PJ Library: Beyond the Books

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1 Federation Voices 3 Calendar 4 Campaign Dollars at Work 5 Your Federation at Work 6 From the Bimah 8 Israel 9 Education 11 Arts & Entertainment 12 In The Community 14 Mitzvahs 16 Book Review 18 Obituaries 18 World Jewry 19 Recent Events 20 Tributes 21 Business & Professional Services 22 Published by the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire Volume 37, Number 9 June-July 2017 Sivan-Av 5777 JFNH Israeli Artist/Educator Programs Reach Hundreds Statewide By Udi Goren, Visiting Israeli Artist in Residence May 11 Today concludes two weeks of my stay in New Hampshire as an Artist in Residence with the Jewish Federation. As with all good things, it s hard to believe half of my stay here has already passed. In these two weeks, I ve had the chance to visit several of the communities in and around Manchester, and I ve gotten to know some of the people, the congregations, and the state. It s been wonderful so far, and I m looking forward to part two, where I ll visit some of the other communities and get to see some of the magnificent NH mountains. I ve been keeping a journal of my visits to the communities, and I wanted to share some of my experiences and insights with the readers of the Reporter, so you can share the joy and take pride in the Jewish communities of New Hampshire you might not know well. Finally, I d like to warmly thank all of my hosts so far. Had I had unlimited space in the paper to share my experiences, be sure I would have something good to say about each and every one of you: be it your hospitality, sense of community, passion for Jewish education, or wise and well-behaved children. Thanks for having me, Udi April 29, Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester Program: Yom Hazikaron/Yom Ha atzmaut TAY members welcomed Udi Goren. This tour started off the best way possible: a medium-sized group of intelligent and well-informed people, who came to listen because they were interested and interesting. As this program was made especially for this the New Hampshire residency, it was the first time I ve tested it out on an audience. I was very conscious of making sure I keep everybody s attention and that I don t see any people falling asleep or going to their cell phones. After an introduction to the topic, with an overview of Israel s wars and how tied they were to its survival, we moved on to examine the way Yom Ha atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron are currently observed. Once I felt the audience had sufficient background on the subject, we moved on to the discussion part: What should Israel s future look like? The lively discussion brought about some very good points, including the crucial need to maintain Israel s security while trying to grow and flourish as a new nation amid a turbulent reality and unfriendly neighbors. I believe I was able to show people some of the costs that living in a constant state of friction had on Israeli society and to start thinking about Israel as a nation in growth rather than in struggle. The most valuable point, I believe, was concentrating on the vision for Israel s future. This is the most important part of PJ Library: Beyond the Books By Allyson Geurtin, PJ Library Coordinator When I say PJ Library, what s the first word that comes to mind? I ll bet the word is books, right? There s no doubt that PJ Library (a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation) is best known for the amazing, award-winning, age-appropriate books sent monthly into homes across the United States. Here in New Hampshire, our Federation currently subsidizes books for nearly 300 children ages 6 months through 8 years. That s 3,600 free books annually getting little ones connected to Jewish narratives and informal PJ Library continued on page 6 Tot Shabbat is a regular feature of PJ Library. the message I was trying to deliver and I feel it was well understood. Overall, a wonderful launch for this month. April 30, Mount Monadnock Program: Hike Udi and five of his fellow hikers atop Mt. Monadnock Diary continued on page 7 JFNH Sends Record Number of Campers to Jewish Camps Under the tutelage of Nancy Frankel, our camp coordinator, JFNH will be sending 16 campers, a record number, to Jewish camps this summer. It has been a long-standing program goal to encourage Jewish children to attend an overnight Jewish camp. Studies have shown that those children who have a Jewish camp experience are more likely to become members of synagogues, take leadership positions in Jewish organizations, and create a strong Jewish home life. JFNH is proud to be able to have so many children attending Jewish camps this summer assisted by grants from JFNH and the Foundation for Jewish Camp. The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Jewish Federation of New Hampshire 66 Hanover St., Suite 300 Manchester, NH Change Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, NH PERMIT NO. 1174

2 CONGREGATIONS AMHERST CONGREGATION BETENU Bryan Mann (Rabbinic Intern) 5 Northern Blvd., Unit 1, Amherst Reform, Affiliated URJ (603) Services: Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat services at 7:30 PM Saturday morning twice a month, 9:30 AM BETHLEHEM BETHLEHEM HEBREW CONGREGATION Rabbi David Edleson 39 Strawberry Hill Road PO Box 395, Bethlehem Unaffiliated-Egalitarian (603) davegoldstone1@gmail.com Services: Contact for Date/Time Info President Dave Goldstone - (516) or Eileen Regen (603) Weekly Services: July through Simchat Torah Friday: 6:30 PM; Saturday: 10 AM CLAREMONT TEMPLE MEYER DAVID 25 Putnam Street, Claremont Conservative (603) Services: Generally the second Friday of the month, 6:15 PM, April to November. CONCORD TEMPLE BETH JACOB Rabbi Robin Nafshi 67 Broadway, Concord Reform, Affiliated URJ (603) office@tbjconcord.org Services: Friday night - 7 PM Saturday morning - 9:30 AM DERRY ETZ HAYIM SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Peter Levy 1½ Hood Road, Derry Reform, Affiliated URJ (603) office@etzhayim.org, rabbi@etzhayim.org Services: Fridays 7:15 PM Please check the website for the Shabbat Morning schedule JRF: Jewish Reconstructionist Federation URJ: Union for Reform Judaism USCJ: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism DOVER TEMPLE ISRAEL Rabbi Samuel R. Seicol 36 Olive Meadow Lane, Dover Reform, Affiliated URJ (603) templeoffice@dovertemple.org Services: Friday night services at 7 PM For monthly Saturday services and holiday worship, please check the website. HANOVER CHABAD AT DARTMOUTH COLLEGE Rabbi Moshe Gray 22a School Street, Hanover Orthodox, Chabad (603) chabad@dartmouth.edu Services: Friday Evening Shabbat services and Dinner Shabbat morning services Call for times UPPER VALLEY JEWISH COMMUNITY Rabbi Edward S. Boraz Roth Center for Jewish Life 5 Occom Ridge, Hanover Nondenominational, Unaffiliated (603) uvjc@valley.net Services: Friday night Shabbat services at 6 PM, led by Dartmouth Hillel Saturday morning Shabbat services at 9:30 AM, led by Rabbi Boraz KEENE CONGREGATION AHAVAS ACHIM Rabbi Amy Loewenthal 84 Hastings Avenue, Keene Reconstructionist, Affiliated JRF (603) rabbi.ahavas.achim@gmail.com Services: Regular Friday night services at 7 PM Monthly Shabbat morning services at 9:30 AM Check the website for time variations LACONIA TEMPLE B NAI ISRAEL Rabbi Boaz Heilman 210 Court Street, Laconia Reform, Affiliated URJ (603) Services: Every other Friday night at 7:30 PM MANCHESTER CHABAD LUBAVITCH Rabbi Levi Krinsky 7 Camelot Place, Manchester Orthodox, Chabad (603) rabbi@lubavitchnh.com Services: Shabbat Services Saturday morning at 9:30 AM Sunday morning minyan at 9 AM TEMPLE ADATH YESHURUN Rabbi Beth D. Davidson 152 Prospect Street, Manchester Reform, Affiliated URJ (603) templeadathy@comcast.net Services: Shabbat services the first Friday of the month at 6 PM All other Friday nights at 7 PM with some exceptions. Alternating Shabbat services or Torah study Saturday mornings at 10 AM TEMPLE ISRAEL Rabbi Eric Cohen 66 Salmon Street, Manchester Conservative (603) office@templeisraelmht.org Services: Friday night 7:15 PM Saturday 9:30 AM Tues., Thur., Fri. 7 AM minyan NASHUA TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Rabbi Jon Spira-Savett 4 Raymond Street, Nashua Conservative, Affiliated USCJ (603) rabbi@tbanashua.org office@tbanashua.org Services: Friday night services 8 PM 1st Friday family service 7 PM Saturday morning 9:30 AM Mon. - Thur. minyan 7:30 PM PORTSMOUTH TEMPLE ISRAEL Rabbi David Ross Senter 200 State Street, Portsmouth Conservative, Affiliated USCJ (603) templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org Services: Friday, 6:15 PM Saturday, 9:30 AM Tues. minyan 5:30 PM Temple Israel has a fully licensed M-W-F preschool. The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Volume 37, Number 9 JUNE-JULY 2017 Sivan-Av 5777 Published by the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire 66 Hanover St., Suite 300 Manchester, NH Tel: (603) Fax: (603) Editor: Fran Berman Layout and Design: Tim Gregory Advertising Sales: info@jewishnh.org The objectives of The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter are to foster a sense of community among the Jewish people of New Hampshire by sharing ideas, information, experiences and opinions, and to promote the agencies, projects and mission of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter is published monthly ten times per year, with a deadline for submissions of the 10th of the month before publication. There are no January or July issues. All items, including calendar events, for the December-January or June-July newspaper must be submitted by Nov. 10 or May 10, respectively. Please send all materials to: thereporter@jewishnh.org Send items for the print and online JFNH Calendar and E-News to events@jewishnh.org Opinions presented in the paper do not necessarily represent the views of the Federation. Photos submitted by individuals and organizations are published with their permission. Neither the publisher nor the editor can assume any responsibility for the kashrut of the services or merchandise advertised in this paper. If you have questions regarding kashrut please consult your rabbi. The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter is overseen by the JFNH Publications Committee, Merle Carrus, chairperson. All materials published in The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter are 2017 Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, all rights reserved, unless noted otherwise. Shabbat Candle Lighting Times: (Manchester) June 2 8:01 PM June 9 8:06 PM June 16 8:09 PM June 23 8:11 PM July 7 8:09 PM July 14 8:05 PM July 21 8:00 PM July 28 7:53 PM PAGE 2 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

