Some area congregations open, others remain virtual David Moss designscautiously Grace After Meals in comic book form for p. now 22 p. 13
THE DAYTON Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton
July 2020 Tammuz/Av 5780 Vol. 24, No. 11
OBSERVER
The Miami Valley’s Jewish Monthly • Online at daytonjewishobserver.org Marshall Weiss
What we can do
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID DAYTON, OHIO PERMIT NO. 59
An interview with Dayton Unit NAACP President Derrick L. Foward
Woman punches armed ‘supremacist’ in Oregon District
6
Screenshot of video by Jay Lynnixx Darko
In front of Salar, Oregon District, May 30
A divide on defunding police
7
Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images
N.Y. police officers guard Union Temple, Brooklyn
Virtual Film Fest wraps up
Address Service Requested
Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton 525 Versailles Drive Dayton, OH 45459
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Menemsha Films
Those Who Remained
DAYTON Contributed
Dr. David Novick, his wife, Jane (L), and their daughter Elana were among the dozens to participate in the White Coats for Black Lives rally at Dayton’s Courthouse Square, June 7
Sam Dorf
Sam Dorf
We’re six feet apart, but heart to heart.
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Dayton Jewish Community Relations Council Director Marcy L. Paul and her son, Isaac Narrett, participate in Oakwood’s Black Lives Matter rally, June 11 at the Wright Memorial Library
Oakwood resident Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg of Beth Abraham Synagogue, addresses Oakwood’s Black Lives Matter rally. Beth Abraham is also located in Oakwood. Rally co-organizer Sam Dorf said, ‘I hope we all find ways for each of us to play our own part in making Oakwood a more welcoming, more inclusive, and more just city for its residents, its employees, and those that visit: if they are shopping, playing in our parks, or just driving through. Peter Wine
Patrons who came to the JCC Dayton Jewish Film Fest Opening Night at Dixie Twin Drive-In June 9 were greeted at the ticket booth by JCC Program Administrator Amy Dolph (L) and Jewish Federation Project Manager Jodi Phares. After a downpour and even a rainbow behind the screen, carloads of socially-distanced moviegoers saw Heading Home: A Tale of Team Israel on the big screen. The festival continues virtually for free through July 2. For information on the remaining films, go to jewishdayton.org/program/daytonjewish-film-festival.
IN THIS ISSUE A Bisel Kisel.......................................15
O b i t u a r i e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 8
Family Education............................18
O p i n i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Mr. Mazel...........................................14
Re l i g i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 2
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
DAYTON
What we can do
Marshall Weiss
An interview with Dayton Unit NAACP Pres. Derrick L. Foward We need to learn from one another and understand one another, and understand where we come from. When I think back to the early 1900s, the NAACP was founded by a multi-racial, multi-generational, multi-cultural group of activists. We have to study our history. That’s one of the main things that needs to happen. We need to study each other’s history because we coexist together and have done so, especially since the early 1900s. Rabbi David Lefkowitz, who was a leading Jewish leader, he was one of the founding With the frustration in the members of the Dayton Unit wake of George Floyd’s murder, and all the protests against NAACP back in 1915. The African American comviolence and racism toward munity and the African AmeriJewish commucans, how can we nity are really cut Jews in Dayton from the same be the best poscloth. You are sible allies to persecuted just Dayton’s African like African American ComAmericans are munity? persecuted. Not The first thing just persecuted we need to do is but slaughtered to hear from the just like we were Jewish communislaughtered. So ty: what are your we need to understand our areas of concern during these history. challenging times? We need to African Americans have alstart a conversation, a dialogue. ways patronized Jewish-owned We need to have a dialogue right now, especially leading up businesses. So to give back financially to the African Amerito Nov. 3rd’s 2020 election. We probably need to have a month- can community, it would be very helpful. To help educate, ly dialogue on what issues are enlighten, enhance the overall facing the Jewish community living experience for all. that are intermingled with the We need to use technology African American Community. By Marshall Weiss The Observer Now in his 14th year as president of the Dayton Unit NAACP, Derrick L. Foward announced June 8 the civil rights organization’s eight-point proposal for Montgomery County police departments and the sheriff’s office, “to build and sustain safety, employment opportunities, and equity within and across communities.” Foward was born in Kettering and raised in Jefferson Township. He is a program manager with Speedway.
‘We have to study our history. That’s one of the main things that needs to happen.’
Bark Mitzvah Boy
out there like Zoom to start interacting with one another immediately. I don’t want to look at this as what can the Jewish community do for the African American community. I want to look at it as: what can we do with each other to make an impact financially, educationally, religiously. And when I think about religion, maybe we need to do more than just once a year during Black History Month. Because it’s all about building relationships. During Black History Month, we normally worship together. Also, when it comes down to our relationship, to provide job opportunities. If you are in leadership positions, whether it’s in the healthcare industry, the higher education industry, manufacturing business, engineering — I would encourage you to seek out qualified African Americans to fill some high-level positions. Because they’re out there. On behalf of the Dayton Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, I want to commend one of your Jewish leaders, Deborah Feldman (Dayton Children’s president and CEO), for taking the position that she took with McAfee. I want to commend the decisive action that she took with McAfee Heating and Cooling for totally being insensitive to an African American man who was killed with an officer’s Continued on Page Five
From the editor’s desk
‘Few are guilty, but all are responsible .’ - Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel BMB
c O Menachem
According to Exodus, when the Israelites accepted the Torah, they said, “We will do and we will hear (Ex. 24:7).” These are crucial values to bring to the civil inequities in the U.S. today. Neither acting nor understanding alone will usher in an era of justice. We Marshall need both. Temple Beth Or recently posted a Weiss Facebook video of congregant Renee Neidigh, an African American, sharing her thoughts on racial injustice. “It’s really about taking ownership at this point as Americans, to see that there’s a problem,” Neidigh said, “and recognizing that with that acknowledgement, we need to have these open conversations and dialogue between races. And this will bring out a lot of anger, a lot of frustration — sadness. Don’t shy away from it, it’s a process. And you’ll be that vessel, and that will also promote learning and education, and compassion. This could be protesting and posting, especially with social media. It’s a huge platform, especially during this time, during Covid. And so, this will tell your network of family and friends who you are and what you stand for. And what you won’t stand for. And voting, at a local level. This is not going to be overnight. Systematic oppression took hundreds of years. But this will start that healing within the community.”
‘Maybe we need to do more than just once a year during Black History Month,’ says Dayton Unit NAACP President Derrick L. Foward
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OY VEY
5K
DAYTON
THE DAYTON
Antisemitic vandalism found at The Greene Contributed
OBSERVER daytonjewishobserver.org Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-610-1555
Our run/walk has gone virtual!
Contributors Scott Halasz, Masha Kisel, Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin, Candace R. Kwiatek Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com Proofreader Rachel Haug Gilbert Billing Sheila Myers, SMyers@jfgd.net 937-610-1555 Observer Advisor Martin Gottlieb
virtual
OY V�Y 5K If there ever was a year to say "OY VEY," it is 2020. Fortunately, the Oy Vey 5k is still here for you, but this year you get to pick the course! Run or walk in your neighborhood, visit your favorite park, take laps in your backyard, or even hop on that treadmill for your 3.1 miles. We are with you for every step, bringing all of the fun and swag without the large crowd hassle.
RACE DETAILS Registration for the virtual event opens soon visit tidayton.org/festival/oy-vey-5k/ for more details. You choose the best time to run or walk between August 2 - 9.
ENTRY FEES $25 Registration Fee $15 add-on for an awesome t-shirt and medal (must be registered by July 24)
All proceeds from the race will benefit Temple Israel’s Social Action Fund which supports programs and activities designed to positively impact the entire community. We appreciate your continued support in these unprecedented times.
Temple Israel www.tidayton.org 937.496.0050 130 Riverside Drive, Dayton, OH 45405 A Reform Synagogue open to all who are interested in Judaism. PAGE 4
Lake Miller and his dog, Rosie in front of the concrete spillway that was covered over as of June 9, when this photo was taken. Graffiti is still on the ground.
By Jane Kaufman, Cleveland Jewish News Swastikas, Jewish stars, and other symbols of hate were painted on a concrete spillway on the property of The Greene Town Center in Beavercreek. Lake Miller, who lives near The Greene, noticed the graffiti June 6 as he walked his dog in the area. He said the concrete spillway “had been totally covered in graffiti, including swastikas and like incredibly profane language. The Jewish star was there among the swastikas.” Miller took photos and reached out to the management of The Greene to ask whether the spillway was on its property. He was told the management would take care of the graffiti. On the evening of June 7, the offensive images had been covered over, he said. “Within 48 hours, it’s been completely covered up,” Miller said, “which to me makes me feel good supporting them, knowing that they want to make sure that hatred is taken care of quickly.” A member of Temple Israel, Miller is a program manager for Dayton’s National Conference for Community and Justice, focusing on youth programs. Marcy L. Paul, director of Dayton’s Jewish Community Relations Council, said she learned of the graffiti the morning of June 8 and emailed Beavercreek Mayor Bob Stone. He answered within the hour. “It is my understanding that the area affected has been or is to be painted, either by the owners of The Greene, or by a local arts center that desires to paint a mural,” Stone wrote her. “I’m certain an update will be soon to follow.” Paul said she hoped Olshan Properties, the owner of The Greene, would file a police report so the incident would be logged by the Anti-Defamation League as an antisemitic incident. She also said she did not think a mural would help prevent graffiti. “Any act of violence is a threat,” Paul said. Tiffany Clark of Dayton, who runs Mural Machine, said a person from Beavercreek reached out to her offering to underwrite a mural to cover the spillway floor and wall as a way to reclaim the space. Tabitha Clark, owner of Decoy Art Center in Beavercreek, for whom Clark works, said she has asked for and received permission from city officials about gaining permission for the mural.
Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Bruce Feldman President David Pierce Immediate Past Pres. Dr. Heath Gilbert Pres. Elect/Treas. Beverly Louis Secretary Dan Sweeny VP, Resource Dev. Mary Rita Weissman VP, Personnel/ Foundation Chair Cathy Gardner CEO The Dayton Jewish Observer, Vol. 24, No. 11. The Dayton Jewish Observer is published monthly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, a nonprofit corporation, 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459. Views expressed by columnists, in readers’ letters, and in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff or layleaders of The Dayton Jewish Observer or the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. Acceptance of advertising neither endorses advertisers nor guarantees kashrut. The Dayton Jewish Observer Mission Statement To support, strengthen and champion the Dayton Jewish community by providing a forum and resource for Jewish community interests. Goals • To encourage affiliation, involvement and communication. • To provide announcements, news, opinions and analysis of local, national and international activities and issues affecting Jews and the Jewish community. • To build community across institutional, organizational and denominational lines. • To advance causes important to the strength of our Jewish community including support of Federation agencies, its annual campaign, synagogue affiliation, Jewish education and participation in Jewish and general community affairs. • To provide an historic record of Dayton Jewish life.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
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Foward Continued from Page Three
tired. We’re tired of being sick and tired of this happening to one race of people.
knee on his neck. I want your Jewish community to know that we appreciate her leadership.
At this time, do you think real change for the better is possible, with what you see going on right now? Absolutely. I am always optimistic. And with the worldwide attention this is getting, if this world doesn’t come to grapple with race relations and deal with race relations at face value after this death on national television, maybe the end of the world is coming.
In relation to other cities across the United States, how does Dayton stack up when it comes to racism against African Americans? We have a long way to go. There is still the racial divide in technology, there’s still a racial divide in healthcare. We lost a hospital right here in the city of Dayton, where one of our local pastors — had Good Samaritan Hospital not been there — would have died. He was seconds away from death. But because that hospital was there, the Lord spared his life. With this Covid-19, having that hospital would surely fit the good bill right now with all the cases right here in Montgomery County. Derrick L. Foward Is this the most challenging situation you’ve faced as Dayton NAACP’s president? No. I can’t say that because we’ve seen these moments in history before: time after time after time, again. And what’s so enlightening about what’s going on today in light of George Floyd’s death is that we watched a black man — the world watched a black man — get murdered on national TV by a police officer. The world was stunned. You see people marching all across the world: not statewide not locally not nationally, but worldwide. Because people are sick and
How are you holding up personally? My heart aches. Because when I continue to see black people ruined across this nation simply because of the color of our skin, it’s hurtful. It’s sickening. It’s disgusting. But even though it’s those things, African Americans have always had a resilient spirit and a resilient soul. We know how to face adversity and get through it. Because we’ve done it all our lives: from our parents and grandparents being sharecroppers, picking cotton. My grandfather picked cotton to feed his family. My mother grew up in the deeply segregated South of Anderson, Ala. Our father grew up in the country bumpkin hills of Pikeville, Ky., where his father was a coal miner. Died at an early age trying to feed his family. But I have hope that change is going to come. People are beckoning, crying out for change. This is our young African American people’s Emmett Till moment in history.
Our Actors Take the Risks. You Won’t.
Jewish Community Relations Council presents virtual conversations on racial equity In conjunction with the Dayton YWCA’s 21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge, the Jewish Community Relations Council has launched a series of virtual Community Conversations, Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. in June and July. June 26: Why the 21-Day Challenge for Racial Equity and Social Change? With YWCA Grants and Advocacy Manager Sarah Wolf-Knight and Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton JCRC Director Marcy L. Paul July 10: A Jewish Perspective on Racial Equity and Social Change Facilitated by University of Dayton Associate Professor of Musicology Samuel J. Dorf Panelists: Rabbi Leibel Agar, Beth Jacob Congregation Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz, Temple Israel Rabbi Judy Chessin, Temple Beth Or Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg, Beth Abraham Synagogue July 31: Hearing ‘Real’ and Acting Together Facilitated by The Roberts Family With JCRC Director Marcy L. Paul and JCRC Action Committee Chair Marti Moody Jacobs To register for the challenge and these free programs, go to JewishDayton.org.
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PAGE 5
DAYTON
In Oregon District, woman punches rifle-toting ‘white supremacist’ in face
Screenshots of video by Jay Lynnixx Darko
Tells The Observer she feared another massacre on Fifth Street or that nearby protesters would be shot By Marshall Weiss The Observer Fairborn resident Katie Mae Marshall, as she goes by on Facebook, came to Downtown Dayton by herself around noon on Saturday, May 30 to join hundreds protesting the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police five days before. She never expected to punch a rifle-carrying man in the face in the Oregon District whom she described as a “white supremacist,” or that a passerby’s video of the incident in front of 400 E. Fifth St. would garner more than 76,000 views on Facebook. “I only wanted to protect and help. I don’t condone violence,” the 28-year-old told The Observer. “Dayton just had a massacre in the Oregon District less than a year ago.” It was the night of Aug. 4, 2019 when gunman Connor Stephen Betts fatally shot nine people and injured 17 in front of Ned Peppers Bar in the Oregon District. Dayton Police officers shot and killed Betts within 32 seconds of his first shot. From the initial shock of seeing two men — at least one of them armed — walking west on Fifth Street May 30, all Marshall could think was, “this could turn out bad.” In the video of the incident, one of the two men held a rifle, although Marshall recalled seeing each one holding a rifle.
‘I felt protective’
“I mean it was the Oregon District. I feel protective,” Marshall said. “These are my friends in the Oregon District, but I also felt protective of the other demonstrators.” The two men were walking toward downtown, where demonstrators were. “They were just one block away from the march,” Marshall said of the men. Marshall had first headed to the Oregon District between 4 and 5 p.m. after she protested for hours. “I was walking with everybody and I needed a bit of
PAGE 6
a break,” she said. “Some of my friends were in the Oregon District, so I sat with them while they were waiting for a ride. I had to take the mask off so I could breathe a little bit.” Katie Mae Marshall, as she goes Marshall and the two friends she met sat in a park- by on Facebook, about to punch an armed man in front of Salar, in the ing lot near Lily’s Bistro. Oregon District, May 30 “It was calm,” Marshall An armed man swings his gun after said. “There were people on the patios having beer, dinner, and She asked him, “From what, he was punched in the face by the women center and right in front of such.” from black people?” Salar in the Oregon District, May 30 She and her friends were “And he said yes,” she said. shocked when they saw the two Marshall’s friend who was when I was younger.” men walking on Fifth Street, recording the man in the street She said she doesn’t belong to she said. then made crybaby taunts to any social justice or activist or“Everybody seemed pretty the one with the rifle. Then he ganizations in the Dayton area. visibly uncomfortable,” she entered the street. “There’s a lot that I support, said. “There were people kind Marshall began yelling at the but I’m not part of a particular of calling out to them, like, one holding the rifle. He dared organization.” ‘Why do you have these guns?’ her to hit him. She knocked off When asked if she or any of and such, and it was very his glasses and hat, and then her friends are involved with alarming.” punched him in the nose. Antifa, she said, “Antifa is not The beginning of the byA scuffle in the street folreally an organization, it’s just stander’s video shows the scene lowed. Another friend of on Fifth Street in front of Salar Marshall punched the man with kind of a belief. In my close friends, I would say yes, there Restaurant and Lounge: one the rifle from behind. He then are several of us that…I just of Marshall’s friends is shown swung his rifle by the barrel think that being antifascist is recording the man without the like a baseball bat, gesturing rifle up close with her smartwith the butt of his gun to keep kind of an American ideal. I don’t know what everybody’s phone. Marshall and he then people away. issue is with it.” argued in the street while the “I never planned on hitting But she added that she didn’t man with a rifle remained on anybody,” Marshall said. “Viothe sidewalk in front of Salar. lence is really not in my nature. go downtown with an Antifa mind-set: she wasn’t planning “I called I felt like I him a Nazi,” didn’t have any on any kind of action. She went Marshall said other choice. He in solidarity with the African American community. of the one in the was there for “I believe that being Caucastreet without violence. You the rifle. “I can’t let armed sian and living in this place of privilege, it’s my moral obligasaid, ‘You have men full of tion to be there for the black nothing to do hate walk into community. My position now with anything a crowd. Who is not to lead anything. It’s to down there.’ knows what follow their lead and to lift He said he would have up their voices. They’ve been was just there happened?” silenced for so long and I just to cause trouble. He said I’m She said both of her friends don’t think that we can go back lucky he’s not his grandfather were hit with the butt of the to that anymore, and I don’t because his grandfather would rifle, leaving one with a fracthink that we ever should.” have killed me. He called me a tured hand. Toward the end of the two dyke, possibly a dozen times at “My fist has a small bruise minute, 38 second video, least. That was enough to get on it, and I’m not sure at what Marshall approached the man me a little heated, I guess. I am point I got hit in the face, but without the rifle, who had taken part of the gay community and my nose was a little bit sore. her ball cap in the scuffle. She I have dealt with quite a bit of it And that’s it.” (prejudice) throughout my life, Marshall — who was laid off put her arm around his neck as in high school, and all that. And from her work at a local country if she intended to put him in a sometimes still. We asked, ‘Why club because of Covid-19 — said headlock. Instead, she turned are you carrying guns? Where she’s never been trained in box- to face him, blocked him by the chest, and demanded her hat are you going?’” ing. She had some martial arts back, which he then threw in She said the man with the classes when she was a child. the street. She shoved him back rifle said they were there “to “I’m the youngest out of all protect his country.” the kids, so I got beat up a little and retrieved it.
‘I really just don’t feel like I had an option. It was sort of a last resort-type situation.’
After the scuffle, the armed man watches as the second man gives the Nazi salute and chants ‘white power’ in front of Salar, Oregon District, May 30
The two men then turned down Brown Street to leave, but as bystanders hollered curses at them, the one without the gun returned to the corner, gave the Nazi salute, and chanted “white power.”
