Service
management • Life, disability, long-term ☎☎ 206-461-3240
Frances M. Pomerantz, MS care & health insurance • Complimentary Abolofia Insurance Agency  www.jfsseattle.org
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist one hour sessions available Bob Abolofia, Agent Comprehensive geriatric care manage-
Catering ☎☎ 425-451-1655 ☎☎ 425-641-7682 ment and support services for seniors
✉☎ [email protected] Solomon M. Karmel, Ph.D F 425-988-0280 and their families. Expertise with in-home
Leah’s Catering, Inc. Specializing in couples and individuals. First Allied Securities ✉☎ [email protected] assessments, residential placement, fam-
Seattle’s Premier Kosher Caterer Facilitating better communication, more ☎☎ 425-454-2285 x 1080 Independent agent representing ily dynamics and on-going case manage-
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✉☎ [email protected] awareness and personal growth. Day & Retirement, stocks, bonds, college,
Full Service • Glatt Kosher early eve hours available. annuities, business 401Ks. Eastside Insurance Services The Summit at First Hill
Delivery or Pickup • All your catering 1621 114th Ave. SE, #224, Bellevue 98004 Chuck Rubin, agent ☎☎ 206-652-4444
needs. • Va’ad supervised. Funeral/Burial Services ☎☎ 425-271-3101  www.klinegallandcenter.org
Dentists F 425-277-3711 The only Jewish retirement community in
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30 lifecycles JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

Obituary: Jamiyya Jeanne Laner surer in 2009, and rose to president in

2010. Under her leadership, the synagogue
leading spiritual teachers such as Deepak
Chopra and celebrated Rumi interpreter
launched the Bet Alef Learning Institute, Coleman Barks.
May 15, 1953-January 4, 2011 Madani Knowles, a practicing Sufi, at a bringing luminary scholars and thinkers “Every day at the conference was a
Jamiyya Jeanne Laner, recent presi- bereavement group at Valley Beth Shalom to the Seattle area community. peak experience,” Madani said. “We sat in
dent of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, Synagogue in Encino, Calif. Its first event featured Reb Zalman the front row every day. She didn’t want
will be remembered by her beloved Jewish She embraced Sufism and proceeded Schachter-Shalomi, a founder of the to miss a thing. When Coleman Barks
and Sufi communities, former employees, to become a Sufi initiate in 2003. She then Jewish Renewal movement and consid- read from Rumi, Jamiyya mouthed along,
family, and numerous friends for her gen- received the Sufi name Jamiyya, which ered a rabbinic sage, and Jay Michaelson, caught his eye, and he kept looking at us.
erosity, compassion, integrity, boundless means “The Gatherer.” renowned Jewish scholar and author. It was like getting a private reading — she
energy, and love. She was born on May “She gathered people her entire life. “She personally helped me bring bal- was so proud of that.”
15, 1953 in Kansas City and was raised in She was constantly gathering hearts and ance between the many priorities that Jamiyya suffered a number of chronic
Saratoga, Calif. from the age of nine. She souls,” Madani said. compete for a rabbi’s attention,” Rabbi health conditions throughout her life,
died on January 4, 2011 after complica- At the time of her death she was com- BenHaim said. “Her highly contagious stemming from childhood diabetes. On
tions following heart surgery. She was 57. pleting an Integral Life Coaching certifi- enthusiasm and dedication lifted all of the way back to Seattle she became short
Jamiyya worked for Washington cate and becoming a life coach. A lover our hearts. Jamiyya will be remembered of breath, and underwent emergency heart
Mutual for 22 years between 1986 and of lifelong learning, she attended numer- as someone who could bring people from bypass surgery the next day.
2008, rising from main frame computer ous classes, workshops, and retreats on many different backgrounds to the same “She was at the top of her game,”
programmer to vice president of technol- meditation and spirituality. Local teach- table. All of us will remember her smile, Madani said. “She went out on top, radi-
ogy. While working full time she earned a ers included Jamal Rahman, minister of her passion, her unbeatable enthusiasm, antly happy.”
Master’s degree at the University of Red- Seattle’s Interfaith Community Church, her unshakable positive attitude and her A memorial service was held for Jami-
lands in 1988. In 2002, she received Wash- Rabbi Ted Falcon, founding Rabbi of Bet ability to put everything in a more com- yya at Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue on
ington Mutual’s Star Award in recognition Alef Meditative Synagogue, Rabbi Olivier passionate perspective.” January 9. A tribute fund at Bet Alef has
of her outstanding contributions to the BenHaim, current Bet Alef rabbi, and In November 2010, Jamiyya and been set up in her name to support pro-
company. After she retired, she contin- many others. She also studied with leading Madani traveled to Israel with Rabbi Ben- grams of special interest to her. Send
ued to meet socially with her Washington thinkers such as Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., Haim and a group from Bet Alef, a trip donations to Bet Alef Meditative Syna-
Mutual team once a month for dinner. a world-renowned expert in mind–body Madani called “a lifelong dream.” Two gogue, P.O. Box 50201, Bellevue, WA
“We’d worked together for so long it connection. weeks after returning to Seattle, the couple 98015, noting the Jamiyya Laner Memo-
didn’t make sense to break ties,” said Alf In 2009, she became secretary of the attended a weeklong Integral Spirituality rial Fund, or online at www.betalef.org.
Christensen, one of her employees, who Seattle Sufi Order. One of her proudest conference in Monterey, Calif. At the con- — Karen Franklin
called her a natural born leader. “By that moments was having the honor of host- ference they had a chance to work with
time we were friends.” ing Pir Zia Inayat Kahn, head of the Sufi
According to her sister, BJ Weil of Order, in her and Madani’s home during
Santa Fe, “She had great intellect but was a weekend course taught at North Seattle B”H
also extremely good with people. She had Community College.
a wonderful ability to work with and direct Concurrently she was an active member
and manage people. She was a great one
for finding people who were overlooked
and making sure they were included.”
of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue. She and
Madani joined the synagogue in Bellevue
in 2004. With Rabbi Ted Falcon’s retire-
Condolences
Jamiyya reinvented herself many times ment in 2009 and the transition to Bet
throughout her life. In 1980, during her Alef’s new rabbi, Jamiyya devoted her Friends and supporters throughout the State of Washington
24-year marriage to Don Laner, she con- energy to ensuring the ongoing growth offer their condolences to their beloved friend and mentor,
verted to Judaism. Following Don’s death and success of the organization. She joined Mrs. Chanie Levitin on the recent passing of her beloved mother,
in 2000 she met her current husband, the Bet Alef board of directors as trea- Mrs. Miriam Weiss, from Los Angeles, California
Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and Broadway Across America (BAA) In Association With
(Miriam bas Alter Mordechai).
May the Almighty console the whole family and from now on
may there be only health and happiness for Klal Yisroel.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - MARTIN CHARNIN . EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - MAGGIE STENSON PEHRSON