3 I climbed Mt Monadnock last Sunday with our emissary from Israel, Udi Goren, and a small, intrepid group. There were six of us, and we chose to go up the White Dot Trail, which is rated difficult. It is, in fact, the most difficult route up the mountain by virtue of its steep, rocky, and rugged terrain. Our group was diverse, but we quickly bonded. As we climbed, we talked. We talked about all sorts of things -- the weather and trail conditions, our present lives, our former lives, our professional backgrounds, our political views, our views about Judaism, and our views about Israel. We agreed about some things and exchanged differing views on some topics. The conversation was honest, stimulating, and inspiring. It cemented the bond we developed on our hike. Our discussion caused me to think about JFNH s relationship to political issues. Simply put, our mission at JFNH is to promote a state-wide Jewish community. We are not a political organization, and we do not take sides when differences of opinion exist within our community concerning matters of American and Israeli politics or public policy. Toward Taking In the View From the Mountaintop Jeff Crocker Message from the Chair that end, we have sought to present programs of general interest to our constituents, and we have avoided presenting programs addressing political topics and subjects that could be divisive. Although JFNH is not a political organization, I believe that JFNH has a responsibility to play a leadership role in the public domain, addressing matters of importance to our New Hampshire Jewish community. To fulfill such a responsibility, our organization first needs to consider certain questions, such as the following: Does avoidance of controversial subject matter run the risk of marginalizing an organization? Can an organization remain relevant in the sphere of civil discourse without taking political positions? Can a nonpolitical Jewish organization assume an active role in matters of political concern, in America and in Israel, without alienating some of its membership? Speaking for myself, I think that JFNH can fulfill a vital community role by serving as a convener to bring people together to discuss and address issues and topics of relevance to our Jewish community. Taking a leadership role as a convener involves bringing together representatives from multiple sectors to meet, discuss, and debate complex issues. A convener, using its influence, might invite public officials, business professionals, community leaders, and scholars to a symposium to discuss a particular subject. A convener might sponsor a series of talks by experts representing differing points of view. A convener can use media, such as this newspaper, to present multiple sides of an important or controversial subject. Such programs and platforms can serve to establish a respectful, civil setting and tone within which the discussion of controversial subject matters can occur. A willingness to take a more active role on matters of importance would signal that our organization is maturing. I would see it as a positive development in the growth of JFNH. To facilitate this process, we will need to establish an organization-wide policy: (i) governing programs which involve the presentation of subject matter, ideas, or opinions with respect to which members of our community hold opposing views, and (ii) defining JFNH s appropriate role in the presentation of such programs. By embracing the role of convener, JFNH will be taking an important step forward in its evolution, and it will present exciting opportunities for the organization. On the way up the mountain, we encountered several showers, which made the rocks and the footing slippery. It took some teamwork, but we all made it to the summit. Standing on the granite summit of my beloved mountain in my hometown, taking in the 360-degree view for miles around, Udi, an experienced hiker and world traveler, could not believe his eyes. In some places it was raining and in other places we could see the sun shining through the clouds it was like nothing Udi had ever seen before. Even though I have stood on that summit many times in my life, it felt new and exciting for me, too. In the vernacular of the millennials, it was totally worth it. Spring it is one of my favorite seasons. Although many of us never thought we would see spring this year, it has finally arrived. Listen to the bubbling brooks and streams, watch with awe the crocuses popping up from the once-barren ground, smell the budding plants, all wonderful signs of nature s rebirth. How many of us have experienced the excitement of nature s reawakening? History and many Jewish holidays remind us that we began as an agrarian society, that our lives were and continue Roberta Brayer Interim Executive Director A Time for Renewal to be dependent on nature s life cycles. Today, our planet is under fire, with global warming, smog, acid rain, and other forces disregarding the sanctity of our planet. There are those who deny that we are experiencing climate changes, and the Environmental Protection Agency itself is being threatened with extinction. To deny climate change is a travesty for which we, our children, and generations to come will pay dearly. What can we do? It is incumbent upon each of us to speak out, to contact our elected officials, to pick up a piece of paper, to plant a garden. Bottom line, if we do not protect and preserve our environment, who will? Spring is also a time for the renewal of our spirit. We have an incredible opportunity to reassess our focus and to reconsider the direction of our lives. Each of us can make a difference in how we become engaged in our communities. Hopefully, we will become guardians of our planet and the beauty that surrounds us. Spring is the season to set new goals, both personally and publicly. The measure of our success will be the extent to which each of us does our part. Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 3

4 Friday, June 2 Post-Shavuot Dairy/Vegetarian Pot-Luck Dinner 6:30 PM, Temple Israel, Dover All are welcome to join us as we honor high school seniors. The temple will provide the blintzes. Free gift for seniors who RSVP prior to May 26. More information: contact rabbisam@dovertemple.org or the temple office at Sunday, June 4 PJ Library Shavout Event 2 4 PM, Beech Hill Farm, Hopkinton Enjoy an afternoon of farm animals, nature trails, digging in the sand pit, and ice cream sundaes! This event is for children 6 months to 8 years old and their siblings. Cost is $10 per family if registration is received by May 25, $15 at the event. You do not need to be a member of PJ Library to enjoy this fun filled afternoon! More information: pjlibrary@ jewishnh.org. Tuesday, June 6 Brotherhood BBQ & Meeting 6 PM, Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester The annual Samuel Sugerman Award will be presented as well as the 2017 TAY Brotherhood "Man of the Year" award. Bring the kids to celebrate the end of another successful school year! This event is free. RSVP required to by June 2. Book Club Meeting 7 PM, Congregation Ahavas Achim, Keene The book to be discussed is Judaism's Ten Best Ideas by Rabbi Arthur Green. More information: Wednesday, June 7 Book Club Meeting 8 PM, Temple Beth Abraham, Nashua The book to be discussed is Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books by Aaron Lansky. More information: Thursday, June 8 9th Annual Comedy Night 6 PM, Temple Israel, Manchester Featuring comedians Jessica Kirson and Danny Cohen. Tickets $60 per person. The event is catered by The Butcherie of Brookline, MA. There will be hors d oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and a cash bar. More information and tickets: Friday, June 9 Annual Temple BBQ and Barechu 6:30 PM, Temple Israel, Dover All are invited to share in a free BBQ and Shabbat songs and blessings. The temple will provide all food, including kosher turkey hotdogs and kosher vegan grillers. More information: contact temple office at or rabbisam@dovertemple.org. Saturday, June 10 Bagels with Rabbi Beth & Torah Study 9:30 11 AM, Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester More information: Sunday, June 11 TBA Sisterhood Spring Rummage Sale Temple Beth Abraham, Nashua Set aside that "beautiful" wine & cheese platter you never use, your clothes you haven't worn since 2015, and almost everything else that sits in your basement! (No computers). More information: contact Stacy at snglionflower@gmail.com. Wednesday, June 14 Jewish Federation Preschool s Graduation/ Step Up Day Celebration! 10 AM, JFNH Preschool, Manchester Come celebrate your children! Join us after for special treats! Please RSVP by June 2. More information: preschool@jewishnh.org. Friday, June 16 Join PJ Library at the Jewish Federation of NH for Tot Shabbat 10 11:30 AM, Jewish Federation office, Manchester For parents and children 6 months 4 years. Spend time with other young families and enjoy crafts, Shabbat songs, a PJ Library Shabbat story, and challah snack. This let's celebrate Dad! Please RSVP to Allyson at pjlibrary@jewishnh.org or call the Federation office: Family Shabbat Taco Night 6 PM, Temple Israel Manchester RSVP by noon on June 9. More information: Friday, June 23 Annual Sisterhood Shabbat 7 PM, Temple Israel Dover The Shabbat evening service will be led by members of the Temple Sisterhood. The Sisterhood will also host the Oneg following services, and members of the Sisterhood will be available for a meet and greet at the Oneg. More information: contact temple office or rabbisam@dovertemple.org. Saturday, June 24 Saturday Night at the Movies 7 PM, Congregation Ahavas Achim, Keene The movie to be shown is Wet Hot American Summer. This movie is rated "R." Refreshments will be served. More information: Thursday, July 6 White Mountain Jewish Film Festival Colonial Theater, Main Street, Bethlehem Please join us for a toast on the patio on opening night of the festival. The movie to be show will be Remember, a "riveting morally complex" film (Film Journal International) starring Academy Award winners Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau. More information: Friday, July 7 Annual 4th of July Shabbat Experience 6:30 PM, Wagon Hill Park, Durham All are welcome to share in a patriotic Shabbat experience. More information please contact rabbisam@dovertemple.org or the temple office at th Annual Jewish Food Festival Temple B'nai Israel, Laconia Come together to enjoy the memories of the tastes and smells from the kitchens of Jewish mothers and bubbies (grandmothers) through the ages, from traditional Jewish cooking to delicatessen delights to amazing desserts and more! You will also find treasures to buy at the Nearly New Boutique, as well as new Judaica items inside. Pre-order from April 30 to June 4. With preorders of $65 or greater, you will receive a copy of the TBI cookbook, from which many of the prized recipes are derived. More information and to place a pre-order: Wednesday, July 12 Books of Jewish Interest Meeting 4 PM, Bethlehem Public Library, Bethlehem More information: gailkr48@gmail.com. Barbeque followed by Kabbalat Shabbat 6 PM, Temple Israel, Manchester Reservations close at noon on July 7. Call Christine at (leave message). Temple members, no charge; nonmembers, $15/person. Sounds in the Sanctuary Opening Performance 5 PM, Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation, Bethlehem Featuring North Country Chamber Players Miki- Sophia Cloud and Bernard Rose. More information: Monday July 17 Jewish Pride Night at the Fisher Cats 7:05 PM, NorthEast Dental Stadium, Manchester Fisher Cats vs. Fighting Phils. Kosher concession with hotdogs and burgers under supervision of Chabad. For tickets, call Amanda: $4 in advance for groups of 20 or more. Thursday, July 20 White Mountain Jewish Film Festival Colonial Theater, Main Street, Bethlehem The movie to be shown is Crossing Delancey, a smart romantic-comedy that remains charming and fresh, starring Golden Globe nominee Amy Irving and Peter Riegert ("Commonsense Media"). More information: Tuesday, July 25 Sounds in the Sanctuary 7 PM, Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation, Bethlehem Featuring Bernard Rose on piano. More information: Wednesday, July 26 Books of Jewish Interest Meeting 4 PM, Bethlehem Public Library, Bethlehem More information: gailkr48@gmail.com. Friday, July 28 Sounds in the Sanctuary 5 PM, Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation, Bethlehem Featuring Peter and Will Anderson, clarinet and saxophone, with guitarist and Alex Wintz, in a jazz performance. This concert is a tribute to Ron Kirby. an avid jazz fan. More information: Monday, July 31 Tisha B'Av Service & Study Group 8 PM, Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester More information: Thursday, August 3 White Mountain Jewish Film Festival Colonial Theater, Main St., Bethlehem The movie to be shown is The Attack. Film Critic Roger Ebert described it as "the best kind of antiwar propaganda film: calm in feeling and mood, yet truly terrifying in showing the scourge of our age: terrorism, which can strike anybody, anywhere, at any time." (Hebrew with English subtitles and rated R). More information: See what s happening in the community at PAGE 4 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

5 By Stephen Soreff, MD Udi Goren Presented a Double Hitter at Etz Hayim Synagogue Derry On an early, cool, rainy Tuesday evening, May 2, Udi Goren presented A Walk of the Land: The Israel National Trail at Etz Hayim Synagogue. The talk and the speaker were provided by the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire. The night was a double hitter in the sense of the baseball term. Udi first talked to the entire Hebrew School about hiking the entire Israel National Trail. He recounted his adventure with brilliant, engaging photographs and movies. He said, A personal crisis invoked by the 2014 war in Gaza motivated me to set out on a two and a half month journey through the Israel trail. The 700-mile-long trek stretches from Israel's Lebanese border up north all the way south to Eilat, on the Egyptian border. It is world-renowned as one of the world s best and toughest long distance hikes. He recounted the trip and noted the idea from the Appalachian Trail (AT) of Trail Angels. There are people who help out hikers with transportation, food, and supplies. In the Israeli form, folks along the trail actually have hikers stay in their homes overnight. Then, all the students of the Hebrew School as well as their parents and attendees of the later adult presentation of the hike were treated to delicious falafel sandwiches kindly donated by Amphora, a fine Greek restaurant in Derry. Following the meal, Udi delivered a longer talk for adults, in which he reviewed the high points of the trek, his insights gained, and the incredible beauty and variety of the Israeli landscape. The trail not only traverses the hills, mountains, and deserts of Israel but also goes through the urban areas, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, thereby showcasing the entire country. Both audiences immensely enjoyed the presentation and came away with a greater appreciation of the national wonders and the peoples of Israel. Udi Goren addressing the students at Etz Hayim Synagogue. Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 5