ADL weighs in
“It is abhorrent for anybody to show up at these rallies and protest with guns, with the goal of intimidating and scaring protesters who are there to march for racial equality and freedom,” said James Pasch, regional director of the AntiDefamation League’s office in Cleveland, after he reviewed the video. “And to do so in a district and in a city that is still reeling from their own mass shooting is reprehensible.” Over the week that followed, Marshall struggled with what she did but ultimately had no regrets. “I have upset my Mom a lot, something I try to never do,” Marshall said. “She was disappointed that I was violent and she was upset that I put myself in danger. But the more I go through it, the more I realize that I really just don’t feel like I had an option. It was sort of a last resort-type situation.” Marshall said the police showed up and went down an alley in pursuit of the two men. “I stood there on the sidewalk for a little bit just to see if anybody was coming back.” After a few minutes, when nobody did, her friends left with their ride. Marshall headed to the Trolley Stop for a salad, went back out, and stood with the protesters again.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
THE WORLD Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images
Calls to defund the police put Jewish institutions in a tough position
By Ben Sales, JTA When Rabbi Capers Funnye attends a synagogue that’s not his own, he must brace himself for the reaction that he knows will follow after he walks through the door. Even though he comes in wearing a kipah and holding a prayer shawl, Funnye knows that if a security guard or police officer is there, he’ll probably face New York police officers stand guard at Union Temple of extensive questioning because he’s African American. Brooklyn after it was vandalized with graffiti, Nov. 2, 2018 “They need to do whatever they’re most comfortable with,” said Funnye, the rabbi at Beth Shalom B’nai Jewish organizations have a history of working Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation in Chicago, closely with law enforcement, and many see police as regarding security practices at other synagogues. But, friend rather than foe. Jewish leaders have been gratehe added, “If I go to a synagogue where I’m not a guest ful for officers’ quick response to antisemitic attacks, speaker and they don’t have my picture and have it and consistently recommend to local synagogues and advertised, I would be very uncomfortable going into other institutions that they build close relationships a synagogue with armed policemen.” with the police. Josefin Dolsten Interactions between armed police “There is prejudice, there is bias (within police and black Americans have spurred forces). We need to deal with it,” said Abraham a nationwide protest movement Foxman, the former longtime national director of since the murder of George Floyd, an the Anti-Defamation League who established and African American man, in police cusexpanded many of its law enforcement programs. tody in Minneapolis in late May. The Foxman said he supports increased police transmovement has put Jewish instituparency and accountability, “but at the end of the tions in a challenging position: They day, the African American community will need the are inclined to stand with the protest same protection as we do.” movement, but also have built close The ADL is one organization that has tried to ties with law enforcement amid risstraddle the divide. The group has a long record of ing antisemitism, including deadly working for civil rights and has expressed solidarity attacks on Jews in Pittsburgh, Poway, Rabbi Capers Funnye with the protests. It has called for aggressive legislaJersey City, and Monsey. tion against police brutality. It organized a Shabbat “They feel protected and I understand that,” said dedicated to anti-racism. Tamar Manasseh, an African-American rabbinical But the ADL appears to be far from backing calls to student and anti-gun violence activist in Chicago, defund the police, one demand of the protest movereferring to white Jews. “It’s not their fault that they ment that is gaining traction. A photo of two police offeel protected. We just don’t. I think the most important ficers graces the cover of the ADL’s guide titled Protectthing is for them to be sensitive to that, for them to be ing Your Jewish Institution, which recommends engaging aware of that.” with police and other law enforcement dozens of times. She added: “Some of the people you’re being pro“Get to know local law enforcement and get them to tected from are actually people you call friends.” Continued on next page
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THE WORLD
Defunding police
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Continued from previous page know you before there is a problem,” the guide says. “Invite local police officers to use your gym, to join you for an Oneg Shabbat or just to visit your building and get to know it.” The principal organization tasked with coordinating protection for Jewish institutions is the Secure Community Network, or SCN, which was created in 2004 by two national coalitions of Jewish organizations. SCN also sees law enforcement as the first address, and one of the main tools for synagogues, schools, and community centers to turn to when devising a security plan. Its current and past CEOs both come from long careers in law enforcement. SCN often recommends being in touch with the local police department as one of the first steps in any security plan. In a report issued this year about whether synagogues should hire armed guards — a step SCN did not necessarily recommend, and called “not a security strategy or plan on its own” — the group said the best option is to have an on-duty police officer
Jewish community.” present. The group credits law But Masters stressed that anenforcement for preventing further bloodshed in Pittsburgh, tisemitic attacks remain a present threat and that police are a Poway, and Jersey City. key partner in preventing it. Its CEO, Michael Masters, “A very real, very deadly and is a former Department of likely more active threat against Homeland Security official in our community exists,” he said. the Chicago area. Masters said “If we recognize all he supports efforts Andrew Collings/JFNA that and accept that to increase police we need to ensure accountability and the safety and secutransparency in ways rity of the commuthat make black nity and the people Americans safer, who walk into our though he did not go institutions, but there into further detail. are issues with the He said the Jewish organizations that community should provide some of take advantage of its those services, then relationships with SCN CEO, Michael we have a responsilaw enforcement Masters bility to work with to help make that those organizations and instituhappen while also being more tions…to address and correct inclusive of Jews of color. “We have had a perhaps more them.” The ADL also plays a role successful relationship with law in educating police against enforcement than other communities, and if there are things extremism and prejudice. The group says it’s the largest to learn from that or ways we nongovernmental trainer of can leverage that to effectuate law enforcement in the country meaningful change, that will and has trained 150,000 personbenefit other communities,” he nel. Some of the training is on said. “It’s also important for us counterterrorism, but many of to recognize as a community the programs focus on how to that we’re not monolithic. We recognize hate crimes and fight have incredible diversity in the
Let’s thank our first responders who are working tirelessly to help us stay safe and get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Temple Beth Or is partnering with Bernstein’s Fine Catering to provide healthy snack boxes to the staff of hospitals, nursing care facilities, firefighters, and local police houses. These fine workers are often on the run and don’t have time for sit-down meals. Now, they can grab a healthy snack, including fruits and cheeses, crudites, hummus, grilled pita, and dessert.
Each nourishing box will cost $10. We can deliver as many boxes as you order. The more we raise, the more people we can serve, and the more that goes back into our community. Call the Temple office at (937) 435-3400 and commit to as many boxes as you’d like to donate. We will continue this program for as long as we get commitments from you. A portion of the proceeds from this program will also go to Centerville Backpack Program.
Temple Beth Or 5275 Marshall Road Dayton, Ohio 45429 www.templebethor.com 937-435-3400 PAGE 8
Today...and for Generations THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
OPINION implicit bias. One program takes officers to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. to show them how local police during the genocide carried out racist and genocidal policies. The ADL’s Center on Extremism has provided intelligence on extremists to the FBI that has helped lead to arrests. Current ADL officials declined to be interviewed for this article, but the organization did provide a statement from its CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt. “There’s important, deep, systemic work that needs to happen within law enforcement to rebuild trust and prevent tragedies like the murder of George Floyd or Breonna Taylor,” he said. Greenblatt added that the ADL is advocating “for investments in meaningful police reform and broader efforts to address institutional racism in the criminal justice system.” While many recognize the need that Jews feel for security in the wake of antisemitic attacks, advocates for structural police reform say that physical protection must come with extensive conversations and training to ensure that security measures don’t exclude Jews of color. Funnye said that his synagogue on Chicago’s South Side is in touch with police, but relies principally on a network of close relationships across the neighborhood to create a feeling of security. Security “can’t come at the expense of black Jews or other black people,” said Matt Nosanchuk, a former Obama administration liaison to the Jewish community who now heads the New York Jewish Agenda, a progressive advocacy group that supports legislation to reform police. “We need to take a hard look at these relationships and… if we are partnering with law enforcement organizations, we need to make sure that they are observing policies and practices and training that does not turn them into an agent of systemic racism in our country,” he said. Some Jewish activists have joined the call to defund the police. For Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, a New York City group, that means a demand to reduce the $6 billion NYPD budget by at least $1 billion. Leo Ferguson, a black Jewish organizer with the group, says he personally thinks New York City does need an armed municipal security force, but it should be much smaller than what currently exists. And he hopes synagogues will start building alliances with other vulnerable groups in their neighborhoods to provide mutual allyship and security rather than be under armed guard. “The most powerful thing we can do for the safety of the Jewish community is build solidarity and much stronger relationships with other communities that face white nationalism and violence and hate violence,” Ferguson said. “Building allies rather than doubling down on tensions — that’s going to pay long-term dividends in a way that having a cop car parked outside of your synagogue never will.” Carin Mrotz, a Jewish activist in Minneapolis who supported that city’s recent vote to disband the police department, said white Jews may look to police for protection because of a deep-seated — and justified — fear of antisemitism. But she hopes that Jewish institutions can think beyond self-defense to “dream what else is possible beyond what we have right now.” “Part of this is about whiteness and comfort with law enforcement, and part of it is historical, generational trauma and our response to fear which is real,” said Mrotz, executive director of the social justice group Jewish Community Action. “Our fear is often triggered by these attacks, which makes it hard to really dream or focus on the potential for a different world.”
So, what do you think?