PRESENT

garliC loverS – we Mean buSineSS!

The original from queen anne

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Directed by Martin Charnin

Sat, Feb. 5th at 8pm Sun, Feb. 6th at 2pm The Moore Theatre
Berlin was the first songwriter to pen distinctly modern American music for the Broadway theatre.
His songs span almost the entire twentieth century, with literally hundreds of hits, including: "Cheek
to Cheek," “Always,” "Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade” and "White Christmas," which may arguably be
the single biggest selling song in history.
friday, january 28, 2011 . www.jtnews.net . JTNews lifecycles 31

life
The (almost) first Jewish baby of 2011 arrives
Joel Magalnick Editor, JTNews

Twenty-one-month-old Aviva, despite town to help out for the next three weeks. Asher might be the next Jewish astronaut
a few months of kissing her mommy’s Asher is named for Aaron’s grand- or, like his dad, a software engineer, but
belly and, now that little brother Asher mother, who died a month ago, and two his proud parents will be fine, “as long as
has arrived, kissing him on the head, is still uncles who had passed away a few years ago, he’s happy and doing something good,”
probably a bit too young to be fully pre- “unfortunately too young,” Aaron said. Aaron said.
pared for the responsibilities incumbent It’s probably too early to hope that
upon a big sister. But that doesn’t mean
she isn’t going to try.
“She’s good. She likes kissing him on
his keppe. She likes holding him,” said Herbert Victor Thomas
Aviva and Asher’s dad, Aaron Averbuch 1936–2010
of Seattle, the father of Washington State’s The son of Sam and Bessie Thomas, Herb was born into
first Jewish baby of 2011. a pioneer Jewish Seattle family. He was the grandson of
Things are going well for Aaron and Courtesy Aaron Averbuch Peter Thomas, a founder of Herzl congregation, and the
new mom Joelle, who gave birth to Asher Aviva gives her brand new baby brother a kiss. great grandson of Jacob Cohen, who is also interred at
on the night of January 17. He weighed Herzl Memorial Park.
in at a very healthy 8 lbs. and measured local mohel Aaron Witz and Rabbi Rachel Herb, of Bellevue, is survived by his children: Heidi
19-3/4 inches. Nussbaum. The Averbuchs are “very active Nelson (Scott), Molly Alsept (Bill), Adam Thomas (Kari), and
To be fair, we should note that there participants” in the Kavana Cooperative; Tracy Thomas, and his seven grandchildren: Andrew
was a Jewish baby born the week before, Nussbaum, Kavana’s executive director, Nelson; Aaron, Alexa, and Aidan Alsept; Peter, Gracie and
but sometimes the honor of being the first also officiated at the Averbuchs’ wedding Emily Thomas. Herb is also survived by his sisters: Natalie
baby is a bit overwhelming to new par- and Aviva’s simchat bat. Malin and Teri Anne Cowan; brothers-in-law: Bob Malin
ents and they choose to abdicate the title. Another attendee at all three ceremo- and Bart Cowan; and his beloved large extended family, and many good friends. Herb, who
That means the Averbuch family gets the nies was the chuppah under which Aaron majored in Business Administration, was active in ZBT fraternity at the University of
honors — and honored they are, between and Joelle were married. Washington.
nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and “We all stood under it for the naming Among other enterprises, Herb owned Trucking Companies, following in the footsteps of
the cries of a baby recovering from his portion, so it was nice to use that for the his grandfather Peter, whose company manufactured trucks, trailers, and vans for early
brit milah. third time,” Aaron said. Seattle businesses. When Herb lived in Spokane, he owned a ranch with racehorses. His
The brit, incidentally, had gone without Neither Aaron nor Joelle have family in daughter Heidi, also a horse racing enthusiast, was thrilled that “Zayda” — the horse she
a hitch the day before JTNews spoke with the area, but they have plenty of support named in honor of Herb — recently won a race in California.
the Averbuchs, and was co-officiated by from friends, and Joelle’s mother will be in

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32 JTNews . www.jtnews.net . friday, january 28, 2011

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Join the Tribe now and

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