6 By Alane Sabel, Preschool Director Manchester As the Jewish Federation Preschool approaches its 30th birthday, now is the perfect time to reflect on its beginnings. Did you know that the original nursery school was opened by Doris Schrader and was part of the Jewish Community Center? During Mrs. Schrader s tenure, almost 1,000 children attended the nursery school and kindergarten. When she retired in 1972, the school continued at the JCC with other directors. In the beginning of the 1980s, the JCC became a Federation, doing mainly fundraising, but the community felt it was very important to continue to support a Jewish preschool. Then, in 1983, the preschool closed its Jewish Federation Preschool: Where Did We Start and Where Are We Going doors. In the winter of 1986, a small group of young mothers (including myself) approached the Federation board with the hopes of reopening a Jewish preschool. With the strong support of the board and the community, the Jewish Federation Preschool had a new beginning. The Preschool opened in September of 1987 with a three-morning program for children ages 3 and 4, and now, 30 years later, it offers half-day and fullday preschool and summer camp for children ages 2 through kindergarten. This program is the gateway for our children and their families in enriching their Jewish lives. To celebrate its 30th year, Preschool is inviting past and present families and the entire community to join us at one or more of the many wonderful events we hold during the year, starting with our annual ice cream social in September, In 2012 as now, students proudly graduate from the Federation Preschool. our weekly Friday Shabbat program, family holiday workshops, and many more events. Look for our yearly calendar this summer. We will also be doing an ongoing fundraising campaign. With the continued support of the board and community, we can all look forward to another 30 wonderful years for the Jewish Federation Preschool. Working on an art project during the showing of Paddington cosponsored by PJ Library at the NH Jewish Film Festival. PJ Library continued from page 1 education right in the comfort of their own homes across the Granite State. While any family that participates can tell you that these free books make meaningful Jewish connections and spark interest in Jewish narrative, the books are just a gateway to a world of programming and family-oriented Jewish content that can help parents, grandparents, and caregivers connect and engage with values and traditions that are important to them. Here are some interesting, lesser-known details about this amazing program: PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, family make-up, or observance may be. Through PJ Library s partnerships around North America, we are also able to offer activities for your family, because -- let s face it -- it s fun to get out of the house and meet new people sometimes. PJ Library New Hampshire has an active Facebook page and online community where you can make even more connections to the content and people who seek it. In New Hampshire, we also have free and affordable PJ Library events, including tot Shabbats and holiday gatherings open to all. The books PJ Library provides can often be the starting point for families, as parents begin making their own meaningful Jewish connections. Each family in New Hampshire will find their own Jewish path, and PJ Library and Jewish Federation want to provide options so that all families feel comfortable and have the opportunity to make connections, not just through the books but within the community, wherever they gather. We work hard to host programs in public spaces like Bomb Threat Training Offers Best Practice Guidance Manchester On Wednesday, May 10, over 80 members of the statewide law enforcement community, school administrators, clergy, staff, and volunteers responsible for security at religious institutions as well as security personnel attended a Bomb Threat Training at Temple Adath Yeshurum in Manchester. The training was convened by the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, the ADL, and the FBI. Experts from the FBI shared important information on how to keep your community safe. Some of the best practices for Jewish institutional security were: 1. Make safety and security part of the culture of your institution, involving staff, leadership, and constituents. 2. Designate a member of your staff to serve as a security manager. 3. Create security plans, regularly assess risks, and revisit your security plans to update them accordingly. Be proactive. bookstores, senior centers, and farms, but also in synagogues, our Federation offices, and other welcoming spaces. Our hope is that every program is high quality, low barrier, and welcoming to all families. To stay informed about PJ Library happenings, reach out to Allyson at pjlibrary@jewishnh.org, ask to be added to our list, or like our Facebook page at PJ Library - NH. 4. Meet and develop relationships with public safety officials, including police, fire, and EMS. 5. Provide regular security training to all staff and volunteer leaders. Establish procedures for controlling access into your facility 6. Encourage staff, leadership, and constituents to be mindful of suspicious activity and to be familiar with suspicious mail indicators 7. Create and implement a plan for responding to bomb threats. 8. Establish an emergency response plan, which may include evacuation, shelter-in-place, or lockdown. One of the most important messages shared by all speakers was if you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING and CALL 911. If members of your community were not able to attend and would like additional information, please contact the Federation office PAGE 6 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

7 PJ Library Helps NH Families Raising Jewish Children Make Connections, Celebrate Jewish Life $150 Get Together grants help build social connections and empower parents to offer Jewish experiences to share with their friends and other families New Hampshire area families raising Jewish children will now have more opportunities to participate in Jewish life, thanks to a grant opportunity recently awarded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF). The grants will be distributed to members of PJ Library, the flagship program of HGF that offers free Jewish books and programs to more than 125,000 families around the world. New Hampshire is among a select group of PJ Library communities in the United States and Canada chosen to participate in the Get Together grants program, an opportunity that will give local families up to $150 to create their own experiences to get together with friends. Get Together grants are designed to help build social connections among families and encourage them to engage in Jewish life, programming, or learning. In the past, Get Together grants have been used for Shabbat-themed experiences, baking or crafts, book clubs, and parentonly evenings. Get Togethers happen when families want to experience them, and how they want to experience them. New Hampshire is honored to receive this grant, and thrilled to be part of the global PJ Library community reaching hundreds of thousands of families, said Allyson Guertin, PJ Library Coordinator at the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire. PJ Library s impact goes well beyond the more than 170,000 books we send out each month across the US and Canada, said Judi Wisch, Director of Community Engagement for PJ Library. We have worked closely with our local partners for years to help advance Jewish family engagement, and now we are able to add financial support to help ensure the success of great initiatives created by families. Part of a strategy to expand Jewish engagement in the United States and Canada, these grants are funded through the PJ Library Alliance. Partners in the Alliance include the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the William Davidson Foundation, the Marcus Foundation, Inc., the Jim Joseph Foundation, the William & Audrey Farber Philanthropic Fund, the Diane & Guilford Glazer/Jewish Community Foundation of LA, Carl & Joann Bianco, the Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation, the Susser Family Trust, Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall, and two anonymous partners. PJ Library and PJ Our Way families currently living in New Hampshire are invited to apply to host a Get Together. Applications open on Monday, May 22 and close Friday, June 30. For more information, please visit pjlibrary.org/gettogether or contact Allyson Guertin at pjlibrary@jewishnh.org. Families with children ages 6 months to 8 years can receive free books every month by signing up for PJ Library at pjlibrary.org. Children ages 9-11 can choose a free chapter book or graphic novel every month by enrolling in PJ Our Way with a parent at pjourway.org. Diary continued from page 1 As I reached the park, I found five smiling faces: three adults and two girls. Matt had brought his girls to hike with us and they were a great addition to our hiking party. The hike up took about two hours, as we skipped over the mud puddles, putting our rain jackets on and off with every drizzle and stopping every once in a while to take pictures and enjoy the view. The top of the mountain offered a spectacular vista over the area. Since it was cloudy, we couldn t see too far, yet we could spot the Vermont mountains and the lakes in the area around us. During the walk down, as we didn t have to catch out breath constantly, we had more time to share stories and experiences. We spoke about many subjects, from having children, to career choices, Jewish history, and, of course, politics. It was a great day, but I feel I ll have to be back on the mountain on a day with clear skies. May 3, Etz Hayim Synagogue, Derry Program: Israel Trail for high schoolers Teens at Etz Hayim Synagogue After yesterday s success (when I met with elementary school kids and adults to talk about Israel and the Israel trail), I felt very welcomed coming into the Temple. The kids were finishing up their pizzas as I was getting ready, and once we began the class, I realized that some of the parents were there as well. We were also accompanied by the kids two teachers, whose presence was helpful. The young adults were cooperative, and there was never a question that remained unanswered, even if they weren t sure of the answer. I was able to keep them engaged almost to the very end, when it seemed that sitting for 90 minutes straight was a bit much for them. We were able to discuss some Israeli geography, speak about traditions, and discuss what do the Jewish people have in common. We also took the time to speak about Israeli minorities, a topic they were completely unfamiliar with. May 7, Temple Beth Abraham, Nashua Program: Walk of the Land (adults) My first taste of Nashua and Temple Beth Abraham was a great one. The day began with a bagel breakfast and some schmoozing, as people were still coming into the temple. It turned out that many years ago, I was the volleyball coach of the daughter of a couple from the congregation, and that my brother was in the same class as their other son. The world The Temple Beth Abraham choral group performed to a packed house. is, indeed, very small (or maybe just the Jewish world). After we were done eating, we began the presentation, during which people seemed intrigued and attentive. It s always a good sign when there are many questions at the end on different topics from the talk -- a sign that they were listening. The discussion then turned to some more details about the minorities I mentioned in the talk, and that led to a short political discussion. I felt that the audience was sincerely interested in the information I had to give regarding Israeli politics, but it was finally interrupted when it switched to U.S. politics. I was invited to return in the afternoon to the temple s first Zimria show, which was very well done. They showed their musical talent and their obvious commitment to putting on a great performance, and the concert it was accompanied with some tasty hors d oeuvres and cocktails. A wonderful afternoon to spend with this welcoming congregation. The most inspiring part was to see the conductor, a Christian woman whom they met on one of the interfaith activities, wearing a kipah and leading the choir -- truly yemot hamashi ach! May 9, Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester Program: Layers of Jerusalem workshop This was the third time I got to visit Temple Adath Yeshurun, and it was a pleasure, like the two other times. This time I had the religious school kids, grades 4 7, for an hour and a half. Luckily, the kids were clever and participated throughout the class. It was interesting to see the dynamics between the older kids and the younger ones, as the older ones (to my opinion) wanted to look cool in front of their younger peers, whereas the younger ones just wanted to listen and enjoy the class. We began with a historical overview of Jerusalem, during which I tried to bring in as much context as possible to the things that were being discussed. That way, the kids could start connecting different pieces of information they had in their heads and put it all together to form a cohesive perception of the history they did know. Then, we moved on to discuss the sanctity of Jerusalem for the different religions. They seemed to be very interested in that aspect of the story -- how it was such an important place for so many people. Last, as per Rabbi Beth s request, we spoke about three main buildings in Jerusalem: the Knesset, the Shrine of the Book, and Yad Vashem. [Note from the Editor: We will share excerpts from the second half of Udi s diary in the August issue of The Reporter.] Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 7