I’m a black reverend whose grandfather marched with King and Heschel. Here’s how white Jews can support black people now. Contributed
Denise Truscello/Getty Images
By The Rev. Anthony A. Johnson A lot of my Jewish friends are asking me how they can help and what needs to be done regarding the killing and lynching of individuals and families in the black community, most recently George Floyd. To put yourselves in our shoes for a moment, imagine what the response of the Jewish community would be if George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery or Breonna Taylor were Jewish? No doubt it would reach biblical proportions. One of the main challenges to The author’s grandfather, Rev. N.H. Smith Protesters attend a demonstration interfaith collaboration is that Jr. (L), marches with the Rev. Martin in Las Vegas demanding justice for since every group prioritizes its Luther King Jr. and others in Birmingham the death of George Floyd, May 31 own challenges, we put less work into reciprocity and interfaith collaboration. But those It’s also critically important to denounce any racof us who seek to once again reestablish black-Jewish ist friends that you may have and speak against the relations, we simply must learn to prioritize one anracist Hamans that you personally know. Break any other’s efforts as we do our own. business ties with racist whites and divest from any In order for our respective cultures to understand ventures and capital projects with those individuals or one another’s needs, there must first be real dialogue corporations you know who support racist activity and in order to understand and discover the priorities of expressions, even if it means risking your own finaneach. Each and every day, each and every one of your cial interests. black friends — including me — lives with the real fear Finally, embrace blacks as absolute equals. In the of being killed by police officers. We’d like for Jews words of the writer Benjamin Kweskin, “Be mindful to help us end the killing of innocent blacks with the that your diversity and inclusion isn’t just a eupheexact same fervor, dedication and commitment that mism for tokenism.” White racists view Jews (and all you show toward preserving and defending your own people of color) as the “N-word,” too. But the Jewish families and communities. community has its own unique power to break the My doctoral research shows that in America, while system of white supremacy in America. white Jews were once forced to assimilate to survive, When I attend Jewish solidarity rallies, there are the Jewish community has become one of the most only a handful of blacks amid thousands of Jews. financially successful religious groups in the country. When I attend black solidarity rallies, there are only a I believe that the main reason white racists are killing handful of Jews. If we can have meaningful, robust diablacks right now is because by and large, the black logue, understand one another’s priorities and come community doesn’t pose a credible threat to their ecotogether, when Jewish communities are attacked by nomic security and personal freedoms. antisemites, then the black community will be there for I’m asking the Jewish community to use you. And when injustices occur toward blacks, your political and economic power to help I believe that Jews will in turn be there to supus dismantle institutionalized racism and port our communities en masse as well. end white supremacy, particularly in law We need each other. We can do infinitely enforcement, the courts, and all of society in more to bring about real justice, true freedom general. and democracy if we at last come together as I’m also asking you to be proud of who one people. you are. If you wear a kipah, wear it loud My friends, white supremacy is our comand proud — my black is beautiful. And mon enemy. If we all come together and apply your black is beautiful. Stop trying to pass as Dr. King’s principles of nonviolent protest, white (to those who are white passing) and organize mass economic divestiture, rewrite let yourself experience the “inconvenience” of being policy, change the rule of law, and vote racists out of people of color (which is what you are) even if you’re a office, we can destroy white supremacy in America. fair-skinned Ashkenazi Jew. It’s going to take exactly this type of radical apWe know that there is power in numbers. The truth- proach if real change is what we want. If you’ve ever ful acknowledgment of Jews as people of color will not expressed interest in strengthening black-Jewish relaonly allow you to be your authentic selves, a people tions, now is the time. who protested and subsequently defeated Pharaoh, but it will cause a deep, transformational change in The Rev. Anthony A. Johnson is an ordained minister your hearts toward your black brothers and sisters, of 23 years, long-time civil and human rights activist, understanding the plight of blacks in white America. former Obama Regional Organizer, former Alabama State My friends, we may all be a different hue, but we’re all Representative, and current MLK Scholar/Doctoral Student the same color. at United Theological Seminary.
We need each other.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
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UPCOMING EVENTS Connect with us! Check out our Virtual Events, there's something every week — and more! For more information, check out our calendar at jewishdayton.org. June 30 through July 2 – Film Fest Stream >> Love in Suspenders Thursday, July 2 @ NOON – JCC Happy Hour with Joel Chasnoff Wednesday, July 8 @ 7PM – Antisemitism: EDUCATEADVOCATE-ACT Friday, July 10 @ 8:45AM - NOON – Training Collaborative: Minimizing Our Ethical & Legal Vulnerabilities when Working with Clients Struggling with Trauma Friday, July 10 @ NOON – JCRC & YWCA 21-Day Challenge Community Conversations Friday, July 10 @ 1 - 4:15PM – Training Collaborative: Self-Care and Wellness for Mental Health Providers: The Antidote for Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious Trauma Sunday, July 26 @ 1PM (Noon CDT | 19:00 Budapest) – JCRC Virtual Book Club "Anna and the Swallow Man" Friday, July 31 @ NOON – JCRC & YWCA 21-Day Challenge Community Conversations
Camp Shalom Registration Still Open! Join in on the Summer Fun! Contact JCC Camp Shalom Director Meryl Hattenbach with your questions at mhattenbach@jfgd.net, or register online at jewishdayton.org.
Calling all social workers and counselors...
COMMUNITY TRAINING COLLABORATIVE 2020 SUMMER SERIES IS VIRTUAL! July 10 has two sessions! Check out a full listing for sessions through October online at jewishdayton.org. The 2020 Summer Series is a collaboration between Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, the Family Service Association, Graceworks Lutheran Services, and Jewish Family Services of Greater Dayton. This year’s series offers a total of 18 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)*. Register online through Catholic Social Services of Miami Valley. *While the series is intended for Counselors and Social Workers in order to obtain Continuing Education Credits, topics may be of interest to other professions, and anyone is welcome to register and attend. CEUs are approved for licensed social workers and counselors; others should check their with their appropriate licensing board.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES of GREATER DAYTON PAGE 10
Laugh along with the JCC via Zoom! Register online at jewishdayton.org. Thursday, July 2 @ NOON with comedian Joel Chasnoff Join us when stand-up comedian and writer Joel Chasnoff “performs” his popular online show “Jokes I Can’t Tell In My Act.” THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
July
EDUCATE-ADVOCATE-ACT JCRC Community Conversations
JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES As a collaboration with the YWCA's 21 Day Challenge, JCRC is determined to EDUCATE-ADVOCATE-ACT. Take the challenge with us and RSVP for the community conversations on the following dates: Friday, June 26 @ NOON, via Zoom Why the 21 Day Challenge for Racial Equity and Social Change? Facilitators: Sarah Wolf-Knight, YWCA Grants and Advocacy Manager & Marcy L. Paul, PhD, Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton's JCRC Director
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T H E DAY TO N J E W I S H F I L M F E ST I VA L S I N C E R E LY T H A N KS T H E F O L LOW I N G F O R T H E I R SUPPORT
Friday, July 10 @ NOON, via Zoom A Jewish Perspective on Racial Equity and Social Change Facilitator: Samuel J. Dorf, PhD, Associate Professor University of Dayton Panelists: Rabbi Leibel Agar - Beth Jacob Congregation Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz - Temple Israel Rabbi Judy Chessin - Temple Beth Or Visit jewishdayton.org to Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg - Beth Abraham Synagogue
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Wednesday, July 8 @ 7PM on Zoom Antisemitism: EDUCATE-ADVOCATE-ACT As follow up meeting to the viewing of "Viral: Antisemitism and its Four Mutations", we are gathering information and ideas for advocacy and action towards the growing threat of antisemitism.
Renate Frydman Rochelle & Michael Goldstein Cultural Arts Fund of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Dayton Robert and Vicky Heuman Joseph and Marsha Johnston Richard Lapedes and Ms. Maureen Lynch Meredith & Jim Levinson Stephen Renas
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Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION
CAROL J. PAVLOFSKY LEADERSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF › Cissy Ellison Jamie Pavlofsky JEWISH GENEALOGY & HISTORY FUND IN MEMORY OF › Sandy Schoemann Beverly Louis TALA ARNOVITZ SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF › Don Green Beverly Saeks IN HONOR OF › Engagement of Aaron Goldhoff to Olivia Romanoff Beverly Saeks › Engagement of Sarah Kuhn to Kevin Saeks Beverly Saeks DOROTHY MOYER FUND IN MEMORY OF › Asher Bogin Marcia and Richard Moyer and Family
PJ LIBRARY IN HONOR OF › Marcia and Ed Kress new grandson, Ezra Daniel Dr. Stephen and Marla Harlan JCC
CAROLE RABINOWITZ CAMP FUND IN MEMORY OF › Lisa Flagel’s Mother Beverly Louis IN HONOR OF › Harvey Freedman Special Birthday Beverly Louis
CREW ($18 – $99)
Frieda Blum Robert & Leslie Buerki Dena Briskin Curtis Caden Victoria Kisel Carman Patty & Michael Caruso & Family Alan & Judy Chesen Marcia Cox Phil & Louisa Dreety Beverly Farnbacher Chuck & Dee Fried Ron & Shirlee Gilbert Helene Gordon Henry Guggenheimer Meryl Hattenbach Clara Hochstein Helen Halcomb Karen Jaffe & Skip Gridley Franklin & Cheryl Lewis Amy Margolin Ruthe Meadow Linda Novak Edie Pequignot Cherie Rosenstein Helen Ross David Rothschild Dan & Kim Shaffer Felice Shane
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Debby & Bob Goldenberg Kim & Shelley Goldenberg Judi & George Grampp Joan & Arthur Greenfield Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Harlan Michael Herrlein & Associates Gary & Jane Hochstein Linda & Steve Horenstein Jeff & Wendy Horwitz Susan Joffe Marc Katz & Julie Liss-Katz Jerry Kuhr Beverly Louis Sarah Moore Leventhal Nora & Bob Newsock Cantor Andrea Raizen Carolyn Rice Sara & David Shuster Dr.Warren Wingate
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
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RELIGION
Note:
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, worship schedules have been adjusted and some services are offered virtually instead. For the latest information, check with the organizations below via their websites, Facebook pages, and by calling them directly.
CONGREGATIONS Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg Cantor/Dir. of Ed. & Programming Andrea Raizen 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 937-293-9520. BethAbrahamDayton.org Beth Jacob Congregation Traditional Rabbi Leibel Agar Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. 7020 N. Main St., Dayton. 937-2742149. BethJacobCong.org Temple Anshe Emeth Reform Fri., July 31, 7:30 p.m. 320 Caldwell St., Piqua. Contact Steve Shuchat, 937-7262116, AnsheEmeth@gmail.com. ansheemeth.org Temple Beth Or Reform Rabbi Judy Chessin Asst. Rabbi/Educator Ben Azriel Fri., June 26, 6:30 p.m. (parking lot) 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 937-435-3400. templebethor.com Temple Beth Sholom Reform Rabbi Haviva Horvitz 610 Gladys Dr., Middletown. 513-422-8313. thetemplebethsholom.com Temple Israel Reform Senior Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz Rabbi/Educator Tina Sobo 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 937-496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Rabbi Cary Kozberg Fridays, 6 p.m. 2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 937-399-1231. templesholomoh.com
ADDITIONAL SERVICES Chabad of Greater Dayton Rabbi Nochum Mangel Associate Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Youth & Prog. Dir. Rabbi Levi Simon, Teen & Young Adult Prog. Dir. Rabbi Elchonon Chaikin. Beginner educational service Saturdays 9 a.m. adults, 10 a.m children. Sundays 9 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave. 937-643-0770. www.chabaddayton.com Yellow Springs Havurah Independent Antioch College Rockford Chapel. Contact Len Kramer, 937-572-4840 or len2654@gmail.com.
