Jewish Community Voice

Seven local athletes fired up to compete in Israel's Maccabiah

By GERRI RUDNER For the Voice — 07/01/2009

Seven young local athletes are about to take their seats on a plane bound for glory. Once they land in Israel, they will be in the company of 9,000 athletes representing more than 60 countries who will vie for the gold, silver and bronze medals at the 18th World Maccabiah Games opening July 12.

2009 Campaign breaks $3-million; funding concerns still loom large

By ROBIN RUDOFKER Federation Chief Development Officer — 07/01/2009

The 2009 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign has just surpassed the $3-million mark in commitments, announced Carol Lupo and Bob Schwartz, 2009 Annual Campaign cochairs. The campaign, which officially closes on Sept. 30, stands at $3,090,603 as of June 22.

Barrack Academy grad gives racehorses a second chance

By DAVID PORTNOE Voice staff — 07/01/2009

AGE: 17 FAMILY: Parents Bill and Karen; and brother Sam (12). PETS: "Taylor," a German shorthaired pointer/beagle mix, and "Mickey," a Lhasa apso.

Double milestone marked with celebration at Lions Gate

07/01/2009

Rabbi Jerome David, of Temple Emanuel, and his wife Peggy look on as Peggy's parents Fred and Ann Strauss celebrate Fred's 102nd birthday and the couple's 62nd wedding anniversary. The celebration took place at Lions Gate among family and friends.

TALK TO US…

07/01/2009

'Who's news?' will appear on this page of every issue of the Voice. Does anyone you know belong here? If so, email the person's name, a brief description, and contact information to jvoice@jfedsnj.org, and mark "Profile" in the subject field. Or telephone Jodie at 751-9500, ext. 217.

For the Record

07/01/2009

Jeremy Samuel Pick was married to Elissa Beth Bassini on May 4. While identified properly in the photo caption, the bride was incorrectly named in the body of the story on page S-3 of the June 17 Voice. We apologize for the inadvertent error.

Plasky family celebrates generations of togetherness at picnic

By SALLY FRIEDMAN For the Voice — 07/01/2009

Family. It anchors us, enriches us, reminds us of where we've been and sometimes where we're going. In short, it's the taproot of our lives. Just ask members of the Plasky family, which has deep roots in South Jersey, and celebrates them in a cousins' club that has been in existence since 1942.

Torah Links builds for future

07/01/2009

Torah Links of South Jersey recently broke ground on its future Cherry Hill home. Joining in the celebration were (from left), U.S. Rep. John Adler; Torah Links Director Rabbi Yisroel Tzvi Serebrowski; Andrea Yonah, executive director, New Jersey-Israel Commission, who presented a proclamation from Gov. Jon Corzine; Fred B. Gross, Torah Links president; and Bernard Platt, mayor of Cherry Hill.

Woodcrest Pro-Am features PGA Tour golfer Sean O'Hair

By REMY ROSENBAUM Katz JCC Marketing Dept. — 07/01/2009

Professional golfer Sean O'Hair, currently the only American golfer in his 20s with three PGA Tour victories, will be hosting a golf clinic following the 23rd annual Woodcrest Country Club Invitational Pro- Am on Monday, July 27. O'Hair's appearance is sponsored by TaylorMade Golf.

Chabad bestows honors

07/01/2009

Chabad Lubavitch of Camden & Burlington Counties recently honored several community members at the Fifth Annual Chabad Lubavitch Founders Dinner. Nearly 400 people attended the event at Lucien's Manor in Berlin. Gathered at the event were (from left), Herb Tapper, Debbie and Brian Baratz, Chabad Lubavitch Director Rabbi Mendel Mangel, Dinie Mangel, and Mollie and Marc Linsky.

Broadway stars come out

07/01/2009

"Broadway Sings for Camp," the recent benefit concert for the JCC Camps at Medford scholarship program and the Open Hearts Open Doors inclusion program for children with special needs, received rave reviews. Top stars strutted their stuff and met with members of the audience. Broadway performer Kristin Carbone (left) greeted three generations of the Coyne family, event sponsors. They were (from left), Adam Coyne, Fuzzy Fendrick, and (front) Emma Coyne.

Woodcrest Federation Day dedicated to honoring departed members

07/01/2009

Although the weather did not cooperate this year and the Woodcrest Men's and Women's Federation Golf activities were cancelled, over 100 Woodcrest members attended the dinner program on Thursday, June 18 at Woodcrest Country Club.

JFP installs officers & board; honors retiring Harriet Kessler

07/01/2009

Jewish Federation Publications recently held its 20th Annual Meeting at Lions Gate. The event featured the installation of officers and board members as well as a tribute to Harriet Kessler upon her retirement as editor of the Voice after 24 years. Gathered after the installation were (top photo, from left), David Portnoe, editor; Janet Levine, immediate past president; Dr. Mindy Goldberg Rose, vice president; Dr. Benjamin Rosenblum, president; Dr. Neil Levin, vice president; and David Farber, Federation president. Many colleagues, past and current JFP officers, and community members came to pay tribute to Kessler (bottom photo, front row, center). Among them were (bottom photo, front row, from left), past JFP presidents Lois Asbell and Ruth Bogutz with (rear, from left), past presidents Dr. James Soffer, Judie Morrow, current president Dr. Benjamin Rosenblum, past president Sibyl Gass, editor David Portnoe, past presidents Janet Levine and Dr. Barnard Kaplan. Not able to attend were past JFP presidents Marc Beresin and Irv Epstein.