8 Dena Weiss, the Head of the Beit Midrash (study hall) at Mechon Hadar (an egalitarian Yeshivah in New York City), reminds us that there was a good deal of discussion as to what the national anthem of the State of Israel should be. Ultimately, it was decided that the Hatikvah should receive that honor, but there were other candidates. One of the strong contenders was Psalm 126: A Song of Ascents When God brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations: God has done great things for them! God has done great things for us, And we are glad! Bring back our captivity, God, As [You bring back] the streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. Those who continually go forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing their sheaves with them. Of Hopes and Dreams Rabbi in the House Rabbi Eric Cohen Temple Israel Manchester The appeal of this Psalm as an Israeli national anthem is obvious. It directly addresses a return to our ancient homeland, albeit 2,500 years before the one celebrated on Yom Ha atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Hatikvah, means hope. It celebrates the hope we carried around with us for millennia of once gain having a Jewish homeland. Psalm 126 speaks of dreamers, of people who could hardly believe their good fortune in being able to return to the country of their ancestors. Hopes and dreams are key ingredients that enabled our people to survive two millennia of exile. But, hopes and dreams are not the same. To dream of a new, or different reality, is to remove ourselves from the reality that is our lives, and to imagine something quite different. We often dream of fantastic things, and then wake up to find that these are indeed fantastic, that these are part of our fantasy world. To the ancient Jews returning from Babylonia, under the beneficent reign of the Persian emperors, their circumstances seemed amazing. Who would have thought that the exile would end a mere 70 years or so after the Jewish people were marched off into captivity? Are we dreaming? Is this really happening? It must have seemed utterly fantastic. In our more recent return to Zion, celebrated on Yom Ha atzmaut, whatever dreams we might have had over the centuries were dashed by the horrors of the Holocaust. One might describe the Holocaust as a nightmare, only it was all too real. The terrors of our fantasy lives invaded the real world and shattered whatever dreams we might have been holding. Nothing appears dreamlike about the founding of the State of Israel. In addition to the (virtual) annihilation of our people, we paid for independence with the blood of our brothers and sisters who fought in Israel s wars. We were under no illusions (or delusions); we did not feel as if we were dreaming. This is the roughand-tumble of the real world gone mad, and no dreams could alleviate the pain of our wounds. But, we did have hope. Hope that our efforts, and the efforts of good people everywhere, could make this world a better place, could provide us with justice, with a home, with security. We did not expect some reigning monarch to emerge all of a sudden and provide for us. Carrying hope meant working until we were exhausted, and sacrificing beyond what would reasonably be expected of us, all in the name of reaching our goal. I love Psalm 126. I love singing it. I love how it conveys what must have been the sheer delight of the original singers. And yet, I think I would have voted for Hatikvah, if I had a vote. Dreams do have significance. Would we be human if we did not dream? But, hope roots me. I keep a goal in mind, and I work diligently to achieve it. On the way, I dream, but when the going gets rough, it is hope that gets me to the next step. As we celebrate Israel s independence, let s keep hope alive. Hope for peace, hope for a just settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, hope for refugees fleeing war-torn areas around our homeland, hope that will keep us moving each step of the path that will bring us to a better world. PAGE 8 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

9 The group from Temple B Nai Israel posed at the entrance to the holy city of Jerusalem. Boston Holds Celebrate Israel Festival June 11 Boston, MA On June 11, the Israeli-American Council in Boston and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies will host a Celebrate Israel festival for the community, the final event in the Israeli- American Council s monthlong series of such festivals coast-to-coast, representing the largest coordinated celebration of Israel outside of the Jewish state. In partnership with Jewish Federations, JCCs, and other organizations, by mid- June the IAC will have held events in places including Los Angeles, Baltimore, New Jersey, Tucson, Phoenix, Atlanta, Durham, Chicago, New York, and Salt Lake City. In total, more than 50,000 pro-israel Americans of all backgrounds and faiths will have come together to celebrate Israel and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. We are thrilled to bring people together from across the pro-israel community to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem s reunification in what will be the largest celebration of Israel outside of Israel in history, said IAC CEO Shoham Nicolet. Israeli- Americans are very proud of the increasing role that we are playing as a bridge between the America and Israel, and within the Jewish and pro-israel communities here in the United States. In the upcoming event in Boston, held at the Arsenal Mall in Watertown from 2 PM to 6 PM on Sunday, June 11, attendees will explore an archeological dig, shop in a replica of the Machane Yehuda Shuk, and enjoy performances from a range of Israeli and Jewish artists and student groups, including an Israel Scouts (Tzofim) Friendship Caravan Performance. Other activities feature placing a note in the Kotel, making Shabbat candles, learning Hebrew, viewing robotic technology in action, Chagall-style painting, navigating an Israeli figures maze, and shooting hoops. Volunteer opportunities are still open to teens, college students, young adults, and parents. Tickets are $20 per family until June 8, $25 per family at the door, and $10 per individual. For more information, please visit celebrateisraelfestival.org/ boston. About the IAC: Headquartered in Los Angeles, the IAC is committed to building an engaged and united Israeli-American community that strengthens our next generations, the American Jewish community, and the State of Israel. The IAC strives to achieve these goals through programs and events for all ages and by empowering and supporting a wide array of nonprofit organizations within the Israeli- American community. For more information about the Israeli-American Council, please visit Temple B nai Israel Members Visit Israel Laconia Rabbi Boaz Heilman and tour guide extraordinaire Jacky Sivak of IGT Travel led members and friends of Temple B nai Israel on a fantastic tour of Israel in late April and early May. We spent our first couple of nights at Kibbutz Ginosar on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and visited the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Acco Prison, and Tzfat. Next, we traveled to Jerusalem! On the way we visited Kibbutz Sde Eliahu (which is doing amazing work to help organic farmers) and incredible ancient sites at Bet She an and Bet Alfa. We began Shabbat in the company of one of our former student rabbis, Susan Silverman, and her husband, Yosef Abramowitz, at Kol Haneshama, then joined them at their home for dinner. Shabbat in Jerusalem, in the home of friends, may have been the sweetest gift of the whole trip! We spent a few days in Jerusalem, enjoying Shabbat, the Night Spectacular event at the Tower of David, touring the old and new cities, and visiting Yad Vashem, Ammunition Hill, the Western Wall and its tunnels, and the Israel Museum (among so many other delights), and observing Yom HaShoah. We departed Jerusalem, heading to Mizpe Ramon, to float in the Dead Sea, visit Masada (Rabbi Heilman and Denise Scanlon climbed the Snake Trail, while the rest of us opted for the cable car), walk through the beautiful canyon of Ein Avdat, learn about Ben Gurion at kibbutz Sde Boker, and take an off-road jeep tour of Machtesh Ramon. We participated in an archeological dig at Tel Maresha and traveled to Tel Aviv, where we stayed until the end of the trip, right on the shore of the Mediterranean. From our home base in Tel Aviv, we toured Caesarea, the detention camp at Atlit, the ancient sites of the Megiddo, Bet She arim and Tzippori, the amazing Ayalon Institute, observed Memorial Day, and celebrated Independence Day with the residents of the city in Rabin Square. It seems safe to say all were amazed by the intensity of our experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity. The group from Temple B Nai Israel posed at the entrance to the holy city of Jerusalem. SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Reporter! Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 9

10 By Evelyn Miller My husband and I have been to Israel several times in the past four years. Each time we joined a tour that either took us to wonderful historical sites or helped us to explore modern Israel and its many innovations. I love to travel, meet new people, explore new regions, learn about other cultures, and experience new foods, but Israel is a country I just can't seem to get enough of, so I decided we needed to go back this year. Unfortunately all tour dates did not fit into our schedule so I simply said, That's it, we are doing it on our own this time! Well, this trip to Israel turned out to be a real joy and much easier to do than I had expected. I'm old school, so the first thing I did was to go to a bookstore and buy three travel books. I was very surprised to learn that I am not the only one who thinks that Israel is wonderful -- all three books (Frommer s, Lonely Planet, and Insights) declared it to be one of the most exciting countries in the world. There were glorious descriptions of diverse geography, climate, cultures, food, historical sites, technology, innovation, and the can do spirit of the people. This all got me excited. A Self-Guided Tour Is Easy in Israel Signs in three languages abound in Israel, even in rest rooms! Next, I asked my husband what he wanted to do in Israel. He had only one request, which was to visit a new pioneering settlement on the Israel/Sinai border. I had many places I wanted to go that were at the opposite end of Israel. I knew we could hire a private driver to take us all More For Your Dollar Food Shopping Manchester: 460 Elm Street Bedford: 539 Donald Street Hooksett: 30 Market Drive over the country, but I would be sitting in the back of a car staring at either the back of the driver's head or talking to my husband, who would be sitting next to me. That's not the way I wanted to experience the people and the culture. So I dove into the internet and discovered what a marvel it is. I first found that all of the places I wanted to visit were accessible by public transportation, either a double decker train or a bus. There were maps showing all routes and schedules, locations of the main stations in each town, and the incredibly cheap fares. Wow, now things were cooking. I had my list of places I wanted to see (Tel Aviv; Beersheva, the largest desert city in southern Israel; Akko, northern ancient port on the Mediterranean; Tzfat, the city with the highest elevation and a Jewish holy city, in Northern Israel; and Jerusalem). Each was filled with many sites and museums of interest and promised to have great cultural diversity. My final task was to search the internet for accommodations. I wanted to find accommodations that were charming, served the famous Israeli breakfast, were not too expensive, and were easily accessible to the sites I wanted to see and to public transportation. The internet was again great. In one afternoon, I looked through many hotels, read personal reviews by former guests, located hotels on the map, saw where they were located in relation to sites of interest, and read directions from the transportation center to the hotel. Once I made my choices, booking a room was easy. Each website contained room booking request forms. You simply fill in the blanks requesting dates you want to reserve a room, the number of guests, and payment information. Each request site included a space where you could ask further questions or make additional requests. Once I pushed the submit button, I got confirmation responses within the afternoon (these included all booking information and my total bill in U.S. dollars). I made copies of all my bookings and also downloaded transportation information from one site to another either by train or bus. My travel folder was complete except for booking a flight to Israel. Here I wimped out and decided to use a travel agent (I always book in-country flights myself, but on an overseas flight I feel more comfortable consulting an agent and making sure I get the best flight, extra legroom, and the best price). There are now nonstop flights out of Boston to Tel Aviv several times a week, which makes the trip very simple. So with air travel secured, hotels booked, and dog sitter confirmed, our only hurdle was packing. I had warned my husband that we were to travel light because we were doing everything on our own. He surpassed my expectations. We both wore great walking/hiking shoes and packed a minimal amount of lightweight travel clothing that could be washed in the shower and would dry overnight. For outerwear, we took a lightweight packable down jacket, a nylon jacket, and a compact travel umbrella. Our visit to Israel was for 2 1/2 weeks. There were no hitches. You can easily find English-speaking locals who were great at helping navigate around. Buses, trains, and public areas all had signs in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. We loved all of our accommodations. Hotel managers were always helpful with local maps and suggestions for eating and sightseeing. The train rides were terrific, with double decker cars (always on time, and we always sat upstairs with great views). The buses were more of a challenge, as stations were easy to locate but individual stops were a little shaky; however, there was always someone on the bus very willing to tell us where to get off. What we did on our vacation is another article, but ease of travel in Israel seemed a story worth telling. It's a great country, with endless places to see and things to do. Many countries are great to visit and then I check them off my list, but Israel keeps drawing me back, and doing it on our own this time was great fun! Evelyn and her husband Michael live in Goffstown. PAGE 10 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