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A doctor’s prescription for troubled times By Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Chabad of Greater Dayton Moses Maimonides practiced medicine on the highest levels. He would write 10 medical treatises, become the court physician for Sultan Saladin in Cairo, and perhaps briefly to King Richard the Lion-Hearted as well. Maimonides is more famous for three major works, each of which was a momentous achievement in Jewish scholarship and literature, and were influential in the non-Jewish world as well, both in his day and after.
Perspectives Part of his genius is that every part of his wisdom was integrated with every other. He saw this as a religious and scientific duty, as truth must be unitary, reflecting the oneness of God, creator both of the world and of truth. In the first of his major works, his Commentary on the Mishnah, Maimonides includes an extended essay known as Shemoneh Perakim, the Eight Chapters. This essay addresses the kind of character the Torah is aiming to develop in us. In it, Maimonides maintains that we can apply a truth of physical medicine to the realm of moral and psychological health as well. That truth is the need for balance. Excess and deficiency — as for example, excessive indulgence in drink or deficient physical
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exercise — unbalance the body and alone can restore the and make it prone to ill health. body’s balance. A balance of proper nutriSo too with the soul. tion and attention to the body’s A physician of the need for balanced exertion and soul can identify when rest maximize good health. someone has strayed to This principle of balance one extreme or the other, applies in a similar way to psy- and prescribe a program chological and spiritual health. of action to restore the He writes: balance that normally “Good deeds are equibalwould not be proper. anced, maintaining the mean Maimonides gives the between two equally example of bad extremes, the a person so too-much and the grasping of too-little. Virtues are money that he psychic conditions denies himself Bas relief of Maimonides in the United and dispositions of every com- States House of Representatives by which are midway fort: Brenda Putnam, 1950 between two repre“If we hensible extremes, who must be neutralized” but wish to cure this one of which is char“Here is a different viewpoint sick man, we must acterized by an exagthat challenges me to better not command him geration, the other identify and communicate the merely (to practice) by a deficiency.” good that I profess.” deeds of generosRabbi Shmuel Klatzkin ity, for that would He then gives This is not to deny, in a some examples: world where antisemitism is be as ineffective as “Liberality is the mean dramatically increasing, that a physician trying to cure a between sordidness and expatient consumed by a burning we must train ourselves not travagance; courage, between to let our guard down when fever by administering ineffecrecklessness and cowardice; we are really under attack. It tive mild medicines. We must, dignity, between is rather to see that most of rather, induce him to squander haughtiness life doesn’t require such an often, and to repeat his acts of and loutishness; extreme reaction. profusion continuously until humility, between Our great books are filled that propensity which was the arrogance and with scintillating discussions cause of his avarice has totally self-abasement; of great people who differ with disappeared.” contentedness, beeach other but are nonetheless What do we need to do to tween avarice and allied in a purpose greater than remedy the imbalance of socislothful indiffertheir differences. Find some ety today? When a large part ence; and benevotime to immerse yourself in the of our life becomes submerged lence, between study of the Torah’s ways of in conflict, and discussion of meanness and peace. important issues easily and wastefulness.” There are classes all over the routinely turns into a battle to In medicine, internet, including quite a few delegitimate the other, then we Maimonides points have a problem. originating in Dayton. out, most effective Address our contemporary Maimonides’ cure would drugs are bad for a healthy imbalance. Witness the good have us make what would person. But when a physician results directly, and bring seem to us an unnatural effort identifies an imbalance, he to listen and understand before increased inspiration and peace prescribes that such a normally responding, to make the first to yourself and to all around dangerous substance is needed thought not “here is an enemy you.
Find some time to immerse yourself in the study of the Torah’s ways of peace.
July • Tammuz/Av Shabbat Candle Lightings July 3: 8:50 p.m. July 10: 8:48 p.m. July 17: 8:44 p.m. July 24: 8:39 p.m. July 31: 8:32 p.m.
Torah Portions July 4, Chukat-Balak (Num. 19:1-25:9) July 11, Pinchas (Num. 25:10-30:1) July 18, Matot-Masei (Num. 30:2-36:13) July 25: Devarim (Deut. 1:1-3:22)
Fast of the 17th of Tammuz July 9 Commemorating numerous calamities that fell on the Jewish people on this day, this fast is observed from dawn until dusk. Among the calamities were the breach of the walls of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and by the Romans in 70 C.E. Marks the beginning of the Three Weeks, a period of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, culminating on the Ninth of Av.
Tisha B’Av
Ninth Day of Av • July 30 The day of fasting to mark the destruction of the First and Second Temples, the loss of Jewish sovereignty, The Arch of Titus depicts and numerous other tragedies said to spoils taken from the Temple have fallen on this day. The Book of after its destruction in 70 C.E. Eicha (Lamentations) is read.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
RELIGION
Some area congregations cautiously open for services, others remain virtual for now With summer approaching, some area Jewish congregations have begun to open for inperson services or are planning to, while others continue with virtual programming only. The first to open for inperson services were Chabad of Greater Dayton in Oakwood and Temple Sholom in Springfield. Both opened on Shavuot. Both emailed detailed social distancing guidelines to their regular worshipers to observe when in the buildings. “We opened on Shavuot but also are Zooming from the temple for those who aren’t ready to come back yet,” said Rabbi Cary Kozberg of Temple Sholom’s Friday night services. Beth Jacob Congregation in Harrison Township announced to its members that it planned to open for Shabbat services starting June 20. The letter also included its social distancing guidelines for those in the building. Temple Anshe Emeth in Piqua plans to resume its inperson services at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 31 with its annual celebration of sacred music, featuring Temple Beth Or Music Leader and Choir Director Mary Rogers and her father, Steve Wyke.
Temple Anshe Emeth in Piqua plans to reopen July 31 with Mary Rogers and Steve Wyke
“We will not have an Oneg but will be gathering with proper social distancing and masks,” said Judy Feinstein, an Anshe Emeth layleader. Temple Beth Or in Washington Township will test out its first parking lot Shabbat at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 26. “People can stay in their cars and hear the music/prayers through FM transistors but see each other in person,” said Temple Beth Or Rabbi Judy Chessin. Chessin said Temple Beth Or is on a phased plan based on Montgomery County statistics. “Currently we are in Phase 1, which includes mostly online services and classes,” she said. “Lifecycle events are socially distanced inside or take place in our outdoor sanctuary. We have acquired streaming capa-
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bilities so as to include more attendees by Zoom.” Yellow Springs Havurah member Len Kramer said the group has been holding virtual services since March. “We did meet in person, outside and socially-distanced, on June 6 and will continue that or virtual services, mostly depending on weather,” he said. Congregations that have not set reopening dates as of press time are Beth Abraham Synagogue in Oakwood, Temple Beth Sholom in Middletown, and Temple Israel in Dayton. “We have a committee helping to plan for the safe reopening of Beth Abraham following the recommendations of public health authorities and utilizing the resources of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism,” said Beth Abraham Business Director Elaine Arnovitz. “We anticipate starting back slowly with a small group since the health and safety of our congregation is our primary concern and many of our congregants fall into high-risk categories. We’re in the process of looking at adding a camera and streaming services to augment the virtual services and programs we are currently offering.” — Marshall Weiss
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THE MARVELOUS MR. MAZEL Mike Emoff is doing his part to help fight the coronavirus. He recently shifted the focus of his longtime promotional product business, Shumsky Enterprises, to provide personal protective equipment for those in need. “At the onset of Covid-19, we realized we had an opportunity to help repair the world,” Mike, Shumsky’s chief vision officer, told Temple Israel’s Courtney Cummings for a profile at the temple’s website. “Listening to our customers, especially those in the healthcare industry, and what was going on around us, we learned that there was a real shortage of personal protective equipment.” So the folks at Shumsky leveraged their existing FDA registered and global supply
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Scott Halasz chain to go from selling promotional products to face masks, hospital gowns, and hand sanitizers. It was so well-received that Mike received requests from family and friends who needed supplies for themselves and their businesses. “To accommodate these requests, we made the decision to keep stock and we quickly built an online store for our friends, family and customers, making it simple and easy to get PPE for their employees, customers, members and the community,” Mike told Courtney. “In addition to PPE supplies for small and large businesses, we’ve created an online store to serve your family and friends.” Items are still available at shumskyhealth.com. University of Dayton Associate Professor of Musicology Sam Dorf has been named a finalist for the outstanding book award given by the Association for Theatre in Higher Education for his 2019 book, Performing Antiquity: Ancient Greek Music and Dance from Paris to Delphi, 1890-1930 (Oxford University Press). The winner will be announced in July. Last year, I wrote about Ethan Zied’s Boy Scout Eagle project: creating a database of the 2,500 veterans buried at the 25 Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati. The ultimate goal was to be able to place markers and flags at each grave. He has around 1,000 completed. About half of the Walnut Hills Cemetery was marked last May and another chunk was recently completed. Ethan and a crew of helpers from the Valley Temple Men’s Club and some other Cincinnati-area families didn’t let the coronavirus keep them from getting all of those at Montgomery Cemetery marked in time for this Memorial Day. Ethan hopes to complete the project by next Memorial Day. There are 23