Unrest in Iran may benefit Israel & Mideast

By LESLIE SUSSER JTA — 07/01/2009

JERUSALEM—Like the collapse of the Soviet Union nearly two decades ago, the outcome of the post-election unrest in Iran could be of major strategic significance for the Middle East and for Israel.

State Dept. clarifies Jerusalem's status

07/01/2009

Jewish housing in eastern Jerusalem is not part of the Obama administration's demand for a settlement freeze, the State Department clarified. "As far as Jerusalem is concerned, our policy in Jerusalem has not changed," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said. "Jerusalem is a final-status issue.

Stolen antiquity returned to Israel

07/01/2009

A stone that disappeared 12 years ago from a Jerusalem excavation site has been returned. The 46 lb. fragment of a 1,200-year-old marble column, which disappeared from an excavation south of the Temple Mount in 1997, was returned to Israel in a wooden crate specially constructed for the antiquity, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Shalit protesters block crossings

07/01/2009

Protesters blocked Israel's border crossings with the Gaza Strip to protest the continued captivity of Gilad Shalit. The hundreds who gathered prevented up to 100 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza, Ha'aretz reported. Some truckers refused to enter the strip in solidarity with the protesters.

Israeli minister visits Temple Mount

07/01/2009

Israel's internal security minister made an unannounced visit to the Temple Mount compound. Yitzhak Aharonovitch entered the Al-Aksa Mosque during his two-hour tour to review police positions in the volatile area.

Maccabiah athletes might get flu test

07/01/2009

Israel's Health Ministry is considering requiring all Maccabiah Games participants to be tested for swine flu. Any of the thousands of athletes from around the world who test positive for the virus would be prevented from entering the country, Deputy Health Minister Ya'akov Litzman suggested. "Some 5,000 athletes are expected to arrive from all over the world.

BookMates honors volunteers

07/01/2009

BookMates recently held its annual Appreciation Evening. The early childhood literacy program provides volunteer reading mentors for disadvantaged children in 29 South Jersey elementary schools. It is co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Catholic-Jewish Commission. Gathered at the event were (front, from left), Appreciation Evening Committee Chair Jane Belli and BookMates Program Coordinator Julie Silver with (rear, from left), BookMates Co-Chair Chris Torello, honoree Dr. Judy Nadell, Jewish Community Relations Council President Vicki Zell, and Bart Leff of the Camden City School District. Not available for the photo were BookMates Co-Chair Marcy Toub and Catholic-Jewish Commission Co-Director Father Joseph Wallace.

SOS graduates celebrate

07/01/2009

Nine people recently graduated from the Success of Savings (SOS) program, sponsored by the Special Needs Department of Samost Jewish Family and Children's Service (JFCS). SOS is a financial literacy program that empowers individuals with disabilities by teaching them financial literacy skills, such as budgeting and handling banking transactions, as well as learning about savings and interest. The program encourages saving through a combination of interactive coursework, trips to local banks, and supported banking. Students saved for a specific savings goal, and had their savings matched up to $500. At the recent graduation ceremony, each participant spoke about what they learned in the class and what they will be purchasing with their savings. Joining with the graduates was Lois Forman (far left), program coordinator. For more information about SOS or other JFCS special needs programs, contact Barbara Abrams at 424-1333.

Area day school students enjoy Blumenfeld Field Day

07/01/2009

A rainy day didn't dampen the spirits of 120 second through fifth graders from Kellman Brown Academy and Politz Day School. Students from the two local schools enjoyed a day at the Katz JCC courtesy of The Charles A. Blumenfeld Memorial Endowment Fund, established with the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF).

Triathletes bring home medals

07/01/2009

Young people from throughout the area recently competed in the Katz JCC's Kids Triathlon. Participants biked, swam, and ran. Celebrating their medals were (front, from left), Ben Bliss, Alyssa Andrews, Lisa Diaczynsky, Sam Filler and Ayla Boyd with (rear, from left), Ellie Riley, Kelsey Adam, Gabby Vassalotti, Kate Elken, Alyssa Disanti, Aidan Sutkin, and Derek Strauss.

Great music and crafts highlight Family MusicFest

07/01/2009

Come enjoy an evening of culturally rich and diverse Jewish music at the 2009 Summer Family MusicFest on Monday, Aug. 3 at the Weinberg Jewish Community Campus in Cherry Hill. The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, its Young Adult Division (YAD), and the Katz JCC are the event coordinators, with Julia Roberts and Sarah Yashaya serving as the event co-chairs.

Trader Joe's boycott fizzles

07/01/2009

A call for a boycott of Israeli products sold at Trader Joe's has backfired. Organizers of the "Don't Buy into Apartheid Day," also known as "Day of Deshelving Israeli Products," sent a letter to Trader Joe's asking them not to sell Israeli products, such as hummus and couscous, in their stores on June 20.