11 By Paul Etkind Sunapee On April 30, the Sunapee- Kearsarge Jewish Community (S-K JC) commemorated the Holocaust with a talk and discussion given by Dan Schneider about Terezin, a Nazi concentration camp 35 miles north of Prague. The Gestapo took control of Terezín after Germany occupied Czechoslovakia in They expelled the 7,000 non-jewish Czechs living there to create a concentration camp. Jews were forced to work for more than a year to ready it for the tens of thousands of people who were to be housed there. From 1942, the camp primarily held Jews from Czechoslovakia, but also notable German Jews. In total, more than 150,000 Jews were sent there, including 15,000 children. This was a slave labor rather than a death camp. Even so, 33,000 died in the ghetto due to appalling conditions: extreme population density, malnutrition, insufficient and contaminated water, insufficient electricity, and disease. As many as 58,000 people were crowded into barracks originally designed to hold 7,000. The results were extremely high fatality rates. Terezin also served as a way station for transportation to the death camps. About 88,000 prisoners were deported to Auschwitz and other extermination camps from Terezin. Before the war, Czechoslovakia had been among the most culturally vibrant nations in Europe. The combination of Czech artists and those from elsewhere in the Reich resulted in the camp having an extremely vibrant cultural life. At least four concert orchestras were organized in the camp, as well as chamber groups and jazz ensembles. Stage performances were produced and attended by camp inmates. The conductor Rafael Schächter smuggled a piano into a barracks basement and formed a choir. He created, often from a single score, productions of fa- Taking In the View From the Mountaintop mous operas and works of classical music. Schächter became obsessed with the idea of performing Verdi's Requiem Mass. The lyrics describe how the damned will be elevated in the afterlife and the Eternal Judge will forever damn the torturers. Thus, the piece would be an act of defiance. From a single score, his singers memorized the 90 minutes of music and the Latin words. The rehearsals were held in a dank basement after long days of forced labor. Schächter's masterpiece premièred in January 1942 with a chorus of 150 and only a piano for accompaniment. Over the following months, the requiem was performed 15 more times. The Nazis could not understand why Jews were performing a Catholic requiem mass. The Nazis decided to use Terezin to blunt the growing rumors of the horrors perpetrated by the Third Reich. The Nazis transformed Terezin into a "model ghetto." Weeks of preparation, known as Operation Embellishment, preceded a June 23, 1944, visit by the Red Cross. The area was cleaned, and the Nazis deported many Jews to Auschwitz to minimize the appearance of overcrowding. The Red Cross commission was taken along a carefully planned route where they saw people living in freshly painted buildings, fake stores, a coffee house, a bank, and a school. Flower gardens were planted throughout the ghetto. Inmates were dressed well. Shop windows were filled with goods. A playground, sports fields, and even a monument were added. The guests attended a performance of Nans Krasa s children's opera, Brundibár. In addition, Schächter gave a performance of the Verdi Requiem. The Red Cross concluded that the prisoners were being well treated. Following the successful use of Terezin as a model internment camp during the Red Cross visit, the Nazis decided to make a propaganda film there. The film, entitled Terezin: A Documentary of the Jewish Resettlement, would show how well the Jews lived under the benevolent protection of the Third Reich. Not completed until near the end of the war, the film was never distributed as intended. Most of the film was destroyed, but some footage survived. Once the Embellishment ended, transports of prisoners to Auschwitz and other camps increased dramatically. After these transports, only 400 prisoners were left in the camp. However, as the Soviet Army pushed the Nazis back, prisoners were evacuated from concentration camps such as Auschwitz and other camps farther east and moved to other camps in the west. In April 1945, the transports and death marches reached Terezin. The prisoners were in terrible health and some carried typhus. Terezin was unprepared for the large numbers and the disease. On May 8, 1945, Terezín was liberated by Soviet troops. There were 17,247 survivors, most of whom had survived Auschwitz. Like the Holocaust itself, the story of Terezín has revealed itself slowly over time. There are projects to resurrect the music, the stories, and the lessons of Terezin. The memory of the inmates at Terezin is kept alive by the Defiant Requiem Foundation of Washington DC, which gives performances of Verdi s Requiem around the world, accompanied by historical film footage of Terezin. Mr. Schneider showed a brief clip from that film. Another effort to teach the world about Terezin is led by Swedish mezzosoprano Anne Sofie von Otter. Her father was a high-ranking Swedish diplomat in Berlin during WWII who unsuccessfully tried to alert the world to conditions within the concentration camps. His communications to the neutral Swedish government went no further. Ms. von Otter has made a CD and DVD of the music of Terezin. Dan ended the lecture with a recording of Ms. von Otter singing a children s lullaby poem named Weigala written in Terezin by the poet Ilse Weber. Terezin was a Nazi lie to the world, a concentration camp presented to the world as a Jewish ghetto filled with wellcared-for residents with an active and rich educational and cultural life. The Nazis hoped to use this as a propaganda tool to refute the rumors of the true horrors of their Final Solution. What the Nazis did not realize was that this camp, instead, became an inspiring example of how the human spirit could resist and overcome even the worst inhuman behaviors and actions. The Sunapee-Kearsarge Jewish Community (S-K JC) has a mission of Jewish education and fellowship in this area of New Hampshire. It holds quarterly meetings to discuss matters of Jewish interest and provide opportunities for Jewish fellowship. Do you live in Keene, Laconia, Bethlehem, Hanover, or another NH community and want to help produce the Jewish Reporter? We are looking for people all over the state who are interested in writing about their local Jewish community. To get involved, contact thereporter@jewishnh.org SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Reporter! Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 11

12 2017 NH Jewish Film Festival Announces Audience Choice Awards By Linda L. Gerson, Co-Chair, 9th Annual NHJFF Thank you to our NH statewide audience for an exceptional 9th season of the NH Jewish Film Festival. During the 2017 Festival, after each screening, we sought out the audience's opinion of the film they viewed. Audience members completed a short written survey to rate the film they viewed on screen before leaving the theater. The results have now been tabulated, and we are pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 NH Jewish Film Festival Audience Choice Awards. Two films tied for favorite feature film this year: Fever At Dawn, from Menemsha Films, and Sabena Hijacking: My Version, from Go2Films. The Audience Choice Award for Documentary Film went to Harold & Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story, from Zeitgeist Films. Congratulations to all three of these films! Mark your calendars. The 10th anniversary season of the NH Jewish Film Festival will return in spring Dates will be announced soon. Diary of Anne Frank Comes Alive Meredith On April 29 and 30, the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith hosted its annual staged reading in commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. For the 10th year, this event was sponsored by Temple B'nai Israel. This year's reading of The Diary of Anne Frank included moving performances by talented local community theatre actors. Following the reading, the audience was invited to stay for an informal discussion with the cast and director. On Saturday the cast was joined by Rabbi Robin Nafshi from Temple Beth Jacob in Concord, while on Sunday they were joined by Rabbi Boaz Heilman from Temple B'Nai Israel. The discussions touched on everything from personal reactions to the performance by the cast and audience to the need for comprehensive Holocaust education in the school system. A volunteer displays loaves of homemade challah at a previous Jewish Food Festival. Temple B nai Israel in Laconia Celebrates 20 Years of the Jewish Food Festival Laconia Celebrate the 20th anniversary of New Hampshire s premier Jewish Food Festival on July 9. Since 1997, Temple B nai Israel (TBI) chefs have created delectable delights based on recipes that go back generations. You don t have to be a member of TBI, you don t even have to be Jewish, all you need to be is someone who loves good home-cooked Jewish foods. The Food Festival continued to grow and evolve over the last 20 years to become the spectacle under the tent that has been enjoyed by thousands. Each year, TBI searches to find ways to improve the customer experience. Layouts and processes have been streamlined to provide quicker and better service. The best NY style deli in New England was found in Marlborough, MA, and Evan s Deli corned beef, pastrami, and tongue has been added to the sandwich station along with TBI s mouthwatering homemade beef brisket sandwiches. There will be cheese blintzes cooked on the spot, meat and potato knishes hot and ready to eat, freshly made chopped herring and chopped liver, and deli barrel half sour pickles. Potato latkes, stuffed cabbage, kugel, and matzo ball soup will be prepacked and frozen for takeout. All food stations will remain open as long as supplies last, which has not taken more than two hours in recent years. Don t forget to visit the expansive dessert buffet, loaded with homemade specialties such as strudel, rugelach, and other mouthwatering delights. On Sunday, July 9, from 11 AM to 2 PM. at Temple B nai Israel, 210 Court St., in Laconia, people will be coming together from all over New Hampshire and beyond to enjoy the memories of the tastes and smells from the kitchens of Jewish mothers and Bubbies (grandmothers) through the ages from traditional Jewish cooking to delicatessen delights to amazing desserts and more! There will be a huge array of authentic textures and tastes. There will also be treasures to buy at the Nearly New Boutique, loaded with hundreds of super finds for the shopper with a keen eye. Come for brunch, come for lunch, come to browse and nibble on a treat. It s going to be a memorable day at Temple B nai Israel. All questions may be directed to info@ tbinh.org. PAGE 12 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