cemeteries left, but many are near each other and some may only have one or two graves to mark. Ethan’s efforts earned him the Dan Beard Council’s Eagle Project of the Year Award; more than 350 Eagle Scouts are in the 2019 class. “It’s pretty cool,” Ethan said. “I think mine is meaningful, impactful, longlasting, and sustainable. I figured it had a pretty good chance of winning.” While marking graves, Ethan and his father, Eric, were approached by cemetery visitors asking what they were doing. “They were definitely moved by that,” Eric said. “People definitely appreciated it.” Ethan also received some serious validation from a fellow scout who had been working on a similar project but stopped because he thought it was too difficult. “When he found out the fact that I won the award, I guess he tried to work on it again,” Ethan said. “That’s pretty neat.” Adam Guadalupe graduated from Miami University with a degree in music education. During his time at Miami, he enjoyed a summer study abroad experience in Spain and singing with the a cappella group Soul 2 Soul. Adam will be looking for a position teaching a high school orchestra in the fall. He is the son of Melissa and Harold Guadalupe. Josie Buchanan, daughter of Bonni and Dennis Buchanan, graduated from the University of Dayton with a master’s degree in engineering management. The proud grandparents are Jan and Mel Berman and Joan and the late John Buchanan. Julia Patterson received the $10,000 Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarship under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Julia is the daughter of Jenny and Dr. Andrew Patterson of Omaha/Atlanta and the granddaughter of Linda and Dennis Patterson of Centerville. In high school, Julia played flute and piccolo in the concert, marching, and pep bands. She was a member of the All State Band and in 2019, she was chosen for the National Youth Orchestra. She was a member of the Varsity State Championship Soccer Team and in 2020 was named H.S. Academic All State in soccer. She served on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission and was a National Merit Finalist. Julia initiated a project in Gitwe, Rwanda to provide funds for a women’s and children’s healthcare center. She also secured funding to build a microbiology lab at Gitwe Hospital. Julia visited Gitwe two years after the start of the programs. She plans to attend Dartmouth College studying biophysical chemistry. Send your announcements to scotthalasz1@ gmail.com.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
A BISEL KISEL
Memories of Chernobyl return Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images /LightRocket via Getty Images
I was 7 years old on April 26, 1986 when a reactor at the Chernobyl power plant exploded in the city of Pripyat, about 60 miles from Kiev, where I lived. It was beautifully sunny and I was enjoying my first day of a military-styled fitness camp for children. We jogged through the park in matching ‘80s Sovietera short shorts, stopping to do pushups and jumping jacks. As a bookish child who had already failed at ballet, this was A building at the Chernobyl a proud step toward becoming exclusion zone in the abandoned a model Soviet citizen. city of Pripyat, Ukraine None of us would learn of the explosion until May 4, when clad workers sprayed the grass and shrubbery around them. an announcer on the evening Some would bring Geiger news program Vremia finally counters to the local vegetable markets and, grumbling at the high levels of radiation, would shrug and buy their produce Masha anyway. People have to eat. Kisel In the U.S., most individuals understandably risk infection to buy groceries; those who risk infection to go bowling are a informed the nation about the riddle, wrapped in a mystery, accident. inside an enigma. Even then, he stressed that A fatalist attitude and gal“bourgeois Western media” had inflated the numbers of the lows humor characterized the dead. The Soviet press lied and adult conversations I overheard reported only two casualties on in 1986 Kiev. Mistrust in the government, which was already May 4. Even though everything was common, intensified, and irrevunder control and there was no erent jokes were half-whispered between trusted friends in the reason to panic, they said, we kitchen. were instructed to stay inside Despite their reputation for for two weeks with the winPollyannaish optimism, Ameridows closed and to wash all cans are just as skilled as the houseplants (this detail stuck Soviets at bitter sarcasm to cope with me). with the maddening absurdity I don’t remember being of the federal government’s frightened. As a child, I don’t response. Just spend a day on think I quite understood what Twitter. it meant to enjoy the beautiful Many Soviets fell victim to spring weather while surroundbogus scams after Chernobyl: ed by deadly radiation. My parents were not patriotic shamans with spells to exorcise the radiation from your food, enough to attend the massive May Day parade, held when the television personalities who Soviet authorities already knew could charge your water with positive energy and make it safe about the accident. to drink. Though no one sugThat summer, like most children in Kiev, I was “evacuated” gested directly injecting bleach, to my knowledge. to go live with my grandfather I used to believe that Ameriin Leningrad, present-day St. cans were more scientifically Petersburg. astute because the U.S. was so My memories of the social medically advanced, but then I response to the Chernobyl disaster come back as I struggle to see figures like Dr. Oz and Dr. Phil appear on national televimake sense of this pandemic. I watch Americans crowding sion to peddle snake oil cures. Conspiracy theories and on beaches and in pools since the shelter-in-place orders have anti-vaxxers are becoming mainstream; this informational been lifted even though the medical community has told us fragmentation, the erosion of faith in experts, is also a familiar that the danger hasn’t passed. sight. Weeks after the explosion, Last May, my husband and people relaxed on park benches I watched the HBO miniseries in Ukraine while hazmat suit-
Chernobyl. Absorbed in the horrific spectacle of Soviet authorities sending first responders into a burning nuclear reactor, we were startled by an alert on our phones that a tornado was approaching. We brought the kids to the basement, grateful to live in a country that had a clear plan for keeping its citizens safe when disaster strikes. Do we still live in a country like this? We are witnessing the sovietization of America. Calling reporters “enemies of the people,” ignoring medical experts, and touting success in beating the coronavirus as deaths in America (which could have been prevented with a sane federal response) are highest in the world are a Soviet dictator’s moves. Despite the rampant misinformation and propaganda, I am grateful to the journalists and scientists bravely keeping on. Truthful reporting and action guided by science saved lives after the Chernobyl disaster. Targeted and threatened, scientists and reporters are saving lives in America today, as our ailing democracy struggles for breath. Masha Kisel is a lecturer in English at the University of Dayton.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
PAGE 15
nothing for this promising new life or his accomplishment; it’s just a task in a day like every other. His appointment list includes a sullen teenager accompanied by a greataunt concerned that the girl’s behavior is hormonal. Klara responds to Dr. Korner’s gentleness and lack of judgement — or perhaps she recognizes in his melancholy monotone the profound loss of a fellow survivor. Klara, marvelously portrayed by Abigél Szoke, returns to see Aldo, as everyone calls him. She is smart and sharp, bitter and dismissive — a typical teenager with the additional burden of the absence of those she loves most. One visit leads to another, for she feels safe talking to Aldo and he recognizes her need for a friend. Menemsha Films Károly Hajduk and Abigél Szoke in Those Who Remained Klara’s shift from suspicious to vulnerable to Film Review By Michael Fox of two traumatized people — assertive is blessedly swift, Jewish Film Fest. Special To The Observer a 40-something doctor and a and rendered plausible by the Filmed in a subdued, Hundreds of movies have resentful teenager — beyond mercurial nature of teenagers washed-out palette that capbeen made about the the grief of loss and the and their ability to adjust in tures the colorlessness of posthorrors of the Hololimbo of going through a flash and move on. Aldo’s war Hungary and reflects the caust. The exquisite the motions. progression, as numbness of its protagonists, Hungarian film Those Hungary’s submission Those Who Remained avoids we’d expect, is Who Remained is one for Best International more gradual being overly downbeat thanks of relatively few to Feature Film at this and subtle. to a deep well of empathy and explore how surviyear’s Oscars, and based perceptiveness. Early in their vors struggled in the on a 2004 novel by F. relationship, The movie opens in 1948 years after. Varkonyi Zsuzsa, it made with gynecologist Aladar Klara responds A small story the shortlist but didn’t to one of Aldo’s Korner, played with controlled that contains mulscore a nomination. depressed deadcalmness by Károly Hajduk, titudes, Those Who Remained Regardless, it is one of the pan comments delivering a baby to the relief portrays the tentative journey standout films of the Dayton with, “Are you and joy of its parents. He feels lying?” “Always,” he replies, with a look that doesn’t betray if he’s kidding or serious. We readily accept that a survivor would be guarded and self-protective. It’s a measure of the film’s concise, eloquent construction that we come to see, as time goes on, Aldo’s give-nothing-away demeanor is extremely well-suited to someone living in a totalitarian society. Klara, whom Aldo eventually calls Sunny (a semi-facetious nickname given her initially worldview), maintains “Setting the Standard sour SENIOR LIVING CAMPUS that her parents are in a labor camp somewhere and will yet for Excellence return.
Those Who Remained learn to live and love again after the Holocaust
She writes to her father, then poignantly adds the letter to the stack in her drawer. The past, in Those Who Remained, lives in dreams and memories, evoked through the spare, judicious, and moving use of flashbacks and photographs. Director Barnabas Toth elicits emotion without bathos or trivialization, which cannot always be said of fiction films about the Holocaust. Klara and Aldo’s friendship quickly and inevitably assumes the resonance of a father-daughter relationship. Teachers and neighbors assume something more sinister is going on, a disquieting thread that adds to our understanding of survivors’ struggle not to be seen as Jewish pariahs. Those Who Remained succeeds on every level, starting with its riveting story. One reason for the surfeit of movies set during the Holocaust — in addition to their perennial relevance — is the preponderance of nail-biting incidents and plot turns. (An intense recent example is Hungary’s 2015 Oscar winner, Son of Saul, which took place over a couple days in a concentration camp.) In contrast, the slow, painstaking process by which survivors returned to the land of the living lacks that kind of drama. Those Who Remained sidesteps this pitfall by infusing every moment with meaning, and freighting every scene as a potential turning point — in Sunny’s promising development and Aldo’s minor-key transformation. The film ends with a family dinner on the day of Stalin’s death in 1953, exactly as it has unfolded at every moment, with a flicker of hope that must be protected and nurtured or else it will be extinguished. Klara says something that prompts Aldo to choke up, and out of habit he acts like nothing happened. That’s not important; what matters is he can feel again.
Those Who Remained succeeds on every level, starting with its riveting story.