EU recognizes kosher slaughter

07/01/2009

New European Union rules to make slaughtering animals more humane also recognized the validity of religious slaughter methods. EU farm ministers agreed to tighten the rules on slaughter to minimize the animals' suffering. The new regulations allow kosher meat to be traded and sold freely in every EU member state.

Historians research Wagner's Nazi past

07/01/2009

Descendants of German composer Richard Wagner announced plans to have independent historians research the family archives. Katharina Wagner, a great-granddaughter of Hitler's beloved composer, and now head of the annual Bayreuth Wagner Festival together with her older sister, Eva, told the Welt Online newspaper that it was important to lay bare the family's Nazi past.

Young Jews, Catholics meet

07/01/2009

About 50 young Jewish and Catholic leaders gathered near Rome at a conference sponsored by Vatican and Jewish interfaith bodies.

Nixon, Rev. Graham conversation revealed

07/01/2009

Richard Nixon and the Rev. Billy Graham believed Jewish opposition to Christian evangelism efforts would foster antisemitism. "Deep down in this country there is a lot of antisemitism. All this is going to do is stir it up," said the former president in a Feb. 21, 1973 phone conversation with Graham, a leading evangelist.

Engagements:

07/01/2009

HELLER-SHELDON Amy and David Heller of Medford and Andrea Rimer of Phila. announce the engagement of their children, Jennifer Ann Heller and Justin Keith Sheldon. Jennifer graduated from the Univ. of Delaware with a B.A. degree in psychology. She also holds a Master's degree in speech pathology.

Temple Sinai presents awards

07/01/2009

Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson recently presented its Madeline and Alan Kessler Memorial Awards, which provide full scholarships to Temple Sinai Religious School or Midrashah. Awards went to four high school students who demonstrated outstanding character, scholarship, and commitment to Jewish education.

DEATH NOTICES

07/01/2009

LEONARD EISNER, of Cherry Hill, died on June 12. Husband of Lila (nee Goldberg) Eisner. Father of Steven (June) Eisner, Jay (Bonnie) Eisner and Beth (Adam) Share. Grandfather of seven. Brother of Anne Levenson. Contributions can be made to The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Member and Donor Services, PO Box 90988, Washington, DC 20090- 0988.

Do It

07/01/2009

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 Temple Sinai of Cinnaminson New backpacks and school supplies will be collected throughout the Summer for Operation Backpack to benefit local children in need. Call 829-0658.

Going Solo

07/01/2009

SUNDAY, JULY 5 Mosaic Outdoor Club of Phila. Potluck Party at 5 p.m. Call Stacy at 215-316-1822. FRIDAY, JULY 10 Mosaic Outdoor Club of Phila. Spring Festival from 5-7 p.m. featuring, food, music and a house and garden tur of the Wyck Mansion in Phila. Call Gale at 215-331-8194.

Demonstrations in Iran will tie the West's hands

07/01/2009

There is something positive and empowering when hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets to demonstrate against a repressive government. This is what is happening in Iran. Fed up with a lack of freedom and an election that may have been rigged, people are risking their lives to protest against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

DRY BONES…

07/01/2009

NJ State Assoc. of Federations keeping in touch

ROY TANZMAN — 07/01/2009

At a time when resources are shrinking and coordinated efforts can prove useful in finding a way through tough economic times, the State Association of Jewish Federations has stayed in touch with the needs of the Jewish community. What matters to the community determines the matters of concern to the governmental arm of the federations.

Judge William Lipkin's remarkable life recalled

By DAVID PORTNOE Voice staff — 07/01/2009

Judge William Lipkin, a pillar of the Southern New Jersey Jewish community and a distinguished judge with a long list of honors, is being remembered as a man of the highest character and one devoted to the Jewish community and the legal profession.

Relax with a good book during the sultry days of summer

07/01/2009

Summertime, and the readin' is easy. On the sultry days of summer, we look for books that grab our attention and won't let us go. Whether your taste runs toward thrillers, "chick-lit," historical mysteries, or other genres, we have some great suggestions for you.

It's a lot better for a woman to look stylish than to look foolish

SALLY FRIEDMAN — 07/01/2009

When my mother and I would shop together as she got older, I would often point out to her something thought she'd look wonderful in. And she would glance at it, and in a blink dismiss it. "Too youthful," she would say.

Speaking up for coexistence

07/01/2009

I am very sorry to learn about the attack on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. I realize that for those who have suffered through this darkest period in human history or have friends and families who have suffered through it, the Holocaust Museum is a sacred place. This attack defiles the memories of all those whom the Museum reveres and memorializes.

Even Moses was not allowed to improvise

RABBI EPHRAIM EPSTEIN Congregation Sons of — 07/01/2009

Chukat-Balak Numbers 19:1-25:9 In Parshat Chukat in Bamidbar- Numbers, Chap. 20, the Jewish people complain bitterly to Moses and Aaron that they and their flocks have nothing to drink. This takes place immediately after the righteous prophetess Miriam died and the miraculous water source of the Jews in the desert dried up.

Candlelighting

07/01/2009