13 Opera, Schmopera at the Roth Center in Hanover By Paul Etkind Hanover On April 8, the Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) on Dartmouth College s campus in Hanover hosted an evening of opera and musical theater titled Opera, Schmopera: Celebrating the Jewish Heritage in Music Theater. The evening featured Opera North resident artists Trevor Neal, Elisabeth Slaten, Christina Christensen, Tobias Wright, and Emily Geller. Rabbi Edward Boraz, of the UVJC and Dartmouth Hillel, made a guest appearance as a soloist. He also performed with the Opera North artists. Opera North artistic director Louis Burkot conducted, and Opera North general director Evans Haile accompanied the singers on piano. The show featured the work of composers who were both Jewish and among the finest operatic and musical theater composers in the world. These included several songs from Kurt Weill s Street Scenes ; a selection of George Gershwin s greatest works; several Broadway show songs by Leonard Bernstein; several French songs by Jacques Offenbach; and Shalom, from the show Milk and Honey by Jerry Herman. The performances explored distinctions between opera and Broadway show music, which were actually more difficult to make as the audience heard them performed. The prolonged standing ovation from the full house indicated the appreciation of the audience for the talent of the performers and the content of the evening. Opera North is the premier professional summer music festival of the Upper Valley. Founded in 1982 and based in Lebanon, NH, it is the only full-time professional opera company serving the tristate area of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Throughout its history, Opera North has focused on bringing classic musical theatre -- in a myriad of styles -- to the region, working with noted international artists, designers, and directors. Each summer, Opera North produces three mainstage productions of classic operas and musical theatre, performed in repertory at Lebanon Opera House, as well as a series of concerts and special events at various locations in the Upper Valley. Its Resident Artist program provides young professional artists with experience and education to further their careers. Through its Education & Outreach Program, Opera North takes free performances of music theatre to local elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as public libraries around the area. UVJC is a welcoming, egalitarian congregation providing Jewish spiritual, educational, social, and cultural opportunities to the Upper Connecticut River Valley. Poetry in Mud Season Features Derry's Poet Laureate, Robert Crawford Derry On Thursday night, April 20, Robert Crawford read his poems at Etz Hayim Synagogue, 1 ½ Hood Road, Derry. He is Derry s first Poet Laureate and he read from his published two books of poetry, The Empty Chair (2011, Richard Wilbur Award), and Too Much Explanation Can Ruin a Man (2005), as well as more recent works. Following the reading, there was a Q&A for the poet, then an open mic The other readers included Peggy Tucker, Larry Bleicher, Irina Rubinshteyn, and Midge Goldberg. In the audience at "Poetry in Mud Season was Amalia Flaisher, who created the synagogue s Eternal Light (Ner Tamid). She is very proud of the light and Derry poet laureate Robert Crawford at Etz Hayim Synagogue. noted the design included tree branches symbolizing the Tree of Life (Etz Hayim). SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Reporter! See what s happening in the community at Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 13

14 Friends on the Path: Community- Building in the Upper Valley By Laura Rosenthal Hanover The Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) recently established a new initiative aimed at building and strengthening a sense of Jewish community. The social group, called Haverot Lederech or Friends on the Path, aims to bring Jewish women, and women raising Jewish children, together in a low-key environment to find areas of shared interest and build community in the Upper Valley. On April 26, the UVJC sponsored the second meeting of Friends of the Path. Close to 30 women who are Jewish or raising Jewish children came together at Tip Top Pottery in White River Junction, VT, to talk, drink wine, and paint pottery. Kiddush cups, mezuzot, and candlesticks proved popular items to paint, although an artist in the group, Natasha Troyka, free hand-painted the skyline of Jerusalem on pottery. Julia McNeil, a physician at DHMC who is planning an interfaith wedding this summer, painted a kiddush cup to be used in the ceremony. UVJC women enjoyed painting pottery together. Blue and white glazes were popular. The Friends on the Path will meet again in August to talk, nosh, and then view Jupiter and Saturn at Dartmouth College s Shattuck Observatory with the assistance of astronomer Jenica Nelan. Any woman who is Jewish or part of a Jewish family is welcome. To be added to the mailing list and notified of future events, please contact Hilary Ryder at hfryder@gmail.com or Camp Ramah Completes Historic Capital Campaign Palmer, MA Camp Ramah in New England, located in Palmer, MA, is putting the finishing touches on a 23,000 square foot Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall). With the anticipated completion of this major new facility, Camp Ramah closes its capital campaign. Camp(aign) Ramah: the Campaign for Camp Ramah in New England has raised philanthropic commitments totaling $6.25 million. This campaign, the most ambitious in Camp Ramah s over 60- year history, has transformed its camp home, with four major completed projects that have improved community space, dining and residential areas, and the overall beauty of the camp. The state-of-the-art Chadar Ochel features a large dining room that is winterized and air conditioned, a seasonal dining pavilion, and a modern kosher kitchen and bakery. This summer, over 900 campers will enjoy this new facility. In addition, the Chadar Ochel will become a central location for providing vocational training to young adults with disabilities. Camp Ramah in New England is an overnight Jewish summer camp that serves The new 23,000-square-foot Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall) marks the close of Camp Ramah in New England s $6.25 million capital campaign, which has transformed its Palmer, MA, camp home. over 900 kids and teens each summer. Located in Palmer, Massachusetts, just one hour west of Boston, the camp is situated on the shore of a beautiful lake and is surrounded by 100 wooded acres. Camp Ramah welcomes children from across New England, the greater Washington, DC area, Virginia, as well as parts of Maryland and New York. It operates under the auspices of the Jewish Theological Seminary. For over 60 years, Camp Ramah s campers have been immersed in joyful Jewish living. For more information, visit More than 70 attendees enjoyed music of the 40s and 50s provided by the Manchester Central High School Jazz Band. TAY Brotherhood 2017 Spring Dinner Concert and All That Jazz! Manchester The Temple Adath Yeshurun (TAY) Brotherhood Spring Dinner Concert (formerly known as the Seniors Dinner) was held at TAY on Thursday evening, May 11. There were over 70 attendees, including guests, Brotherhood Kitchen Krew members, and members of the Manchester Central High School Jazz Band (the evening s entertainment). Chairing the event, which featured great food, great camaraderie, and great music, once again was Mark Granoff. A delicious meal was prepared by the Brotherhood Kitchen Krew, including Mark G, Mark Starin, Bob Katchen, Michael Bank, David Penchansky, Mel Spierer, Dick Lutsk, Len Ruvinsky, Ken Cohn, Jay Hodes, George Bruno, Sol Rockenmacher, and Tucker Presents Spiritual Journey to India and a Taste of India By Stephen Soreff, MD On Thursday, May 4, at 7 PM A at Etz Hayim Synagogue, Peggy Tucker presented A Spiritual Journey to India: Living, Learning, and Meditating on the Divine In and All Around Us. Prior to the talk, she offered participants a taste of India with four delicious Indian vegetarian dishes. The traditional Memorial Day Service at the Manchester Hebrew Cemetery was held in the cemetery chapel at 5 PM on Monday, May 29. The program honored not only those veterans who are buried in the cemetery, but all those who have served our country in military service. David Rosenzweig (who was also the official photographer of the event). Alan Kaplan set up the audio equipment. Rabbi Beth delivered the pre-meal blessing. Following challah and salad, the main course was chicken with stuffing and sweet potatoes. Dessert was a celebratory cake, cookies, and fruit salad. A highlight of the evening was an encore outstanding performance by the Manchester West High School Jazz Band -- it was great to have them back again. They played music from the 40s and the 50s. Diane Francoeur is the faculty leader and advisor for this wonderful group of young people. From all the feedback we have had, this was another exceptional Spring Dinner Concert happening. Peggy shared highlights of her two weeks living at a Benedictine ashram in Southern India. It was the 19th pilgrimage led by the spiritual leader Russill Paul and his wife, Asha. Peggy talked about her meditations and visits to various Indian temples with 30 fellow pilgrims from various religious and spiritual practices on the trip. It was an extraordinary interfaith adventure and journey. Memorial Day Service at Manchester Hebrew Cemetery U.S. flags were placed at the grave sites of the veterans who are interred in the cemetery. Rabbis Beth Davidson from Temple Adath Yeshurun and Eric Cohen from Temple Israel conducted the service. The cemetery is located at South Beech Street in Manchester. PAGE 14 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

15 Dr. Dov Waxman Discusses Divides in American Jewish Views of Israel On April 23, Dr. Dov Waxman, Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Israel Studies at Northeastern University, spoke at Temple Israel Portsmouth on the themes in his book, Trouble in the Tribe (Princeton, 2016). About 70 people heard him trace current trends and the history of our relationship with Israel. A common refrain after the talk was that everyone recognized themselves somewhere on the spectrum of attitudes outlined by Waxman. While most American Jews were not Zionists before WWII, the Holocaust changed attitudes, and Israel s '67 victory over Arab national armies created a wave of pride in Jewish schools, camps, and temples. Israel became a unifier and, for some, provided a basis other than religion for Jewish identity. American Jews showed their support with money and political lobbying, and criticism of Israel was taboo. When and why did this change? The shift started with the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, the massacres in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, and military responses during the First Intifada ( ). Both the left" and the right" have given voice to criticism of various Israeli policies. The left objects to settlements and doubts the sincerity of Israeli peace Dov Waxman discussing divisions in the U.S. Jewish community over Israel during a talk at Temple Israel Portsmouth. intentions. The right opposed Oslo and proposals to divide Jerusalem. Whereas Israel was the "glue" holding the Jewish community together, Waxman noted that the pro-israel consensus is now eroding" and "the age of unquestioning, uncritical support is over." Changes in American attitudes are reflected in changes in Israel -- political shifts from Labor to Likud, religious shifts from secular to more religious, and Hadassah Members Focus on Israel military shifts from opposing armies to asymmetric guerrilla war. Waxman identifies four factions in the American Jewish debate about Israel: the "far left" believes Zionism is fundamentally undemocratic, supports a single, binational state, and supports BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions); the "center left" promotes a liberal Zionism that accommodates the rights of Palestinians and minorities, believes a two-state-solution is possible and desirable, and supports diplomacy but not BDS; the "center right" supports a two-state-solution but not urgently, feels the risks are too great, and finds Israel blameless; and the "far right" supports annexing the West Bank for religious, nationalist, and security reasons and believes the conflict is not about land but a larger conflict between Islam and the West. These differences can be so acrimonious and polarizing that synagogues and community centers avoid talking about Israel, and films and speakers are scrutinized for views that might be too provocative. While Waxman says that Americans are not in a position to change what Israel does, the Diaspora does have an important participant role to play. We are more than passive observers. If we work toward understanding our differences, not just "scoring points," we may be better able to support Israel in ways that are helpful Dov Waxman's talk was sponsored by the TIP Israel Affairs Committee and made possible by the TIP Cultural Endowment Fund and a grant from the Jewish Federation of NH. Trouble in the Tribe is available online and in local bookstores. Manchester On May 4, the Manchester Chapter of Hadassah held its monthly chapter meeting and member Judith Shapiro gave a talk about her recent trip to Israel. She discussed the physical changes and growth of Israel, comparing her trips in the 70s to the present time. A few chapter members volunteered at the NH4Israel 5K Run/3K Walk for Healing road race on Sunday, May 7, at the Pinkerton Academy in Derry. The weather was perfect for the 120 participants running/walking. The race will benefit Hadassah Hospital and relief teams by raising funds for the purchase of an AccuVein, a life-saving vein viewing system that would be useful in trauma cases with loss of blood and collapsed veins. After the race, there was food, music, dancing, a silent auction drawing, and awarding of medals. Carol Greenfield, Resource Chair for Hadassah Northeast, won a medal for the fastest run in her age group. The race was a great opportunity to educate the public about Hadassah and its medical center, research, and programs. The next chapter meeting of Manchester Hadassah will be held on Thursday, July 6, at 7 PM, at 1400 Front Street, Manchester, in the community room. All are welcome to attend. Dr. Meir Liebergall, Chairman of the Hadassah Medical Organization s (HMO) Orthopedic Department and head of HMO s Musculo-Skeletal Medicine Division, reported that surgeons performed the world s first-ever dual robotic surgery at Jerusalem s Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. The three-hour spinal surgery to repair six fractured vertebrae took place in the state-of-the-art underground hybrid operating theater at Hadassah s Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower. The robotics systems used transformed spine surgery from freehand procedures to highly accurate procedures that may reduce fluoroscopy, even for minimally invasive surgery, scoliosis, and other spinal deformity cases. They enable smoother, swifter, troublefree patient positioning and execution procedures. Hadassah thanks Dr. Liebergall and his brilliant surgical team for continuing Hadassah volunteers assisted at the May 7 Run for Healing: (left to right) Louise Borke, president of the Merrimack Valley Chapter; Michele Bank, president of the Manchester Chapter; Carol Sternberg; and Linda Feinberg. Hadassah s mission of bringing groundbreaking medical care to the people of Israel. For more information about Hadassah, please contact Michele Bank at michele.bank@gmail.com or Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 15