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The JCC Film Fest presents the feature film Those Who Remained free online, June 26-29 in collaboration with JCRC and P2G Western Galilee and Budapest. To watch, go to jewishdayton.org/program/dayton-jewish-film-festival. JCRC and P2G Western Galilee and Budapest will also present three Budapest Experience Zoom programs, all at noon: Sunday, June 28, Jewish Budapest Tour by Endre Ozsváth; Monday, June 29, a discussion with Barnabás Tóth; Tuesday, June 30, Cooking Workshop with Lujza Juhász. To watch, go to jewishdayton.org/program/dayton-jewish-film-festival.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
United King Films
Golden age romantic comedy sparks Love in Suspenders Yehuda Barkan and Nitza Shaul in Love In Suspenders
Film Review By Michael Fox Special To The Observer The graying of the baby boomer generation has had a side effect we should have anticipated: septuagenarian romantic comedies. Made for a specific demographic, golden age rom-coms are a decidedly mixed bag. If the leads are movie stars, we’ve followed their whole careers, or even if they’re less wellknown, seeing them later in life inevitably reminds us of our own mortality. American viewers likely won’t recognize Israeli actors Nitza Shaul and Yehuda Barkan, the would-be lovers in the genial, slight Love in Suspenders. But they will certainly register every time-honored convention of the romantic-comedy genre. The obligatory cutesy meeting between the two leads occurs in a parking lot outside a strip mall, where dotty but stylish widow Tami backs her car into pot-bellied Benno. Not into his car, mind you, but into him. Tami’s son, a control-freak lawyer, instructs her on the phone to take every conceivable measure to dissuade Benno from suing, including plying him with cash. But Benno isn’t the type to exploit situations to his advantage, even if he doesn’t have three shekels to rub together. Easygoing and unassuming, he’s just trying to hang on to The JCC Film Fest presents the feature film Love in Suspenders free online, June 30-July 2. To watch, go to jewishdayton.org/program/ dayton-jewish-film-festival.
his dingy apartment — temporarily rendered uninhabitable while the jerry-rigged electricity is fixed — and get through his days with a minimum of tsuris. Between his circumstances and Tami’s insistence, Benno winds up spending the night on the couch at her place, which turns out to be a spiffy apartment in an upscale retirement high-rise. It’s a good location if you want to make a movie on a small budget, but there’s a downside that quickly becomes apparent: The romcom starts to feel like a sitcom. That unfortunate sensation isn’t alleviated by the introduction of Tami’s pajama-clad husband, whom only she can see and hear. Director Yohanan Weller and writer Elisa Dor are aiming for poignancy rather than easy laughs, but the pedestrian dialogue and ham-fisted staging fail to convey what Tami misses about him beyond familiarity and company. Interestingly, the couple enjoyed a long career as a performing duo. But Tami evinces no sign that she pines to sing for an audience. Regrettably, the film uses her decades of stage experience only passingly
to deepen her character or drive the plot. Similarly, the filmmakers are neither industrious nor creative about developing the attraction between Benno and Tami. We’re supposed to take it on faith — or as a movie-logic imperative — without any basis in shared interests, common enemies or pent-up desire. Love in Suspenders features some clumsily executed and distinctly unfunny machinations involving Viagra, but they pay off, surprisingly, with a genuine moment of revelation and warmth. The other obstacles that one expects in a rom-com, namely the suitors’ families, show up more or less as expected. Benno’s daughter is tired of her father’s ongoing financial struggles, while Tami’s son is suspicious that his mother is being conned by the scruffy stranger. The most enlightened character is the youngest, which is standard practice for a sitcom. Tami’s adolescent granddaughter, who regularly drops by for voice lessons, sports a live-andlet-live attitude about Tami’s stimulating affair that, you will not be remotely shocked to learn, is embraced by everyone in due time. Even by Tami’s late husband, for those with an incurable sentimental streak.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
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OBITUARIES
JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION
A heritage of justice Our Dual Heritage
on the passion of the judge/king, no external criteria of abstract ideals, and no divine imperatives demanding equal treatment for all…Codes of law existed…but they were based on what was utilitarian…(on the whims of) a capricious, mortal human whose primary interest was his own welfare.” The Bible introduced to the ancient world a radically new concept of justice (tzedek). Rabbi Ken Spiro describes tzedek as a biblical obsession, since the word itself appears over 100 times in the Bible, with specific descriptions of Candace R. obligatory righteous behaviors adding Kwiatek significantly to that number. Echoes of biblical justice are visible at the foundation of America’s justice system. Jews, please!” The lieutenant said he “All men are created equal,” was not understood perfectly. the American Founders’ idea; to them, it When Thanksgiving Day arrived, was a statement of Divine truth found in the lady heard a knock on the door. She Genesis: “In the beginning God created opened it to see three young men — African American men — in army uniform. humankind in His image.” Equality before God confers equality before the law “Oh…my!” she gasped in shock. as an inalienable right. “There…must be some misHuman Human equality is absolute take!” and cannot be qualified — not “Oh no, ma’am,” one of the equality is by economic or social status, soldiers said, smiling. “Lieutenant Goldberg never makes absolute and not by religion or race, nor by any other attribute. mistakes!” cannot be Justice, too, cannot be “We hold these truths to qualified. qualified, making “no distincbe self-evident, that all men tion between rich and poor, are created equal…” This powerful and powerless, home born or aspiration so eloquently expressed in stranger,” notes Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. the Declaration of Independence has Thus the Talmud counsels, “If two not yet been fully realized by American people come into court, one clothed in society or its institutions. From folklore rags, and the other in (rich) garments, to recent headlines, that fact has been the court should say to the well-dressed brought into sharp relief: antisemitism, man, ‘Either dress like him, or dress him racism, and other forms of injustice still like you.’” Similarly in our society, there exist. is an expectation of appropriate court Justice, as it developed in Western dress — neutral and respectable — of society, is a concept of moral rightness clients and lawyers alike, to limit its effounded on truth, integrity, equity, rationality, and law. We shouldn’t take it fect on judgment. What if justice goes awry? When for granted. the destruction of Sodom and GomorIn ancient civilizations, writes Rabbi rah looms, Abraham argues with God: Dov Peretz Elkins, there were “no sys“What if there should be 50 righteous tem of checks and balances, no brakes Jewish folklore recounts the tale of an old-school Southern lady who decided to do something nice for the World War II boys in uniform. She phoned the local army base and spoke to the lieutenant: “Please send me three nice, lonely boys and I will treat them to Thanksgiving dinner,” she requested. “But just one little thing: I don’t care if they are Northerners or Southerners, but no
Literature to share Palestine Posts: An Eyewitness Account of the Birth of Israel by Daniel Chertoff. “I discovered the letters only after he died,” writes the author, stunned by the treasure trove of personal correspondence between his grandparents, and then between his father and various family members. It was a momentous find, because from 1935 to 1936, the author’s father lived in Palestine, and then again from 1947 to 1950, he lived there through the birth of Israel, working for the Palestine Post and serving in the Haganah (precursor to the Israel Defense Forces). Weaving together meticulously-researched history with excerpts from the found let-
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ters and related photographs, the author has created a magnificent memoir and story of the birth of Israel. Highly recommended. Creation Colors by Ann Koffsky. “In the beginning, there was nothing. No colors at all.” In this delightful preschool book, colors are introduced one-by-one during a retelling of the Creation story. Especially unique are the paper cut snowflake-style illustrations, which capture both the uniqueness and the order of each element of creation. The text is simple, the colors are bold, and the images are familiar. A great introduction to the biblical story.
Detail of Jethro Advising Moses by Jan van Bronchorst, 1659
people in the midst of the city? Would You still stamp it out…? Shall the Judge of all the earth not do justice?” With Abraham’s challenge, the right to appeal is introduced. Added to that later is a system of lower and higher courts described to Moses by his father-in-law, Jethro. Vigilante justice is disallowed; one must use the courts, whether the accused is a rebellious child or the murderer of a family member. Hearsay and supposition have no role in justice, which depends on physical evidence or eyewitnesses: “A single witness shall not stand up against any man for any iniquity…by the testimony of two witnesses or…three witnesses shall a matter be confirmed.” And all are cautioned in the Commandments, “You shall not bear false witness against your fellow.” Inspired by the Bible, Judaism is infused with the notion of justice: “Justice, justice you shall pursue (Deut. 16:20).” The Chasidic Reb Ya’akov Yitchak of Pshysha explains: “the repetition is meant to convey that not only must the ends we pursue be just, but so too must the means we employ to achieve those ends.” There can be no legitimate Jewish Robin Hoods. The Bible identifies only one other value to be pursued: peace. “Seek peace and pursue it (Psalms 34:14).” The Talmudic sage Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korcha asks, “What then is the justice that coexists with peace?” Judaism’s answer is the individual application of law tempered by compassion and not influenced by favoritism, fear, bribery, politics, or social interests. “Because it belongs to God, justice must never be compromised,” Sacks concludes. American justice was also founded on these principles. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin recounts the Depression-era tale of a judge faced with a poor woman who had stolen food to feed her children. Justice and compassion led him to rule, “I fine you $10 for stealing, and I fine everyone else in this courtroom, myself included, 50 cents each for living in a city where a woman is forced to steal to feed her children.” The money was collected, the fine was paid, and the extra money went to the woman. If we truly wish to pursue a more just America, perhaps we should begin by pursuing justice ourselves, in our communities, one person at a time.