16 By Linda McGrath Derry After running 5Ks for a few years, I dreamed of organizing a 5K for Israel, to raise needed funds and, more importantly, to educate folks about the country that I am passionate about. Our grassroots organization, NH4Israel, is now 11 years old. Our accomplishments are many, from the 2011 Stand with Israel Rally in Manchester that drew a crowd of 500 to the many other rallies, dozens of lecturers and films across the state, and much more. Over 2,000 total attendees have benefited and gained knowledge about the modern State of Israel from NH4Israel s activities and programs. When May 7 arrived after a weekend of torrential rain, the weather cleared and it was a picture perfect day. We set up the registration, food, and raffle prize tables, and we hung 12 beautiful banners showcasing the beauty of Israel. NH4Israel and Hadassah had tables full of information about Israel. James and Gayle O Hare of Israel My Delight provided the beautiful music, and we danced the hora before and after the race. The turn- NH4Israel Raises $4,600 for Hadassah Hospital out exceeded our expectations, with over 120 participants, as well as additional volunteers and supporters. We ran out of registration forms, but we will be prepared next year at the 2nd Annual Run & Walk for Healing! What I love about 5K events is the people. Everyone comes to share the day, get outside, and have fun, and this crowd was the best! The blowing of the shofars got everyone s attention, and Brian Grodman then read a commendation from Gov. Chris Sununu and told the crowd a few facts about Israel. He explained Hadassah Hospital s need to obtain the AccuVein device (which this Run/Walk raised funds for), its treatment of all patients, regardless of race or religion, and its efforts as a bridge to peace. Israel is a first responder around the world, and it was one of the only countries to respond to the 9/11 tragedy. Sonia Campeanu, an NH4Israel member from Israel, has a direct relationship with the staff at Hadassah Hospital and was the impetus for this being our fundraising goal. Her daughter,tivan Casavant, a new mother of twin boys, was the The crowd gathers before the start of the Race for Healing. A shofar blower heralds the start of the Run for Healing. top female finisher, and the twins, David and Daniel, pushed by their grandparents, joined us for the walk (they were a big hit). On a personal note, what made the day even more special was that all my cousins and my niece Alana drove north from Connecticut to support the cause. This year s Run for Healing netted $2,300 and NH4Israel matched that amount, for a total of $4,600, meaning we still need a little over $1,000 to buy the Accuvein machine for Hadassah Hospital. This interfaith event was supported by many groups, including The William Einhorn Interfaith Education Fund, Israel My Delight, Hadassah, Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, Christians & Jews United for Israel, Etz Hayim Synagogue, Church of the Transfiguration, CAMERA, Congregation Beth Israel, St. Peter s Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, First Parish Church, Temple Betenu, Word of Life Christian Fellowship, Temple Israel - Manchester, New Vision Church - Concord, Portsmouth Believers Church, Chabad of New Hampshire, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and Congregation Ahavas Torah - Stoughton. We hope next year to have more supporters! Thank you to the generous donors who contributed food, free products, and raffle prizes to help make this fundraiser a success: Walmart, Market Basket, Dunkin Donuts, Pepsi-Cola, Caesario s, BJ s, Runner s Alley, Adore Skin Care, Home Depot, 99 Restaurant, Bertucci s, Bare Minerals, NH Motor Speedway, Mount Sunapee, Loudon Country Club, Chucksters Family Fun Park, Hoodkroft Country Club, Linda Gerson, Linda McGrath, Dave's Septic, and Lev HaOlam. You can also support Israel by buying a monthly surprise box of merchandise from businesses in Israel that need our support at LevHaOlam.com -- it s fun! My deepest gratitude to everyone who helped and participated. Be sure to sign up for our weekly updates of upcoming events at NH4Israel.org. PAGE 16 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

17 By Paul Etkind Upper Valley Jewish Community Annual Dinner Honors Members Hanover The Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) held its annual dinner and awards ceremony on May 7 at the Roth Center in Hanover. The evening began with a guest cantorial soloist, Jodi Blankstein, singing a mix of secular and spiritual songs. Blankstein earned her certificate in Jewish liturgical music from Hebrew College in She has been the cantorial soloist over the past nine years at Temple Habonim, in Barrington, RI; Temple Emanuel in Andover, MA; and Temple Beth El Center in Belmont, MA. For the past four years, she has been the cantorial soloist at Congregation Shalom in Chelmsford, MA, and has a part-time role at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, MA. She was accompanied by her son, Zach, on the guitar. Zach is 18 years old and has been playing guitar since he was five. He is the regional song leader for the North American Federation of Temple Youth. He is also a song leader at Camp Eisner in the Berkshires and at Temple Elohim in Wellesley. Together, they ended the opening set with a rendition of Leonard Cohen s Hallelujah that had the audience in goosebumps. Rabbi Edward Boraz remarked afterward that the songs brought to life G-d s instruction to make unto me a sanctuary. Rabbi Boraz opened the next portion of the program, which focused on community awards. His remarks continued with a focus on community building. The history of the Jewish people has been the story of transmitting our beliefs, values, and culture from generation to generation. Much of that transmission occurs by the work of people behind the scenes. Rabbi Boraz asked the attendees to think about how they might join in the unseen but vital work and about how each of us can bring others into participating in this vital work. The Shem Tov Award was given to Lori Hirschfield for her many contributions to the UVJC and to the community at large. At the UVJC, Lori has been a teacher in the Hebrew School, where she touched many lives; she has been on the UVJC Award winners (from left) Maddie Cooper, UVJC President Rusty Sachs, and Lori Hirschfield. Social Action Committee; and she is a member of the Board of Directors. Among her other attributes, she makes the best gefilte fish, is very caring, has a great heart, and is empathetic, never afraid of taking on a challenge, organized, strong-willed, and very vocal about what is right. In accepting the award, Lori spoke of how she initially became involved with the UVJC. After she accepted a job in Hartford, VT, in 1996, she wanted to become connected with the local Jewish community. She took a job in the Hebrew School as a first-grade teacher. That work connected her with l dor vador (from generation to generation). When I walk through the door, it s home for me. A special award of thanks was given to the outgoing education director, Maddie Cooper, who is leaving to begin her rabbinic studies in Israel. A graduate of Hanover High School, she joined the Hebrew School staff as a teacher when she entered Dartmouth College. She became the Education Director last year. Her excitement with teaching and Jewish life excited the students here, and this community believes with pride that Maddie will do the same for other communities as a rabbi. The evening ended with Jodi and Zach Blankstein playing another set of spiritual and secular music. 8 Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 17

18 Barbara S. Morgenstern Gilford It is with intense sadness that Temple B nai Israel shares the news of the passing of our dear friend, amazing mentor, inspiration, and pillar of our community, Barbara Morgenstern. Barbara S. Morgenstern of Gilford, and formerly of McLean, Virginia, and Lexington, Massachusetts, died suddenly and unexpectedly on May 9. She was born on Oct. 14, She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyone she encountered. She often said she tried to impact the lives of others, one person at a time. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John C. Morgenstern; her sons, Jeffrey D. and wife Roberta of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Daniel C. of Tempe, Arizona; and her adoring grandchildren, Ariel, Anpao, Chelsea, Leah, and Max. She was predeceased by her son, Andrew S. of Eugene, Oregon; and grandson, Stephen. Services were held on Friday, May 12, in Temple B'nai Israel in Laconia. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory may be made to Temple B'nai Israel, 210 Court St., Laconia, NH 03246, Make-A-Wish, org; or The Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Book Review Reviewed by Merle Carrus As I look out the window of my home in the suburbs, I see two turkeys run through my yard. There are no close neighbors that I can see. But, like the characters in Tova Mirvis's book, Visible City (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014), I still love to speculate about what other people are doing in the privacy of their own lives. I have come to the understanding during my adult life that many times what I imagine is not the truth about another person's life. Nina is the stereotypical career woman, who decides to stay home and raise her young children, three-year-old Max and his baby sister. She is confused and lonely. While her husband Jeremy continues his law work with the fancy real estate law firm, she is home folding laundry and going to the park, meeting other frustrated stayat-home mothers in New York City. At night, Nina can look out her apartment window at the building across the alley and can watch the lives of others in their apartments without them being aware of her existence. Over a period of time, she follows the lives of Leon and Claudia across the way, watching what Visible City: A Well-Crafted Character Study she interprets as a loving, quiet couple at home in the evenings. One evening, she sees a young woman and man arguing and then having sex in the window. She imagines the scenario that is playing out. This turns out to be Emma, Leon and Claudia's adult daughter, and her fiancé having an argument before he goes off on a business trip. Later, Nina crosses paths with Leon and Emma. She discovers that the story she created about their lives is not at all their reality. Leon is a self-centered psychologist, and his wife Claudia is an art historian who has been trying to write about stained glass windows. She is frustrated with her work and is hoping to live through her daughter, encouraging Emma to finish her dissertation. Emma is losing interest in her work and wants to try something new, but is unsure about letting her parents down. Just as Nina is searching for meaning in her life, so are all the other characters she encounters. Her friend and fellow stay-at-home mom Wendy, who left a career to raise two children, is always trying to show perfection, both in her children and herself. She cannot bear to think that she is not the model mother with two exemplary children. Nina constantly feels inadequate in comparison. As we read on and these characters lives start to intersect, we can see how not only don't we really know the people around us, but it is really hard to delve into ourselves and really get to understand who we are, what we want and need, and how rarely we achieve the goals set out for us by our parents and ourselves. Showing her readers what life is like in New York City, Mirvis provides scenes of everyday life: traveling in the subway and the lost subway stops; mothers gathering in coffee shops with their children; the tearing down of historic buildings, making way for new skyscrapers, each one taller than the last. Mirvis examines the interesting stained glass windows of John LaFarge and the hidden subway stops that have been left intact underground. In an interview, Tova Mirvis spoke about the stained glass windows as being impenetrable. You need to shine a light on them to see the full beauty of the window, just as people are opaque and you can only see a part of them. Though there are no direct references to Judaism in this novel, Tova said that the characters are Jewish, and there was no decision to not write a book that was centered around the religion. "There were Jewish parts that I arrived at along the way one character was raised Orthodox but no longer is, and this leave-taking impacts the choices he makes in the novel. Throughout the book, many of my characters are Jewish, though this isn t mentioned explicitly." This novel is a reflection of the author, as have been her other novels, and the characters have some of the qualities and issues that she is facing in her own life. Tova said in an interview with the Jewish Book Council, "Even in a novel that is ostensibly about other things, where my Jewish identity and interests are less prominent, I feel the Jewish part of myself present here as well... My Jewish self has always been inextricable from my writing self." This is a wonderful character study novel. You can find yourself in one or more characters, and as the reader, on the outside, it is easy to see what the characters themselves are missing as they negotiate through their lives. Tova Mirvis is the author of three novels: Visible City, The Outside World, and The Ladies Auxiliary, which was a national bestseller. Her essays have appeared in various anthologies and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Boston Globe Magazine, and Poets and Writers, and her fiction has been broadcast on National Public Radio. She lives in Newton, MA, with her three children. PAGE 18 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

19 By Arkadi Rosenson, as told to his relative, Arthur Vidro My mother, Musa Bas Avraham, was born in 1913 in the Ukraine town of Krivoy Rog. My mother had eight sisters, no brothers. They used to have their own farm. My mother attended cheder. She was fluent in Yiddish -- reading it, writing it, and speaking it. My mother told me a story about when the Cossacks came to the village to do a pogrom. The men from the village came to meet them with money to pay them off. The Cossacks said, Next year, same time. Then the Revolution came, and Bolsheviks came to the village and took away the farmland. That is how the family ended up in Moscow. Eventually, my mother got married. During World War II, the family was evacuated to Siberia, where I was born. After the war we came back to Moscow. As a child, I was admitted to a pres- Leaving Russia: Memories of a Soviet Jew Émigré tigious art school. My mother was very supportive of my art studies. After Stalin died (1953), Khrushchev took over. There was a big exhibition in Moscow of contemporary art. Khrushchev came to see it. He asked one of the artists, Why do you paint this way? The artist answered, This is how I see the subject. Khrushchev said, If you see so bad, why do you paint? The next day the exhibition was closed down. I saw the sign that to be an artist was not for me. The government was telling artists what to paint and how to paint. I followed the career of my older brother and became a dentist. In 1972 a friend who had emigrated invited me to join him. With his sponsorship, I applied for a visa to go to Israel. During this time, Nixon came to Russia to discuss trade -- Russia would give up Jews for wheat. Thanks to all of you, I was a product of this trade. In December 1972, after long months The Aeroflot ticket that Arkadi Rosenson used to leave the Soviet Union. of waiting, I got permission to leave Russia. I told my Jewish coworkers and Jewish patients I was leaving to go to Israel. Many people begged me to sponsor them when I got to Israel. I did not refuse them. (Remember, there was no Israeli embassy in Moscow at this time.) I told each of them to take papers that they used to roll tobacco, and write clearly their name, address, and date of birth. Write if for each member of the family, and roll the paper tightly. In Yiddish it is called Make a kwittel. I told them if I got caught, we would all be in trouble. Our mazel was that my mother was a good seamstress. She took my coat, removed the lining, and inserted all the kwittels into the linings of my coat and suit. When I was leaving Russia, I did not carry anything but my clothes and two bottles of Stoli vodka from the duty-free shop. Customs asked me, What do you have to declare? I said two bottles. I told them to help themselves if they wanted. They looked at each other and said okay. Vodka re-possessed. They frisked me without giving me a hard time. All the stress was gone after I got onto the plane. I felt like a modern Moses leading his people to the Holy Land. The flight attendant offered me a drink. Double it, I said. I need it. My mission was accomplished. After I landed in Vienna, Austria, the organization Sachnud took care of me by placing me in their quarters. They asked me if I knew any Jews who wanted to leave the country. I told them to take my coat and suit, and get me different clothes to continue my journey to Israel. Arkadi Rosenson lives in Roslyn Heights, NY; his relative, Arthur Vidro, lives in Claremont, NH. Letters to the Editor may be sent to thereporter@jewishnh.org. Letters must be signed with full name and address. Do you live in Keene, Laconia, Bethlehem, Hanover, or another NH community and want to help produce the Jewish Reporter? We are looking for people all over the state who are interested in writing about their local Jewish community. To get involved, contact thereporter@jewishnh.org The Soviet passport of Arkadi Rosenson. Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 19

20 Want to see your organization s photos here? Send them to thereporter@jewishnh.org. Cantor Shira and the K/1 students dancing on the bima during a Temple Beth Jacob song session. Members of Etz Hayim Synagogue and interfaith friends from the Derry Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration participated in the Run for Healing on May 7 in Derry. Pictured are (L to R): EHS member Bonnie Leshin, DCOFT s Rev. Ray Bonin, DCOFT treasurer Connie Morton-Ewbank, DCOFT member Ray Morton-Ewbank, DCOFT senior warden Margaret Mackie-Ciancio, and EHS members Linda Leventhal McGrath and Laurie Kagan Medrek. Etz Hayim's Board of Directors had a very productive and useful training session facilitated by URJ's Jeremy Wolfe, PhD., on Sunday, May 7, from 8 AM to 1 PM. Jacob "Spike" Kraus, Temple Beth Jacob's visiting musical artist, gets some help from some of the youngest students and madrichim for an on-stage song! The Temple Beth Jacob 7th Grade and madrichot helpers take part in baking at the Friendly Kitchen for Sunday night supper. Udi Goren had a great time meeting with Sunday School students at Congregation Betenu on April 30. On May 2, Etz Hayim Synagogue s women s group ( the FAB ) met at the home of Laurie Medrek to learn to make mandelbrot and learn some Yiddish. Shitarayn, Laurie explained, means, If you know the basic ingredients, don t be so worried about precise measuring: just throw it in! PAGE 20 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

21 JFNH Tributes Kushner-Tumen Family Fund for Children Norm and Andy Kushner to Ronald Allard and family in memory of his mother, Florence Norm and Andy Kushner to Susan Caplan and family in memory of her father, Edward Kaufman Norm and Andy Kushner to Jeffrey and Lee Forgosh in honor of their granddaughter Ella s Bat Mitzvah Norm and Andy Kushner to Bernie Gasser wishing him a speedy recovery Norm and Andy Kushner to Dr. Terri Ponn and family in memory of her father, Dick Cooper Norm and Andy Kushner to Robert Singer in memory of his son, Jordan PJ Library Allison Doyle Received by May 10, 2017 Make your check payable to Jewish Federation of NH and mail with this form to: Jewish Federation of NH 66 Hanover St., Suite 300, Manchester, NH See what s happening in the community at Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 21

22 AUTOBODY REPAIR Prestige Auto Body, Inc. 200 Frontage Rd., Manchester (603) Put your body in good hands! DENTAL SERVICES ENDODONTICS Douglas J. Katz, DMD, PC Katz Endodontics 1310 Hooksett Rd., Hookset (603) GENERAL DENTISTRY Henniker Family Dentistry 144 Hall Ave. Henniker, NH (603) Sarah K. Katz, DMD Bow Family Dentistry 514 South St., Bow (603) See what s happening in the community at Richard Kudler, DMD 97 West Merrimack St., Manchester (603) drkudler@kudler.com Heidi Lindner Kurland, MS, DMD Lindner Dental Assoc., PC 72 South River Rd Bedford, NH (603) Rochelle H. Lindner, DMD Lindner Dental Assoc., PC 72 South River Rd Bedford, NH (603) David Shane, DMD Lindner Dental Assoc., PC 72 South River Rd Bedford, NH (603) Elizabeth Sandler Spindel, DMD Victoria Spindel Rubin, DMD 862 Union St., Manchester (603) ORTHODONTICS Gary S. Lindner, DMD, DMSc. Lindner Dental Assoc., PC 72 So. River Rd., Bedford (603) Tracy Pogal-Sussman, MS, DMD Lindner Dental Assoc., PC 72 So. River Rd., Bedford (603) PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Luis S. Englander, DMD Lindner Dental Assoc., PC 72 So. River Rd., Bedford (603) James B. Haas, DDS Haas Dental Associates 4 Manchester Ave. Derry, NH (603) Gary S. Lindner, DMD, DMSc. Lindner Dental Assoc., PC 72 So. River Rd., Bedford (603) FINANCIAL SERVICES CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS Daniel Cohen, CFP CEO & Chief Investment Officer Cohen Investment Advisors, LLC 264 South River Rd., Suite 422, Bedford (603) Mark B. Severs, CFP, Financial Advisor The Hanover Group at Morgan Stanley 203 Heater Road, Lebanon, NH (603) Mark.B.Severs@morganstanley.com Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC MBR SIPC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Penchansky & Co., PLLC Certified Public Accountants 70 Stark Street, Manchester, NH David Penchansky, CPA davidp@penchansky.com (603) JUDAICA JUDAICA BOOKS AND GIFTS Israel Book Shop, Inc. New England s Judaica superstore 1 day shipping to N.H. 410 Harvard St. Brookline, MA , Toll Free LEGAL SERVICES ATTORNEYS Devine Millimet Steven Cohen, Esq., LLM scohen@dmb.com (603) Estate Planning, Corporate, Business Sales and Acquisitions 111 Amherst St., Manchester PERSONAL INJURY LAW Stephen E. Borofsky, Esq. Borofsky, Amodeo-Vickery & Bandazain. P.A. 708 Pine Street, Manchester (603) sborofsky@e-atty.net (MEDICAL SERVICES PLASTIC SURGERY Robert Feins, MD 144 Tarrytown Road, Manchester (603) PRINTING SERVICES NH Print & Mail Service Kevin Boyarsky 30 Terrill Park Dr., Concord info@nhprintmail.com (603) VIDEO PRODUCTION Russell Wolff Productions Audio/Video/Web Capturing your Mitzvahs rwvidpro@gmail.com SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Reporter! Advertise in our Business & Professional Services Directory. Call JFNH office at or contact one of our sales reps. Michelle Harrison (603) RunFree94@yahoo.com Rachel Spierer (603) rachel3rdlife@gmail.com PAGE 22 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017

23 Alan J Green, MD Certified Mohel lnxun kvun Over 38 years of experience in New England Over 39 years of experience in New England Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA PLUMBING HEATING COOLING WATER SYSTEMS Master Lic# 2408C Service Eric M. is our LaFleur Business Jonathan E. Baron Fax Essex Street, 257 Bridge Suite Street 709 Manchester, Phone: NH Haverhill, info@tromblyplumbing.com MA SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Reporter! Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA Help the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire sustain a vibrant and safe Jewish community in NH and beyond. Make your gift to the Campaign at Keeping you connected enews jewishnh.org 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAM Free and confidential Emergency financial assistance Aging and eldercare issues Lifeline devices Linkage and Referral Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA Eric M. LaFleur Jonathan E. Baron 143 Essex Street, Suite 709 Phone: Haverhill, MA Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter PAGE 23

24 PAGE 24 The New Hampshire Jewish Reporter Sivan-Av 5777 June-July 2017