Janet Bogin, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and teacher, died May 20 in Oakland, Calif. Born July 24, 1927 in New Rochelle, N.Y. to Pauline and Pinchus Schmier, she attended college at Ohio Wesleyan University and, in 1950, married Asher Bogin, also of New Rochelle. After the Bogins settled in Dayton in 1952, they had two children, Jim and Wendy. They were active members of Temple Israel, where Mrs. Bogin taught Sunday school. She worked in Dayton Public Schools for over 20 years, and while raising her children, she obtained her master’s degree at Wright State University to became a school guidance counselor. She taught at Allen School and was a counselor at Brown and Wogaman schools. After recovering from a stroke in 1977, Mrs. Bogin became an active volunteer for several charitable organizations, including Hadassah and organizations assisting the blind. She read and recorded newspaper articles daily (including the comics), to allow people with impaired sight to hear them. In retirement, the Bogins split their time between Dayton and Aptos, Calif., to be close to Wendy’s family in Berkeley. The Bogins also traveled frequently to visit Jim and his family in upstate New York. Mrs. Bogin developed many deep friendships throughout her life and maintained correspondence with family and friends for as long as 75 years. She loved to knit and crochet, and all of her many friends’ children and grandchildren have baby blankets she made for them. The Bogins were ready to travel anywhere they were invited. Mrs. Bogin loved the movies, seeing live theatre and reading plays, and she had a corny joke to tell for every occasion. Her favorite saying was, “A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.” She was an avid reader and loved to share her latest favorite books with friends and family. In 2013, the Bogins relocated permanently to Oakland. Mrs. Bogin was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Asher Bogin, by 40 days, and is survived by son, Jim, daughter, Wendy (Scott Kane), sister-in-law Elaine Herman, grandchildren Rachel Hodges, Kenneth Goodrich (Rachael), Angela Goodrich, Nomi Kane and Ben Kane (Alice), and great-grandchildren Brooke, Lila, Celia, Luke, Sophia, Oliver and Willow, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins with whom she remained close throughout her life. Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, jdrf.org, PO Box 37920, Boone, IA 50037-0920. Betty M. Chernick, 86, lost her battle with cancer at her son’s home, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward (Shirley) Greenberg, and the love of her life, husband Donald Chernick. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She lived for her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Edward (Leslie) Chernick, Susan (Bruce) Truax; grandchildren Elizabeth (Charles) Meyer, Emily (Gregory) Ozier, Alex Franke, Katlin Franke, and Jessica Truax; great-grandchildren Jackson Meyer, Gregory Ozier, Caden Meyer, and Tessa Meyer; and brother Edward (Elsa) Greenberg; and multiple nieces
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
OBITUARIES and nephews. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Donations to Ohio Health Hospice. Mary Jane Dicken (Lubin), age 100, of Dayton, passed away June 10 at Friendship Village Retirement Community. Mrs. Dicken was the daughter of the late Clara and Ralph Lubin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur E. Dicken Jr.; two brothers, George and Morris Lubin; sonin-law, James A. Kraus; and grandson, John W. Shemenski, Jr. Mrs. Dicken graduated from Steele High School and was a member of the Delta Rho Sorority. A talented dancer, Mrs. Dicken opened her own dance studio at a very young age teaching for over 40 years. She was very involved in charitable events, donating her time and taking her dance students to perform at various social events for the Red Cross, Civil Defense, Knights of Columbus, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton VA Center, Junior Achievement, television variety shows, and numerous nursing homes. Actively involved at the Dayton Jewish Community Center, she was editor-inchief and contributing writer for the monthly publication Lines from the Laureates. She also provided weekly entertainment and taught exercises to other seniors at the DJCC Senior Lunch Program. Mrs. Dicken was a member of The Miami Valley Dance Teachers Association, Circus Fans of America, Ohio Valley Carriage Club, PALS for Life Breast Cancer Support Group, and the Vandalia Classics to name a few. She will be greatly missed by family, friends, and students. Surviving are her three daughters, Linda Kraus of Kingwood, Texas, Cheryl Wise (Teddy) of San Antonio, Karen Shemenski (John) of Fairborn; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Dayton, the Alzheimer’s Association or PALS for Life Breast Cancer Support Group in Mrs. Dicken’s memory. Dr. Erika B. Garfunkel passed May 24 at Bethany Village, at age 92. Born in Papenburg, Germany, she came at age 11 to live in Ecuador. She studied until graduating as doctor of dentistry. Married in 1954, and with one child, the family came to the United States in 1958. She was a
part-time substitute teacher and later pursued studies at The Ohio State University and obtained a master’s degree in prostodontics (a dental specialty). She stayed on the faculty of the dental school at OSU, teaching the dental students. In later life, she volunteered in different occasions and also taught at UD Learning in Retirement, several different courses. She was preceded in death by daughter, Rabbi Janice B. Garfunkel. She is survived by her husband, Felix, sons Michael and David, and daughter-in-law, Isabel d’Agostino, as well as six grandchildren, Marcus, Isaac, Aliza, Noah, Ellie and Jack. Her kindness and love was a blessing. Interment was at Beth Jacob Cemetery. She was a warm, loving, and highly respected person. James Robert Geisenfeld, age 86, was born on April 26, 1934. Our beloved family hero. Exceptional husband, of 61 years, of wife Beverly; adored father of Nancy and Diane (Rick); best friend, to son, Rick (Daddy-O of Milly); grandfather of Melanie, Jennifer, Jeremy, Marissa, Michael, Alyssa and Jenna; brother of Mary; brother-in-law of Robert and Sharon; uncle of Jill, Jeff, Darrell, Elizabeth and Mark. He joined his parents, Milton and Sara, and in-laws, Irving and Mildred, in the light of perfect peace, on June 4, 2020. Mr. Geisenfeld was an athlete as a very young child, and lettered in every sport in high school. When he went to college, he had to choose between being a professional baseball player or an attorney. His mother settled the matter, by casting her vote for attorney. Mr. Geisenfeld practiced law for 55 years, and played golf with special friends, at Miami Valley Golf Club, for many years. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him. Sally (Babe) Litvak, age 93, a longtime resident of Englewood and Cleveland, passed June 1. Mrs. Litvak, Babe to family and friends, was a people person and a member of Beth Abraham Synagogue, volunteered at Hillel bingo, voting polls, B’nai B’rith, and many other organizations. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney, of 57 years,
parents, Elizabeth and Max, sisters, Bertha and Bernice and Sylvia. She is survived by sons Marc (Janet), Evan (Shirley) Lance, two grandsons, Austin (Marissa) Ross (Evelina), great-granddaughters Delaney and Emmeline, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, greatgreat-nieces and greatgreat-nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cleveland, One Pollock Circle 2201 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Hts., OH 44118 or charity of your choice. Russell Lewis Remick was born in 1923 in Fall River, Mass., the son of Elsie and David Remick. He attended Ohio State University where he met his wife of 68 years, Betty (Krakoff) Remick. Russ, as he was best known, left school in 1943 to join the Army Air Forces in World War II. He was a corporal and proud to serve as a meteorologist in the Pacific Campaign. He came home to Betty, settled in Dayton, and assumed ownership of Krakoff’s women’s wear store in Xenia, where he was well-known and well-loved as a business leader. When he sold the business, he became executive director of the Xenia Chamber of Commerce and served on many Greene County boards and charitable committees. He was also active in the Dayton Jewish community, holding leadership positions with the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and Beth Abraham Synagogue. He is survived by his four children, Dr. Ronald (Judy) Remick, Carole (Martin) Levine, Kathy (Larry) Lenox, and Susan (Rabbi Joseph) Topek, 11 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins and close friends.
prominently for her “nonobjective” paintings. She went to Fairview-White — two years at Colonel White and two years at Fairview, and then attended Washington University in St. Louis. Mrs. Schear was preceded in death by the love of her life, Eugene Schear, to whom she was married for 65 years. She is survived by her daughter, Micki (Michael) Ferar of Petaluma, Calif.; son, Lee (Patti) Schear of Dayton; granddaughters, Sophia Ferar, Libby Schear and Laura Schear; grandsons, Nick (Kimberley) Schubert and Sam (Talia) Schubert. She dearly loved her great-grandkids, Aria Clair Ferar, Sophia and Levi Schubert. Mrs. Schear was a member of the sisterhoods at Temple Israel and Beth Abraham and participated and contributed to the Dayton Art Institute, including shows of her own paintings. Her greatest pleasures in life were her family, entertaining and supporting and simply being available for others. The world is a lot less colorful without her. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery.
He died peacefully on June 10 and family services were held on June 11. Donations in celebration of his life may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton or the Greene County Community Foundation. Russ always said that he had a wonderful life… and he did. Ellen W. Rosenthal, 77 of Dayton, passed away June 6. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Mrs. Rosenthal attended Indiana University, where she met her future husband, Ned. After graduating from Alabama, they married in 1964 and settled in Dayton. Years later, she received a bachelor’s degree and began an extraordinary nursing career stretching 25+ years and numerous awards including Cameos of Caring from Hospice of Dayton. She is survived by her husband, Ned, their children Charlene (Greg) Sluterbeck of Clayton, and Jon (Jenifer) Rosenthal of Jupiter, Fla. and grandchildren Brandon and Nick (Megan) Sluterbeck, Josie and Sam Kanarek, and great-grandchild Hudson Sluterbeck. Her ashes are being scattered in Sandestin, Fla., where she and Ned had many good times. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or Temple Israel.
Ivan S. Zawatsky, age 86 of Mason passed away June 5. He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriett, parents Simon and Theresa Zawatsky and his brother Ed Zawatsky. Mr. Zawatsky is survived by daughter Joni (John) Burton, son Steve (Angie) Zawatsky, five grandchildren, Erica and Rachel Burton, Eli, Phoebe and Lyla Zawatsky, and sister-inlaw, Roberta Zawatsky, many nieces and nephews. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Doris Greene Schear, 94 of Dayton, passed away peacefully on May 22. She was born Sept. 21, 1925 to Elizabeth Barrar Greene and Zelic Greene of Dayton. Mrs. Schear was a creative artist in a number of fields, remembered most
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2020
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2020 ANNUAL MEETING
Save the Date! 2020 Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton VIRTUAL Annual Meeting Tune in on Thursday, August 13 @ 6PM for a special virtual Annual Meeting celebration.
for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton & its Agencies
THEN, on Sunday, August 16 get ready for the
Jewish Dayton Donation Drop Off! A Celebration of our Annual Campaign. Get your pledge card ready and come out for a safe way to make your Annual Campaign pledge full of fun and solidarity for our vibrant Jewish community from 2-4PM. Pledge cards and your invitation will hit mailboxes in July - make sure to check your mail!
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